The changes in fear of childbirth in pregnancy during and before the COVID-19 pandemic.

We aimed to investigate how factors such as age, education level, planned delivery method and fear of childbirth were affected in pregnant women before and during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study compared a pre-pandemic pregnant group (July 2019 and December 2019) and a pandemic group (November 2020 and May 2021) of patients at Kütahya Health Sciences University Evliya Çelebi Training and Research Hospital. A total of 696 pregnant women in their second trimester were included in the study. All of them were literate and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected with the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (WDEQ-A), and the outpatient doctor asked the questions face-to-face. The mean age of the pregnant women participating in the study was 31.6 ± 6.8 years. While the total Wijma score was 62.1 ± 25.1 in the pre-pandemic group, it was 61.3 ± 26.4 in the pandemic group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.738). Upon analyzing the fear of childbirth among groups based on education level, no statistically significant differences were observed between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods within any of the groups. While 25.7% (n = 179) of all participants had a normal fear of childbirth, 22% (n = 153) had a mild fear of childbirth, 27% (n = 188) had a moderate fear of childbirth, and 25.3% (n = 176) had a severe fear of childbirth (Wijma score of 85 and above). When the pre-pandemic and the pandemic period were compared, the fear of childbirth was unchanged in pregnant women at all education levels (p = 0.079, p = 0.957, p = 0.626, p = 0.539, p = 0.202). When comparing fear of childbirth before and after the pandemic, it was found that patients with a high school education level have a significantly higher fear of childbirth. To alleviate the fear of childbirth in pregnant women who have completed high school, training or psychosocial support interventions may be prioritized.

Prediction of Preterm Delivery Using Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin, Biglycan, and Decorin Levels in Women with Threatened Preterm Labor.

OBJECTIVE: The serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA), biglycan, and decorin levels of pregnant women who were hospitalized for threatened preterm labor were measured. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive pregnant women with a single pregnancy between the 24th and 36th weeks with a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor were included in the present prospective cohort study. RESULTS: As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis for predicting preterm delivery within 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 14 days, ≤ 35 gestational weeks, and ≤ 37 gestational weeks after admission, area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval [CI[) values were 0.95 (0.89-1.00), 0.93 (0.86-0.99), 0.91 (0.83-0.98), 0.92 (0.85-0.99), 0.82 (0.69-0.96), and 0.89 (0.80-0.98), respectively. In the present study, IMA and biglycan levels were found to be higher and decorin levels lower in women admitted to the hospital with threatened preterm labor and who gave preterm birth within 48 hours compared with those who gave birth after 48 hours. CONCLUSION: In pregnant women admitted to the hospital with threatened preterm labor, the prediction preterm delivery of the combined model created by adding IMA, decorin, and biglycan in addition to the TVS CL measurement was higher than the TVS CL measurement alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04451928.

OBJETIVO: Medir os níveis séricos de albumina modificada por isquemia (IMA), biglicano e decorina de gestantes hospitalizadas por ameaça de parto prematuro. MéTODOS: Cinquenta e uma mulheres grávidas consecutivas com uma única gravidez entre a 24ª e a 36ª semanas com diagnóstico de ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro foram incluídas no presente estudo de corte prospectivo. RESULTADOS: Como resultado da análise de regressão logística multivariada para prever parto prematuro dentro de 24 horas, 48 horas, 7 dias, 14 dias, ≤ 35 semanas gestacionais e ≤ 37 semanas gestacionais após a admissão, área sob a curva (AUC) (95% de confiança os valores de intervalo [CI[) foram 0,95 (0,89­1,00), 0,93 (0,86­0,99), 0,91 (0,83­0,98), 0,92 (0,85­0,99), 0,82 (0,69­0,96) e 0,89 (0,80­0,98), respectivamente. No presente estudo, os níveis de IMA e biglican foram maiores e os níveis de decorin menores em mulheres admitidas no hospital com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro e que tiveram parto prematuro em 48 horas em comparação com aquelas que deram à luz após 48 horas. CONCLUSãO: Em gestantes admitidas no hospital com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro, a predição de parto prematuro do modelo combinado criado pela adição de IMA, decorin e biglican, além da medição do TVS CL, foi maior do que a medição do TVS CL isoladamente. REGISTRO DO ENSAIO CLíNICO: O presente ensaio foi registrado em ClinicalTrials.gov, número NCT04451928.

Prediction of Preterm Delivery Using Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin, Biglycan, and Decorin Levels in Women with Threatened Preterm Labor / Previsão de parto prematuro usando albumina modificada por isquemia sérica, biglicano e níveis de decorina em mulheres com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro

Abstract Objective The serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA), biglycan, and decorin levels of pregnant women who were hospitalized for threatened preterm labor were measured. Methods Fifty-one consecutive pregnant women with a single pregnancy between the 24th and 36th weeks with a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor were included in the present prospective cohort study. Results As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis for predicting preterm delivery within 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 14 days, ≤ 35 gestational weeks, and ≤ 37 gestational weeks after admission, area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval [CI[) values were 0.95 (0.89-1.00), 0.93 (0.86-0.99), 0.91 (0.83-0.98), 0.92 (0.85-0.99), 0.82 (0.69-0.96), and 0.89 (0.80-0.98), respectively. In the present study, IMA and biglycan levels were found to be higher and decorin levels lower in women admitted to the hospital with threatened preterm labor and who gave preterm birth within 48 hours compared with those who gave birth after 48 hours. Conclusion In pregnant women admitted to the hospital with threatened preterm labor, the prediction preterm delivery of the combined model created by adding IMA, decorin, and biglycan in addition to the TVS CL measurement was higher than the TVS CL measurement alone. Clinical trial registration The present trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04451928.

Resumo Objetivo Medir os níveis séricos de albumina modificada por isquemia (IMA), biglicano e decorina de gestantes hospitalizadas por ameaça de parto prematuro. Métodos Cinquenta e uma mulheres grávidas consecutivas com uma única gravidez entre a 24ᵃ e a 36ᵃ semanas com diagnóstico de ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro foram incluídas no presente estudo de corte prospectivo. Resultados Como resultado da análise de regressão logística multivariada para prever parto prematuro dentro de 24 horas, 48 horas, 7 dias, 14 dias, ≤ 35 semanas gestacionais e ≤ 37 semanas gestacionais após a admissão, área sob a curva (AUC) (95% de confiança os valores de intervalo [CI[) foram 0,95 (0,89-1,00), 0,93 (0,86-0,99), 0,91 (0,83-0,98), 0,92 (0,85-0,99), 0,82 (0,69-0,96) e 0,89 (0,80-0,98), respectivamente. No presente estudo, os níveis de IMA e biglican foram maiores e os níveis de decorin menores em mulheres admitidas no hospital com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro e que tiveram parto prematuro em 48 horas em comparação com aquelas que deram à luz após 48 horas. Conclusão Em gestantes admitidas no hospital com ameaça de trabalho de parto prematuro, a predição de parto prematuro do modelo combinado criado pela adição de IMA, decorin e biglican, além da medição do TVS CL, foi maior do que a medição do TVS CL isoladamente. Registro do ensaio clínico O presente ensaio foi registrado em ClinicalTrials.gov, número NCT04451928.

Antihypertensive Efficacy Of Nebivolol And Low Dose Spironolactone In Patients With Resistant Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Resistant hypertension is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The optimal medical therapy is not fully elucidated in resistant hypertension. There are relatively few studies in the literature on the treatment of resistant hypertension. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of nebivolol 5 mg, a third generation beta-blocker, with spironolactone 25 mg in patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with resistant hypertension were included in the study. The spironolactone group was composed of 38 patients while the nebivolol group was composed of 43 patients. Resistant hypertension was defined as having office blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg while the patients were under 3 or more antihypertensive agents treatment which included diuretic agents. Office and ambulatory blood pressure at basal and after 8 weeks of treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Office systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in 24-hour ambulatory blood  pressure monitoring were significantly lower when compared to basal values in both nebivolol and spironolactone groups. The decrease in 24-hour mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in nebivolol group was 14.9 ± 19.8 mmHg and 9.3 ± 12.7 mmHg compared to 19.5 ± 16.4 mmHg and 13.7 ± 10.8 mmHg in the spironolactone group, respectively. The decrease in 24-hour mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was not significantly different between the nebivolol and spironolactone groups (P = 0.338 and P = 0.153). CONCLUSION: Nebivolol is an effective treatment option for resistant hypertension and the antihypertensive effect of nebivolol is similar to low-dose spironolactone.

Placental T-Cadherin Correlates With Trophoblastic Invasion Anomalies: Placenta Percreta and Fetal Growth Restriction.

In this study, we compared the placental T-cadherin staining intensity of pregnant women with placenta percreta (PP) and asymmetrical fetal growth restriction (FGR) compared with healthy control pregnancies. Placental T-cadherin levels of the placenta of 86 pregnant women in total, 25 with FGR, 30 with healthy pregnant subjects, and 31 with PP, were examined using monoclonal anti-T-cadherin (CDH13) antibody for immunohistochemical examination. In immunohistochemistry, H -scores were used for each group to compare the expression of T-cadherin in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. T-cadherin H -score of EVTs was highest in the FGR group and the lowest in the PP group. The difference in H -score between the FGR group and the control group was not statistically significant ( P =0.344). The difference between the PP group and the other 2 groups was significant ( P <0.0001). Multivariable linear regression analysis with a stepwise elimination method was performed in order to identify demographic and clinical parameters with significant effects on the T-cadherin H -score of EVTs. The estimation results identified only the disease group as a significant predictor of the H -score of EVTs ( R2 =0.340, P <0.0001). The highest T-cadherin H -score of EVTs was found in the FGR group and the lowest in the PP group. The low T-cadherin H-score values in the PP group suggest that low T-cadherin EVTs may be associated with increased placental invasion. Likewise, despite the statistical insignificance, a higher T-cadherin H -score of EVTs in FGR compared with controls implies a decreased invasiveness of the placenta in FGR.

Hematological Parameters to Predict the Severity of Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Ketonuria.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication that can progress with persistent nausea and vomiting. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between hematological parameters and HG. METHOD: A total of 532 pregnant women with HG who were admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between March 2019 and February 2021, and 534 healthy pregnant women with characteristics similar to those of the case group were included in the study. The hematological parameters of both groups were compared. In addition, the hematological parametersof patients with HG according to the severity of ketonuria were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the HG group (n = 532) was 26.3 ± 4.1 years, and that of the control group (n = 534) was 25.9 ± 4.8 years. Among patients with HG, 46% (n = 249) had ketone (+), 33% (n = 174), ketone (++), and 21% (n = 109), ketone (++ + ). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were higher in the HG group than in the control group: 3.8 (2.8-5.8)/3.2 (2.6-4.0); p < 0.001; and 135.2 ± 30.4/108.9 ± 62.2; p < 0.001 respectively. The neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR were higher in the group with ketone (++ + ) than in the groups with ketone (+) or ketone (++): 7.6 ± 1.9/5.5 ± 2.4; p < 0.001; 3.8(2.8-4.6)/2.9(2.3-3.6); p < 0.001; and 149.9 ± 48.0/135.9 ± 65.7; p < 0.001 respectively. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) level, the NLR, and the PLR were identified as independent predictors of the presence of HG and the level of ketone positivity in HG patients. CONCLUSION: The NLR and PLR were high in patients with HG, suggesting the its inflammatory activity. They may be important markers associated with the presence and severity of HG.

OBJETIVO: A hiperêmese gravídica (HG) é uma complicação da gravidez que pode evoluir com náuseas e vômitos persistentes. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a relação entre os parâmetros hematológicos e a HG. MéTODO: Foram incluídas neste estudo 532 gestantes com HG internadas no Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia entre março de 2019 e fevereiro de 2021, e 534 gestantes saudáveis com características semelhantes às do grupo de caso. Os parâmetros hematológicos foram comparados entre gestantes com e sem HG. Além disso, os parâmetros hematológicos foram comparados entre as pacientes com HG de acordo com a gravidade da cetonúria. RESULTADOS: A média de idade do grupo GH (n = 532) foi de 26,3 ± 4,1 anos, e a do grupo de controle (n = 534) foi de 25,9 ± 4,8 anos. Entre as pacientes com HG, 46% (n = 249) tinham cetona(+), 33% (n = 174), cetona(++), e 21% (n = 109), cetona(+ + +). A razão de neutrófilos para linfócitos (RNL) e a razão de plaquetas para linfócitos (RPL) foram maiores no grupo HG do que no grupo de controle: 3,8 (2,8­5,8)/3,2 (2,6­4,0); p < 0,001; e 135,2 ± 30,4/108,9 ± 62,2; p < 0,001, respectivamente). A contagem de neutrófilos, a RNL e a RPL foram maiores no grupo com cetona(++ + ) do que nos grupos com cetona(+) e cetona(++): 7,6 ± 1,9/5,5 ± 2,4; p < 0,001; 3,8 (2,8­4,6)/2,9 (2,3­3,6); p < 0,001; e 149,9 ± 48,0/135,9 ± 65,7; p < 0,001, respectivamente. O nível médio de hemoglobina corpuscular (MHC), a RNL e a RPL foram identificados como preditores independentes da presença de HG e do nível de positividade de cetona em pacientes com HG. CONCLUSãO: A RNL e RPL estavam elevadas em pacientes com HG, o que sugere a sua atividade inflamatória. Elas podem ser marcadores importantes associados à presença e à gravidade da HG.

Effect of the Covid 19 pandemic on depression and mother-infant bonding in uninfected postpartum women in a rural region.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression and maternal-infant attachment scores were examined in uninfected women during the COVID 19 pandemic in Kutahya, a rural province in Turkey's North Aegean region. METHODS: This cohort study was conducted in the Kutahya Health Sciences University Hospital obstetrics unit between April 2021 and August 2021. 178 low-risk term pregnant women who gave birth were given the surveys Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBQ) 6 weeks after birth. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used to determine postpartum depression and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale was used to determine maternal attachment. RESULTS: In this study, the postpartum depression rate was calculated as 17.4%. When depressed and non-depressed patients were compared, education level, maternal age, BMI, MIBQ score, history of previous pregnancies, route of delivery, previous operation history, economic status, employment status and pregnancy follow-up information were found to be similar (p > 0.05). The ratings on the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale were found to be similar in depressed and non-depressed patients (p > 0.05). The odds of maternal depression for patients who received guests at home was 3.068 (95%CI [1.149-8.191]) times the odds of patients who did not receive guests at home. CONCLUSIONS: Although a relationship has been found between accepting guests in the postpartum period and postpartum depression, it is necessary to investigate in further studies whether there is a causal relationship.

T-Cadherin, E-Cadherin, PR-A, and ER-α Levels in Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

The goal of this study was to compare the T-cadherin, E-cadherin, progesterone receptor (PR), and estrogen receptor (ER) staining levels of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) tissue, ovarian endometriomas and normal endometrial tissues in the same individuals. The tissue sections of both DIE nodule(s) and endometrioma(s) of 15 cases were examined. As a control group, normal endometrial tissue sections of 23 cases were examined. T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER-α, and PR-A staining levels of DIE, endometrioma tissues, and endometrial tissues were compared immunohistochemically. H -score was calculated to compare the expression of T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER-α, and PR-A in immunohistochemical staining based on the percentage of cells stained at each intensity level. T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER, and PR H -score were lowest in DIE tissue and highest in endometrial tissue ( P <0.0001, <0.0001, <0.0001, and <0.0001, respectively). In correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between T-cadherin, E-cadherin, PR, and ER H -score ( P <0.0001 for each). T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER, and PR H -score were lowest in DIE tissue and highest in endometrium tissue. We think that examination of DIE tissue and endometrioma tissue from the same individual excludes the possibility of an effect due to different genetic and environmental factors from different individuals. With the help of this exclusion we showed that DIE and endometrioma have different biological properties.

Comparison of the different PCOS phenotypes based on monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the degree of inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes by comparing the monocyte-to- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratios showing inflammatory and oxidative stress among different phenotypes of PCOS. In this case-control study, we studied 186 women with PCOS and 59 age-matched healthy women. PCOS women were prospectively classified into four phenotypes based on NIH Expert Panel criteria. The degree of inflammation between the non-PCOS control group and four PCOS phenotypes was compared by measuring monocyte-to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR). The prevalence of phenotypes A, B, C and D were 29%, 22%, 26% and 23%, respectively. MHR was found to be the highest in phenotype A (13.7 ± 4.9) among the PCOS phenotypes and the lowest level was found in phenotype D (9.0 ± 1.9), which is the non-androgenic phenotype. MHR were significantly different across the four PCOS phenotypes; with the highest value were present with phenotype A. As an easily accessible simple marker, the monocyte/HDL ratio may be promising for detecting at-risk metabolic phenotypes in PCOS.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome that progresses with chronic inflammation and has long-term effects such as diabetes and cardiovascular risk. The inflammatory process in PCOS has been demonstrated by many parameters.What do the results of this study add? The level of inflammation among PCOS phenotypes in Turkish women was evaluated by the monocyte-to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR). Inflammatory cytokines have been studied extensively in the literature comparing PCOS and non-PCOS patients, but studies of inflammatory levels between PCOS phenotypes are rare.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Inflammatory status in PCOS is important in terms of disease severity and long-term complications. It is now important to apply a clinical approach, knowing that PCOS is no longer a single syndrome but a difference in phenotypes. In future studies, it is necessary to investigate the phenotypes of patients with PCOS with different inflammatory markers.

The deep infiltrating endometriosis tissue has lower T-cadherin, E-cadherin, progesterone receptor and oestrogen receptor than endometrioma tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the T-cadherin, E-cadherin, PR and ER staining levels of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) tissue, ovarian endometriomas and normal endometrial tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DIE tissue of 24 cases, endometrioma of 30 cases and normal endometrial tissues of 30 cases were examined. T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER-α and PR-α staining levels of DIE, endometrioma tissues and endometrial tissues were compared immunohistochemically. H-score was calculated to compare the expression of T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER-α, PR-α in IHC staining based on the percentage of cells stained at each intensity level. RESULTS: T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER and PR H-score were found lowest in DIE tissue and the highest in endometrial tissue (p < 0.0001, <0.0001, <0.0001 and < 0.0001, respectively). In correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between T-cadherin, E-cadherin, PR and ER H-score (p < 0.0001 for each). No correlation was found between age, body mass index (BMI), visual analog scale (VAS) score, CA125, endometrioma size and the severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and dystonia (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: T-cadherin, E-cadherin, ER and PR H-score were found lowest in DIE tissue, the highest in endometrium tissue. The finding of lower expression of PR-α in endometriotic nodule in our study may be related to decrease in progesterone effect which could not inhibit the decrease in the expression of T-cadherin and E-cadherin, thus the invasiveness of DIE tissue. These findings suggest that DIE tissue and ovarian endometrioma tissues have a different biology.

Cisplatin decreases HOXA13 and alphaVBeta3 integrin levels in the uterus.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of cisplatin on uterine histology and implantation molecules and the possible protective role of recombinant Klotho administration on uterine histology and uterine receptivity in mice exposed to cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted using thirty-two adult female mice assigned to four groups with 8 mice in each group. Saline was given to the 1st group, cisplatin to the 2nd group, recombinant mouse Klotho to the 3rd group and recombinant mouse Klotho plus cisplatin to the 4th group. Uterine tissues were examined for damage histologically and immunobiologically for the uterine receptivity markers HOXA13 and alphaVBeta3 integrin. RESULTS: Apoptosis, degeneration, decrease in uterine thickness and uterine absence of gland scores were higher in the cisplatin group (3rd group) compared to the saline group (1st group) (cisplatin vs. saline p < 0.0001 for all parameters). In the recombinant Klotho plus cisplatin group (4th group), scores of apoptosis, degeneration, reduction in uterine thickness and uterine absence of gland were lower than the group receiving only cisplatin (cisplatin plus recombinant Klotho vs cisplatin, p = 0.006 for apoptosis; p = 0.017 for degeneration; p = 0.011 for the reduction in uterine thickness; p = 0.002 for the absence of gland). However, HOXA13 and alphaVBeta3 integrin staining levels were not different between the cisplatin group (group 3) and the cisplatin plus recombinant Klotho group (group 4) (p = 0.980 and p = 0.762, respectively.) CONCLUSION: Cisplatin has adverse effects on the uterus. Administration of recombinant Klotho was found to attenuate the cisplatin-induced damage but failed to preserve levels of the implantation molecules HOXA13 and alphaVbeta3. Further studies examining the effect of cisplatin toxicity using other implantation markers along with functional studies are needed.

The relationship between inflammation markers and ketonuria in hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperemesis gravidarum is an illness that starts in early pregnancy and manifests itself with oral intake problems, electrolyte imbalance, ketonuria, and weight loss. Inflammation is closely associated with the hyperemesis gravidarum, and inflammatory indicators have been studied to understand its pathophysiology. This study investigates the relationship of ketonuria levels with inflammatory markers platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for hyperemesis gravidarum patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective case control study was conducted at Kütahya Medical Sciences University Tertiary Research and Training Hospital between December 2019 and December 2020. A total of 173 pregnancies, 82 of them with hyperemesis gravidarum and 91 of them low-risk pregnancies were included in the study. The patients' demographic profiles and laboratory parameters were recorded. The patients were divided into hyperemesis gravidarum and control groups and the groups were compared for the levels of inflammation markers. For the hyperemesis gravidarum group, the relationship between ketonuria levels and the inflammation severity was investigated. RESULTS: MLR, NLR, PLR levels were higher in the hyperemesis gravidarum group than the control group in a statistically significant way (p < 0.001 for all of the comparisons). The hyperemesis gravidarum group was subdivided into four groups based on their ketonuria levels, and their MLR, NLR, PLR levels were compared. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and the indicators increased with the ketonuria levels. Finally, ketonuria levels had a positive and significant correlation with MLR (rho =0.67, p < 0.001), PLR (rho =0.67, p < 0.001), and NLR (rho =0.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hyperemesis gravidarum patients have higher levels of hematologic inflammation indicators than healthy pregnant patients. For these patients, the levels of the indicators increase with ketonuria levels.

Comparison of serum human Klotho levels and thiol/disulfide homeostasis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and in healthy women.

OBJECTIVES: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased cardiometabolic risk. Similarly, it was previously shown that atherosclerotic and cardiovascular risk is increased in the general population with lower serum Klotho levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the lotho and thiol/disulfide levels in women with non-obese PCOS compared to healthy controls and also to investigate the relationship of serum Klotho and thiol/disulfide homeostasis with cardiometabolic risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective case control study, human serum alpha Klotho levels and thiol/disulfide homeostasis of women with PCOS aged between 19-33 were compared to their age and BMI matched non - PCOS healthy controls. In addition, the correlation of these molecules with other metabolic markers/measurements were also investigated. RESULTS: Metabolic parameters such as mean waist circumference, lipid accumulation product, visceral adiposity index, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and triglyceride values were higher in the PCOS group (p = 0.038, p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively) compared to controls. However, mean serum Klotho and native thiol levels (respectively p < 0.0001 and p = 0.038) were lower compared to controls. Correlation analysis revealed that serum Klotho levels were negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, disulphide/total thiol, disulphide/native thiol, HOMA-IR and LAP-index. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of decreased serum Klotho and native thiol values of the PCOS group compared to controls and the negative correlation of serum Klotho levels with metabolic markers supports the idea that decreased Klotho may be another mechanism by which cardiovascular risk is increased in women with PCOS.

Evaluation of the consistency ratios of cervical smear, cervical biopsy and conization results.

OBJECTIVES: Possible discrepancies between the cervical smear, biopsy histology and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) results of the same patient is a matter of debate in the literature. In this study, we investigate the degree to which these results differ, and the clinical reasons for these differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With a retrospective design, cervical smear, cervical biopsy and LEEP results of patients were compared in terms of consistency. One hundred sixty-four patients who underwent till LEEP procedure due to pathologic initial smear and biopsy results between January 2015 and March 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS: Exact diagnosis discrepancy and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) discrepancy were 78.9% and 50.0% between smear and cervical biopsy, 64.6% and 31.7% between cervical smear and LEEP and 43.8% and 28.1% between cervical biopsy and LEEP results, respectively. Age did not affect the consistency rates of pathologic results between smear-biopsy (p = 0.408) and biopsy-LEEP (p = 0.590). However, the probability of the consistency of smear and LEEP results exhibited a statistically significant linear relation with age (OR = 1.043, p = 0.015). HPV infections did not affect the discrepancy between smear-biopsy (p = 0.533), smear-LEEP (p = 1.000) and biopsy-LEEP (p = 0.529). CONCLUSIONS: Smear technique has a serious discrepancy and under-diagnosis problem when its results are compared with biopsy and LEEP. The consistency between smear and LEEP results appears to improve with age. When HSIL is evaluated in terms of detection, this discrepancy decreases. A smear test can detect HSIL and carcinoma with a higher accuracy than low-grade lesions.

The effects of recombinant klotho in cisplatin-induced ovarian failure in mice.

AIM: To investigate whether recombinant klotho given concomitantly with cisplatin is effective in preventing cisplatin-induced ovarian damage. METHODS: Thirty-two adult female mice were divided into four groups. Saline was given to the first group, cisplatin to the second group, recombinant mouse klotho to the third group, and recombinant mouse klotho + cisplatin to the fourth group. The removed ovarian tissues were examined and groups were compared histologically and immunohistochemical examination for antimullerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase expression were done. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Ovarian tissue weight, primary and secondary follicle counts were higher in cisplatin + recombinant klotho group compared to cisplatin group in our study (respectively p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.010). Injury scores (stromal congestion, edema and infiltration, follicular degeneration scores and edema in corpus luteum scores) were similar between cisplatin and cisplatin + recombinant klotho groups (all p > 0.05). AMH staining intensities were similar between cisplatin and cisplatin + recombinant klotho groups (p = 0.925). There was no difference between the groups in terms of SOD, GPx, and GR (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The recombinant klotho administered before cisplatin could partially protect the ovarian tissue from cisplatin-induced ovarian damage considering that there was no difference in histologic injury score parameters, AMH staining intensity and oxidative stress markers between cisplatin and cisplatin plus klotho groups except that klotho preserved follicules to some extent. The antioxidant mechanism of action of klotho may not be the primary protection mechanism in cisplatin induced ovarian injury.

Effect of health literacy on help-seeking behavior: A comparison of patients accepting surgery and refusing surgery for urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE(S): To compare the health literacy (HL) of the adult females with SUI complaints in terms of their acceptance or non-acceptance of surgery. METHODS: In this cohort study, the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU- Q47) scores as a measure of health literacy were compared among the two groups of patients who accepted to undergo surgery for SUI and the ones who did not. Demographic features, weight and BMI values, comorbidity, menopausal status, duration and type of UI, socioeconomic characteristics (marital status, educational level, level of income) and HLS-EU- Q47 survey results of the two groups were compared. We also investigated the reasons regarding the acceptance or refusal of SUI surgery. RESULTS: Among the patients who were offered surgery 474% accepted to undergo operation. Total HLS-EU-Q47 score was 30.04 in the group of patients who accepted surgery and 23.46 in the group who refused surgery. The patients that refused surgery had more often insufficient health literacy level (p=0.001). An excellent health literacy level was higher for patients who agreed to anti-incontinence surgery (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Health literacy score of patients with urinary incontinence (UI) who refused surgery was lower than those who accepted surgery. Acceptance of surgery may be increased by providing more understandable and clear information, especially for women with lower HL levels.

A Comparative Multicentric Study on Serosal and Endometrial Myomectomy During Cesarean Section: Surgical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This multi-center study aims to determine the efficiency and safety of endometrial myomectomy (EM) for the removal of uterine fibroids during cesarean section (CS). METHODS: Retrospective review of 360 women diagnosed for fibroids during pregnancy. They all delivered by CS between 2014 and 2019. The study groups included 118 women who only underwent EM, 120 women who only had subserosal myomectomy by traditional technique and 122 women with fibroids who decided to avoid cesarean myomectomy, as control group. They were analyzed and compared the surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The EM, subserosal myomectomy and control groups were statistically (p > 0.05) similar for to age, body mass index (BMI), gravidity, parity, gestational age at delivery, indications for CS, number of excised fibroids, size of the largest myoma. Postoperative hemoglobin values and ? (?) hemoglobin concentrations were lower in SM group (10.39gr/dl vs 9.98 gr/dl vs 10.19 - 1.44 gr/dl vs 1.90 gr/dl vs 1.35; p = 0.047, p = 0.021; respectively) Hybrid fibroids were significantly more frequent in the EM group than subserosal myomectomy and control groups (respectively, 33.1% vs 23.3% vs 27.0%, p = 0.002). Surgery time was significantly longer in the subserosal myomectomy group than EM and control groups (respectively, 46.53 min vs 37.88 min vs 33.86 min, p = 0.001). Myomectomy took significantly longer time in the subserosal myomectomy than EM group (13.75 min vs 8.17 min, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial myomectomy is a feasible choice for treatment of fibroids during CS, and, basing on our results could be an alternative to traditional cesarean subserosal myomectomy.

Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Missed Abortion.

OBJECTIVE: Missed abortion occurs in ∼ 15% of all clinical pregnancies. The pathogenesis is not clearly known. However, defective placentation resulting in maternal systemic inflammatory response is considered responsible for missed abortion. Platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are increasingly cited parameters of inflammation in the literature. However, no study evaluated the PLR and NLR rates in missed abortions so far. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether complete blood count (CBC) inflammatory parameters such as NLR and PLR are increased in patients with missed abortion. METHODS: Medical records of 40 pregnant women whose gestation ended in missed abortion at between 6 and14 weeks of gestation and of 40 healthy pregnant women were collected and compared retrospectively. The groups were compared regarding hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), PLR and NLR. RESULTS: Platelet distribution width, NLR and PLR values were higher in the missed abortion group compared with the healthy pregnant women group (rates are p = 0.043; p = 0.038; and p = 0.010, respectively). Hematocrit, MPV, and lymphocyte values were found to be lower in the missed abortion group compared with the healthy pregnant women group (p = 0.027, p = 0.044 and p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION: The PDW, NLR and PLR values of the missed abortion group were reported high; and MPV values were reported low in the present study. These findings may help to speculate a defective placentation in the pathogenesis of missed abortion.

Platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in missed abortion

Abstract Objective Missed abortion occurs in ~ 15% of all clinical pregnancies. The pathogenesis is not clearly known. However, defective placentation resulting in maternal systemic inflammatory response is considered responsible for missed abortion. Platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are increasingly cited parameters of inflammation in the literature. However, no study evaluated the PLR and NLR rates in missed abortions so far. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether complete blood count (CBC) inflammatory parameters such as NLR and PLR are increased in patients with missed abortion. Methods Medical records of 40 pregnant women whose gestation ended in missed abortion at between 6 and14 weeks of gestation and of 40 healthy pregnant women were collected and compared retrospectively. The groups were compared regarding hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), PLR and NLR. Results Platelet distribution width, NLR and PLR values were higher in the missed abortion group compared with the healthy pregnant women group (rates are p = 0.043; p = 0.038; and p = 0.010, respectively). Hematocrit, MPV, and lymphocyte values were found to be lower in the missed abortion group compared with the healthy pregnant women group (p = 0.027, p = 0.044 and p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion The PDW, NLR and PLR values of the missed abortion group were reported high; and MPV values were reported low in the present study. These findings may help to speculate a defective placentation in the pathogenesis of missed abortion.

Is there any association between rs1303 (Pi*M3) variant of alpha-1 antitrypsin gene and atrial septal aneurysm development?

AIM: Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is one of the congenital heart defects. The underlying pathophysiology of ASA has not been fully understood yet. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is a serine protease inhibitor glycoprotein, which is held responsible from tissue wall proteolysis if it is deficient in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate A1AT serum levels and the rs1303 (Pi*M3) variant in A1AT gene in patients with ASA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (7 male and 23 female) with isolated ASA and 33 patients (11 male and 22 female) with normal atrial septum on echocardiography were included in this study. A1AT serum levels of study patients were measured quantitatively by the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method. The A1AT gene mutation rs1303 was analyzed by genotyping, which is performed on genomic DNA extracted from circulating mononuclear blood cells. Single-nucleotide polymorphism was evaluated on polymerase chain reaction using commercial kits. RESULTS: A1AT serum levels were not statistically different among patients with and without ASA (9.52 ± 4.33 µg/mL vs 9.83 ± 5.27 µg/mL, respectively, P = .80). A1AT homozygote mutation (PiM3M3) was significantly higher in the ASA group than the control group (21 vs 11, OR (95% CI): 6.68 [2.09-21.40], P = .001). A1AT serum levels were similar among patients with normal A1AT allele (PiMM), homozygote variant (PiM3M3), and heterozygote variant (PiMM3) (P = .79). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study revealed that homozygote A1AT rs1303 (PiM3M3) variant is significantly higher in patients with isolated ASA and may be associated with ASA development. Large scale comprehensive studies are needed to validate these results.