Can the SIARI score be used at initial admission to predict testes involvement in patients with fournier's gangrene; a single-centre, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To predict testicular involvement in patients diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene (FG) using the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score and the site other than lower limb (SIARI) score. METHODS: The medical records of 51 patients operated for FG in our clinic between December 2012 and April 2022 were evaluated retrospectively in this study. Patients' demographics, and laboratory test results were compared with the testisticular involvement status. Patients with testisticular involvement (n = 10) were compared with patients without testicular involvement (n = 41). The SIARI score at initial admission was analysed using logistic regression analyses for its performance in predicting testicular involvement with FG. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used to evaluate its discriminating ability. RESULTS: The SIARI score had modest performance for diagnosing testicular involvement in FG patients, with ROC analysis showing an AUROC value of 0.83 (p < 0.001). With a SIARI cut-off score of ≥ 3, the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 68%. For a SIARI cut-off score of ≥ 5, the sensitivity was 40% and the specificity was 97%. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of the SIARI score to discriminate FG with testicular involvement is modest. The SIARI score should be employed cautiously as a routine diagnostic tool for the prediction of testicular involvement in FG at the initial admission. More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the relationship between the SIARI score and testicular involvement in FG.

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score as a Predictor of Local Recurrence in Patients Underwent Partial Nephrectomy Alongside the R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the utility of the CONUT (Controlling Nutritional Status) Score and R.E.N.A.L. (Renal Nephrometry Score) Score in predicting tumor recurrence in patients with kidney cancer. Additionally, we investigated which parameters contributed to these scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 115 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between January 2015 and August 2023 at a single tertiary center were enrolled. After the exclusion criteria, data from 88 patients were analyzed. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes), smoking status, tumor characteristics, CONUT Scores, and R.E.N.A.L. scores were retrospectively recorded. Statistical analyses were performed, and significant p was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The presence of diabetes and hypertension showed a statistically significant association with tumor recurrence (p = 0.033 and p = 0.003, respectively). A high BMI significantly increased the risk of recurrence (p < 0.05). There was a strong positive relationship between the high tumor stage and positive surgical margins with recurrence (p < 0.001). Patients with high R.E.N.A.L. Scores and high CONUT Scores had a higher risk of recurrence (42.1% and 8.7%, respectively), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CONUT and R.E.N.A.L. scores may be used to predict tumor recurrence after partial nephrectomy. Additionally, diabetes, hypertension, high BMI, and positive surgical margin rate might affect surgical success rate for recurrences. Clinicians should consider all these parameters and coring systems to gather more successful results after partial nephrectomy.

Factors Influencing Bladder Perforation during Transurethral Resection of Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bladder perforation (BP) is one of the important complications during transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). Additionally, multiple factors can contribute to BP. Here, we investigated the rates of BP, specifically in variant histology of bladder cancer (BC), and examined the clinical follow-up of relevant patients. METHODS: Of the 797 patients who underwent TURBT between 2015 and 2023, they were divided into two groups according to BP during the operation. Group 1 (n = 744) consisted of patients without BP, whereas Group 2 (n = 53) consisted of patients with BP. Demographic, operative, postoperative and follow-up data were investigated and analysed. Groups were examined in terms of causes of BP. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A significantly higher rate of BP was found in patients operated with bipolar energy (p = 0.027) than in their counterparts. In multivariable analysis, the presence of the obturator reflex during TURBT was significantly associated with an increased risk of BP (p < 0.001). We observed a statistically significant increase in the rate of BP in patients with a history of previous intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy (p = 0.023). Variant histology was reported in 32 patients (4%). However, we could not find any statistically significant relationship between the development of BP and the variant histology of BC (p = 0.641). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors can affect BP during TURBT. Understanding the factors associated with BP is crucial for improving patient safety and outcomes. According to the results of the present study, the energy source, the presence of obturator reflex during TURBT and intravesical BCG therapy may increase BP. Nevertheless, the presence of variant histology was not significantly associated with BP.

Female ventral-onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty supported with martius labial fat pad flap: early results.

PURPOSE: There is a growing interest in reconstructive urology and female urethroplasty. We aimed to report our experience in ventral-onlay buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty supported with Martius flap (MF) in treating female urethral stricture disease. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data of 18 female patients (ages 35-78) who were diagnosed with urethral stricture disease and underwent ventral-onlay BMG urethroplasty supported with MF by single surgeon in a tertiary referral centre between February 2019 and October 2022. Detailed history, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), pelvic examination, urine flow rate (rate and pattern), post void residual (PVR), storage and voiding phase urodynamic study, and voiding cystourethrography were recorded. At the last visit; the number of urethral dilatations before urethroplasty, time from urethral dilation to urethroplasty, hospital stay, urethral catheterization time, postoperative IPSS, PVR and uroflowmetry values were recorded. RESULTS: The presenting symptoms were obstructive voiding symptoms in 16 patients. While the mean number of urethral dilatation was 2.11 ± 1.93 (1-7), the mean time from dilatation to urethroplasty was 5.83 ± 5.00 (1-19 months) months. Maximum flow rate increased from 8.36 ± 3.26 ml/sec in preoperative uroflowmetry to 21.45 ± 5.27 ml/sec at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Post-void residual urine (PVR) decreased from preoperative mean 116.66 ± 105.88 cc to 26.94 ± 22.69 cc postoperatively (p < 0.004). None of the patients developed stricture recurrence, incontinence or vaginal fistula until the last follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 17.28 ± 11.65 (1-35) months. CONCLUSIONS: A ventral-onlay BMG urethroplasty supported with MF represents an effective and reproducible treatment option for FUS in the present study.

Netrina-1 en sangre como biomarcador para la detección del cáncer de endometrio / Serum Netrin-1 as a biomarker for Endometrium Cancer detection

RESUMEN Investigar la relación de la netrina-1 preoperatoria con factores clinicopatológicos y pronósticos importantes y los niveles de corte adecuados en pacientes con cáncer de endometrio. En este estudio prospectivo y observacional, el grupo de casos y el de controles se seleccionaron entre las pacientes que acudieron a la Clínica de Oncología Ginecológica. Se extrajeron 4 mL de sangre venosa en un tubo de bioquímica de cada paciente durante el período preoperatorio. Los valores de netrina para predecir la presencia de malignidad se analizaron mediante el análisis de la curva ROC (receiver operating characteristics). El valor de corte se calculó según el índice de Youden. En el estudio, el valor de corte de malignidad según el nivel de netrina fue determinado en 645,50 mg/dL en el análisis ROC (utilizando el índice de Youden). La probabilidad de malignidad en individuos con valores de netrina superiores a este punto de corte fue del 78,2% (IC 95%: 0,680 a 0,884). La sensibilidad de la netrina para mostrar la probabilidad de malignidad en este valor de corte fue del 87,5% y la especificidad del 63,6%. La netrina-1 puede ser un biomarcador potencial para la detección del cáncer de endometrio y la evaluación de su pronóstico.

ABSTRACT To investigate the relationship of preoperative netrin-1 with important clinicopathological and prognostic factors and appropriate cut-off levels in patients with endometrial cancer. In this prospective, observational study, the case and control group were selected among patients who applied to the Gynecological Oncology Clinic. Four mL of venous blood was drawn into a biochemistry tube from each patient during the preoperative period. Netrin values in predicting the presence of malignity were analyzed using ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve analysis. The cut-off value was calculated according to the Youden index. In the study, the cut-off value of malignancy according to the netrin level was determined as 645.50 mg/dL in the ROC analysis (using the Youden index). The probability of malignancy in individuals with Netrin values above this cut-off was 78.2% (95% CI 0.680-0.884). The sensitivity of netrin in showing the probability of malignancy at this cut-off value was 87.5%, and the specificity 63.6%. Netrin-1 can be a potential biomarker for endometrial cancer detection and prognosis evaluation.

Ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for female urethral stricture improves female sexual functions.

Female urethroplasty provides excellent results with high success rates in the treatment of female urethral stricture (FUS), but sexual functions after urethroplasty is another concern and have not been adequately investigated. We aimed to evaluate changes in the sexual functions of patients undergoing ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (VOBMGU). We retrospectively evaluated 18 patients who underwent VOBMGU supported with a Martius labial fat pad flap (MLFPF) in our tertiary referral centre, between 2019 and 2021. After excluding patients who were sexually inactive and those with missing postoperative data, 13 patients were included. Surgical outcomes were assessed with uroflowmetry, the American Urological Association symptom score (AUA-SS), and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI)-6. Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to evaluate the quality of life (QoL). Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) both preoperatively and at 6 months following surgery. The median age was 50 (IQR:44-62) years. There was no surgical failure, and none of the patients developed incontinence or stricture recurrence during a median follow-up of 30 (IQR:12-30) months. The median maximum flow rate increased from 9.2 (IQR:5-11.5) to 19 (IQR:17.35-27.10) ml/s (p = 0.001), the median post-void residual (PVR) volume decreased from 80 (IQR:0-205) to 20 (IQR:10-45) ml (p = 0.021), the median AUA-SS decreased from 19 (IQR:14-22) to 6 (IQR:4-8) (p = 0.001), and the median UDI-6 score decreased from 12 (IQR:6.5-16) to 4 (IQR:2-9) (p = 0.008) postoperatively. Bodily pain and general health perception domains and the physical component summary score were significantly improved in the SF-36 (p = 0.015, 0.022, and 0.009, respectively). The median total FSFI score increased from 17.40 (IQR:1.95-23.65) to 22.60 (IQR:5-24.95) postoperatively (p = 0.004). Improvements were observed in all domains (p < 0.05) except the arousal (p = 0.058) and pain (p = 0.104) domains of the FSFI. We concluded that VOBMGU has good early functional results and improves female sexual function.

Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a single-centre, retrospective study.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine whether sarcopenia is a predictor of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). Material and methods: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy for BC between September 2016 and June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent digital computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was used to assess sarcopenia using CT images. OS and CSS were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors of CSS and OS were analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results: Of the 84 reviewed patients, 45 (53.6%) had sarcopenia. The median follow-up period for survivors was 70 months. Patients with sarcopenia were older and had a lower BMI, but other preoperative clinical and laboratory parameters were similar to those of patients without sarcopenia. During follow-up, 57 (67.9%) patients died, 39 (46.4%) due to BC. In addition, patients with sarcopenia had worse 5-year OS (24.4% vs 41.0%, p = 0.036) and CSS (35.6% vs 61.5%, p = 0.012) than non-sarcopenic patients. The findings indicate that sarcopenia is an independent predictor of increased CSS (HR, 2.841; p = 0.003) and overall mortality (HR, 2.465; p = 0.004) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The results of this study support the view that sarcopenia is an important risk factor for predicting CSS and OS in BC patients undergoing RC.

Can pelvic diameter measurement have an effect on surgical outcomes in radical cystectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of pelvis diameters in determining postoperative outcomes in men who underwent open radical cystectomy + urinary diversion, it is aimed to predict the factors that may affect the operative difficulty and possible surgical outcomes before the operation. METHODS: A total of 79 radical cystectomy patients operated in our institution with preoperative computed tomography (CT) were included the study. Pelvic dimensions; symphysis angle (SA), upper conjugate, lower conjugate, pelvic depth, apical depth (AD), interspinous distance (ISD), bone femoral width and soft tissue width were measured by preoperative CT. ISD index were defined as ISD/AD. Postoperative outcomes and indicators of operative difficulty were recorded. Regression analyses were used to predict perioperative and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Total of 96 complications were observed in 52 of the 79 patients in ninety days (65,8%) with a mean age of 68.25 years. There were significant correlations between SA and body mass index (BMI) with operative time (p = 0.006, p < 0.001; respectively). For estimated blood loss, there were significant correlations between preoperative hematocrit (p = 0,031). Analysis of multivariate logistic regression revealed that higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and BMI were found to be significant predictors for major complications while CCI, pathological T stage and ISD index are prominent predictors for surgical margin positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic dimensions are not significant with minor or major complications. However, operative time may be associated with SA. Also, narrow and deep pelvis may increase the risk of positive surgical margins.

Effect of protection of enoxaparin against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the protection of enoxaparin (E) against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes. METHODS: In total, 56 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 8 animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham+E, I+E, and I/R+E. Ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h. In contrast, I/R and I/R+E groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I+platelet-rich plasma) or reperfusion (I/R+I+platelet-rich plasma). Ovaries were stimulated through intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured before and after surgery in all groups. RESULTS: When the number of metaphase II oocytes was evaluated, statistically significant differences were observed between the I and I+E (p=0.001) and I/R and I/R+E (p=0.000) groups. When both I and I+E groups and I/R and I/R+E groups were compared, it was found that E application increased the number of fertilized oocytes. The number of embryos on the second day was higher in the I/R+E group than that in the I/R group. Statistically significant differences were found in the number of grade 1 embryos between the I/R and I/R+E groups (p=0.003). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin effectively minimizes ovarian damage and preserves ovarian reserve following ovarian torsion.

Effect of protection of enoxaparin against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the protection of enoxaparin (E) against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes. METHODS: In total, 56 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 8 animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham+E, I+E, and I/R+E. Ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h. In contrast, I/R and I/R+E groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I+platelet-rich plasma) or reperfusion (I/R+I+platelet-rich plasma). Ovaries were stimulated through intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured before and after surgery in all groups. RESULTS: When the number of metaphase II oocytes was evaluated, statistically significant differences were observed between the I and I+E (p=0.001) and I/R and I/R+E (p=0.000) groups. When both I and I+E groups and I/R and I/R+E groups were compared, it was found that E application increased the number of fertilized oocytes. The number of embryos on the second day was higher in the I/R+E group than that in the I/R group. Statistically significant differences were found in the number of grade 1 embryos between the I/R and I/R+E groups (p=0.003). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin effectively minimizes ovarian damage and preserves ovarian reserve following ovarian torsion.

Can first-trimester aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index score predict intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Background and Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and platelet values in predicting intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in the first trimester, together with the aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) score. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of a patient group diagnosed with ICP (n=49) and a control group (n=62). Laboratory tests of both groups were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The first-trimester APRI score and AST and ALT values were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of the control group. The platelet value was found to be statistically significantly lower in the study group, even though it was within the normal reference range. Conclusion: The first-trimester APRI score was found to be effective in predicting ICP. In addition, the first-trimester AST, ALT, and platelet values were found to be effective in predicting ICP diagnosed in the third trimester even though if not as much as the APRI score.

The Effectiveness of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Against Experimental Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Ovaries and Its Effect on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes.

Local ischemic damage resulting from ovarian torsion is a common cause of decreased follicular activity and infertility. It was aimed to evaluate the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) protection on in vitro fertilization (IVF) results against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries. The study consisted of 35 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats (sham, ischemia, I/R, I + G-CSF, and I/R + G-CSF) randomly assigned to 5 groups, each containing 7 rats. While bilateral adnexal torsion was applied to the ischemia groups for 3 h, detorsion was applied to the reperfusion groups. Intraperitoneal 100 IU/kg G-CSF was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I + G-CSF) or reperfusion (I/R + G-CSF). After ovulation induction (intraperitoneal 150-300 IU/kg PMSG), the oocytes were collected and IVF was applied. Statistically significant differences were observed between the collected oocyte numbers in I and I + G-CSF, I/R, and I/R + G-CSF groups (P values were P = 0.001 for the I-I + G-SCF groups and P = 0.003 for I/R-IR + G-CSF, respectively). An increase in the number of MII oocytes obtained was observed in the I + G-CSF and I/R + G-CSF groups compared to the I and I/R groups. Grade 1 and grade 2 embryo numbers were statically different between the I/R and I/R + G-CSF groups (P values were P = 0.023 for grade 1 embryos and P = 0.045 for grade 2 embryos, respectively). G-CSF treatment was found to be effective in reducing I- and I/R-induced ovarian damage.

The protective effect of cilostazol on experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Objective: Ovarian torsion decreases ovarian reserve because of ischemic and reperfusion damage it causes. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of cilostazol (CIL) on experimental ischemia (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) damage in rat ovaries with in vitro fertilization (IVF) results. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups with 8 animals in each group: Sham (S), I, I/R, S + CIL, I + CIL and I/R + CIL. The I groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h, while the I/R and I/R + CIL groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Twenty-two mg/kg of CIL was given via oral gavage 30 min before surgery on the I (I+ CIL) or reperfusion (I/R + CIL) groups. Oocytes were collected before the IVF procedure and after ovulation induction with 150-300 IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Results: The metaphase oocytes reached their highest value of 4.73±0.96 in the S+ CIL group and reached their lowest value of 0.51±0.55 in the I/R group. There were statistically significant differences in the number of second-day embryos among the I, I+ CIL, and I/R and I/R+ CIL groups (p=0.000). When the groups were compared in terms of Anti-Müllerian hormone change, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. Conclusion: CIL pretreatment before surgery has a protective effect against I and I/R in rats with ovarian torsion.

Efficacy of fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 51 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and 80 healthy controls. Using Doppler ultrasonography, E-wave, A-wave, isovolumetric contraction time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and ejection time were recorded and the left ventricular modified myocardial performance index was measured. RESULTS: Findings showed that the mean left ventricular modified myocardial performance index, isovolumetric contraction time, and isovolumetric relaxation time values were statistically significantly higher while the ejection time and E/A ratios were statistically significantly lower in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group than the control group. In the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between left ventricular modified myocardial performance index and adverse perinatal outcomes in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group (r=0.478, p<0.001), while a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the E/A ratio and adverse perinatal outcomes (r=-0.701, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy cases, high fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index values were an indicator of ventricular dysfunction, and this correlated with negative perinatal outcomes.

Efficacy of fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 51 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and 80 healthy controls. Using Doppler ultrasonography, E-wave, A-wave, isovolumetric contraction time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and ejection time were recorded and the left ventricular modified myocardial performance index was measured. RESULTS: Findings showed that the mean left ventricular modified myocardial performance index, isovolumetric contraction time, and isovolumetric relaxation time values were statistically significantly higher while the ejection time and E/A ratios were statistically significantly lower in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group than the control group. In the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between left ventricular modified myocardial performance index and adverse perinatal outcomes in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group (r=0.478, p<0.001), while a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the E/A ratio and adverse perinatal outcomes (r=-0.701, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy cases, high fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index values were an indicator of ventricular dysfunction, and this correlated with negative perinatal outcomes.

Role of exosomes in skin diseases.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes, as a family member of extracellular vesicles, are cell-secreted nanoscale structures that play pivotal roles in regulating physiological and pathophysiological processes of the skin. Exosomes induce communication between cells and are responsible for transporting cellular components such as microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, lipids, metabolites, and cell-surface proteins. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials searched the contribution of exosomes to skin functions and disorders. Thus, exosomes are gaining increasing attention within investigational dermatology. In advance, stem-cell-derived exosomes were integrated into the functional cosmetics industry nominated as cell-free regenerative medicine. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to demonstrate the roles of exosomes in inflammatory skin disorders, stem cell, and tumor biology through a comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic perspectives. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using electronic online databases "PubMed" and "Google Scholar" using key words ''exosomes'', ''skin'', ''wound healing''. CONCLUSION: Exosomes are regarded as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various skin diseases. Future prospects are repurposing exosomes to treat skin disorders, either as drug carriers or drugs themselves.

Anxiety, attitudes-behaviors, coping styles, and social support among high-risk pregnant women in the late period of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety among high-risk pregnant women in the late period of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and to evaluate the relationship between anxiety levels, attitudes-behaviors, coping styles, and other psychometric parameters. METHODS: Pregnant women who were followed up in our gynecology outpatient clinic were evaluated during their admissions between November 15, 2020 and February 15, 2021. This cross-sectional study analyzes prospectively collected data from a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were those being at risk of pregnancy and between the age of 18 and 45 years, while exclusion criteria were mental retardation and the presence of serious psychiatric illness. The study included 140 participants. Sociodemographic and pregnant attitudes-behaviors data form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Coping Styles Scale Brief Form (Brief-COPE), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used to collect data. RESULTS: Participants had high anxiety levels (State-STAI: 40.32±9.88; Trait-STAI: 42.71±7.32) and high prevalence of probable clinical anxiety [State-STAI: 84 (60.0%); Trait-STAI: 92 (65.7%)]. The fact concerning the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 to the baby during pregnancy/birth, extent to which coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic prevents regular pregnancy checkups, and family subgroup-Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support predicted state probable clinical anxiety. Use of disinfectants predicted trait probable clinical anxiety. Employment status predicted state/trait probable clinical anxiety. The existence of trait probable clinical anxiety was significantly associated with behavioral disengagement and substance use which are considered ineffective coping styles. Participants without trait probable clinical anxiety had significantly more adopted positive reinterpretation, one of emotion-focused coping styles. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, the concern of the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 to the babies during pregnancy/birth may be the main factor influencing anxiety among high-risk pregnant women.

The effect of protection of platelet-rich plasma against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian torsion is a common cause of local ischemic damage, reduced follicular activity and infertility. This study aimed to investigate how well platelet-rich plasma (PRP) protects against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries and its effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. METHOD: Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups of eight animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham + PRP, I + PRP, and I/R + PRP. The remaining eight animals were used to prepare the PRP. The ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h, while the I/R and I/R + PRP groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) PRP was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I + PRP) or reperfusion (I/R + PRP). The ovaries were stimulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units of IU/kg PMSG. After ovulation induction, oocytes were taken from the ovaries, and IVF was performed. RESULTS: The number of MII oocytes reached the highest number with 4.63 ± 0.74 in the S group and had the lowest number with 0.50 ± 0.53 in the I/R group. There were statistically significant differences for the number of embryos obtained on the second day between the I and I + PRP groups and the I/R and I/R + PRP groups (p = 0.000). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone 1 (AMH1) and AMH2 values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. CONCLUSION: PRP is effective in minimizing ovarian damage and preserving ovarian reserves following ovarian torsion.

Influence of toileting behavior on the natural course of anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Many risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) have been proposed, and the cause is most likely multifactorial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of toileting behaviors on the natural course of anterior vaginal wall prolapse (AVWP). METHODS: Data on 75 women who underwent surgery for symptomatic AVWP were collected. Patients with grade ≥ II AVWP were included in this study and were divided into two groups according to their voiding and defecation position. The volunteers who voided and defecated in a sitting position comprised Group 1, and those who voided and defecated in a squatting position comprised Group 2. The Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire (CRAIQ), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire (POPIQ), Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were used to evaluate the patients' symptoms. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in Group 1 (sitting position), and 31 patients were included in Group 2 (squatting position). The groups were similar in terms of BMI, parity, menopause duration, topical estrogen use, comorbidities, the presence of constipation and urinary incontinence, and the pad count for incontinence. The time from initial symptoms to surgery was shorter in Group 2 than in Group 1 12 (3-73) and 24 (2-182) months (p = 0.001), respectively. The PFIQ, POPIQ and POP-related VAS scores were significantly higher in patients who voided and defecated in a squatting position. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic POP, increased IAP while performing the squat position during defecation and voiding may increase the severity of patients' symptoms related to prolapse more than that of sitting position. Therefore, questioning the toileting position of patients with AVWP may help inform management decisions, with changing to a sitting position encouraged.

Anxiety, attitudes-behaviors, coping styles, and social support among high-risk pregnant women in the late period of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety among high-risk pregnant women in the late period of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and to evaluate the relationship between anxiety levels, attitudes-behaviors, coping styles, and other psychometric parameters. METHODS: Pregnant women who were followed up in our gynecology outpatient clinic were evaluated during their admissions between November 15, 2020 and February 15, 2021. This cross-sectional study analyzes prospectively collected data from a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were those being at risk of pregnancy and between the age of 18 and 45 years, while exclusion criteria were mental retardation and the presence of serious psychiatric illness. The study included 140 participants. Sociodemographic and pregnant attitudes-behaviors data form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Coping Styles Scale Brief Form (Brief-COPE), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used to collect data. RESULTS: Participants had high anxiety levels (State-STAI: 40.32±9.88; Trait-STAI: 42.71±7.32) and high prevalence of probable clinical anxiety [State-STAI: 84 (60.0%); Trait-STAI: 92 (65.7%)]. The fact concerning the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 to the baby during pregnancy/birth, extent to which coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic prevents regular pregnancy checkups, and family subgroup-Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support predicted state probable clinical anxiety. Use of disinfectants predicted trait probable clinical anxiety. Employment status predicted state/trait probable clinical anxiety. The existence of trait probable clinical anxiety was significantly associated with behavioral disengagement and substance use which are considered ineffective coping styles. Participants without trait probable clinical anxiety had significantly more adopted positive reinterpretation, one of emotion-focused coping styles. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, the concern of the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 to the babies during pregnancy/birth may be the main factor influencing anxiety among high-risk pregnant women.