An Overview on the Effects of Some Carotenoids on Health: Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, the chemical properties, nutritional sources, absorption mechanisms, metabolism, biosynthesis and promising health-related benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin were emphasized and some recommendations for the future studies are suggested. RECENT FINDINGS: Lutein and zeaxanthin are phytochemical compounds in the carotenoid group and are synthesised only by plants. All mammals get lutein and zeaxanthin into their bodies by consuming plant-based foods. Especially leafy green vegetables, broccoli, pumpkin, cabbage, spinach and egg yolk are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin have potential health effects by preventing free radical formation, exhibiting protective properties against oxidative damage and reducing oxidative stress. These compounds have neuroprotective, cardioprotective, ophthalmological, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial effects. The preventive properties of lutein and zeaxanthin against numerous diseases have attracted attention recently. Further clinical trials with large samples are needed to make generalisations in the prevention and treatment of diseases and to determine the appropriate doses and forms of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Variations in anterior segment parameters among different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate anterior segment parameters across various phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), considering body mass index (BMI), serum estradiol and testosterone levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 116 women with PCOS, with each of the four distinct phenotype comprising 29 women. Additionally, 29 healthy women were included in the control group. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements. Anterior segment parameters, such as central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), aqueous depth (AD), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness (LT) were measured using optic biometry. Endothelial cell density (ECD) was assessed using non-contact specular microscopy. The BMI was calculated, and serum levels of estradiol and testosterone were noted. RESULTS: IOP was found to be significantly higher (p = 0.003) and CCT was significantly thicker (p = 0.004) in all phenotypes of PCOS compared to the control group. BMI, serum estradiol and free testosterone were found to correlate with both IOP and CCT. AL, AD, ACD and LT values showed no significant differences compared to the control group. Although ECD tend to be higher in the PCOS phenotypes, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Given our findings that CCT and IOP are significantly elevated in PCOS phenotypes. PCOS should be considered as an important factor when evaluating female patients for anterior segment diseases and glaucoma.

In-syringe homogeneous liquid-phase microextraction followed by filtration-based phase separation for on-site extraction of chloroanilines from water samples.

This study introduces a new in-syringe homogeneous liquid-phase microextraction method for the rapid on-site extraction of chloroanilines from water samples. Extraction was performed using a plastic syringe, eliminating the use of any electrical power source. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (DEHPA) served as the extractant. The process initially involved dissolving DEHPA in an alkaline solution to obtain a homogeneous solution. Subsequently, the sodium salt of DEHPA was precipitated by salting-out, and the resulting heterogeneous mixture was filtered using a syringe filter. The precipitate containing the analytes was then dissolved in methanol for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. Under optimal conditions, extraction recovery for chloroanilines ranged from 26% to 71%. Method linearity was evaluated within a concentration range of 1.0-100 µg/L, resulting in coefficients of determination exceeding 0.9987 for all analytes. Method detection limits ranged from 0.28 to 0.41 µg/L. Intra and inter-day precision values were below 9.5% and 10.8%, respectively. The developed method was applied to determine chloroanilines in real waters, yielding acceptable recoveries ranging from 80% to 109% for spiked tap, rain, and stream waters. Additionally, the method was successfully employed for on-site extraction of target contaminants, demonstrating no statistically significant differences compared to laboratory results.

Has the pandemic affected academic personnel's nutrition habits in Türkiye? / A pandemia afetou os hábitos nutricionais do pessoal acadêmico na Turquia?

ABSTRACT Objective Analyze the impact of the pandemic period on the healthy living, nutrition and anxiety states of university academic personnel. Methods Cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 507 academic personnel from Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Türkiye. Changes in consumption amounts of food and beverages and lifestyle were determined through a prepared questionnaire, and anxiety states were determined through the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analyses of the study were performed with IBM®SPSS® 23.0 program. The Pearson Chi-square test, Yates correction, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare variables. Results During the pandemic, the rate of eating and the use of additional vitamins and minerals were significantly higher in women (p=0.03, p<0.001, respectively). In the pandemic period, male participants consumed more fish than women (p=0.037), and women consumed more coffee than men during this period (p=0.004). Compared to the pre-pandemic period, those who regularly eat breakfast have increased, while those who regularly eat lunch and dinner have decreased. It was determined that as the BAI score increased, the sleep duration gradually decreased (p=0.001), and the consumption of canned food and the use of takeaway food increased (p=0.011, p=0.001, respectively). It was stated that the weight of the participants increased, except for those with minimal anxiety. Conclusion It was found that most of the participants tended to consume more food during the pandemic period. It was observed that the rate of those who gained weight during the pandemic was higher. Despite this, it has been determined that healthier choices are made as the consumption of some food increases. The level of anxiety was found to be more positive than in some similar studies. Education level may have a partial effect on choosing healthy food and coping with anxiety.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o impacto do período pandêmico na vida saudável, na nutrição e nos estados de ansiedade do pessoal acadêmico universitário. Métodos Estudo transversal com amostra probabilística de 507 acadêmicos da Bursa Uludag University, Turquia. As alterações nas quantidades de consumo de alimentos e bebidas, e no estilo de vida foram determinadas através de um questionário elaborado, e os estados de ansiedade foram determinados através do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. As análises estatísticas do estudo foram realizadas no programa IBM®SPSS® 23.0. O teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, correção de Yates e o teste exato de Fisher foram utilizados para comparação das variáveis. Resultados Durante a pandemia, a taxa de alimentação e o uso de vitaminas e minerais adicionais foram significativamente maiores nas mulheres (p=0.03, p<0.001, respectivamente). Durante o período pandêmico, os participantes do sexo masculino consumiram mais peixe do que as mulheres (p=0.037), e as mulheres consumiram mais café do que os homens durante esse período (p=0.004). Em comparação com o período pré-pandemia, o número de pessoas que tomam regularmente o café da manhã aumentou, enquanto o número de pessoas que almoçam e jantam regularmente diminuiu. Foi determinado que à medida que o escore BAI aumentava, a duração do sono diminuía gradativamente (p=0.001), o consumo de alimentos enlatados e o uso de alimentos para viagem aumentavam (p=0.011, p=0.001, respectivamente). Afirmou-se que o peso dos participantes aumentou, exceto aqueles com ansiedade mínima. Conclusão Verificou-se que a maioria dos participantes tendeu a consumir mais alimentos durante o período pandêmico. Observou-se que o índice de quem engordou durante a pandemia foi maior. Apesar disso, constatou-se que escolhas mais saudáveis são feitas à medida que aumenta o consumo de alguns alimentos. O nível de ansiedade foi considerado mais positivo do que alguns estudos semelhantes. O nível de escolaridade pode ter um efeito parcial na escolha de alimentos saudáveis e no enfrentamento da ansiedade.

Characterization of Fruit Vinegars via Bioactive and Organic Acid Profile Using Chemometrics.

Vinegar has been known as a traditional remedy since ancient times. In addition to being used as a flavoring and aroma enhancer in world cuisines, it has attracted more and more attention due to its bioactive potential and health properties. Although the most common use is apple cider vinegar together with grape vinegar, vinegar produced from red fruits has come to the fore due to their health purposes. Rosehip, pomegranate, fig, guelder-rose, blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry vinegars were evaluated regarding the organic acid content, phenolic compound content, and bioactive potential to assess their health potential and associated contents. Acetic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, and malic acid were determined as prominent organic acids in the vinegar samples. In contrast, gallic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid were dominant regarding phenolic compounds. Raspberry, guelder-rose, and pomegranate vinegars came forth regarding their bioactive content and potential. The discriminative parameters of the vinegar samples were pH, total acidity, dL-isocitric acid, gallic acid, and hydroxybenzoic acid. Fruit vinegars were determined to have a notable bioactive content compared to apple and grape vinegars. The use of these vulnerable bioactive materials in vinegar fermentation could provide an effective way for nutrition and raw material resourcing.

Comparison of classic single-layer uterin suture and double-layer purse-string suture techniques for uterus closure in terms of postoperative short-term uterine isthmocele: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the short-term results of classic single-layer uterine closure and double-layer purse-string uterine closure (Turan technique) techniques in cesarean section in terms of the incidence of ischiocele formation. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial study. Participants undergoing first-time cesarean delivery were randomized into two groups. Fifty-eight participants were included in the double-layered uterine closure group (study group), while 53 participants were randomized into the classical single-layered uterine closure group (control group). For comparison of isthmocele formation, transvaginal ultrasound examination was planned in all patients 6 weeks after surgery. The operation data,the formation of isthmocele, its dimensions and volume were recorded. Results: A total of 111 women were included in the study. The incidence of ischiocele at 6 weeks after birth was not significantly different between the groups (p=0.128). Isthmosel was detected in 20.8% of single-layer closures, and this rate was determined as 10.3% in the purse technique. In the Kerr incision made during surgery, the uterine incision size did not differ in either group, but the uterine incision length after suturing was significantly smaller in the purse technique compared with the other group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of ischiocele formation after cesarean section and the depth of the ischiocele was independent of the uterotomy closure technique.

Two-Photon Absorption Response of Functionalized BODIPY Dyes in Near-IR Region by Tuning Conjugation Length and Meso-Substituents.

BODIPY dyes substituted by phenol or -COOMe units at the meso-position (C8) with and without a distyryl group including a methoxy moiety at the -C3 and -C5 positions of the BODIPY have been synthesized to analyze the photophysical properties. To clarify the ground-state interaction, absorption and emission features were investigated in the THF environment. Extending the π-conjugation with the methoxy moiety at -C3 and -C5 positions of BODIPY leads to a spectral shifting of the absorption maxima toward red by 120 nm. In addition, attaching the -COOMe unit at the meso-position of the BODIPY structure increases nonradiative molecular relaxation as compared to compounds possessing phenol substituents at the same position. We have investigated the effect of phenol and a -COOMe group and π-extended conjugation length with a methoxy moiety on the properties of two-photon absorption (TPA) and electron transfer dynamics by performing open-aperture (OA) Z-scan and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements, respectively. The synthesized BODIPY compounds with the distyryl group including the methoxy unit show TPA character due to the longer conjugation length and therefore intramolecular charge transfer ability. Based on the OA Z-scan experiments upon photoexcitation with 800 nm pulsed laser light, TPA cross-section values were obtained as 74 and 81 GM for the compounds possessing phenol and -COOMe units at the meso-position of BODIPY treated by distyryl group with methoxy moieties, respectively. Additionally, optical and electronic properties were calculated theoretically by using the DFT method.

Comparing elective and emergency caesarean section by using bioimpedance method.

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies focusing on hemodynamic changes between elective and emergent C/S cases. We considered that a better understanding of the alterations and physiological reactions in both situations with non-invasive novel technologies might be useful in managing maternal and fetal sides. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, non-invasive hemodynamic changes were observed by using the whole-body impedance method using the NICaS™ device. CO, cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), stroke index (SI), total peripheric resistance (TPR), and cardiac reserve (GGI) parameters were evaluated with a non-invasive method. Measurements were done initiating before surgery, 9 times of 5 min intervals. RESULTS: All 95 patients finished the study. 47 cesarean sections were in the elective group, 48 were in the emergent group. SV in 4.5.6. time intervals were statistically increased in the elective group (p values: SvMl4: 0.025, SvMl5: 0.049, SvMl6: 0.044) (p < 0.05). SI in the second-time interval was statistically increased in the emergent group (p-value SI2: 0.047) (p < 0.05). SI in the 4th time interval was statistically increased in the elective group (p-value SI4: 0.047) (p < 0.05). CO measurements were not statistically different between groups in all time intervals for all comparisons. CI in the second time interval was statistically decreased in the elective group (p-value CI2: 0.012) (p < 0.05). GGI in the 4th time interval was statistically increased in the elective group (p-value GGI4: 0.035) (p < 0.05). TPRI in the second time interval was statistically increased in the elective group (p-value TPRI 2: 0.014) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding normal hemodynamic values before, during, and after C/S is feasible and might help the clinician assess patients' cardiac performance with a reliable noninvasive technique. NICaS might be a reliable tool to evaluate patients' baseline values and diagnose complications earlier during the surgery.

Is maternal serum endocan level a novel marker in gestational diabetes mellitus?

AIM: To determine whether there was a significant difference between serum endocan levels of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: A total of 90 pregnant women, 45 with gestational diabetes and 45 healthy pregnant women, between 24 and 28 gestational weeks, were included in this prospective case-control study. The pregnant women were screened for gestational diabetes using a two-step protocol. Serum endocan levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Serum endocan level was significantly higher in the GDM group than in healthy controls (168.46 ± 160.6 vs. 105.66 ± 26.52 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Serum endocan concentrations were positively correlated with the results of 50 g oral glucose challenge test (GCT) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that endocan with a cut-off point of 133.9 ng/dL indicated women with GDM with a sensitivity of 55.6% and specificity of 88.9% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.737, 95% CI: 0.634-0.824). The overall differential performance of endocan according to the GDM groups was determined as 73.7% (p < 0.001). Maternal serum endocan level was positively correlated with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated endocan levels in gestational diabetes were correlated with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. Despite the low sensitivity of 55.6% and the high specificity of 88.9%, we found a high differential performance rate indicating that serum endocan levels were important for the pathophysiology of GDM and should be investigated for the possibility of being a novel marker in larger populations.

Does the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine damage the ovarian reserve?

To search whether or not the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine affects the fertility of women at the 6th months by using AMH, which is an ovarian reserve test. Our study, designed as a prospective case-control study, included 104 women who presented to the GOP EAH obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic in January and February 2022. The study group included 74 women who presented to the outpatient clinic and planned to be vaccinated and 30 women who refused to be vaccinated as the control group. Anti-COVID-19 antibody levels in all participants were checked before participation in the study, and participants who were positive were excluded from the study. Blood was taken from the participants in both control and study groups to evaluate their AMH levels before the 2 doses of vaccination. After 2 doses of the vaccine, they were called for follow-up, and serological tests were performed to check whether they were positive for anti-COVID-19 antibodies. Participants in both groups were referred for follow-up after 6 months, samples were taken again for AMH, and the data were recorded. The mean age of the study group was 27.6 ±â€…5.3 years, and the mean age of the control group was 28.65 ±â€…5.25 years (P = .298). There was no statistically significant difference between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated groups in terms of AMH levels measured at the 6th month (P = .970). When the vaccinated group was compared in terms of AMH values at the first visit before vaccination and at the 6th month after vaccination, no statistically significant difference was found between them (p:0.127) mRNA vaccination to protect against SARS-CoV-2 does not adversely affect ovarian reserve, which is an indirect indicator of fertility. mRNA vaccines continue to be the most important method of protection against epidemics. Carefully and accurately informing women who are hesitant to get vaccinated is of great importance for the success of the fight against the epidemic.

The effect of complex decongestive physiotherapy applied with different compression pressures on skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness in individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a double-blinded randomized comparison trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of compression bandage applied with different pressures on the skin and subcutaneous thickness in individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS: 21 individuals with stage 2 unilateral BCRL participated in the study. Individuals were randomly allocated into two groups as low-pressure bandage (20-30 mmHg) (n: 11) and high-pressure bandage (45-55 mmHg) (n: 10). Skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness, extremity volume, sleep quality, treatment benefit, and comfort were evaluated by ultrasound from 6 reference points (as hand dorsum, wrist volar, forearm volar, arm volar, forearm dorsum, and arm dorsum), volumetric measurement, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Benefit Index-Lymphedema, and visual analog scale, respectively. Complex decongestive physiotherapy was applied to both groups. Compression bandage was applied according to their group. Individuals were evaluated at the baseline, 1st session, 10th session, 20th session, and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Skin thickness decreased significantly in the volar reference points of the extremity in the high-pressure bandage group (p = 0.004, p = 0.031, and p = 0.003). Subcutaneous tissue thickness significantly decreased at all reference points in the high-pressure bandage group (p < 0.05). In the low-pressure bandage group, skin thickness only decreased in the forearm dorsum and the arm dorsum (p = 0.002, p = 0.035) and subcutaneous tissue thickness changed for all points (p < 0.05) except for hand and arm dorsum (p = 0.064, p = 0.236). Edema decreased in a shorter time in the high-pressure bandage group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in sleep quality, treatment benefit, and comfort for both groups (p = 0.316, p = 0.300, and p = 0.557, respectively). CONCLUSION: High pressure was more effective in reducing subcutaneous tissue thickness in the dorsum of hand and arm. The usage of high-pressure can be recommended especially in cases which have edema in the dorsum of hand and arm which is difficult to resolve. Also, high-pressure bandage can provide faster edema resolution and can be used in rapid volume reduction as desired. Treatment outcomes may improve with high-pressure bandage without any impairment in comfort, sleep quality, and treatment benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE: NCT05660590, 12/26/2022 retrospectively registered.

The effects of dydrogesterone treatment on first-trimester aneuploidy screening markers and nuchal translucency in women with threatened miscarriage.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of dydrogesterone treatment on first-trimester aneuploidy screening markers and nuchal translucency (NT) in women with threatened miscarriage. Materials and Methods: This study is an prospective case-control study. One hundred seven pregnant women who applied for the first-trimester screening test at 11-14th weeks of gestation were included in the study. The study group consisted of 53 pregnant women using oral dydrogesterone due to the threat of miscarriage for at least 2 weeks and without vaginal bleeding for the last 72 h at the time of enrollment. The control group was composed of 54 healty pregnant women. Fetal Crown-rump length (CRL), NT, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAP-A) level, and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free B-hCG) levels of the patients were measured. Results: One hundred seven patients included in the study, 54 (50.46%) were in the control group, and 53 (49.54%) were in the study group using dydrogesterone. Age, body mass index, gravida, parity and abortion numbers, gestational weeks, and CRL values of the two groups were congruent. In the comparison-free B-hCG, PAPP-A and NT values of both groups, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of first-trimester test results and NT (p<0.05). Conclusion: The use of dydrogesterone in first-trimester pregnancies does not affect first-trimester screening tests and nuchal translucency.

Lateral suspension with V-NOTES for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse with the Salman-Ketenci Gencer technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common morbidity and 10-20% of the patients need surgical correction. Sacrocolpopexy or sacrohysteropexy procedures are satisfactory but still difficult. Lateral suspension (LS) as a safe and simple technique has become an alternative technique recently. Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (V-NOTES) is also a new modality and LS using V-NOTES has not been performed previously and should be promising. METHODS: This prospective observational pilot study was conducted with a total of 38 women with stage 3 and 4 POP according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification grading system (POP-Q). Lateral suspension via V-NOTES was performed with the Salman-Ketenci Gencer technique using a mesh for POP. The preoperative and postoperative 6-month POP-Q stages together with Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) scores were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Comparison of the preoperative and postoperative 6-month POP-Q stages of the patients were statistically significant except for the total vaginal length (p<0.01). Compared with the preoperative total and subscale scores of PISQ-12, the postoperative values were considerably improved (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With the Salman-Ketenci Gencer technique not only good anatomical but also good functional results were obtained with V-NOTES. Surgeons may focus on uterine sparing while using the Salman-Ketenci Gencer technique for apical prolapse owing to the higher rate of complications related to the colposuspension and better sexual results after the cervicosuspension.

Effects of Heavy Iodine Atoms and π-Expanded Conjugation on Charge Transfer Dynamics in Carboxylic Acid BODIPY Derivatives as Triplet Photosensitizers.

Borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) chromophores are composed of a functional-COOH group at meso position with or without a biphenyl ring, and their compounds with heavy iodine atoms at -2, -6 positions of the BODIPY indacene core were synthesized. The photophysical properties of the compounds were studied with steady-state absorption and fluorescence measurements. It was observed that the absorption band is significantly red-shifted, and fluorescence signals are quenched in the presence of iodine atoms. In addition to that, it was indicated that the biphenyl ring does not affect the spectral shifting in the absorption as well as fluorescence spectra. In an attempt to investigate the effect of π-expanded biphenyl moieties and heavy iodine atoms on charge transfer dynamics, femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements were carried out in the environment of the tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution. Based on the performed ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy, BODIPY compounds with iodine atoms lead to intersystem crossing (ISC) and ISC rates were determined as 150 ps and 180 ps for iodine BODIPY compounds with and without π-expanded biphenyl moieties, respectively. According to the theoretical results, the charge transfer in the investigated compounds mostly appears to be intrinsic local excitations, corresponding to high photoluminescence efficiency. These experimental findings are useful for the design and study of the fundamental photochemistry of organic triplet photosensitizers.

Serum myosin-binding protein c levels: a new marker for exclusion of preterm birth?

Background/aim: To evaluate whether there is a relationship between serum myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) levels measured in the first trimester and the timing of delivery, and, if a relationship is detected, the potential of this relationship in distinguishing between preterm and term labor. Materials and methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted with 701 pregnant women who applied to the Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic of Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital in the first trimester, between 11 and 14 gestational weeks. MyBP-C serum samples from the first trimester were stored under appropriate conditions until the time of delivery. Of these pregnant women, 628 completed the study. According to the delivery time, the pregnant women were divided into two groups, as those who delivered prematurely before 37 weeks and those who gave birth at term. The case group comprised 45 women who gave birth prematurely, while 583 women gave birth at term. A control group was formed with 45 pregnant women of the same age, who were selected by randomization using a simple random sampling method from the 583 pregnant women. The MyBP-C levels were measured and compared from the first-trimester serum materials of both groups. Results: The MyBP-C levels of the preterm delivery group were significantly higher than those of the term delivery control group (4.51 ± 1.69 vs. 3.09 ± 1.44 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the MyBP-C levels in the first trimester with a cut-off value of 4.76 ng/dL indicated women with preterm delivery with a sensitivity of 42.22% and specificity of 95.56% (AUC: 0.734, 95% CI: 0.630-0.822). The overall differential diagnosis performance of the MyBP-C level for preterm delivery was determined as 73.4% (p < 0.001). The MyBP-C levels were found to be significantly higher both in the early preterm group compared with the late preterm group (p < 0.001), and in those with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) compared with those without (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The preterm delivery group exhibited high serum MyBP-C levels in the serum samples taken in the first trimester. First-trimester serum MyBP-C levels seem to be a simple and easy way to exclude preterm delivery risk in a significant manner. In addition, levels are significantly higher for early preterm compared with late preterm and early PROM compared with intact membranes.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants-A Critical Review on In Vitro Antioxidant Assays.

Antioxidants have been widely studied in the fields of biology, medicine, food, and nutrition sciences. There has been extensive work on developing assays for foods and biological systems. The scientific communities have well-accepted the effectiveness of endogenous antioxidants generated in the body. However, the health efficacy and the possible action of exogenous dietary antioxidants are still questionable. This may be attributed to several factors, including a lack of basic understanding of the interaction of exogenous antioxidants in the body, the lack of agreement of the different antioxidant assays, and the lack of specificity of the assays, which leads to an inability to relate specific dietary antioxidants to health outcomes. Hence, there is significant doubt regarding the relationship between dietary antioxidants to human health. In this review, we documented the variations in the current methodologies, their mechanisms, and the highly varying values for six common food substrates (fruits, vegetables, processed foods, grains, legumes, milk, and dairy-related products). Finally, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the antioxidant assays and examine the challenges in correlating the antioxidant activity of foods to human health.

Two-photon absorption and triplet excited state quenching of near-IR region aza-BODIPY photosensitizers via a triphenylamine moiety despite heavy bromine atoms.

Aza-BODIPY compounds with methoxy groups at -3 and -5 and triphenylamine moieties at -1 and -7 positions with and without heavy bromine atoms at -2 and -6 positions have been designed and synthesized. The chemical structures of the novel compounds were fully characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and HRMS-TOF-ESI techniques. Steady-state absorption and emission features were investigated to analyze ground-state interactions. The effects of triphenylamine moieties and bromine atoms on charge transfer dynamics and two-photon absorption (TPA) properties were investigated using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements and open-aperture (OA) Z-scan experiments, respectively. Contrary to popular belief, the compound containing heavy bromine atoms and triphenylamine moieties did not demonstrate any triplet transition. Since the triphenylamine moiety has high electron-donating properties and a long conjugation length, it exhibited intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) features from electron-donating moieties to the aza-BODIPY core. Additionally, it is concluded that the excited-state lifetime is shortened in the presence of a bromine atom with triphenylamine moieties. This result is rather interesting since the triplet excited state is quenched by the triphenylamine moiety despite the presence of a heavy bromine atom. The performed OA Z-scan experiments revealed that the aza-BODIPY compound containing bromine atoms has a higher TPA cross-section value (116 GM) due to efficient intramolecular charge transfer compared to that without bromine atoms (89 GM). Additionally, in the theoretical calculations, it was found that the charge transfer percentage (CT%) was the strongest in compounds containing bromine atoms.

What do lymphedema patients expect from a treatment and what do they achieve? A descriptive study.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is characterized by swelling and fibroadipose tissue deposition that is a physically, psychologically, and socially debilitating condition due to chronic and progressive nature of the disease. Treatment benefit evaluation from the patient's perspective is important for medical decision-making. The aim of this study is to investigate important treatment goals and benefits of treatment from the patients' perspective. METHOD: Eighty-one patients with lymphedema, lipoedema, or lipolymphoedema who are currenlty treated or who underwent previous treatment were included in the study. Socio-demographic data was recorded. Important goals and benefit from treatment were assessed with Patients Needs Questionnaire and Patient Benefit Questionnaire which are sub-questionnaires of Patient Benefit Index-Lymphedema. RESULTS: The most important expectation and needed item was "To find a clear diagnosis and therapy" (n:59, 72%). The least important item for the lymphedema patients was "To feel more attractive" (n:9, 11%). Most beneficial effect of treatment was "To have no fear that the disease will become worse" (n:37, 45.7%). "To have fewer out of pocket treatment expenses" was rated as the least beneficial effect of treatment (n:24, 29.6%). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to identify patients' needs and expectations. Patients should be referred for treatment according to their needs. The effectiveness of the treatment should be evaluated objectively. Patient education should be considered as a part of the effective treatment to teach patients how to control their lymphedema. A clear diagnosis and access to treatment should be ensured for lymphedema patients. Regulations for health insurance benefit coverage are needed to cover cost of compression garments.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method combined with sugaring-out homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction for the determination of some pesticides in molasses samples.

In this study, a sensitive analytical method was developed to determine some pesticides (cyprodinil, trifloxystrobin, prometryn, propachlor, fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, and phosalone) in molasses samples. Pesticides were extracted from samples by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method combined with sugaring-out homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. In this method, pesticides in molasses samples were first extracted using a water-miscible solvent (acetonitrile) in the sugaring-out homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction stage. The sugar in the ratio of 84-88% naturally contained in the molasses sample enabled phase separation in the acetonitrile-water homogeneous mixture. Then acetonitrile phase containing pesticides was used as dispersing solvent in the second step of the process. Under the specified optimum conditions, the limit of detection was calculated between 0.8-6.1 ng/g and the limit of quantification was in the range of 2.5-20 ng/g. The relative standard deviation values of molasses samples containing 150 ng/g of each analyte were found to be lower than 4.9% intra-day and 5.6% for inter-day. This validated method has been successfully applied to different types of molasses.