Optimization of e-beam lithography parameters for nanofabrication of sub-50 nm gold nanowires and nanogaps based on a bilayer lift-off process.

Electron beam lithography (EBL) stands out as a powerful direct-write tool offering nanometer-scale patterning capability and is especially useful in low-volume R&D prototyping when coupled with pattern transfer approaches like etching or lift-off. Among pattern transfer approaches, lift-off is preferred particularly in research settings, as it is cost-effective and safe and does not require tailored wet/dry etch chemistries, fume hoods, and/or complex dry etch tools; all-in-all offering convenient, 'undercut-free' pattern transfer rendering it useful, especially for metallic layers and unique alloys with unknown etchant compatibility or low etch selectivity. Despite the widespread use of the lift-off technique and optical/EBL for micron to even sub-micron scales, existing reports in the literature on nanofabrication of metallic structures with critical dimension in the 10-20 nm regime with lift-off-based EBL patterning are either scattered, incomplete, or vary significantly in terms of experimental conditions, which calls for systematic process optimization. To address this issue, beyond what can be found in a typical photoresist datasheet, this paper reports a comprehensive study to calibrate EBL patterning of sub-50 nm metallic nanostructures including gold nanowires and nanogaps based on a lift-off process using bilayer polymethyl-methacrylate as the resist stack. The governing parameters in EBL, including exposure dose, soft-bake temperature, development time, developer solution, substrate type, and proximity effect are experimentally studied through more than 200 EBL runs, and optimal process conditions are determined by field emission scanning electron microscope imaging of the fabricated nanostructures reaching as small as 11 nm feature size.

The positive effects of preoperative chlorhexidine rinse to reduce postoperative pneumonia after kidney transplantation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pneumonia is one of the most observed hospital-acquired infections and increases the postoperative mortality rate. Further, it drives the healthcare systems under a severe financial burden. Preventing postoperative pneumonia is an incredibly challenging issue for clinicians. Since immunosuppression therapy, the patients who had kidney transplants are more vulnerable to postoperative infections. There is no data in the scientific literature focusing on the effects of preoperative oral care with chlorhexidine antiseptic solutions on postoperative pneumonia in kidney transplantation surgery cases. In the present research, we studied this topic. METHODS: A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted at our institution between August 2020 and August 2022. Group A: Received 0.12 % chlorhexidine oral rinse preoperatively; Group B: Not received 0.12 % chlorhexidine oral rinse preoperatively. We analyzed the differences between the two trial groups using a chi-square or t-test. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the categorical data. RESULTS: Nine patients (17.6 %) were diagnosed with postoperative pneumonia in Group A and fourteen (25.9 %) in Group B (p < 0.05). Hospitalization time of Group B was prolonged (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors associated with postoperative pneumonia were advanced age, diabetes mellitus, smoking, delayed graft function and not gargling with 0.12 % chlorhexidine (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To reduce postoperative pneumonia risk in patients undergoing kidney transplantation surgery, an oral health protocol including 0.12 % chlorhexidine mouth rinse seems beneficial.

Systematic measurements of interleaflet friction in supported bilayers.

When lipid membranes curve or are subjected to strong shear forces, the two apposed leaflets of the bilayer slide past each other. The drag that one leaflet creates on the other is quantified by the coefficient of interleaflet friction, b. Existing measurements of this coefficient range over several orders of magnitude, so we used a recently developed microfluidic technique to measure it systematically in supported lipid membranes. Fluid shear stress was used to force the top leaflet of a supported membrane to slide over the stationary lower leaflet. Here, we show that this technique yields a reproducible measurement of the friction coefficient and is sensitive enough to detect differences in friction between membranes made from saturated and unsaturated lipids. Adding cholesterol to saturated and unsaturated membranes increased interleaflet friction significantly. We also discovered that fluid shear stress can reversibly induce gel phase in supported lipid bilayers that are close to the gel-transition temperature.

Synchronous detection of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

INTRODUCTION: Synchronous detection of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia in a single patient is a rare coincidence. Treatment of these patients is still unclear, mostly based on acute myeloid leukemia strategies combined with bortezomib. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old male with no medical history was investigated for pancytopenia. On medical examination, he was complicated with a wide and severe skin infection on arm. On examination of bone marrow aspirate, 25% myeloblasts infiltration and additional 10% plasma cells were seen. Acute myeloid leukemia was diagnosed and plasma cell proliferation was attributed to reactive plasmacytosis due to skin infection. However, flowcytometric studies and immunohistochemical examination revealed two different cell populations with 30-40% atypical plasma cells and >20% myeloblasts. Serum M-protein detected by serum electrophoresis test and immunofixation test revealed a monoclonal IgG lambda band. He was diagnosed with concurrent acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma without history of chemotherapy.Management and outcome: The patient was initially treated with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the myeloma. Subsequently, azacitidine was administered subcutaneously for the acute myeloid leukemia treatment. The tru-cut biopsy of the lesion on his arm revealed suppurative inflammatory findings and no malign cells detected. Antibiotherapy was started according to susceptibility. He expired after three months of survival. DISCUSSION: The synchronous occurrence of these two different clonal hematological malignancies is rare in hematology practice. Patient-based prospective studies and case series are needed to guide diagnosis and treatment strategies. Furthermore, this report highlights the importance of ruling out reactive plasmacytosis in patients with hematological malignancy who developed severe infections.

Ibrutinib-induced polyneuropathy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Ibrutinib is an oral irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase signaling. It is a well-tolerated agent with some side-effects, the most common of which are atrial fibrillation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, rash and cytopenias. Most of these toxicities are mild, although some have a severe clinical course. CASE REPORT: The case is here reported of a chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient with ibrutinib-induced polyneuropathy. A 63-year-old male patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia was given ibrutinib as a third line treatment regimen. After the 10th month of therapy he had progressive complaints of numbness and tingling in his legs. The patient was diagnosed as grade 3 sensorineural polyneuropathy with electromyography.Management and outcome: Considering that ibrutinib treatment may cause neuropathy, the ibrutinib was discontinued, after which the neuropathic complaints improved. However, the neck and axillary lymph nodes were enlarged and treatment had to be re-started therefore ibrutinib was started at a low dose and gradually increased. The patient is currently in the 14th month of treatment and still using ibrutinib without any severe side-effects. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, polyneuropathy as a unique side-effect of ibrutinib has not been previously reported. In addition to the well-known side effects of ibrutinib treatment, it should be kept in mind that polyneuropathy may also develop.

The incidence and risk factors of thrombosis and the need for thromboprophylaxis in lymphoma and leukemia patients: A 9-year single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer are at increased risk of thromboembolic complications. There is no evidence-based guideline on the use of routine prophylaxis in hematological malignancies except in patients with multiple myeloma. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of thrombosis and suggest a rationale for primary thromboprophylaxis in acute leukemia and lymphoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on newly-diagnosed acute leukemia and lymphoma patients who presented at our institution from November 2009 to March 2018. The study included a total of 157 patients with acute leukemia and 238 patients with lymphoma. The groups were analyzed to determine the incidence and risk factors of thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: The incidence of all thrombotic complications was 10.12% (40/395) including 11.4% (18/157) in patients with acute leukemia and 9.2% (22/238) in patients with lymphoma. The majority of events occurred in the first 6 months. Acute leukemia patients with thrombosis had a higher number of comorbidities than those without thrombosis (p < 0.05). Lymphoma patients with thrombotic complications had significantly higher beta-2-microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase levels compared to those without thrombosis (p < 0.05). Major bleeding events developed in five (3.1%) acute leukemia patients and two (0.8%) lymphoma patients. All the major bleeding events occurred when the patients were thrombocytopenic (platelet < 50,000/mm3). CONCLUSIONS: Acute leukemia patients with any comorbidity and lymphoma patients with higher lactate dehydrogenase and beta-2-microglobulin are at high risk of developing thromboembolic complications. The prophylactic use of anticoagulant should be considered for those patients especially in the first 6 months.

Refractory Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a patient with Kaposi sarcoma.

The case is here presented of a 70-year old male patient with rare coexistence of Kaposi Sarcoma and resistant Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). The Kaposi lesions were determined before the diagnosis of TTP and were exacerbated after receiving TTP-associated immunosuppressive therapy, in particular associated with rituximab. TTP in this case was resistant to conventional therapies such as steroid and plasma exchange and current immunosuppressive (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristin) treatments. Novel treatment agents consisting of bortezomib and eculizumab given to the patient were also ineffective. To the best of our knowledge, this case presents the first case of coexistence of TTP and Kaposi sarcoma from Turkey and the challenge of refractory TTP management.

An acute transverse myelitis attack after autologous stem cell transplantation: A rare case.

Transverse myelitis is a quite rare complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The case is here reported of a 49 year old male with diffuse large B cell lymphoma in complete remission who developed transverse myelitis after autologous stem cell transplantation. The patient presented with numbness and sensory loss of the bilateral lower extremities and difficulty in urinating on the 20th day after cell transplantation. Millimetric hyperintensity was detected in the C5-C6 and T2-T5 segments of the spinal cord on cervical and thoracic vertebral magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment was initiated of pulse steroid and intravenous immunoglubulin followed by plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide due to inadequate response. The patient then started a rehabilitation program and was discharged in the 9th month after stem cell transplantation when most of the symptoms were relieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in literature of TM development after autologous stem cell transplantation.

Is antimicrobial prophylaxis necessary for lymphoma patients? A single centre, real-life experience.

BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis is strongly recommended in patients with hematological malignancy who are usually at higher risk for infection and neutropenic fever. It is still unclear whether or not there is a definite need for antimicrobial prophylaxis in intermediate-risk hematology patients such as those with lymphoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of patients admitted from January 2009 to December 2017 to the Hematology Department of Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The study included patients who were diagnosed with any type of lymphoma and given chemotherapy. Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered to 127 lymphoma patients, and not to 65 lymphoma patients. These two groups were compared in respect of the incidence of total infection episodes (IE), febrile neutropenia episodes, and nonneutropenic clinically documented infection episodes. RESULTS: For all patients with lymphoma and subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma, no significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the total incidence of IE, febrile neutropenia and nonneutropenic clinically documented infection both during the first-line chemotherapy and throughout the total follow-up period (p > 0.05). Patients with prophylaxis had a higher incidence of IE, which was treated with parenteral antibiotics both during the first-line chemotherapy and throughout the total follow-up period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial prophylaxis was seen to have no effect on the total incidence of infection episode and febrile neutropenia. Therefore, the routine use of antimicrobial prophylaxis should not be recommended for patients with lymphoma.

The rare coexistence of high titer inhibitor development and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a patient with severe hemophilia: A case report.

Hemophilia is a hereditary disease with impaired blood coagulation due to a genetic deficiency of blood coagulation factors. The development of inhibitors further complicates the course of the disease and management. The case is here reported of a haemophilia patient who presented with coexisting development of high titer inhibitor with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) diagnosis and was admitted with upper gastrointestinal system bleeding. The patient had no prior history of inhibitor presence. During all procedures including surgery, excellent hemostasis was achieved with rFVIIa treatment and no hemorrhagic complication was observed. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the first reported case of GIST associated with inhibitor development in a hemophilia A patient.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide-Induced Tonic-Clonic Seizure and Cardiac Arrest During Infusion of Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells.

Various side effects associated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which is used for cryopreservation of bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) have been reported. Among the central nervous system side effects the epileptic seizures, stroke, transient and temporary leucoencephalopathy, and global amnesia are well known. Herein we report a 52-year-old man who experienced tonic-clonic seizure within minutes after the initiation of DMSO cryopreserved autologous PBPC infusion. Unfortunately, he also developed cardiac arrest and required intubation for ventilation after the seizure. Pathophysiology of acute neurological and cardiac toxicity is unclear, but may also be idiosyncratic. Clinicians should be aware of the toxicity of cryoprotectant agents during PBSC infusion. Determining the risk factors associated with increased DMSO toxicity and taking preventive actions is utmost important.

Dynamic thiol disulphide homeostasis in operating theater personnel exposed to anesthetic gases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis and occupational exposure to volatile anesthetic gases in operating theater personnel. Decreased blood thiol levels and raised blood disulphide levels serve as biomarkers of oxidative stress. METHODS: We included 65 subjects occupationally exposed and 55 unexposed healthy medical professionals into the study. A novel method enabled separate measurements of components involved in dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis (native thiol, disulphide, and total thiol). To control for the potential confounding effect on oxidative stress of psychological symptoms potentially caused by occupational stress, we used scores obtained from four different anxiety and depression inventories. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation native thiol was found to be 433.35 ± 30.68 in the exposed group, lower than among controls, 446.61 ± 27.8 (P = 0.02). Disulphide in the exposed group was 15.78 ± 5.12, higher than among controls, 12.14 ± 5.33 (P < 0.001). After adjusting for anxiety and depression scores, age and gender, native thiol remained lower and disulphide higher in the exposed group (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in workers exposed to anesthetic gases was found to be disturbed after adjusting for the possible contribution of anxiety. We infer that this is due to the oxidative effect of exposure to anesthetic gases.

Can Resorbable Fixation Screws Replace Titanium Fixation Screws? A Nano-Indentation Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the nano-hardness and elastic modulus of titanium and resorbable screws and determine whether resorbable screws could completely replace titanium screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mechanical properties (nano-hardness and decreased elastic modulus) of TriMed titanium, resorbable Inion CPS, and Synthes RapidSorb samples were measured using a nano-indentation technique. In this study, a Hysitron TriboIndenter TI 950 with a resolution less than 1 nN and a displacement resolution of 0.04 nm was used for the nano-indentation tests. The unloading segments of the nano-indentation curves were analyzed using the method of Oliver and Pharr (J Mater Res 7:1564, 1992). RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the values of the elastic modulus and nano-hardness of the TriMed titanium screws were significantly higher than those of the resorbable Inion CPS and Synthes RapidSorb screws (P < .05). A statistical difference was not observed between the values of the elastic modulus and the nano-hardness of the Inion CPS and Synthes RapidSorb screws (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the resorbable screws were found to be soft and flexible compared with the titanium screw. According to the results of this nano-indentation study, resorbable and titanium screws cannot be used interchangeably.

Evaluation of the effect of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty on left ventricular systolic function via strain and strain rate in patients with isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PMBV) has an established role in the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis. The study aim was to evaluate the effects of PMBV on left ventricular function in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) by using strain and strain rate imaging modalities. METHODS: The study included 30 consecutive patients (21 women, nine men; mean age 44 ± 14 years) with moderate to severe MS. Left ventricular long-axis strain and strain rate color tissue Doppler imaging of the septal, lateral, inferior and anterior basal segments were performed one day before and seven days after PMBV. RESULTS: Compared with pretreatment findings, lateral systolic strain (-13.4 ± 2.9% versus -18.4 ± 3.9%; p = 0.024), inferior systolic strain (-14.7 ± 2.3% versus -17.6 ± 2.1%; p = 0.016), anterior systolic strain (-15.2 ± 2.4% versus -17.2 ± 2.2%; p = 0.02), and septal systolic strain (-15.7 ± 1.6% versus -18.1 ± 1.9%; p = 0.018) values were significantly increased after the procedure, but no significant change was observed in strain rate analysis. CONCLUSION: A rapid improvement in strain values after PMBV in patients with isolated MS showed that the LV systolic dysfunction in isolated MS is strongly associated with impaired. hemodynamic parameters. Significantly increased strain values can be added to the criteria of successful PMBV.

Ertapenem-induced acute reversible peripheral neuropathy in chronic kidney disease: 3 case reports.

BACKGROUND: Ertapenem is a broad-spectrum and long-acting carbapenem which is predominantly eliminated by the kidneys, and it requires dose adjustment in renal failure. Although it is known that excessive doses of ertapenem can cause neurotoxicity, there are very few case reports of ertapenem-induced reversible peripheral neuropathy in the literature when used with renal adjusted doses. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We report 3 patients with a history of stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) who developed acute reversible peripheral neuropathy proven with electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). All patients received renal adjusted doses of ertapenem for complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). We also discuss the incidence of carbapenem-related neurotoxicity, mechanisms, and risk factors with a review of the literature. RESULTS: All patients developed acute peripheral, and additionally one acute central nervous system, neuropathy within 1 week of treatment with ertapenem, which was confirmed by EMG. Complete clinical recovery was obtained in all patients within 2 weeks of cessation of ertapenem treatment, and electromyography was confirmatory in all patients. CONCLUSION: Ertapenem is potentially neurotoxic in patients with CKD even when it is given with renal adjusted doses according to recommendations. Although carbapenem-related neurotoxicity most commonly manifests as seizures, our series indicates that acute and reversible peripheral neuropathy can also develop. Clinicians administering ertapenem for patients with a GFR of < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 should be cautious.

EVALUATION OF PARA- AND PERIRENAL FAT THICKNESS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH METABOLIC DISORDERS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare para- and perirenal fat (PFT) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SFT) measurements between patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and control subjects and to assess the possible relation with metabolic disorders. METHODS: This study included 68 patients with PCOS and 40 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. We evaluated anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic parameters, and abdominal ultrasonography was performed to measure PFT and SFT. RESULTS: The mean PFT values were 6.1 ± 2.9 mm in patients with PCOS and 4.3 ± 2.3 mm in healthy controls (P = .002). SFT values were also higher in the patient group (9.6 ± 5 mm) compared to healthy subjects (3.5 ± 0.5 mm) (P = .017). A significant positive correlation was found between PFT and BMI (r = 0.368), waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.441), Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score (r = 0.313), blood pressure (systolic, SBP, r = 0.213; diastolic, DBP, r = 0.215), plasma glucose (r = 0.195), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, r = 0.273), SFT (r = 0.555). Conversely, negative correlations were found between PFT and estradiol (r = -0.218) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG, r = -0.304). Nonobese PCOS patients (6.1 ± 3.07 mm) had higher PFT values than nonobese controls (3.47 ± 1.5 mm); however, SFT measurements did not differ (P = .086). In multiple linear regression analysis, SFT (P = .006) was a significant and independent predictor for PFT, along with WC (P = .023). In a stepwise model, SFT was the predictor of PFT (P = .001). CONCLUSION: PFT values were higher particularly in nonobese PCOS patients compared to nonobese control subjects. There was a significant interaction between PCOS and obesity on PFT.

ST-segment elevation of right precordial lead (V4 R) is associated with multivessel disease and increased in-hospital mortality in acute anterior myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: ST segment elevation of chest lead V4 R is associated with worse prognosis in acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study tried to determine the relationship between ST elevation in the right precordial lead V4 R and acute anterior STEMI. METHODS: Prospective study of 144 consecutive anterior STEMI patients: all had 15-lead ECG recordings (12 conventional leads and V3 R-V5 R) obtained. Patients were classified into two groups on the basis of presence (Group I, 50 patients) or absence (Group II, 94 patients) of ST-segment elevation ≥0.5 mm in lead V4 R. RESULTS: Multivessel involvement was significantly higher in Group I compared with Group II (54% and 23% respectively, P < 0.001). Major adverse cardiac events and in-hospital mortality was also significantly higher for those in Group I (P < 0.02 for both). A significant correlation was found between in-hospital mortality and those in Group I (P = 0.03, OR: 6.27, CI: 1.22-32.3). There was an independent relationship between in-hospital mortality and V4 R-ST elevation (P = 0.03, OR: 11.64, CI: 1.3-27.4). CONCLUSION: ST segment elevation in chest lead V4 R is associated with multivessel disease and increased in-hospital mortality in patients with anterior STEMI that had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention to the left anterior descending artery.

The impact of hypertension on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and its association with carotid intima media thickness.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in hypertensive patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to evaluate the relationship between RNFL thickness and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). METHODS: This study included 59 patients with hypertension (HT) (53.6 ± 10.7 years) and 54 age-matched healthy controls (51.0 ± 8.1 years). We evaluated anthropometric and metabolic parameters as well as RNFL and CIMT measurements in patients with hypertension and controls. RESULTS: The average RNFL thickness was 86.60 ± 10.86 µm in hypertensive patients and 93.63 ± 7.30 µm in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Selective thinning of the RNFL was found in the superior and inferior quadrants. Mean CIMT values were higher in patients with HT (0.80 ± 0.15 mm) than the healthy subjects (0.71 ± 0.1 mm) (p < 0.001). The average, inferior and nasal RNFL thickness were negatively associated with diastolic blood pressure respectively (r = - 0.112, r = - 0.210, r = - 0.225). There was an inverse correlation between RNFL thickness in the average and superior retinal quadrant and CIMT (r = - 0.201, r = - 0.185). There were no correlations between RNFL thickness and age, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, lipid parameters, high-sensitive C-reactive protein and microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION: RNFL thickness is reduced in hypertensive patients and may be associated with atherosclerosis.

The effect of exposure of rats during prenatal period to radiation spreading from mobile phones on renal development.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) produced by mobile phones on the renal development of prenatal rats. Histopathological changes and apoptosis in the kidneys, together with levels of urea, creatinine and electrolyte in serum were determined. METHODS: A total of 14 Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Pregnant rats were divided into two equal groups: a control group and an EMF-exposed group. The study group was exposed to 900-MHz of EMF during the first 20 days of pregnancy, while the control group was unexposed to EMF. Sections obtained from paraffin blocks were stained for caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. RESULTS: Mild congestion and tubular defects, and dilatation of Bowman's capsule were observed in the kidney tissues of rats in the exposed group. Apoptosis was evaluated using anti-caspase-3; stronger positive staining was observed in the renal tubular cells in the study group than those of the control group. Although there was a significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of K+ level (p<0.05), no significant difference was observed in the other parameters studied (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the electromagnetic waves propagated from mobile phones have harmful effects on the renal development of prenatal rats.

Glycated hemoglobin predicts overall and cardiovascular mortality in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients.

AIMS: Besides diabetic patients, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels have been reported to predict mortality in non-diabetics patients. However, the importance of HbA1c levels in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients still remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to prospectively investigate the impact of HbA1c on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a large group of prevalent non-diabetic hemodialysis patients. METHODS: HbA1c was measured quarterly in 489 non-diabetic prevalent hemodialysis patients. Overall and cardiovascular mortality were evaluated over a 3 year follow-up. RESULTS: Mean HbA1c level was 4.88 ± 0.46% (3.5 - 6.9%). During the 28.3 ± 10.6 months follow-up period, 67 patients (13.7%) died; 31 from cardiovascular causes. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients in the lowest (< 4.69%) and highest HbA1c (> 5.04%) tertiles had poorer overall survival compared to the middle HbA1c tertile (p < 0.001). Adjusted Cox-regression analysis revealed that the highest HbA1c tertile was associated with both overall (HR = 3.60, 95% CI 1.57 - 8.27, p = 0.002) and cardiovascular (HR = 6.66, 95% CI 1.51 - 29.4; p = 0.01) mortality. Also, low HbA1c levels tended to be associated with overall mortality (HR = 2.26, 95% CI 0.96 - 5.29, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Upper normal HbA1c levels are independently associated with cardiovascular and overall mortality in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients, whereas lower HbA1c levels are not.