Controlled Localized Metal-Organic Framework Synthesis on Anion Exchange Membranes.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) films can be used in various applications. In this work, we propose a method that can be used to synthesize MOF films localized on a single side of an anion exchange membrane, preventing the transport of the metal precursor via Donnan exclusion. This is advantageous compared to the related contra-diffusion method that results in the growth of a MOF film on both sides of the support, differing in quality on both sides. Our proposed method has the advantage that the synthesis conditions can potentially be tuned to create the optimal conditions for crystal growth on a single side. The localized growth of the MOF is governed by Donnan exclusion of the anion exchange membrane, preventing metal ions from passing to the other compartment, and this leads to a local control of the precursor stoichiometry. In this work, we show that our method can localize the growth of both Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 in water and in methanol, respectively, highlighting that this method can used for preparing a variety of MOF films with varying characteristics using soluble precursors at room temperature.

Early Prediction of Bloodstream Infection with Complete Blood Count Parameters: an Ex-Vivo Human Whole Blood Model.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advanced laboratory technologies available today, blood culture is the gold standard method in the diagnosis of bloodstream infections. Automated blood culture devices give blood culture results for laboratories approximately in 2 - 3 days up to 7 days. Moreover, some microorganisms like nonreproducible bacteria, fungi or viruses cannot be produced in culture. Among all samples taken for blood culture on suspicion of infection approximately 10% are determined as positive whereas the false positive rate due to contamination is 5%. Especially in life-threatening severe conditions such as sepsis early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial. Based on this the aim of this study is to investigate complete blood count parameters as potential early markers in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans bloodstream infections using an ex vivo whole blood model. METHODS: Blood samples collected from healthy donors (n = 10) were treated with suspensions containing a certain concentration of microorganisms (107 CFU/mL for both E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213, 106 CFU/mL for C. albicans ATCC 14053). After bacteremia and candidemia were induced, complete blood count parameters were analyzed hourly in the samples until the end of the 4th hour with a Mindray BC-6800 hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc multiple comparison test and statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05. RESULTS: When platelet derived parameter baseline values were compared to hourly values in E. coli and S. aureus induced whole blood samples, it was found that the decrease in PLT, P-LCC and the increase in IPF% was significant from the first hour whereas the increase in IMG% was found to be significant only from the 3rd hour onward. In the experiments with C. albicans, it was observed that the increase in IPF% and IMG% was significant from the 2nd and 3rd hour onward, respectively. There was no relationship between MPV, P-LCR, and NLR baseline and hourly results in any microorganism induced model. CONCLUSIONS: IPF% can guide clinicians in the early diagnosis and management of treatment of infections caused by S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans.

The Effect of Home-Based Telehealth and Postpartum Care Given According to Watson's Theory of Human Caring on the Improvement in the Emotional State of the Mother During the Pandemic Process: A Case Report.

Objective: The purpose of this case report was to evaluate the effect of telehealth and postpartum care provided to a mother with maternal depression according to Watson's Theory of Human Caring during the pandemic on the improvement in the mother's emotional state and to evaluate the applicability of the model. Methods: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was administered to eight women who responded to the announcement made on social media, and verbal and written permission was obtained from the mother with the highest scale score. A total of six video calls were made with the mother via WhatsApp, twice a week in the first week after postnatal discharge and once a week in the next 4 weeks, in accordance with the form drawn up according to Watson's Theory of Human Caring. Results: In this study, it was observed that home-based telehealth and postpartum care provided using Watson's Theory of Human Caring, which includes a holistic approach, was very useful, and the care provided according to the model provided a positive improvement in the emotional state of the mother with depression. Conclusions: It was concluded that telehealth and postpartum care is useful in home-based care in extraordinary situations/quarantine conditions such as pandemic; care can also be provided in the form of telehealth service according to Watson's Theory of Human Caring to mothers with depression; and care provides positive improvement in the emotional state of mothers.

Progress towards the Replacement of the Rabbit Blood Sugar Test for the Quantitative Determination of the Biological Activity of Insulins (USP <121>) with an In Vitro Assay.

For the quantification of insulin activity, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) general chapter <121> continues to require the rabbit blood sugar test. For new insulin or insulin analogue compounds, those quantitative data are expected for stability or comparability studies. At Sanofi, many rabbits were used to fulfil the authority's requirements to obtain quantitative insulin bioactivity data until the in vivo test was replaced. In order to demonstrate comparability between the in vivo and in vitro test systems, this study was designed to demonstrate equivalency. The measurement of insulin lispro and insulin glargine drug substance and drug product batches, including stress samples (diluted or after temperature stress of 30 min at 80 °C), revealed a clear correlation between the in vitro and in vivo test results. The recovery of quantitative in vitro in-cell Western (ICW) results compared to the in vivo test results was within the predefined acceptance limits of 80% to 125%. Thus, the in vitro ICW cell-based bioassay leads to results that are equivalent to the rabbit blood sugar test per USP <121>, and it is highly suitable for insulin activity quantification. For future development compounds, the in vitro in-cell Western cell-based assay can replace the rabbit blood sugar test required by USP <121>.

Comparison of anti-spike IgG, anti-spike IgA levels and neutralizing antibody activity induced by CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

BACKGROUND: The importance of COVID-19 vaccination for patients on immunosuppressive (IS) medication has increased due to the high risk of severe disease or mortality. Different vaccines have varying efficacy rates against symptomatic COVID-19, ranging from 46.8% to 95%. The objective of this study was to examine the differences in anti-Spike IgG, anti-Spike IgA, and neutralizing antibody (NAb) activity between the inactive CoronaVac vaccine and the mRNA-based BNT162b2 vaccine in IS patients. METHOD: A total of 441 volunteers, including 104 IS patients, 263 healthy controls (HC), who received two doses of CoronaVac or BNT162b2, and 74 unvaccinated patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, were included in the study. Anti-spike IgG, IgA, and NAb activity were investigated. RESULTS: Immunogenicity with BNT162b2 was higher than with CoronaVac, but in IS groups, it was lower than HC (CoronaVac-IS: 79.3%, CoronaVac-HC: 96.5%, p < 0.001; BNT162b2-IS: 91.3%, BNT162b2-HC: 100%, p = 0.005). With CoronaVac, anti-Spike IgG levels were significantly lower than BNT162b2 (CoronaVac-IS: 234.5AU/mL, CoronaVac-HC: 457.85AU/mL; BNT162b2-IS: 5311.2AU/mL, BNT162b2-HC: 8842.8AU/mL). NAb activity in the BNT162b2 group was significantly higher. NAb and anti-Spike IgG levels were found to be correlated. Among the IS group, a significantly lower response to the vaccines was observed when using rituximab. IgA levels were found to be lower with CoronaVac. CONCLUSIONS: Although immunogenicity was lower in IS patients, an acceptable response was obtained with both vaccines, and significantly higher anti-Spike IgG, anti-Spike IgA, and NAb activity levels were obtained with BNT162b2.

Paraoxonase-1 and fetuin-A levels in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Studies mostly focused on risk factors and clinical status in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Various antiinflammatory markers may help us in the early diagnosis and clinical classification of cerebral palsy patients. In this study, the relationship between antiinflammatory marker levels and clinical status in patients with CP is determined. It is the first time that Fetuin-A and Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) are examined in children with CP. METHODS: The study is conducted on 79 children which are divided into two groups as CP and control. Gross motor function and spasticity are evaluated in addition to biochemical parameters. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference between CP and control group in terms of PON-1 activity, high sensitive C-Reactive Protein, HDL, and total cholesterol levels. There is no statistically significant difference in Fetuin A levels between the two groups. DISCUSSION: In suspected CP patients less than 24 months of age who possess prenatal and postnatal risk factors, the determination of PON-1 activity can be considered as a biomarker to support early diagnosis.

Targeting soluble guanylate cyclase with Riociguat has potency to alleviate testicular ischaemia reperfusion injury via regulating various cellular pathways.

Testicular ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury results with serious dysfunctions in testis. This study aims to explore effects of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator Riociguat on experimental testicular I/R injury in rats. Twenty-one male rats were divided into three groups (Control, IR and IRR). The control group was not exposed to any application. Bilateral testis from IR and IRR animals were rotated 720° in opposite directions for 3 h to induce experimental testicular ischaemia. Animals in IR and IRR groups were subjected to 3 h of reperfusion. Isotonic and Riociguat were administered to the animals 30 min prior reperfusion by oral gavage. At the end of experiment, animals were sacrificed and tissue samples were used for analyses. Riociguat treatment significantly decreased tissue malondialdehyde and Luminol levels compared to the IR group (p < 0.05). The pathological changes, pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9) and apoptotic index in the IR group were down regulated in Riociguat treated animals (p < 0.05). Riociguat treatment was also significantly increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, but alleviated tissue injury via modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß levels and significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulating NF-κB activity. Moreover, mTOR and ERK phosphorylation increased in IR group (p < 0.05), but Riociguat treatment reduced protein phosphorylation. Our experiment indicated that targeting sGC might support surgical interventions in testicular I/R injury by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic protein expression levels, but more detailed studies are required to explore the protective activity of Riociguat and underlying mechanisms in testicular I/R injury.

Effects of black cumin seed oil on oxidative stress and expression of membrane-cytoskeleton linker proteins, radixin, and moesin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat liver.

Background and Aim: This study examined the effects of black cumin seed oil treatment on oxidative stress and the expression of radixin and moesin in the liver of experimental diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen rats were divided into 3 equal groups (control, diabetes, treatment). The control group was not exposed to any experimental treatment. Streptozotocin was administered to the rats in the diabetes and treatment groups. A 2.5 mL/kg dose of black cumin seed oil was administered daily for 56 days to the treatment group. At the conclusion of the experiment, the blood level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) was measured. The expression level and the cellular distribution of radixin and moesin in the liver were analyzed. Results: The plasma MDA (3.05±0.45 nmol/mL) and GSH (78.49±20.45 µmol/L) levels in the diabetes group were significantly different (p<0.01) from the levels observed in the control group (MDA: 1.09±0.31 nmol/mL, GSH: 277.29±17.02 µmol/L) and the treatment group (MDA: 1.40±0.53 nmol/mL, GSH: 132.22±11.81 µmol/L). Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analyses indicated that while the level of radixin was not significantly between the groups (p>0.05) and moesin expression was significantly downregulated (p<0.05) in the experimental group, the treatment was ineffective. Conclusion: The administered dose was sufficient to prevent oxidative stress, but was not sufficient to alleviate the effects of diabetes on moesin expression in hepatic sinusoidal cells.

Galectin-3: a new biomarker for differentiating periodic fever, adenitis, pharyngitis, aphthous stomatitis (PFAPA) syndrome from familial Mediterranean fever?

Differentiating PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthosis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) syndrome from familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) could be challenging in some cases. Galectin-3 is a lectin with regulatory functions in apoptosis and inflammation. We aimed to test whether galectin-3 could be a biomarker for differentiating PFAPA syndrome from FMF. Patients with PFAPA syndrome, FMF, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), and streptococcal pharyngitis, and healthy controls were included in this study. Serum galectin-3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eighty-seven patients (36 with PFAPA, 39 with FMF, 8 with CAPS, 4 with streptococcal pharyngitis), and 17 healthy controls were included. Blood samples were drawn during attacks from 20 PFAPA and 7 FMF patients and attack-free periods from 22 PFAPA, 35 FMF, and 8 CAPS patients. The median serum galectin-3 level in the PFAPA-attack group (1.025 ng/ml) was significantly lower than the levels in healthy control (2.367 ng/ml), streptococcal pharyngitis (3.021 ng/ml), FMF attack (2.402 ng/ml), and FMF-attack-free groups (2.797 ng/ml) (p = 0.006, 0.03, 0.01, and < 0.001, respectively). PFAPA-attack-free group had lower galectin-3 levels than the FMF-attack-free group (1.794 vs. 2.797 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.01). Galectin-3 levels did not differ significantly between CAPS and attack-free PFAPA patients (1.439 ng/ml vs. 1.794 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.63). In our study, for the first time, we defined galectin-3 as a promising biomarker that differs between PFAPA and FMF patients during both disease flares and attack-free periods. Further studies with high number of patients could validate its role as a biomarker.

Evaluation of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Tissue Levels in Patients with Nasal Polyps.

The aim of this study is to eveluate levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) which are thought to increase in the polyp tissue and superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme, with using specthrophotometry in polyp tissue and healthy mucosa. 30 nasal polyp patients without inflammatory disease except for nasal polyposis were included in the study. The control group consisted of 18 patients who did not have allergy, asthma, inflammatory and granulomatous disease and planned surgery due to septum deviation and concha hypertrophy. AOPP and SOD tissue levels were measured by spectrophotometry in polyp tissue specimens taken from patients with nasal polyps and concha samples taken from patients in the control group. The mean AOPP tissue level of patients in the nasal polyposis group was statistically significantly higher than the control group. (p < 0.05). The mean SOD activity level was significantly lower in the nasal polyposis group than the control group. (p < 0.05) As a result of this study, high AOPP levels in polyp tissue and low SOD levels in polyp tissue compared to healthy nasal mucosa, oxidative stress plays an important role in nasal polyp development.

Evaluation of demodicosis, nailfold capillaroscopy, and oxidative stress in rosacea: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation, immune system disorders, Demodex infestation, neurovascular dysregulation and oxidative stress are thought to be contributory factors in the pathogenesis of rosacea. AIM: To evaluate the presence of Demodex mites, the morphologic features of the nailfold capillaries, and the systemic oxidative stress status in patients with rosacea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with rosacea and 37 healthy age- and gender-matched subjects were included in this prospective case-control study. The presence of Demodex infestation, the findings of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC), and the status of systemic oxidative stress measured by total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated. RESULTS: Demodex infestation rates were significantly higher in rosacea patients than in controls (p = 0.001). Increases in the diameters of the capillaries and the presence of avascular areas and crossing and abnormal structures were significantly more common in rosacea patients than in the healthy controls (p < 0.01, p = 0.016, p = 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively), and hairpin structures were significantly less common in rosacea patients than in the controls (p < 0.001). The presence of crossing capillaries was positively correlated with higher TOC levels (p = 0.05), while abnormal structures were found to be correlated with lower levels of TAC (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative status and NFC may play diagnostic and prognostic roles in rosacea, which should be confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes.

Evaluation of serum FoxO1, mTORC1, IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels, and metabolic syndrome components in patients with acne vulgaris: A prospective case-control study.

Recently, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), forkhead box transcription factor (Fox) O1, and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling have been introduced as key elements in acne pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum levels of IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), FoxO1 and mTORC1, and the components of metabolic syndrome (MS) and AV. This prospective case-control study was carried out on 89 participants, including 49 AV patients and 40 controls. The serum levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin, FoxO1, and mTORC1 were measured along with the components of MS. The blood pressure (BP) measures were significantly higher in the AV patients than in the controls (P = .001). The mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the AV patients than in the controls (P = .040). The numbers of accompanying MS components were significantly higher in the AV patients than in the controls (P = .001). The IGFBP-3 levels were significantly higher in the AV patients than in the controls (P = .02). The IGF-1, mTORC1, and FoxO1 levels were higher in the AV patients than in the controls; neither were statistically significant (P = .093, P = .741, and P = .564, respectively). The higher BP and IGFBP-3 levels, the lower HDL-C levels and the common presence of MS components demand caution in terms of new therapeutic strategies and possible associated comorbidities.

Presepsin Levels in Experimental Sepsis and Massive Bowel Resection Models in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Presepsin is a useful biomarker for diagnosing sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and presepsin levels in animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were used for cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and to generate massive bowel resection (MBR) models. Trunk blood was collected for analysis of presepsin. Liver and intestinal tissue samples were taken to determine oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS: Presepsin levels in MBR and CLP sepsis models were higher than those in control groups. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and malondialdehyde levels were increased in the liver and small intestine of rats in both models, whereas glutathione levels were decreased. CONCLUSION: Presepsin levels and RONS may be released by the same mechanism which is closely associated with the progression of sepsis and inflammation in both CLP and MBR models.

Comparative biochemical and histopathological evaluations proved that receptacle is the most effective part of Cynara scolymus against liver and kidney damages.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The liver and kidney are among the most important organs in the body, where metabolic and elimination functions take place. During this process, liver and kidneys may suffer damage due to ingestion or formation of toxic metabolites leading to organ loss and even death. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf has long been recognized as a popular herbal remedy in traditional medicines with beneficial effects on liver. AIM OF THE STUDY: In phytotherapy leaves are the part used to support the liver functions and for treatment of damage induced by various toxins, while fleshy receptacle is cooked as meal to support liver homeostasis. However, effects of other plant parts on liver such as stems, bracts have not much attracted the attention of scientific community so far. In this study we investigated comparatively the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of different plant parts of artichoke, i.e. receptacles, outer bracts, inner bracts, and stems with that of leaves upon paracetamol-induction in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous ethanol (80%) extracts obtained from the different parts of artichoke were administered for five consecutive days after paracetamol induction to rats. At the end of experimental period blood samples from the experimental animals were taken for biochemical tests, while livers and kidneys were removed for further histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: The histopathological examinations of liver and kidney tissues revealed that the receptacle and stem extracts of the artichoke were the most effective parts by improving the experimentally induced pathology in both liver and kidney. Biochemical tests also supported the histopathological data; receptacle, stem and bract extracts reduced serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, but not alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological and biochemical studies have shown that receptacle and stem extracts of artichoke were found to exert higher protective activity on liver and kidney damage induced by paracetamol comparing to its bract and leaf extracts, the latest is officially recognized as herbal remedy.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma patients treated with and without topical coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in eyes with pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma treated with and without topical coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) and vitamin E (Coqun drop). METHODS:: This prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted on 64 eyes of 64 patients. All patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation surgery. Aqueous humor samples were aspirated from the anterior chamber at the beginning of cataract surgery. The pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma + Coqun group received topical Coqun (100 mg CQ10, 500 mg Vitamin E TPGS) twice daily for 1 month preoperatively, while the pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma group consisted of pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma cases who had not taken Coqun. Pseudo-exfoliation syndrome cases formed the pseudo-exfoliation syndrome group. The main outcomes were the superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels of aqueous humor in both groups. RESULTS:: The mean aqueous humor superoxide dismutase level was significantly higher in the pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma group than in pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma + Coqun and pseudo-exfoliation syndrome groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). Also, the mean aqueous humor superoxide dismutase level was significantly lower in the pseudo-exfoliation syndrome group than in pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma + Coqun group (p = 0.009). The mean malondialdehyde levels showed no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION:: Our study showed lower aqueous humor level of superoxide dismutase in pseudo-exfoliation syndrome patients compared to pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma patients. Significantly lower superoxide dismutase level was observed in pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma patients who received topical Coqun compared to pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma patients without Coqun treatment. No significant change was observed on the malondialdehyde level during 1-month follow-up period.

Immature Platelet Count Levels as a Novel Quality Marker in Plateletpheresis.

The efficiency of plateletpheresis was improved owing to new developments in automated cell separators in the past decades. Nowadays multiple units of plateletpheresis products can be taken per collection from single donor and new parameters such as immature platelet fraction (IPF), immature platelet count (IPC) can be detected practically by automated hematology analyzers. Our aim is to find out a new quality parameter for evaluation of plateletpheresis by analyzing the platelet indices of donor and also to predict platelet recovery in recipients thereby preventing unnecessary platelet transfusion. In this study 104 platelet apheresis procedures were performed on the Trima Accel cell separator. Complete blood counts of donors and recipients were analyzed by Sysmex XN-1000 automated blood cell counter by means of quality parameters such as platelet count, IPF, IPC, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width. We analyzed these parameters in the follow up after the transfusion of plateletpheresis and evaluated them as quality markers in the assessment of plateletpheresis effectiveness. For recipients of both single and double unit apheresis platelet transfusions, the pre-apheresis donor IPC correlated significantly with 1st and 24th hour recipient IPC values (p values < 0.05 for all comparisons). A-IPC as well as % change in IPF can be used to determine the quality of plateletpheresis in conjunction with platelet number in terms of evaluation of donors and also in the follow up of recipients undergoing platelet transfusion.

Shewanella algae in a chronic suppurative otitis media patient with cholesteatoma.

We present Shewanella algea infection in a chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) patient with cholesteatoma in terms of clinical course and treatment. This is the first time S. algea is found as solely pathogen in a CSOM patient without history of contact with seawater in Turkey. The patient admitted to the hospital several times with complaints of otorrhoea, was diagnosed as otitis media and treated. He was hospitalized to the otorhinolaryngology department for further evaluation of recurrent infections. The patient was diagnosed as cholesteatoma according to computed tomography scan findings and was operated for cholesteatoma. As a result of surgical and medical treatment he was discharged with full recovery. Physicians must be aware of rarely seen pathogens and their unexpected ways of transmission and underlying causes such as cholesteatoma when treating patients for CSOM.

A predictive score for retinopathy of prematurity by using clinical risk factors and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels.

AIM: To detect the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and other risk factors for the early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to establish a scoring system for ROP prediction by using clinical criteria and serum IGF-1 levels. METHODS: The study was conducted with 127 preterm infants. IGF-1 levels in the 1st day of life, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of life was analyzed. The score was established after logistic regression analysis, considering the impact of each variable on the occurrences of any stage ROP. A validation cohort containing 107 preterm infants was included in the study and the predictive ability of ROP score was calculated. RESULTS: Birth weights (BW), gestational weeks (GW) and the prevalence of breast milk consumption were lower, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were more frequent, the duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation was longer in patients with ROP (P<0.05). Initial serum IGF-1 levels tended to be lower in newborns who developed ROP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that low BW (<1250 g), presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and formula feeding increased the risk of ROP. Afterwards, the scoring system was validated on 107 infants. The negative predictive values of a score less than 4 were 84.3%, 74.7% and 79.8% while positive predictive values were 76.3%, 65.5% and 71.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: In addition to BW <1250 g and IVH, formula consumption was detected as a risk factor for the development of ROP. Breastfeeding is important for prevention of ROP in preterm infants.

SOCS1 function in BCR-ABL mediated myeloproliferative disease is dependent on the cytokine environment.

Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is the standard of care for Philadelphia chromosome positive leukemias. However the eradication of leukemia initiating cells remains a challenge. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the cytokine microenvironment may play a role in BCR-ABL mediated leukemogenesis and in imatinib resistance. Gene expression analyses of BCR-ABL positive ALL long-term cultured cells revealed strong reduction of SOCS mRNA expression after imatinib treatment, thereby demonstrating a strong inhibition of cytokine signaling. In this study we employed SOCS1-a strong inhibitor of cytokine signaling-as a tool to terminate external cytokine signals in BCR-ABL transformed cells in vitro and in vivo. In colony formation assays with primary bone marrow cells, expression of SOCS1 decreased colony numbers under pro-proliferative cytokines, while it conferred growth resistance to anti-proliferative cytokines. Importantly, co-expression of SOCS1 with BCR-ABL led to the development of a MPD phenotype with a prolonged disease latency compared to BCR-ABL alone in a murine bone marrow transplantation model. Interestingly, SOCS1 co-expression protected 20% of mice from MPD development. In summary, we conclude that under pro-proliferative cytokine stimulation at the onset of myeloproliferative diseases SOCS1 acts as a tumor suppressor, while under anti-proliferative conditions it exerts oncogenic function. Therefore SOCS1 can promote opposing functions depending on the cytokine environment.

The Effect of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) on Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), the main antioxidant agent in the cornea on transepithelial corneal cross-linking (CXL) where the main mechanism is oxidation. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 rabbits were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (7 eyes) had transepithelial corneal CXL after being fed with normal diet; Group 2 (7 eyes) had corneal CXL after once-daily subcutaneous injections of 200 mg of ascorbic acid in addition to normal diet; and the control group (6 eyes) was fed with normal diet but did not have corneal CXL performed. Ascorbic acid levels were measured in aqueous humor and plasma, and biomechanical measurements were applied to the cornea. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in ascorbic acid levels of plasma (P = 0.008) and aqueous humor (P = 0.006) between group 1 and 2. The Young's modulus values of group 1 and 2 were similar (P = 0.741) and were significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01). The increase rate in Young's modulus values was 37.3% in group 1 and 43.9% in group 2 compared to control group. The ultimate strain values in group 1 and 2 were similar (P = 0.632) and were significantly higher than control group (P = 0.04, P = 0.03). The ultimate stress values in group 1 and 2 were similar (P = 0.836) and were significantly lower than control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic vitamin C does not appear to decrease effectiveness of transepithelial corneal CXL. Therefore, there is no reason to stop or reduce vitamin C supplementation before corneal CXL therapy.