Neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhages: the potential of quantitative brainstem MRI.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aimed to identify quantitative magnetic resonance imaging markers in the brainstem of preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhages. It delves into the intricate associations between quantitative brainstem magnetic resonance imaging metrics and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage, aiming to elucidate potential relationships and their clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neuroimaging was performed on preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage using a multi-dynamic multi-echo sequence to determine T1 relaxation time, T2 relaxation time, and proton density in specific brainstem regions. Neonatal outcome scores were collected using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Statistical analysis aimed to explore potential correlations between magnetic resonance imaging metrics and neurodevelopmental outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty preterm neonates (mean gestational age at birth 26.26 ± 2.69 wk; n = 24 [40%] females) were included. The T2 relaxation time of the midbrain exhibited significant positive correlations with cognitive (r = 0.538, P < 0.0001, Pearson's correlation), motor (r = 0.530, P < 0.0001), and language (r = 0.449, P = 0.0008) composite scores at 1 yr of age. CONCLUSION: Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging can provide valuable insights into neurodevelopmental outcomes after intraventricular hemorrhage, potentially aiding in identifying at-risk neonates. Multi-dynamic multi-echo sequence sequences hold promise as an adjunct to conventional sequences, enhancing the sensitivity of neonatal magnetic resonance neuroimaging and supporting clinical decision-making for these vulnerable patients.

Developmental surface dyslexia and dysgraphia in a child with corpus callosum agenesis: an approach to diagnosis and treatment.

We present a case study detailing cognitive performance, functional neuroimaging, and effects of a hypothesis-driven treatment in a 10-year-old girl diagnosed with complete, isolated corpus callosum agenesis. Despite having average overall intellectual abilities, the girl exhibited profound surface dyslexia and dysgraphia. Spelling treatment significantly and persistently improved her spelling of trained irregular words, and this improvement generalized to reading accuracy and speed of trained words. Diffusion weighted imaging revealed strengthened intrahemispheric white matter connectivity of the left temporal cortex after treatment and identified interhemispheric connectivity between the occipital lobes, likely facilitated by a pathway crossing the midline via the posterior commissure. This case underlines the corpus callosum's critical role in lexical reading and writing. It demonstrates that spelling treatment may enhance interhemispheric connectivity in corpus callosum agenesis through alternative pathways, boosting the development of a more efficient functional organization of the visual word form area within the left temporo-occipital cortex.

Predicting severity of acute appendicitis with machine learning methods: a simple and promising approach for clinicians.

BACKGROUNDS: Acute Appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide. This study aims to investigate the predictive performances of 6 different Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for simple and complicated AA. METHODS: Data regarding operated AA patients between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on operative findings, patients were evaluated under two groups: perforated AA and none-perforated AA. The features that showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) in both univariate and multivariate analysis were included in the prediction models as input features. Five different error metrics and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used for model comparison. RESULTS: A total number of 1132 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into training (932 samples), testing (100 samples), and validation (100 samples) sets. Age, gender, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio, total bilirubin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Appendix Diameter, and PeriAppendicular Liquid Collection (PALC) were significantly different between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, age, CRP, and PALC continued to show a significant difference in the perforated AA group. According to univariate and multivariate analysis, two data sets were used in the prediction model. K-Nearest Neighbors and Logistic Regression algorithms achieved the best prediction performance in the validation group with an accuracy of 96%. CONCLUSION: The results showed that using only three input features (age, CRP, and PALC), the severity of AA can be predicted with high accuracy. The developed prediction model can be useful in clinical practice.

Investigation the relationship between xenophobic attitude and intercultural sensitivity level in nurses.

OBJECTIVE: The level of intercultural sensitivity is important for nurses to approach the individual's culture in care and treatment without prejudice. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of nurses' intercultural sensitivity level on xenophobic attitude. METHODS: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Van Training and Research Hospital between January and June 2022. The Introductory Information Form, the Xenophobia Scale, and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale were used to collect the research data. SPSS-25 package program and R programming language 4.1.3 are used. RESULTS: This study was conducted with 235 nurses. According to the findings obtained in our study, the regression model determine the effect of intercultural sensitivity on xenophobia level was found to be F(1,233) = 69.857, p = 0.001, and 23.1 % (R2 = 0.231) of the variance in the dependent variable was explained by the independent variable. Intercultural sensitivity has a negative and significant effect on the level of xenophobia (ß = -0.480; t (233) = -8.358, p = 0.001). When comparing the performance of all variables with machine learning algorithms for the prediction model, the best performing algorithm was found to be Random Forest (RF). The contributions of these variables to the model were calculated with Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values. The most important variables that should be included in the model to predict the xenophobia variable are the respect for cultural differences sub-dimension and intercultural sensitivity variables. CONCLUSION: It was determined that as the level of intercultural sensitivity of the nurses increased, their xenophobic attitudes decreased. Longitudinal studies on xenophobic attitude in nurses are recommended. It is recommended to make predictions with different machine learning models.

Investigating the mechanism of action of ginkgolides and bilobalide on absence seizures in male WAG/Rij rats.

The effects of a single and multiple doses of ginkgolide A, B, C, and bilobalide, active components of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), on absence seizures were investigated in male WAG/Rij rats, a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy. Furthermore, the interactions of ginkgolide A together with NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), or L-type calcium channel blocker nicardipine were studied to figure out how ginkgolide A affects spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in the brain. The experiments were done using 6-8-month-old male WAG/Rij rats with infusion cannula and EEG electrode implanted. Ginkgolide A, B, C, and bilobalide were administered intraperitoneally for 7 days at a dose of 6 mg/kg. In interaction groups, 6 µg ginkgolide A was injected intracerebroventricularly in combination with MK-801 (10 µg), CNQX (1 µg), and nicardipine (50 µg) for 7 days. EEG was recorded from animals at the baseline, first dose, and seventh dose periods for 4 h. Ginkgolide A (p = .028), C (p = .046), and bilobalide (p = .043) significantly increased the frequency of SWDs in WAG/Rij rats. Ginkgolide A injected into the lateral ventricle with MK-801 (p = .046), CNQX (p = .043), and nicardipine (p = .046) significantly increased the number of SWDs after seventh dose. Finally, the EGb 761-related increase in absence epilepsy was determined to be caused by ginkgolide A, C, and bilobalide. All three receptor antagonists/channel blockers do not inhibit the pro-absence effect of ginkgolide A. The findings revealed that ginkgolide A's pro-absence effect is mediated by brain circuits other than ionotropic glutamate receptors or L-type calcium channels.

Effective anticancer agents based-on two Pillar[5]arene derivatives for pancreas cancer cell lines: synthesis, apoptotic effect, caspase pathway.

This study aimed to evaluate the possible anticancer effects of two different pillar[5]arene derivatives (5Q-[P5] and 10Q-P[5]) on two different pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro. For this purpose, changes in the expression of major genes that play a role in apoptosis and caspase pathways were investigated. Panc-1 and BxPC-3 cell lines were used in the study and the cytotoxic dose of pillar[5]arenes was determined by the MTT method. Changes in gene expression after pillar[5]arenes treatment were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Apoptosis was studied by flow cytometry. As a result of analysis, it was determined that proapoptotic genes and genes involved in major caspase activation were upregulated and antiapoptotic genes were down-regulated in Panc-1 cell line treated with pillar[5]arenes. Flow cytometric apoptosis analysis also showed an increased apoptosis rate in this cell line. On the contrary, although MTT analysis showed cytotoxic effect in BxPC-3 cell line treated with two pillar[5]arene derivatives, the apoptosis pathway was not active. This suggested that it may activate different death pathways for BxPC-3 cell line. Thus, it was first determined that the pillar[5]arene derivatives reduced cancer cell proliferation on pancreatic cancer cells.

Visual outcomes after anterior temporal lobectomy and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy: A quantitative comparison of clinical and diffusion data.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy (tsSAHE) are effective treatment strategies for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy but may cause visual field deficits (VFDs) by damaging the optic radiation (OpR). Due to the OpR's considerable variability and because it is indistinguishable from surrounding tissue without further technical guidance, it is highly vulnerable to iatrogenic injury. This imaging study uses a multimodal approach to assess visual outcomes after epilepsy surgery. METHODS: We studied 62 patients who underwent ATL (n = 32) or tsSAHE (n = 30). Analysis of visual outcomes was conducted in four steps, including the assessment of (1) perimetry outcome (VFD incidence/extent, n = 44/40), (2) volumetric OpR tractography damage (n = 55), and the (3) relation of volumetric OpR tractography damage and perimetry outcome (n = 35). Furthermore, (4) fixel-based analysis (FBA) was performed to assess micro- and macrostructural changes within the OpR following surgery (n = 36). RESULTS: Altogether, 56% of all patients had postoperative VFDs (78.9% after ATL, 36.36% after tsSAHE, p = .011). VFDs and OpR tractography damage tended to be more severe within the ATL group (ATL vs. tsSAHE, integrity of contralateral upper quadrant: 65% vs. 97%, p = .002; OpR tractography damage: 69.2 mm3 vs. 3.8 mm3 , p = .002). Volumetric OpR tractography damage could reliably predict VFD incidence (86% sensitivity, 78% specificity) and could significantly explain VFD extent (R2  = .47, p = .0001). FBA revealed a more widespread decline of fibre cross-section within the ATL group. SIGNIFICANCE: In the context of controversial visual outcomes following epilepsy surgery, this study provides clinical as well as neuroimaging evidence for a higher risk and greater severity of postoperative VFDs after ATL compared to tsSAHE. Volumetric OpR tractography damage is a feasible parameter to reliably predict this morbidity in both treatment groups and may ultimately support personalized planning of surgical candidates. Advanced diffusion analysis tools such as FBA offer a structural explanation of surgically induced visual pathway damage, allowing noninvasive quantification and visualization of micro- and macrostructural tract affection.

Assessment of Admission COVID-19 Associated Hyperinflammation Syndrome Score in Critically-Ill COVID-19 Patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the relation between admission COVID-19 associated hyperinflammatory syndrome (cHIS) score and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 admitted to our ICU between 20th March 2020-15th June 2021 were included. Patients who received immunomodulatory treatment except corticosteroids were excluded. Main outcomes were ICU mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement after ICU admission. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy patients with a median (IQR) age of 66 (56-77) were analyzed. Median admission cHIS score was 3 (2-4). A cHIS score ≥3 was found to be associated with ICU mortality (sensitivity = 0.63, specificity = 0.50; p < 0.01) and IMV requirement after ICU admission (sensitivity = 0.61, specificity = 0.51; p < 0.01). Patients with an admission cHIS score ≥3 (n = 199) had worse median admission APACHEII, SOFA scores and PaO2/FiO2 ratio than others (n = 171) (p < 0.01). IMV requirement after ICU admission (38.5% vs 26.1%;p = 0.03), ICU (36.2% vs 25.1%;p = 0.02), hospital (39.1% vs 26.9%;p = 0.01) and 28th day (28.1% vs 19.1%;p = 0.04) mortality were higher in patients with admission cHIS score ≥3 than others (p < 0.01). Age <65 years, malignancy and higher admission SOFA score were independent variables associated with admission cHIS score ≥3. CONCLUSION: Critically-ill COVID-19 patients with admission cHIS score ≥3 have worse disease severity and outcomes than other patients.

Effect of Awake Prone Positioning on ROX Index in Critically-ill Patients With Respiratory Failure due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 pneumonia causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Prone positioning (PP) is beneficial to pulmonary physiology and improves oxygenation in patients with ARDS. We aimed to investigate the effect of the PP on oxygenation, respiratory rate (RR) and ROX index in non-intubated patients with COVID-19 associated respiratory failure and to determine whether ROX index predicts intubation. Awake critically-ill patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 who underwent PP were enrolled in the retrospective, single-center study. Oxygenation parameters were recorded 1 h before PP, during PP and 1 h after return to supine position (after PP). Intubation was defined as the endpoint. Seventy-one patients with a median age of 64 [55-73] years were enrolled in the study. PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 improved during PP, this improvement did not persist after PP. RR improved during and after PP in both intubated and non-intubated patients (for all P < .001). ROX index improved only in non-intubated patients (P < .001) but not in intubated patients (P = .07). Area under the curve (AUC) of ROX index for intubation before PP, during PP and after PP were 0.74 [0.61-0.88] (P = .002), 0.76 [0.62-0.91] (P = .001), and 0.76 [0.64-0.89] (P = .001), respectively. ROX index >6.83 before PP had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.85; ROX index >8.28 during PP had a NPV of 0.88 and ROX index >7.48 after PP had a NPV of 0.85. In logistic regression adjusted for APACHE II score, ROX index ≤6.83 before PP had an odds ratio (OR) 4.47 [1.39-14.38], ROX index ≤8.28 during PP had an OR 7.96 [2.29-27.64] and ROX index ≤7.48 had an OR 3.98 [1.25-12.61] for prediction of intubation. In conclusion, awake PP improves oxygenation and decreases RR. ROX index improved only in non- intubated patients and a higher ROX index predicts lower risk of progressing to mechanical ventilation with intubation.

Does the Thymus Index Predict COVID-19 Severity?

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is a global health emergency that is straining health care resources. Identifying patients likely to experience severe illness would allow more targeted use of resources. This study aimed to investigate the association between the thymus index (TI) on thorax computed tomography (CT) and prognosis in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted between March 17 and June 30, 2020, in patients with confirmed COVID-19. The patients' clinical history and laboratory data were collected after receiving a signed consent form. Four experienced radiologists who were blinded to each other and patient data performed image evaluation. The appearance of the thymus was assessed in each patient using 2 published systems, including the TI and thymic morphology. Exclusion criteria were lack of initial diagnostic thoracic CT, previous sternotomy, pregnancy, and inappropriate images for thymic evaluation. A total of 2588 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 1231 of these with appropriate thoracic CT imaging were included. Multivariable analysis was performed to predict the risk of severe disease and mortality. RESULTS: The median age was 45 (interquartile range, 33-58) years; 52.2% were male. Two hundred forty-nine (20.2%) patients had severe disease, and 60 (4.9%) patients died. Thymus index was significantly associated with mortality and severe disease (odds ratios, 0.289 [95% confidence interval, 0.141-0.588; P = 0.001]; and 0.266 [95% confidence interval, 0.075-0.932; P = 0.038]), respectively. Perithymic lymphadenopathy on CT imaging had a significantly strong association with grades of TI in patients with severe disease and death ( V = 0.413 P = 0.017; and V = 0.261 P = 0.002, respectively). A morphologically assessable thymus increased the probability of survival by 17-fold and the absence of severe disease by 12-fold. CONCLUSION: Assessment of the thymus in patients with COVID-19 may provide useful prognostic data for both disease severity and mortality.

Genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus in the province of Gaziantep, a 10-year evaluation.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis infections. Gaziantep is located southeast part of Turkey and has a border with Syria. More than 400,000 Syrian refugees live in Gaziantep. The aim of this study was to evaluate distribution of HCV genotypes among Syrian patients and in people who inject drugs.Serum samples form 1,628 individuals (786 female, 842 male) which were sent to our laboratory for genotyping between January 2013 and December 2022, were analyzed retrospectively. Three different HCV genotyping assays (Qiagen, RTA and Abbott) were used during the 10-year study period.Out of the 1,628 patients, genotype 1 was detected in 51.5%, genotype 3 in 21.4%, genotype 4 in 20%, genotype 5 in 4.6%, genotype 2 in 1.3%. Mixed genotype was found in 20 patients. Of the patients, 1,143 were Turkish patients and among those patients genotype 1 (66.8%) was the most common genotype followed by genotype 3 (29%). Among Syrian patients (n = 477), genotype 4 (64.2%) was predominant genotype followed by genotype 1 and genotype 5. Genotype 3 was detected in 277 (79.6%) prisoners. All of them were male and probably the main source of HCV infection was intravenous drug abuse. While genotypes 1 and 4 were common in females, genotypes 1 and 3 were common in males.In the future genotype 3 may become an increasing problem due to the persons who inject drugs. Less frequent genotypes such as 4 and 5 may become more frequent due to Syrian patients.

Determining the correlation between old age adaptation, aging in place and depression in older adults: A descriptive correlational study.

We conducted this study to determine the correlation between old age adaptation, aging in place, and depression in older adults. We carried out the descriptive correlational study with older adults (n:319) Agri Provincial Directorate of Health between October 2021 and April 2022. "SPSS 25 and Amos 23 programs" were used in the analysis of the data. Python 3.11.1, Microsoft Power BI programs were used for machine learning and graphical visualizations. In the study, it was determined that the model for the relationship between aging at a place level, adaptation difficulty in older adults level, and geriatric depression level was significant (F(2,316) = 37.002, p = 0.001). The aging in place level and the adaptation difficulty in older adults level explain 18.5% of the total variance of the level of geriatric depression. In the regression model, it was determined that the increase in the level of aging in place (t = -6.081, p < 0.001) and the decrease in the level of adaptation difficulty in older adults (t = 4.107, p < 0.001) of the participants caused a statistical decrease in the level of "Geriatric Depression." It has been determined that adaptation difficulty in older adults has a moderator role in the relationship between geriatric depression level and aging in place level. In our data set, while the estimate of the presence of depression was 40 % with logistic regression analysis, it was 97 % with Random Forest. The study determined that as the level of aging in -place increased and the adaptation difficulty in older adults decreased, and depression decreased.

The effect of rumination and elder abuse level on successful aging in elderly individuals: Analysis with a machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effect of rumination and elder abuse levels on successful aging in elderly individuals. METHODS: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with older individuals (n = 297) in Agri, Turkey, between October 2021 and May 2022. SPSS-22 and R v.4.1.3 were used in the study. Analysis was done with machine learning and artificial neural networks. RESULTS: In the study, the mean age of the older individuals was 67.49 ± 3.04. Statistical estimates showed the regression model to be significant and usable, F(2,294) = 116.659, P = 0.001. Elder abuse and ruminative thought levels together explained 43.9% of the total variance (R2 = 0.439) of successful aging. The regression model indicated that increases in both the elder abuse level (t = -3.672, P < 0.001) and the ruminative thought level (t = -12.771, P < 0.001) of participants caused a statistically significant decrease in the successful aging level. The combined elder abuse and ruminative thought levels had a greater effect on successful aging (Model 1: F = 45.321, Model 2: F = 116.659, R2 Change = 0.309). The R2 value of the Random Forest regression model was 0.529, showing that the independent variables could explain 52.92% of the variation in the dependent variable. According to the SHapley Additive exPlanation values, which show the contribution or importance of each variable in the estimation of the model, it was determined that the most important variables for estimating the Successful Aging Scale variable were ruminative thought style and elder abuse screening. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that a decrease in the levels of rumination and elder abuse could lead to improvement in successful aging. Longitudinal studies on successful aging in older individuals are recommended.

Attitudes of Different Religions Toward Surrogacy: Analysis of 11 Countries' Situation Using Machine Learning Approach and Artificial Neural Networks.

Individuals may develop different attitudes on bioethics in general and reproductive ethics in particular, due to the effects of different sociocultural environments. Individuals' attitudes toward surrogacy are affected positively or negatively depending on religious and cultural environments. This study was conducted to determine and compare the attitudes of different religions toward surrogacy. This study is cross-sectional and collected from individuals living in Turkey, India, Iran, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Madagascar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico, England, and Japan between May 2022 and December 2022. The study was conducted with individuals belonging to Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Atheism. The study was conducted with 1177 individuals from different religions who agreed to participate in the study by snowball sampling method. The introductory Information Form and "Attitude Questionnaire Toward Surrogacy" were used as data collection tools. R programming language 4.1.3 was used for regression analysis with machine learning approach and artificial neural networks, and SPSS-25 was used for other statistical analyses. There was a significant difference between the total mean score of the individuals' Attitudes toward Surrogacy Questionnaire and their religious beliefs (p < 0.05). When the results of the analysis of the regression model with the dummy variable, which was carried out with the aim of revealing the effects of religious belief on the attitude toward surrogacy, are examined, statistical estimates of the regression model show that the model is significant and usable F(4,1172) = 5.005, p = 0.001). It explains 1.7% of the total variance of the level of religious belief's attitude toward surrogacy. In the regression model, when the t-test results regarding the significance of the regression coefficient are examined, among the participants, it was determined that the mean score of those who believed in Islam (t = - 3.827, p < 0.001) and those who believed in Christianity (t = - 2.548, p < 0.001) was lower than the mean score of those who believed in Hinduism (Constant) (p < 0.05). Individuals' attitudes toward surrogacy differ according to their religion. The best performing algorithm for the prediction model was random forest (RF) regression. The contributions of the variables to the model were calculated with Shapley values (Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP)). The SHAP values of the variables in the best performing model were examined to avoid bias in terms of comparison in the performance criterion. SHAP values (Shapley Additive Explanations) show the contribution or importance of each variable in the estimation of the model. It is determined that the most important variable that should be in the model to predict the Attitude Toward Surrogacy Survey variable is the Nationality variable. It is recommended that studies on attitudes toward surrogacy should be conducted by taking religious and cultural values into consideration.

Exploring genetic diversity and Population structure of five Aegilops species with inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers.

BACKGROUND: Turkey is not only a center of origin for wheat, but also contains wild forms of various cereals. Turkey, located in the Fertile Crescent, has conserved its genetic richness to the present day. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic diversity of 70 wild wheat species, to evaluate the structure of diversity in germplasm and to generate useful data for further breeding programs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genetic diversity and population structure of 70 wild wheat species (Ae. cylindrica, Ae. geniculata, Ae. triuncialis, T. dicocoides, Ae. columnaris) collected from Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions of Turkey were investigated in this study with the use of inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers. Of 35 iPBS primers used, 11 yielded a total of 61 alleles. Number of alleles per marker varied between 2 (iPBS-2085) and 9 (iPBS-2394) with an average value of 5.55. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values varied between 0.22 and 0.47, with an average value of 0.35. Average number of effective alleles (Ne) was identified as 1.9488, Nei's genetic diversity (H) as 0,4861 and Shannon's information index (I) as 0.6791. Cluster analysis through unweighted pair-group mean average (UPGMA) method revealed that 70 wild wheats were divided into three main clusters. Genetic similarity between the genotypes, calculated with the use of NTSYS-pc software, varied between 19% (YB2 and YB70) and 98% (YB66 and YB67). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed that three principal coordinates explained 62.33% of total variation. Moreover, population structure analysis showed that all genotypes formed three sub-populations. Expected heterozygosity values varied between 0.2666 (the first sub-population) and 0.2330 (third sub-population), with an average value of 0.2500. Average population differentiation measurement (Fst) was identified as 0.3716 for the first sub-population, 0.3930 for the second subpopulation and 0.4804 for the third sub-population. CONCLUSIONS: Based on present findings population structure of 70 wild wheat genotypes collected from Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions of Turkey were successfully characterized with the use of iPBS markers. Present findings suggested that iPBS-retrotransposon markers could reliably be used to elucidate genetic diversity of Aegilops genotypes.

Determination of self-efficacy of patients diagnosed with epilepsy.

This study was conducted to determine the self-efficacy of patients diagnosed with epilepsy. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted between November-December 2020 with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and living in the eastern province of Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of individuals diagnosed with epilepsy (101 persons) who were living in this province and agreed to participate in the study. According to the findings obtained from the study, the Epilepsy Self-efficacy Scale Total Mean Score of the individuals was found to be 226.38 ± 45.23. The scale does not have a cut-off point, and the total score that can be obtained from the scale varies between 0 and 310. An increase in the score obtained indicates high self-efficacy. It can be said that the self-efficacy levels of the sampled individuals are also high. It was found that there was a negative correlation between the first diagnosis age and the seizure management sub-dimension, and a positive statistically significant correlation between the age of the individuals and the age of the first seizure. The Epilepsy Self-efficacy Scale Total Mean Score of the individuals was found to be statistically high in those who received information regarding the disorder and used their drug/drugs regularly. It is suggested to conduct the study in larger groups. It is recommended to carry out studies to increase epilepsy self-efficacy.

Reconstruction of nasal airway in patients of class IIId maxillary defect with vastus lateralis muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flap.

BACKGROUND: A reconstructive challenge in patients with class IIId maxillary defect is how to obliterate the defect and restore a patent nasal airway. The current strategy using the single anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction may result in permanent mouth breathing. As the ALT flap was a common option in reconstruction processes, this study aimed to evaluate the benefits of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flap in simultaneous defect and nasal airway reconstruction. METHODS: This study included 21 patients with class IIId maxillary defect who underwent free ALT flap reconstruction (n = 11, single ALT flap group; n = 10, VL muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flap (chimeric ALT flap) group) at the China Medical University Hospital from August 2015 to September 2019. Associated parameters collected for analysis included gender, age, body mass index (BMI), operative time, hospitalization, clinical stage, preoperative treatment, flap/defect size, comorbidities, postoperative RT, mouth breathing and short/long term complications. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in age, BMI, hospitalization, clinical stage, preoperative treatment, defect size, comorbidities, and postoperative RT between the two groups; however, the chimeric ALT flap group as dominated by male patients (p = 0.009), and had longer operative times (12.1 h vs. 10.1 h, p = 0.002) and larger flap sizes (180 cm2 vs. 96.7 cm2, p = 0.013). Compared with the chimeric ALT flap group, the single ALT flap group suffered from permanent mouth breathing. CONCLUSION: Nasal airway reconstruction should be considered in patients with class IIId maxillary defect. Compared to the single ALT flap, the chimeric ALT flap is a superior reconstructive option for patients with class IIId maxillary defect, although a longer surgical duration and larger flap size are required.

The effects of a combination treatment with mesenchymal stem cell and platelet-rich plasma on tendon healing: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects that the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) following tendon repair have on the strength and healing of the tendon and also to examine the possible mechanisms of action that take place. METHODS: The Achilles tendons of 80 rats were repaired and divided into eight groups. Following the repairs, MSCs obtained from humans were injected into the rat tendons in groups 1 and 2, a combination of MSCs from humans and PRP from rats was injected into the tendons in groups 3 and 4, and PRP from rats was injected into the tendons in groups 5 and 6. These procedures all took place simultaneously. Groups 7 and 8 did not receive any injections following the repairs. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the first and second months following the procedures, and biomechanical and histopathological analyses were performed. RESULTS: Inflammatory cell density increased most significantly in the combined group when compared to the first and second months. T he fibroblast density on the tendon repair region was significantly lower in the second-months groups of each intervention compared to their first-month groups (p = 0.001). For the analysis of the maximum tensile breaking force, the behaviors of the groups over time were significant when compared to the control groups (p = 0.0015). Also, the mean maximum breaking force in the combined group was statistically significantly higher at the end of the second month than at the end of the first month (p = 0.0008).

Electroencephalographic investigation of the effects of Ginkgo biloba on spike-wave discharges in rats with genetic absence epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: EGb 761, a plant extract obtained from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, is widely used in modern medicine and traditional medicine applications in the treatment of many diseases. However, in some clinical case reports, it has been suggested that G. biloba causes epileptic seizures. A limited number of experimental animal studies related to the effects of G. biloba on epileptic seizures do not provide sufficient information on the solution of a serious clinical problem with contrasting findings. We aimed to investigate the effects of EGb 761 administered in different doses to adult male Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats which is the genetic animal model of absence epilepsy, on absence seizures using in vivo electrophysiological method. In addition, the effects of EGb 761 doses on locomotor behavior of WAG/Rij rats were evaluated with open-field and rotarod behavioral tests. METHODS: 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses of EGb 761 were administered to male WAG/Rij rats with implanted EEG electrodes by oral gavage for 28 days. Evaluation of absence seizures was performed on spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in EEG recorded for 4 h each week. The number of SWDs, the total duration of SWDs, and the mean duration of SWD were determined for the analysis. RESULTS: In the group treated with 400 mg/kg EGb 761, the number of SWDs and the mean duration of SWD at the 1st and 7th doses and the total duration of SWDs at the 1st, 7th and 14th doses were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In all experimental groups treated with EGb 761 doses, there was no significant change in locomotor activity in the open-field and the rotarod tests. CONCLUSION: Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 increased the epileptic SWD parameters of WAG/Rij rats at high doses (400 mg/kg), causing a pro-epileptic effect on absence seizures. It should be noted that in patients with epilepsy and in high-dose applications, G. biloba extract EGb 761 may lead to an increase in neuronal excitability.

Assessment of sensory outcomes after successful fingertip replantation with or without nerve repair according to amputation level.

BACKGROUND: Good sensory outcome in fingertip replantation is a major part of the success of reconstruction and using the finger. Although some sensorial outcomes have been reported in various series in the literature, there is no controlled study, which demonstrates the anatomical levels where nerve repair should or should not be performed. We aimed to assess sensorial outcomes of fingertip amputations with or without nerve coaptation according to amputation level. METHODS: Between January 2013 and July 2018, patients with Tamai Zone 1 and Zone 2 amputations underwent replantation. The patients were divided two main groups. Patients underwent nerve coaptation were grouped as Group 1, and those coaptation not performed as Group 2. In addition, subgroups were designed according to level of the amputation. Tamai zone 1 amputations were grouped as groups 1a and 2a. Tamai zone 2 amputations were grouped as groups 1b and 2b. The mean age was 30.8 ± 30.8 years in Group 1a, 33.2 ± 12.6 years in Group 1b, 34.1 ± 13.6 years in Group 2a, 34.3 ± 11.1 years in Group 2b. Type of injury were evaluated as clean cut (with knife, saw etc.), moderately crushed, and severely crushed and/or avulsion. In Group 1a, one prominent branch of the nerve was repaired, and in Group 1b, the nerve in both side was repaired. The mean duration of replantation in Group 1a was 1 h and 40 min (1 h and 15 min-2 h), whereas this time was 1 h and 15 min (1 h - 1 h and 35 min) in Group 2a. Then, 2 h 15 min (1 h and 55 min-2 h and 50 min) in Group 1b, and 2 h (1 h and 45-2 h 25 min) in Group 2b. Mean age, type of injury and length of follow-up were statistically compared. Sensorial outcome was evaluated by 2-point discrimination test and the Semmes-Weinstein test. RESULTS: According to the Semmes-Weinstein test, 33% of the fingers tested were normal, 58% had diminished light touch, 8% had diminished protective sensation, and 0% had loss of protective sensation in Group 1a; In Group 1b, these values were 35% (7/20), 55% (11/20), 10% (2/20), 0%; in Group 2a, 38% (6/16), 56% (9/16), 6% (1/16), 0%; in Group 2b, 25% (4/16), 44% (7/16), %25 (4/16), 6% (1/16), respectively Mean static two-point discriminations in Groups 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b were 4.17 ± 0.58, 4.55 ± 0.69, 4.25 ± 0.68, and 5.9 ± 1.26 mm, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 24 months in Group 1a, 24 months in Group 1b, 26 months in Group 2a, 21 months in Group 2b. Then, 17 (3 in Group 1a, 6 in Group 1b, 4 in Group 2a, 4 in Group 2b) of the 64 fingers were clean cut amputation, 45 (9 in Group 1a, 14 in Group 1b, 11 in Group 2a, 11 in Group 2b) were moderately crushed amputation, and 2 (1 in Group 2a, 1 in Group 2b) were severely crushed and/or avulsion injury. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1a and 2a (p = .71). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant increase in sensory outcomes of patients in Group 1b compared to Group 2b (p = .009). There was no statistically significant between the groups in terms of mean age, type of injury and length of follow-up. CONCLUSION: We think that nerve repair does not have a positive effect on sensorial recovery in Tamai Zone 1 amputations, but nerve coaptation should be performed in Tamai Zone 2 replantations if possible for better sensorial result.