Can endometrial compaction predict live birth rates in assisted reproductive technology cycles? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Endometrial compaction (EC) is defined as the difference in endometrial thickness from the end of the follicular phase to the day of embryo transfer (ET). We aimed to determine the role of EC in predicting assisted reproductive technology (ART) success by conducting a meta-analysis of studies reporting the association between EC and clinical outcomes of ART. METHODS: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from the date of inception to May 19, 2023. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR) per ET. Secondary outcomes were live birth or ongoing pregnancy per ET, ongoing pregnancy per ET, clinical pregnancy per ET, and miscarriage per clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included. When data from all studies reporting live birth were pooled, overall LBR rates were comparable in cycles showing EC or not [RR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.92 to 1.02; 10 studies, 11,710 transfer cycles]. In a subgroup of studies that included euploid ET cycles, a similar LBR for patients with and without EC was noted [RR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.86 to 1.13, 4 studies, 1172 cycles]. The miscarriage rate did not seem to be affected by the presence or absence of EC [RR = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.90 to 1.24; 12 studies]. CONCLUSION: The predictive value of EC in determining LBR is limited, and assessment of EC may no longer be necessary, given these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023410389.

The association between exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and insulin resistance in an insulin-resistant population in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

Background: In insulin resistance (IR), it is thought that pancreatic fat accumulation may decrease pancreatic volume, cause an impaired endocrine function, and simultaneously lead to an exocrine dysfunction before diabetes develops. Aim: The association between pancreatic exocrine function and insulin resistance (IR) was assessed in a population with insulin resistance. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 43 IR cases with no other comorbid diseases or pregnancy and 41 healthy controls. Fasting blood adiponectin, leptin, pancreatic amylase, lipase, and stool fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) were studied and compared in both groups. Results: The IR group consisted of 38 females (88.3%) and five males (11.6%), while the control group consisted of 31 females (75.6%) and ten males (24.3%). FE-1 levels were significantly lower in the IR group (P-value <0.01). Blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the control (P-value of <0.01, <0.01, <0.01, respectively). Leptin levels were significantly higher in the IR group compared to the controls (P-value = 0.013). After dividing the whole group (n: 84) into two groups as FE-1 <200 µg/g (n: 61) and FE-1 ≥200 µg/g (n: 23), logistic regression analysis was performed; the significant predictor of low FE-1 was HOMA-IR (ODD ratio: 4.27, P-value <0.01, 95% confidence interval for ODD ratio: 1.95-9.30). Conclusion: This study showed that IR is associated with pancreatic exocrine dysfunction.

Assessment of antioxidant system status before and after operation in neonates with congenital heart disease.

Background/Aim: Oxidative stress is considered to have a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as many other diseases. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the antioxidant system status at pre- and post-operative period in newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring operation. Materials and Methods: Fifty CHD patients participated in this research. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were studied in blood samples. RACHS-1 score, blood lactate levels, and hypoxic events were also recorded. Comparisons of antioxidant system parameters were conducted at pre- and post-operative periods and also between exitus and discharged groups. Results: GPx activity and TBARS levels were significantly higher in the pre-operative period than post-operative period though the other antioxidant enzymes were not altered. In pre-operative period, GPx activity was low in addition to rarer hypoxic events in the discharged group. Also, a negative correlation was found between SOD and GPx activities in pre-operative period. Conclusion: The results provide fundamental data showing the lowered GPx activity and TBARS levels considered as sensitive oxidative biomarkers after the operation. It was assumed that antioxidant system parameters might show changes after the operation, and GPx is prominent for resistance to hypoxic conditions. Post-operative reduction of GPx and TBARS levels is significant for evaluating the antioxidant system alterations after the operation. However, further investigations follow long-term duration for post-operative monitoring to estimate how antioxidant system status changes to improve the treatment of the health condition.

Is there a correlation between obstructive sleep-apnea syndrome severity and prolidase activity as an oxidative stress marker?

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent breathing disorder in sleep. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OSAS and prolidase activity, the oxidative stress index (OSI), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidative capacity (TOC) and the carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). METHOD: : After night polysomnography, 74 people were diagnosed with OSAS and simple snoring. Plasma prolidase activities, TAC and TOC were measured in blood samples taken in the morning after the sleep study. The patients' bilateral common carotid arteries were scanned. RESULTS: In total, 56 patients were in OSAS group [13 subjects 23.2% mild, 19 subjects 33.9% moderate, 24 subjects 42.8% severe] and 18 in simple snoring control group. The mean Prolidase, TOC, TAC and OSI levels were 744.7 ± 156.8, 59.2 ± 19.2, 2.12 ± 0.41, 3.12 ± 1.03, in the mild OSAS group, 761.6 ± 114.4, 57.9 ± 18.3, 2.03 ± 0.37, 3.15 ± 0.8, in the moderate OSAS group, 754.08 ± 133.9, 51.15 ± 12.1, 1.97 ± 0.27, 2.8 ± 0.82, in the severe OSAS group, and 711.9 ± 139, 52.3 ± 15.1, 1.83 ± 0.32, 3.06 ± 0.92 in the control group, respectively. Mean CIMT measurements were 0.71(±0,13) in the OSAS group and 0.76(±0.07) in the control group. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the control and OSAS groups in terms of the parameters studied. Further studies should be undertaken in order to clarify the relation.

Multidetector CT findings in gastrointestinal tract perforation that can help prediction of perforation site accurately.

AIM: To assess the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings by comparing the locations of free air in the abdomen and imaging findings with the site of gastrointestinal perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients with acute abdominal pain who visited the emergency department between January 2015 and October 2018 were included in the study. There were 59 male and 34 female patients with a mean age of 50.5 years. The site of perforation was based on surgical findings in all cases. RESULTS: Among specific air distributions, periportal free air and subphrenic free air were statistically significant in differentiating upper gastrointestinal tract perforation. Whereas free air in the minor pelvis, right lower quadrant free air, left lower quadrant free air, and air in the mesentery were statistically significant in differentiation of lower gastrointestinal tract perforation. CONCLUSION: Multidetector findings may help to predict the site of gastrointestinal perforation, which would change the treatment plan.

The relationship between 25 hydroxy Vitamin D3 and thyroid antibodies with thyroid benign-malign neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between vitamin D and thyroid antibodies with thyroid benign-malign neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vitamin D vitamin and thyroid antibodies of 179 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid nodule were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.97 ± 14.139. Vitamin D levels were 14.473 ± 4.9999 ng/ml in women and 19.584 ± 6.1981 ng/ml in men and the mean was 15.016 ± 5.3579 ng/ml. There was a significant relationship between sex and vitamin D level (P < 0, 05). Antithyroglobulin antibody (anti-TGB) had been detected in 95 patients and Antithyroid peroxidase antibody (anti TPO) in 58 patients. There was no significant relationship between vitamin D levels (P: 0, 65), anti-TPO positivity (P: 0, 86), and anti-TGB (P: 0, 12) with benign-malignant neoplasm of thyroid. There was no relationship between vitamin D and metastatic disease (P: 0, 30) as well. In addition, no association was found between malignancy and metastasis (P = 0.068, P = 0.14, P: 0, P = 0, respectively) with thyroid antibody positivity (anti TPO and/or anti TGB) in severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml) and deficiency (<20 ng/ml) of vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency or thyroid autoantibodies did not have any significant effect on thyroid malignancies or metastatic disease separately or together.

Convincing evidence for the Halperin-Lubensky-Ma effect at the N-SmA transition in alkyloxycyanobiphenyl binary mixtures via a high-resolution birefringence study.

We present new high-resolution experimental data for the temperature behavior of optical birefringence for a series of mixture of the liquid crystals octyloxycyanobiphenyl (8OCB) and nonyloxycyanobiphenyl (9OCB) by using a rotating analyzer technique. The birefringence data have been used to probe the temperature dependence of the nematic order parameter [Formula: see text]. We have then arrived at values for possible entropy discontinuities at the nematic-smectic A transition temperature [Formula: see text] from the detailed inspection of [Formula: see text] data in the immediate vicinity of [Formula: see text]. The 9OCB mole fraction dependence of the obtained reduced entropy discontinuities has been shown to be well fitted with a crossover function which is itself consistent with the mean-field free energy expression with a non-zero cubic term arising from the Halperin-Lubensky-Ma (HLM) coupling. The obtained results are in good accordance with existing results from adiabatic scanning calorimetry (ASC). Our birefringence results and determined entropy discontinuities (consistent with calorimetry results) are in striking contrast with the recent birefringence results of Barman et al. (Phase Transit. 91, 58 (2018) published online 16 Aug. 2017) claiming second-order nematic-to-smectic A transitions for all mixtures. In this paper we present a possible explanation for this discrepancy. We have also extracted the effective critical exponent values [Formula: see text] characterizing the critical fluctuations near the N-SmA transition for all compositions by using the fact that the temperature derivative of the order parameter [Formula: see text] near [Formula: see text] exhibits the same power-law divergence as the specific heat capacity. Measurable latent heat values were extracted from optical birefringence data for mole fractions of 9OCB where the [Formula: see text] values are as low as 0.2, which is substantially lower than the tricritical value [Formula: see text]. This is qualitatively different from what has been observed so far in other liquid-crystal systems. Together with ASC data, these pecuilarities of the 8OCB+9OCB system render further convincing evidence for the presence of the HLM coupling effect at the N-SmA transition phase transition line.

Antibacterial Effect of Surface Pretreatment Techniques against Streptococcus Mutans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial surface pretreatment methods against Streptococcus mutans within the infected dentin surface using a tooth cavity model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two cavities were prepared on caries-free third molars (n = 8). After sterilization, teeth were inoculated with S. mutans for 48 h. One cavity of each tooth was used to evaluate the infection. Following inoculation, infected cavity surfaces were treated either with (1) Er:YAG Laser (1W; 5x5s, Smart 2940D Plus, Deka Laser), (2) Ozone (80s; HealOzone, Kavo), (3) ErYAG-Ozone combination, (4) Er:YAG-Ozone-CHX combination, (5) Chlorhexidine (CHX), (6) Clearfil Protect Bond (PB), (7) potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) Laser (1W; 60 s, SMARTLITE D, Deka Laser), (8) KTP-Ozone combination, and (9) KTP-Ozone-CHX. Standardized amounts of dentin chips were obtained from the cavity walls, and the number of bacteria recovered was counted. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analyzes. RESULTS: Both sole antibacterial materials, CHX or Protect Bond application, exhibited the most effective antibacterial activity with 125 and 156 CFU is an acronym of "colony forming unit" usullay mentioned by acronym. (CFU/ml), respectively, among the groups evaluated (P < 0.05). Er:YAG laser irradiation and its combinations with other antibacterial surface pretreatment applications also inhibited the bacterial growth with, respectively, 1444, 406, and 294 CFU/ml bacterial recovery being more efficient than KTP laser irradiation and ozone combinations. CONCLUSIONS: As an alternative device with photodynamic effects, Er:YAG and KTP laser irradiations and their further combinations during the cavity pretreatment procedure with chlorhexidine and ozone treatments exerted antibacterial effect against S. mutans, whereas chlorhexidine and antibacterial dentin bonding application solely have the highest antibacterial effects.

The oral adverse effects of isotretinoin treatment in acne vulgaris patients: A prospective, case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin is the most effective therapy to treat severe acne vulgaris and its systemic adverse effects have been well documented, but little is known on dental side effects over the course of treatment. OBJECTIVES: This prospective case-control study aimed to evaluate the oral adverse effects of isotretinoin in Turkish patients with acne vulgaris; compare oral conditions between patients and normal controls; and investigate the association between salivary parameters and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 6 months, the patients (n = 45) received isotretinoin daily (0.5 mg/kg). The age-matched untreated controls (n = 45) were patients without acne. Both groups were examined before the study and at 6 months for salivary flow, buffer capacity, microbiologic tests, and caries status (based on the ICDAS). Salivary parameters and ICDAS scores were analyzed by Spearman's rank correlations. Data were statistically analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and McNemar's Chi-square tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Twenty-two isotretinoin-treated patients and 18 controls completed the study. At baseline, the groups were not significantly different in the evaluated parameters (P > 0.05). At 6 months in the isotretinoin-treated group, salivary flow and buffer capacity significantly decreased, and the ICDAS scores significantly increased (P < 0.05). The changes in these criteria from baseline were insignificant in the controls (P > 0.05). Intraoral pathogen counts were not significantly different between the groups, compared to baseline (P > 0.05). Stimulated salivary parameters in both groups were not correlated significantly with the ICDAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Isotretinoin significantly affected salivary flow, buffer capacity, caries lesion activity scores for 6 months. However, salivary parameters and caries lesion activity scores had no significant correlations.

Aldehyde Substituted Phthalocyanines: Synthesis, Characterization and Investigation of Photophysical and Photochemical Properties.

The new free and nickel phthalocyanine derivatives, tetrakis [(2-formylphenoxy)-phthalocyanine (4), tetrakis [(2-formylphenoxy)-phthalocyaninato]nickel(II) (5) have been synthesized via de-protection of tetra acetal-substituted phthalocyanines in acetic acid/FeCl3 system. The starting phthalocyanines, tetrakis [(2-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)phenoxy)-phthalocyanine (2) and tetrakis [(2-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)phenoxy)-phthalocyaninato]nickel (3), were prepared by the tetramerization of 4-(2-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl) phenoxy) phthalonitrile (1). The new compounds have been characterized by the combination of FT-IR, (1)H NMR, UV-Vis, Mass spectra and elemental analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the Orthorhombic, space group Pbca with a = 9.2542 (4) Å, b = 13.3299 (5) Å, c = 23.2333 (11) Å, and Z = 8. Compound 1 is built up from two planar groups (phthalonitrile and phenoxy), with a dihedral angle of 69.693(36)° between them and non-planar dioxolane group. We report a combined experimental and theoretical study on molecule 1, as well. Geometric, spectroscopic and electronic properties of compound 1 has been calculated using B3LYP method and 6-311++G(dp) basis set. Fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to record the photoluminescence spectra of the prepared phthalocyanines and the photophysical and photochemical properties were examined in DMSO.

Non-contrast-enhanced imaging of haemodialysis fistulas using quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) MRA: a feasibility study.

AIM: To assess the efficiency of a novel quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) technique for non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of haemodialysis fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QISS MRA and colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) images were obtained from 22 haemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A radiologist with extensive experience in vascular imaging initially assessed the fistulas using CDU. Two observers analysed each QISS MRA data set in terms of image quality, using a five-point scale ranging from 0 (non-diagnostic) to 4 (excellent), and lumen diameters of all segments were measured. RESULTS: One hundred vascular segments were analysed for QISS MRA. Two anastomosis segments were considered non-diagnostic. None of the arterial or venous segments were evaluated as non-diagnostic. The image quality was poorer for the anastomosis level compared to the other segments (p<0.001 for arterial segments, and p<0.05 for venous segments), while no significant difference was determined for other vascular segments. CONCLUSION: QISS MRA has the potential to provide valuable complementary information to CDU regarding the imaging of haemodialysis fistulas. In addition, QISS non-enhanced MRA represents an alternative for assessment of haemodialysis fistulas, in which the administration of iodinated or gadolinium-based contrast agents is contraindicated.

Lack of association between the methylenetetrahydropholate reductase gene A1298C polymorphism and neural tube defects in a Turkish study group.

The etiology underlying neural tube defects (NTDs) is not fully understood and is believed to involve a complex milieu of genetic and environmental factors. The A1298C polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydropholate reductase gene (MTHFR) has been associated with mild risk for NTDs. In this study, the genotype distribution of the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and the levels of serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate were evaluated in 33 children with NTDs, their mothers, and 46 healthy controls. Genotyping of the A1298C polymorphism was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The A and C allele frequencies in children with NTDs and their mothers were similar to controls (P = 0.160). The 1298AA and 1298CC genotype frequencies (P = 0.551 and 0.062, respectively) in children with NTDs and their mothers did not differ from controls. On the other hand, the 1298AC genotype frequencies in children with NTDs and their mothers were significantly different from controls (P = 0.025). The genotype frequency of 1298AC was lower in children with NTDs than in controls. There was no significant association between clinical distribution of NTDs and 1298AA/AC/CC genotypes (P > 0.05). Serum vitamin B12 levels were higher in children with NTDs than their mothers and controls (P = 0.001). There were no differences among serum homocysteine and folate levels in all groups (P = 0.494 and 0.141, respectively). Both genetic and nutritional factors are important in the etiology of NTDs. Thus, the A1298C polymorphism cannot be regarded as a major risk factor for NTDs.

Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the pudendal nerve in chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is a condition that can be caused by pudendal neuralgia, interstitial cystitis, piriformis syndrome and neuropathy of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves. Based on three case reports this article discusses the clinical effectiveness of pulsed high-frequency radiofrequency (PRF) treatment applied to the pudendal nerve under ultrasound guidance in medicinally treated patients with chronic pelvic pain.

The Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure and Photophysical Properties of a New Meso-BODIPY Substituted Phthalonitrile.

A new highly fluorescent difluoroboradipyrromethene (BODIPY) dye (4) bearing an phthalonitrile group at meso-position of the chromophoric core has been synthesized starting from 4-(4-meso-dipyrromethene-phenoxy)phthalonitrile (3) which was prepared by the oxidation of 4-(2-meso-dipyrromethane-phenoxy)phthalonitrile (2). The structural, electronic and photophysical properties of the prepared dye molecule were investigated. The final product exhibit noticeable spectroscopic properties which were examined by its absorption and fluorescence spectra. The original compounds prepared in the reaction pathway were characterized by the combination of FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, UV-vis and MS spectral data. It has been calculated; molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts and HOMO and LUMO energies of the title compound by using B3LYP method with 6-311++G(dp) basis set, as well. The final product (4) was obtained as single crystal which crystallized in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 9.0490 (8) Å, b = 10.5555 (9) Å, c = 11.7650 (9) Å, α = 77.024 (6)°, ß = 74.437 (6)°, γ = 65.211 (6)° and Z = 2. The crystal structure has intermolecular C-H···F weak hydrogen bonds. The singlet oxygen generation ability of the dye (4) was also investigated in different solvents to determine of using in photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Successful management of a second-trimester post-abortion hemorrhage with the Bakri balloon tamponade.

Hemorrhage after abortion is rare but it is a significant cause of abortion-related mortality and morbidity. Conservative management of hemorrhage is gaining popularity. The authors describe a case which a uterine tamponade balloon which was successfully used to control second-trimester post-abortion hemorrhage.

Brevibacillus themoruber: a promising microbial cell factory for exopolysaccharide production.

AIMS: This study aims to identify a high level exopolysaccharide (EPS) producer thermophile that in turn could be used as a model organism to study the biological mechanisms and whole genome organization of EPS-producing thermophilic bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thermophilic isolates were screened, and then growth and EPS production of the best producer Brevibacillus thermoruber strain 423 were investigated under different carbon and nitrogen sources, temperature, pH and agitation rates. Rheological characterization revealed that the EPS behaved like a typical Newtonian fluid and viscosity of the EPS solution increased with increasing Ca(2+) ion concentration. Chemical characterization by TLC, GC-MS, FT-IR and NMR suggested a heteropolymer structure with glucose as major monomer unit. High biocompatibility of pure EPS fractions suggested their potential use in biomedical applications. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports on the comprehensive description of microbial production conditions as well as chemical, rheological and biological characterization of the EPS produced by B. thermoruber strain 423. The bioreactor cultures were found to reach two times higher yields and three times higher productivities when compared with literature. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Brevibacillus thermoruber strain 423 combined the advantages of its nonpathogenicity with the advantages of fast productivity and hence proved to be a very promising model organism and cell factory for microbial EPS production.

Pantoprazole may improve beta cell function and diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors induce hypergastrinemia by suppressing gastric acidity. Gastrin has incretin-like stimulating actions on beta cells. Proton pump inhibitors have been shown to decrease glycosylated hemoglobin. AIM: We aimed to observe changes in beta cell function in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects given pantoprazole for an acid-related ailment. METHODS: Seventy-nine male patients (38 non-diabetic and 41 type-2 diabetic receiving only metformin therapy) were followed for 12 weeks after pantoprazole 40 mg/day was given. Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, Pancreatic B cell function (HOMA-B), proinsulin and c-peptide levels were measured before and after the treatment. RESULTS: In non-diabetic patients (n = 38), FPG decreased, whereas c-peptide, log-HOMA-B, increased significantly (p = 0.002, p = 0.03, p = 0.042, respectively) after 12 weeks of pantoprazole administration. In type 2 diabetic patients, FPG, HbA1c and weight decreased, whereas log-HOMA-B, c-peptide and log-proinsulin levels increased significantly after pantoprazole treatment (p = 0.003, p = 0.007, p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.017, p = 0.05, respectively). After pantoprazole treatment, pancreatic B-cell function was correlated with c-peptide and insulin and inversely with FBG and HbA1c levels in the whole group (r = 0.37, p = 0.001; r = 0.60, p < 0.001, r = -0.29, p = 0.011 and r = -0.28, p = 0.013, respectively). After pantoprazole treatment, HbA1c was correlated with FBG (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and inversely with only log-HOMA-B level (r = -0.28, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Pantoprazole administration seems to correlate with increased beta cell function. Pantoprazole administration improves HbA1c, HOMA-B, c-peptide and proinsulin levels. Since beta cell loss plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, PPI-based therapies may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.

Maspin expression in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma, and its relation with angiogenesis.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maspin expression in endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, and also to investigate its relation with angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 women with complex atypical hyperplasia, 44 patients with simple hyperplasia without atypia, and 67 patients with endometrial carcinoma were included. Maspin expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and tested for possible significant relation with age, FIGO stage, histologic type, grade, depth of myometrial invasion (MI), lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI), lymph node metastasis, and overall survival (OS). Angiogenesis was determined by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining. RESULTS: Maspin expression was detected in only three patients with endometrial hyperplasia (5%). In patients with endometrial cancer, cytoplasmic and nuclear maspin expressions were detected in 36 (53.7%) and 18 (26.9%) patients, respectively. No significant relation was noted between staining localizations and prognostic variables. The five-year OS rate for patients with cytoplasmic staining was 91%, compared to 87% for patients without staining (p = 0.31). These values for nuclear expression were 100% and 87%, respectively (p = 0.16). The cytoplasmic and nuclear maspin expressions were found to be significantly correlated with VEGF (r = 0.278, p = 0.02 and r = 0.295, p = 0.01, respectively). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to demonstrate the relation between maspin expression and angiogenesis in endometrial cancer. Although no survival difference was noted for cytoplasmic or nuclear maspin expressions, a tendency was detected for nuclear staining. Further series will clarify the exact prognostic role of maspin expression in gynecological malignancies including endometrial cancer.

Evaluation of left renal vein and inferior vena cava variations through routine abdominal multi-slice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of left renal vein (LRV) and inferior vena cava (IVC) variations and the effect of gender on this frequency, as well as the presence of associated abdominal pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) images from 746 patients were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Left renal vein variations were identified in 9.8% of cases, while retroaortic LRV (RLRV) and circumaortic LRV (CLRV) were found in 7.4% and 2.4% of cases, respectively. No significant correlation was found between gender and LRV variations (p = 0.797). Of the cases with LRV and IVC variations, 73% had abdominal pathologies, the most common of which were nephrolithiasis, which appeared in 18 (32%) cases, and renal cysts, which appeared in 14 (25.4%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT is a rapid and reliable method of identifying LRV and IVC variations and associated abdominal pathologies.