Model selection in multivariate adaptive regressions splines (MARS) using alternative information criteria.

Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) is a useful non-parametric regression analysis method that can be used for model selection in high-dimensional data. Since MARS can identify and model complex, non-linear relationships between the dependent variable and independent variables without requiring any assumptions, it has advantage over simple linear regression techniques. Also, for simplifying the model building process and preventing overfitting, MARS can select automatically the variables to be included in the model, which is useful for datasets with many variables. While MARS is a flexible non-parametric regression method, generalized cross validation (GCV) technique is used within the MARS framework to avoid overfitting and to select the best model. GCV criterion is widely used and can be effective in many situations, however it has some criticism. These criticism are the arbitrary value of the smoothing parameter used in the algorithm of the GCV criterion and the models obtained using this criterion are high-dimensional. In this paper, it is aimed to obtain the barest model that best explains the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables by using alternative information criteria (Akaike information criterion (AIC), Schwarz Bayesian criterion (SBC) and information complexity criterion (ICOMP(IFIM)PEU)) instead of the use of smoothing parameters in order to put an end to the criticism. To achieve this goal, a simulation study was first conducted with a data set composed of variables that do and do not contribute to the dependent variable to test the success of the information criteria. As a consequence of this simulation work, when variables (which do not contribute to the dependent variable) are not included in the regression model, it demonstrates the success of the criteria in model selection. As a real data set, the reasons for loan defaults were investigated between the years 2005-2019 by utilizing data from 18 banks operating in Türkiye. The results obtained reveal the success of ICOMP(IFIM)PEU criterion in model selection.

Meeting Contemporary Challenges: Development of Nanomaterials for Veterinary Medicine.

In recent decades, nanotechnology has been rapidly advancing in various fields of human activity, including veterinary medicine. The review presents up-to-date information on recent advancements in nanotechnology in the field and an overview of the types of nanoparticles used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, their characteristics, and their areas of application. Currently, a wide range of nanomaterials has been implemented into veterinary practice, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic devices, feed additives, and vaccines. The application of nanoformulations gave rise to innovative strategies in the treatment of animal diseases. For example, antibiotics delivered on nanoplatforms demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity and dosage requirements when compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, providing a possibility to solve antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoparticle-based drugs showed promising results in the treatment of animal parasitoses and neoplastic diseases. However, the latter area is currently more developed in human medicine. Owing to the size compatibility, nanomaterials have been applied as gene delivery vectors in veterinary gene therapy. Veterinary medicine is at the forefront of the development of innovative nanovaccines inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. The paper provides a brief overview of current topics in nanomaterial safety, potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, and relevant regulatory aspects.

A Novel Expert System for Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Diagnosis of a disease is one of the most important processes in the field of medicine. Thus, computer-aided detection systems are becoming increasingly important to assist physicians. The iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a serious health problem that requires careful diagnosis. Diagnosis of IDA is a classification problem, and there are various studies conducted. Researchers also use feature selection approaches to detect significant variables. Studies so far investigate different classification problems such as outliers, class imbalance, presence of noise, and multicollinearity. However, datasets are usually affected by more than one of these problems. In this study, we aimed to create multiple systems that can separate diseased and healthy individuals and detect the variables that have a significant effect on these diseases considering influential classification problems. For this, we prepared different datasets based on the original dataset whose outliers were removed using different outlier detection methods. Then, a multistep classification algorithm was proposed for each dataset to see the results under irregular and regulated conditions. In each step, a different classification problem is handled. The results showed that it is important to consider each question together as it can and should change the outcome. Dataset and R codes used in the study are available as supplementary files online.

The changing face of abuse cases in a pediatric intensive care unit: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in abuse and neglect cases in recent years, the purpose of this study was to assess child abuse and neglect of patients who were hospitalized and followed up in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: A total of 34 abuse and neglect patients who were admitted to the PICU from August 2020 to March 2021 were included retrospectively in the study. Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained from our hospital's patient record system (HIS). Comorbidities and the mental status of the patients, affected systems, treatments, and outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: In this study, 44.1% (n: 15) of the patients were male and 55.9% (n: 19) were female. Physical neglect such as foreign body aspiration, malnutrition, electrocution, drowning, traffic accident, and body collision was detected in 14 (41.2%) patients. Emotional neglect (taking drugs, alcohol, or suicide) was found in 19 (55.9%) of our patients. Only 1 (2.9%) patient presented with physical abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Perception of neglect varies among different cultures. Any infant or child who is admitted to the PICU with a history that is not consistent, a history of delay in seeking medical attention, a previous history of abuse or suspected abuse, or the absence of the primary caretaker at the appearance of illness should signal possible abuse. Health-care professionals should give more attention to these patients to prevent the overlooking and recurrence of neglect and abuse cases due to the intense work tempo in the PICU.

Can charcoal hemoperfusion treatment be an option for pediatric MIS-C patients? A single-center experience in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a hyper-inflammatory disorder that develops following SARS-CoV-2 infection and has clinical signs that overlap with Kawasaki disease. Immunomodulatory treatments can be used in these patients. One of the alternative treatments reported in the literature is hemoperfusion therapy. In this study, we aim to evaluate our experience of charcoal hemoperfusion therapy in children admitted and followed up with a diagnosis of MIS-C at our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective evaluation of children diagnosed with MIS-C and children treated with charcoal hemoperfusion who are admitted to our PICU. RESULTS: Among 49 MIS-C patients, hemoperfusion therapy was performed on 14 patients. Duration of hospitalization, duration of invasive/non-invasive ventilation, VIS, OFI, PRISM 3 scores, and mortality rates were significantly higher in the charcoal hemoperfusion group before treatment. In patients who did not respond to conventional therapies, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the need for inotrope and invasive mechanical ventilation support and statistically significant improvements in clinical indicators after hemoperfusion therapy. DISCUSSION: In our study, we observed a significant clinical and laboratory improvement by charcoal hemoperfusion in our MIS-C patients who had a severe clinical course and multiple organ failure. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, this study is the first report regarding the use of charcoal hemoperfusion therapy in MIS-C patients, and the choice of charcoal hemoperfusion as an initial or rescue therapy is needed to be investigated in large patient groups both in children and adults who are diagnosed with COVID-19 and MIS-C.

Predicting Verbal Learning and Memory Assessments of Older Adults Using Bayesian Hierarchical Models.

Verbal learning and memory summaries of older adults have usually been used to describe neuropsychiatric complaints. Bayesian hierarchical models are modern and appropriate approaches for predicting repeated measures data where information exchangeability is considered and a violation of the independence assumption in classical statistics. Such models are complex models for clustered data that account for distributions of hyper-parameters for fixed-term parameters in Bayesian computations. Repeated measures are inherently clustered and typically occur in clinical trials, education, cognitive psychology, and treatment follow-up. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) is a general verbal knowledge and memory assessment administered repeatedly as part of a neurophysiological experiment to examine an individual's performance outcomes at different time points. Multiple trial-based scores of verbal learning and memory tests were considered as an outcome measurement. In this article, we attempted to evaluate the predicting effect of individual characteristics in considering within and between-group variations by fitting various Bayesian hierarchical models via the hybrid Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) under the Bayesian Regression Models using 'Stan' (BRMS) package of R. Comparisons of the fitted models were done using leave-one-out information criteria (LOO-CV), Widely applicable information criterion (WAIC), and K-fold cross-validation methods. The full hierarchical model with varying intercepts and slopes had the best predictive performance for verbal learning tests [from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study dataset] using the hybrid Hamiltonian-Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach.

Intrauterine iodine administration is superior to antibiotics for reconception after late-embryonic losses in dairy cows.

This field study was conducted to compare conception and insemination efficiency responses to intrauterine polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) and antibiotic (AB) treatments in dairy cows that experienced pregnancy loss. Data were collected from lactation cows with a history of pregnancy loss 27 to 70 days post-insemination (n = 97) during the 1st to 3rd lactation (days in milk = 196 ± 28). Cows were subjected to 1 of 3 treatments: i) 50 mL saline solution intrauterine infusion (S; n = 23); ii) 2% PVP-I (n = 42); or iii) 150 mg of amoxicillin trihydrate and 40 mg/mL gentamicin sulphate (n = 32). All cows followed the progesterone-based fixed-time insemination protocol. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test and 1-way analysis of variance. The PVP-I treatment (n = 25; 59.5%) was as effective as the AB treatment (n = 19; 59.4%), compared to the S treatment (n = 5; 21.7%) to achieve a new conception. The cows in group PVP-I conceived in a shorter time than those in group AB (46.0 ± 8.7 days versus 105.0 ± 10.0 days; P < 0.05) with a more efficient insemination to conception ratio (2.32 ± 0.43 versus 4.10 ± 0.32; P < 0.05). Data suggest that intrauterine PVP-I administration is superior to intrauterine AB administration in rescheduling reproductive protocol upon late embryonic and fetal losses.

Cette étude sur le terrain a été menée pour comparer les réponses d'efficacité de conception et d'insémination aux traitements intra-utérins à la polyvinylpyrrolidone-iode (PVP-I) et aux antibiotiques (AB) chez les vaches laitières ayant avorté. Les données ont été recueillies auprès de vaches en lactation ayant des antécédents d'interruption de gestation 27 à 70 jours après l'insémination (n = 97) au cours de la 1ère à la 3e lactation (jours en lait = 196 ± 28). Les vaches ont été soumises à un des trois traitements : i) 50 mL de solution saline pour perfusion intra-utérine (S; n = 23); ii) 2 % de PVP-I (n = 42); ou iii) 150 mg d'amoxicilline trihydratée et 40 mg/mL de sulfate de gentamicine (n = 32). Toutes les vaches ont suivi le protocole d'insémination à temps fixe basé sur la progestérone. Les données ont été analysées par le test du Chi carré et l'analyse de la variance à un facteur. Le traitement PVP-I (n = 25; 59,5 %) était aussi efficace que le traitement AB (n = 19; 59,4 %), comparé au traitement S (n = 5; 21,7 %) pour obtenir une nouvelle conception. Les vaches du groupe PVP-I ont conçu en un temps plus court que celles du groupe AB (46,0 ± 8,7 jours versus 105,0 ± 10,0 jours; P < 0,05) avec un rapport insémination/conception plus efficace (2,32 ± 0,43 versus 4,10 ± 0,32; P < 0,05). Les données suggèrent que l'administration intra-utérine de PVP-I est supérieure à l'administration intra-utérine d'AB dans la reprogrammation du protocole de reproduction en cas de pertes embryonnaires et foetales tardives.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Determination of exposure to major iodide ion uptake inhibitors through drinking waters.

Goiter, abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, is a significant worldwide public health problem. Iodine deficiency is known as the most common cause. Iodine is actively transported as iodide ion (I-) using Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) and sufficient blocking of I- transportation prevents the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The transportation can be blocked by some polyatomic anions known as I- uptake inhibitors. Perchlorate (ClO4-), thiocyanate (SCN-) and nitrate (NO3-) are reported as the major I- uptake inhibitors and exposure could be through various routes. Drinking water is an important exposure route. Since water is essential to sustain life, drinking water safety is very important for the protection of public health. However, as a result of natural and human-based processes, water can be contaminated and contamination of drinking water is a global food safety problem due to causing significant health and environmental problemsIn that context, this study aims to determine exposure levels to I- uptake inhibitors that arise from drinking waters at five different districts in Antalya, Turkey. Collected water samples contained NO3- and ClO4- in the range of 0.86-47.42 mg/L and

A reliable method using the cytobrush for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle during the late lactational period.

This experiment was performed to assess reliability of the cytobrush-cytology method (CCM) in diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (SCE) using the biopsy-histopathology method (BHM) as a reference in late lactating dairy cows. Reproductive organs were collected from 115 slaughtered multiparous crossbred cows culled due to infertility 398 ± 135 days subsequent to parturition. Samples were collected from the dorsal part of the corpus uteri for analyses. Inflammation status was graded histopathologically based on the cell percentages [(neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (LYM), macrophages (MAC), and plasma cells)]. Data were subjected to Friedman's test for group comparisons (method and diagnosis), concordance correlation and chi-square tests for consistency of results among methods, and the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis for reliability of the CCM. Percentages of LYM (2.67x) and MAC (3.00x) were greater when evaluated using BHM than with CCM (P < 0.05 for both). The agreement (Cohen's κ value) of results among methods was 0.79 ± 0.06. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the CCM for defining endometrial inflammation were 79.3% and 100%, respectively. Among inflammatory cells, proportions of LYM and MAC in the CCM had merit for evaluation of uterine inflammation, with an Se of 74.1 and 84.5 and an Sp of 93.0 and 75.4 at the cut-off > 4 and > 0, respectively. The results indicate the CCM may be used in the diagnosis of SCE when the LYM and MAC percentages are considered in chronically infertile cows in the later stages of the lactational period.

A novel technique for the reduction of pesticide residues by a combination of low-intensity electrical current and ultrasound applications: A study on lettuce samples.

In this study, effects of low-intensity electrical currents (200, 800 and 1400 mA), ultrasound frequencies (24 and 40 kHz) and their combinations were applied at the duration period of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min for the degradation of captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl residues in lettuce samples. Residues of the pesticides were determined by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and electron capture detector. The results indicated that the combination of low-intensity electrical current and ultrasound was found to be effective for the reduction of the pesticides. The most effective combination was obtained to be current of 1400 mA and ultrasound frequency of 24 kHz at 10 min. Under this circumstance, 92.57, 81.99 and 93.09% of captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl residues were decreased, respectively. The findings suggest that the combination of low-intensity electrical current and ultrasound applications has an important potential for the degradation of pesticide residues.

Reduction of pesticide residues from tomatoes by low intensity electrical current and ultrasound applications.

In this study, effects of low intensity electrical current (EC) and ultrasound (US) treatments on the reduction of some important pesticides (captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl) residues in tomato samples were investigated. Three different currents (200, 800 and 1400mA) of EC were applied at various time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10min). Two kinds of US treatments including ultrasonic bath (UB) at 40kHz and ultrasonic probe (UP) at 24kHz were tested for the determination of US effectiveness. In addition, synergistic effects of US on EC treatments were evaluated. The most effective conditions for reduction of captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl residues were 1400mA+40kHz, 800mA+24kHz and 1400mA+24kHz, respectively. The residues of captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl were reduced in the order of 94.24%, 69.80% and 95.06% by using these combinations. EC and US strategies can be considered as effective treatments in industrial scale in order to remove the pesticide residues from vegetables.

Monitoring of metallic contaminants in energy drinks using ICP-MS.

In this study, an improved method was validated for the determination of some metallic contaminants (arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), Mn, and antimony (Sb)) in energy drinks using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The validation procedure was applied for the evaluation of linearity, repeatability, recovery, limit of detection, and quantification. In addition, to verify the trueness of the method, it was participated in an interlaboratory proficiency test for heavy metals in soft drink organized by the LGC (Laboratory of the Government Chemist) Standard. Validated method was used to monitor for the determination of metallic contaminants in commercial energy drink samples. Concentrations of As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Ni, Cu, Mn, and Sb in the samples were found in the ranges of 0.76-6.73, 13.25-100.96, 0.16-2.11, 9.33-28.96, 334.77-937.12, 35.98-303.97, 23.67-60.48, 5.45-489.93, and 0.01-0.42 µg L-1, respectively. The results were compared with the provisional guideline or parametric values of the elements for drinking waters set by the WHO (World Health Organization) and EC (European Commission). As, Cd, Cu, and Sb did not exceed the WHO and EC provisional guideline or parametric values. However, the other elements (Cr, Pb, Fe, Ni, and Mn) were found to be higher than their relevant limits at various levels.

Evaluation of heavy metal risk potential in Bogacayi River water (Antalya, Turkey).

This study analyzed 25 river water samples collected from the Bogacayi River in Antalya, Turkey, to evaluate the potential risk of pollution by heavy metals. Concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and V were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method was validated prior to analysis in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and recovery. In addition, a certified standard (SPS-SW2 surface water) was used to verify method trueness. Method validation data and results obtained from the certified material suggested that the method could be applied to determine elemental compositions of the samples. Although various concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sr were found in the samples, no Hg, V, Co, and Se concentrations were found. The highest concentration of Pb, Cd, and As was found in the samples from the 22nd, 16th, and 5th sampling stations, respectively. Concentrations of the studied elements were aligned from high to low as Sr > Ba > Ni > Cr > Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Cd. To evaluate the risk potential of metallic pollution, the data were used to calculate the heavy metal pollution index (HPI). The HPI values were found to be in the range from 7.81 to 43.97 (mean 25.48). Samples from upstream seemed to show lower risk potentials (<15) than those from downstream (>30); however, all HPI values were lower than 100, which is the critical HPI value for drinking safety.

Effect of Intrauterine Infusion of Momordica Charantia L. on Oxidative Stress and Pregnancy Rate in Infertile Cows.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of intrauterine administration of Momordica charantia L. (MC) extract on oxidative changes and pregnancy rate in infertile cows was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endometrial smear specimens were taken from 40 cows with fertility problems for cytological examination, and the cows were randomly divided into two groups: group I (n = 20) was subjected to intrauterine administration of 40 mL (0.25 g/mL) of MC extract, group II (n = 20) was subjected to intrauterine administration of 40 mL of pure olive oil. Blood samples were taken starting from the day of administration of MC extract or olive oil (day 0) and then for three weeks at weekly intervals (days 7, 14, 21). Blood serum samples were evaluated for total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant level (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. In addition, on the 14th day following treatment, two doses of PGF2α were administrated to all cows at 14-day intervals. Following the second PGF2α administration, insemination and GnRH administration was performed at the 60th h after PGF2α treatment. Smear samples were stained with Giemsa and immunohistochemically to determine cytological changes and inflammatory status. RESULTS: According to cytological findings, subclinical endometritis was a prevalent disorder in cows with infertility problem (82.5%; 33/40). Additionally, 60.6% (20/33) of the cows with subclinical endometritis had acute inflammation, whereas remaining 13 cows had chronic endometritis. Of the cows with subclinical endometritis, 50% (8/16) and 35% (6/17) became pregnant in group I and II, respectively (P > 0.05). Although the oxidative stress parameters showed similarities between both groups (P > 0.05), there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the groups in terms of mean NO and LOOH levels (NO - 31.20 ± 11.38 vs 44.53 ± 11.50 µmol/L and LOOH - 1.22 ± 0.37 vs 1.89 ± 0.36 µmol/L). CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicated that MC administration, especially in the presence of active inflammation, may improve the pregnancy rate by positive reduction of oxidative changes.

A Bayesian Approach for Evaluation of Determinants of Health System Efficiency Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Beta Regression.

In today's world, Public expenditures on health are one of the most important issues for governments. These increased expenditures are putting pressure on public budgets. Therefore, health policy makers have focused on the performance of their health systems and many countries have introduced reforms to improve the performance of their health systems. This study investigates the most important determinants of healthcare efficiency for OECD countries using second stage approach for Bayesian Stochastic Frontier Analysis (BSFA). There are two steps in this study. First we measure 29 OECD countries' healthcare efficiency by BSFA using the data from the OECD Health Database. At second stage, we expose the multiple relationships between the healthcare efficiency and characteristics of healthcare systems across OECD countries using Bayesian beta regression.

Determination of major sodium iodide symporter (NIS) inhibitors in drinking waters using ion chromatography with conductivity detector.

Goiter is an important health problem all over the world and iodine deficiency is its most common cause. Perchlorate, thiocyanate and nitrate (called as major NIS inhibitors) are known to competitively inhibit iodide uptake by the thyroid gland and thus, human exposure to major NIS inhibitors is a public health concern. In this study, an ion chromatographic method for the determination of most common NIS inhibitor ions in drinking waters was developed and validated. This is the first study where an analytical method is used for the determination of major NIS inhibitors in drinking water by an ion chromatography system in a single run. Chromatographic separations were achieved with an anion-exchange column and separated ions were identified by a conductivity detector. The method was found to be selective, linear, precise accurate and true for all of interested ions. The limits of the detections (LOD) were estimated at 0.003, 0.004 and 0.025mgL(-1) for perchlorate, thiocyanate and nitrate, respectively. Possible interference ions in drinking waters were examined for the best separation of NIS inhibitors. The excellent method validation data and proficiency test result (Z-score for nitrate: -0.1) of the FAPAS(®) suggested that the developed method could be applied for determination of NIS inhibitor residues in drinking waters. To evaluate the usefulness of the method, 75 drinking water samples from Antalya/Turkey were analyzed for NIS inhibitors. Perchlorate concentrations in the samples ranged from not detected (less than LOD) to 0.07±0.02mgL(-1) and the range of nitrate concentrations were found to be 3.60±0.01mgL(-1) and 47.42±0.40mgL(-1). No thiocyanate residues were detected in tested drinking water samples.

Elution of monomer from different bulk fill dental composite resins.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the elution of Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA, and Bis-EMA monomers from six bulk fill composite resins over four different time periods, using HPLC. METHODS: Six different composite resin materials were used in the present study: Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY), X-tra Fill (VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany), Sonic Fill (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA), Filtek Bulk Fill (3M ESPE Dental Product, St. Paul, MN), SDR (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany), EQUIA (GC America INC, Alsip, IL). The samples (4mm thickness, 5mm diameter) were prepared and polymerized for 20s with a light emitted diode unit. After fabrication, each sample was immediately immersed in 75wt% ethanol/water solution used as extraction fluid and stored in the amber colored bottles at room temperature. Ethanol/water samples were taken (0.5mL) at predefined time intervals:10m (T1), 1h (T2), 24h (T3) and 30 days (T4). These samples were analyzed by HPLC. The obtained data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD at significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: Amount of eluted Bis-EMA and Bis-GMA from Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill and amount of eluted TEGDMA and HEMA from X-tra Fill higher than others composites (p<0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Residual monomers were eluted from bulk fill composite resins in all time periods and the amount of eluted monomers was increased with time.

Comparison of efficacy of bromocriptine and cabergoline to GnRH agonist in a rat endometriosis model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dopamine agonists in a surgically induced endometriosis model on rats. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective randomized experimental study, surgical induction of endometriosis was performed by autotransplantation technique on 52 adult female Wistar-Albino rats. Endometriosis formation was confirmed by a second-look laparotomy (n:48) 1 month later. Four study groups were randomly generated according to their treatment regimens: group 1 (leuprolide acetate, n = 12), group 2 (bromocriptine, n = 12), group 3 (cabergoline, n = 12) and group 4 (control, n = 12). Endometriotic implants were excised for histopathological examination after treatment at the setting of laparotomy. The mean surface areas and histopathological glandular tissue (GT) and stromal tissue (ST) scores of endometriotic implants were studied and compared among groups. RESULTS: After 30 days of treatment, the mean surface area of the endometriotic implants of leuprolide acetate, bromocriptine and cabergoline groups was significantly decreased. The regression of endometriotic foci size in comparison to control was highest in group 1, followed by group 2, then group 3. In the histopathological evaluation both the ST and GT scores of group 1, 2 and 3 were significantly decreased in comparison to controls without a statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dopamine agonists are as effective as GnRH agonists in the regression of experimental endometriotic implants in rats. Further trials are needed to elucidate the pathways affected by dopamine agonists.

An eco-friendly, quick and cost-effective method for the quantification of acrylamide in cereal-based baby foods.

BACKGROUND: The presence of acrylamide in cereal-based baby foods is a matter of great concern owing to its possible health effects. Derivatization followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is one of the most common methods to quantify acrylamide. However, it requires the use of toxic chemicals and is time-consuming. The aim of this study was to develop an eco-friendly, rapid and inexpensive method for the determination of acrylamide in cereal-based baby foods. RESULTS: The method involves defatting with n-hexane, extraction into water, precipitation of proteins, bromination, extraction into ethyl acetate and injection into a GC/MS system. The effects of defatting, precipitation, treatment with triethylamine, addition of internal standard and column selection were reviewed. A flow chart for acrylamide analysis was prepared. To evaluate the applicability of the method, 62 different cereal-based baby foods were analyzed. The levels of acrylamide ranged from not detected (below the limit of detection) to 660 µg kg(-1). CONCLUSION: The method is more eco-friendly and less expensive because it consumes very little solvent relative to other methods using bromine solutions and ethyl acetate. In addition, sample pre-treatment requires no solid phase extraction or concentration steps. The method is recommended for the determination of trace acrylamide in complex cereal-based baby food products.

Acrylamide exposure among Turkish toddlers from selected cereal-based baby food samples.

In this study, acrylamide exposure from selected cereal-based baby food samples was investigated among toddlers aged 1-3 years in Turkey. The study contained three steps. The first step was collecting food consumption data and toddlers' physical properties, such as gender, age and body weight, using a questionnaire given to parents by a trained interviewer between January and March 2012. The second step was determining the acrylamide levels in food samples that were reported on by the parents in the questionnaire, using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The last step was combining the determined acrylamide levels in selected food samples with individual food consumption and body weight data using a deterministic approach to estimate the acrylamide exposure levels. The mean acrylamide levels of baby biscuits, breads, baby bread-rusks, crackers, biscuits, breakfast cereals and powdered cereal-based baby foods were 153, 225, 121, 604, 495, 290 and 36 µg/kg, respectively. The minimum, mean and maximum acrylamide exposures were estimated to be 0.06, 1.43 and 6.41 µg/kg BW per day, respectively. The foods that contributed to acrylamide exposure were aligned from high to low as bread, crackers, biscuits, baby biscuits, powdered cereal-based baby foods, baby bread-rusks and breakfast cereals.