Effect of Intrathecal Eugenol on Cerebral Vasospasm in an Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model.

BACKGROUND: Eugenol has various curative properties. It affects the dilatation of cerebral arteries through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel inhibition. This study is the first to explore the impact of eugenol on neuroprotection and vasospasm in an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were indiscriminately separated into 3 groups: the control group (n = 8), the SAH group (n = 8), and the eugenol group (n = 8). A double-bleeding method was used. The eugenol group received intracisternal eugenol (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) at 30 µg/20 µl after induction of SAH. On the day 7, all groups were euthanized. Measurements were taken for basilar artery wall thickness, lumen diameter, serum endothelin-1 (ET-1), and caspase-3 levels. RESULTS: The eugenol group exhibited significantly lower wall thickness, ET-1, oxidative stress index, and caspase-3 levels compared to the SAH group. In comparison to the control group, the eugenol group showed a higher oxidative stress index along with higher ET-1 and caspase-3 levels, but these differences were not statistically significant. Wall thickness was significantly higher in the eugenol group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first literature exploration of intrathecal eugenol's impact on vasospasm induced after experimental SAH. Administration of intrathecal eugenol demonstrates a positive effect on the treatment of experimental vasospasm as well as on the reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Effect of protection of enoxaparin against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the protection of enoxaparin (E) against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes. METHODS: In total, 56 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 8 animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham+E, I+E, and I/R+E. Ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h. In contrast, I/R and I/R+E groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I+platelet-rich plasma) or reperfusion (I/R+I+platelet-rich plasma). Ovaries were stimulated through intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured before and after surgery in all groups. RESULTS: When the number of metaphase II oocytes was evaluated, statistically significant differences were observed between the I and I+E (p=0.001) and I/R and I/R+E (p=0.000) groups. When both I and I+E groups and I/R and I/R+E groups were compared, it was found that E application increased the number of fertilized oocytes. The number of embryos on the second day was higher in the I/R+E group than that in the I/R group. Statistically significant differences were found in the number of grade 1 embryos between the I/R and I/R+E groups (p=0.003). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin effectively minimizes ovarian damage and preserves ovarian reserve following ovarian torsion.

Effect of protection of enoxaparin against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the protection of enoxaparin (E) against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes. METHODS: In total, 56 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 8 animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham+E, I+E, and I/R+E. Ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h. In contrast, I/R and I/R+E groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I+platelet-rich plasma) or reperfusion (I/R+I+platelet-rich plasma). Ovaries were stimulated through intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured before and after surgery in all groups. RESULTS: When the number of metaphase II oocytes was evaluated, statistically significant differences were observed between the I and I+E (p=0.001) and I/R and I/R+E (p=0.000) groups. When both I and I+E groups and I/R and I/R+E groups were compared, it was found that E application increased the number of fertilized oocytes. The number of embryos on the second day was higher in the I/R+E group than that in the I/R group. Statistically significant differences were found in the number of grade 1 embryos between the I/R and I/R+E groups (p=0.003). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin effectively minimizes ovarian damage and preserves ovarian reserve following ovarian torsion.

The Effectiveness of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Against Experimental Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Ovaries and Its Effect on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes.

Local ischemic damage resulting from ovarian torsion is a common cause of decreased follicular activity and infertility. It was aimed to evaluate the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) protection on in vitro fertilization (IVF) results against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries. The study consisted of 35 adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats (sham, ischemia, I/R, I + G-CSF, and I/R + G-CSF) randomly assigned to 5 groups, each containing 7 rats. While bilateral adnexal torsion was applied to the ischemia groups for 3 h, detorsion was applied to the reperfusion groups. Intraperitoneal 100 IU/kg G-CSF was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I + G-CSF) or reperfusion (I/R + G-CSF). After ovulation induction (intraperitoneal 150-300 IU/kg PMSG), the oocytes were collected and IVF was applied. Statistically significant differences were observed between the collected oocyte numbers in I and I + G-CSF, I/R, and I/R + G-CSF groups (P values were P = 0.001 for the I-I + G-SCF groups and P = 0.003 for I/R-IR + G-CSF, respectively). An increase in the number of MII oocytes obtained was observed in the I + G-CSF and I/R + G-CSF groups compared to the I and I/R groups. Grade 1 and grade 2 embryo numbers were statically different between the I/R and I/R + G-CSF groups (P values were P = 0.023 for grade 1 embryos and P = 0.045 for grade 2 embryos, respectively). G-CSF treatment was found to be effective in reducing I- and I/R-induced ovarian damage.

Association of mortality and endothelial dysfunction with serum ADMA level in COVID-19 patients.

Objectives: To investigate the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level in predicting intensive care and mortality in patients affected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital (Sakarya, Turkey) between April and August of 2020. We enrolled patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 via real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and admitted to the intensive care (Severe COVID-19; S-COVID) or non intensive care (Moderate COVID-19; M-COVID). We then analyzed the relationship of the ADMA level with various parameters between S-COVID and M-COVID groups. Results: This study included 87 patients, comprising 43 females and 44 males, with a mean age of 61 and 71.50 years, respectively. The male/female distribution was 22/25 (46.8%/53.2%) in the M-COVID group and 22/18 (55%/45%) in the S-COVID group. The hospitalization time, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte-to-albumin ratio, international normalization ratio, D-dimer, troponin, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, lactate, ADMA, and mortality rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05). In contrast, lymphocyte, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, calcium, and albumin values were lower (p < 0.05) in the S-COVID group than in the M-COVID group. While the mortality rate was 55% in S-COVID patients, no mortality was detected in M-COVID patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, ADMA level was 6618 ± 3000 (6400) in S-COVID patients and 5365 ± 3571 (3130) in M-COVID patients, indicating a statistically significant difference (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The asymmetric dimethylarginine level increases in severe outcomes; hence, it can potentially predict severity in patients with COVID-19.

The protective effect of cilostazol on experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats ovaries on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

Objective: Ovarian torsion decreases ovarian reserve because of ischemic and reperfusion damage it causes. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of cilostazol (CIL) on experimental ischemia (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) damage in rat ovaries with in vitro fertilization (IVF) results. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups with 8 animals in each group: Sham (S), I, I/R, S + CIL, I + CIL and I/R + CIL. The I groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h, while the I/R and I/R + CIL groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Twenty-two mg/kg of CIL was given via oral gavage 30 min before surgery on the I (I+ CIL) or reperfusion (I/R + CIL) groups. Oocytes were collected before the IVF procedure and after ovulation induction with 150-300 IU/kg pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Results: The metaphase oocytes reached their highest value of 4.73±0.96 in the S+ CIL group and reached their lowest value of 0.51±0.55 in the I/R group. There were statistically significant differences in the number of second-day embryos among the I, I+ CIL, and I/R and I/R+ CIL groups (p=0.000). When the groups were compared in terms of Anti-Müllerian hormone change, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. Conclusion: CIL pretreatment before surgery has a protective effect against I and I/R in rats with ovarian torsion.

Effect of Propolis on Precocious Puberty in Female Rats

Objective: Nutrition and exposure to various chemicals, including environmental pollution, insecticides, and plant phytoestrogens (having oestrogen-like effects), are environmental factors that affect puberty onset. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of propolis, which has been reported to have oestrogenic effects, on precocious puberty and the reproductive system in prepubertal female rats (ovary, endometrium, breast). Methods: Thirty-four 25-day-old, prepubertal, female Sprague-Dawley rats were included. Rats were randomly divided into the propolis (n=17) and control groups (n=17). The primary endpoint was the number of rats that developed vaginal opening, a sign of puberty, at 12-day follow-up. In addition, the effect of propolis on ovary, uterus and breast tissue was evaluated histologically. Results: Vaginal patency occurred earlier (about 7.5 days sooner) in the propolis group and all animals in the propolis group had vaginal patency by day 12. The number of ovarian follicles (in all follicles), endometrial thickness, and mammary gland secretory gland area were significantly higher in the propolis group than in the control group (all p<0.001). In addition, Ki-67 activity in the endometrium, breast tissue and ovary was more intense in the propolis group compared to the control group (all p<0.001). Conclusion: Propolis triggers precocious puberty in female rats, possibly by interacting with the oestrogen receptor. The mechanism of action of propolis should be considered before prescribing it. In addition, further studies are needed to explore the mechanism of action of propolis and to determine the component of propolis that triggers puberty.

The effect of protection of platelet-rich plasma against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat ovary on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian torsion is a common cause of local ischemic damage, reduced follicular activity and infertility. This study aimed to investigate how well platelet-rich plasma (PRP) protects against experimental ischemic (I) and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries and its effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. METHOD: Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups of eight animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham + PRP, I + PRP, and I/R + PRP. The remaining eight animals were used to prepare the PRP. The ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h, while the I/R and I/R + PRP groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) PRP was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (I + PRP) or reperfusion (I/R + PRP). The ovaries were stimulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 150-300 internal units of IU/kg PMSG. After ovulation induction, oocytes were taken from the ovaries, and IVF was performed. RESULTS: The number of MII oocytes reached the highest number with 4.63 ± 0.74 in the S group and had the lowest number with 0.50 ± 0.53 in the I/R group. There were statistically significant differences for the number of embryos obtained on the second day between the I and I + PRP groups and the I/R and I/R + PRP groups (p = 0.000). In comparing anti-Müllerian hormone 1 (AMH1) and AMH2 values within the group, the highest decrease was observed in the I and I/R groups. CONCLUSION: PRP is effective in minimizing ovarian damage and preserving ovarian reserves following ovarian torsion.

The levels of nitrite, nitrate and lipid peroxidation in diabetic mouse brain: the effect of melatonin and pentoxifylline.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between diabetes (DM) and nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels and effect of melatonin and pentoxifylline. METHODS: Sixty mice were randomly divided into four groups. Control: no action; Diabetes group (DM): after fasting-blood-glucose (FBG) was measured, 150 mg/kg alloxane was applied intraperitoneally three-times every other day; Diabetes + Melatonin (DM + MLT) and Diabetes + Pentoxifylline groups (DM + PTX): following the same procedures with DM, 10 mg/kg melatonin and 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline were administered subcutaneously six days, respectively. Following FBG analysis, brain tissues were taken under the anaesthesia. Nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels were measured. RESULTS: In the all groups with alloxane, FBG were higher than in before application (p < .05). Also, FBG, nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels in the DM + MLT and DM + PTX groups were lower than in the DM (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Nitrite and nitrate may be related to etiopathogenesis of DM, and pentoxifylline and especially melatonin relatively decrease nitrite, nitrate and lipid peroxidation.

Serum calprotectin as a novel biomarker for severity of COVID-19 disease.

BACKGROUND: Some biomarkers have been reported to be related to the prognosis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are sparse data regarding the prognostic value of serum calprotectin in COVID-19 patients. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum calprotectin level and clinical severity of COVID-19 disease in hospitalized patients. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional cohort study included 80 consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The study population was divided into two groups as patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) and patients hospitalized but not in the ICU. The serum calprotectin levels, other laboratory, and clinical parameters were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66.5 ± 15.7 years. Of the patients, 42 were in the ICU and 38 were not. Serum calprotectin level and acute-phase reactants such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, fibrinogen, and white blood cell were significantly higher in ICU patients than in non-ICU patients. ROC curve analysis identified that serum calprotectin level was a predictor for ICU requirement with an area under the curve of 0.641 (p = 0.031). Logistic regression analysis revealed that serum calprotectin was a significant determinant for whether or not patient required the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that serum calprotectin level seems to be a useful biomarker that can predict the severity of COVID-19 disease. Serum calprotectin is a significant predictor of ICU requirement in patients with COVID-19.

Comparison of the effects of rutaecarpine on molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Natural compounds have gained considerable attention in recent years due to disadvantages and properties of current chemotherapy drugs in cancer therapy. In addition, the impact of these compounds is specific for each type and/or subtypes of cancer due to different treatment response. Rutaecarpine, an alkaloid obtained from Evodia Rutaecarpa Chinese herb, has anticancer activity by inhibiting topoisomerase and/or cyclo-oxygenase-2 levels. However, the effectiveness of rutaecarpine has not been well known in breast cancer in terms of subtype. Therefore, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of rutaecarpine on two different subtypes of breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of rutaecarpine on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were analyzed by WST-1, Annexin V, cell cycle, and acridine orange staining. RESULTS: WST-1 results indicated that rutaecarpine significantly inhibited the growth of both cancer cells for 48 h (P < 0.05). In addition, rutaecarpine treatment caused apoptotic cell death through chromatin condensation and nuclear blebbing and G0/G1 arrest in both breast cancer cells. However, the efficacy of rutaecarpine was more profound in MCF-7 cells than MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, rutaecarpine has a potential therapeutic effect on breast cancer. However, the effectiveness of rutaecarpine is dependent on the subtype of breast cancer.

Investigation of the effect of melatonin administration on inflammatory mediators; MMP-2, TGF-ß and VEGF levels in rats with sepsis.

AIMS: Sepsis causes life-threatening tissue and organ dysfunctions caused by endogenous mediators in response to infection. Melatonin is a powerful endogenous anti-inflammatory agent and effective in reducing cellular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in serum and liver tissue levels of VEGF, TGF-ß and MMP-2 in melatonin-treated septic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar-albino male rats were included in this study. Rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 is sham-operated control (C) group, Group 2 is caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group and Group 3 is melatonin-treated (10 mg/kg) (M-CLP) group. Serum and tissue samples were analysed. All procedures were carried out according to the ethical rules specified in Helsinki Declaration. RESULTS: Sera MMP-2 levels were found higher than tissue MMP-2 levels in C and CLP (respectively, P = .048, P = .01). In CLP and M-CLP, serum TGF-ß levels were higher than tissue TGF-ß levels(respectively, P = .05, P = .01). Serum VEGF levels in CLP were found to be significantly higher than both C and M-CLP(P < .01). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 levels may have increased because of the prevention of oxidative damage in sepsis, and this may increase the anti-inflammatory effect. Melatonin treatment may have a therapeutic effect against sepsis since it prevents the increase in serum VEGF level. A powerful endogenous antioxidant, may be a promising therapeutic agent on the mortality and morbidity of the disease, because of its lowering effect on serum VEGF, which is a poor prognostic factor in sepsis.

Evaluation of coagulation parameters: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between survivors and nonsurvivors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate and compare the coagulation parameters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with mortal and nonmortal conditions. METHODS: In this study, 511 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. Information about 31 deceased and 480 recovered COVID-19 patients was obtained from the hospital information management system and analyzed retrospectively. Whether there was a correlation between coagulation parameters between the mortal and nonmortal patients was analyzed. Descriptive analyses on general characteristics of the study population were performed. Visual (probability plots and histograms) and analytical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk test) were used to test the normal distribution. Analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical software package. RESULTS: Out of 511 patients, 219 (42.9%) were females and 292 (57.1%) were males. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of mortality (p=0.521). In total, the median age was 67 (22). The median age was 74 (13) in the nonsurvivor group and 67 (22) in the survivor group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.007). The D-dimer, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, neutrophil, and lymphocyte median age values with p-values, in the recovered and deceased patient groups were: 1070 (2129), 1990 (7513) µg FEU/L, p=0.005; 12.6 (2.10), 13.3 (2.1), p=0.014; 1.17 (0.21), 1.22 (0.19), p=0.028; 5.51 (6.15), 8.54 (7.05), p=0.001; and 0.99 (0.96), 0.64 (0.84), p=0.037, respectively, with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, D-dimer, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio increase were found to be associated with mortality. These parameters need to be closely monitored during the patient follow-up.

Does Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor predict the prognosis of COVID-19 disease?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to investigate whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) predicts the prognosis of COVID-19 disease. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 87 confirmed COVID-19 patients. The patients were separated into two groups according to the admission in the ICU or in the ward. MIF was determined batchwise in plasma obtained as soon as the patients were admitted. Both groups were compared with respect to demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters and prediction of requirement to ICU admission. RESULTS: Forty seven patients in ICU, and 40 patients in ward were included. With respect to MIF levels and biochemical biomarkers, there was a statistically significant difference between the ICU and ward patients (p< 0.024). In terms of ICU requirement, the cut-off value of MIF was detected as 4.705 (AUC:0.633, 95%CI:0.561-0.79, p= 0.037), D-dimer was 789 (AUC:0.779, 95%CI: 0.681-0.877, p= 0.000), troponin was 8.15 (AUC: 0.820, 95%CI:0.729-0.911, p= 0.000), ferritin was 375 (AUC: 0.774, 95%CI:0.671-0.876, p= 0.000), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 359.5 (AUC:0.843, 95%CI: 0.753-0.933, p= 0.000). According to the logistic regression analysis; when MIF level > 4.705, the patient's requirement to ICU risk was increased to 8.33 (95%CI: 1.73-44.26, p= 0.009) fold. Similarly, elevation of troponin, ferritin and, LDH was shown to predict disease prognosis (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that MIF may play a role in inflammatory responses to COVID-19 through induction of pulmonary inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that pharmacotherapeutic approaches targeting MIF may hold promise for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Relationship between serum osteopontin levels and the severity of COVID-19 infection.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute inflammatory respiratory disease. Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein expressed in various cell types, such as bone, immune, smooth muscle, epithelial and endothelial cells. It also acts as a regulator of immune response. The aim of the present study was to reveal the place of serum osteopontin levels in predicting severity among patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This study included 84 patients, 43 female and 45 male. Patients were divided into 2 groups, group 1 non-severe group (n: 48), group 2 severe (n: 40). Demographic data, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, white blood cell counts, albumin, procalcitonin, C­reactive protein (CRP) and OPN levels were recorded. The OPN levels and these inflammatory parameters of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in terms of gender (female/male 25/23 vs. 18/22) and platelet count (178 K/µL vs. 191 K/µL) between the groups (p > 0.05). Ages (57.7 ± 17.0 years vs. 71.4 ± 12.8 years), procalcitonin (0.07 vs. 0.24 ng/mL), CRP (17 vs 158 mg/l), neutrophil count (3.7 vs 5.64 K/µL), WBC counts (5.38 vs 7.85 K/µL) and number of deaths (0 vs 26) (p < 0.001). The OPN levels (98.5 vs 13.75 ng/mL, p = 0.002) were found to be statistically higher, in group 2 than group 1. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that OPN can be used to predict the severity in patients with COVID-19.

The predictive and diagnostic accuracy of long pentraxin-3 in COVID-19 pneumonia

Background/aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate serum pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) levels in Sars-CoV-2 virus infection (COVID-19) patients and to investigate whether PTX-3 predicts the disease prognosis. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 88 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized due to symptomatic pneumonia between April 15 and August 15, 2020. The patients were divided into two groups as survived patients and non-survived patients. Both groups were compared according to demographic features, comorbid conditions and measurement of the PTX-3 and other laboratory parameters of the patients. Results: Of 88 patients with COVID-19, 59 (67%) were discharged with complete cure and 29 (33%) resulted in death. 46 (52.3%) of the patients were men. PTX-3 median value (IQR) was 3.66 ng/mL (0.9­27.9) in all patients, 3.3 ng/mL (0.9­27.9) in survivors and 3.91 ng/mL (1.9­23.2) in nonsurvivors which was significantly higher (P = 0.045). As a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis the cut-off value of PTX-3 for predicting mortality in patients was 3.73 with 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity (AUC: 0.646, 95% CI: 0.525­ 0.767, P = 0.045). Also, we found significant cut-off values with respect to D-dimer, D-dimer/PTX-3, high-sensitivity troponin, high- sensitivity troponin/PTX-3, lymphocyte, PTX-3/lymphocyte, procalcitonin, procalcitonin/PTX-3, CRP, and CRP/PTX-3 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, as far as we know, for the first time, we have shown PTX-3 as the new mortality biomarker for COVID-19 disease.

Association of cord blood ischemia-modified albumin level with abnormal foetal Doppler parameters in intrauterine growth-restricted foetuses.

Objective: To investigate cord blood ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to determine its association with abnormal fetal Doppler findings.Methods: Umbilical cord IMA levels were assessed in 34 pregnant women with IUGR and 32 pregnancies with normal fetal development. Associations of IMA with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, preeclampsia, and oligohydramnios were investigated. IMA was measured using a colorimetric test based on a decrease in cobalt binding.Results: No significant between group differences in maternal age, body mass index, gravida, and parity were identified. The mean gestational age at delivery was earlier in the IUGR group than in the control group (35.7 ± 3.2 versus 38.4 ± 1.2, respectively). The mean cord blood IMA values for the IUGR group were significantly increased compared to those in the control group (0.565 ± 0.22 versus 0.250 ± 0.12, respectively, p = .001). There was a significant positive correlation between umbilical artery pulsatility index and IMA levels in the IUGR group. Patients with preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, and abnormal nonstress test results in the IUGR group had significantly higher IMA levels. Patients with systolic to diastolic ratios >3 and pulsatility index (PI) above the 95th percentile in the IUGR group had significantly higher cord blood IMA levels (p = .001 and p = .007, respectively).Conclusions: Cord blood IMA values may be a useful marker for perinatal asphyxia. Abnormal Doppler findings are associated with increased IMA levels in complicated pregnancies with IUGR.

Evaluation of coagulation parameters: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between survivors and nonsurvivors

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate and compare the coagulation parameters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with mortal and nonmortal conditions. METHODS: In this study, 511 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. Information about 31 deceased and 480 recovered COVID-19 patients was obtained from the hospital information management system and analyzed retrospectively. Whether there was a correlation between coagulation parameters between the mortal and nonmortal patients was analyzed. Descriptive analyses on general characteristics of the study population were performed. Visual (probability plots and histograms) and analytical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk test) were used to test the normal distribution. Analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical software package. RESULTS: Out of 511 patients, 219 (42.9%) were females and 292 (57.1%) were males. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of mortality (p=0.521). In total, the median age was 67 (22). The median age was 74 (13) in the nonsurvivor group and 67 (22) in the survivor group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.007). The D-dimer, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, neutrophil, and lymphocyte median age values with p-values, in the recovered and deceased patient groups were: 1070 (2129), 1990 (7513) μg FEU/L, p=0.005; 12.6 (2.10), 13.3 (2.1), p=0.014; 1.17 (0.21), 1.22 (0.19), p=0.028; 5.51 (6.15), 8.54 (7.05), p=0.001; and 0.99 (0.96), 0.64 (0.84), p=0.037, respectively, with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, D-dimer, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio increase were found to be associated with mortality. These parameters need to be closely monitored during the patient follow-up.

Vitamin B12, folate levels and somatoform dissociation in conversion disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with conversion disorder, and to illuminate the aetiology of conversion disorder by examining depression and somatoform dissociation. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted from March 2014 to May 2015 at the Medical Centre of Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, and comprised patients diagnosed with conversion disorder and healthy controls. Blood samples were taken from both groups for vitamin B12 and folate levels. Data was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory and Somatoform Dissociation Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 18. RESULTS: Of the 100 subjects, 55(55%) were cases with a mean age of 27.05±9.04 years and 45(45%) were controls with a mean age of 26.56± 5.96 years. The mean level of B12 was 283.93±122.96 in cases and 324.62±128.82 in controls (p=0.05). The mean level of folic acid was 5.47±1.84 in cases and 6.07±2.26 in controls (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians need to be vigilant about vitamin B12 levels in patients with conversion symptoms.

Within-subject and between-subject biological variation of first morning void urine amino acids in 12 healthy subjects.

Background Urine amino acid analysis is used for the assessment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the valid biological variation (BV) components (within- and between-subjects) required for the safe clinical application of free urine amino acids. Methods First morning void urine samples were taken from 12 healthy subjects (five females, seven males) once a week for 10 consecutive weeks, and amino acid analysis was performed using an Agilent 6470 triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer instrument. The obtained data were subjected to normality, outlier and variance homogeneity analyses prior to coefficient of variation (CV) analysis. Within- and between-subject BV values (CVI and CVG) of 39 amino acids were determined for all subjects. In addition, the index of individuality (II), reference change value (RCV), imprecision, bias and total error were estimated using BV data obtained from our study. Results The CVI values ranged from 8.9 (histidine) to 36.8% (trans-4-hydroxyprolin), while the CVG values ranged from 25.0 (1-methyl-L-histidine) to 63.3% (phenylalanine). The II value of most amino acids was less than 0.6 and ranged between 0.21 and 0.88. The imprecision, bias and total error ranged between 4.45 and 16.6, between 7.69 and 16.6, and between 18.4 and 43.2, respectively. Conclusions This study, designed according to a rigorous protocol, has the feature of being the first to give information about BV data of urine amino acids. We believe that the reference intervals have a limitation in the evaluation of consecutive results from an individual, so the use of RCV would be more appropriate.