Microencapsulation of parathyroid cells via electric field and non-surgical transplantation approach.

PURPOSE: Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease with low PTH, mostly seen as a consequence of neck surgery. Current management is the prescription of calcium and vitamin D, but the definitive treatment is parathyroid allotransplantation, which frequently triggers an immune response, thus cannot achieve the expected success. To overcome this problem, encapsulation of allogeneic cells is the most promising method. By optimizing the standard alginate cell encapsulation technique with parathyroid cells under high-voltage application, the authors reduced the size of parathyroid-encapsulated beads and evaluated these samples in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Parathyroid cells were isolated, and standard-sized alginate macrobeads were prepared without any electrical field application, while microbeads in smaller sizes (< 500 µm), by the application of 13 kV. Bead morphologies, cell viability, and PTH secretion were evaluated in vitro for four weeks. For the in vivo part, beads were transplanted into Sprague-Dawley rats, and after retrieval, immunohistochemistry and PTH release were evaluated in addition to the assessment of cytokine/chemokine levels. RESULTS: The viability of parathyroid cells in micro- and macrobeads did not differ significantly. However, the amount of in vitro PTH secretion from microencapsulated cells was significantly lower than that from macroencapsulated cells, although it increased throughout the incubation period. Immunohistochemistry of PTH staining in both of the encapsulated cells identified as positive after retrieval. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the literature, a minimal in vivo immune response was developed for alginate-encapsulated parathyroid cells, regardless of bead size. Our findings suggest that injectable, micro-sized beads obtained using high-voltage may be a promising method for a non-surgical transplantation approach.

Happiness and social appearance anxiety in overweight young girls.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to determine the relationship between social appearance anxiety and happiness in overweight young girls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a correlational descriptive study and the study sample included 343 overweight young female students from a university in eastern Turkey. A Personal Information Form, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form (OHQ-SF), and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation), independent-samples t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation and regression analyses were used in data analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 21.55 ± 3.03 years. About a third of the participants (30.6%) was composed by year 3 university students, 60.6% had an income level equal to their expenditure level, and 50.7% was residing in the city center. The OHQ-SF mean total score of the participants was 17.03 ± 5.86, and the SAAS mean total score was 43.36 ± 17.07. There was a moderate negative correlation between the mean scores of the OHQ-SF and the SAAS (r: -.547, p<0.001). Social appearance anxiety explained 30% of happiness in young girls participating in the study (ß: -.547, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Happiness in young girls was effective on social appearance anxiety. Health professionals may also evaluate the level of happiness in the care and counseling services they provide to young girls during extraordinary circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relationship between papillary thyroid cancer and triglyceride/glucose index, which is an indicator of insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of thyroid cancer and metabolic syndrome has been increasing at the same rate over the past few decades. We hypothesized that there would be a direct relationship between thyroid papillary cancer and triglyceride/glucose index (TyG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 382 operated patients were divided into two groups: patients operated on for papillary thyroid cancer and for non-malignant reasons. Each patient's age, gender, operation times, presence of neck dissection, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4), fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels were scanned retrospectively from the archive system. RESULTS: TyG index was statistically higher in the malignant group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves obtained for TyG levels at the time of diagnosis of thyroid papillary cancer were AUC: 0.608. The threshold value for TyG was 6,252. The sensitivity of this value was 62.8% and the specificity was 49.2%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we investigated the predictive effect of the TyG index in differentiating thyroid papillary carcinoma from non-malignant thyroid lesions. We concluded that the TgY index can be used to identify people at high risk of thyroid papillary cancer and to plan treatment.

The predictive value of platelet/mean platelet volume ratio in predicting colon diverticulitis relapse.

OBJECTIVE: Diverticulitis is a health problem that has increased in frequency recently. It has a wide spectrum from simple inflammation to fecal peritonitis, sepsis and even mortality. Thus, it is important to predict diverticulitis, especially recurrent diverticulitis, and take measures to prevent it. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of the PLT/MPV ratio, which is an inflammation marker in predicting the recurrence of diverticulitis disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 132 patients diagnosed with diverticulitis were analyzed retrospectively. Patients' gender, age, localization of diverticulitis, number of diverticula in computed tomography (CT), hospitalization status, length of hospitalization, control colonoscopies, polyps' number and localizations in colonoscopies, presence of malignancy, need for surgery, and recurrences were not reported. White blood cell (WBC), Neutrophil (NE), Lymphocyte (LY), Hemoglobin (Hb), PLT, MPV, Albumin, Creatine Kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were examined. The patients were divided into two groups as those who did not relapse concerning diverticulitis and those who did, and statistical analysis was performed between the two groups about related parameters. RESULTS: Among all patients, recurrence was seen in 11 (10.1%) patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to their recurrence status and statistical significance was sought between the data. The calculated PLT/MPV ratio of patients who did not relapse was 25.61±8.05 and 34.98±11.37 for those who had a relapse (p=0.006). The sensitivity for MPV was 81.8%, a specificity of 57.1% and a cut-off of 9.85. The cut-off value for PLT was 207.5 with 100% sensitivity and 33.7% specificity. A cut-off value of 25.11 was found for PLT/MPV with 100% sensitivity and 49% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: PLT/MPV ratio was significantly higher in relapsed cases. Since it is easily accessible and inexpensive, it will guide physicians for diagnosis concerning early detection of relapse cases and initiation of appropriate treatment.

Quantitative analysis of healthy olfactory sulcus depth, olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volume in the paediatric population: a magnetic resonance study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the normal reference values for olfactory sulcus depth, olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volume in the paediatric population with routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and determine the relationship, if any, between these values and patient sex and age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients with a median age of 8 years (age range: 3-17 years), consisting of 45 males and 45 females with normal brain MRI scans were evaluated. The patients were divided into three subgroups based on age range, with n = 30 per subgroup; group 1: young children (3-6 years), group 2: children (7-11 years) and group 3: adolescents (12-17 years). In the cranial MRI examination of all groups, the right, left and total olfactory bulb volume values were measured in mm3, the right and left olfactory tract length values and the right and left olfactory sulcus depth values were calculated manually in mm. Demographic data including sex and age were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the age groups in terms of sex. Right-left olfactory sulcus depth; right-left olfactory tract length and right-left total olfactory bulb volume values increased significantly when they are compared in terms of age groups (p < 0.0001, = 0.028; < 0.0001, < 0.0001; < 0.0001, < 0.0001; < 0.0001, respectively). There was no significant difference between right and left olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volumes in all groups (p = 0.792 and p = 0.478), but the right olfactory sulcus depth was significantly larger than the left (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Especially as the age progresses, olfactory tract length and olfactory bulb volume dimensions of olfactory nerve and olfactory sulcus depth should be checked during diagnosis of respective illnesses in paediatric population.

Distortion optimization for wide-angle computational cameras.

An imaging system design procedure for miniature wide-angle computational cameras with subsequent software correction of distortion is described. Such miniature wide-angle computational cameras have a broad range of applications, including eye-tracked extraocular cameras for retinal prostheses, and also wearable visual aids for the blind and those with low vision. As significant (typically barrel) distortion is commonplace in wide-field-of-view imaging systems, digital post-processing is often employed to generate rectilinear output images. Relaxation of the constraint on distortion during the optical system design process is shown to allow for improved optimization of other image-degrading aberrations. Analysis of the effects of distortion on the software-corrected final image during optical design is accomplished by using comprehensive image quality metrics such as the correlation coefficient and the spatial frequency response. Selection of a surprisingly large exact initial distortion value as a constraint allows for the design of a miniature wide-angle imaging system that yields significantly enhanced final image quality.

The Repair of Furcal Perforations in Different Diameters with Biodentine, MTA, and IRM Repair Materials: A Laboratory Study Using an E. Faecalis Leakage Model.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microleakage of repair materials MTA, IRM, and Biodentine applied on furcal perforations with different diameters. One hundred and forty extracted human teeth were used in this study. The teeth were divided into 2 main groups (60 teeth in each) which were then divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20). The remaining 20 teeth were divided into 2 groups (10 in each) to serve as controls. The furcal areas of the teeth were perforated with #2 cylindrical burs in Group 1 whereas perforations were made using #4 cylindrical burs in Group 2. Each subgroup of both Groups 1 and 2 received ProRoot MTA (ProRoot, USA), Biodentine (Septodont), or IRM (Dentsply, USA) to repair the perforations. An experimental set-up was established to contaminate repaired perforations with E. Faecalis (ATCC29212). The turbidity of bacteria was observed on the 7th, 15th, 30th, and 45th days. The data was analysed by chi-square test (p > 0.05). The number of bacteria in the group perforated by bur #2 and closed by MTA was found to be lower than the other groups on the 7th day (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the bacterial counts of other groups on the 15th, 30th, and 45th days (p > 0.05). ProRoot MTA was found to be more successful in the prevention of bacterial leakage compared to IRM and Biodentine in smaller perforations during the 1st week.

The effects of ozone application on genotoxic damage and wound healing in bisphosphonate-applied human gingival fibroblast cells.

OBJECTIVES: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is an extremely therapy-resistant disease involving the jaws especially following bisphosphonate treatment. Bisphosphonates accumulate in bone in concentrations sufficient to be directly toxic to the oral epithelium. Current therapeutic options are inadequate for the prevention and treatment of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of ozone gas plasma therapy on wound healing in bisphosphonate-applied human fibroblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human primary gingival fibroblasts were cultured. Cytotoxic concentrations (IC50) of bisphosphonates (pamidronate (PAM), alendronate (ALN), and zoledronate (ZOL)) were determined by MTT test. A 60 µg/µl for 30 s of ozone gas plasma application was performed to all experimental culture flasks after drug treatment at 24-h intervals as 3 s/cm2. Genotoxic damages were evaluated by comet assay and wound healing was determined by in vitro scratch assay. RESULTS: PAM, ALN, and ZOL applications caused genotoxic damage on primary human gingival fibroblast DNA. Ozone gas plasma therapy significantly decreased the genotoxic damage (p < 0.05), and this application provided 25, 29, and 27% less genotoxic damage in order of ALN, PAM, and ZOL groups. Ozone gas plasma therapy significantly increased wound healing rates both in postsurgical 24th and 48th hours for all doses of experimental drug groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The ozone gas plasma application decreased genotoxic damage effect of bisphosphonate usage while improved the wound closure rate on human gingival fibroblasts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ozone gas plasma therapy may be helpful in prevention of gingival healing delay in MRONJ pathogenesis especially when applied simultaneously with surgical intervention.

Retrospective analysis of patients with relapsed or refractory testicular nonseminous germ cell tumors treated with autologous stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: About 20-25% of the testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are relapsed or refractory after first line therapy and optimal treatment for this group is poorly defined. We aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in this patient group.Material and. METHODS: 19 patients with 28 ASCT were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with BEP (Bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) as first line therapy and TIP(paclitexalifosfamide, cisplatin) was given as salvage chemotherapy. Stem cell collection was performed with TIP and granulocyte stimulating factor. ASCT was performed with carboplatin(700mg/m2) and etoposite(750mg /m 2). The results were provided as median(min-max). P<0.05 was accepted as statistical significant level. RESULTS: After ASCT, complete(CR) and partial remission (PR) rates were 47.3% and 31 .5% respectively. The median overall survival(OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were 18(0-37.4 months) and 7(0-15months) months respectively. Estimated 2-year OS was 47.4% and PFS was 35.3%. Grade 3/4 toxicities including diarrhea, mucositis, and toxic hepatitis were observed in 5 patients. Only one patient died due to complication of transplantation. CONCLUSION: Although the number of the patients in this study is limited, ASCT seems to be a safe and effective treatment modality in relapsed refractory non-seminomatousTGCT with an acceptable OS, PFS and mortality rates.

Risk factors for malignancy in systemic sclerosis patients.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease with multisystem involvement. An increased incidence of cancer in SSc patients compared with the general population has been reported in several reports. Our aims in this study were to determine the most common malignancies and to investigate the possible risk factors for the development of malignancy in patients with SSc. Three hundred forty SSc patients from 13 centers were included to the study. Data of the patients were obtained by evaluating their medical records retrospectively. A total of 340 patients with SSc were evaluated. Twenty-five of the patients had 19 different types of malignancy. Bladder cancer was the most common type of cancer with four patients and was followed by breast cancer with three patients, and cervix cancer and ovarian cancer with two patients each. Other types of cancers such as squamous cell skin cancer, adenocancer with an unknown origin, multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukemia, papillary thyroid cancer, larynx cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, follicular type non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), endometrium cancer, colon cancer, uterus cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, and soft tissue sarcoma were diagnosed in one patient each. The only cancer type that showed an association with cyclophosphamide dose was bladder carcinoma. Other malignancies did not show a correlation with age, sex, smoking, type and duration of the disease, autoantibodies, organ involvement, and dose and duration of cyclophosphamide therapy. Cancer may develop in any organ in patients with SSc. Continuous screening of the patients during a follow-up period is necessary for the early detection of the tumor development.

Micro RNA-126 coordinates cell behavior and signaling cascades according to characteristics of breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Micro RNA-126 is known to enhance apoptotic processes and also plays a role in vascular growth through the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated signaling, angiogenesis, and vascular integrity. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the role of miR-126 in breast cancer cell lines with a variety of different characteristics to evaluate its interaction with certain cancer-related molecules and mechanisms. METHODS: To determine the effect of presence and absence of miR-126 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, miR-126 mimics and inhibitor were transfected. miRNA and gene expressions were observed by using RT-PCR. Viability, proliferation, adhesion, invasion and lateral motility assays were performed to determine cell behavior changes. RESULTS: miR-126 is more effective on MDA-MB-231 cells on cell behavior. We observed an increase in miR-126 expression when miR-126 mimics was transfected to MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, there was a decrease in miR-126 expression when MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with miR-126 inhibitor. Furthermore, presence and absence of miR-126 modulated the gene expressions of VEGF/PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that miR-126 is in a state of interaction with a multitude molecules playing a role in breast cancer. According to obtained data, we can say that miR-126 may be more effective in inhibition of metastatic breast cancer (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 46).

Serum YKL-40 levels as a novel marker of inflammation in patients with endometriosis.

PURPOSE: To establish serum YKL-40 concentrations in patients with endometriosis compared to age-matched healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional clinical study conducted in a tertiary care center. Demographics and serum YKL levels were determined and noted in a total of 63 cases (33 endometriosis patients, 30 healthy controls). Measurement of YKL-40 levels was made using a YKL-40 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit according to the manufacturer's protocol. RESULTS: The mean serum YKL-40 levels of the patient group was 106.0 +/- 15.9 (range 23.44 to 382.55) years, while the mean serum YKL-40 levels of the controls was 52.2 +/- 7.0 (range 22.35 to 160.0) years (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating serum YKL-40 levels in endometriosis. The present results indicate that YKL-40 levels were increased in patients with endometriosis compared to controls. The authors propose that circulating YKL-40 levels could be a novel biomarker for diagnosis and follow-up of endometriosis.

Bufavirus genotype 3 in Turkish children with severe diarrhoea.

Recently a parvovirus called bufavirus (BuV) has been implicated as a causative agent of diarrhoea. To further reveal the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of BuV, this study was performed in Turkish children with diarrhoea. BuV was detected in 1.4% (8/583) of stool samples. All stool samples from healthy children (n = 148) were negative for BuV. Diarrhoea in BuV-positive patients was severe and occurred mainly during the colder months of the year. Complete genome sequences were generated from four BuVs. Only BuV3 was found, which was genetically and phylogenetically similar to Bhutanese BuV3, indicating that BuV3 is prevalent in Asian countries.

Effects of alendronate and pamidronate on apoptosis and cell proliferation in cultured primary human gingival fibroblasts.

Data arising from the recent literature directed the researchers to study on the degree and extent of bisphosphonate toxicity on oral mucosa in further detail. The aim of this study is to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration of pamidronate (PAM) and alendronate (ALN) on human gingival fibroblasts in vitro using 3-[4.5-thiazol-2-yl]-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and to evaluate the effects of both agents on the proliferation and apoptotic indices. Cells used in the study were generated from human gingival specimens and divided into alendronate (n = 240), PAM (n = 240), and control groups (n = 60). Based on the MTT assay results, 10(-4), 10(-5), 10(-6), and 10(-7) M concentrations of both drugs were administered and the effects were evaluated for 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72 h periods. An indirect immunofluorescence technique was used to evaluate apoptotic (anti-caspase 3) and proliferation (anti-Ki67) indices. Toxicity of both PAM and ALN was found to be the most potent at 10(-4)-10(-5) M range. The apoptotic index of PAM group was found to be significantly higher than ALN group for all concentrations especially at 24 h incubation time (p < 0.05). The decrease in the proliferation index was found similar in first 48 h for both drugs; however, after 72 h of incubation decrease in proliferation index in PAM group was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). Micromolar concentrations of not only PAM but also ALN rapidly affect cells generated from human oral gingival tissue by inducing apoptosis together with inhibition of proliferation. Cytotoxic effects of both ALN and PAM on primary human gingival fibroblasts, which cause significant changes in apoptotic and proliferative indices as shown in this in vitro study, suggests that the defective epithelialization of oral mucosa is possibly a major factor on the onset of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw cases.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor rosuvastatin improves abnormal brain electrical activity via mechanisms involving eNOS.

Apart from its repressing effect on plasma lipid levels, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors exert neuroprotective functions in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders. In view of these promising observations, we were interested in whether HMG-CoA reductase inhibition would affect epileptiform activity in the brain. To elucidate this issue, atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin were administered orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg each for 3 days and their anti-epileptic activities were tested and compared in rats. Epileptiform activity in the brain was induced by an intracortical penicillin G injection. Among HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, simvastatin-treatment was less effective in terms of spike frequency as compared with atorvastatin- and rosuvastatin-treated animals. Atorvastatin treatment reduced spike frequencies and amplitudes significantly throughout the experiment. However, the most pronounced anti-epileptic effect was observed in rosuvastatin-treated animals, which was associated with improved blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and decreased expressions of pro-apoptotic p53, Bax and caspase-3 mRNAs. Inhibition of eNOS activity with L-NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) reversed the anti-epileptic effect of rosuvastatin significantly. However, L-NAME did not alter the effect of rosuvastatin on the levels of p53, Bax and caspase-3 mRNA expression. Here, we provide evidence that among HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, rosuvastatin was the most effective statin on the reduction of epileptiform activity, which was associated with improved BBB permeability, increased expression of eNOS and decreased expressions of pro-apoptotic p53, Bax and caspase-3. Our observation also revealed that the anti-epileptic effect of rosuvastatin was dependent on the increased expression level of eNOS. The robust anti-epileptic effect encourages proof-of-concept studies with rosuvastatin in human epilepsy patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Effects of mini trampoline exercise on male gymnasts' physiological parameters: a pilot study.

AIM: There are limited studies that indicate the effects of trampoline exercise on strength and other physiological parameters. This study aims to determine whether twelve weeks of trampoline exercise would have any effects on the physical and physiological parameters of male gymnasts. METHODS: A number of 20 intercollegiate competitive male gymnasts (as experimental group) and 20 non-athlete male (as control group) participated voluntarily. Their anthropometric characteristics and the anaerobic power were measured and their back strength, vertical jump, standing long jump and 20 meter sprint performances were measured. RESULTS: As a result; whereas 12 weeks of trampoline exercise improved standing long jump (before 242.35±3.40 cm; after 251.70±2.95 cm) and also vertical jump, 20 meter sprint speed and anaerobic power of subjects. We did not observe significant changes on back strength performances (before 148.32±5.73 kg; after 148.10±5.71). CONCLUSION: The trampoline exercise protocol improved significantly speed, jump and anaerobic performances of the experimental group, while did not induced any changes on back strength performances. More studies are necessary to confirm the interesting results coming from this pilot intervention.

Is induction of labour by Propess(®) safe? A comparison of midwife-led versus obstetrician-led labour management.

This retrospective study compared maternal and fetal outcomes after labour induction, using a dinoprostone vaginal pessary (Propess(®)) in midwife-led and obstetrician-led labour management. Labour induction outcomes, delivery mode and rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were compared. A total of 405 women, 40.5% (n = 164) from midwife-led units and 59.5% (n = 241) from an obstetrician-led unit, participated. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in caesarean section rate or neonatal intensive care unit admission rates (p = 0.789 and 0.769, respectively). Non-reassuring fetal non-stress test and uterine hyperstimulation risks were higher in the obstetrician-led unit (p = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively, and odds ratio (OR) 0.165, 95% CI: 0.117-0.232 and OR 0.218, 95% CI: 0.078-0.611, respectively). Postpartum blood transfusion rate was higher in the midwife-led units (p = 0.002, OR 8.082, 95% CI: 1.879-39.292). Labour induction with Propess(®) is safe during both midwife-led and obstetrician-led labour management.

Importance of nasal septal cartilage perichondrium for septum strength mechanics: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical qualities of the perichondrium and cartilage, and to determine the strength of the septal cartilage against bending forces. STUDY DESIGN: This paper describes an experimental cadaver study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nasal septal cartilages of 14 fresh cadavers (8 hours postmortem) were excised from the cadavers and cut into two strips: one with the perichondrium (group A) and one without perichondrium (group B). A bending test was then performed on the strips. RESULTS: The deflection of group A strips was larger than the deflection of group B strips. Flexural strength was also larger in group A strips compared to group B strips. The average modulus of elasticity was 122% higher in group A compared to group B. All conducted tests revealed statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: This study objectively shows that the perichondrium provides the cartilage with a 25% bending strength.

Evaluation of the effects of maternal anxiety on the duration of vaginal labour delivery.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the authors aim to investigate the effect of anxiety during late pregnancy periods and during labour on the duration of delivery in patients giving birth vaginally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study we included 50 nulliparous and 35 multiparous patients who were at or above the 28th gestational age and followed-up and admitted for birth at the present hospital. During the admission at the outpatient clinic at third trimester and at the beginning of labour, anxiety levels of patients were detected by performing the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The duration of the labour stages of pregnant women were recorded and these durations and maternal state-trait anxiety levels were compared. RESULTS: The trait anxiety of patients both during the third trimester and labour was similar, while during labour state anxiety was seen to be increased. Statistically, the levels of the trait anxiety of multiparous patients were significantly higher. There was a statistically significant correlation between state anxiety for both periods in nulliparous patients and latent and active phases, the first and the second stages, and total duration of the labour. In addition, there was a significant relationship between trait anxiety levels for both period and total duration of the labour. For multiparous patients, only positive significant correlation was detected with the level of state anxiety during labour. CONCLUSION: It has been seen that the anxiety occurring at the last trimester of pregnancy and labour, and especially acute state anxiety have negative effects on the duration of the phases of labour. It has been considered that the physical care provided for patients at the last trimester and during labour and also evaluation in terms of anxiety and provision of emotional support may cause positive outcomes for the duration of labour.

The correlation of neurophysiological findings with clinical and functional status in patients following traumatic nerve injury.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between the electrodiagnostic findings and the functional status, muscle strength and sensibility in patients with traumatic nerve injury to the wrists. We assessed 50 patients at a mean of 11.6 months (SD 5.85) (range 6-25) after nerve injury. Sensibility was assessed by monofilament testing. Motor function was evaluated by assessing the manual muscle grade of the abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi muscles. Function was evaluated by the Sollerman Hand Function Test. The amplitudes of the compound muscle action potential and the sensory nerve action potential were determined by electroneuromyography. While the compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential amplitudes had significant correlation with muscle grade and Semmes Weinstein Monofilament tests, there was no correlation with the functional scores.