Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Findings on Electrocardiogram Predict Impaired Left Atrial Functions.

OBJECTIVE: Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG LVH) holds significant clinical importance in cardiovascular disease. Pathological processes that lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) also induce remodeling and impair left atrial (LA) function. Atrial function can be assessed using speckle-tracking echocardiography. This study investigates the potential impact of ECG LVH on LA strain. METHODS: A total of 62 individuals diagnosed with LVH, based on the echocardiographic left ventricular mass index, were included. ECG LVH was assessed using established protocols: the Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria (SV1 + RV5/RV6 > 35 mm), Cornell voltage criteria (RaVL + SV3 > 28 mm for men and > 20 mm for women), and the Cornell product criteria [(SV3 + RaVL + (for women 8 mm)] x QRS duration > 2440 mm x ms). Participants were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of ECG LVH. The relationship between LA strain measures and ECG characteristics was explored. RESULTS: The study population had a median age of 58.3 ± 10.1 years, with 40.3% being female, 91.9% hypertensive, and 35.5% diabetic. Nineteen patients (30.6%) were identified with ECG LVH based on Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Cornell voltage, or Cornell product criteria. These patients exhibited significantly reduced LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction strains (P < 0.001). Statistically significant correlations were observed between all three phases of LA strain measures and Sokolow-Lyon voltage (reservoir r = -0.389, P < 0.01; conduit r = -0.273, P < 0.05; contraction r = -0.359, P < 0.01), Cornell voltage (reservoir r = -0.49, P < 0.001; conduit r = -0.432, P < 0.001; contraction r = -0.339, P < 0.01), and Cornell product (reservoir r = -0.471, P < 0.001; conduit r = -0.387, P < 0.01; contraction r = -0.362, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ECG LVH is associated with impaired LA strain, validating its use as an effective tool for predicting LA dysfunction.

Is the Presence of 2 Renal Allograft Arteries Associated with Adverse Outcomes in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation?

OBJECTIVE: Although it was postulated that renal grafts with multiple arteries could lead to unfavorable recipient outcomes, this subject remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of recipients receiving renal allografts with a single artery with those receiving renal grafts with two arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who received live donor kidney transplantation in our center between January 2020 and October 2021 were included. Data including age, gender, body mass index, renal allograft side, pre-kidney transplantation dialysis status, human leukocyte antigen mismatch number, warm ischemia time, the number of renal allograft arteries (single/double), complications, duration of hospitalization, postoperative creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rates, early graft rejection, graft loss, and mortality were collected. Subsequently, patients who received single-artery renal allografts were compared with those who received double-artery renal allografts. RESULTS: Overall, 139 recipients were included. The mean recipient age was 43.73 ± 13.03 (21-69). While 103 recipients were male, 36 were female. The comparison between the 2 groups revealed that mean ischemia time was significantly longer in the double-artery than in the single-artery group (48.0 vs. 31.2 minutes) (P=.00). In addition, the single-artery group had significantly lower postoperative day 1 and day 30 mean serum creatinine levels. Also, the mean postoperative day 1 glomerular filtration rates were significantly higher in the single-artery group than in the double-artery group. However, the 2 groups were similar concerning the glomerular filtration rates measured at other times. On the other hand, there was no difference between the 2 groups regarding duration of hospitalization, surgical complication, early graft rejection, graft loss, and mortality rates. CONCLUSION: The presence of 2 renal allograft arteries does not have adverse effects on the postoperative parameters of the kidney transplantation recipients, including graft function, duration of hospitalization, surgical complication, early graft rejection, graft loss, and mortality rates.

Strain Echocardiographic Evaluation of Myocardial Involvement in Patients with Continuing Chest Pain after COVID-19 Infection. / Avaliação Ecocardiográfica com Strain do Envolvimento Miocárdico em Pacientes com Dor Torácica Contínua após Infecção por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: A new clinical manifestation called post or long coronavirus disease (p/l COVID) has walked into our lives after the acute COVID-19 phase. P/l COVID may lead to myocardial injury with subsequent cardiac problems. Diagnosing these patients quickly and simply has become more important due to the increasing number of patients with p/l COVID. OBJECTIVES: We compared strain echocardiography (SE) parameters of patients who suffered from atypical chest pain and had sequel myocarditis findings on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We aimed to investigate the value of SE for detection of myocardial involvement in patients with p/l COVID. METHODS: A total of 42 patients were enrolled. Our population was separated into two groups. The CMR(-) group (n = 21) had no myocardial sequelae on CMR, whereas the CMR(+) group had myocardial sequelae on CMR (n = 21). The predictive value of SE for myocarditis was also evaluated by age-adjusted multivariate analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: When compared with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) had a stronger relationship (LVEF, p = 0.05; GLS, p < 0.001; GCS, p < 0.001) with p/l COVID associated myocardial involvement. GLS < 20.35 had 85.7% sensitivity and 81% specificity; GCS < 21.35 had 81% sensitivity and 81% specificity as diagnostic values for myocardial sequelae detected with CMR. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, p = 0.31), a difference was observed between biochemical markers, which are indicators of cardiac involvement (brain natriuretic peptide, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SE is more useful than traditional echocardiography for making diagnosis quickly and accurately in order not to delay treatment in the presence of myocardial involvement.

FUNDAMENTO: Tem surgido uma nova manifestação clínica chamada pós-COVID ou COVID longa (COVID p/l) após a fase aguda da COVID-19. COVID p/l pode levar à lesão miocárdica com problemas cardíacos subsequentes. Diagnosticar esses pacientes de forma rápida e simples é cada vez mais importante devido ao número crescente de pacientes com COVID p/l. OBJETIVOS: Comparamos os parâmetros de ecocardiografia com strain (ES) de pacientes que apresentaram dor torácica atípica e achados de sequelas de miocardite na ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC). Nosso objetivo foi investigar o valor da ES para detecção de envolvimento miocárdico em pacientes com COVID p/l. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos um total de 42 pacientes. Nossa população foi separada em 2 grupos. O grupo RMC(-) (n = 21) não apresentou sequelas miocárdicas na RMC, enquanto o grupo RMC(+) apresentou sequelas miocárdicas na RMC (n = 21). O valor preditivo da ES para miocardite também foi avaliado por análise multivariada ajustada por idade. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Quando comparado com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE), o strain longitudinal global (SLG) e o strain circunferencial global (SCG) tiveram uma relação mais forte (FEVE, p = 0,05; SLG, p < 0,001; SCG, p < 0,001) com envolvimento miocárdico associado à COVID p/l. SLG < 20,35 apresentou sensibilidade de 85,7% e especificidade de 81%; SCG < 21,35 apresentou sensibilidade de 81% e especificidade de 81% como valores diagnósticos para sequelas miocárdicas detectadas com RMC. Enquanto não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto aos marcadores inflamatórios (proteína C-reativa, p = 0,31), houve diferença entre os marcadores bioquímicos, que são indicadores de envolvimento cardíaco (peptídeo natriurético cerebral, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A ES é mais útil do que a ecocardiografia tradicional para diagnosticar com rapidez e precisão, a fim de não atrasar o tratamento na presença de envolvimento miocárdico.

Avaliação Ecocardiográfica com Strain do Envolvimento Miocárdico em Pacientes com Dor Torácica Contínua após Infecção por COVID-19 / Strain Echocardiographic Evaluation of Myocardial Involvement in Patients with Continuing Chest Pain after COVID-19 Infection

Resumo Fundamento Tem surgido uma nova manifestação clínica chamada pós-COVID ou COVID longa (COVID p/l) após a fase aguda da COVID-19. COVID p/l pode levar à lesão miocárdica com problemas cardíacos subsequentes. Diagnosticar esses pacientes de forma rápida e simples é cada vez mais importante devido ao número crescente de pacientes com COVID p/l. Objetivos Comparamos os parâmetros de ecocardiografia com strain (ES) de pacientes que apresentaram dor torácica atípica e achados de sequelas de miocardite na ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC). Nosso objetivo foi investigar o valor da ES para detecção de envolvimento miocárdico em pacientes com COVID p/l. Métodos Foram incluídos um total de 42 pacientes. Nossa população foi separada em 2 grupos. O grupo RMC(-) (n = 21) não apresentou sequelas miocárdicas na RMC, enquanto o grupo RMC(+) apresentou sequelas miocárdicas na RMC (n = 21). O valor preditivo da ES para miocardite também foi avaliado por análise multivariada ajustada por idade. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Quando comparado com a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE), o strain longitudinal global (SLG) e o strain circunferencial global (SCG) tiveram uma relação mais forte (FEVE, p = 0,05; SLG, p < 0,001; SCG, p < 0,001) com envolvimento miocárdico associado à COVID p/l. SLG < 20,35 apresentou sensibilidade de 85,7% e especificidade de 81%; SCG < 21,35 apresentou sensibilidade de 81% e especificidade de 81% como valores diagnósticos para sequelas miocárdicas detectadas com RMC. Enquanto não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto aos marcadores inflamatórios (proteína C-reativa, p = 0,31), houve diferença entre os marcadores bioquímicos, que são indicadores de envolvimento cardíaco (peptídeo natriurético cerebral, p < 0,001). Conclusão A ES é mais útil do que a ecocardiografia tradicional para diagnosticar com rapidez e precisão, a fim de não atrasar o tratamento na presença de envolvimento miocárdico.

Abstract Background A new clinical manifestation called post or long coronavirus disease (p/l COVID) has walked into our lives after the acute COVID-19 phase. P/l COVID may lead to myocardial injury with subsequent cardiac problems. Diagnosing these patients quickly and simply has become more important due to the increasing number of patients with p/l COVID. Objectives We compared strain echocardiography (SE) parameters of patients who suffered from atypical chest pain and had sequel myocarditis findings on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We aimed to investigate the value of SE for detection of myocardial involvement in patients with p/l COVID. Methods A total of 42 patients were enrolled. Our population was separated into two groups. The CMR(-) group (n = 21) had no myocardial sequelae on CMR, whereas the CMR(+) group had myocardial sequelae on CMR (n = 21). The predictive value of SE for myocarditis was also evaluated by age-adjusted multivariate analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results When compared with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) had a stronger relationship (LVEF, p = 0.05; GLS, p < 0.001; GCS, p < 0.001) with p/l COVID associated myocardial involvement. GLS < 20.35 had 85.7% sensitivity and 81% specificity; GCS < 21.35 had 81% sensitivity and 81% specificity as diagnostic values for myocardial sequelae detected with CMR. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, p = 0.31), a difference was observed between biochemical markers, which are indicators of cardiac involvement (brain natriuretic peptide, p < 0.001). Conclusion SE is more useful than traditional echocardiography for making diagnosis quickly and accurately in order not to delay treatment in the presence of myocardial involvement.

Results of Using the Cystic Duct for Reconstruction of One of the Multiple Bile Ducts in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In right-lobe liver grafts, variations in the biliary tree anatomy can result in multiple bile duct orifices. We present our experience of 10 patients in which biliary reconstruction was performed with the cystic duct for 1 of the anastomoses with 2 separated ducts. Also, we investigated whether the bile duct anastomosis technique, number of bile duct anastomoses, and use of biliary stents affect the rate of biliary complications. METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent right-lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at Istinye University Hospital and Istanbul Aydin University Hospital between December 2017 and June 2020. The patients were divided into 4 groups: duct-to-duct (D-D), duct-to-sheath, double duct-to-duct, and duct-to-duct plus cystic duct-to-duct. Biliary complication rates were compared among these 4 groups, between single- and double-duct groups, and between stent (+) and stent (-) groups. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients who underwent right-lobe LDLT (60 men, 33 women) with a mean age of 51 ± 13 years were included. Mean follow-up time was 18.5 ± 8.3 months. The overall biliary complication rate was 17.2% for all patients, 12.1% for the D-D (single-duct) group (33 patients), 16.1% for the duct-to-sheath group (31 patients), 26.3% for the double duct-to-duct group (19 patients), 20% for the duct-to-duct plus cystic duct-to-duct group (10 patients), 20% for the double-duct group (60 patients), 14.5% for the stent (+) group (69 patients), and 25% for the stent (-) group (24 patients). There were no significant differences among these groups in terms of biliary complication rates. Bile stricture occurred in only 1 cystic duct anastomosis (10%), and no bile leakage was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple D-D biliary reconstruction using the cystic duct with external drainage tubes is feasible and safe for LDLT.

Correlation Between the Mayo Adhesive Probability Score and the Operative Time in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Adherent perinephric fat (APF) is a known risk factor of surgical difficulty during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). The Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score predicts APF accurately. The aim of this study is to identify the association between MAP score and operative time in LDN. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 154 kidney donors who underwent surgery from December 2017 to December 2019 at Istanbul Aydin University Hospital and Istinye University Hospital. All of the operations were done by 3 senior surgeons by a fully laparoscopic method. The MAP score was derived from computed tomography scans by 1 blinded reader. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), MAP score, side selection, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), number of arteries and veins, operative time, hospital stay, and complications are recorded. Single and multiple variable analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between operative time and MAP score, BMI, side selection, and number of vascular structures. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients (79 men, 75 women) with a mean age of 44.4 ± 12.72 were included in this study. None of the cases were converted to open nephrectomy. There were no major complications. Mean BMI was 27.59 ± 4.32 kg/m2, mean MAP score was 0.69 ± 1.15, and mean operative time was 40.25 ± 9.81 minutes. Although mean BMI was higher in women (28.19 ± 4.52 vs 27.03 ± 4.07; P < .05), mean MAP score was lower than in men (0.35 ± 0.86 vs 1.03 ± 1.29; P < .001). Older age, higher BMI, higher MAP score, and presence of multiple renal arteries were associated with longer operative time of LDN. The MAP score was associated with older age, male sex and higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that different risk factors can affect operative time in LDN. The MAP score was significantly associated with longer operative time, especially in men, so it can be useful for predicting surgical difficulty in kidney donors.

Correlation Between the Severity of Coronary Artery Ectasia and Monocyte/Lymphocyte, Platelet/Lymphocyte, and HDL/LDL Ratios.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the monocyte/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, and HDL/LDL ratios as markers of the severity of coronary artery ectasia(CE). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Cardiology, Izmir Katip Celebi University and Balikesir University, Turkey, from January 2017 to October 2018. METHODOLOGY: A total of 7,923 coronary angiographs were retrospectively scanned. Inclusion criteria was >1.5 times dilatated of native coronary artery segment. Exclusion criteria was <1.5 times or no dilatation of native coronary segment compared with normal coronary segment. Demographic features, CE type, clinic status, monocyte/lymphocyte, platelet/ lymphocyte and HDL/LDL ratios are collected. RESULTS: Two hundred and six (2.6%) cases were identified, which had a mean age of 61.4 ±11.4 years. The male to female ratio was 3:1; and 46% of the patients presented with unstable angina. The prevalence of CE was 2.6%; and 118 (57.2%) patients had non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking were the most commonly seen disorders. Markis Type 4 was the most common type of CE determined. A statistically significant correlation was determined among the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and the increased diameter of ectasia of the vessel. CONCLUSION: Although there should be awareness of CE, many clinicians do not pay as much attention to CE as to coronary stenosis. The results of this study showed that the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio are consistent with the ectasia severity. This correlation will be useful for the evaluation of follow-up and treatment success in patients with CE.

Evaluation of subclinical myocardial dysfunction using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there is any difference between radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), also termed ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and non-radiographic (nr-) axSpA, with respect to subclinial myocardial dysfunction using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional case control study. We included 72 patients with AS, 38 patients with nr-axSpA, and 56 age-matched healthy subjects. Patients with cardiac disease and cardiac risk factors affecting STE were excluded. The disease burden evaluated by the BASDAI, BASFI, BAS-G, and ASAS-HI scores were comparable in both the r- and nr-axSpA groups. A detailed echocardiographic examination including the M-mode, Doppler, and STE was applied to whole study population. RESULTS: Duration of the disease, the use of an anti-TNFα agent, and CRP levels were higher in patients with AS. Although the AS, nr-axSpA, and control groups had similar ejection fraction values (59±5.2, 60±4.6, 60±4.6, respectively, and p=0.499), the global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) (20.5±3.3, 21.1±3.5, and 22.3±2.4, respectively, and p<0.05) was different between the groups. In a post-hoc analysis, GLS was not different between the nr-axSpA and control groups, and it was significantly lower in patients with AS. In the univariate analysis, peripheral arthritis (p=0.035) and age (p=0.032) were correlated with GLS. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral arthritis (p=0.009) was the only independent GLS predictor. CONCLUSION: Subclinical myocardial dysfunction as assessed by GLS was present in AS, but not in nr-ax-SpA patients. Thus, GLS could be used as a differentiating factor between radiographic and nr-axSpA patients.

Renal Hilus Ligation With Single Stapler in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of renal hilus is the most important stage of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Laparoscopic staplers are securely used for renal pedicle control. We present our donor nephrectomy cases in which we used 1 stapler for renal artery and vein ligation. METHODS: Demographic data, number of arteries and veins, ligation types, operation time, and complication rates are recorded. RESULTS: One hundred twenty laparoscopic donor nephrectomy cases who were operated between December 2017 and August 2018 in Istinye University Hospital and Istanbul Aydin University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. All of the operations were done by 2 surgeons with a fully laparoscopic method. None of the cases were converted to open nephrectomy. There was 1 renal artery in 110 (91.7%) cases, 2 renal arteries in 9 (7.5%) cases, and 3 arteries in 1 (0.8%) case. Renal artery and vein were ligated with single stapler in 115 (95.8%) cases. Double stapler was used in 5 (4.2%) patients. There were no major complications for donors and no implantation problems for grafts. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is the most used technique for living donor operations. Vascular stapler is securely used for renal artery and vein ligation with high costs. Two or, due to the number of vessels, sometimes 3 staplers are used in the standard technique. In our study, the operation was finished securely in 95.8% of the patients with single stapler use. Single stapler use for ligating renal hilus is safe in kidneys even with suitable multiple arteries and veins in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Cardioprotective role of extracellular vesicles: A highlight on exosome beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized vesicles, released from many cell types including cardiac cells, have recently emerged as intercellular communication tools in cell dynamics. EVs are an important mediator of signaling within cells that influencing the functional behavior of the target cells. In heart complex, cardiac cells can easily use EVs to transport bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and RNAs to the regulation of neighboring cell function. Cross-talk between intracardiac cells plays pivotal roles in the heart homeostasis and in adaptive responses of the heart to stress. EVs were released by cardiomyocytes under baseline conditions, but stress condition such as hypoxia intensifies secretome capacity. EVs secreted by cardiac progenitor cells and cardiosphere-derived cells could be pinpointed as important mediators of cardioprotection and cardiogenesis. Furthermore, EVs from many different types of stem cells could potentially exert a therapeutic effect on the damaged heart. Recent evidence shows that cardiac-derived EVs are rich in microRNAs, suggesting a key role in the controlling of cellular processes. EVs harboring exosomes may be clinically useful in cell-free therapy approaches and potentially act as prognosis and diagnosis biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluation of early myocardial dysfunction with strain echocardiography in chronic hepatitis B patients.

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHBV) can be associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma but it can also be associated with extra-hepatic effects, of which cardiac manifestations are the one of the least known. There is a limited amount of data about myocardial dysfunction in CHBV and insufficient data of strain echocardiography in CHBV. The aim of this study was to detect early myocardial dysfunction in CHBV using strain echocardiography. METHOD: This prospective study included 40 CHBV patients without anti-viral treatment, 40 CHBV patients under anti-viral treatment, and 40 healthy volunteers as control group from 2017 October to 2018 May. The patients in all groups were aged 30-60 years, with no co-morbid diseases. Any patients with pathologies that would cause myocardial dysfunction were excluded from the study. All patients were evaluated with transthoracic two-dimensional (2D), tissue Doppler, and strain echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean age and gender distribution were similar in all groups (P = 0.677). A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the global circumferential strain and global longitudinal strain values (P < 0.01). The difference in the mean lateral s' was of statistical significance between the CHBV patients and the control group (P = 0.035). No statistically significant difference was determined in respect of the other echocardiographic parameters. CONCLUSION: As it is a chronic necro-inflammatory period, chronic HBV can affect myocardial functions. Traditional echocardiographic parameters may not be useful in the detection of early myocardial dysfunction. The results of this study showed that strain echocardiography may be more valuable in early myocardial dysfunction rather than routine 2D echocardiography in CHBV patients.

Role of calcium-sensing receptor, Galectin-3, Cyclin D1, and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry to favor in the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: As histopathological findings of parathyroid carcinoma are not certain, the diagnosis of tumors with degenerative changes may be difficult. In these cases, immunohistochemical markers are beneficial. We aimed to research the acceptability of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), Galactin-3, Cyclin D1, and Ki-67 as helpful markers in parathyroid tumors in cases which are difficult to diagnose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Those cases who had been diagnosed with atypical parathyroid adenoma and parathyroid carcinoma between 2010 and 2015 were reevaluated. Immunohistochemical markers were applied to this cases. RESULTS: About 21 cases were parathyroid adenoma, 14 were atypical adenoma, and 10 cases were parathyroid carcinoma. According to the immunohistochemical results, global loss of CaSR staining was seen in 50% (5/10) of the patients with carcinoma while there was no loss of staining in those with parathyroid adenoma (P = 0,001). Global loss of CaSR staining was found in only one out of 14 cases with atypical adenoma. The expression of Galactin-3 was found to be positive in 40% (4/10) of carcinoma cases, 71.4% (10/14) of those with atypical adenoma, and 14.3% (3/21) of those with adenoma (P = 0,002). Cyclin D1 expression was determined to be positive in 70% (7/10) of patients with carcinoma, 71.4% (10/14) of atypical adenoma cases, and 23.8% (5/21) of those with adenoma. The Ki-67 proliferation index was seen to be above 5% in 50% (5/10) of carcinoma cases and 35,7% (5/14) of those with atypical adenoma. CONCLUSION: In these studies, it has been emphasized that the global loss of CaSR staining was used as a negative marker in the diagnosis of carcinoma. In this study, we have also confirmed that the global loss of CaSR staining is a useful marker to determine potential increased malignancy.

The Ameliorative Effects of Pycnogenol® on Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Pycnogenol® (PYC®), a standardized extract from the bark of Pinus maritima, consists of different phenolic compounds. PYC® has shown to have protective effects on chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, and immune disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PYC® against the DNA damage and biochemical changes in blood, liver, and lung tissues of ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sham group, IR injury-induced group, and IR+PYC® group were formed. Ischemia was induced and sustained for 45 min, then the ischemic liver was reperfused, which was sustained for a further 120 min at the end of this period. After anesthesia and before the IR inducement, 100 mg/kg PYC® was given to the IR+PYC® group through intraperitoneal injections. The total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol levels (TTL), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and biochemical parameters [myeloperoxidase (MPO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] in the rats were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods and DNA damage was assessed using single-cell gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The levels of TOS, TTL, MPO, AOPP, ALT, AST, and LDH were significantly decreased in the IR+PYC® group compared with the IR group (p<0.05). The levels of TAS were significantly increased in the IR+PYC® group compared with the IR group (p<0.05). PYC® reduced the DNA damage when compared with the IR group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that PYC® treatment might have a role in the prevention of IR-induced oxidative damage by decreasing DNA damage and increasing antioxidant status.

Local bupivacaine for postoperative pain management in thyroidectomized patients: A prospective and controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of bupivacaine and to compare the routes of administration of bupivacaine in the management of postoperative incision site pain after thyroidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients who were planned for thyroidectomy surgery were randomized into three groups of 30 patients each: Group 1 (control group): standard thyroidectomy surgery without additional intervention; Group 2 (paratracheal infiltration with bupivacaine): following thyroidectomy, 0.25% bupivacaine was applied on the surgical area; Group 3 (subcutaneous infiltration with bupivacaine): following thyroidectomy, 0.25% bupivacaine was injected into the cutaneous, subcutaneous region and fascia of the surgical area. Postoperative pain was evaluated by a visual analog scale (VAS) at 1(st), 4(th), and 12(th) hours after thyroidectomy. Total daily requirement for additional analgesia was recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of 90 patients was 44.37±13.42 years, and the female:male ratio was 62:28. There was no difference between study groups in terms of age, thyroid volume, TSH and T4 levels. VAS score of patients in paratracheal infiltration with bupivacaine group was significantly lower than control group patients at 1(st), 4(th) and 12(th) hours following thyroidectomy (p=0.030, p=0.033, p=0.039, respectively). The need for analgesics was significantly lower in both paratracheal infiltration and subcutaneous infiltration groups than the control group (86.7%, 83.0%, and 73.3%, respectively, p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative local bupivacaine application is effective in decreasing postoperative pain in patients with thyroidectomy.

Effects of everolimus on a rat model of cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biochemical and histopathological effects of everolimus in an experimental rat model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of everolimus on blood biochemical parameters and tissue histopathology in an experimental rat model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 30 Wistar albino rats (male; 240-260 g), acute pancreatitis was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 µg/kg) administered twice in 2 h. They were equally divided into the following three groups: 0.9% isotonic solution (Group 1; control), everolimus once (Group 2), and everolimus twice (Group 3) by oral gavage after cerulein injection. Thirty hours after the induction of pancreatitis, blood samples were collected by direct intracardiac puncture, rats were sacrificed, and pancreatic tissue samples were obtained. RESULTS: Biochemical analyses of the blood samples showed statistically significant difference in red blood cell count as well as hemoglobin, hematocrit, urea, and alanine transaminase levels among the study groups (p<0.05 in all). Everolimus proved to significantly increase red blood cell count in a dose-independent manner. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels significantly increased only after treatment with one dose of everolimus. Urea level was significantly different between the Groups 2 and 3; however, no change was observed in both groups when compared with the control. Alanine transaminase level significantly decreased only after treatment with two doses of everolimus. Histopathological analyses revealed that everolimus significantly decreased inflammation and perivascular infiltrate in a dose-dependent manner (35% in Group 2, 75% in Group 3; p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Treatment with two doses of everolimus improved some biochemical and histopathological parameters of experimental rat models of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and implied the specific inhibition of inflammatory response pathways.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of lycopene in acute cholestasis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lycopene, which is suggested to be a potent antioxidant, may play a protective role in diseases related to oxidative stress. In order to understand the effects of lycopene in the pathogenesis of cholestasis, we investigated the effects of lycopene on oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage induced by experimental biliary obstruction in the liver tissues and the lymphocytes of Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were randomized into 3 groups. The sham group was subjected to a sham operation, the BDL group was subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL), and the BDL+L group was subjected to BDL and treated with 10 mg/kg body weight of lycopene. After 7 days of treatment, the liver functions, oxidative stress parameters, and DNA damage were evaluated. RESULTS: The lycopene treatment significantly ameliorated the liver function parameters in BDL rats. It significantly reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and enhanced reduced glutathione levels and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S transferase activities in the BDL rats. The lycopene treatment also decreased DNA damage as assessed by comet assay in the lymphocytes and hepatocytes of the BDL rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that lycopene might have protective effects on acute cholestasis.

Effect of Intraoperative Valsalva Maneuver Application on Bleeding Point Detection and Postoperative Drainage After Thyroidectomy Surgeries.

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the effect of Valsalva maneuver application before finalizing thyroidectomy operations on the identification of bleeding points and postoperational drainage. One hundred patients (age range, 24-76 years) with multinodular goiter, recurrent multinodular goiter, toxic diffuse multinodular goiter, or papillary thyroid cancer were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups of 50 randomly. Both groups underwent thyroidectomy operation, only 1 group received intraoperative Valsalva maneuver application (twice, 30 seconds of 30-cm PEEP). The size of the thyroid gland, the duration of operation, hospital stay, and drain usage were reported. Postoperational occurrences of drainage, hematoma, reoperation, and additional complications were compared between the groups. Valsalva maneuver application helped to identify minor bleeding points in 32% of the cases. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding the thyroid gland size, operation duration, hospital stay, and the duration of drain usage (P > 0.05 for all). The amount of drainage as well as the frequencies of hematoma, reoperation, and further complications was not significantly different between the study groups (P > 0.05 for all). Intraoperative application of Valsalva maneuver is only useful to detect minor bleeding points in some patients during thyroidectomy operations, but it had no effect on the duration of postoperative drain usage, the amount of drainage, and risk of hematoma. Therefore, intraoperative application of Valsalva maneuver has no beneficial effect on postoperative hemorrhagic complication after thyroidectomy operations.

Comparison of modified Limberg flap and Karydakis flap operations in pilonidal sinus surgery: prospective randomized study.

The best surgical technique for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is still disputed. The objective of this prospective randomized study is to compare the short and long-term results of modified Limberg flap and Karydakis flap surgeries that have been widely used in recent years. Ninety one patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: modified Limberg flap (MLF; n = 46) and Karydakis flap (KF; n = 45). Preoperative findings of the patients, their surgical findings, and short and long-term postoperative findings were recorded and statistically compared. While no significant difference was discovered between the groups in terms of postoperative analgesic need, hospital stay, postoperative infection rate, drain stay time, painless sitting time, painless toilet-sitting time, and painless walking time, return to work or school time was shorter in the MLF group compared with the KF group (20.61 ± 7.89 days, 23.29 ± 6.42, respectively; P < 0.05). Cosmetically, the visual analog scale (VAS) of the KF group was significantly higher than that of the MLF group (VAS score 7.12 ± 1.28, 5.45 ± 1.77, respectively; P < 0.05). Considering recurrence rates, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Our study found out that short and long-term results of the MLF and KF procedures are similar. We believe both methods can be safely used in surgical PSD treatment given that in the MLF procedure, shorter return-to-work time is achieved, while the procedure provides better cosmetic results.

Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in the Ischemic Small Intestine: Pathological and Biochemical Evaluation in a Rat model of Superior Mesenteric Ischemia.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in acute mesenteric ischemia. Thirty male Wistar albino rats weighing 240-260 g were randomized into control (no operation), sham (operation without ischemia), and ischemia groups. To induce ischemia, the superior mesenteric artery was sutured. Total antioxidant and oxidant capacity and lipid peroxidase activity were measured in blood samples collected at 0 min, 60 min, and 240 min, and the pathology of ileum segments resected at 240 min was evaluated. Total oxidant status did not differ among the groups. Total antioxidant status increased significantly with time in the ischemia group compared to the control and sham groups (P < 0.001). Although basal arylesterase activity was lower in the ischemia group than controls (P < 0.05), post-ischemia values were similar among the groups. Similarly, basal and stimulated paraoxonase activity in blood samples did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation have no significant role in the pathophysiology of acute mesenteric ischemia.