The effect of vitamin D and melatonin on the ocular tissues in streptozotocin - Induced diabetes model in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of vitamin D and melatonin on the ocular tissues in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: 1) non-diabetic rats (control group); 2) untreated STZ-induced diabetic rats; 3) STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with vitamin D; 4) STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with melatonin; 5) STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with the combination of vitamin D and melatonin. After six weeks of treatment, all rats were sacrificed for post-mortem analyses. Retinal and corneal samples were obtained and analyzed for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Retinal and corneal thicknesses in addition to morphological changes were assessed via hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: Untreated diabetic rats revealed retinal disorganization, atrophy, increased vascularization along with more GFAP staining. However, all the treated groups exhibited more regular retinal layers and minimal GFAP staining. Additionally, treatment groups showed more uniform corneal layers with minimal GFAP staining. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin and vitamin D could be used as an additional complementary treatment in diabetes. Developing treatment protocols involving supplementation, as well as informing patients about the potential benefits of vitamin D and melatonin could be impactful in the treatment process of diabetes.

Post-COVID-19 ergonomic school furniture design under fuzzy logic.

BACKGROUND: Because of wrong sitting position, children have back-pain and related musculoskeletal pain (MPD). Due to inappropriate designed class furniture by not taking into account the children's anthropometric measurements have negative effect on children musculoskeletal systems. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has changed the furniture industry's production trends. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a new fuzzy based design of ergonomic-oriented classroom furniture for primary school students considering the measured anthropometric dimensions of students' safety, health, well-being, i.e. ergonomic criteria, socio-psychological aspect and post-COVID policies. METHODS: In the study 2049 number of primary school students are assessed considering COVID-19 pandemic policies and their static anthropometric dimensions were measured between 7-10-year-old (between 1st-4th grade students) and descriptive statistics of children among their ages and genders are calculated; mean, standard deviation, percentiles. The data collected from the students were analyzed quantitatively by using Significance Analysis: Mann-Whitney U test statistic, t-test, Regression Analysis and one-way ANOVA. In the study interviews with experts are performed and fuzzy mathematical model (by using fuzzy-AHP, fuzzy-TOPSIS and fuzzy-VIKOR) is developed to calculate Turkey's three schools' furniture. RESULTS: Results showed statistically significant differences between two genders. And it is observed that the seating bench height is too high for primary school students and lower than the height of the classroom's blackboard from the floor. Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making Method's (FMCDM) results show that primary school students' ergonomic classroom furniture should be mainly designed by considering "COVID-19 Criteria", "Ergonomic Criteria" and "Socio-Psychological Aspect". Students' existing seating benches and tables are changed by considering post-COVID policies/protocols, Ergonomic Criteria and Socio-Psychological Aspect. And a new seating bench/chair and table's dimensions is proposed in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Children study at school for long periods and their activities involve long periods of time on their desks in schools. As per the results of the study, it can be concluded that school management must consider the genders, ages of students and take into account the post-COVID policies/protocols while procuring the classroom furniture. The COVID-19 pandemic is the single largest event to have affected children globally in their access to school in recent times; estimates suggest that over 85%of the world's total enrolled learners, 1.5 billion children and youths, have been affected. The coronavirus pandemic also creates dramatic changes for the school furniture.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Caesarean Sectıons Repeated Fourth and Fıfth Tımes

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes associated with caesarean sections (CS) repeated fourth and fifth times. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 110 patients undergoing CS repeated fourth and fifth times between May 2014 and May 2015. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 had CS repeated four times (n = 90) and group 2 had CS repeated five times (n = 20), and the maternal and fetal outcomes of the groups were retrospectively evaluated. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between fourth and fifth CS groups with regard to the maternal age, gravida, body mass index, gestational age at birth, birth-weight, and Apgar scores at 5 minutes (p > 0.05). We found no significant differences between the fourth and fifth CS groups in terms of injury to peripheral organs, intra-abdominal adhesions, caesarean hysterectomy, uterine dehiscence or rupture, time during operation, length of hospital stay, and need for blood transfusions (p > 0.05). Compared with the elective cases, perioperative complications and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the urgent group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.005). Conclusion: Women with CS repeated four or five times have increased risks for perioperative complications. Placenta previa with or without accreta and intra-abdominal adhesions seem to be the major causes of increased morbidity.

Is early embryo cleavage a factor to increase success in all types of ICSI indications?.

PURPOSE: The authors aimed to compare early embryo cleavage with pregnancy rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection/embryo transfer (ICSI/ET) cycles due to male infertility or tubal factor infertility (TFI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 412 ICSI/embryo transfer cycles undergoing treatment for over two years were prospectively analyzed; 337 of the cycles were due to male infertility, whereas 75 suffered from tubal factors. Non-early cleaved (NEC) embryos were used for ET in 271 male factor and 67 tubal factor cycles, whereas early cleavage embryos were used for embryo transfer in 66 male factor and eight tubal factor cycles. RESULTS: In 66 out of 337 cycles (19.58 %) in male factor group and in eight out of 75 tubal factor cycles (10.66%), early cleavage (EC) embryos were obtained (p = 0.069). The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly elevated in EC subgroup (34.8%) compared to NEC subgroup (20.6%) (p = 0.015) in the male factor infertility group. The clinical pregnancy rate was non-significantly elevated in EC subgroup (37.5%) compared to NEC subgroup (23.8%) (p = 0.410) in the TFI group. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found that the implantation and pregnancy success of EC embryos vary with the therapeutic indication. The success rate would be low even with usage of EC embryos in untreated cycles of TFI.

A comparative analysis of arterial blood flow in unexplained infertility, tubal infertility and fertile groups.

We aimed to compare ovarian (O), uterine (U) and spiral (S) artery (A) resistance of patients diagnosed as fertile, unexplained infertility (UI) and tubal factor infertility (TFI) in the peri-implantation period and independent from the impact of the treatment. UI (n = 70), TFI (n = 75) and fertile (n = 72) patients' ovarian, uterine and spiral artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and the endometrial thickness, serum estradiol and progesterone levels were compared. The specificity and sensitivity values were calculated according to determined cutoff values. Both TFI and control groups' UA PI values were significantly lower than the UI group's PI values. The highest UA RI values were found in UI group and the lowest values were in the control group. UI and TFI groups' OA PI/RI values were significantly higher than the control group. Both the control and TFI groups' SA PI/RI values were significantly lower than UI group's PI/RI values. UI patients' uterine and spiral arteries PI values >1.86 and >0.85, RI values >0.80 and >0.53 can be used as a valuable test showing reduced uterine perfusion. Ovarian artery PI values >0.96 and RI values >0.58 can be used as tests showing decreased ovarian perfusion in patients with TFI. In these patients, embryo cryopreservation can be considered.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is superior to platelet to lymphocyte ratio as an early predictor of moderate/severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a state of exaggerated inflammatory response during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet:lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are known to reflect systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these inflammatory markers could be used as reliable markers in the early prediction of moderate-to-severe OHSS. The study group consisted of 54 patients who developed moderate-to-severe OHSS and the control group was 54 patients who did not develop OHSS undergoing IVF/ICSI. NLR and PLR were calculated from complete blood counts before the COH. NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in the OHSS group compared with the controls (3.2 ± 0.9 and 182.9 ± 49.8 vs 1.8 ± 0.5 and 160.6 ± 48.5, respectively) (p < 0.05, for all). However, only NLR had positive associations between OHSS risk factors (p < 0.05, for all). NLR was superior to PLR as an early predictor of OHSS with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91 (sensitivity = 85% and specificity = 78%). In conclusion, we found that NLR can be used as an early marker of OHSS.

Larvicidal activity of some secondary lichen metabolites against the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata Macquart (Diptera: Culicidae).

The larvicidal activity of some lichen metabolites, (+)-usnic acid, atranorin, 3-hydroxyphysodic acid and gyrophoric acid, against the second and third instar larvae of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata were studied. All metabolites caused high larvicidal activities. When metabolites were compared on the basis of their LC(50) values, the order of increasing toxicity was as follows: gyrophoric acid (0.41 ppm) > (+)-usnic acid (0.48 ppm) > atranorin (0.52 ppm) > 3-hydroxyphysodic acid (0.97 ppm). However, when LC(90) values were compared, the order of toxicity was (+)-usnic acid (1.54 ppm) > gyrophoric acid (1.93 ppm) > 3-hydroxyphysodic acid (4.33 ppm) > atranorin (5.63 ppm). In conclusion, our results found that lichen secondary metabolites may have a promising role as potential larvicides.

The effect of stocking density on growth performance and average cost in partridge rearing (Alectoris graeca).

In this study, stocking density and economic evaluation of partridge rearing was investigated. Experimental design was constructed as 576.9 cm(2)/chick (group I), 384.6 cm(2)/chick (group II), 288.5 cm(2)/chick (group III), and 230.8 cm(2)/chick (group IV). Live weights of the first, second, third, and fourth groups at 12 wk of age were determined as 376.46, 367.95, 371.07, and 358.80 g, respectively. Additive feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of the groups were determined as 1,781.74 g and 4.93, 1,805.13 g and 5.13, 1,830.51 g and 5.15, and 1,720.09 g and 5.02, respectively. Total mortality rates of the groups at the end of the feeding time were determined as 3.5, 3.75, 6.75, and 13.00%, respectively (P < 0.05). As a result, it was concluded that rearing in 288.5 cm(2)/chick was suitable according to live weights of partridges, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rates. Also, it was concluded that decreasing costs and increasing profitability in partridge rearing could be achieved.

Effect of hen weight on egg production and some egg quality characteristics in the partridge (Alectoris graeca).

A study was conducted to determine the effect of live weight of partridges on egg production and egg quality characteristics. A total of 144 Rock Partridges were divided into control, heavy, middle, and light BW groups at 32 wk of age. Live weights averaged 512.78 g for the control group, 576.18 g for the heavy group, 523.49 g for the middle group, and 473.83 g for the light group. Egg production rates of these groups were 41.44, 45.78, 32.38, and 24.67%, respectively, over an 8-wk period (P < 0.05). Live weight significantly affected egg weight, specific gravity, albumen index, shell weight, shell thickness, Haugh unit, and albumen weight (P < 0.05). Live weight did not affect the shape index, membrane weight, or yolk weight. As a result, the live weights of partridges used for breeding should not be under the average live weights of hens of the stock. On the other hand, other important factors that affect the egg quality of partridges should be investigated.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic renal failure patients: relation to tissue factor and platelet aggregation.

BACKGROUND: A moderate increase in plasma total homocysteine (t-hcy) is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general population. One of the mechanisms by which hyperhomocysteinemia contributes to cardiovascular risk has been explained to be the increased thrombotic potential. Elevated t-hcy levels were also reported in chronic renal failure patients because the renal function is a major determinant of serum t-hcy levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We measured serum hcy and ADP-induced platelet aggregation and plasma tissue factor as a major activator of the coagulation cascade in hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and early stage chronic renal failure (early stage CRF) patients who are not receiving dialysis and compared with those of control. In addition, we also determined serum vitamin B12 and folat levels which are the important factors regulating the metabolism of t-hcy. RESULTS: Hcy levels in all patient groups were significantly higher (HD: 20.42 +/- 1.91 micromol/l, PD: 35.47 +/- 6.30, early stage CRF: 24.39 +/- 3.06) than the normal levels (10.74 +/- 0.74) in spite of standard multivitamin supplementation. The highest t-hcy values were found in peritoneal dialysis patients. Vitamin B12 levels in hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis patients and folat levels in hemodialysis/early stage CRF patients were also significantly above those of control. On the other hand, the significant elevations in plasma tissue factor concentration were found in all patient groups (HD: 331.4 +/- 31.3 pg/ml, PD: 306.0 +/- 30.0, early stage CRF: 277.2 +/- 25.5 and CONTROL: 69.5 +/- 13.5). t-hcy levels were positively correlated with creatinine (r: 0.791 p < 0.002) and tissue factor levels (r: 0.526 p < 0.05) in only early stage CRF group. The association between t-hcy and tissue factor persisted after these two parameters were adjusted for creatinine (r: 0.649 p < 0.05). On the other hand the same correlations were not observed in dialysis patient groups. In spite of the high tissue factor levels, ADP-induced platelet aggregations were found to be lower in all patient groups (HD: 102.6 +/- 6.7, PD: 98.6 +/- 7.6 and Early stage CRF: 84.9 +/- 7.6) than controls (154.9 +/- 13.7). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia and increased tissue factor level are present in patients with renal failure, despite supplementation with vitamin B6 and B12 and folat. However, elevated levels of these thrombogenic factors are not linked with platelet aggregation.

Health-related quality of life after kidney transplantation in comparison intermittent hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and normal controls.

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) in renal transplantation patients. QOL is one of the important indicators of the effects of medical treatment. In this cross-sectional study, QOL was analyzed in 302 renal transplant recipients compared with 64 hemodialysis (HD) patients, 207 (PD) peritoneal dialysis patients, and 278 normal controls (NC) matched as closely as possible to the grafted patients regarding age, gender, education, and occupation. All groups were asked to estimate their subjective QOL by responding to sociodemographic data, Turkish adapted instruments of the Nottingham Health profile (NHP), and the Short-form 36 (SF-36). Transplant recipients were significantly younger than the HD and PD patients (P < .0001). There was no statistically significant differences between normal controls and transplant patients ages. Among the three renal replacement methods, QOL in transplants was clearly better than that in HD or PD patients (P < .0001). The QOL measured by the NHP and SF-36 scale showed that the normal population was statistically significantly better than the transplant recipients (P < .0001). Transplant renal replacement therapy provides a better QOL compared with other replacement methods.

Relationship of bone turnover parameters, endogenous hormones and vit D deficiency to hip fracture in elderly postmenopausal women.

Hip fracture is one of the severest consequences of osteoporosis affecting elderly women, but abnormalities of bone turnover responsible for bone loss have not been clearly defined. This study evaluated the relationship of bone turnover parameters to hip fracture in postmenopausal elderly women. We also investigated the effects of endogenous hormones and vitamin D deficiency on osteoporotic hip fracture. The subjects were 21 osteoporotic patients with hip fracture (study group) and 20 healthy postmenopausal women (control group). We measured osteocalcin levels, total and bone alkaline phosphatase (T-ALP and B-ALP), calcitonin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), urinary free deoxypyridinoline (D-pyr) and cross-linked N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx) levels. Serum T-ALP and B-ALP levels in the study group were lower than those of the control group. The mean serum 25OHD levels in the study group were not significantly different from the control group, but in five cases the mean serum iPTH level was increased. The mean urinary NTx levels were significantly increased in the study group compared with the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant increase in urinary free D-pyr between the two groups. There was significant correlation between serum T-ALP levels and B-ALP levels and between serum iPTH levels and B-ALP levels. The mean serum SHBG level in the study group was higher than in the control group (p<0.05). These data suggest that postmenopausal hip fracture patients have biochemical evidence of decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption compared with postmenopausal healthy subjects. We suggest these abnormalities play a role in the decrease of bone mass and the consequent increase in bone fragility that characterises osteoporotic hip fracture.

Paraurethral cysts in newborn: a case report and review of literature.

Paraurethral cysts are uncommonly reported in the newborn. Twenty-eight cases have been reported in the English literature until now. These lesions generally resolve spontaneously. For this reason, a conservative approach is recommended, especially in paraurethral cysts of newborn without complications and symptoms. In this paper, we describe a female neonate who had a paraurethral cyst that spontaneously resolved one month after birth and review the literature.