Mild liver dysfunction in Klinefelter syndrome is associated with abdominal obesity and elevated lipids but not testosterone treatment.

CONTEXT: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which contributes to characteristic phenotypical manifestations including metabolic alterations. Extensive research has demonstrated important associations between androgens and liver function. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of the association between metabolic parameters, sex hormones and liver function in males with KS, both treated (T-KS) and untreated (U-KS) and healthy control males. METHODS: A total of 65 KS males were recruited, of which 32 received testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Also, 69 healthy controls were recruited. We used alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase and PP (prothrombin-proconvertin time ratio) as the main liver markers. Multivariable regression was performed within the three groups. All statistics were calculated using STATA. Principal component analysis was utilized to demonstrate the interconnected patterns among all measured biomarkers, and to elucidate how the different groups were linked to these patterns. RESULTS: Higher levels of main liver markers were observed in U-KS compared to controls, with no significant differences between U-KS and T-KS. T-KS had lower abdominal fat, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol than U-KS. Using multivariable models, variation in ALAT in U-KS was explained by HOMA2%S; in T-KS by BMI and SHBG; and in controls by hip circumference and estradiol. We found no multivariable models explaining variation in PP in U-KS; in T-KS, PP was explained by BMI and LDL cholesterol, and in controls by total cholesterol. Using principal component analysis U-KS was positively associated to D1 (an obese profile, which also included ALAT) and controls negatively associated with D1 (non-obese profile). CONCLUSION: KS males have mild liver dysfunction reflected by a significant increase in the main liver markers and decrease in albumin. The presented data underscore a primary role of metabolic conditions including obesity, insulin resistance and unfavourable lipid profile, in the elevated liver function markers seen in males with KS. Whether TRT can improve liver function in KS warrants further studies. Our findings, highlight that an evaluation of the liver function should be part of the clinical care in males with KS.

La relación entre los parámetros inmunohistoquímicos, la fibrosis de la médula ósea y la captación de 18F-FDG en la médula ósea en pacientes con mieloma múltiple sometidos a examen PET/TC / The relationship between immunohistochemical parameters and bone marrow fibrosis and bone marrow 18F-FDG uptake in multiple myeloma patients undergoing PET/CT examination

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la potencia del valor de SUVmáx obtenido en la PET/TC con [18F]FDG en pacientes con mieloma múltiple para poder predecir las características del inmunofenotipo (expresión de los antígenos CD20, CD44, CD56, CD117, CD138), fibrosis de la médula ósea, oncogén ciclina D1 y subtipos de proteína M que tienen un papel en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad. Material y método Se incluyeron en el estudio 54 pacientes con mieloma múltiple a los que se les realizó PET/TC para su estadificación inicial, así como biopsia de médula ósea. En estos pacientes se examinó la relación entre el valor de SUVmáx medido en la región del hueso ilíaco y los datos inmunohistoquímicos y de fibrosis de la médula ósea a partir de la biopsia obtenida del hueso ilíaco. Se utilizó la prueba U de Mann Whitney en las comparaciones de grupos apareados dependientes y la prueba H de Kruskal Wallis en las comparaciones entre 3 grupos o más. Resultados El valor medio de SUVmáx fue de 4,5 (1,9-15,6) en pacientes con antígeno CD117 positivo, que fue estadísticamente significativamente superior al valor de los pacientes con CD117 negativo (p=0,031). Cuando la agrupación de pacientes se hizo según el nivel de reticulina, encontramos que la mediana del valor de SUVmáx fue de 4,9 (3,0-14,8) en el grupo con mayor fibrosis y de 3,6 (1,6-15,6) en el grupo con poca fibrosis. La mediana del SUVmáx fue significativamente mayor desde el punto de vista estadístico en el grupo con mayor fibrosis en comparación con el grupo con baja fibrosis (p=0,004). No se determinó diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las comparaciones de los valores de SUVmáx cuando los pacientes se agruparon según las características de cadenas pesada y ligera de la inmunoglobulina, CD20, CD44, CD56 y ciclina D1 (p>0,05) (AU)

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the power of the SUVmax value obtained from 18F-FDG PET/CT in multiple myeloma patients to be able to predict immunophenotype characteristics (CD20, CD44, CD56, CD117, and CD138 antigen expressions), bone marrow fibrosis, cyclin D1 oncogene, and M-protein subtypes which play a role in diagnosis-treatment and prognosis of the disease. Material and method The study included 54 patients with multiple myeloma who underwent PET/CT for initial staging and bone marrow biopsy. The relationship was examined in these patients between the SUVmax value measured from the iliac bone region and the immunohistochemical and bone marrow fibrosis data of the biopsy taken from the iliac bone. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used in the comparisons of dependent paired groups, and the Kruskal–Wallis H test in the comparisons of three or more groups. Results The median SUVmax value was 4.5 (1.9-15.6) in patients with CD117 antigen positivity, which was statistically significantly higher than the value in the patients with CD117 negativity (P=0.031). When patient grouping was made according to the reticulin level: We found that the median SUVmax value was 4.9 (3.0-14.8) in the group with increased fibrosis and 3.6 (1.6-15.6) in the group with low fibrosis. The median SUVmax was statistically significantly higher in the group with increased fibrosis compared to the group with low fibrosis (P=0.004). No statistically significant difference was determined in the comparisons of the SUVmax values when the patients were grouped according to the immunoglobulin heavy chain and light chain, CD20, CD44, CD56, and cyclin D1 characteristics (P>0.05) (AU)

Analgesic Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block in Pediatric Abdominal Surgery: Guidance with Conventional Method and NOL: Case Series.

Background: Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a regional anesthesia technique that blocks both somatic and visceral nerve fibers. Despite its high analgesic potential, its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. The ultrasound-guided ESP block, which can be easily performed, makes important contributions to the control of intraoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The follow-up of pain in the intraoperative period is usually done by evaluating the changes in hemodynamic parameters. Due to physiological differences in pediatric patients, it is more difficult to do this with only hemodynamic changes than in adult patients. Aim: The NOL® (Nociception Level) monitor calculates the nociception/pain score by evaluating many parameters through a proprietary algorithm. Our primary aim was to demonstrate the effectiveness of ESP block with an advanced pain monitor in this patient group; our secondary aim was to investigate the necessity of pain monitors in the pediatric patient group. Methods: In this case series, we applied intraoperative NOL® monitoring in addition to standard monitoring (ECG, SpO2, heart rate, EtCO2) in pediatric patients (16 cases) who were scheduled for abdominal surgery and underwent ESP block. Results: Considering the hemodynamic data, NOL values, postoperative pain scores, side effects, and complications, it was concluded that ESP block can be used safely in this patient group. Although the hemodynamic data and the NOL® index were compatible with each other after a nociceptive stimulus, the NOL index was less affected by other variables and gave the clinician clearer information about pain.

Effects of Sixty-Minute Race-Pace Running on Cardiac Stress Biomarkers in Recreational Distance Runners.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is generally rare, but a serious complication of cardiovascular events during exercise. Although regular intensive physical exercise is thought to be a key to a healthy life, unsuspected pathologies might lead to SCD during or after physical activity. Cardiac dysfunction and elevated cardiac markers have been reported after prolonged exercise. We sought to clarify the cardiac marker levels and hydration status in healthy, middle-aged male subjects for 24 hours after running sixty-minute at race-pace. The participants were 47.4±1.7 years old, had peak oxygen consumption of 47.1±1.2ml/kg/min, and regularly running 70.5±6.4km/week. Blood biomarkers were performed before, immediately after, at the fourth and twenty-fourth hours after running. Compared to initial values, creatine kinase (before:161.2±22.5U/L, 24 hours after:411.9±139.7U/L, p<0.001) and CK-MB (before:4.3±0.7ng/ml, 24 hours after:10.1±3.0ng/ml, p<0.001) were significantly elevated immediately after running and remained significantly high for 24 hours. In addition, Troponin-I (before:5.0±1.1ng/l, 4 hours after:81.5±29.9ng/l, p<0.001) and NT-proBNP (before: 31.2±5.3pg/ml, immediately after: 64.4±8.5pg/ml, p<0.01) were significantly elevated immediately after running and returned to baseline levels in 24 hours. The sixty-minute running caused significant dehydration, but athletes were rehydrated at the 4th hour in their voluntary hydration behavior. As the individual data were analyzed, it was interesting to see that some of the athletes had critical biomarker levels without any cardiac symptom. Our findings indicate that race-pace sixty-minute running may induce a possible transient silent myocardial injury in apparently healthy master runners. Detailed pre-participation screening of these athletes may be necessary to reduce the risk of SCD.

The role of interventional pulmonology for the postoperative bronchopleural fistula.

BACKGROUND: : Postoperative bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remains a serious complication due to its high morbidity and mortality. Although various endoscopic techniques have been defined for the closure of BPF previously, no standard algorithm yet exists. AIMS: To study the effectiveness and safety of various endoscopic procedures in an interventional pulmonology unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical data of 15 postoperative BPF patients, who were undergone endoscopic intervention were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: The mean size of the fistulas determined by bronchoscopic evaluation was 7.93 ± 3.26 mm (range 3-15 mm). Applied procedures were as follows: stent implantation (n: 8, 53.3%), stent implantation and polidocanol application (n: 4, 26.7%), only Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) application (n: 2,13.3%), polidocanol application (n: 1,6.7%). Complete fistula closure was achieved in three of the 15 patients (20%). The procedures were partly successful in five (33.3%) patients and failed to be successful in seven (46.6%) patients. Survival rates in regard to procedural success were determined and a statistically significant difference was found in five-year survival rates (P = 0.027, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that bronchoscopic procedures can be safely and effectively performed in patients who were not eligible for surgery for various reasons.

Venom allergy and knowledge about anaphylaxis among beekeepers and their families

BACKGROUND: Beekeepers and their families are at an increased risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis due to recurrent bee-sting exposures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic features, previous history of anaphylaxis among beekeepers and their family members, and their knowledge about the symptoms and management of anaphylaxis. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was administered to beekeepers during the 6th International Beekeeping and Pine Honey Congress held in 2018, in Mugla, Turkey. Additionally, food-service staff from restaurants were surveyed as an occupational control group about their knowledge about anaphylaxis. RESULTS: Sixty-nine beekeepers (82.6% male, mean age 48.4 ± 12.0 years) and 52 restaurant staff (46.2% male, mean age 40.5±10.0 years) completed the questionnaire. Awareness of the terms 'anaphylaxis' and 'epinephrine auto-injector' among the beekeepers were 55.1% and 30.4% and among the restaurant staff were 23.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Of the beekeepers, 74% were able to identify the potential symptoms of anaphylaxis among the given choices; 2.9% and 5.8% reported anaphylaxis related to bee-stings in themselves and in their family members, respectively. None of the restaurant staff had experienced or encountered anaphylaxis before but 3.8% of their family members had anaphylaxis and those reactions were induced by drugs. CONCLUSION: It is essential that implementation of focused training programs about anaphylaxis symptoms and signs as well as practical instructions of when and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector will decrease preventable morbidities and mortalities due to bee-stings in this selected high-risk population of beekeepers and their family members, as well as other fieldworkers under risk

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Readability of online patient education material for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a cross-sectional health literacy study.

OBJECTIVES: The internet has become one of the most important resources for the general population when searching for healthcare information. However, the information available is not always suitable for all readers because of its difficult readability. We sought to assess the readability of online information regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and establish whether they follow the patient educational information reading level recommendations. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: We searched five key terms on Google and the first 30 results from each of the searches were considered for analysis. Five validated readability tests were utilized to establish the reading level for each article. RESULTS: Of the 150 gathered articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. None (0%) of the articles met the recommended 5th to 6th grade reading level (of an 11-12-year-old). The mean readability scores were Flesch Reading Ease 44.14, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 12.04, Gunning-Fog Index 14.27, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook SMOG Index 10.71, and Coleman-Liau Index 12.69. CONCLUSIONS: Online educational articles on COVID-19 provide information too difficult to read for the general population. The readability of articles regarding COVID-19 and other diseases needs to improve so that the general population may understand health information better and may respond adequately to protect themselves and limit the spread of infection.

Venom allergy and knowledge about anaphylaxis among beekeepers and their families.

BACKGROUND: Beekeepers and their families are at an increased risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis due to recurrent bee-sting exposures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic features, previous history of anaphylaxis among beekeepers and their family members, and their knowledge about the symptoms and management of anaphylaxis. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was administered to beekeepers during the 6th International Beekeeping and Pine Honey Congress held in 2018, in Mugla, Turkey. Additionally, food-service staff from restaurants were surveyed as an occupational control group about their knowledge about anaphylaxis. RESULTS: Sixty-nine beekeepers (82.6% male, mean age 48.4±12.0 years) and 52 restaurant staff (46.2% male, mean age 40.5±10.0 years) completed the questionnaire. Awareness of the terms 'anaphylaxis' and 'epinephrine auto-injector' among the beekeepers were 55.1% and 30.4% and among the restaurant staff were 23.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Of the beekeepers, 74% were able to identify the potential symptoms of anaphylaxis among the given choices; 2.9% and 5.8% reported anaphylaxis related to bee-stings in themselves and in their family members, respectively. None of the restaurant staff had experienced or encountered anaphylaxis before but 3.8% of their family members had anaphylaxis and those reactions were induced by drugs. CONCLUSION: It is essential that implementation of focused training programs about anaphylaxis symptoms and signs as well as practical instructions of when and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector will decrease preventable morbidities and mortalities due to bee-stings in this selected high-risk population of beekeepers and their family members, as well as other fieldworkers under risk.

Comparison of delivery characteristics and early obstetric outcomes between Turkish women and Syrian refugee pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Until September 1, 2016, Turkey hosted around 2.7 million Syrian refugees. However, data investigating the pregnancy health concerning the refugees are still limited. AIM: In the present study, we aimed to compare the delivery characteristics and short-term obstetric outcomes in Turkish women and Syrian refugees. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 1556 singleton pregnancies which comprised 940 Turkish women and 616 Syrian women between January 2016 and January 2017. The groups were compared for demographic data, obstetric features, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: There were significant differences between Turkish women and the refugees in terms of preterm (18.94% vs. 11.00%, P = 0.003) and post-term delivery rates (11.49% vs. 2.91%, P < 0.001), caesarian delivery rates (33.4% vs. 23.95%, P = 0.002), newborn weights <1000 g (2.55% vs. 0.97%, P = 0.006) and >4000 g (5.32% vs. 3.24%, P = 0.006), pre-eclampsia (5.32% vs. 1.62%, P = 0.009), HELLP (1.28% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.046), and placental anomalies (1.91% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.014), respectively. Being a Turkish resident (P = 0.015) was an important risk factor for the development of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, maternal education of at least 12 years (P = 0.028) and receiving a regular antenatal visit at a tertiary center (P = 0.031) were preventative for the development of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were less prevalent in Syrian refugees compared to that in the Turkish residents which was likely due to the contribution of maternal education and regular antenatal visits which were higher in Syrian refugees. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that providing adequate education particularly for women in undeveloped countries and facilitating access to the tertiary hospitals have the potential to reduce unfavorable pregnancy outcomes in immigrant women.