Increased SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma and its association with prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The majority of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have good outcomes, although the identification of new predictors of a poor prognosis would be beneficial. Chronic thyroiditis is a precancerous condition in which proinflammatory cytokines enhance biologically aggressive features. This study investigated the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins (SOCS) 1 and 3, which are negative feedback inhibitors, in PTC and benign thyroid nodules (BTN), and analyzed the relations among biomarker expression, pathological prognosis, and clinical features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The pathological materials and clinical data of 100 patients with PTC and 40 with BTN were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical SOCS1 and SOCS3 staining were performed. Besides comparing SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression between PTC and BTN, we analyzed the expression according to pathological factors and clinical variables. RESULTS: The expression levels of the proteins were significantly higher in PTC than in BTN (p=0.001). SOCS1 expression was higher in older patients with PTC than in younger patients (p=0.001). Unlike SOCS1, SOCS3 was related to the risk group; these groups were distinguished based on the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification system (p=0.001). SOCS3 was also significantly related to lymph node involvement (p=0.007), capsule invasion (p=0.005), and extrathyroid extension (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The increased SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in PTC confirms their roles in thyroid carcinogenesis. Antibodies to both SOCS1 and SOCS3 might aid the diagnosis of PTC through immunohistological staining. SOCS3 provides information on lymph node status and aids risk stratification.

A survey-based research of medical faculty students' experiences on anatomy education during the Covid-19 pandemic process.

PURPOSE: In this study, the purpose was to uncover the views of medical students about online anatomy education adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It was also aimed to determine whether medical school students found online education suitable for anatomy lectures and which materials they desired to use during teaching anatomy practice lectures in this process. METHODS: A survey form that was prepared with the Google Survey application was administered to the Medical Faculty Term 1 and 2 students who received anatomy courses at Istanbul Yeni Yüzyil University in the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. RESULTS: A total of 180 students, 53.89% of whom were 1st graders and 46.11% 2nd graders participated in the study, and 43.89% of the students stated that they found online education suitable for anatomy theoretical courses, and 12.78% for anatomy practice courses. Also, 43.75% of Term 1 and 41.77% of Term 2 students stated that the pandemic negatively affected the teaching of anatomy theoretical courses. It was found that students considered that anatomy practice courses were more affected by the pandemic before and during the pandemic (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovered that the pandemic process negatively affected anatomy education and students made more use of face-to-face education. We believe that the results obtained in the study will shed light on the views of anatomists on the teaching of anatomy in the online education process.

Determining anatomical localisations of cervical oesophagus, hiatal clamp and oesophagogastric junction with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the purpose was to determine the anatomical localisations of the cervical oesophagus length, hiatal clamp, and oesophagogastric junction depending on age and gender in patients who undergo oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The images of the patients who underwent EGD between 2018 and 2020 were analysed retrospectively in this study. The distance of the anatomical localisations of the cervical oesophagus length, hiatal clamp, and oesophagogastric junction to the anterior incisors, and the relations of this distance with the demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations of the patients were investigated on the EGD data. RESULTS: A total of 298 patients (174 women, 124 men) were included in the study. The cervical oesophagus length and the distance of the oesophagogastric junction and hiatal clamp localisation of the patients were found to be 15.06 ± 0.57 cm, 37.51 ± 2.23 cm and 38.62 ± 2.23 cm, respectively. It was also found that the mean values of all lengths in males were higher at a statistically significant level than in females (p < 0.001; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Knowing these anatomical localisations may be important in predicting complications that may occur in this region in EGD and planning the precautions to be taken. We also believe that it will guide clinicians in determining hiatal hernia and related deficiencies.

Quantitative changes in testicular structure and function in rat exposed to mobile phone radiation.

The possible effects of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by mobile phones on reproductive functions have been discussed in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EMF emitted from mobile phones on the rat testis morphology and histopathology using stereological techniques. We also investigated cortisol, testosterone, FSH and LH levels. A total of thirty-two (n = 32) male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into four groups as control (C, n = 8), sham (Sh, n = 8), mobile phone speech (Sp, n = 8) and mobile phone standby (ST by). Morphometric measurements were made with the help of a computer-assisted stereological analysis system. The testis weight and volume were significantly lower in the EMF exposed groups. The mean volume fraction of interstitial tissue was higher, but the volume fraction of tubular tissue was lower in the EMF-exposed groups. The mean tubular and germinal tissue volume, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium height were also lower in EMF exposed groups. The cortisol levels in the EMF-exposed groups were significantly higher. In conclusion, the EMF created by mobile phones caused morphologic and histological changes by the affecting germinal epithelium tissue negatively.

The management of adnexal masses in premenopausal patients: a ten-year retrospective study at a single center.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To distinguish adnexal masses as benign and malignant, and to thereby identity the suitable surgical method for these masses, in premenopausal women, by retrospectively evaluating over a ten-year period, the diagnostic parameters, such as serum CA 125 and transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), in combination with the presence of ascites in the abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 255 premenopausal patients diagnosed with adnexal masses who had been admitted to the Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, between January 2003 and January 2013. Data collected from these patients included age, menopausal state, information regarding the presence of ascites, ultrasound findings, and serum CA 125 levels. RESULTS: The mean age of the women included in the study was 32.79 ± 8.11 (range: 18-51) years. Based on the criteria mentioned above, 152 patients were treated by laparoscopy based on a strong suspicion of benign mass, while 103 patients were treated by laparotomy, based on a strong suspicion of malignant mass. CA 125 values did not have a significant effect on malignancy risk. Based on the TVS results, three malignant masses were reported postoperatively in the patient group strongly suspected to have benign masses, while five benign masses were reported postoperatively in the patient group strongly suspected to have malignant masses.An evaluation of the present diagnostic method showed that the TVS has a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.19% in identifying malignant masses, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.22% in identifying benign masses. CONCLUSION: TVS and CA 125, along with an evaluation of menopausal status and ascites, can be an effective approach for diagnosing adnexal masses, and also for determining the proper surgical method to follow.

Macrophage Infiltration into Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue is Associated with Local Levels of 11BHSD1.

The present study aimed to evaluate the infiltration of macrophages in form of crown-line structures (CLS) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of obese individuals, and to investigate the effect of these on both metabolic parameters and adipose tissue 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11BHSD1) enzyme levels. A total of 53 obese (10 men, 43 woman) enrolled in the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumfrence, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) of all subjects were recorded. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The concentration of SAT, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, 11BHSD1 were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The infiltration of macrophages in form of CLS in adipose tissue were determined using cell-specific stains against CD68. There was no significant difference between the CLS+group and the CLS- group in terms of age, gender, BMI, WC, waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), SBP and DBP levels. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HOMA-IR, insulin and SAT TNF-α levels were higher in the CLS+group compared to the CLS- group. FPG and SAT TNF-α levels were significantly higher in participants with high CLS density compared to participants with low density CLS. SAT 11BHSD1 levels was significant higher in the CLS+group compare to the CLS- group and in the high CLS density group compared to the low density group. In conclusion, the infiltration of macrophages in the form of CLS in SAT is associated with increased 11BHSD1 levels. It may be an important mechanism in the development of metabolic disorders.

Factors affecting morbidity and mortality in pancreatic injuries.

PURPOSE: Difficulties in the detection of pancreatic damage result in morbidity and mortality in cases of pancreatic trauma. This study was performed to determine factors affecting morbidity and mortality in pancreatic trauma. METHODS: The records of 33 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic trauma between January 2004 and December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The types of injury were penetrating injury and blunt abdominal trauma in 75.8 and 24.2 % of all cases, respectively. Injuries were classified as stage 1 in 6 cases (18.2 %), stage 2 in 18 cases (54.5 %), stage 3 in 5 cases (15.2 %), and stage 4 in 4 cases (12.1 %). The average injury severity scale (ISS) value was 25.70 ± 9:33. Six patients (18.2 %) had isolated pancreatic injury, 27 (81.2 %) had additional intraabdominal organ injuries and 10 patients (30.3 %) had extraabdominal organ injuries. The mean length of hospital stay was 13.24 ± 9 days. Various complications were observed in eight patients (24.2 %) and mortality occurred in three (9.1 %). Complications were more frequent in patients with high pancreatic damage scores (p = 0.024), additional organ injuries (p = 0.05), and blunt trauma (p = 0.026). Pancreatic injury score was associated with morbidity, while the presence of major vascular injury was associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Complications were significantly more common in injuries with higher pancreatic damage scores, additional organ injuries, and blunt abdominal trauma. Pancreatic injury score was associated with morbidity, while the presence of major vascular injury was associated with mortality.

Effect of Intraperitoneal Thymoquinone on Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of thymoquinone on adhesion formation in a rat caecotomy/suture model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty wistar rats were randomized into three groups: The control group received saline and the thymoquinone group received 10 mg/kg thymoquinone after cecal caecotomy/suture model. In the sham group the abdominal wall was closed without any abrasion to the cecum. On day 15, adhesions were classified, and histopathological samples were taken. RESULTS: There were no incisional hernias or wound dehiscences. In comparing adhesion scores, a significant difference was found between the thymoquinone and the control groups (p < 0.05). The grade of inflammation for the thymoquinone and the sham groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in the sham and thymoquinone groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study in a rat peritoneal adhesion model, intraperitoneal administered thymoquinone has a strong anti-adhesive effect.