The novel predictor of metabolic risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: could it be the visceral adiposity index?

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disorder in women of reproductive age, often accompanied by high androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles and polycystic ovaries. In addition, patients with PCOS also present with an increase in abdominal adipose tissue and insulin resistance. Recently, the gender-specific mathematical formulation called visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been widely used in assessing cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed at comparing the VAI values of patients with PCOS, patients with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We obtained demographic data, laboratory results and anthropometric measurements of patients from the hospital database. We retrospectively grouped all cases included in the study as PCOS (n = 52), IH (n = 57) and control (n = 58) according to the diagnoses. We also took venous samples for hormone and biochemical tests in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, at least 8-10 hours after fasting in the early morning hours. Finally, we evaluated the variables using SPSS 22.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: We included 167 female individuals in the study. Of these, 57 (34.1%) were diagnosed with IH, while 52 (31.1%) were diagnosed with PCOS. The control group comprised 58 (34.8%) healthy female individuals. The median age of the study group was 25 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 8 years]. The age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference values of the groups were similar. We found that the VAI values among the groups were significantly different (p = 0.028). Post-hoc analysis determined that this was due to the difference between the group with PCOS and the control group. In addition, we found significantly high HOMA-IR, fasting insulin and androgen levels in the group with PCOS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After comparing data in groups with similar BMI levels, we found significantly high VAI values in patients with PCOS. The results reinforce the idea that VAI is a useful marker easily obtained in daily practice for assessing the cardiometabolic risk of patients with PCOS.

Faculty perceptions, awareness and use of open educational resources for teaching and learning in higher education: a cross-comparative analysis.

This paper explores faculty's perspectives and use of open educational resources (OER) and their repositories across different countries by conducting a multiple case study to find similarities and differences between academics' awareness, perceptions and use of OER, as well as examining related aspects of institutional policy and quality that may influence individual views. Data were collected through nine expert reports on each country studied (Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and Turkey) and were analyzed through qualitative content analysis using thematic coding. Findings show the impact on individual OER adoption with regard to the individual control of diverse factors by faculty members; of institutional policies and quality measures on the externally determined factors (by the institution); and of institutional professional development and provision of incentives in more internally determined factors (by the faculty members themselves). These findings carry implications for higher education institutions around the world in their attempt to boost OER adoption by faculty members.

THE FAMILIAL HYPOCALCIURIC HYPERCALCEMIA PRESENTED WITH ADVANCED HYPERCALCEMIA AND EXTREMELY HIGH PARATHORMON LEVELS (CASE REPORT).

Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH) is a rare benign condition inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with high penetrance. This rare genetic condition is detected in approximately 2% of cases examined as primary hyperparathyroidism (PH). The Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) gene's inactivating mutations result in a calcium-parathormone level-saturation curve shift to the right. Generally, the calcium level does not exceed 11,5 mg/dl and the PTH is seen normal. In our case and in her family, extreme high blood calcium levels up to 14 mg/dl and accompanying advanced parathyroid hormone levels rising up to five times the upper limit of normal were detected. Due to these high PTH levels and advanced hypercalcemia, she was thought to have PH as a primary diagnosis. The case and her family are an interesting phenomenon that do not clinically fit classical FHH.

Establishing a new screening 17 hydroxyprogesterone cut-off value and evaluation of the reliability of the long intramuscular ACTH stimulation test in the diagnosis of nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) is a common genetic transmitted endocrinological disease. The validity of screening by using a 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 OH-P) cut-off level of 2 ng/ml is controversial due to the frequent overlap with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The availability of the standard intravenous cosyntropin (ACTH) formula is a problem in many countries including our country and the diagnostic test is performed by using the intramuscular depot form. In this study, we aimed to determine our own cut-off value for screening and to test the reliability of long intramuscular ACTH stimulation test in our patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five fertile age women whose basal follicular phase 17 OH-P level above 2 ng/ml were included in the study. All of the patients underwent an intramuscular long cosyntropin (ACTH) stimulation test. RESULTS: 17 OH-P levels were above 10 ng/ml in 16 of 175 (9.14%) patients who were compatible with the diagnosis of NCAH. There was no significant difference between NCAH, PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism (IH) groups in terms of hirsutism and hyperandrogenemia. In ROC analysis, 3.19 ng/ml was found to be a reliable cut-off value (AUC: 0.698, 95% GA: 0.540-0.855, p <0.05). In the extended intramuscular ACTH stimulation test, sensitivity increased from 56.2% to 91.6% at 180th minute CONCLUSIONS: Our study gives a perspective about the detection of screening threshold value for the diagnosis of NCAH and the availability of the intramuscular long ACTH stimulation test.

INFLAMMATORY CELL RATIOS IN THE PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with undefined aetiology which commonly results in muscle sensitivity, pain, and sensitivity at certain anatomical points. The pathogenesis and aetiology of fibromyalgia are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte/ monocyte ratio (LMR) as simple systemic inflammatory response biomarker sin patients with fibromyalgia. A total of 489 patients with fibromyalgia (group1) and 227 healthy controls (group2) were included in the study. Demographic data, Body Mass Index (BMI) neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded. Baseline NLR, PLR, and LMR were calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil, platelet and lymphocyte counts by the respective divisor absolute values. The NLR, PLR, and LMR levels of the two groups were then compared. There were no significant differences in gender and age between the two groups (p>0,05). BMI levels (29.6 vs 24.8 kg/m2), mean NLR (3.63 vs. 2.11) and PLR (222.55 vs. 114.28) values were found to be statistically higher (p <0.001), and mean LMR (2.73 vs. 3.85) values were found to be statistically lower, in the patient group (p <0.001). The present study showed that NLR, PLR, AND LMR levels can be used in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and systemic inflammation may play a role in fibromyalgia.

The relationship between serum calprotectin levels and disease activity in patients with subacute thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: Increased calprotectin (S100A8/A9) levels have been demonstrated in many acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland. In our study, we investigated the value of this inflammation marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of subacute thyroiditis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with subacute thyroiditis admitted to our clinic between November 2018 and January 2020 were included in the study. In the acute phase of the disease, fT4 (free thyroxin), TSH (Thyroid Stimulant Hormone), CRP (C Reactive Protein), ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), Creatinine, WBC (White Blood Cell), Absolute Lymphocyte and Neutrophil Count (ALC, ANC) parameters were detected and recorded. After complete resolution of the disease, the same laboratory parameters and acute phase reactants were again detected. Additionally, Calprotectin determination was performed in the acute phase and recovery period. Persistent hypothyroidism was determined by 6th-month TSH levels. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included in the study. Along with the classical acute phase reactants and ANC, there was a significant increase in the Calprotectin levels in the acute inflammatory phase of the disease compared to the recovery period (96. 92-37.98, p<0.001). Neither classical acute phase reactants and nor calprotectin were found to have a significant effect on the development of permanent hypothyroidism. Calprotectin did not correlate with other acute phase reactants, absolute neutrophil count and TSH levels in both the acute phase and resolution period. CONCLUSIONS: Calprotectin appears to be an important marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of subacute thyroiditis.

Isotretinoin increased carotid intima-media thickness in acne patients.

BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin (Iso) in acne treatment may cause dyslipidemia and increase in liver enzymes. Moreover, its effect on lipid and glucose metabolism may induce atherosclerotic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), osteopontin (OPN), lipid, high sensitive C-reaktive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in acne patients before and after Iso treatment. MATERIALS: Twenty-one acne patients were treated with Iso (0.5-0.8 mg/kg) for four months. Blood tests for lipid profile, fasting glucose, liver enzymes, OPN, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP and CIMT measurements were performed before and after Iso treatment. Serum levels of OPN and, hs-CRP were measured by ELISA and particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay respectively. RESULTS: Iso treatment significantly increased lipid levels, CIMT (0.60-0.74 mm; p ˂0.001); whereas it non-significantly increased HOMA-IR (0.91-1.87; p =0.70), OPN (4.32-5.44 ng/ml; p =0.27), and hs-CRP (0.08-0.09 mg/dl; p =0.88) levels. There was no correlation between OPN and CIMT (p =0.77). CONCLUSION: Isotretinoin treatment for four months significantly increased CIMT in acne patients. Hippokratia 2016, 20(1): 14-18.

Is the TSHR D727E polymorphism a genetic predisposition for multinodular goiter in the Turkish population?

The D727E germline polymorphism in the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor gene (TSHR) may cause genetic susceptibility to the development of goiter. Therefore, in this study we investigated allele frequencies and genotype distributions of the TSHR D727E polymorphism, their association with clinical parameters, and the development of goiter in the Turkish population. We investigated the TSHR D727E polymorphism in 123 patients and 97 healthy subjects using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Peripheral blood was used for DNA extraction. Although no significant difference was found in TSHR D727E polymorphism frequencies between the patients with nodular goiters (26/123 patients, 21.1%) and the controls (12/97 patients, 12.4%) (P = 0.107), the frequency of the TSHR D727E polymorphism in the hyperthyroid+subclinical hyperthyroid patient groups (23%) was significantly higher than in the control subjects (12.4%) (P = 0.024). In this study, nodular goiter presented significantly earlier in GC genotype patients (mean age 35 years) than in CC genotype patients (mean age 42 years) in the hyperthyroid group (P = 0.009). More importantly, TSH levels in the GC variant controls were closely significant lower (1.26 ± 0.49) than in the CC variant controls (1.74 ± 0.84) (P = 0.053). The TSHR D727E polymorphism might be involved in the pathogenesis of toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG). Moreover, this polymorphism might be an indication of early-onset TMNG. However, development of MNG is multifactorial. Therefore, further case-control studies with larger populations are required to verify these observations.

A successful management of a giant mucinous ovarian tumor with intraoperative controlled fluid aspiration.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article was to present management of a giant ovarian mass. CASE REPORT: A 61-year-old patient was admitted with compliants of abdominal swelling and dyspnea. Ultrasound revealed a giant ovarian mass with dimesnions 47x43x30 cm. The patient underwent laparatomy and the cyst's content was aspirated before total cyst excision. The total weight of the mass was calculated to be 42.5 kg. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged on her postoperative seventh day. CONCLUSION: Giant ovarian cysts can be managed with controlled aspiration before total cyst excision.

Successful management of a second-trimester post-abortion hemorrhage with the Bakri balloon tamponade.

Hemorrhage after abortion is rare but it is a significant cause of abortion-related mortality and morbidity. Conservative management of hemorrhage is gaining popularity. The authors describe a case which a uterine tamponade balloon which was successfully used to control second-trimester post-abortion hemorrhage.

Is gynaecological laparoscopic surgery safe for elderly women? A comparison study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gynaecological laparoscopic surgery in an elderly group, by comparing the operative outcomes of the elderly group with those of the younger group. We analysed retrospective data of 121 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for benign gynaecological disease. Women aged > 60 years were compared with women aged between 30 and 50 years who had the same operation. We evaluated body mass index, comorbidities, number of previous abdominal surgeries, operating time, haemoglobin change, postoperative complications, hospital stay and return of bowel activity. There were no significant differences between the elderly and a matched younger group in number of previous abdominal surgeries, operating time, ASA score distribution, changes in haemoglobin level, hospital stay and postoperative complications (p > 0.05). Laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed in elderly patients with benign gynaecological disease, and surgeons should not hesitate to perform laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients.

Evaluation of periodontal pathogens of the mandibular third molar pericoronitis by using real time PCR.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the mandibular third molar pericoronitis flora by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The quantitative values of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) were evaluated in comparison with the healthy third molar flora by using real time PCR. RESULTS: Aa, Cr, Pg, and Pi were not statistically significant but numerically higher than the pericoronitis group. In contrast to samples from control subjects, statistically significant higher numbers of Tf were detected in samples from pericoronitis patients. The study revealed the strong relation between risk of pericoronitis and the presence of Tf. Individuals who have Tf in their samples present with an almost eight times relative risk of pericoronitis as the individuals with an absence of Tf in their samples. CONCLUSION: Tf plays an important role in the development of clinical symptoms related to pericoronitis.

Is laparoscopic surgery safe in patients with an elevated shock index due to ruptured ectopic pregnancy?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery in patients with elevated shock index (SI), which is a unique determinant of acute hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients treated for ectopic pregnancy (EP) in the present gynaecology department between January 2007 and March 2011 was performed. For each measurement of heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), a SI was calculated by dividing HR by SBP (normal, 0.5 - 0.7). RESULTS: One hundred sixty patients were selected as SI above 0.7. There were 111 (69.4%) patients in the laparotomy group and 49 (30.6%) patients in the laparoscopy group. The postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level was 8.46 +/- 1.56 (g/dl) in the laparotomy group and 9.37 +/- 1.52 (g/dl) in the laparoscopy group, with lower postoperative levels in the laparotomy group. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 2.37 +/- 0.74 days in the laparotomy group and 2 +/- 0.84 days in the laparoscopy group. CONCLUSION: The availability of suitable operative equipment, nursing teams, and advanced laparoscopic skills, all justify operative laparoscopy for the surgical treatment of EP in women with elevated SI.

Acute radiation effect in the brain in infant rats: Neurocognitive and histopathological examination.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction and the radioprotective effect of amifostine (AMI) in the brain of infantile rats. METHODS: Thirty 2-week-old rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Group 1: control (CONT), group 2: radiation alone (RT), and group 3: AMI before radiation (AMI+RT). The rats in the RT and AMI+RT groups were irradiated individually with a single dose of 20 Gy. All animals were evaluated by using the Morris water maze test to evaluate of their cognitive functions. Histopathological analyses of the hippocampus were also carried out after euthanasia. RESULTS: The study showed that the place navigational function and the spatial probe test were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: It can be said that it is very important to determine when the radiation-induced brain injury is formed. From a clinical perspective, the patients can be intervened before irreversible functional deficits are formed and may be amenable to treatment.

Long-term exposure to repetitive hyperbaric oxygen results in cumulative oxidative stress in rat lung tissue.

CONTEXT: Despite its known benefits, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is also reported to enhance the production of reactive oxygen species and can cause oxidative stress in several tissues. Previous studies had shown that HBO-induced oxidative stress is directly proportional to both its exposure pressure and duration. Nevertheless, these studies were usually performed with single-session HBO exposure but its clinical use commonly depends on long-term exposure periods. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the oxidative effect of long-term repetitive HBO in the lung tissue of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six study groups exposed to consecutive HBO sessions (2.8 atm/90 min) for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 days. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last HBO session. An additional control group was set to obtain normal data. Lung malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonylated protein (PCC) levels were determined as measures of oxidative stress along with the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase. RESULTS: None of the measured parameters showed any changes among the groups exposed to 5-15 HBO sessions. However, MDA, PCC, and SOD were found to be significantly increased in the 20 to 40 session groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results indicate that repetitive treatment with HBO may cause oxidative stress in critical tissues including the lung. Although HBO-mediated free radicals are accepted to be responsible for the benefits of this therapeutic modality, especially in cases with prolonged exposure, possible injurious effects of supranormal values of bio-oxidative products need to be considered.

Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in human breast milk.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent proangiogenic protein that activates VEGF receptor (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinases expressed by vascular endothelial cells. A soluble truncated form of VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) binds to VEGF as strongly as full-length VEGFR-1 and inhibits VEGF activity. sVEGFR-1 can be detected in mouse and human plasma but in human milk sVEGFR-1 has not been described previously. METHODS: We measured sVEGFR-1 and VEGF in human milk and examined how the concentration varied with gestational age and the duration of lactation after birth. Human milk samples were collected from 29 mothers of preterm (<37 weeks) and from 29 mothers of term (>38 weeks) infants at days 3, 7 and 28 postpartum. RESULTS: The sVEGFR-1 and VEGF concentrations were greater in the human milk of mothers of preterm compared to term neonates (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and VEGF were decreasing during postpartum days 3, 7 and 28. The concentration of sVEGFR-1 showed a positive correlation with the concentration of VEGF in human milk (r = 0.479 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: sVEGFR-1 is present in human milk and has a role in angiogenesis.

Treatment of menorrhagia with the levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system: effects on ovarian function and uterus.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on ovarian functions, uterine and fibroid volume. METHODS: In this prospective study, LNG-IUS was inserted to 46 women with menorrhagia. The patients were evaluated for serum levels of hemoglobin, FSH, LH and estradiol, ovarian volume, uterine and fibroid volume and Kupperman index scores at the time of insertion, at 6th and 12th months. RESULTS: Serum FSH levels increased in 69% of the device users, the increase of serum FSH levels were statistically significant (P = 0.021). Regression analysis showed significant association between FSH levels and age of the patient (P = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in ovarian and uterine volumes. A statistically significant decrease in myoma volumes were observed (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The application of LNG-IUS in reproductive age women seems to decrease fibroid size and increase hemoglobin levels without any significant dysfunction on ovaries.

Do contraceptive choices of Turkish married adolescents differ from those of older women?

OBJECTIVE: To compare contraceptive choices of Turkish married adolescents to those of women of reproductive age and perimenopausal women. METHODS: Demographic variables, fertility goals and contraceptive choices of adolescents (Group A, n = 95) were compared with those of women of reproductive age (Group B, n = 5224) and perimenopausal women (Group C, n = 2208). RESULTS: All women in the study group were married and had delivered at least once. A past history of voluntary terminations of pregnancy (TOPs) was reported often, although significantly less so by adolescents (43.1%) than by women belonging to the other two groups (66.5 and 77.4%, respectively). The percentage of women who applied no contraception was significantly higher in Group A (p < 0.05). The rate of use of withdrawal, oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices did not differ significantly between the three groups. The percentage of women who were indecisive about future pregnancy or wanted to have more children was greatest in Group A (87.4, 46.9 and 25.7%, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The distribution of contraceptive methods used was similar among the three age groups, but the absence of contraception was most frequent in the adolescent group. The adolescents we assessed, being married and having delivered at least once, are a highly selected group and not representative of adolescents in general. Nevertheless, their contraceptive choices did not differ from those of older women. The incidence of TOPs among them was quite high. Minimization of the frequent neglect of application of contraceptive measures by adolescents requires improvement of family planning services for this age group.

Efficiency of gamma probe and dual-phase Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy in surgery for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of the intraoperative gamma probe and the efficacy of dual-phase Tc-99m sestamibi imaging in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were examined prospectively. Results of same-day dual-phase Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy and intraoperative gamma probe evaluations were compared with the intraoperative findings and histopathologic diagnoses. A 15-mm handheld gamma probe was used to measure gamma activity in the neck and upper mediastinum. Nuclear mapping by gamma probe showed a single quadrant of neck that emitted gamma radiation significantly greater than the other three quadrants, which correlated with the sestamibi scan. RESULTS: Dual-phase Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy determined and localized parathyroid lesions in 20 patients (sensitivity, 94%). Of the 20 parathyroid lesions removed, 15 were located in normal positions, whereas five were explored in ectopic sites (one within the thyroid, one in the anterior mediastinum, one in a retrotracheal position, one in the carotid sheath, and one in the retroesophageal region). Although the index of thyroid nodules varied from 15.8% to 22.9%, the index for parathyroid lesions was 77.3% to 112.8%. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that parathyroid lesions, especially at ectopic sites, can be treated successfully in shorter operative times with minimal complications with the help of the intraoperative gamma probe.

The results of surgery in a series of partially accommodative esotropic patients.

Three different surgical procedures were performed in 32 partially accommodative esotropic patients with a high accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio. The patients were followed-up for an average period of 2.5 years (range: four months to seven years). Recession of the medial rectus and resection of the lateral rectus (group I), bimedial recession (group 2) or bimedial recession with bimedial Faden operation (group 3) were performed, guided by the preoperative AC/A ratio, the difference between the distance and near deviations, and the alternation pattern. At the end of the follow-up period, the average distance and near deviations were found to be less than 10$DL in all three groups. The AC/A ratio of all patients was normal or close to normal in the postoperative period.