Serum testosterone levels and oxidative stress in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are metabolic diseases that continue to be a global problem. Testosterone levels in men are affected by several factors, including obesity and DM. Although the relationship between diabetes and testosterone is not fully understood, oxidative stress is thought to play a major role. The aim of this study was to compare serum testosterone levels and oxidative stress markers [total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant capacity (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and ischaemic modified albumin (IMA)] among the control group and experimentally induced obese, T1DM, and T2DM rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: the obesity group were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), the T2DM group received a HFD plus a single dose of streptozocin (STZ), the T1DM group received only STZ, and there was a control group. Serum testosterone, TAS, TOS, OSI, and IMA were analysed. RESULTS: Serum testosterone levels were lower in the T1DM and T2DM groups compared to the control and obesity groups. The TOS levels were highest in the T2DM group, followed by the T1DM group, the obesity group, and finally the control group. No significant difference was found between the obesity group and the control group in terms of TOS levels. Regarding TAS levels, the order observed was control group > obesity group > T2DM > T1DM. Testosterone was positively correlated with TAS and negatively correlated with TOS and OSI. CONCLUSIONS: Increased oxidative stress in diabetes may be an important factor that decreases serum testosterone levels.

Effects of submucoperichondrial application of platelet-rich plasma on nasal mucosal healing after septoplasty.

OBJECTIVE(S): Our aim is to investigate the effects of the submucoperichondrial application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on nasal mucosal healing after septoplasty surgery. METHOD(S): This prospective randomized observational study was conducted between July 2019 and February 2021, with 40 patients aged 18-60 years who underwent closed the only septoplasty operation for similar septal deviations. Patient divided into two group; 21 patients were placed in PRP group to which PRP was applied on all mucosal surface and submucoperichondrial area of septum and 19 patients were placed in control group to which saline solution was applied on same regions. Nasal obstruction score, mucociliary clearance time, presence of nasal crusting, and bleeding time were evaluated on 5th, 10th, 15th day after surgery and compared between groups. RESULTS: Intranasal crusting on day 10 was found to be lower in the PRP group (n:13 68.4 %) than control group (n:7 33.3 %) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.028). The nasal obstruction score on day 10 and 15 were found to be lower in the PRP group (3,33 ± 2,75, 2,07 ± 2,20) (than the control group (5,44 ± 2,26, 3,37 ± 1,92) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0,003,p = 0,009). The mucociliary clearance rate was found to be higher and the bleeding time was found to be lower in the PRP group, but a statistically significant difference was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Application of submucoperichondrial PRP could have beneficial effects on nasal mucosal repair, nasal crusting, and congestion after septoplasty surgery.

Effect of ischemia-reperfusion injury on elafin levels in rat liver.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantify serum levels of elafin, a serine protease inhibitor, and to assess its effects on histopathological and biochemical parameters in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Forty female Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 served as the control group. Liver ischemia was induced for 30 minutes in the other four groups. An additional 1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour reperfusion was induced in Groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively. At the end of the experiment, intracardiac blood samples were obtained for biochemical examination, and tissue samples from the liver were taken for histopathological examination. Levels of elafin, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total antioxi-dant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) were also examined. RESULTS: Serum elafin levels decreased beginning from Group 2, with the lowest level reached in Group 5 (p<0.01). The IMA level was the lowest in the control group and the highest in Group 5 (p<0.01). TOS, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) levels were lowest in the control group and highest in Group 5 (p<0.01). Group 5 had the highest IMA/albumin ratio, although no significant differences were found between these four groups. The lowest TAS level was found in the control group, but a stable and significant increase was not detected in the other groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and albumin levels. A negative correlation was observed between serum elafin levels and AST, ALT, and TOS levels (p<0.01). The number of Grade 1 histopathological results was found to be higher in the groups with reperfusion (Groups 3, 4, 5). In histopathological subgroup analysis, while the elafin level was lower in Grade 1 group, AST, ALT, and TOS levels were higher (p<0.01). Additionally, the IMA/albumin ratio was found to be higher in the Grade 1 group (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: In hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, elafin levels decreased as the reperfusion time increased. As the reperfusion time increased, both hepatocyte damage and oxidant capacity increased, with a negative correlation observed between these findings and elafin levels. Therefore, elafin may play a protective role in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and could assist clinicians in assessing liver injury.

Psychometric properties of the nine-item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) in Turkish children.

BACKGROUND: The nine item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) is a short and practical assessment tool specific to ARFID with three ARFID phenotypes such as "Picky eating," "Fear," and "Appetite". This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish translation of the NIAS parent form and to investigate the relationship between ARFID symptoms and anxiety, depression symptoms, and eating behaviors in a sample of Turkish children. METHOD: Parents were asked to provide their children's sociodemographic data and to complete the NIAS, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short (EDE-QS), Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) scales. RESULTS: The sample included 440 participants between 6 and 12 ages. Turkish NIAS demonstrated good internal consistency. The three-factor model of the Turkish NIAS was in an acceptable structure. The Turkish NIAS scale was shown to be valid and reliable. NIAS scores were shown to be higher in underweight participants. The NIAS-parent version subscales showed expected convergent and divergent validity with the CEBQ, EDEQ-S, and RCADS scales in children, except CEBQ emotional overeating and desire to drink subscales were correlated with NIAS. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the NIAS is valid and reliable in evaluating ARFID symptoms in children.

Assessment tools for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), which is quite common in children, are quite limited. NIAS-parent version is a practical and valuable scale that can be used in the clinic. This study found that the Turkish version of the NIAS is valid and reliable in evaluating ARFID symptoms in children. In the psychometric properties of the Turkish NIAS, ARFID symptoms were associated with anxiety and depression symptoms and food-avoidant eating behavior. It was also found that ARFID was not associated with eating disorder symptoms. In addition, the paper shows initial data concerning the psychometric properties related to the Turkish NIAS-parent version. It is the first study to evaluate the relationship of ARFID subtypes with anxiety, depression symptoms, appetite characteristics, and BMI percentages in children.

Optical coherence tomography angiography evaluation of optic disc and retinal vascular densities in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate optic disc and retinal vascular densities in obese patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: This study included 27 eyes from 27 obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 who were scheduled for bariatric surgery at the general surgery clinic and 26 eyes from 26 healthy individuals with a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 who were of similar age and gender to the obese group. The macular vascular densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP, respectively), choriocapillaris flow area, optic disc peripapillary vascular density, and retinal thicknesses were evaluated using the OCTA device in obese patients and controls. RESULTS: The mean age of the obese patients was 35.89 ± 10.93 years, and that of the controls was 32.31 ± 7.88 years (p = 0.199). The mean BMI values of the obese and control groups were 45.04 ± 6.89 kg/m2 and 23.19 ± 1.66 kg/m2, respectively (p < 0.0001). The whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal vascular density values of the SCP and those of the DCP were statistically significantly lower in the obese group than in the control group (p = 0.004, p = 0.011, p = 0.006, p = 0.036, p = 0.029, and p = 0.024, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of optic disc vascular density. Full retinal perifoveal thickness, full retinal perifoveal volume, inner retinal perifoveal thickness, and inner retinal perifoveal volume were statistically significantly lower in obese patients compared to the controls (p = 0.043, p = 0.042, p = 0.027, and p = 0.024, respectively). In addition, statistically significant negative correlations were found between BMI and the whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal vascular densities of the SCP and DCP and the whole vascular density values of the optic disc for all vessels and small vessels ​​(p = 0.017, r = -0.327; p = 0.043, r = -0.280; p = 0.033, r = -0.293; p = 0.034, r = -0.291; p = 0.017, r = -0.327; p = 0.023, r = -0.311; p = 0.031, r = -0.296; and p = 0.047, r = -0.274, respectively). CONCLUSION: We consider that the decrease in retinal vascular density and retinal thickness in obese patients is responsible for obesity-induced oxidative stress, increased inflammatory cytokines, and microvascular damage.

Experiences on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Individuals Diagnosed With COVID-19: A Content Analysis Study.

The aim of this study was to examine past experiences related to the use of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during the disease process by individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Content analysis method was used for data analysis. The study consisted of 21 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, who applied to a family health center. The data were collected using an individual information form and a semistructured interview form consisting of open-ended questions. All interviews were recorded with audio recording and transcribed. Three main themes related to the use of CAM by COVID-19 patients and subthemes associated with these main themes were determined (1) while starting to use CAM; (2) experiences of CAM use; and (3) recommending CAM. During using the CAM methods, most of the participants were affected by their circle, they preferred the use of fruit/fruit juice containing vitamin C, they chose affordable and easily accessible methods, they found the methods they used useful, and recommended these methods to others. The CAM use of patients should be questioned in future studies related to COVID-19 by nurses. Nurses should inform patients with COVID-19 accurately about safety, efficacy, indications, and contraindications for CAM methods.

Evaluation of Afamin Level after Bariatric Surgery in Patient with Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate afamin levels after weight loss in obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and to investigate the relationship between them. In addition, after bariatric surgery, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density protein (VLDL), total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, and hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) levels were evaluated. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative 6th month venous blood samples were obtained from 43 patients included in this study. The preoperative and postoperative 6th month body mass index (BMI), TG, total cholesterol, VLDL, HDL, insulin, HgbA1c, TSH, T4, and afamin levels of the patients who underwent bariatric surgery with obesity were compared. RESULTS: Serum afamin levels of patients decreased at 6 months postoperatively; however, it was not statistically significant. We observed a statistically significant decrease in patients' BMI, HDL, VLDL, TG, total cholesterol, TSH, T4, HgbA1c, and insulin values (p < 0.05). There were significant increases in HDL and T4 values. The change in LDL value was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies have shown that there may be a cause-effect relationship between afamin and obesity. In our study, we observed a decrease in serum afamin levels after weight loss following bariatric surgery. In addition, we think that afamin may be used as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome in the future and may lead to improvements in the medical treatment of obesity.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish version of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale (CABI-SCT) in Children and Adolescents.

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) (cognitive disengagement syndrome) (CDS) describes a cluster of symptoms including slowness, lethargy, and daydreaming. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI-SCT) scale and its relationship to other psychological difficulties. A total of 328 children and adolescents aged between 6-18 years were included in the study. CABI-SCT, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), Barkley Child Attention Scale (BCAS), ADHD Rating Scale-IV, and Strengths and Challenges Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered to parents of participants. Reliability analysis demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the one-factor model of the Turkish version of CABI-SCT is an acceptable construct. This study supports the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of CABI-SCT for use in children and adolescents providing initial data concerning the psychometric properties and difficulties associated with the Turkish version of the CABI-SCT.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients with and without splenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ocular involvement is common in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDß-T) patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of splenectomy on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in TDß-T patients. METHODS: The study is a prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 45 eyes of 23 patients with splenectomy (34.04±8.83 years), 18 eyes of 9 patients without splenectomy (27.44±5.43 years), and 54 eyes of 27 controls (33.22±6.44 years) were included. Vessel density in superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus and radial peripapillary capillary, foveal avascular zone, choriocapillaris flow area, choroidal and retinal thickness detected by OCTA were evaluated. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Vessel density of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus were similar in patients with and without splenectomy, and controls. Choriocapillaris flow area was significantly decreased in patients with splenectomy than that in those without splenectomy and controls (2.02±0.12 vs. 2.17±0.1 and 2.14±0.12; p < 0.001). Choroidal thickness was significantly lower in patients without splenectomy than in patients with splenectomy and controls (260.05±61.02 vs. 305.11±42.13 and 298.89±29.14, p = 0.008). Parafoveal and perifoveal thickness of the full retina and outer retina were significantly lower in patients without splenectomy than in patients with splenectomy and controls (301.06±10.0, 279.78±10.28 vs. 311.04±14.89, 290.87±13.67 and 316.63±13.57, 289.56±9.31, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002; 174.72±7.81, 167.17±6.21 vs. 182.87±8.81, 173.60±7.09 and 185.11±9.26, 173.96±6.79, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: OCTA findings can provide information about the microvascular effects of splenectomy on the retina of patients with TDß-T.

Comparison of the Otolaryngological Symptoms of Laboratory-Confirmed and Clinically Diagnosed COVID-19 Patients.

Objectives: Our aim is to determine prevalence, severity, duration of otorhinolaryngologic symptoms related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and correlation between the test results obtained by oronasopharyngeal swab and the symptoms of these regions by evaluating differences in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms between laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients and clinically and computed tomography (CT)-diagnosed COVID-19 patients. Methods: The study enrolled patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test diagnosed with COVID-19 that grouped as PCR (+), and those with repeated negative PCR tests but COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) chest CT findings with high (CO-RADS 5) or very high (CO-RADS 6) similarity to COVID-19 that grouped as PCR(-)/CT(+). Demographic features, general symptoms, and otorhinolaryngological symptoms and severity of disease were evaluated and compared. Results: The most common ENT symptoms in the PCR(+) group were loss of taste (n=77), loss of smell, and sore throat with respective frequencies of 34.5%, 31.8%, 26.0%, and in PCR(-) CT (+) group loss of taste, loss of smell, and sore throat with respective frequencies 24.6%, 21.1%, and 18.4%. ENT symptom rates were found higher in PCR (+) group (65.0%) according to PCR(-)/CT(+) group (49.1%) with statistically significant difference (p=0.008). Loss of smell rates were found higher in PCR (+) group according to PCR(-)/CT(+) group with statistically significant difference (p=0.037). Conclusion: Loss of smell and taste were most common ENT symptoms in laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. The presence of COVID-19 should definitely be considered in patients presenting with sudden loss of smell or taste. In addition, loss of smell and otolaryngologic symptoms were more common in laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 according to clinically and computed tomograpy diagnosed COVID-19 cases. There can be a correlation between positive sample region and symptom region. Location of symptoms must be considered for decision of sampling location.

The effect of training on treatment adherence in coronary artery patients: A single-blind randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training, given by the nurses to coronary artery patients, on treatment adherence of the patients. BACKGROUND: Treatment adherence can be defined as adherence of drug use and healthy lifestyle habits to healthcare recommendations. Training programmes enable to reduce healthcare expenditures and risk of mortality by increasing treatment adherence. DESIGN: This study is a single-blind randomised controlled trial. The requirements of CONSORT statement were followed. The study was registered with clinicaltrial.gov. NCT04556006. METHODS: The study was conducted with 58 patients hospitalised in the cardiology clinic of a state hospital (intervention = 30 and control = 28). Personal information form, anthropometric measurements, Framingham risk score and compliance questionnaire were used to collect the data. After the first data of the patients were collected, the training on treatment adherence was provided to those in the intervention group. The content of the training was repeated in 2nd , 4th , 8th and 12th weeks. At the end of 12th week, the data of the patients in both groups were collected again and evaluated. RESULTS: Compliance questionnaire scores were 22.53 ± 5.48 in the intervention group and 22.25 ± 7.02 in the control group at the beginning of the study (p > .05); whereas, they were 32.33 ± 4.82 in the intervention group and 24.04 ± 5.98 in the control group at the end of 12th week (p < .001). Improvement was observed in anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index, waist circumference and hip circumference) of the patients in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Planned training given to coronary artery patients contributed positively to treatment adherence and anthropometric measurements. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: While evaluating treatment adherence, not focussing on a single area, interrelated adherence areas should be evaluated together. The prepared adherence guide can be used in adherence training programmes to be applied on different societies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study was registered with clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04556006).

The role of fine needle aspiration biopsy in deep lobe parotid tumors: Comparison of preoperative cytology and postoperative histopathologic results.

PURPOSE: Major salivary gland tumors constitute almost 3% of head and neck tumors. Tumors located exclusively in the deep lobe are not common and 20% of parotid gland tumors originate from deep lobe under the branches of the facial nerve. Accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) procedure in salivary gland tumors have been studied extensively, however there isn't any data regarding usefulness of FNAB in tumors located exclusively in deep lobe of parotid gland. In this study we aimed to assess the use of FNAB in deep lobe parotid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 51 patients with deep lobe parotid tumors who underwent surgery in our clinic between January 2013-December 2018. Characteristics of patients were recorded. Preoperative FNAB results and postoperative final histopathologic diagnosis were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The number of patients that met the inclusion criteria was 51. The mean age of patients were 49.2(14-86). In 40 (78.4) of the patients, tumor was reported as benign and in 11 (21.6) patients FNAB diagnosis was suspicious for malignancy, malignant or non-diagnostic. In final histopathologic diagnosis, 42 of the tumors were benign and 9 were malignant. The most common benign tumor type was pleomorphic adenoma which constitutes 27 of the cases (52.9%). Regarding detection of malignant disease, the sensitivity of FNAB was 90.4%, specificity was 77.7%, positive predictive value was 95%, negative predictive value was 63.6%. There was a substantial agreement between FNAB and final histopathologic diagnosis(kappa = 0,628). CONCLUSIONS: FNAB is a safe and reliable tool to evaluate deep lobe parotid tumors. It is an important part of preoperative surgical planning and can help the surgeon in patient counseling. FNAB with ultrasound guidance is recommended for deep lobe tumors.

Parental psychological distress associated with COVID-19 outbreak: A large-scale multicenter survey from Turkey.

AIMS: Pandemics can cause substantial psychological distress; however, we do not know the impact of the COVID-19 related lockdown and mental health burden on the parents of school age children. We aimed to comparatively examine the COVID-19 related the stress and psychological burden of the parents with different occupational, locational, and mental health status related backgrounds. METHODS: A large-scale multicenter online survey was completed by the parents (n = 3,278) of children aged 6 to 18 years, parents with different occupational (health care workers-HCW [18.2%] vs. others), geographical (Istanbul [38.2%] vs. others), and psychiatric (child with a mental disorder [37.8%]) backgrounds. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being a HCW parent (odds ratio 1.79, p < .001), a mother (odds ratio 1.67, p < .001), and a younger parent (odds ratio 0.98, p = .012); living with an adult with a chronic physical illness (odds ratio 1.38, p < .001), having an acquaintance diagnosed with COVID-19 (odds ratio 1.22, p = .043), positive psychiatric history (odds ratio 1.29, p < .001), and living with a child with moderate or high emotional distress (odds ratio 1.29, p < .001; vs. odds ratio 2.61, p < .001) were independently associated with significant parental distress. CONCLUSIONS: Parents report significant psychological distress associated with COVID-19 pandemic and further research is needed to investigate its wider impact including on the whole family unit.

Effects of different intraabdominal pressure levels on oxidative stress markers in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed under different intraabdominal pressure on oxidative stress markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study examined 90 consecutive healthy patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the diagnosis of symptomatic cholelithiasis. The patients were divided into three groups, 30 patients in each. Group 1 included patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a CO2 pneumoperitoneum pressure of 7 mmHg, Group 2 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a CO2 pneumoperitoneum pressure of 10 mmHg, and Group 3 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a CO2 pneumoperitoneum pressure of 13 mmHg. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively for measurement of the serum levels of ischemia modified albumin and an analysis of total antioxidant status and total oxidant status. Intra-group comparisons were made. RESULTS: Group 1 experienced a significant increase in the postoperative ischemia modified albumin values compared to preoperative ischemia modified albumin values (p=0.013). Group 2 experienced a significant decrease in the perioperative total antioxidant status values compared to preoperative and postoperative total antioxidant status values (p=0.009). Group 3 experienced a significant increase in the perioperative total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values compared to preoperative values (p<0.001). Group 3 experienced a significant increase in the perioperative and postoperative ischemia modified albumin values compared to preoperative values (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased levels of oxidative stress markers were detected in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a high intraabdominal pressure level.

The effect of bariatric surgery on the retrobulbar flow hemodynamic parameters in patients with obesity: color Doppler evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of weight loss on the retrobulbar hemodynamics in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery for obesity using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and to evaluate correlations with intraocular pressure (IOP) changes measured using Goldman applanation tonometry. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were included in this prospective study. Body mass index (BMI), IOP measurements, and retrobulbar CDU examination were performed on all individuals 6 months before and after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: The preoperative mean BMI value was 48.8 ± 2.27 kg/m2, and mean IOP value was 18.2 ± 2.06 mmHg. At 6 months postoperatively, mean BMI and IOP were 36.28 ± 5.41 kg/m2 and 16.1 ± 1.81 mmHg which was statistically significantly lower than the preoperative measurements (p < 0.001). In the comparison of pre- and postoperative orbital CDU value, the preoperative OA PSV (30.16 ± 5.31 cm/s) and OA EDV (10.93 ± 3.04) values were significantly lower than the postoperative OA PSV (36.21 ± 5.56) and OA EDV (12.84 ± 3.38) values (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). A significant correlation was determined between BMI and IOP (r = -0.443; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in body weight resulting from bariatric surgery performed on morbid obese patients causes alterations in both IOP and retrobulbar hemodynamics. Morbidly obese patients who undergo bariatric surgery have statistically significantly lower IOP values and increase in OA Doppler parameters (PSV, EDV) than in the preoperative period, which reflects a better retrobulbar and ocular blood flow.

Analysis of the publishing rate and the number of citations of general surgery dissertations.

OBJECTIVE: A dissertation is a scientific document. However, if it is not published in a scientific journal, it will gain access to only a limited audience and thus will be unable to achieve its objective. Nevertheless, the rate of publishing in journals is not high among dissertations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the publishing rates of general surgery dissertations in journals and the total number of citations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All medical dissertations that have been prepared at general surgery departments of university hospitals and presented between the years 2006 and 2008 were analyzed. The authors checked whether the dissertations were published in a journal or not, by searching the dissertation in 4 different resources with the name of their authors. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-two dissertations were included. Half of those dissertations were experimental animal studies. Seventy dissertations were published in various journals. Fifty one (22%) of these were published in Science Citation Index Expanded journals, while 19 (8.1%) of them were published in Turkish non-Science Citation Index Expanded journals. There was no significant difference in terms of publishing rates between study types. The number of annual citations per article was 1.1. The writer of the dissertation was the first author in 35 (68,6%) articles. CONCLUSION: The publishing rates of dissertations in general surgery is low, with only 22% being published in Science Citation Index Expanded journals. The citation rate was also detected to be low in our study. Consequently, a dissertation should be considered as a scientific research study and planned as such, not as obligatory assignments. The publishing rates of dissertations should be increased, and authors should be led and encouraged to publish their dissertations.

The effects of health education given by nurses to COPD patients on the daily oxygen concentrator usage time.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term oxygen therapy is the most effective method which has been shown to prolong the lifespan in people with COPD. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of health education given by nurses to patients with COPD on the daily oxygen concentrator (OC) usage time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in a State Hospital, Turkey, between July and November 2015. After given consent to the study, participants were divided into intervention and control groups by simple random sampling method. Then data forms were filled during face-to-face interview. Firstly, the data describing patients' arrival times were collected retrospectively. Afterwards, the patients from the intervention group were educated through educational booklets prepared by the researchers. They were phoned in the weeks 4, 8 and 12th for problems they might have encountered during the use of OC. After the 14th week, data forms of patients from the both groups were filled again; the results were compared with previous clinical findings. Data were analysed using SPSS 15.0 for Windows. RESULTS: It was determined that 95.5% of patients did not get information about the use of OC. Daily OC usage time (hour) by patients in the intervention group firstly amounted to 5.69 ± 3.90, later on to 11.94 ± 4.73 (p < 0.05). Whereas when clinical findings concerning pre- and post educational periods were compared; a significant improvement in PaO2, PaCO2, FEV1 and SaO2 of patients in the intervention group (p<0.05) was shown, contrary to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: It may be recommended that patients receive continuous education and close monitoring of their results.

Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters in Morbidly Obese Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Purpose. To investigate changes in optical coherence tomography parameters in morbidly obese patients who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods. A total of 41 eyes of 41 morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40) who had undergone LSG were included in study. The topographic optic disc parameters, central macular thickness (CMT), total macular volume (TMV), and retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured by enhanced deep imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Results. The mean CMT was 237.4 ± 24.5 µm, 239.3 ± 24.1 µm, and 240.4 ± 24.5 µm preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean TMV was 9.88 ± 0.52 mm(3), 9.96 ± 0.56 mm(3), and 9.99 ± 0.56 mm(3) preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean RGCL was 81.2 ± 6.5 µm, 82.7 ± 6.6 µm, and 82.9 ± 6.5 µm preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean SFCT was 309.8 ± 71.8 µm, 331.0 ± 81.4 µm, and 352.7 ± 81.4 µm preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between the preoperative values and 3- and 6-month postoperative values in rim area (p = 0.34), disc area (p = 0.64), vertical cup/disc ratio (p = 0.39), cup volume (p = 0.08), or retinal nerve fiber layer (p = 0.90). Conclusions. Morbidly obese patients who undergo LSG experience a statistically significant increase in CMT, TMV, SFCT, and RGCL at 3 months and 6 months after surgery.

Medical ozone treatment ameliorates the acute distal colitis in rat.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of medical ozone treatment on the experimental acute distal colitis in rats. METHODS: Eighteen rats were randomly distributed into three equal groups; control, acute distal colitis (ADC) without and with medical ozone treatment. Rats in the control group were taken saline. ADC was performed by rectal way with 4% acetic acid in groups 2 and 3, and the group 3 was treated with medical ozone for three weeks both rectally and intraperitoneally. At the twenty second day the distal colons samples were obtained for malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase, blood samples were obtained to measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß levels. Histolopatological examination was evaluated with Ki-67, IL-1ß and VEGF immunostaining densities. RESULTS: There was significant increase in tissue MDA, MPO activity, TNF-α and IL-1ß after ozone administration. There was also a significant difference at immunostaining densities of histopathological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Medical ozone treatment ameliorated the experimental acute distal colitis induced by acetic acid in rats. Its possible effect is by means of decreasing inflammation, edema, and affecting the proliferation and the vascularization.

Grape seed protects cholestatic rats liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of grape-seed extract against ischemia/reperfusion injury in cholestatic liver. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. In control and study groups, cholestasis was provided by bile duct ligation. Seven days later, the rats were subjected to 30 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg/day grape-seed extract was started 15 days before bile duct ligation and continued to the second operation in the study group. Serum, plasma and liver samples were taken. Laboratory analysis, tissue gluthation, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase levels and histopathological examination were performed. RESULTS: Significant decrease in liver gluthation level and significant increase in malondialdehyde level and myeloperoxidase activity were observed after ischemia/reperfusion in cholestatic rats. Serum and plasma levels for laboratory analysis were also significantly higher in cholestatic I/R group. Hepatic necrosis and fibrosis were detected in histopathological examination. Oral grape-seed extract administiration reversed all these parameters and histopathological findings except serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSION: Oral grape-seed extract treatment can improve liver functions and attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress in cholestatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.