Determination of the effect of the dam age, birth type, and sex on growth curve traits of hair goat kids.

This study was conducted to investigate the best-fit growth curve and dam age, sex, and birth type effect on growth curve traits of hair goat kids. Monthly 3858 test day body weight (BW) records of 643 hair goat kids from birth to 150 days of age were used to determine the best-fit growth curve and estimate growth curve parameters with Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy models. The BW records were assigned to three groups: dam age (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 years), sex (female, male), and birth type (single, twin). The Gompertz model gave more consistent results than the Von Bertalanffy model according to the goodness of fit criteria. Dam age had no significant effect on any of the growth curve traits. Sex of kids showed a significant effect on maturity index (parameter K) (P < 0.001), estimated mature body weight (parameter A), and weight at point of inflection (IPW) (P < 0.01). Also, birth type had a significant effect on initial/birth weight (parameter B) and parameter K (P < 0.001). Age at point of inflection (IPT) was not affected by any of the factors. Twin kids had a higher maturity index than singles while females higher than males. In conclusion, the Gompertz model was the most suitable model for hair goat kids for selection strategies. For proper selection, the effect of sex and birth type on growth curve traits should be considered by hair goat breeders.

Quality assessment of chukar partridge (A. chukar) eggs during different conditions (time, turning and position) of storage.

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of storage length, turning frequency and egg position on internal quality traits of chukar eggs obtained from 56-week-old chukar partridges under the same nutrition and management conditions. A total of 720 eggs were collected and assigned to 36 subgroups according to storage length (7, 14, 21, and 28 d), turning frequency (0, 1, and 24 per day) and egg position (pointed end up, blunt end up and horizontal). As a result of the study, almost all the internal quality traits of chukar eggs were negatively affected by lengthening of storage period especially 21 days and longer (p < 0.001). Internal egg quality traits weren't statistically affected by turning frequency except yolk index (p < 0.01). An improvement was observed in Haugh unit, albumen index and heigh of eggs stored with pointed end up (p < 0.001). Some significant interactions occurred among all internal egg quality traits which were mostly dependent on the eggs stored horizontally, extended storage time more than 21 days and egg turning during storage. The results and interactions showed that internal quality traits would be preserved well for the eggs stored less than 21 days with the position of pointed end up independent of turning. If the storage period was to exceed 21 days, the eggs should be positioned horizontally and turning should be applied to preserve the quality of chukar eggs.

Effect of prior beta-blocker use on in-hospital atrial fibrillation development in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are conflicting results about the early administration of beta-blockers (bb) on in-hospital mortality and arrhythmias. Here, we wanted to investigate the effects of chronic bb use on in-hospital Atrial Fibrillation (AF) development in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 814 consecutive patients with STEMI were included in the study. They were divided into two groups according to whether they are using bb on admission or not. They were followed for AF development in-hospital and predictors of AF were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 814 patients, 103 (12.67%) patients were already using bb, while 711 (87.3%) were not. There were no significant differences in the frequency of AF development [3 (%2.9) vs 30 (%4.2), p = .788] between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that left atrial (LA) diameter is the only independent predictor of in-hospital AF development. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that chronic bb use does not have an effect on in-hospital AF development in STEMI patients. Nevertheless, LA diameter was found to be an independent predictor of AF.

The Relationship of Thyroid Functions with ADMA, IMA, and Metabolic Laboratory Parameters in Euthyroid Adults with and without Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between thyroid functions and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and other metabolic laboratory markers in euthyroid adults and whether narrower thyroidal targets are required for lower metabolic risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thyroid functions, antithyroid autoantibodies, and metabolic parameters were measured for 115 patients. Forty-seven had autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Analyses were performed according to cutoff values of 1, 2, 2.5, and 3 mIU/L for thyrotropin, 0.84 ng/dL for free thyroxine (fT4), and 3.59 ng/dL for free tri-iodothyronine (fT3). RESULTS: There was no relationship between thyrotropin and fT3 cutoff values and metabolic parameters. Only C-reactive protein was lower in the group with thyrotropin ≤2.5 µIU/L. A weak positive correlation was found between fT4 with IMA and IMA corrected for albumin (r = 0.187, P = .05; r = 0.204, P = .034, respectively). There was no difference between AIT and the metabolic laboratory parameters examined in the study. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to evaluate ADMA in AIT. Narrower thyroid function targets are not required for better metabolic control in euthyroid adults.

The Relationship Between Mitral Annular Calcification, Metabolic Syndrome and Thromboembolic Risk.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as an association between diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with several cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, ischemic stroke and increased mortality. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate thromboembolic risk in AF. However, the association among MAC, MetS and thromboembolic risk is unknown and was evaluated in the current study. METHODS: The study group consisted of 94 patients with MAC and 86 patients with MetS. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without MAC. RESULTS: Patients with MAC had a higher MetS rate (P<0.001). In patients with MAC, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores and the rate of cerebrovascular accident and AF were significantly higher compared to those without MAC (P<0.001, for both parameters). The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that history of smoking, presence of MetS and high CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with the development of MAC. ROC curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significant predictors for MAC (C-statistic: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.706-0.855, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that MAC was positively correlated with the presence of MetS and CHA2DS2-VASc score (P=0.001, r=0.264; P<0.001, r=0.490). CONCLUSION: We have shown that CHA2DS2-VASc score and presence of MetS rates were significantly higher in patients with MAC compared without MAC. Presence of MAC was correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score, presence of MetS, AF and left atrial diameter and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction.

The relationship between mitral annular calcification, metabolic syndrome and thromboembolic risk

Abstract Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as an association between diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with several cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, ischemic stroke and increased mortality. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate thromboembolic risk in AF. However, the association among MAC, MetS and thromboembolic risk is unknown and was evaluated in the current study. Methods: The study group consisted of 94 patients with MAC and 86 patients with MetS. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without MAC. Results: Patients with MAC had a higher MetS rate (P<0.001). In patients with MAC, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores and the rate of cerebrovascular accident and AF were significantly higher compared to those without MAC (P<0.001, for both parameters). The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that history of smoking, presence of MetS and high CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with the development of MAC. ROC curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significant predictors for MAC (C-statistic: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.706-0.855, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that MAC was positively correlated with the presence of MetS and CHA2DS2-VASc score (P=0.001, r=0.264; P<0.001, r=0.490). Conclusion: We have shown that CHA2DS2-VASc score and presence of MetS rates were significantly higher in patients with MAC compared without MAC. Presence of MAC was correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score, presence of MetS, AF and left atrial diameter and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction.

The relation between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and mitral annular calcification.

BACKGROUND: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with several cardiovascular disorders including coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, heart failure, ischemic stroke and increased mortality. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) has strong correlation with obesity, CAD, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. There are strong similarities between EFT and MAC from the aspect of risk factors and pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate the EFT in patients with MAC. METHODS: The study group consisted of 78 patients with MAC. An age, gender and body mass index matched control group consisted of 47 subjects who admitted to echocardiography laboratory due to suspicion of organic heart disease and eventually found to be free of MAC. We measured EFT in patients with MAC and control subjects. RESULTS: EFT was significantly higher in patients with MAC than in control subjects (5.7±0.9 vs. 4.4±0.6 mm respectively; P< 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that EFT was positively correlated with presence of MAC (p<0.001, r=0.597). CONCLUSION: We showed that EFT was significantly elevated in patients with MAC and it was positively correlated with MAC.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in overweight and obese premenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem, and it is related to increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and insulin secretion. We aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on anthropometric and laboratory parameters in overweight and obese premenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two overweight and 50 obese vitamin-D-deficient premenopausal women (mean age: 43.1 ±10.4 years) were included in the study. Baseline mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was 6.1 (min.-max. = 2.9-15.8) ng/ml in overweight and was 5.6 (min.-max. = 3.0-22.0) ng/ml in obese subjects. At baseline and at the sixth month of supplementation, serum 25(OH)D, intact parathormone (iPTH), calcium, phosphorus, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profiles were assessed. RESULTS: Following vitamin D3 supplementation in overweight and obese subjects, serum 25(OH)D increased from 6.1 to 34.7 ng/ml and 5.6 to 34.7 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). At the sixth month of supplementation in both overweight and obese subjects, a significant reduction was detected in HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.046, p = 0.044; respectively) and iPTH levels (p ≤ 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively). A negative adjusted correlation was found between changes in 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR (r = -0.581, p < 0.001; r = -0.389, p = 0.005; respectively). A 1 ng/ml increase in serum 25(OH)D level led to a 0.30-fold reduction in HOMA-IR level (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation in HOMA-IR and LDL-C improvement in both obese and overweight subjects. Further studies focused on low serum 25(OH)D levels with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are needed.

The Relation Between Echocardiographic Epicardial Fat Thickness and CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Patients with Sinus Rhythm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category) score risk groups. METHODS: A total of 158 consecutive patients (75 females, 83 males, mean age 70.8±6.3 years) admitted routinely for cardiologic control were divided into two groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASc scores (scores 0 and 1 were regarded as low risk, and score ≥2 as high risk). One hundred twenty-five of 158 patients had a high-risk score. RESULTS: Mean EFT was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (4.34±0.62 vs. 5.37±1.0; P<0.001). EFT was positively correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.577, P<0.001). According to receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, EFT value of 4.4 mm was found to be predictive of high risk in CHA2DS2-VASc score with 80% of sensitivity and 79% of specificity (C-statistic = 0.875, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76-0.90). And according to multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFT was an independent predictor of high thromboembolic risk in terms of CHA2DS2-VASc score. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that echocardiographic EFT measurement could provide additional information on assessing cardiovascular risks, such as thromboembolic events, and individuals with increased EFT should receive more attention to reduce unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors and the development of future cardiovascular events.

The relation between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and cha2ds2-vasc score in patients with sinus rhythm

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category) score risk groups. Methods: A total of 158 consecutive patients (75 females, 83 males, mean age 70.8±6.3 years) admitted routinely for cardiologic control were divided into two groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASc scores (scores 0 and 1 were regarded as low risk, and score ≥2 as high risk). One hundred twenty-five of 158 patients had a high-risk score. Results: Mean EFT was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (4.34±0.62 vs. 5.37±1.0; P<0.001). EFT was positively correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.577, P<0.001). According to receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, EFT value of 4.4 mm was found to be predictive of high risk in CHA2DS2-VASc score with 80% of sensitivity and 79% of specificity (C-statistic = 0.875, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76-0.90). And according to multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFT was an independent predictor of high thromboembolic risk in terms of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that echocardiographic EFT measurement could provide additional information on assessing cardiovascular risks, such as thromboembolic events, and individuals with increased EFT should receive more attention to reduce unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors and the development of future cardiovascular events.

Differences in Calcium Metabolism and Thyroid Physiology After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery may modulate the hormones and elements which maintain thyroid and calcium homeostasis. These adaptations in hormonal and elemental aspects have previously been determined via some studies with variations in their findings. Thyroid volume and 24-h urinary calcium are two parameters which have not been investigated regarding whether they change during the bariatric postsurgical period. This study planned to examine the changes in calcium metabolism and thyroid gland functioning after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three morbidly obese patients with planned bariatric surgery were enrolled in the study. Before and 12 months after the operation, parathormone (PTH), 25-OH-vitamin D3(25vitD3), TSH, free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), calcium (Ca), 24-h urinary Ca and ultrasonography-guided thyroid volume were measured. RESULTS: In the beginning, 73 patients were examined and 12 months after surgery out of 25 patients continuing follow-up, 20 (80%) had undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) while five (20%) had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Accompanied by significant BMI decrease, 24-h urinary Ca and thyroid volume did not significantly increase in RYGB, SG, and the whole group after 12 months. The SG group showed a significant drop in TSH (p 0.03) level, while the RYGB group showed significant decreases in fT4 (p 0.00) and fT3 (p 0.00); and significant fT3 decrease (p 0.01) was recorded for the whole group. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery may modify Ca homeostasis and thyroid gland functional status. We documented that these were not statistically significant increases in 24-h urinary Ca level and thyroid volume after 1 year. Further studies are needed to understand the issue, enrolling more patients who underwent the same bariatric procedure and after accounting for the inhibition of supplementary vitamin and mineral effects.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve in women with overt or subclinical hypothyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid dysfunction is among the most common autoimmune disorders in women of reproductive age. Previous studies have shown the association between autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and infertility. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by granulosa cells and is a useful marker for assessment of ovarian reserve. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the ovarian reserves of women with autoimmune thyroid disorder by measurement of AMH values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included women with newly diagnosed AITD aged between 20 and 40 years. Patients were divided into three groups: subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH, n = 21), overt hypothyroidism (OH, n = 21) and controls (CG, n = 32). Study parameters included serum free T4, free T3, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and AMH concentrations measured in the early follicular phase. Antral follicle count (AFC) was assessed with ultrasound. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of the patients were noted. RESULTS: No significant difference was found among SCH, OH and CG in regard to ovarian reserves measured by AMH values (p = 0.19) and AFC (p = 0.80). A significant negative correlation was found between AMH and BMI (r = -0.382, p = 0.001). Anti-Müllerian hormone and waist circumference (r = -0.330, p = 0.004) were also negatively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Although AMH values were not significantly different among groups, AMH values were lower in OH and SCH patients, indicating a possible need for close monitoring of these patients.

The effects of three regimens of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplementation on vitamin D deficiency in non-obese and obese females.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide and tends to be a risk factor for all-cause mortality. We evaluated the effect of continuous low-dose oral daily and loading dose of oral weekly and loading monthly intramuscular (IM) vitamin D3 regimens on circulating levels of total 25(OH)D and in vitamin D deficient females, and between non-obese and obese subgroups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 231 vitamin D deficient females were included to the study. According to treatment regimen, patients were divided into three groups: daily continuous oral, loading dose of weekly oral and monthly intramuscular. All patients in treatment groups were divided into non-obese (105) and obese (126) groups. Serum 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH) levels were evaluated at baseline and at the third and sixth month. RESULTS: In obese patients oral weekly loading regimen and in non-obese patients oral daily continuous regimens were found to be more potent. Baseline PTH levels decreased when compared with the third and sixth months (p < 0.001), but between the third and sixth months it was not changed (p = 0.783). CONCLUSIONS: Oral daily regimen in non-obese patients and loading weekly oral regimen in obese patients were more effective in achieving the target levels of 25(OH)D concentration above 30 ng/ml and provided a stable plasma vitamin D concentration over a long period of time.

The effect of oxidative stress on the progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). METHODS: Forty euthyroid and 40 subclinical hypothyroid patients older than 18 years and not yet had received treatment were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: In the 9 months follow-up, 14 of the HT patients developed overt hypothyroidism. The mean total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were higher in patients who developed overt hypothyroidism than those who did not (p < .001). And no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of paraoxanase-1 and arylesterase (p > .05). Multivariable Cox regression model showed thyroid stimulating hormone level (HR = 1.348, p < .001), free-thyroxine level (HR = 0.481, p = .017) and OSI ratio (HR = 2.349, p < .001) to be independent predictors of development of overt hypothyroidism. OSI level, being over 2.96 with 92.9% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity, predicts the risk of hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress may be an effective risk factor in the development of overt hypothyroidism in HT.

Aortic propagation velocity does not correlate with classical aortic stiffness parameters in healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic stiffness is an important cardiovascular risk marker, which can be determined using different noninvasive techniques. Aortic propagation velocity (APV) has recently been established as a novel echocardiographic parameter of aortic stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the association between APV and the classical echocardiography-derived aortic stiffness parameters, aortic distensibility (AD) and aortic strain (AS), in a group of otherwise healthy individuals. METHODS: In total, 97 consecutive healthy subjects were recruited in this observational study. APV was measured using color M-mode echocardiography from the suprasternal window in the descending aorta. AS and AD were calculated using clinical blood pressure and the M-mode echocardiography-derived aortic diameters. Correlation analyses were performed between cardiovascular risk factors related to increased aortic stiffness (age, obesity, and blood pressure) and measured stiffness parameters (APV, AS, and AD). Correlation analyses were also performed among the measured stiffness parameters. RESULTS: Good correlation of age, blood pressure, and BMI with AS and AD was observed. One-on-one correlation of age, blood pressure, and BMI with APV was not observed. No correlation was observed between APV and AS (r=-0.05, p=0.6) or between APV and AD (r=-0.17, p=0.8). CONCLUSION: Although APV has been proposed as a novel and practical echocardiographic parameter of aortic stiffness, especially in patients with coronary artery disease, correlations between classical stiffness parameters (AS and AD) and APV were absent in healthy individuals at low-intermediate risk. The clinical and research applicability of APV should be further evaluated.

Relationship of paratracheal lymph nodes with the progression of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: 5-year follow-up results

Background/aim: To examine changes in paratracheal lymph nodes (PLNs) and the relationship with the course of the disease in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) 5 years after diagnosis. Materials and methods: A total of 169 patients with newly diagnosed CAT and 53 healthy subjects were included in the study. All patients underwent ultrasonographic (US) examinations of the thyroid, paratracheal regions, and examined thyroid function tests. Eighty-four patients who were euthyroid at baseline and who were contacted 5 years after the diagnosis were reevaluated by US and thyroid function tests. Results: The PLNs frequency was significantly higher in the CAT group than the controls (75.1 % vs. 30.1 %, P < 0.001). Among the 84 patients who were euthyroid at the time of diagnosis and were contacted again after 5 years, 15 developed hypothyroidism. Initially, PLNs were present in all patients who developed hypothyroidism and were significantly higher than in those who remained euthyroid (respectively 100% vs. 68.7%, P = 0.009). PLN presence and PLN volume in patients who were euthyroid at baseline predicted hypothyroidism at the end of 5 years. Conclusion: PLNs may be used as an indicator of disease progression. In addition, patient age and baseline TSH levels are other factors that predict the development of hypothyroidism in time.