Comparison of the Effects of Anaesthesia Methods Used in Caesarean Delivery on Neonatal Cerebral and Renal Oxygenation: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: During a newborn's adaptation to extrauterine life, many changes take place that are influenced by various factors. The type of delivery and anaesthesia strategy utilised during labour can modify these adaptive modifications. In this regard, this study was designed to compare the effects of general and spinal anaesthesia on cerebral and renal oxygenation after elective caesarean deliveries. Methods: This randomised controlled study comprised sixty parturient women who were over 18 years old and had a gestational age between 37 and 41 weeks. All participants had an ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification of II. Neonatal cerebral (CrSO2) and renal (RrSO2) regional oxygen saturations were assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, the 1st-5th min Apgar scores, preductal and postductal peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and perfusion index were recorded in both the general anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of CrSO2 or RrSO2 values. The values of CrSO2 and RrSO2 in both groups showed a significant rise from the 10th to the 15th min, respectively. Conclusions: General and spinal anaesthesia techniques used for cesarean delivery have similar effects on neonatal cerebral and renal oxygenation.

The Impact of CoronaVac Vaccination on 28-day Mortality Rate of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 in Türkiye.

Background: Vaccines against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been effective in preventing symptomatic diseases, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. However, data regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. Aims: To determine the vaccination status and investigate the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on the 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Study Design: Multicenter prospective observational clinical study. Methods: This study was conducted in 60 hospitals with ICUs managing critically ill patients with COVID-19. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU were included. The present study had two phases. The first phase was designed as a one-day point prevalence study, and demographic and clinical findings were evaluated. In the second phase, the 28-day mortality was evaluated. Results: As of August 11, 2021, 921 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.42 ± 16.74 years, and 48.6% (n = 448) were female. Among the critically ill patients with COVID-19, 52.6% (n = 484) were unvaccinated, 7.7% (n = 71) were incompletely vaccinated, and 39.8% (n = 366) were fully vaccinated. A subgroup analysis of 817 patients who were unvaccinated (n = 484) or who had received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine (n = 333) was performed. The 28-day mortality rate was 56.8% (n = 275) and 57.4% (n = 191) in the unvaccinated and two-dose CoronaVac groups, respectively. The 28-day mortality was associated with age, hypertension, the number of comorbidities, type of respiratory support, and APACHE II and sequential organ failure assessment scores (p < 0.05). The odds ratio for the 28-day mortality among those who had received two doses of CoronaVac was 0.591 (95% confidence interval: 0.413-0.848) (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Vaccination with at least two doses of CoronaVac within six months significantly decreased mortality in vaccinated patients than in unvaccinated patients.

The awareness levels of women for gynecologic cancer in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the awareness levels of women for gynecologic cancers and the affecting factors. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 321 women. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS). RESULTS: The women's mean score (± standard deviation) on the GCAS was 151.08 ± 3.84. It was determined that the awareness of gynecologic cancer in the women who had undergone gynecologic examination and cervical smear test was higher than in other women. It was also determined that the level of education and income level, the status of having gynecologic examination and operation, and the wanting to get information about gynecologic cancer were not found to affect awareness of gynecologic cancers. The gynecologic cancer awareness of the women increased with the increase in age. It was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the years of marriage, gravida, and the number of children, and the total GCAS score. CONCLUSION: Although the gynecologic cancer awareness levels of the participants were high, they were not at the intended level. Education including early diagnosis, risk factors, and symptoms should be provided to women to increase their awareness of gynecologic cancer.

Characteristics and outcomes of 974 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: In our previous report on Turkish COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care, the 24 patients in a single ICU were elderly and mortality was high. We extended our analysis to include patients admitted to ten ICUs. OBJECTIVES: Report the demographics, clinical features, imaging findings, comorbidities, and outcomes in COVID-19 patients. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Intensive care unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study includes patients with clinical and radiological confirmed or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to ten ICUs between 15 March and 30 June 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes, therapies, and death during hospitalization SAMPLE SIZE: 974, including 571 males (58%). RESULTS: The median age (range) was 72 (21-101) years for patients who died (n=632, 64.9%) and 70 (16-99) years for patients who lived (n=432, 35.2%) (P<.001). APACHE scores, and SOFA scores were higher in patients who died than in those who survived (P<.001, both comparisons). Respiratory failure was the most common cause of hospitalization (82.5%), and respiratory failure on admission was associated with death (P=.013). Most (n=719, 73.8%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19 require respiratory support. LIMITATIONS: Although the Turkish Ministry of Health made recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, patient management may not have been identical in all ten units. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on the survival of patients with high-risk soft tissue sarcomas: Single center experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of adding adjuvant ifosfamide/doxorubicin combination chemotherapy (CTX) to adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) on the survival in patients with surgically treated high-risk soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). METHODS: The study included 69 patients (group A) receiving adjuvant RT and 74 patients (group B) receiving adjuvant CTX after adjuvant RT. RESULTS: The median relapse-free survival (RFS) was 18.2 months (95% CI, 11.9-43.4) in group A and 27.2 months (95% CI, 17.6-36.8) in group B (p = 0.004). The median overall survival (OS) was 45.6 months (95% CI, 26.4-64.8) in group A and 110.1 mo (95% CI, 44.3-175.8) in group B (p = 0.007). Receiving adjuvant CTX was an independent predictive factor for both RFS [HR: 0.482, (0.307-0.757), p = 0.002) and OS (HR: 0.549, [0.348-0.867], p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: There are conflicting literature data regarding the survival benefit of adjuvant CTX for surgically treated STSs. However, appropriate patient selection may provide a significant survival benefit in RFS and OS with CTX in the adjuvant treatment of high-risk STSs.

The use of ultrasound guided combined peripheral nerve blocks in a high-risk patient: A case report.

Combined peripheral nerve blocks can be used as an alternative anesthetic technique for lower limb amputations in high-risk patients. The approach may vary according to the clinical condition of the patient. Presently described is the use of a combination of peripheral nerve blocks used for above-the-knee amputation in a high-risk patient: a sciatic nerve block with an anterior approach, a femoral nerve block, and a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block.

Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII) Predicts Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between inflammatory markers and pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey from January 2014 to June 2020. METHODOLOGY: Patients older than 18 years of age, who underwent NACRT with a diagnosis of LARC, and who had no disease or drug-use that could affect inflammatory parameters, were included in the study. Inflammatory indices (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio-NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio-PLR, lymphocyte monocyte ratio-LMR, systemic immune-inflammation index-SII, prognostic nutritional index-PNI) and changes in these indices, were calculated from blood samples taken before NACRT and before surgery. The relationship between pCR and calculated inflammatory indices was evaluated by comparing patients with and without pCR. RESULTS: Out of the 932 patients, who received NACRT with a diagnosis of LARC, 188 were eligible for the study. Median values of baseline SII for pCR and non-pCR groups were 729.3 (595.4-894.8) and 869.9(567.2-1145.2, p=0.049). Baseline NLR and PLR levels were lower in the pCR group than the non-pCR group in univariate analysis with a tendency to statistical significance. In the logistic regression analysis, which included NLR, PLR, and SII, only SII <748 was found to be an independent predictive factor of pCR (OR: 0.471, 95% CI; 0.224-0.991, p=0.047). CONCLUSION: Baseline SII might be an independent predictive factor for pCR in patients receiving NACRT with a diagnosis of LARC. Key Words: Locally advanced rectal cancer, Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, Pathological complete response, Inflammatory index, Systemic immune-inflammation index, SII, NLR, PLR, LMR, PNI.

Prediction of Peritoneal Recurrence in Patients with Gastric Cancer: a Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: The peritoneum is the common recurrence site of gastric cancer (GC) presenting with worse survival. Although some predictive clinicopathological factors have been identified, there is no comprehensive assessment of peritoneal recurrence risk prediction for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (CR) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after surgery. We aimed to predict peritoneal recurrence and develop a new scoring model in GC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 274 GC patients who presented with recurrence after curative gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Risk factors for peritoneal recurrence were analyzed using the following parameters: age, gender, tumor location and characteristics, and differences between treatment modalities. All parameters were assessed by binary logistic regression analysis to compare the patients with and without peritoneal recurrence. Then, a new risk scoring model was developed. RESULTS: Peritoneal recurrence was observed in 115 (44.1%) patients. Peritoneal recurrence was higher in female gender (odds ratio (OR), 1.93; 1.07-3.49, P = 0.030, 1 point), T4a-b stage (OR, 2.47; 1.14-5.36, P = 0.022, 1 point), poor/undifferentiated (OR, 2.04; 1.31-4.06, P = 0.004, 1 point), and signet cell carcinoma (OR, 2.04; 1.04-4.02, P = 0.038, 1 point) after adjusted for resection and dissection types. The risk scoring model was developed using the related parameters: Peritoneal recurrence rates were 24.6%, 42.6%, and 71.4% for group 1 (0 point), group 2 (1-2 points), and group 3 (3-4 points), respectively. CONCLUSION: Female gender, T4 tumor stage, undifferentiated histopathology, and signet cell type had a tendency to peritoneal recurrence after adjusted for treatment modalities. Patients with 3 or 4 risk factors had an 8.8-fold increased risk for the development of peritoneal recurrence.

S100B level and cognitive dysfunction after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedures: a prospective observational study / Nível de S100B e disfunção cognitiva após prostatectomia radical laparoscópica assistida por robô: estudo observacional prospectivo

Abstract Background: The present study investigated the association between Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) and increased serum S100B level after Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP). Methods: The study included 82 consecutive patients who underwent RALRP. Serum S100B levels were determined preoperatively, after anesthesia induction, and at 30 minutes and 24 hours postoperatively. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively, and at 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. Results: Twenty four patients (29%) exhibited POCD 7 days after surgery, and 9 (11%) at 3 months after surgery. Serum S100B levels were significantly increased at postoperative 30 minutes and 24 hours in patients displaying POCD at postoperative 7 days (p = 0.0001 for both) and 3 months (p = 0.001 for both) compared to patients without POCD. Duration of anesthesia was also significantly longer in patients with POCD at 7 days and 3 months after surgery compared with patients without POCD (p = 0.012, p = 0.001, respectively), as was duration of Trendelenburg (p = 0.025, p = 0.002, respectively). Composite Z score in tests performed on day 7 were significantly correlated with duration of Trendelenburg and duration of anesthesia (p = 0.0001 for both). Conclusions: S100B increases after RALRP and this increase is associated with POCD development. Duration of Trendelenburg position and anesthesia contribute to the development of POCD. Trial Registry Number: Clinicaltrials.gov (N° NCT03018522).

Resumo Introdução: O presente estudo investigou a associação entre Disfunção Cognitiva Pós-Operatória (DCPO) e aumento do nível sérico de S100B após Prostatectomia Radical Laparoscópica Assistida por Robô (PRLAR). Métodos: O estudo incluiu 82 pacientes consecutivos submetidos à PRLAR. Os níveis séricos de S100B foram determinados: no pré-operatório, após indução anestésica, e aos 30 minutos e 24 horas do pós-operatório. A função cognitiva foi avaliada com testes neuropsicológicos no pré-operatório, no 7° dia pós-operatório (7 DPO) e aos 3 meses após a cirurgia (3 MPO). Resultados: Observamos 24 pacientes (29%) com DCPO no 7 DPO e 9 pacientes com DCPO (11%) após 3 meses da cirurgia. Quando comparados com os pacientes sem DCPO, os níveis séricos de S100B estavam significantemente aumentados aos 30 minutos e às 24 horas do pós-operatório nos pacientes que apresentaram DCPO no 7 DPO (p= 0,0001 para os dois momentos) e 3 meses após a cirurgia (p= 0,001 para os dois momentos) A duração anestésica também foi significantemente maior em pacientes com DCPO no 7 DPO e 3 MPO em comparação com pacientes sem DCPO (p= 0,012, p= 0,001, respectivamente), assim como a duração da posição de Trendelenburg (p= 0,025, p= 0,002, respectivamente). O escore Z composto nos testes realizados no 7 DPO foi significantemente correlacionado com a duração da posição de Trendelenburg e a duração da anestesia (p= 0,0001 para ambos). Conclusão: S100B aumenta após PRLAR e o aumento está associado ao desenvolvimento de DCPO. A duração anestésica e o tempo decorrido em posição de Trendelenburg contribuem para o desenvolvimento de DCPO. Número de registro do estudo: Clinicaltrials.gov (n° NCT03018522)

[S100B level and cognitive dysfunction after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedures: a prospective observational study]. / Nível de S100B e disfunção cognitiva após prostatectomia radical laparoscópica assistida por robô: estudo observacional prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the association between Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) and increased serum S100B level after Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP). METHODS: The study included 82 consecutive patients who underwent RALRP. Serum S100B levels were determined preoperatively, after anesthesia induction, and at 30 minutes and 24 hours postoperatively. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively and at 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (29%) exhibited POCD 7 days after surgery, and 9 (11%) at 3 months after surgery. Serum S100B levels were significantly increased at postoperative 30minutes and 24 hours in patients displaying POCD at postoperative 7 days (p = 0.0001 for both) and 3 months (p = 0.001 for both) compared to patients without POCD. Duration of anesthesia was also significantly longer in patients with POCD at 7 days and 3 months after surgery compared with patients without POCD (p = 0.012, p = 0.001, respectively), as was duration of Trendelenburg (p = 0.025, p = 0.002, respectively). Composite Z score in tests performed on day 7 were significantly correlated with duration of Trendelenburg and duration of anesthesia (p = 0.0001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: S100B increases after RALRP and this increase is associated with POCD development. Duration of Trendelenburg position and anesthesia contribute to the development of POCD. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov (N° NCT03018522).

Outcomes of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Relapsed/Refractory Germ Cell Tumors: Single Center Experience from Turkey.

PURPOSE: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and highly curable malignancies. However, salvage treatments for relapsed or refractory disease are needed in approximately 20-60% of the patients. As salvage therapy, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) administered after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) may be a feasible option as well as standard dose chemotherapy (SDCT). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ASCT in salvage therapy of GCTs retrospectively.  Materials and Methods: Male patients older than 18 years of age who underwent ASCT due to a relapsed/refractory GCT were included in the study. RESULTS: The median age of 18 patients included in the study was 28 (19-46). The majority of patients (n:16, 88.8%) had non-seminomatous GCT histology. All of the patients had relapsed or refractory GCTs and received bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP) combination therapy previously. Half of the patients were in the poor risk group. ASCT was administered as a second-line therapy in 14 (77.7%) patients and third-line therapy in four (22.2%) patients. There is no ASCT-related exitus. Febrile neutropenia (FN) developed in almost all patients. Complete response (CR) was obtained in 7 (38.8%) patients, partial response (PR) in four (22.2%) patients after ASCT. The 2-year PFS was 44.4% and the median PFS was 8.7 (2.7-12.6) months. Median OS was 22.7 (3.9-41.7) months and 3 years OS was 50.0%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ASCT was found to be an effective and safe treatment option in salvage therapy of GCT patients in our study.

Developing compassion and emotional intelligence in nursing students: A quasi-experimental study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of the Caring Behavior in Nursing course on the compassion and emotional intelligence levels of nursing students. DESIGN AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was carried out using pretest and posttest design. The research sample consisted of the intervention (n = 37) and the control (n = 36) group. Data were collected through "The Emotional Intelligence Evaluation Survey" and "The Compassion Scale." FINDINGS: It was determined that the compassion levels of the students in the intervention group were statistically significantly higher than the compassion levels of the control group of students. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It was found that the Caring Behavior in Nursing course was effective in developing compassion.

Long-term outcomes of prolonged bisphosphonates more than 2 years in bone metastatic breast cancer: risk vs benefit.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates are the mainstay therapeutic options for prevention of skeletal-related events and generally used for up to 2 years in bone metastatic cancer patients. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of prolonged (> 2 years) bisphosphonate usage in bone metastatic breast cancer (BMBC) patients. METHODS: Ninety-nine BMBC patients who had prolonged bisphosphonates were evaluated retrospectively for long-term outcomes and survival rates. RESULTS: Median duration of bisphosphonate therapy was 46.8 (24-198) months. Seven patients had bisphosphonate-related adverse events (osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) (n = 6), ONJ and renal failure (n = 1)). Bisphosphonate was switched to another one because of bone metastasis progression in more than one-third of the patients (n = 36, 36.3%). The patients who had bisphosphonate switch therapy had statistically significant longer overall survival (p < 0.01). Neither duration nor type of bisphosphonates had effect on frequency of bisphosphonate-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Bisphosphonates might be prolonged for more than 2 years in BMBC patients with an acceptable toxicity profile. In addition, bisphosphonates switch therapy should be preferred in those with progressive bone metastasis since it might contribute to better survival despite bisphosphonates could not have been shown to have survival benefit in previous studies.

Comparison of clinicopathological and survival features of right and left colon cancers.

PURPOSE: Right-sided colon cancers (RCCs) and left-sided colon cancers (LCCs) have different embryological, epidemiological, physiological, pathological, genetic, and clinical characteristics, which result in differences in the course, prognosis, and outcome of disease. This study aimed to compare RCCs and LCCs regarding clinicopathological and survival characteristics. METHODS: The present retrospective study included data of patients who were followed-up and treated for colon cancer from 2008 through 2017. Rectosigmoid, descending colon, and splenic flexure tumors were considered LCC, whereas hepatic flexure and ascending colon tumors were considered RCC. Tumors were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification. RESULTS: The study included 1725 patients (female, 58.7%) having colon cancer with a mean age of 64±12 years. Of the patients, 83.2% (n=1436) had LCC and 16.8% (n=289) had RCC. The rate of patients aged ≥65 years and the rate of patients with a family history of colon cancer were higher in the RCC patients. The rate of metastatic patients was 29.1% in the RCC group and 23.2% in the LCC group (p=0.087). The median follow-up period was 18 months in the RCC group and 23 months in the LCC group (p=0.011). Although the median survival time was higher in the LCC group (62 vs. 43 months), no significant difference was determined between the RCC and LCC groups in terms of survival. CONCLUSIONS: There are numerous clinicopathological differences between RCC and LCC and these differences are reflected in prognostic and survival differences among certain subgroups.

Thermochromic nail polish as a novel indicator to predict infraclavicular brachial plexus block success: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Skin temperature measurements after peripheral nerve block can be used as an easy and objective method to help predict block success. Thermochromic nail polishes are popular cosmetic products especially among young women. The colour change of nail polish is based on a thermochromic reaction as the temperature changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the success of infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks (IBPBs) can be predicted by the colour change in thermochromic nail polish, which depends on skin temperature changes. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Training and research hospital from December 2018 to March 2019. PATIENTS: A total of 50 patients who received IBPB for forearm, wrist or hand surgery were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thermochromic nail polish was applied to the nails of both hands of all patients before the block. Reaction of the nail polish in both hands was photographed immediately after application of nail polish and at 30 min after performing the block. The digital photographs of each patient were evaluated by observers. To evaluate the validity of the colour change in nail polish in predicting a successful IBPB, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive and negative likelihood ratios were estimated. RESULTS: The positive predictive value for colour change in thermochromic nail polish predicting a successful IBPB was 96% [95% confidence interval (CI) 90 to 98] and sensitivity was 94% (95% CI 87 to 97). Fleiss kappa value showed substantial agreement (0.76; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93) in the assessment of interobserver agreement. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that the colour change in thermochromic nail polish is a valid and reliable indicator for the prediction of block success. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03767868.

Clinicopathologic and Prognostic Differences between Three Different Age Groups (Child/Adolescent, Young Adults, and Adults) of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare disease amongst children and adolescents. Previous studies have reported a number of differences between children/adolescents, young adults, and adult patients with CRC. However, none of these studies compared these age groups according to their clinicopathologic and prognostic characteristics. In the current study, we compare these three age groups. METHODS: A total of 173 (1.1% of 15,654 patients) young CRC patients (≤25 years) were included in the study. As a control group, 237 adult CRC patients (>25 years) were also included. Patients were divided into three age groups: child/adolescent (10-19 years), young adult (20-25 years), and adult (>25 years). RESULTS: Statistical differences amongst the three groups in terms of gender (p = 0.446), family history (p = 0.578), symptoms of presentation (p = 0.306), and interval between initiation of symptoms and diagnosis (p = 0.710) could not be demonstrated. Whilst abdominal pain (p < 0.001) and vomiting (p = 0.002) were less common in young adults than in other groups, rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits were relatively less common in adolescents than in other groups. Rectal localisation (p = 0.035), mucinous adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001), and a poorly differentiated histologic subtype (p < 0.001) were less common in the adult group than in other groups. The percentage of patients with metastasis and sites of metastasis (e.g., peritoneum and lung) differed between groups. The median overall survival was 32.6 months in the adolescent group, 57.8 months in the young adult group and was not reached in the adult group (p = 0.022). The median event-free survival of the adolescent, young adult, and adult groups was 29.0, 29.9, and 61.6 months, respectively (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: CRC patients of different age groups present different clinicopathologic and prognostic characteristics. Clinicians should be aware of and manage the disease according to these differences.

Minimum effective volume of bupivacaine 0. 5% for ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block / Volume mínimo efetivo de bupivacaína a 0, 5% para abordagem retroclavicular guiada por ultrassom no bloqueio do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular

Abstract Background and objectives: The current study aimed to determine the minimum effective volume (MEV) of bupivacaine 0.5% in 50% of patients for an ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methods: A total of 25 adult patients who were scheduled for upper limb surgery received an ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block with bupivacaine 0.5%. The needle insertion point was posterior to the clavicle and the needle was advanced from cephalad to caudal. Block success was defined as a composite score of 14 at 30 min after local anesthetic (LA) injection. The minimum effective volume in 50% of patients was determined using the Dixon-Massey up-and-down staircase method. Minimum effective volume for a successful block in 95% of the patients was also calculated using logistic regression and probit transformation. Results: The minimum effective volume of bupivacaine 0.5% resulting in successful block in 50% of patients (MEV50) according to the up-and-down staircase method was found to be 9.6 mL (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.7-13.4). The calculated minimum effective volume required for a successful block in 95% of patients (MEV95) using the probit transformation and logistic regression analysis was 23.2 mL (95% CI, 18.8-36.7). Conclusions: The MEV50 of bupivacaine 0.5% for US-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block was 9.6 mL and the calculated MEV95 was 23.2 mL. Future studies are required for infraclavicular brachial plexus block with different approaches, other LA agents and different concentrations of bupivacaine.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Determinar o volume mínimo efetivo (VE) de bupivacaína a 0,5% em 50% dos pacientes para uma abordagem retroclavicular guiada por ultrassom no bloqueio do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular. Métodos: Um total de 25 pacientes adultos agendados para cirurgia do membro superior receberam abordagem retroclavicular guiada por ultrassom para o bloqueio do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular com bupivacaína a 0,5%. O ponto de inserção da agulha foi posterior à clavícula e a agulha foi avançada de cefálica para caudal. O sucesso do bloqueio foi definido como um escore composto de 14 aos 30 min após a injeção do anestésico local. O VE em 50% dos pacientes foi determinado com o método de escalonamento progressivo-regressivo de Dixon-Massey. O VE para um bloqueio bem-sucedido em 95% dos pacientes também foi calculado com regressão logística e transformação probit. Resultados: O volume mínimo efetivo (VE50) de bupivacaína a 0,5% que resultou em bloqueio bem-sucedido em 50% dos pacientes, de acordo com o método de escalonamento progressivo-regressivo, foi de 9,6 ml (intervalo de confiança de 95%, IC 5,7-13,4). O cálculo do volume mínimo efetivo necessário para um bloqueio bem-sucedido em 95% dos pacientes (VE95) com a análise de transformação probit e regressão logística foi de 23,2 ml (IC 95%, 18,8-36,7). Conclusões: O VE50 de bupivacaína a 0,5% para abordagem retroclavicular guiada por US para o bloqueio do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular foi de 9,6 ml e o VE95 calculado foi de 23,2 ml. Estudos futuros são necessários para o bloqueio do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular com diferentes abordagens, outros anestésicos locais e diferentes concentrações de bupivacaína.

[Minimum effective volume of bupivacaine 0.5% for ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block]. / Volume mínimo efetivo de bupivacaína a 0,5% para abordagem retroclavicular guiada por ultrassom no bloqueio do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to determine the minimum effective volume (MEV) of bupivacaine 0.5% in 50% of patients for an ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: A total of 25 adult patients who were scheduled for upper limb surgery received an ultrasound-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block with bupivacaine 0.5%. The needle insertion point was posterior to the clavicle and the needle was advanced from cephalad to caudal. Block success was defined as a composite score of 14 at 30min after local anesthetic (LA) injection. The minimum effective volume in 50% of patients was determined using the Dixon-Massey up-and-down staircase method. Minimum effective volume for a successful block in 95% of the patients was also calculated using logistic regression and probit transformation. RESULTS: The minimum effective volume of bupivacaine 0.5% resulting in successful block in 50% of patients (MEV50) according to the up-and-down staircase method was found to be 9.6mL (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.7-13.4). The calculated minimum effective volume required for a successful block in 95% of patients (MEV95) using the probit transformation and logistic regression analysis was 23.2mL (95% CI, 18.8-36.7). CONCLUSIONS: The MEV50 of bupivacaine 0.5% for US-guided retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular brachial plexus block was 9.6mL and the calculated MEV95 was 23.2mL. Future studies are required for infraclavicular brachial plexus block with different approaches, other LA agents and different concentrations of bupivacaine.

Thiol disulphide homeostasis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate novel oxidative stress marker thiol disulphide homeostasis in patients with acute myocardial infarction.. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted at Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey, between October 26, 2015 and January 26, 2016. It comprised patients of ST elevation myocardial infarction, and healthy individuals. Troponin levels, native thiol, total thiol, and disulphide were compared among the groups. Results: Of the 128 subjects, 98(76.5%) were patients and 30(23.43%) were controls. Disulphide levels were lower in the patients compared to the controls (p<0.001).As troponin levels increased, native thiol, total thiol and disulphide levels in patients decreased (p<0.05). RESULTS: Of the 128 subjects, 98(76.5%) were patients and 30(23.43%) were controls. Disulphide levels were lower in the patients compared to the controls (p<0.001).As troponin levels increased, native thiol, total thiol and disulphide levels in patients decreased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Native thiol and total thiol levels may be used as a novel oxidative stres marker in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Normal and Tumour Tissue mRNA Expressions of Telomerase Complex Genes in Several Types of Cancer.

AIMS: To investigate the changes in mRNA expression levels of telomerase-related significant proteins in several types of cancer. METHODS: Human telomerase reverse transcriptase, pontin, reptin and dyskerin expressions were measured in normal and tumour tissues obtained from 26 patients with colorectal, breast and gastric cancers, using the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: For all patients, no significant difference was found in mRNA expressions of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and dyskerin (p>0.05), although their levels in tumour tissues were found to be higher than in normal tissues. However, pontin and reptin mRNA expressions were significantly higher in tumour tissues than in normal tissues (p<0.01). While human telomerase reverse transcriptase showed a high correlation with only pontin (p<0.001) in normal tissues, high positive correlations were observed between human telomerase reverse transcriptase with pontin (p<0.005), reptin (p<0.01) and dyskerin (p<0.01) in tumour tissues. CONCLUSION: The increased mRNA expressions of all four genes in tumour tissues may suggest a role in cancer development. Correlations of pontin, reptin and dyskerin with human telomerase reverse transcriptase support the hypotheses describing their roles in telomerase complexes.