The effect of subperichondrial dissection on nasal vascularity in septorhinoplasty operations.

PURPOSE: Nasal vascularization runs above the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Perichondrium covers the lower and upper lateral cartilages. In this study, nasal vascularization was compared between subperichondrial and supraperichondrial dissection in closed septorhinoplasty. METHODS: 95 patients and 41 volunteers were included in this study. Supraperichondrial dissection was performed in 48 patients and subperichondrial dissection was performed in 47 patients. To measure blood stream, laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) was used and measurements were done preoperatively, on the postoperative first week; 3rd month and first year. RESULTS: The nasal tip and dorsum measurements were similar between the preoperative and postoperative first year in both groups (p = 1.000). However, in the supraperichondrial dissection group, nasal tip measurements showed a significant increase between the preoperative and third postoperative months (p = 0.011). This increase was accompanied by an increase in the minimal blood stream (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Both subperichondrial and supraperichondrial dissection techniques are physiological and result in fewer complications with minimal permanent vascular damage. We believe incision plays a critical role but keeping the perichondrium intact is important for short-term angiogenesis, where long-term results showed no difference in vascularization.

Effect of Computerized Training Programs for Attention and Perception for Patients with Hearing Aids.

INTRODUCTION: Sensorineural hearing loss is a common problem, especially among geriatric patients, and it requires hearing aids. Unfortunately, most geriatric patients are hesitant to use hearing aids. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether computerized training therapies increase the attention and perception of patients who have been given hearing aids using psychophysiological tests and wave P300 records. METHODS: One hundred patients (40 women and 60 men) who used hearing aids were included in our study. Sixty patients (30 women and 30 men) received computerized training therapies with hearing aids. After the psychophysiological tests, the study group was divided into three groups according to the role given to patients. Passive training was given in group 1; interactive training was given in group 2; and group 3 was active, questioning training. Measurements of P300 wave latencies, stimuli-P300 peak, and baseline-P300 peak were performed before and after training. The control group consisted of 40 patients who did not receive training and were treated with hearing aids only. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between the pre- and post-training measures of the P300 wave (p < 0.001). Pre-training measurements of P300 waves were recorded for 12% in group 1 and 9.1% in groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.24). Post-training measurements of the P300 wave records were 80% in group 1 and 72.7% in groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: Attention and perception can be measured with the P300 wave. All computer-supported training programs showed an increase of the P300 wave, suggesting that attention and perception of patients with hearing loss can be increased with computer-supported training programs provided with hearing aids.

Climatic variations and pollution on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in Kars, Türkiye.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common diagnosis for peripheral vertigo. Although pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, BPPV is mostly idiopathic and factors related to BPPV are still being investigated. Knowing these factors can contribute to the prevention and management of BPPV. In this study, we investigated the correlations between climatic variations, pollution, and BPPV retrospectively. 262 patients diagnosed with BPPV between 2019 and 2021 in Kars, Türkiye, were included in our study. Meteorological parameters were obtained from Turkish State Meteorological Service. Horizontal BPPV increased significantly with the humidity (p < 0.05). In addition, carbon monoxide levels significantly increased the potantial of BPPV (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, BPPV increased in the summertime and showed a significant relationship with humidity. We believe this change is related with the city-specific features as it is the coldest place in the country, emigrant province and crowded in the summer times.

Expression of laminin-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in benign and malignant endometrium.

BACKGROUND: Laminin-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 may play roles in the progression from benign to malignant endometrium, so we aimed to investigate their levels of expression in these tissues. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care center between January 2014 and December 2016. Paraffin blocks of 50 specimens of benign endometrium with proliferative (n = 20), secretory (n = 11), and atrophic (n = 5) endometrium; simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (n = 12); and endometrial polyp (n = 2) histology and 49 specimens of malignant endometrium with endometrioid (n = 40), serous (n = 7), clear cell (n = 1), and undifferentiated (n = 1) types were immunostained with laminin-1 and MMP-9 antibodies and assessed for basement membrane continuity for laminin-1 and the percentage and intensity of MMP-9 expression in epithelial cytoplasm. RESULTS: : Laminin-1 continuity in the basement membrane was higher in benign (92%) compared to malignant (16.3%) endometrium (p < 0.0001) without any difference between the subgroups within each group (p > 0.05). All atrophic endometria and endometrial polyps and 23.5% of low grade endometrioid and none of the other endometrial cancers showed uninterrupted basement membrane staining with laminin-1. All cases in malignant endometrium expressed MMP-9 with either low or high immunoreactivity while none of the cases in benign endometrium showed a high staining with MMP-9 (p < 0.01). Proliferative and hyperplastic endometrium together with grade 1 endometrioid cancer expressed MMP-9 better than the atrophic endometrium (p < 0.05). The immunoreactivity with MMP-9 increased gradually from secretory to hyperplastic endometrium and serous carcinoma (p < 0.05). MMP-9 expression in all types of cancers except grade 1 endometrioid and clear cell compared to proliferative endometrium was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and increased from proliferative to grade 2 endometrioid, grade 3 endometrioid, serous and undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma. DISCUSSION: Gradual increments in MMP-9 expression and basement membrane laminin-1 discontinuity may indicate progression from normal to hyperplastic and to low- and high-grade cancerous endometrium.

A Rare Hernia Mimicking Implant in a Patient with Rectal Adenocarcinoma: Internal Herniation.

Internal herniation may be seen more frequently in patients with intra-abdominal surgery and malignancy history. We presented a 58-year-old male patient diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma seven years ago with a history of surgery and pelvic radiotherapy. When the abdominal computed tomography (CT) image was taken during routine oncology follow-up, a lesion mimicking a serosal implant on the anterior abdominal wall was detected. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging was performed the suspicion of recurrence. It was concluded that the lesion, which was evaluated as an implant in abdominal CT with 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, was a spontaneously reducing internal herniation. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in cancer patients is crucial in illuminating the suspicion of recurrent lesions in these patients and sheds light on the course of the patients in oncology practice.

Serum galectin­3 and α­1­acid glycoprotein levels in diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is an otological emergency in which etiopathogenesis remains unclear. A number of disorders is considered as the cause; therefore, different treatment modalities are used without certainty of a cure. The present study aimed to analyse the potential correlation between serum α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and galectin-3 levels with ISSNHL, and to investigate markers for guidance of treatment. A total of 55 patients with ISSNHL [29 (52.7%) female, 26 male, mean age, 46.76±17.68 years] and 47 healthy volunteers [25 (53.2%) female, 21 male, mean age, 43.95±12.96 years) were included in the study. The complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, serum galectin-3 and AGP levels were evaluated. The audiological investigation included pure tone average and speech discrimination scores were also recorded before and after corticosteroid treatment. Serum AGP levels in the study group vs. the control group were 64.08±25.10 and 67.01±21.59 mg/dl (P=0.53), respectively. Galectin-3 levels were 16.80±4.55 in the study group and 15.15±3.74 ng/ml in the control group (P=0.05). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly correlated with unresponsiveness to treatment (P<0.001). Galectin-3 is an important biomarker for patients with ISSNHL. Patients with high serum galectin-3 levels may be unresponsive to standard therapy.

Predicting COVID-19 Outcomes: Machine Learning Predictions Across Diverse Datasets.

Background The COVID-19 infection has spread rapidly since its emergence and has affected a large part of the global population. With the increasing number of cases, researchers are trying to predict the prognosis of patients by using different data with artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning (ML). In this study, we aimed to predict mortality risk in COVID-19 patients using ML algorithms with different datasets. Methodology In this retrospective study, we evaluated the fever, oxygen saturation, laboratory results, thorax computed tomography (CT) findings, and comorbid diseases at admission to the hospital of 404 patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Different datasets were created by combining the data. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique was used to reduce the imbalance in the dataset. K-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, stochastic gradient descent, random forest, neural network, naive Bayes, logistic regression, gradient boosting, XGBoost, and AdaBoost models were used to create the ML algorithm, and the accuracy rates of mortality prediction were compared. Results When the dataset was created with CT parenchyma score, pulmonary artery and inferior vena cava diameters, and laboratory results, mortality was predicted with an accuracy of 98.4% with the gradient boosting model. Conclusions The study demonstrates that patient prognosis can be accurately predicted using simple measurements from thorax CT scans and laboratory findings.

The Role of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Evaluation of Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the pre and post-treatment pancreatic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of type II diabetes patients with control subjects, and also to evaluate its effectiveness in evaluating the response to treatment. METHODS: The study included 35 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 35 non-diabetic participants, matched for sex and age. Insulin and metformin treatment was given to the patients. Abdominal diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed before and after the treatment. ADCs of the control group and patients pre and post-treatment were compared. In addition, the clinical parameters of the patients related to diabetes were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the median pancreatic ADC values of the patients pre and post-treatment. While there was a significant difference between the median pancreatic ADC values of the patient and the control groups before the treatment, no significant difference after the treatment was observed. There was a positive correlation between mean pancreatic ADC values and age, as well as a negative correlation with Hb1Ac level and eGFR. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic ADC values of newly diagnosed type II diabetes patients can be used as a marker of pancreatic function in the evaluation of response to treatment and clinical decisions.

Efficiency of hypericum perforatum, povidone iodine, tincture benzoin and tretinoin on wound healing.

Different topical agents have been used to accelerate wound healing. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of topical application of the extract of Hypericum perforatum (HPE), povidone iodine (PI), tincture benzoin (TB) and tretinoin (T) on surgical wound healing. Ten adult female, Wistar albino rats were included in the study. HPE, PI, TB and T solutions were applied on the wounds. After seven days, tissue samples were collected and inflammatory cells, re-epithelialization, granulation tissue, angiogenesis, collagen accumulation, hemorrhage and lysis of cells were investigated histopathologically. No dermal toxicity was noted. HPE, TB, PI have all showed good epithelialization and granulation, but HPE showed the most advanced stage of healing within a short period of time. HPE had significantly higher values of re-epithelialization and collagen accumulation, but lower inflammatory cell count and granulation tissue. TB had the second best in re-epithelialization, collagen accumulation and the highest granulation tissue. PI induced better reepithelialization and granulation than the control group with remarkable cell lysis. As a result, HPE can be a safe, effective, and cheap agent that can be used for surgical wounds.

Localized X-ray photoelectron impedance spectroscopy (LoXPIS) for capturing charge dynamics of an ionic liquid electrolyte within an energy storage device.

Many electrochemical devices are based on the fundamental process of ion migration and accumulation on surfaces. Complex interplay of molecular properties of ions and device dimensions control the entire process and define the overall dynamics of the system. Particularly, for ionic liquid-based electrolytes it is often not clear which property, and to what extent, contributes to the overall performance of the device. Herein we use X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) while the device is under electrical bias. Such a procedure reveals localized electrical potential developments, through binding energy shifts of the atomic core levels, in a chemically specific fashion. Combining it with square-wave AC modulation, the information can also be extended to time domain, and we investigate devices configured as a coplanar capacitor, with an ionic liquid as the electrolyte, in macro-dimensions. Our analysis reveals that a nonlinear voltage profile across the device emerges from spatially non-uniform electrical double layer formation on electrode surfaces. Interestingly the coplanar capacitor has an extremely slow time response which is particularly controlled by IL film thickness. XPS measurements can capture the ion dynamics in the tens of seconds to microseconds range, and reveal that ionic motion is all over the device, including on metallic electrode regions. This behavior can only be attributed to motion in more than one dimension. The ion dynamics can also be faithfully simulated by using a modified PNP equation, taking into account steric effects, and device dimensions. XPS measurements on two devices with different dimensions corroborated and validated the simulation results. The present results propose a new experimental approach and provide new insights into the dynamics of ions across electrochemical devices.

Large-scale orientational order in bacterial colonies during inward growth.

During colony growth, complex interactions regulate the bacterial orientation, leading to the formation of large-scale ordered structures, including topological defects, microdomains, and branches. These structures may benefit bacterial strains, providing invasive advantages during colonization. Active matter dynamics of growing colonies drives the emergence of these ordered structures. However, additional biomechanical factors also play a significant role during this process. Here, we show that the velocity profile of growing colonies creates strong radial orientation during inward growth when crowded populations invade a closed area. During this process, growth geometry sets virtual confinement and dictates the velocity profile. Herein, flow-induced alignment and torque balance on the rod-shaped bacteria result in a new stable orientational equilibrium in the radial direction. Our analysis revealed that the dynamics of these radially oriented structures, also known as aster defects, depend on bacterial length and can promote the survival of the longest bacteria around localized nutritional hotspots. The present results indicate a new mechanism underlying structural order and provide mechanistic insights into the dynamics of bacterial growth on complex surfaces.

Changes in genotoxicity, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters of workers in marble processing plants.

Workers in marble processing plants are at high risk of exposure to high levels of marble dust containing silica, but there are limited studies evaluating the genotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters of workers occupationally exposed to marble dust. In this study, we aimed to clarify how marble dust affects genotoxicity and immunotoxicity mechanisms alongside oxidative stress in the workers in the marble processing plants of Iscehisar, Turkey. The oxidative stress and immune system parameters were determined spectrophotometrically using commercial kits. Genotoxicity was evaluated by Comet and micronucleus (MN) assays in the lymphocytes and buccal cells, respectively. The enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and the levels of glutathione, and Clara cell secretory protein CC16 in workers (n = 48) were significantly lower than in controls (n = 41), whereas the levels of malondialdehyde, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta were significantly higher in workers. DNA damage in workers were significantly higher than in controls and there was a clear correlation between the increase in DNA damage and the duration of exposure. Marble workers had significantly higher MN frequencies when compared to controls. The results indicate the possibility of immunotoxic and genotoxic risks to workers in marble industry.

Dynamics of pattern formation and emergence of swarming in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Many animals collectively form complex patterns to tackle environmental difficulties. Several biological and physical factors, such as animal motility, population densities, and chemical cues, play significant roles in this process. However, very little is known about how sensory information interplays with these factors and controls the dynamics of pattern formation. Here, we study the direct relation between oxygen sensing, pattern formation, and emergence of swarming in active Caenorhabditis elegans aggregates. We find that when thousands of animals gather on food, bacteria-mediated decrease in oxygen level slows down the animals and triggers motility-induced phase separation. Three coupled factors-bacterial accumulation, aerotaxis, and population density-act together and control the entire dynamics. Furthermore, we find that biofilm-forming bacterial lawns including Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strongly alter the collective dynamics due to the limited diffusibility of bacteria. Additionally, our theoretical model captures behavioral differences resulting from genetic variations and oxygen sensitivity.

Spatio-temporal investigation of surface soil hardness on professional football field.

The present study was conducted to identify the minimum number of sampling points to monitor surface hardness of the pitches through geostatistical methods and to determine spatial and temporal distribution of surface hardness in autumn, winter, spring, and summer periods. Initial samplings were performed from 126 points and with data reduction, the optimum number of sampling points was identified as 77. In upcoming sampling periods, surface hardness and soil temperature were directly measured in situ and disturbed soil samples taken from 77 points were subjected to moisture content, bulk density, and texture analyses (clay-C, silt-Si, and sand-S). In autumn period, surface hardness highly correlated with soil temperature and moisture content (r2 = - 0.438 and - 0.344, p < 0.01). Surface hardness significantly correlated only with soil temperature in winter period and only with bulk density in summer period (respectively r2 = - 0.366 and 0.234, p < 0.01). Average surface hardness values in autumn, winter, spring, and summer periods were respectively measured as 5.99, 6.55, 5.84, and 5.92%. Semivariograms generated for hardness were modeled with spherical model in all periods and a certain nugget effect was detected in all periods. Maximum likelihood distance for autumn, winter, spring, and summer periods was respectively measured as 65, 40, 45, and 46 m. It was concluded based on present findings that geostatistical methods could reliably be used to monitor surface hardness of football pitches and then proper and timely interventions could be made to sections not complying with FIFA standards.

Spatial and quantitative assessment of wind erosion from adjacent dunes with different surface cover ratios.

Direct measurements, models, and risk maps play significant roles in assessment and monitoring of wind erosion cases. Although active and passive traps allow researchers to measure point sediment transports directly, it is also possible to make geostatistical analysis of wind erosion with grid and random sampling at multiple points. Geostatistical models can be used in multi-sample eolian researches to improve model success and update model parameters. The present study was conducted for case-based geostatistical analysis of sediment transport rates (STRs) over two adjacent dunes (plot A and B) with different vegetation cover rates between 22 May and 15 June 2011. The plot A has a vegetative cover ratio of 30%, while the plot B has a vegetation cover ratio of 2% and sand content of the plots is 88%. Actual mass transports were measured with BEST sediment traps. A total of 19 BEST sediment trap assemblies were placed randomly over the plot A and 21 were placed over the plot B. A climate station was installed over the research site to record climate data throughout the experimental period. There were two wind erosion cases during the research period. U test indicated that differences in sediment transport rates of the plots for each case were significant (p < 0.00). Spatial analyses of STRs (kg m-1 h-1) also exhibited case-based differences. While nugget effect was observed in case 1 of the plot B, the other case in both plots were modeled with spherical model. Maximum likelihood distances in plot A and B were respectively identified as 61 m and 1 m in the first case and as 13 m and 30 m in the second case. Total mass transport was measured as 112 kg m-1 in plot A and as 2162 kg m-1 in plot B. Consequently, it was found that 30% vegetation cover reduced the total mass transport dramatically.

Olfactory dysfunction in spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of disorders characterized by inflammatory arthritis including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and arthritis-related inflammatory bowel diseases. Recently it has been shown that arthritic disorders are accompanied by olfactory dysfunction. We aimed to specifically investigate the association between spondyloarthritis and olfactory impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty individuals with SpA and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Olfactory function was evaluated using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test battery. Additionally, effects of age, gender, activity of the disease, HLA-B27 status, medications, and the duration of disease were included in the analysis. RESULTS: SpA patients showed significantly lower scores for odor threshold (T), odor discrimination (D) and odor identification (I) than healthy controls (all p < 0.001). In addition, olfactory loss was negatively correlated with the presence of HLA-B27 (Human Leukocyte Antigen), but not with the current activity of the disease (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index). Neither medication nor duration of the disease had a significant effect on the results. CONCLUSION: SpA is associated with olfactory loss. Future studies will show whether olfactory function relates to the prognosis of SpA.

Effect of Maternal Depression on Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Fetal Cord Blood.

OBJECTIVE: : We aimed to assess the association between cord blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration and maternal depression during pregnancy. METHODS: : A total of 48 pregnant women, admitted for elective caesarean section to Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Konya Research and Training Hospital and Konya Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty, were included in this study. The study group included 23 women diagnosed as having depression during pregnancy and the control group included 25 pregnant women who did not experience depression during pregnancy. RESULTS: : The groups had similar sociodemographic characteristics. Cord blood BDNF concentration was significantly lower in babies born to mothers with major depression as compared with those in the control group. We didn’t find any correlation between the umbilical cord blood BDNF levels and BDI scores. CONCLUSION: : The results suggest that the existence of major depression in pregnant women may negatively affect fetal circulating BDNF levels.

Determination of 3,5 - dimethylpyrazolium glyceroborate nitrification inhibitor in nitrogen fertilizer samples: HPLC-DAD method development and validation for 3,5 - dimethylpyrazole.

3,5 - Dimethylpyrazolium glyceroborate is a nitrification inhibitor (a member of pyrazole derivatives) used for the fixation of nitrogen into the soil. In this study, an HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for determination of 3,5 - dimethylpyrazole in order to determine 3,5 - dimethylpyrazolium glyceroborate in fertilizer samples. For method development, analytical parameters like type of eluent solution and column filling material and device parameters like eluent flow rate, column oven temperature and measurement wavelength were all optimized. For method validation, implementations were performed for linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), specificity, stability, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy. The developed and validated method was used for inhibitor detection in nitrogenous fertilizers. Sample analyses were performed with 95.6-103.3% recovery rates and 0-4.61% relative errors.

Correlation of Ocular Pulse Amplitude, Choroidal Thickness, and Internal Carotid Artery Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Normal Eyes.

INTRODUCTION: The choroid receives about 65-85% of ocular blood flow, which comes from the ophthalmic artery (OA), the first branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA). In the foveal avascular zone, there is no retinal vascular supply; therefore, choroidal blood supply plays a significant role in this subfoveal region. The ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) provides useful information about intraocular blood flow and is an indirect indicator of choroidal perfusion. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation between the OPA, subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), and ICA Doppler ultrasound findings in healthy eyes. METHODS: In total, 48 eyes of 48 healthy volunteers were included in this study. All eyes underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, axial length, OPA measurements, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging mode. Carotid Doppler ultrasound examination was performed by the radiologist. The correlation between the OPA, subfoveal CT, and ICA Doppler findings [peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV)] were evaluated, considering gender and age. RESULTS: The mean OPA was 3.06 ± 1.34 mmHg. The mean subfoveal CT was 305.85 ± 33.98 µm. The mean PSV and EDV of ICA were 73.25 ± 23.63 cm/s and 26.93 ± 13.42 cm/s, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was found between OPA and subfoveal CT (p = 0.001; rho = 0.481). This relationship was present in both men and women. While a positive correlation was found between the OPA and subfoveal CT in subjects under the age of 50 years, there was no correlation in those over the age of 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: A fair correlation was found between the OPA and subfoveal CT in healthy subjects under the age of 50.

Successful Treatment of a Case with Cervical Lymphatic Malformation: Repeated Bleomycin Sclerotherapy.

Lymphatic malformations (LM) are benign congenital malformations of the lymphatic system. They are frequently seen in the neck and sometimes can be life-threatening due to compression to the airway. Treatment modalities are widespread including surgical excision, radiotherapy, laser therapy, and application of intralesional sclerosing agents. We report the successful treatment of cervical LM in a 3-year-old boy who presented with a sudden onset of a large cystic mass in the posterior cervical triangle and was treated with repeated injections of intralesional bleomycin.