FDG-PET/CT-based respiration-gated lung segmentation and quantification of lung inflammation in COPD patients.

OBJECTIVE AND RESULTS DESCRIPTION: The study objective was to investigate the potential of quantitative measures of pulmonary inflammation by [18 F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) as a surrogate marker of inflammation in COPD. Patients treated with anti-inflammatory Liraglutide were compared to placebo and correlated with inflammatory markers. 27 COPD-patients (14 receiving Liraglutide treatment and 13 receiving placebo) underwent 4D-respiratory-gated FDG-PET/CT before and after treatment. Two raters independently segmented the lungs from CT images and measured activity in whole lung, mean standard uptake values (SUVmean) corrected for lean-body-mass in the phase-matched PET images of the whole segmented lung volume, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG; SUVmean multiplied by volume). Inter-rater reliability was analyzed with Bland-Altman analysis and correlation plots. We found no differences in metabolic activity in the lungs between the two groups as a surrogate of pulmonary inflammation, and no changes in inflammation markers. The purpose of the research and brief summary of main findings. The degree of and changes in pulmonary inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be difficult to ascertain. Measuring metabolic activity as a surrogate marker of inflammation by FDG-PET/CT may be useful, but data on its use in COPD including reproducibility is still limited, especially with respiration-gated technique, which should improve quantification in the lungs. We assessed several quantitative measures of metabolic activity and correlated them with inflammation markers, and we assessed reproducibility of the methods. We found no differences in metabolic activity between the two groups (before and after 40 weeks treatment with Liraglutide vs. placebo). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two raters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was conducted between February 2018 and March 2020 at the Department of Pulmonary Diseases at Hospital South West Jutland and Lillebaelt Hospital, Denmark, and registered from March 2018 at clinicaltrials.gov with trial registration number NCT03466021.

Pan-Immune-Inflammation Index as a Biomarker for Rheumatoid Arthritis Progression and Diagnosis.

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes systemic inflammation and affects multiple joints. It is characterized by joint warmth, swelling, pain, and the formation of invasive synovial tissue known as pannus, which contributes to cartilage and bone degradation. Pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), a marker derived from complete blood count parameters, has shown promise in predicting prognosis in various cancer types and pediatric conditions associated with immune abnormalities. This study aims to explore the relationship between RA, characterized by chronic inflammation and immune system involvement, and PIV, potentially shedding light on novel insights into RA's clinical implications. Methods One hundred four participants, including 64 RA patients (both newly diagnosed and established cases) and 40 healthy controls, were included in the study. Exclusion criteria for RA patients included acute infection, cancer, diabetes, or chronic illness, while control participants were excluded for inflammatory disorders, active infection, diabetes, or malignancy. We assessed disease severity using Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28) and obtained complete blood count values, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, monocyte, and red cell distribution width. C-reactive peptide (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were also added. Statistical analyses included correlation assessments, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariate linear regression. A multiclass receiver operating characteristic analysis determined optimal PIV cut-off values for distinguishing control, remission, and active RA groups, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and odds ratios calculated. Results This study comprised a cohort of 104 participants, with a median age of 43.5±17.5. The Remission group was significantly younger than the Control group (p=0.006) but not compared to the Active RA group (p=0.393). CRP levels were significantly higher in the Active RA group (p<0.001). Neutrophil counts were highest in the Active RA group (p<0.001), as were monocyte counts. Lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in the Active RA group (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, platelet count, and mean platelet volume. PIV was significantly elevated in the Active RA group (p<0.001) and higher in the Remission group than in the Control group (p=0.001). A PIV value of 353.48 exhibited 71.4% sensitivity, 86.2% specificity, 86.2% PPV, 71.4% NPV, and 78.13% test accuracy for distinguishing active rheumatoid arthritis (p<0.001). A PIV value exceeding 353.48 substantially increased the likelihood of a patient belonging to the active rheumatoid arthritis group, with a 14.62-fold higher probability. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between clinical and laboratory variables and disease activity in RA patients, finding significant differences in PIV among DAS groups (p=0.025). Conclusions The PIV offers a notable advantage as its constituent parameters are routinely assessed in rheumatoid arthritis and involve cost-effective and straightforward tests. We demonstrated that PIV serves as a valuable marker for distinguishing between remission and active RA when compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, it proved to be an effective tool for assessing disease activity in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

The Relationship Between Diabetic Neuropathy and Uric Acid/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio in Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether there was a relationship between diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy (DPDN), one of the most common chronic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the uric acid/HDL ratio, which can be used as an indicator of poor metabolic status. METHODOLOGY: The study consisted of a total of 150 subjects, including 50 patients with T2DM (group 1) who were determined to have diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy with electroneuromyography (ENMG), 50 patients with T2DM who were determined to not have DPDN in their ENMG (group 2), and 50 healthy individuals (group 3). Participants' serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels were analyzed. The uric acid/HDL-C ratio (UHR) was calculated. The relationship between UHR and other parameters was evaluated in all three groups. RESULTS: Patients with T2DM who had diabetic neuropathy (group 1), did not have diabetic neuropathy (group 2), and healthy subjects (group 3) were similar in terms of age and gender (p=0.066, p=0.185). Groups 1 and 2 were similar in terms of the duration of diabetes and FBG values (p=0.825, p=0.572), but these values were lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). HbA1c did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (p=0.607). Creatinine levels were similar in the three groups. Uric acid levels were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.040), but there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 3 or between groups 2 and 3 (p>0.05). UHR was significantly lower in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001), but no significant difference was found between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that the UHR level of the group with diabetic neuropathy was statistically significant compared to the levels of the other two groups. However, no significant difference was found between the patients with diabetes who did not have neuropathy and the healthy group. Based on the findings of our study, we can say that the UHR level is a predictor of the microvascular complications of diabetes.

The relationship between serum pro-B type natriuretic peptide level and bone mineral density in peritoneal dialysis patients.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 46 PD patients. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4). Circulating serum NT-pro-BNP levels were measured using commercial kits compatible with the Roche Cobas e 601 immunoassay device. Forty-six patients were included in our study. Increased age, low body mass index (BMI), and high-serum NT-pro-BNP are significantly associated with decreased BMD. The results show a statistically positive correlation between lumbar T-score values and BMI (r = 0.456; P = .001), while lumbar T-score values and PTH (rho = -0.336; P = .022) and log-NT-pro-BNP. There is a statistically negative correlation between BNP (rho = -0.355; P = .015). The lumbar T-score value decreases by 0.800 units when log-NT-pro-BNP increases by 1 unit and increases by 0.323 units when BMI increases by 1 unit. The established model is statistically significant (F = 6.190; P < .001). Our study in PD patients showed that serum NT-pro-BNP level was negatively correlated and BMI was positively correlated with lumbar BMD.

The Relationship Between Health Literacy Level and Neuropathic Pain Level in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy.

Background This study aimed to analyze the current situation of health literacy (HL), neuropathic pain, and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life (NePIQoL) questionnaire in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN). Methodology This study was conducted among 60 patients with diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy on electroneuromyography (ENMG) and 47 patients without diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy on ENMG. The Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Scale (EHLS-TR) for HL levels, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) for pain level, and NePIQoL for health-related quality of life were used in participants. Results A total of 107 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study with a mean age of 57.12 ± 4.12 years. The EHLS-TR significantly decreased in the DN group compared to the control group (p = 0.004). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the EHLS-TR classification (p = 0.024). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), VAS, and DN4 values were found to be significantly higher in the DN group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). While there was a negative correlation between EHLS-TR scores and DN4 and HbA1c in the DN group, a positive correlation was found between EHLS-TR and NePIQoL. Conclusions HL has an effect on HbA1c, neuropathic pain level, and quality of life in DN patients. By increasing the level of HL, glycemic control can be achieved in this patient population, while the level of neuropathic pain decreases and the quality of life increases.

A utility-based machine learning-driven personalized lifestyle recommendation for cardiovascular disease prevention.

In recent decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the leading cause of death in most countries of the world. Since many types of CVD are preventable by modifying lifestyle behaviors, the objective of this paper is to develop an effective personalized lifestyle recommendation algorithm for reducing the risk of common types of CVD. However, in practice, the underlying relationships between the risk factors (e.g., lifestyles, blood pressure, etc.) and disease onset is highly complex. It is also challenging to identify effective modification recommendations for different individuals due to individual's effort-benefits consideration and uncertainties in disease progression. Therefore, to address these challenges, this study developed a novel data-driven approach for personalized lifestyle behaviors recommendation based on machine learning and a personalized exponential utility function model. The contributions of this work can be summarized into three aspects: (1) a classification-based prediction model is implemented to predict the CVD risk based on the condition of risk factors; (2) the generative adversarial network (GAN) is incorporated to learn the underlying relationship between risk factors, as well as quantify the uncertainty of disease progression under lifestyle modifications; and (3) a novel personalized exponential utility function model is proposed to evaluate the modifications' utilities with respect to CVD risk reduction, individual's effort-benefits consideration, and disease progression uncertainty, as well as identify the optimal modification for each individual. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through an open-access CVD dataset. The results demonstrate that the personalized lifestyle modification recommended by the proposed methodology has the potential to effectively reduce the CVD risk. Thus, it is promising to be further applied to real-world cases for CVD prevention.

The effects of Rituximab on experimental endometriosis model in rats.

AIM: Endometriosis is a common, chronic benign gynecologic disease and distresses women in their reproductive age. Yet the pathogenesis of endometriosis is not clear, multifactorial mechanisms have been characterized for the initiation, progression, and regression of this disease. It has been suggested that immune cells in the lymphoid lineage play essential roles in accepting or rejecting the survival, implantation, and proliferation of endometrial and endometriotic cells and, dysfunction of B-lymphocytes (B-cells) are one of the major causes for the progression of endometriosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic efficacy of Rituximab, an inhibitor for B-cells, for endometriosis in an experimental animal model. METHODS: Experimental endometriosis animal model has been utilized using mature female rats. Rats underwent surgery to initiate endometriosis on the abdominal wall. After confirming for endometriosis, rats were treated with either Rituximab or saline solution. After 14 days of treatment, implants were dissected, and evaluated for volumes and histological features. Anti-CD-20 antibody was used for immunohistochemistry scoring purposes. RESULTS: There is significant decrease in the volume of endometriotic implants after treatment with Rituximab (188.81 ± 149.42 vs 20.37 ± 13.08, p = 0.001). There are also significant differences for the B-cell count and fibrosis score between the control and treatment groups (3.08 ± 2.6 vs 1.56 ± 1.42., p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: In an experimental rat endometriosis model, we assessed Rituximab, an antibody for B-lymphocyte, as a candidate medical treatment for endometriosis. Additional studies are required to further evaluate the effects of Rituximab on the prevention of endometriosis.

Nurses' Knowledge and Practice of Nasogastric Tube Placement: A Descriptive Research Study.

The aim of this study is to examine nurses' knowledge and behaviors about nasogastric tube placement according to current standards. This descriptive study was conducted in a private hospital in Turkey with the participation of 184 nurses. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of two parts: "Personal Information Form" and "NGT Placement Information Form." About half of the nurses (45.6%) did not read current information about nasogastric tubes, though 36.5% were aware of the auscultation method as the best method for nasogastric tube placement confirmation and approximately half (48.9%) of them used this method. Nurses who participated in our study did not use a pH test, capnography, or radiography methods to confirm nasogastric tube placement. As a result, it is recommended that nurses follow current evidence about nasogastric tube placement and maintain or improve their education on this topic.

Genetic polymorphism and antioxidant activity in interventions of tobacco-related diseases of the abdominal aorta.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the genetic polymorphisms of some antioxidant enzymes together with oxidative stress and the response of some antioxidant enzymes against this situation in vascular and endovascular interventions performed for diseases of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Material and methods: Twenty-four current or ex-smoker patients (eight aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD), 16 abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)) who were operated were included in this pilot study. Malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) levels, as an indicator of oxidative stress, reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, which are indicators of antioxidant status, which were measured in aortofemoral bypass in AODs, and in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysms repairs in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative periods. Genetic polymorphisms of these antioxidant enzymes developing a response to the damage in the preoperative blood samples were determined by using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: The lack of a significant increase of MDA (nmol/ml preoperative: 2.57 ±0.19, operative: 2.59 ±0.21, postoperative: 2.64 ±0.22, p = 0.63) in the oxidative damage in the operative and postoperative periods compared to the preoperative period prevented the damage and was thought to be associated with the elevation of some effective antioxidant parameters in the operative and postoperative periods. Conclusions: It may be thought that both types of interventions are quite reliable in terms of oxidative damage and, accordingly, the effect of the procedure-associated oxidative damage in the postoperative complications is low or ineffective. Two genotypes were obtained in each of the three gene areas of the patients, and no statistical significance was determined between the genotypes (p > 0.05).

Respiratory Effects of Treatment with a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist in Patients Suffering from Obesity and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects millions of people worldwide. Obesity is commonly seen concomitantly with COPD. People with COPD have reduced quality of life, reduced physical activity, chronic respiratory symptoms, and may suffer from frequent clinical exacerbations. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) approved for weight loss and treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, liraglutide exerts anti-inflammatory actions by reducing IL-6 and MCP-1 levels. We investigated the effect of liraglutide on pulmonary function in people suffering from obesity and COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this controlled, double-blind trial, 40 people with obesity and COPD from two outpatient clinics were allocated randomly to receive liraglutide (3.0 mg, s.c.) or placebo (s.c.) for 40 weeks. At baseline and after 4, 20, 40, and 44 weeks, participants underwent pulmonary-function tests, 6-min walking test, and replied to a questionnaire regarding the clinical impact of COPD (COPD assessment test (CAT)-score). RESULTS: Compared with placebo, liraglutide use resulted in significant weight loss, increased forced vital capacity (FVC) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and improved CAT-score. We found no significant changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, or 6-min walking distance. CONCLUSION: In patients suffering from obesity and COPD, 40 weeks of treatment with liraglutide improved some measures of pulmonary function. Our study suggests that liraglutide at 3.0 mg may be appropriate treatment in patients with obesity and COPD.

The Factors Affecting Rhythm Control for Cryoablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Mitral Valve Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors impacting on the conversion to sinus rhythm and on the postoperative rhythm findings in the six-month follow-up period of a mitral valve surgery combined with cryoablation Cox-Maze III procedure, in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated 80 patients who underwent structural valve disease surgery in combination with cryoablation. Indications for the surgical procedures were determined in the patients according to the presence of rheumatic or non-rheumatic structural disorders in the mitral valve as evaluated by echocardiography. Cox-Maze III procedure and left atrial appendix closure were applied. RESULTS: The results of receiver operating characteristics analysis indicated that the rate of conversion to the sinus rhythm was significantly higher in patients with left atrial diameters ≥ 45.5 mm and with ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 48.5%. However, the statistical differences disappeared in the sixth month. Thromboembolic (TE) events were seen only in three patients in the early period and no more TE events occurred in the six-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The EF and the preoperative left atrial diameter were determined to be the factors impacting on the conversion to sinus rhythm in patients who underwent mitral valve surgery in combination with cryoablation. Mitral valve surgery in combination with ablation for atrial fibrillation does not affect mortality and morbidity in the experienced health centers; however, it remains controversial whether it will provide additional health benefits to the patients compared to those who underwent only mitral valve surgery.

The factors affecting rhythm control for cryoablation of atrial fibrillation in mitral valve surgery

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the factors impacting on the conversion to sinus rhythm and on the postoperative rhythm findings in the six-month follow-up period of a mitral valve surgery combined with cryoablation Cox-Maze III procedure, in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: In this study, we evaluated 80 patients who underwent structural valve disease surgery in combination with cryoablation. Indications for the surgical procedures were determined in the patients according to the presence of rheumatic or non-rheumatic structural disorders in the mitral valve as evaluated by echocardiography. Cox-Maze III procedure and left atrial appendix closure were applied. Results: The results of receiver operating characteristics analysis indicated that the rate of conversion to the sinus rhythm was significantly higher in patients with left atrial diameters ≥ 45.5 mm and with ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 48.5%. However, the statistical differences disappeared in the sixth month. Thromboembolic (TE) events were seen only in three patients in the early period and no more TE events occurred in the six-month follow-up period. Conclusion: The EF and the preoperative left atrial diameter were determined to be the factors impacting on the conversion to sinus rhythm in patients who underwent mitral valve surgery in combination with cryoablation. Mitral valve surgery in combination with ablation for atrial fibrillation does not affect mortality and morbidity in the experienced health centers; however, it remains controversial whether it will provide additional health benefits to the patients compared to those who underwent only mitral valve surgery.

MnSOD, CAT and GPx-3 genetic polymorphisms in coronary artery disease.

In this study, we aimed to determine the gene polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes that determine or affect antioxidant activity in the occurrence of the disease and/or complications during and after the surgery in patients who were decided to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery due to coronary artery disease. Blood samples taken before operation in 26 coronary artery patients who were decided to be operated according to the international procedure and the phenol/chloroform method was used to isolate DNA. DNA samples were amplified by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with specific primers for MnSOD, CAT, GPx-3 antioxidant gene regions. As a result of the increasing process, the PCR products for the purpose of determining gene polymorphism, NGOMIV SMA f and BSA I restriction enzymes were used for MNSOD, CAT and GPx-3 gene region, respectively. Allele frequencies were determined and compared by Chi square test. VV (46.15%) and VA (53.85%) genotype for MnSOD region, i TT (22.22%), TC (16.67%) and CC (61.11%) genotype for CAT region, and CC (12.50%), TC (25%) and TT (62.50%) genotypes for GPx-3 region were obtained. While there was no statistically significant significance in terms of genotypes obtained in MnSOD and GPx-3 gene regions (P > 0.05), a significant difference was found in the CAT gene region in terms of genotypes (P < 0.01). Although oxidative stress is important in relation to cardiovascular diseases and postoperative complications, virtually no study of antioxidant enzymes in gene polymorphism are included in the literature. Work is lacking in relation to the subject.

Comparison of the prognostic value of F-18 FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters of primary tumors and MRI findings in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of metabolic parameters of pretreatment primary tumor and regional lymph nodes with F-18-FDG PET/CT compared with MRI findings for the prognostic value and disease-free survival (DFS) in locally advanced cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2016, 112 patients with a diagnosis of cervical cancer stages IB2-IVA treated with concomitant chemoradiation therapy with 3D intracavitary brachytherapy were analyzed. From this group, 50 patients who underwent pretreatment and posttreatment FDG PET/CT and MRI were enrolled. LRFFS, DFS, and overall survival were analyzed in comparison with FDG PET/CT and MRI data. Relationship between SUVmax data and DFS was also assessed. RESULTS: The median followup was 21 months, and median age was 54 years. The estimated 5-year locoregional failure-free survival, DFS, and overall survival rates were 87.4%, 70%, and 81%, respectively. DFS was 59.5% in patients with nodal metastases in FDG PET/CT and 100% in node negative patients (p:0,017). DFS was 50% and 79.4% in MRI node-positive and in node-negative patients, respectively (p:0,260). In addition, the nodal SUVmax (p: 0.005) and posttreatment response in FDG PET-CT (p < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for DFS. Furthermore, primary tumor volume in MRI (p:0,982), node positivity in MRI (p:0,301), and response in posttreatment MRI (p:0,26) are not significant prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: As a result, FDG PET/CT has higher accuracy than MRI in detecting lymph node metastasis, and tumor volume reduction on FDG PET/CT images was greater than that on MRI images after CCRT.

The Effect of On-Pump and Off-Pump Bypass Operations on Oxidative Damage and Antioxidant Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the oxidative status in on-pump and off-pump coronary artery surgery and contribute to possible surgical choices in clinical practices in accordance with the information obtained as a result of this study. METHODS: 52 patients undergoing open heart surgery (26 patients in on-pump group and 26 patients in off-pump group) were included in the study. MDA, GPx, GSH, CAT, and SOD were investigated in blood samples. RESULTS: In the on-pump group, it was determined that there were a significant increase in MDA level in the peroperative period compared to the preoperative and postoperative periods and a significant increase in GSH level in the postoperative period than in the preoperative period. Additionally, while there was a significant decrease in CAT activity in the postoperative period than in the peroperative period, there was a statistically significant increase in SOD enzyme activity in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative and peroperative periods. A statistically significant increase was observed in SOD enzyme activity in the postoperative period in on-pump compared to off-pump group. CONCLUSION: It is thought that this oxidative damage can be suppressed by administering a suitable antioxidant supplement in the preoperative and peroperative periods among patients undergoing the on-pump operation.

The Zika virus and pregnancy: evidence, management, and prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively review the available evidence and existing consensus reports and guidelines regarding the pregnancy and reproductive implications of the mosquito-transmitted Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. A primary focus was to provide pertinent information to aid clinicians in the management of pregnancies at risk for, exposed to, or with confirmed ZIKV infection. METHOD: An extensive literature review was performed using Pubmed. Practice guidelines and consensus reports were accessed from international, national, and professional organizations' websites. The clinical articles for ZIKV infection testing varied from case reports to small epidemiologic studies. RESULTS: A ZIKV epidemic has been declared in several countries in the Americas. Fifty-two travel-associated ZIKV infection cases have been reported throughout the USA (as of February 10, 2016). The consequences of congenital fetal/newborn ZIKV infection could potentially have devastating consequences including miscarriage, fetal death, and major anomalies such as microcephaly, brain and brain-stem defects, and long-term neurologic sequelae. While not definitive, current evidence suggests the existence of nonvector-borne transmission through sexual activity with an infected male partner. For women at risk for sexual transmission, condom use is advised, especially during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: While ZIKV infection appears to be a mild disease in the general population the potential consequences to the fetus and newborn could be profound. Management guidelines are currently evolving and will be significantly impacted as new evidence develops. It is therefore imperative that obstetric health-care providers keep abreast of this rapidly evolving information landscape that has so far characterized this outbreak.

Synthesis and molecular docking studies of some 4-phthalimidobenzenesulfonamide derivatives as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors.

A series of 4-phthalimidobenzenesulfonamide derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Structures of the title compounds were confirmed by spectral and elemental analyses. The cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity studies were carried out using Ellman's colorimetric method. The biological activity results revealed that all of the title compounds (except for compound 8) displayed high selectivity against AChE. Among the tested compounds, compound 7 was found to be the most potent against AChE (IC50= 1.35 ± 0.08 µM), while compound 3 exhibited the highest inhibition against BuChE (IC50= 13.41 ± 0.62 µM). Molecular docking studies of the most active compound 7 in AChE showed that this compound can interact with both the catalytic active site (CAS) and the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE.

Evaluating the teratogenicity of the selective ß3-adrenoceptor agonist, CL 316.243 hydrate by employing FETAX (frog embryo teratogenesis assay).

In this study, the frog embryo teratogenesis assay (FETAX - Xenopus) technique was employed to evaluate the potential teratogenicity of the selective ß-adrenoceptor (AR) agonist, CL 316.243. In this context, CL 316.243 was applied to the South African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) embryos. The media containing the CL 316.24-exposed embryos were monitored and changed/replaced once every 24 hours. Using FETAX, we determined the minimum concentrations to inhibit growth (MCIG) for CL 316.243. The 96-hour no observable adverse effect concentration (NOAEC), the 96-hour lowest observable adverse effect concentration (LOAEC), the 96-hour EC50 (malformation) and the 96-hour LC50 (lethal concentration) for mortality and malformation could not be determined because the used concentrations did not affect viability or the presence of abnormalities. On the other hand, the MCIG of CL 316.243 was determined as 1 mg/L. Our results demonstrated that CL 316.243 administration was associated with no of teratogenic and toxic effects. However, from first concentration we used (1 to 5 mg/L) length of embryos reduced significantly (p < 0.001) when compared to control of Xenopus embryos. Further studies should be conducted with different concentrations in order to investigate the optimal concentrations for treating preterm labor with these substances.

Change in Free Radical and Antioxidant Enzyme Levels in the Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in oxidative damage and antioxidant parameters in open heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in preoperative and early postoperative periods. Methods. A total of three consecutive arterial blood samples were obtained from the patients in the study group, in preoperative, early postoperative, and postoperative periods, respectively. Oxidative damage indicator (MDA) and antioxidant indicators (GPx, GSH, CAT, and SOD) were examined. Results. A statistically significant increase was observed in MDA level in postoperative period compared to preoperative and early postoperative periods. GSH levels and CAT activities increased significantly in early postoperative and postoperative periods. Analyses revealed an increase in GPx and SOD enzyme activities only in the postoperative period. Conclusion. Even though the increase in MDA level was suppressed by the increased GSH level and CAT activity like in early postoperative period, efficiency can be brought for the increases in insufficient significant antioxidant parameters in postoperative period by administering antioxidant supplements to the patients and thus the increase in MDA in postoperative period can be significantly suppressed.