First detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma ovis in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from sheep, Turkey.

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are important tick-borne rickettsial diseases of medical and veterinary importance that cause economic losses in livestock. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma ovis, Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis was investigated in ticks collected from sheep in various farms in Van province, which is located in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. The ticks used in this study were collected by random sampling in 26 family farm business in 13 districts of Van province. A total of 688 ticks were collected from 88 sheep and 88 tick pools were created. All ticks identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus bursa. Phylogenetic analysis of Chaperonin and 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed A. ovis, E. canis and E. chaffeensis in this study. Of the 88 tick pools tested, 28.41% (25/88) were positive for at least one pathogen. Anaplasma DNA was detected in five of the 88 pools (5.68%), E. canis DNA was detected in 19 of the 88 pools (21.59%), and E. chaffeensis DNA was detected in one of the 88 pools (1.14%) of R. bursa ticks. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of A. ovis, E. canis, and E. chaffeensis in R. bursa ticks collected from sheep in Turkey. Further studies are needed to investigate other co-infections in sheep in Turkey.

Investigation of the protective effect of chitosan against arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney tissue.

Arsenic is an important metalloid that can cause poisoning in humans and domestic animals. Exposure to arsenic causes cell damage, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Chitosan is a biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin with antioxidant and metal ion chelating properties. In this study, the protective effect of chitosan on arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage was investigated. 32 male Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each as control group (C), chitosan group (CS group), arsenic group (AS group), and arsenic+chitosan group (AS+CS group). The C group was given distilled water by oral gavage, the AS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water, the CS group was given 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage, the AS+CS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water and 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, 90 mg/kg ketamine was administered intraperitoneally to all rats, and blood samples and kidney tissues were collected. Urea, uric acid, creatinine, P, Mg, K, Ca, Na, Cystatin C (CYS-C), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1) levels were measured in serum samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the supernatant obtained from kidney tissue were analyzed by ELISA method. Compared with AS group, uric acid and creatinine levels of the AS+CS group were significantly decreased (p<0.001), urea, KIM-1, CYS-C, NGAL, and MDA levels were numerically decreased and CAT, GSH, and SOD levels were numerically increased (p>0.05). In conclusion, based on both biochemical and histopathological-immunohistochemical- immunofluorescence findings, it can be concluded that chitosan attenuates kidney injury and protects the kidney.

Early predictive factors and risk assessment for anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Anastomotic leakage is a complication that creates significant concern in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality after colorectal surgery. This study aimed to identify variables for detecting anastomotic leakage in those who had open, laparoscopic, or robotic low anterior resection for cancer and to explore their relationships. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 283 patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer and underwent low anterior resection were divided into two groups: those with and without anastomotic leakage. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Anastomotic leakage was detected in 23 of 283 patients who underwent low anterior resection. RESULTS: The postoperative analysis of the biochemical data of the patients showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of C-reactive protein (Crp), albumin, lymphocytes, leukocytes, neutrophils, and their ratio. The performance of these parameters in predicting anastomotic leakage was statistically analyzed in the patient group with anastomotic leakage, and nomogram results were acquired. Immune system components and biomarkers were statistically tested, and nomogram results were obtained in rectal cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: These parameters can be used together as a potential marker in anastomotic leakage. Further development of these variables has the potential to facilitate the timely detection and treatment of anastomotic leakage.

Occurence and genotype distributionof Cryptosporidium spp.,and Giardia duodenalis in sheep in Siirt, Turkey.

Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis are intestinal protozoan parasites known to infect humans and various animals and cause diarrhea. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in sheep in different locations of Siirt province. The fecal material for this study was collected from 500 sheep in different locations of Siirt province, Turkey. Fecal samples obtained from sheep were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. by Kinyoun Acid Fast staining and the Nested PCR method. Microscopic and Nested PCR methods revealed a prevalence of 2.4% (12/500) and 3.6% (18/500), respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and zoonotic C. parvum. In terms of Giardia duodenalis, 8.4% (42/500) and 10.2% (51/500) prevalence was determined using Nativ-Lugol and Nested PCR methods, respectively. Using sequence analysis, zoonotic assemblages A and B as well as assemblages E and D were detected. As a result of this study, both the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis and the presence of species that appear to be host-specific, as well as those known to be zoonotic, were revealed. A large-scale study is needed to understand the impact of these agents on sheep farming and their consequences on human health.

Diagnostic performance of two ultrasound techniques for the detection of cleft palate without cleft lip: axial-transverse and equal sign.

OBJECTIVE: There is no study that compares the diagnostic performance of ATV and ESV techniques in detecting cleft palate. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of two ultrasound techniques: axial-transverse (ATV) and "equal sign" view (ESV), in detecting fetal cleft palate without cleft lip. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from March 2019 to January 2022 in a tertiary referral hospital. Secondary palates were assessed with ATV and ESV by two experienced fetal medicine specialists who were blinded to each other's ultrasound findings. Final diagnosis was done according to postnatal physical examination. The sensitivity and specificity of the two techniques were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 311 pregnancies which met the study criteria were evaluated. Postnatal physical examination showed that 13 (0.4%) neonates had cleft palate only (CPO). According to final diagnosis the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for ATV were 100%, 98.7%, 76.4%, 100% and 100% for ESV were 76.9%, 97.8%, 58.9% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ATV in 2D ultrasound provides higher sensitivity and specificity than ESV in detecting CPO.

Appropriateness of aspirin use among diabetic patients in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases: an analysis of the ASSOS study.

OBJECTIVE: Aspirin is an essential drug in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). It is ultimately indicated in a patient with ASCVD. However, its role is debated in primary prevention. We aimed to investigate the appropriateness of aspirin use in diabetic patients according to recommendations of recent guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ASSOS was a multicenter observational study investigating aspirin use in cardiology outpatient clinics. We evaluated aspirin use in diabetic patients in primary prevention from the ASSOS study. We also assessed the appropriate use of aspirin according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), American Diabetes Association (ADA), Consensus Statement of Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Nephrology (ENCARNE), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF). RESULTS: A total of 5,007 patients of whom 1,537 had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were included in the study. 1,132 of the total participants used aspirin for primary prevention; 313 of them had type 2 DM. Only 248 (76.7%), 132 (40.8%), and 128 (39.6%) diabetic patients indicated aspirin use according to the ESC/INCARNE, ACC/AHA, and ADA/USPTF guidelines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate aspirin use was common among diabetic patients, according to clinical practice guideline recommendations. In addition, the differences between the indications for the use of aspirin in diabetic patients according to the guidelines were remarkable. Guidelines that minimize these differences are needed for clinicians, and compliance with these guidelines in clinical practice could reduce inappropriate aspirin use.

DNA repair gene (XRCC1 and XPD) polymorphism and risk of primary ovarian failure.

OBJECTIVE: DNA repair genes may be related with the onset of primary ovarian failure (POF). The study was planned to investigate whether the polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes modulate the risk of POF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 25 women diagnosed with POF and 25 healthy controls. The genotyping and allele of XRCC1 and XPD genes were determined by using Polymerase Chain Reaction and fluorescence melting curve analysis. RESULTS: The genotype and allele distribution of the Arg194Trp and Arg399Lys polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene did not differ statistically between those of the POF and control groups. The frequency of the C (Gln) allele was significantly lower in patients diagnosed with POF when compared to that in healthy controls [48% vs. 76%, p=0.040, OR: 3.43 (CI: 1.03-11.48)]. The Lys/Lys genotype for XPD-Lys751Gln polymorphism in patients diagnosed with POF was more common than in healthy controls (p=0.028, 52% vs. 24%). CONCLUSIONS: The genotype distribution and allele frequency of XPD-Lys751Gln, XRCC1-Arg194Trp and XRCC1-Arg399 Gln did not regulate the risk of developing POF. Gln/Gln+Lys/Gln and XPD-Lys751Gln polymorphism may have a possible protective role against the development of POF.

Comparison of immunohistochemical characteristics of endometriomas with non-endometriotic benign ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the existence of neuroendocrine cells and to compare the density of those in normal ovarian tissue, endometriotic and non-endometriotic benign ovarian cysts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with the diagnosis of endometrioma and 30 control subjects consisting of ovarian serous cystadenoma (n=10), ovarian mucinous cystadenoma (n=10) and normal ovarian tissue (n=10) were included. The tissues were prepared and assessed according to staining density by using the H-score method. RESULTS: Tissues with mucinous cystadenoma were significantly more stained with PAS and VanGieson, when compared to women with endometrioma. Macrophage deposition was higher in cyst samples with endometrioma and in normal ovarian tissue when compared to serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystadenoma. Normal ovarian tissue was significantly more stained with PGP9.5, NSE and SYN when compared to endometrioma and non-endometriotic benign ovarian cyst. PGP9.5 staining was higher in normal ovarian tissue when compared with endometriotic lesions (p<.001). Endometrioma samples were significantly more stained with p53 when compared to non-endometriotic cysts and normal ovarian tissue. c-Kit staining was mild and not statistically significant among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: During endometrioma transformation, expression intensity of neuroendocrine markers decreases compared to normal ovarian tissue and other benign ovarian cysts.

No association of anti-osteoporosis drugs with COVID-19-related outcomes in women: a nationwide cohort study.

This study was performed to evaluate whether the use of drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis in women is associated with COVID-19 outcomes. The results showed that the risk of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and mortality was not altered in individuals taking anti-osteoporosis drugs, suggesting no safety issues during a COVID-19 infection. INTRODUCTION: Whether patients with COVID-19 receiving anti-osteoporosis drugs have lower risk of worse outcomes has not been reported yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of anti-osteoporosis drug use with COVID-19 outcomes in women. METHODS: Data obtained from a nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 11th to May 30th, 2020 was retrieved from the Turkish Ministry of Health Database. Women 50 years or older with confirmed COVID-19 who were receiving anti-osteoporosis drugs were compared with a 1:1 propensity score-matched COVID-19 positive women who were not receiving these drugs. The primary outcomes were hospitalization, ICU (intensive care unit) admission, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1997 women on anti-osteoporosis drugs and 1997 control patients were analyzed. In the treatment group, 1787 (89.5%) women were receiving bisphosphonates, 197 (9.9%) denosumab, and 17 (0.9%) teriparatide for the last 12 months. Hospitalization and mortality rates were similar between the treatment and control groups. ICU admission rate was lower in the treatment group (23.0% vs 27.0%, p = 0.013). However, multivariate analysis showed that anti-osteoporosis drug use was not an independent associate of any outcome. Hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality rates were similar among bisphosphonate, denosumab, or teriparatide users. CONCLUSION: Results of this nationwide study showed that preexisting use of anti-osteoporosis drugs in women did not alter the COVID-19-related risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. These results do not suggest discontinuation of these drugs during a COVID-19 infection.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in pregnant women with familial mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between maternal serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) and pregnancy outcomes in women with familial mediterranean fever (FMF). BACKGROUND: FMF exists worldwide, it primarily affects Mediterranean countries METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 269 pregnant women, who underwent a routine prenatal follow-up and delivery in our hospital from 2016 to 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including age, gravida, parity, abortus, proteinuria in the first trimester, NLR, obstetrical complications, gestational age at delivery, birthweight were retrieved from the patients' medical records. Data from 67 pregnant women with FMF and 202 healthy pregnant women were compared. RESULTS: Patients with FMF showed higher rates of preeclampsia and primary caesarean delivery; however, there were no differences between the groups in terms of other obstetric complications or adverse neonatal outcomes. In both the FMF and control groups, NLRs in the third trimester were significantly higher than those in the first trimester. Additionally, patients in the FMF group demonstrated higher NLRs than patients in the control group in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The NLRs are a haematological parameter that can be used to predict subclinical inflammation and the effects of ongoing subclinical inflammation on the pregnancy outcomes in women with FMF (Tab. 4, Ref. 39).

Prevalence and predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus: a nationwide multicentre prospective study.

AIM: Prevalence rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) show considerable variation among different countries and regions of the world. The primary aim of this study was to determine the nationwide prevalence and predictors of GDM in Turkey. METHODS: We conducted prospective nationwide screening among pregnant women. Between August 2016 and November 2017, a total of 2643 pregnant women from 51 centres in 12 different regions were enrolled. A two-step screening method and Carpenter and Coustan criteria were used in the diagnosis of GDM. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained using electronic database software. RESULTS: The national prevalence of GDM was found to be 16.2% [95% confidence intervals (CI) 15.0% to 17.4%] without a significant difference between urban and rural regions. Women with GDM were older (mean age: 32 ± 5 vs. 28 ± 5 years, P < 0.001) and heavier (mean BMI: 27.2 ± 5.1 vs. 24.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2 , P < 0.001) than their counterparts without GDM. The prevalence of GDM tended to increase with age (< 25 years, 6.9%; 26-35 years, 15.6%; and 36-45 years, 32.7%; P < 0.001). Maternal age, maternal BMI, history of previous GDM and family history of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of developing GDM (P < 0.05 for all). Low-risk women (age < 25 years, BMI < 25 kg/m2 , no family history of diabetes) comprised 10.7% of the total population and the prevalence of GDM in these women was 4.5% (95% CI 2.4% to 7.8%). CONCLUSION: The results of this nationwide study indicate that GDM is very common, affecting one in seven pregnancies in Turkey. Implementation of international guidelines on screening and management of this public health problem is required.

Predictive value of pre-operative inflammation-based prognostic scores (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio) in testicular sperm extraction: a pilot study.

To investigate the ability of some hematologic prognostic scores demonstrating inflammation in predicting sperm presence in testicular sperm extraction (TESE). We retrospectively investigated the medical data of 430 patients with the diagnosis of non-obstruc tive azoospermia (NOA) who had undergone TESE operation consecutively in our institution between the dates of January 2009 and February 2017. In all, 352 patients with the diagnosis of NOA, with bilaterally palpable vas deferens, who had undergone TESE for the first time, were included in the study. Patients with genetic anomalies, genital infection, history of surgery or vasectomy, chronic diseases, history of inflammatory, metabolic, rheumatologic, or malignant diseases, morbid obesity, with the diagnosis of clinical varicocele, or patients who had undergone TESE for the second time were excluded from the study. According to the results of TESE, the patients were divided into two groups as those with sperm retrieval and those without sperm retrieval. These groups were compared in terms of age, infertility duration, body mass index, hormone profile, hematologic parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NRL), monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio (MER), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The NLR and PLR levels were found to be significantly higher in patients without sperm retrieval at TESE compared to those with sperm retrieval. The logistic regression analysis showed NLR as an independent factor that showed the presence of spermatozoa at TESE (odds ratio: 4.786, %95 confidence interval: 2.667-8.589, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the PLR was determined to be 0.574. As the calculated AUC value of the PLR was below 0.6, there was insufficient evidence determined at TESE to say that it was a reliable marker to indicate the presence of spermatozoa. The area of the MER value under the ROC curve was not statistically significant. It has been demonstrated that systemic inflammation negatively affects the probability of extracting spermatozoa in TESE and NLR is an independent factor indicating the presence of spermatozoa in TESE.

Disulfiram, as a candidate NF-κB and proteasome inhibitor, prevents endometriotic implant growing in a rat model of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: Disulfiram (DSF) exerts its therapeutic effects through oxidative, proteasome, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) pathways. The study was planned to test the impact of DSF on growing of endometriotic implants in rats with experimentally induced endometriosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were labeled as the control (n = 8), sham (n = 6), GnRH-agonist (n = 8) and the DSF (n = 8) groups. The rats in the group 3 exposed to single dose leuprolide acetate. The rats in group 4 were treated with DSF for 21 days. The serum activity of oxidant and antioxidant markers, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), interleukin-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. Implants were processed for NF-κB, PCNA, and CD34 immunostaining. RESULTS: The serum concentration of malondialdehyde in the DSF group was significantly higher than those in other groups. The concentration of TAS, TNF-α, and interleukin-1ß in the DSF group considerably decreased compared to control group. Following treatment with DSF while the percentage of Grade 1 and 2 implants increased the percentage of Grade 3 and 4 implants decreased. The implants disappeared totally in two cases in the DSF group and one case in the GnRH-agonist group. The mean H-Scores of implant NF-κB and PCNA in DSF treated animals were found to significantly lower than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: By decreasing NF-κB expression, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation DSF prevents the growth of endometriotic implants.

Irisin immunostaining characteristics of breast and ovarian cancer cells.

To determine expression pattern of irisin in tissues obtained from human ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and cervix cancer. Tissue samples obtained from subjects with breast cancer, ovarian cancer cervix cancer, simple endometrial hyperplasia, complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia. At least five sections from each subject were immunohistochemically stained with irisin antibody, and H-score method was used to evaluate irisin intensity. Tissues obtained from healthy breast tissues, proliferative phase endometrium adenomyosis and benign ovarian tumors were accepted as control. Irisin activity was not detected in control breast tissues significantly increased irisin staining was detected in invasive lobular, intraductal papillary, invasive ductal, invasive papillary, and mucinous carcinomas compared to control tissues. Also, significantly increased irisin immunoreactivity was detected in both ovarian endometriosis and mucinous carcinomas compared to benign tumors. However irisin staining was not observed at the papillary carcinoma of the ovary while sections obtained from simple and complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and cervix carcinoma demonstrated irisin immunoreactivity. Increased irisin immunoreactivity in tissues obtained from breast, ovary, cervix carcinomas, and endometrial hyperplasia suggest critical role of this peptide during carcinogenesis.

Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be predictive of pathologic stage in patients with bladder cancer larger than 3 cm.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder cancer (BCa) is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict pathologic stage of at the time of first transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) in patients with BCa larger than 3 cm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of consecutive patients undergoing TUR-BT for BCa with a diameter >3 cm were reviewed. A total of 222 patients were eligible for analysis, and were divided into two groups: 162 patients in non-muscle-invasive BCa (NMIBC) group and 60 patients in muscle-invasive BCa (MIBC) group. Differences in preoperative blood parameters and NLR were evaluated between groups with an unequal variance t-test. RESULTS: In the NMIBC group, 59 patients had low-grade and 103 high-grade papillary urothelial carcinomas. 60 patients had T2 stage carcinoma. The mean age of the patients was 71.8 and 75.7 years, and mean NLR was 3.44 ± 2.03 and 4.6 ± 2.8 in NMIBC and MIBC groups, respectively. In terms of NLR, there was a statistically significant difference between the NMIBC and MIBC groups (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that NLR might act as a significant predictive biomarker on the staging of BCa. Also, NLR could be used as a cost-effective, simple, common usable biomarker in urology clinic practice.

Is a contrast study really necessary prior to ureteroscopy?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative imaging techniques on the success and complication rates of ureteroscopy. We performed a retrospective analysis of 736 patients (455 males and 281 females), with a mean age of 45.5±15.2 years (range, 1-88 years), who underwent rigid ureteroscopic procedures for removal of ureteral stones. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the type of imaging modality used: group I, intravenous urography (n=116); group II, computed tomography (n=381); group III, computed tomography and intravenous urography (n=91), and group IV, ultrasonography and abdominal plain film (n=148). Patients' demographics, stone size and location, prior shock wave lithotripsy, lithotripsy technique, operation time, success rate, and rate of intraoperative complications were compared among the groups. There were no significant differences in success and complication rates among the groups. The stone-free rate after primary ureteroscopy was 87.1% in group I, 88.2% in group II, 96.7% in group III, and 89.9% in group IV (P=0.093). The overall incidence of intraoperative complications was 11.8%. According to the modified Satava classification system, 6.1% of patients had grade 1, 5.1% had grade 2, and 0.54% had grade 3 complications. Intraoperative complications developed in 12.1% of patients in group I, 12.6% of patients in group II, 7.7% of patients in group III, and 12.2% of patients in group IV (P=0.625). Our findings clearly demonstrate that ureteroscopic treatment of ureteral stones can be safely and effectively performed with no use of contrast study imaging, except in doubtful cases of anatomical abnormalities.

The effects of electromagnetic radiation (2450 MHz wireless devices) on the heart and blood tissue: role of melatonin.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of 2450 MHz EMR on the heart and blood in rat and possible ameliorating effects of melatonin. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were randomly grouped (by eight in each group) as follows:  Group I: cage-control group (dimethysulfoxide (DMSO), 10mg/kg/day i.p. without stress and EMR. Group II: sham-control rats stayed in restrainer without EMR and DMSO (10mg/kg/day i.p.). Group III: rats exposed to 2450 MHz EMR. Group IV: treated group rats exposed to 2450 MHz EMR+melatonin (MLT) (10mg/kg/day i.p.). RESULTS: In the blood tissue, there was no significant difference between the groups in respect of erythrocytes GSH, GSH-Px activity, plasma LP level and vitamin A concentration (p > 0.05). However, in the Group IV, erythrocytes' LP levels (p < 0.05) were observed to be significantly decreased while plasma vitamin C, and vitamin E concentrations (p < 0.05) were found to be increased when compared to Group III. In the heart tissues, MDA and NO levels significantly increased in group III compared with groups I and II (p < 0.05). Contrary to these oxidant levels, CAT and SOD enzyme activities decreased significantly in group III compared with groups I and II (p 0.05). Besides, MLT treatment lowered the MDA and NO levels compared with group III. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, these results demonstrated that contrary to its effect on the heart, the wireless (2450 MHz) devices cause slight oxidative-antioxidative changes in the blood of rats, and a moderate melatonin supplementation may play an important role in the antioxidant system (plasma vitamin C and vitamin E). However, further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the applied 2450 MHz EMR exposure (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 49).

IODINE DEFICIENCY IN PREGNANT WOMEN LIVING IN WESTERN TURKEY (EDIRNE).

OBJECTIVE: Data about iodine status in pregnant women in Turkey is not sufficient. We aimed to determine the iodine status, goiter prevalence, iodized salt consumption among first trimester pregnant women living in Edirne. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study was performed on pregnant women living in Edirne. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 275 pregnant women in their first trimester were examined regarding iodized salt use, median urinary iodine concentration (UIC), presence or absence of goitre and thyroid function. Goitre status was determined by palpation. Participants filled out a questionnaire, which included questions regarding sociodemographic features, iodized salt consumption, knowledge, and behavior regarding iodine deficiency. UIC was measured using colorimetric method based on Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Thyroid hormones and TSH were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassays. RESULTS: While the proportion of iodized salt use was 96.6%, UIC was below 150 µg/L in 88.4 % of the women. The median UIC was 77 µg/L, indicating insufficient iodine intake. Total goitre rate was 19.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that iodine deficiency is a serious problem among pregnant women in Edirne. We suggest that pregnant women living in Edirne should be supplemented by iodine-containing preparations in addition to iodized salt.

Is a contrast study really necessary prior to ureteroscopy?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative imaging techniques on the success and complication rates of ureteroscopy. We performed a retrospective analysis of 736 patients (455 males and 281 females), with a mean age of 45.5±15.2 years (range, 1-88 years), who underwent rigid ureteroscopic procedures for removal of ureteral stones. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the type of imaging modality used: group I, intravenous urography (n=116); group II, computed tomography (n=381); group III, computed tomography and intravenous urography (n=91), and group IV, ultrasonography and abdominal plain film (n=148). Patients’ demographics, stone size and location, prior shock wave lithotripsy, lithotripsy technique, operation time, success rate, and rate of intraoperative complications were compared among the groups. There were no significant differences in success and complication rates among the groups. The stone-free rate after primary ureteroscopy was 87.1% in group I, 88.2% in group II, 96.7% in group III, and 89.9% in group IV (P=0.093). The overall incidence of intraoperative complications was 11.8%. According to the modified Satava classification system, 6.1% of patients had grade 1, 5.1% had grade 2, and 0.54% had grade 3 complications. Intraoperative complications developed in 12.1% of patients in group I, 12.6% of patients in group II, 7.7% of patients in group III, and 12.2% of patients in group IV (P=0.625). Our findings clearly demonstrate that ureteroscopic treatment of ureteral stones can be safely and effectively performed with no use of contrast study imaging, except in doubtful cases of anatomical abnormalities.