Isolation, identification, and in vitro probiotic characterization of forty novel Bifidobacterium strains from neonatal feces in Erzurum province, Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal feces are one of the most important sources for probiotic isolation. The purpose of this study was the isolation and identification of Bifidobacterium spp. from neonatal feces and the evaluation of in vitro probiotic properties of strains including safety tests. RESULTS: A total of 40 isolates were obtained from 14 healthy newborns' feces in Erzurum province, Türkiye. By their rep-PCR patterns and 16S rRNA gene sequences, isolates were identified as 26 Bifidobacterium breve and 14 Bifidobacterium longum. Fifteen of the isolates tolerated bile salts and showed high resistance to simulated gastric juice. Isolates exhibited varying rates of auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity. In addition, most of the isolates displayed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Salmonella Typhimurium RSHMB 95091, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. However, only one strain showed bile salt hydrolase activity and two strains showed the ability to produce H2O2. Bifidobacterium strains were generally sensitive to the tested antibiotics and lacked kanamycin, gentamicin, and streptomycin resistance genes, and hemolytic and DNAse activities. On the other hand, it was determined that five strains had various virulence genes including gelE, esp, efaAfs, hyl, and ace. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study suggested that B. longum BH28, B. breve BH4 and B. breve BH5 strains have the potential as probiotic candidates for further studies. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Cortices of Fibula and Tibia Can Provide Landmarks for Accurate Syndesmosis Fixation Angle: Computed Tomography Validation of Angle Bisector Method.

Anatomic syndesmosis reduction is necessary to restore ankle biomechanics and prevent poor clinical outcomes, but malreduction can be encountered frequently since the ideal fixation angle varies between patients and fixation levels. This study aimed to validate the angle bisector method to reveal whether it provides an accurate syndesmotic fixation angle that is patient- and level-specific. Lower extremity CT angiography of 50 consecutive patients (25 male, 25 female) without evident ankle pathology were evaluated. The average age was 52.8 (±18, range: 18-75). Lines tangent to anterior and posterior cortices of tibia and fibula were drawn in the axial plane at both 2 cm and 3.5 cm above the ankle joint line. Bisection of the angle formed between these lines was drawn and its relationship with the centroidal axis, which is proposed to be the ideal syndesmotic axis, was evaluated. The angle between the bisector line & the centroidal axis and the distance between their most lateral intersections with the fibula were calculated. The measurements were made by 3 blinded observers. Intra- and interobserver reliability analyses were conducted. The average centroidal axis-bisector angle was 2.1° ± 2.1° at 2 cm and 0.6° ± 1.3° at 3.5 cm level. The average distance to the actual syndesmosis entry point was 1.0 ± 0.9 mm at 2 cm and 0.4 ± 0.4 mm at 3.5 cm level. The values didn't show any significant difference according to gender. Intra- and interobserver reliability analysis showed excellent correlation in all parameters (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.90). Angle bisector method was found strongly reliable providing accurate direction for syndesmotic axis. It can provide a patient- and level-specific angle for the application of syndesmotic implants without increasing the fluoroscopy exposure. Its use can have a broad impact on functional outcomes of ankle injuries by decreasing the malreduction rates. Further cadaveric validation and safety studies should be conducted for possible clinical usage.

Placental and Umbilical Cord Blood Oxidative Stress Level and Telomere Homeostasis in Early Onset Severe Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Although the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) is unknown, evidence suggests that it may be associated with increased oxidative stress. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can affect DNA fragments called telomeres. However, the interactions of PE, oxidative stress, and telomere length are not clearly known. This study aims to evaluate the oxidative/anti-oxidative stress balance in the placenta and umbilical cord and examine the effect of oxidative stress on telomeres. MATERIALS-METHOD: Cord blood and placental samples were collected from 27 pregnant women with severe PE (280/7-336/7 gestational weeks) and 53 healthy pregnant women. Telomere length (TL) was measured by real-time PCR in the cord blood and placenta tissue. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured in the cord blood and placenta tissue using a colorimetric method. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups regarding age, BMI, gravida, parity, and newborn gender (p>0.05). Cord blood and placental TL of PE patients were significantly shorter than the control group, while cord blood and placental TAS and TOS levels were higher (p<0.05). The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the level of placental TOS in PE patients (OR=1.212, 95% CI=1.068-1.375) was an independent risk factor affecting PE. CONCLUSION: This study found that oxidative stress is an independent risk factor in the development of PE and shortens TL in both placental and umbilical cord blood. Future research on telomere homeostasis may offer a new perspective for the treatment of PE.

Increased serum myonectin and irisin levels with myonectin and FNDC5 expressions in polycystic ovary syndrome: a case control study.

The aim of this study is to assess the FNDC5 and myonectin expressions and serum levels of myonectin and irisin in women with PCOS. 90 participants were included in this case-control study. 45 of these participants were with PCOS, and 45 of them were healthy volunteers matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Serum irisin and myonectin levels were measured with commercially available enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Expression of the myonectin and FNDC5 genes were determined by RT-PCR analysis. It was found out that FSI, HOMA-IR, LH, LH/FSH, TT, serum irisin and serum myonectin levels, myonectin mRNA expression, and FNDC5 mRNA expression were higher in the PCOS group, whereas HDL-C level was lower in the PCOS group (p < .05). When the groups were compared, it was detected that IR and HA were significantly higher in the PCOS group (p < .05). Serum irisin and myonectin levels, and myonectin and FNDC5 mRNA expressions were increased in women with PCOS. These molecules can be target molecules in PCOS pathophysiology and treatment.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Although the aetiology of PCOS is not fully understood, it is thought that insulin resistance may play a critical role. In recent studies, the relationship of cytokines secreted from skeletal muscle with insulin resistance has been shown. The effects of irisin and myonectin, which are members of the myokine family, on lipid and glucose metabolism are known.What do the results of this study add? Although there are many studies in the literature regarding serum irisin levels in women with PCOS, their results are confusing. There is a study in the literature investigating the relationship between myonectin and PCOS. In our study, we evaluated myonectin and FNDC mRNA expressions in addition to serum irisin and myonectin levels. As a result, we found that markers and their mRNA expressions were lower in patients with PCOS compared to controls.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We think that the results of our study will shed light on future studies. Due to their effects on adipose tissue, these markers may play a role in the aetiology of long-term complications of PCOS. Moreover, they can become pharmacological targets in preventing these complications.

Factors that affect placental retinol transfer in preterm infants and mothers with retinol deficiency.

BACKGROUND: The retinol level and retinol delivery to the placenta may vary depending on various factors involving the mother and newborn. The present study evaluates the factors affecting retinol levels in newborns and the transplacental retinol passage in preterm newborns. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, the retinol and retinol binding protein (RBP) in the umbilical cord blood of 44 preterm infants with a gestation age of <30 weeks were studied. Serum retinol and RBP levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the rate of transplacental retinol passage was calculated. The demographic data of mothers and newborns, the use of vitamins by the mother, the application of antenatal corticosteroids, and any diseases diagnosed during pregnancy were recorded. An evaluation was made of the retinol, RBP, and other factors of the mother and newborn affecting transplacental retinol passage. RESULTS: A retinol deficiency was identified in 68.2% of the study population. Retinol and RBP levels in umbilical cord blood (273.7 ± 150.03 ng/mL, 7.88 ± 5.6 ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher than the corresponding levels in the mother (206.4 ± 86.26 ng/ mL, 1.04 ± 0.97 ng/mL, respectively). Umbilical cord blood retinol deficiency was more common in the male participants, while the transplacental retinol passage rate was higher in females. The umbilical cord blood RBP was found to be lower in those administered antenatal corticosteroids than in those who did not receive antenatal corticosteroids, and median maternal RBP levels were lower in patients with anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension than in those with no disease. DISCUSSION: Placental adaptation and contributing factors may vary in populations with severe retinol deficiency. The finding of significantly increased cord blood retinol levels when compared to maternal retinol levels in the present study suggests that some compensatory mechanisms, such as increased placental RBP levels, support the presentation of retinol to the fetus, even if the mother has a retinol deficiency.

Oxygen saturation and perfusion index screening in neonates at high altitudes: can PDA be predicted?

Screening critical congenital heart disease in neonates with 24-48 h of age could be made by oxygen saturation determination. Perfusion index may be used as an adjunct to pulse oximetry screening to detect non-cyanotic critical congenital heart disease cases such as a left heart outflow obstruction. We evaluate the results of combined screening for oxygen saturation and peripheral perfusion index at high altitudes. The study included 501 neonates older than gestational week 35. The mean oxygen saturation was lower than at sea level, and the screening test was positive in a total of 21 (4.2%) babies. Critical congenital heart diseases were not detected in any patient. A total of 10 (2%) babies were detected with PDA, nine (1.8%) of whom recorded a positive screening test. The prevalence of PDA was significantly higher in the positive screening test group when compared with those who underwent echocardiography due to clinical findings.Conclusion: The median peripheral perfusion index at high altitude was not lower than at sea level, while the mean oxygen saturation, in contrast, was lower than at sea level. The low partial oxygen pressure found at high altitudes leads to a variation in postnatal adaptation and an increased prevalence of PDA. Accordingly, oxygen saturation screening may serve to identify babies with PDA at high altitudes. What is Known: • Oxygen saturation is known to be low at high altitudes, and thus the rates of false positivity are high when screening for critical congenital heart disease. • High altitudes are also associated with an increased prevalence of simple congenital heart disease. What is New: • The peripheral perfusion index at high altitude is not lower than at sea level. • The prevalence of PDA is significantly higher in those with false positive screening results.

The protective effect of JZL184 on ovarian ischemia reperfusion injury and ovarian reserve in rats.

AIM: Ovarian torsion is a gynecopathology that requires emergency surgery in women. However, ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) occurs after treatment with detorsion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 on ovarian IRI and ovarian reserve. METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. Group 1: Sham, Group 2: Ischemia, Group 3: ischemia/reperfusion (IR), Group 4: IR + JZL184 4 mg/kg, Group 5: IR + JZL184 16 mg/kg, Group 6: IR + vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide). Three hours of ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Two different doses of JZL184 (4 and 16 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally in Group 4 and 5, 30 min before reperfusion. Ovarian IRI and ovarian reserve were evaluated in serum and tissue by using histopathological and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Treatment with JZL184 was associated with a significant increase in ovarian 2-arachidonoylglycerol and improved serum anti-Mullerian hormone, Inhibin B, primordial follicle count, and ovarian histopathological damage score (p < 0.05). JZL184 treatment significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). The increased phosphorile nuclear factor-κB (Phospho-NF-κB-p65), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), and TUNEL assay immunopositivity scores in ovarian I/R injury were decreased after treatment with JZL184 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: JZL184 showed significant ameliorative effects on ovarian IRI and ovarian reserve caused by IR through acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent. Thus, JZL184 may be a novel therapeutic agent for ovarian IRI.

Telomere Length in Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Telomere length is used as an indicator of biological aging. It is well known that one of the most remarkable risk factors of recurrent pregnancy losses is advanced maternal age. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss and telomere length. METHOD: The study group included 40 women, while the control group consisted of 41 healthy women whose age and body mass index were matched. A venous blood sample was taken from all participants into EDTA tubes in the early follicular phase, and telomere length was measured through the qPCR technique. RESULTS: When the mean TL of the groups was compared, it was determined that TL was significantly shorter among the iRPL group (7763.89±924.58 base pair) compared to the control group (8398.84±1102.95 base pair) (p<0.006). Whereas FSH and E2 were higher in the iRPL group, TAFC was lower (p<0.001). When the correlation between telomere length and endocrine parameters was statistically tested in the iRPL group, a negative correlation was found between FSH and telomere length (r=-0.437; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Shortened telomere length might play a role in the etiology of iRPL. We are of the opinion that patients with RPL should be screened for the presence of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases, as is the case for POF.

The Effect of Maternal Pulmonary Function Test Parameters on Umbilical Cord Blood Gas and the Duration of Labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the maternal pulmonary function test (PFT) and the Apgar score of the newborn, umbilical cord blood (UCB) gas values and the duration of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study included 41 volunteer nulliparous pregnant women who presented to our obstetrics clinic and PFTs were performed by using spirometry. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between 5th-minute Apgar scores and maternal FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) (lt), FEV1%, FVC (lt), FVC% (r=0.509, p=0.003; r=0.47, p=0.007; r=0.434, p=0.013; r=0.417, p=0.017; respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between UCB pH value and maternal FEV1 (lt), FVC (lt) (r=0.515, p=0.003; r=0.351, p=0.049; respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that FEV1 and FVC values, which indicate maternal respiratory functions, may affect Apgar scores of the newborn and UCB gas values.

Dual energy CT in necrotizing enterocolitis; a novel diagnostic approach.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Although there are no specific diagnostic tools, the main factors affecting prognosis are clinical and laboratory findings, and early diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in confirming intestinal ischemia in neonates with NEC. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with NEC in a neonatal intensive care unit were staged according to modified Bell's classification, and DECT was performed on patients with NEC stages 2-A, 2-B and 3-A. According to their DECT reports, these patients were then separated into two groups: those with intestinal ischemia and those without intestinal ischemia. The patients with intestinal ischemia were evaluated using surgical reports, and the other patients were evaluated using clinical findings. RESULTS: DECT was performed in 21 patients with NEC stages 2-A, 2-B and 3-A. Twelve patients (57.1%) without ischemia were followed up without surgery. Nine patients (42.9%) with ischemia on DECT were operated on, and resection and anastomosis or ileostomy and colostomy were performed. DISCUSSION: In patients with NEC, DECT significantly increases overall diagnostic confidence in assessing intestinal necrosis when compared with traditional diagnostic methods.

Can Inflammatory Hematological Parameters be a Guide to Late-onset Fetal Growth Restriction?

PURPOSE: To compare the rates obtained from hematological parameters in cases of late-onset idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) with healthy pregnancies and to evaluate the effect on neonatal outcomes. METHODS: The study group consisted of 63 pregnant women with late-onset idiopathic FGR and the control group consisted of 91 healthy pregnant women. The determined rates were calculated from the control hemograms of patients at 28 weeks. Both groups were compared for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other parameters. RESULTS: NLR, leukocyte and neutrophil levels were significantly higher in the FGR group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in PLR, platelet and lymphocyte levels between the groups (p>0.05). To predict FGR, the best cut-off value of NLR was determined to be 4.11 with 56% sensitivity and 88% specificity values. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet interactions have an important role in FGR development. Inflammation can be involved in the etiopathogenesis in late-onset FGR.

Environmental Exposures in the Etiology of Abortion: Placental Toxic and Trace Element Levels.

PURPOSE: Intensive research has been conducted on the effects of toxic and trace elements on pregnancy. Previous studies indicated a possible relationship between placental levels of these elements and first-trimester abortion; however, their effects on the further gestational weeks are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of changes in the levels of placental trace and toxic elements on second-trimester abortion. METHODS: The patient group consisted of 30 women with missed abortion. The control group comprised 60 healthy term and singleton pregnant women who gave birth. Placental samples were obtained from the patients and the healthy controls, and the concentrations of placental elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In the abortion group, placental arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, antimony, tin, cobalt, manganese, and selenium levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). Antimony was determined as an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 6.1 in toxic elements (p=0.025), and selenium was determined as an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 2.3 in trace elements (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: The changes in trace element and toxic element levels, especially an increase in antimony and selenium, in placental tissue due to environmental exposure may play an important role in second-trimester abortion.

Decreased expression of LIF mRNA in patients withmyoma uteri.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate endometrial receptivity by measuring HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and LIF gene expressions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: A total of 48 women were included in this clinical study. Thepatients were allocated to two groups: study group consisted of 28 patients with myoma uteri and control group consisted of 20 patients without myoma uteri. Endometrial sampling was performed during the proliferative phase. The biopsies obtained from the patients with myoma uteri were taken from the place where the fibroids were localized. HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and LIF expressions were measured in the endometrial sampling material. Demographic data of the patients such as age, obstetric and gynecologic history, medical conditions, medications, surgical history, last menstrual period were recorded. Also, the number, size, localization, and type of the myoma were registered. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.07 and 38.17, respectively. HOXA-11 levels in the study and control groups were 0.004 ± 0.001 and 0.010 ± 0.001, respectively ( P < 0.90). Paradoxically, HOXA-10 levels were found to be higher in the study group than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P < 0.25). LIF levels were significantly lower in the study group ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that myoma uteri might lead to a decrease in implantation rate by diminishing LIF gene expressions. However, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of HOXA-10 and HOXA-11 levels.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF FEMORAL CARTILAGE THICKNESS IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME.

The aim of the study was to investigate knee cartilage thickness in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients using ultrasonography and to assess the effects of sex steroids on osteoarthritis development. A total of 90 female patients were enrolled in the study, including 47 patients diagnosed with PCOS as study group and 43 patients admitted to our hospital for any other complaints as control group. Ultrasonographic evaluation of both knees was performed in all patients. The knee cartilage thickness was measured at lateral condyle, intercondylar area and medial condyle. The measurements were averaged for each region. The mean femoral cartilage thickness was greater in the study group compared with control group in all regions, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.005). In conclusion, we found PCOS patients to have greater mean cartilage thickness, supporting the possible effects of sex steroids on osteoarthritis development.

Protective Effect of Nicotine on Sepsis-Induced Oxidative Multiorgan Damage: Role of Neutrophils.

INTRODUCTION: Despite its adverse health consequences, tobacco smoking is associated with lower incidence of several neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. The present study is aimed to show the effects of nicotine, major tobacco constituent, on five organs targeted by sepsis. METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats received tap water with (5mg/kg) or without nicotine for 14 days. Under ketamine anesthesia, sepsis (n = 50) was induced by ligation and puncture of the cecum, while sham group (n = 8) had only laparotomy. In other rats, nicotine drink was withdrawn for 5 days before sepsis induction, while in acute nicotine group, rats were injected with nicotine (30mg/kg, i.p.) before sepsis, but had no oral intake. Rats were decapitated 24 hours after surgery to obtain lung, liver, ileum, heart, and kidney tissues to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparison tests or Student's t test. RESULTS: Chronic nicotine administration or its withdrawal reduced lipid peroxidation and MPO activity and prevented GSH depletion with some varying results in different target tissues. Nicotine injection prior to sepsis depressed MPO activity in all tissues and reduced MDA levels except for the lung, while GSH levels were elevated only in the hepatic and ileal tissues. Histologically observed injury was ameliorated by all nicotine treatments at varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that long-term nicotine administration reduces sepsis-induced oxidative damage in several tissues, which appears to involve inhibition of neutrophil activity in the inflamed tissues. IMPLICATIONS: Nicotine administration or its withdrawal reduced lipid peroxidation and neutrophil content and prevented GSH depletion with some varying results in different target tissues. A single injection prior to sepsis induction depressed MPO activity in all the tissues and reduced all tissue MDA levels except for the lung. When nicotine was withdrawn for 5 days, its inhibitory effect on MPO activity was still present in all the tissues except for the liver. Microscopically an improved inflammatory response was observed in all the tissues of rats that have received different nicotine pretreatment regimens.

Perinatal outcomes and cost-effectivity of the assisted reproduction pregnancies with advanced age: A retrospective analysis.

We demonstrated the IVF-ICSI results, perinatal outcomes and cost-effectivity of the patients with advanced age at a tertiary centre. A total of 456 patients categorised into two groups according to age: group 1 (n = 158) (≥39years) and group 2 (n = 298) (<39years) were analysed retrospectively. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed according to the 40 years cut-off. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly different between the groups (p< .001). Preterm delivery (< 37 gestational week) and low birth weight (< 2500 g) were significantly higher in advanced aged women than youngsters (p< .001). Mean expense per cycle for hormonal stimulation of IVF-ICSI was 1058.9 and 723.5 USD in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p< .001). Mean expense per pregnancy was 9294.7 and 1874.8 USD in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p< .001). Our study showed that perinatal outcomes and cost-effectivity might be adversely affected with increasing age.

The Relationship Between Skinfold Thickness and Leptin, Ghrelin, Adiponectin, and Resistin Levels in Infants of Diabetic Mothers.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between skinfold thickness and serum leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin levels in infants of diabetic mothers. Biochemical parameters were also similar for the two groups (infants of diabetic mothers and controls) (p > 0.05). We confirmed that there was a negative correlation between birth weight and serum ghrelin level (p < 0.05) in the two groups. When it was evaluated for control newborns, a positive correlation between abdominal circumference and serum resistin level was found in the controls (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that gestational diabetes by appropriate diet or insulin treatment may be effective in the protection of fetuses of diabetic mothers from the negative effects of gestational diabetes. Ghrelin alone was negatively correlated with birth weight. This negative correlation could be potentially advantageous to infants, because a reduction in appetite might prevent excessive food intake and postnatal weight gain.

Is there association between vitamin D levels, apelin 36, and visfatin in PCOS?

AIM: We aimed to evaluate vitamin D, apelin-36, and visfatin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was completed in six months, including a total of 110 patients who were admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology polyclinic. Patients with a diagnosis of PCOS were divided into two subgroups according to their vitamin D levels. Thirty-four patients had <10 ng/ml of vitamin D deficiency and 21 patients had 10-30 ng/ml of vitamin D insufficiency, with each being defined as a subgroup. RESULTS: Average apelin-36 and visfatin levels in PCOS patients were 2.52 ± 0.68 nmol/L and 72.63 ± 22:31 ng/ml, in the control group they were 0.92 ± 0.33 nmol/L, 24.66 ± 6 ng/ml, respectively. The difference found in PCOS patients was statistically significant (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study shows that in PCOS patients with low levels of vitamin D, insulin resistance is greater and apelin-36 serum levels were significantly higher. Although there are different opinions in the literature on this subject, we believe that when vitamin D levels are brought to an optimal level in PCOS patient, it can prevent the negative effects of adipokines in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Is there any relationship between serum sirtuin-1 level and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in hyperemesis gravidarum?

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) level and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). METHODS: Overall, 90 patients who presented with pregnancy between August 2013 and November 2014 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with HG (n=45) and patients without HG (control group [C]; n=45). The patients with comorbid conditions other than pregnancy (disease or medication) were excluded. In all patients, demographic data including age, body mass index (BMI), gestational week, and smoking status were recorded. Blood samples were drawn for complete blood count and measurements of blood lipid, liver enzymes, serum SIRT1, and insulin levels. NLR was calculated from CBC. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected in age, BMI, or GA between groups (P>0.05). Serum SIRT1 and NLR were found to be significantly higher in patients with HG compared with those in the control group (P=0.001 and 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: In HG, both SIRT1 level and NLR increased. In HG, this occurred as a response to metabolic alterations and potential inflammation.

Unenhanced 3D turbo spin echo MR angiography of lower extremity arteries: comparison with 128-MDCT angiography.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and diagnostic power of unenhanced 3D turbo spin echo MR angiography sequence (a technique based on subtraction of corresponding images acquired in diastole and systole, Syngo Native Space-Siemens healthcare) to identify peripheral artery disease (PAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (619 arterial segments in total) suspected with PAD and who were assessed with lower extremity MDCT angiography were examined starting from the level of aortic bifurcation for both lower extremities by 3D native space MR angiography. Two readers assessed the image quality of native space MR angiography and number of lesions, their degrees of stenosis and localizations. The differences and compliance between the readers in the parameters assessed were investigated. RESULTS: Out of 619 segments; Reader 1 considered 187 segments (30.2 %) and Reader 2 considered 177 segments (28.6 %) to have poor and inadequate MR image quality. When compared to CTA, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of native space MR angiography were calculated as 81.0, 83.1, 82.6 %, respectively, by Reader 1, while the same parameters were calculated as 69.9, 92.6, 84.9 %, respectively, by Reader 2. When the two readers were examined together, sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy were found to be 76.3, 88.1, 83.7 %, respectively, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 70.3 and 89.9 %, respectively. A significantly better image quality was acquired with the age group below 50 years (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Native space MR angiography technique can be used as the first-step imaging technique before contrast-enhanced examinations in young and middle age patients with suspected PAD and for patients with the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in chronic renal failure.