Impact of Preoperative Video-Based Education on Anxiety Levels in Patients with Renal Stones Scheduled for Flexible Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy: A Comparative Study Using APAIS and STAI.

BACKGROUND Anxiety prior to surgery can impact patient outcomes and satisfaction. In light of this, our study aimed to examine the effects of preoperative video-based information versus verbal information on anxiety levels among 60 patients with renal stones slated for flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Anxiety was measured using the Amsterdam Pre-Operative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 60 patients with renal stones who were scheduled for flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. These patients were divided randomly into two groups: Group 1 (30 patients) received preoperative video-based information and Group 2 (30 patients) received only verbal information. Anxiety levels were assessed preoperatively using both the APAIS and STAI. On the first postoperative day, each patient indicated their pain using a visual analogue scale and filled out a questionnaire about their willingness to undergo the procedure again. RESULTS Group 1 exhibited lower anxiety levels as reflected by the APAIS scores for anesthesia (P=0.02), surgery (P<0.001), overall (P<0.001), and information needs (P<0.001). While there was no significant difference in the STAI-trait anxiety scores between the groups (P=0.15), Group 2 demonstrated notably higher anxiety levels concerning the surgical procedure, as measured by the STAI-state scores (P<0.001). The average pain score was 4.23 ± 2.17 for Group 1 and 5.37 ± 2.83 for Group 2 (P=0.08). Patients in Group 1 showed a greater willingness to undergo the surgery again (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Delivering preoperative information through videos significantly diminishes anxiety levels in patients about to undergo retrograde intrarenal surgery compared to traditional verbal communication.

Thiol-disulphide balance in infertility secondary to varicocele.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of infertility secondary to varicocele. We aimed to investigate the dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis as an oxidative stress marker in the spermatic vein of infertility secondary to varicocele. Sixty-one patients with varicocele were included in the study. Blood was drawn from the median cubital vein and the testicular venous return side before the spermatic vein was separated during surgery. Total thiol, native thiol, disulphide, ischaemia modified albumin (IMA) and albumin values were measured from both the dilated spermatic vein and the median cubital vein. The disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratios were determined. The mean age of the patients was 27.0 ± 6.68 (15-50) years. While the albumin, native thiol and total thiol values and the native thiol/total thiol ratio were significantly lower (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively), the IMA value and the disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol ratios were significantly higher (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively) in the samples taken from spermatic venous blood. Thiol-disulphide balance had deteriorated towards disulphide formation in the spermatic vein compared with the peripheral vein. Abnormal thiol-disulphide balance may be an independent risk factor for infertility secondary to varicocele.

Investigation of the effect of crocin pretreatment on renal injury induced by infrarenal aortic occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury is an important complication of abdominal aortic surgery, and it mainly affects the lower extremities and remote organs. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of crocin in IR-mediated kidney damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were equally and randomly separated into three groups as follows: sham laparotomy, IR, and IR + crocin. Infrarenal aortic occlusion and reperfusion was applied for 1 and 2 h, respectively. Tissue samples were removed and collected. Biochemical and histopathologic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, renal tissue tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, interferon gamma, IL-1ß, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index levels were significantly higher in IR group, when compared with other groups. These improvements were also demonstrated with some parameters including total score of histopathologic damage, Tunel, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression levels, and these parameters were prominently higher in the IR group, when compared with the other groups. Nevertheless, Bcl2 expression degree was prominently lower in the IR group than those in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Data established from the present study suggest that crocin can preclude renal damage in infrarenal aortic occlusion models.

Age and total and free prostate-specific antigen levels for predicting prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predictive values of free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA), total PSA (tPSA) and age on the prostate volume. METHODS: The data of 2148 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The patients who had transrectal ultrasonography guided 10 core biopsies owing to the findings obtained on digital rectal examination and presence of high PSA levels (PSA = 2.5-10 ng/dl), and proven to have BPH histopathologically were included in the study. Age, tPSA, fPSA and the prostate volumes (PV) of the patients were noted. RESULTS: One thousand patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The PV of the patients were significantly correlated with age, tPSA and fPSA (p < 0.001 and r = 0.307, p < 0.001 and r = 0.382, p < 0.001 and r = 0.296, respectively). On linear regression model, fPSA was found as a stronger predictive for PV (AUC = 0.75, p < 0.001) when compared to age (AUC = 0.64, p < 0.001), and tPSA (AUC = 0.69, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Although tPSA is an important prognostic factor for predicting PV, the predictive value of fPSA is higher. PV can easily be predicted by using age, and serum tPSA and fPSA levels.

Effects of Parenchymal Thickness and Stone Density Values on Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Outcomes.

BACKGROUND It is unclear whether parenchymal thickness (PT), in combination with stone density measured by Hounsfield Units (HU), affects stone-free rates after PCNL. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between PT in combination with stone density values and the outcomes of PCNL. MATERIAL AND METHODS From 2009 to 2014, data from 216 PCNL patients were prospectively analyzed. In total, 120 patients were included in the study. Using NCCT images, stone burden, stone localization, stone density as HU values, PT, and operative-postoperative parameters were recorded. RESULTS Stone localization, stone type, stone burden, and presence of hydronephrosis were statistically significant factors affecting stone-free status (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively). The stone-free rate in patients with thicker renal parenchyma was higher than in patients with lower parenchymal thickness (p<0.01). No correlation was detected between stone density and success rate (p>0.05). Drop in Hb (%) was only correlated with parenchymal thickness (p<0.01). In univariate analyses, factors that affected blood transfusion requirement were PT, BMI, and operative times (p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Stone location, stone burden, and presence of hydronephrosis detected with NCCT were factors affecting PCNL outcome. Stone density values did not correlate with the rate of bleeding or success of PCNL. PT measured by NCCT may predict bleeding and may guide surgeons in determining preoperative blood requirements. The outcome of PCNL appeared to be better in patients with thicker renal parenchyma and should be taken into consideration in the clinical evaluation of patients undergoing PCNL.

Patient characteristics and statin discontinuation-related factors during treatment of hypercholesterolemia: an observational non-interventional study in patients with statin discontinuation (STAY study).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics and statin discontinuation-related factors in patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: A total of 532 patients (age mean±SD: 57.4±11.5 years; 52.4% women, 47.6% men) with hypercholesterolemia and statin discontinuation were included in this national cross-sectional non-interventional observational study. Data on socio-demographic characteristics of patients, cardiovascular risk factors, past treatment with and discontinuation of statin treatment were collected in one visit. RESULTS: Mean±SD duration of hypercholesterolemia was 4.9±4.2 years at time of discontinuation of statin treatment. Statin treatment was initiated by cardiologists in the majority of cases (55.8%), whereas discontinuation of statin treatment was decided by patients in the majority of cases (73.7%), with patients with higher (at least secondary education, 80.4%) more likely than those with lower (only primary education, 69.7%) to decide to discontinue treatment (p=0.022). Negative information about statin treatment disseminated by TV programs-mostly regarding coverage of hepatic (38.0%), renal (33.8%), and muscular (32.9%) side effects (32.9%)-was the most common reason for treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: The decision to discontinue statin treatment was made at the patient's discretion in 74% of cases, with higher likelihood of patients with higher educational status deciding to discontinue treatment and switch to non-drug lipid-lowering alternatives. Cardiologists were the physicians most frequently responsible for the initiation of the statin treatment; coverage of several non-life-threatening statin side effects by TV programs and patients' lack of information regarding high cholesterol and related risks were the leading factors predisposing to treatment discontinuation.

Different presentation types of primary Brucella epididimo-orchitis.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that involved genitourinary system in 2-20% and most commonly cause single sided epididymo-orchitis. In our country Brucella is an endemic disease and causes serious and different diagnosis of acute scrotum and epididymo-orchitis. In this paper six cases of epididymo-orchitis cases which were resistant to classical treatment were discussed according to clinical and laboratory findings. We describe different types of presentation of Brucella epididymo-orchitis with diagnosis and treatment modalities.

Urinary tract infection in pregnant population, which empirical antimicrobial agent should be specified in each of the three trimesters?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the bacterial profile and the adequacy of antimicrobial treatment in pregnant women with urinary tract infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted with 753 pregnant women who needed hospitalization because of UTI in each of the three trimesters. Midstream urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were evaluated. RESULTS: E. Coli was the most frequently isolated bacterial agent (82.2%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (11.2%). In each of the three trimesters, E. Coli remained the most frequently isolated bacterium (86%, 82.2%, 79.5%, respectively), followed by Klebsiella spp. (9%, 11.6%, 12.2%, respectively). Enterococcus spp. were isolated as a third microbial agent, with 43 patients (5.7%) in the three trimesters. The bacteria were found to be highly sensitive to fosfomycin, with 98-99% sensitivity for E.Coli and 88-89% for Klebsiella spp. and for Enterococcus spp. 93-100% nitrofurantoin sensitivity for each of the three trimesters. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that E. Coli and Klebsiella spp. are the most common bacterial agents isolated from urine culture of pregnant women with UTI in each of the three trimesters. We consider fosfomycin to be the most adequate first-line treatment regimen due to high sensitivity to the drug, ease of use and safety for use in pregnancy

The relationship between heart failure and smoking, and development of urethral stricture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between heart failure (HF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and smoking with the development of urethral stricture (US) by examining the patients who underwent transurethral prostate resection procedure, with and without the development of US in their follow-ups. METHODS: Among the patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate, 50 patients who developed US during their follow-ups formed group 1, while a total of 50 patients who did not develop US and were selected by lot formed group 2. The relationship between the patients' data on HF, COPD and smoking status and the development of US was investigated. RESULTS: The mean number of cigarettes smoked was statistically significantly high in the group with stricture (p = 0.007). Furthermore, pulmonary function test parameters of patients such as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC were found to be statistically significantly higher in Group 2 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.008, respectively). In the logistic regression analysis, being a smoker was found to be the strongest predictor (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Our study concluded that smoking, HF, and COPD significantly increase the risk of developing stricture after transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación de la insuficiencia cardiaca, la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y el tabaquismo con el desarrollo de estenosis de uretra en pacientes sometidos a resección transuretral de próstata con y sin desarrollo de estenosis de uretra en su seguimiento. MÉTODO: Cincuenta pacientes que desarrollaron estenosis de uretra durante su seguimiento formaron el grupo 1, y 50 pacientes que no desarrollaron estenosis de uretra y fueron seleccionados por lote formaron el grupo 2. Se investigó la relación de los datos de los pacientes sobre insuficiencia cardiaca, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y tabaquismo con el desarrollo de estenosis uretral. RESULTADOS: La media de cigarrillos fumados fue significativamente más alta en el grupo con estenosis (p = 0.007). Además, se encontró que los parámetros de las pruebas de función pulmonar de los pacientes, como FEV1, FVC y FEV1/FVC, eran significativamente más altos en el grupo 2 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 y p = 0.008, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: El tabaquismo, la insuficiencia cardiaca y la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica aumentan significativamente el riesgo de desarrollar estenosis después de una resección transuretral de próstata.

Methylation analysis of histone 4-related gene HIST1H4F and its effect on gene expression in bladder cancer.

Recently, aberrant DNA methylation of the HIST1H4F gene (encodes Histone 4 protein) has been shown in many types of cancer, which may serve as a promising biomarker for early cancer diagnosis. However, the correlation between DNA methylation of the HIST1H4F gene and its role in gene expression is unclear in bladder cancer. Therefore, the first objective of this study is to explore the DNA methylation pattern of the HIST1H4F gene and then further elucidate its effects on HIST1H4F mRNA expression in bladder cancer. To this end, the methylation pattern of the HIST1H4F gene was analyzed by pyrosequencing and the effects of the methylation profiles of this gene on HIST1H4F mRNA expression in bladder cancer were examined by qRT-PCR. Sequencing analysis revealed significantly higher methylation frequencies of the HIST1H4F gene in bladder tumor samples compared to normal samples (p < 0,0001). However, when we evaluated the correlations between hypermethylation of HIST1H4F and the clinicopathological parameters (tumor stage, tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, muscle-invasion), no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). In addition, we examined the role of hypermethylation of the HIST1H4F gene on HIST1H4F mRNA expression. We found that hypermethylation of HIST1H4F in the exon have no effect HIST1H4F mRNA expression in bladder cancer (p > 0.05). We also confirmed our finding in cultured T24 cell line which HIST1H4F gene is hypermethylated. Our results suggest that hypermethylation of the HIST1H4F seems to be a promising early diagnostic biomarker in bladder cancer patients. However, further studies are needed to determine the role of HIST1H4F hypermethylation in tumorigenesis.

Determination of homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 polymorphisms rs2058265, rs6464214, and rs7456421 in patients with kidney stone.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) polymorphism is associated with renal stone formation in a Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 129 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and 67 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected into EDTA tubes. The DNA of patients was extracted using a QIAsymphony® automated DNA isolation system. The Chi-square test was applied in the comparisons between the patient and control groups in respect of the differences in the genotype and allele frequencies. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) incidence in single allele and double alleles in the rs2058265 and rs6464214 regions (p = 0.13 and 0.37, respectively). The SNP incidence in double alleles in nephrolithiasis patients at rs7456421 was statistically significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Distributions of the genotype and allele of the three polymorphisms (rs2058265, rs6464214, and rs745642 in HIPK2) were not associated with an increased risk of kidney stone in this Turkish population.

OBJETIVO: Investigar si el polimorfismo de la proteína cinasa 2 que interactúa con el homeodominio (HIPK2) está asociado con la formación de cálculos renales en una población turca. MÉTODO: Se inscribieron en el estudio 129 pacientes con nefrolitiasis cálcica y 67 sujetos control sanos, emparejados por sexo y edad. Las muestras de sangre se recogieron en tubos con EDTA. El ADN de los pacientes se extrajo mediante un sistema de aislamiento de ADN automatizado QIAsymphony®. Se aplicó la prueba χ2 en las comparaciones entre los grupos de pacientes y control con respecto a las diferencias de las frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en términos de incidencia de polimorfismo de nucleótido simple (PNS) en alelo simple y alelo doble en las regiones rs2058265 y rs6464214 (p = 0.13 y 0.37, respectivamente). La incidencia de PNS en alelos dobles en pacientes con nefrolitiasis en rs7456421 fue menor que en el grupo control, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: Las distribuciones de genotipo y alelo de los tres polimorfismos (rs2058265, rs6464214 y rs745642 en HIPK2) no se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de cálculos renales en esta población turca.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radical Prostatectomy: A Turkish Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examines the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on radical prostatectomy performed as part of localized prostate cancer treatment in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of the data of 176 patients from 8 centers in Turkey who underwent radical prostatectomy due to localized prostate cancer over the 2 years spanning March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021. Within this timeframe, March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020, was denoted the 1-year pre-coronavirus disease 2019 period, while March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, was denoted the 1-year coronavirus disease 2019 period. An analysis was made of whether there was a difference in the number of radical prostatectomies performed for prostate cancer, the time from biopsy to operation, and the biopsy and radical prostatectomy pathology between the 2 periods. RESULTS: It was found that the number of radical prostatectomies performed for localized prostate cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was statistically and highly significantly fewer than in the pre-coronavirus disease 2019 period (P <.001). The patients diagnosed with Gleason 3+3 (low risk) prostate cancer were statistically significantly fewer in number in the coronavirus disease 2019 period (P <.001). The pathological Gleason score was upgrading than the biopsy Gleason score in all patients who underwent in both periods (P <.001). When the periods were compared, the pathological involvement determined by lymph node dissection performed during radical prostatectomy was found to be decreased in the coronavirus disease 2019 period, although the difference was not statistically significant (P =.051). CONCLUSION: As with many diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer have been adversely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

P wave and QT changes among inpatients with schizophrenia after parenteral ziprasidone administration.

OBJECTIVE: Although ziprasidone has been reported to cause ventricular arrhythmias, there have been no studies regarding the influence of ziprasidone on atrial conduction. Intraatrial and interatrial conduction time prolongation and inhomogeneous propagation of sinus impulses are indicated by P wave changes on surface electrocardiography. We aimed to evaluate proneness to atrial fibrillation after intramuscular ziprasidone in drug-free inpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: We evaluated 11 eligible inpatients who were drug free for at least 4 weeks with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia disorder and 11 healthy controls who were hospital staff members. Electrocardiography was performed at baseline and 1.5-2h after ziprasidone injection. A 12-lead surface electrocardiogram was obtained from each subject in the supine position at a paper speed of 50mm/s and 2mV/cm. RESULTS: The changes between baseline and the period after parenteral ziprasidone administration in P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, QTc, QTc(max), QTc(min), and QT dispersion variables were significant (p>0.05). The initial P-wave dispersion was significantly longer in patients than in healthy controls (p<0.05). There were no correlations between electrocardiography parameters and clinical severity scores or demographic variables in either group. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular ziprasidone administration does not seem to influence atrial and ventricular electrical conduction in drug-free inpatients with schizophrenia. However, schizophrenia might affect atrial conduction resulting in atrial fibrillation, which may be a cause of some complications in inpatients with this schizophrenia.

Serum myeloperoxidase level predicts reperfusion in patients with myocardial infarction receiving thrombolytic therapy.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes play a central role in all stages of the atherothrombotic inflammatory process. The atherothrombotic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes is exerted by mediators such as myeloperoxidase (MPO). Although the role of MPO has been studied with respect to the development of adverse cardiac events in acute coronary syndromes (ACS), the association of this molecule with effectiveness of reperfusion in patients receiving thrombolysis is not yet known. The study population consisted of a total of 158 patients with acute coronary syndromes. Final diagnosis was ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in 86 patients, 80 of whom received thrombolysis. Blood samples were drawn at presentation of the patients and serum myeloperoxidase levels were measured. Reperfusion was defined in terms of electrocardiographic ST-segment resolution. The serum levels of MPO were found to be correlated with rates of in-hospital adverse events including death (P < 0.001), reinfarction (P < 0.001), recurrent ischemia (P < 0.001), arrhythmias (P < 0.001), clinical heart failure (P < 0.001), and cardiogenic shock (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in serum MPO levels between subjects with three-vessel disease and two- or one-vessel disease (P < 0.001). Pre-lytic serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients with successful reperfusion were lower than in patients with failed reperfusion (P < 0.001). Analysis of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving thrombolytic therapy revealed that pre-lytic serum MPO levels in patients with successful reperfusion were significantly lower than those of patients with failed reperfusion (P < 0.001). In the present study, serum MPO levels were found to be a strong predictor of response to thrombolytic treatment in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Therefore the level of inflammatory activity in acute coronary syndromes seems to influence the effectiveness of fibrinolysis.

Electrocardiographical P wave changes after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with schizophrenia: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac ventricular conduction has been studied in patients with schizophrenia who have undergone electroconvulsive therapies while they were drug-naive or drug-free or on drug regimens; however, atrial conduction has not been studied in this setting. We aimed to measure atrial and ventricular conduction changes in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia after convulsive therapy. METHODS: Fifteen people with schizophrenia and 15 healthy people enrolled in the study. The participants were assessed for fasting blood glucose and electrolyte levels before the study. All patients were receiving atypical antipsychotics. The electrocardiography records were obtained before the first convulsive therapy and after the third session. RESULTS: The baseline P minimum duration in the patient group was significantly smaller than healthy controls. There was a significant increase in patients' P maximum duration after the third convulsive therapy session (P < 0.05). The differences in P Wave Dispersion, QTc, and QT Dispersion between baseline and after the third session in patients were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The lower P wave duration minimum may be related to autonomic nervous system dysregulation in schizophrenia because an acute episode of the illness and/or antipsychotic drugs. In addition, we propose that electroconvulsive therapy alone or in combination with atypical antipsychotics may influence atrial conduction as evidenced by the significantly prolonged P wave maximum.

Time-dependent effects of dantrolene on motor evoked potentials in experimental spinal cord injuries.

Objectives:Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant clinical problem with numerous secondary complications and perpetual deficits. No potent treatment is currently available to fully repair motor and other neurological functions. We studied the effects of dantrolene (DNT) at different time points, on the motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and the apoptosis response in spinal cord injury. Methods:The study was conducted on a total of 38 rabbits divided into five main groups.These were group 1 (sham): only laminectomy (n = 6), group 2 (SCI): laminectomy and traumatic SCI (n = 8), group 3 (DNT 0h): just after the SCI, DNT 10 mg/kg I.P. (n = 8), group 4 (DNT 1h): 1 h after the SCI, DNT 10 mg/kg I.P. (n = 8), and group 5 (DNT 4h): 4 h after the SCI, DNT 10 mg/kg I.P. (n = 8). Results: DNT, which was administered as the treatment, had a therapeutic effect on the motor function. This effect was observed by recording neural transmission obtained via the Tarlov test and a transcranial magnetic stimulator by using the values of the MEPs. A significant decrease was histopathologically observed in the apoptotic cell count. Discussion: The electrophysiological efficacy of our model of trauma as SCI has been complemented with the significant differences between the control group and the SCI group. This creates a need for electrophysiological studies to be conducted in the future because effects, even at a minimum level, may play an important role in finding an applicable medicine for SCI.

Prognostic significance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between BDNF levels and prognostic markers in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), considering death or rehospitalization due to HF. METHODS: Patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤35%) and individuals with no history of cardiac disease (control group) were included in the study conducted between 2013 and 2017. Of the included patients, 52 were classified as mildly symptomatic [New York Heart Association (NYHA) I-II], and 108 were classified as severely symptomatic (NYHA III). The control group comprised 50 individuals. The primary endpoints of the study consisted of cardiovascular death during long-term follow-up and hospitalization for worsening of HF. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient group was 67.60±11.45 years and 58% were male, whereas that of the control group was 66.28±11.30 years and 48% were male. The N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) serum levels in patients with HF were higher, whereas the BDNF values were lower than those in the control group (NT-pro-BNP: 5010±851 pg/mL vs. 33±11 pg/mL, p<0.001; BDNF: 8.64±1.12 ng/mL vs. 17.58±4.51 ng/mL, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis suggested that there was a significant association between BDNF levels and clinical status, generating the primary endpoints of death [BDNF levels: Odds ratio (OR)=0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05-0.53, p=0.002], and rehospitalization (BDNF levels: OR=0.702, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92, p=0.010). CONCLUSION: Decreased serum BDNF levels were associated with death and rehospitalization in patients with HF, suggesting that these levels can be useful prognostic biomarkers.

Protective effects of dantrolene and methylprednisolone against spinal cord injury-induced early oxidative damage in rabbit bladder: A comparative experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) may cause dysfunction in the bladder and many distal organs due to systemic inflammatory response and oxidative stress-related injury. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the preventive effects of dantrolene (DNT) and methylprednisolone (MP) on stress-induced tissue damage in rabbit bladder with SCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 35 rabbits were included in this study and they were divided into 5 groups: group 1 - control, group 2 - SCI only, group 3 - SCI and DNT, group 4 - SCI and MP, and group 5 - SCI and DNT+MP. Twenty-four hours after SCI, the bladders of these rabbits were removed and the histopathologic changes in the bladder were examined under a light microscope. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were evaluated as antioxidant agents both in bladder tissue and in blood. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, there was an increase in edema and congestion in all groups. The least amount of edema was observed in the group receiving DNT and the least amount of congestion was observed in the group receiving combined treatment (group 5). No superiority was found between the drug-receiving groups in terms of reducing MDA level in blood and tissue after SCI. The most successful group was the group receiving combined drug therapy in terms of increasing the blood GSH level, which was significantly decreased after SCI. After SCI, blood NO level increased significantly in all groups. Nitric oxide levels in the bladder tissue significantly decreased in the groups receiving DNT and combination therapy and fell in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Dantrolene and MP may have potential benefits against oxidative damage in the bladder after SCIs because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In particular, the combined use of DNT and MP at different doses can be considered a treatment strategy.

Rare complication of needleless mini-sling procedure: Case report.

The mini-sling procedure is a widely used, minimally invasive treatment for stress urinary incontinence. While bladder perforation and stone formation over the mesh is not an expected complication of the mini-sling procedure, in this case, we report on the management of bladder calculi formed over the mesh, which was passed through the bladder while applying the mini-sling procedure, and was eventually removed using holmium laser. Performing cystoscopy in patients with irritative and obstructive symptoms after the sling procedure will help confirm bladder perforation, and an endoscopic approach using holmium laser is an effective treatment.