Evaluation of the Preoperative Slide Test in the Prediction of Intra-Abdominal Adhesions: A Single-Center, Double-Blinded, Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of the preoperative ultrasonographic sliding sign in predicting intra-abdominal adhesions. METHODS: This was a single-center, double-blinded, prospective observational study undertaken from March and September 2021 on 110 patients with a history of previous abdominal surgery. All patients who were scheduled for laparoscopy underwent slide test in 5 zones of abdomen: right lower quadrant, left lower quadrant, previous operation site, vesicouterine pouch, and rectovaginal pouch. Adhesions were assessed by the same gynecologic surgeon using ultrasonography before the surgery and by gynecological surgeons during surgery, and by a third gynecologic surgeon to compare the preoperative slide test findings and laparoscopic findings after the surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-three (66.4%) patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 37 (33.6%) patients underwent laparotomy. The mean age of patients was 46.9 ± 1.0 years. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of preoperative ultrasonography in predicting adhesions were 89.5%, 91.7%, 97.5%, and 71.0%, respectively. The accuracy of the slide test was calculated as 90.0%. It was found that as the total number of cesarean sections increased the estimates of vesicouterine adhesions and actual adhesions increased (P = .008). Also, the prediction of intra-abdominal adhesions and actual adhesions significantly increased as the total number of surgical operations increased (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal adhesions can be detected with the slide test, which is a non-invasive and well-tolerated procedure. Slide test can guide the physician before the elective operation in patients with previous abdominal surgery and may assist in counseling patients.

The importance in diagnosing patients with conflicting observational data for post surgery radioiodinated ablation of thyroid remnants.

OBJECTIVE: There is a special group of patients, according to 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. This group is defined as "the patients with conflicting observational data for post-surgery radioiodine ablation (COD for PSRIA)". For this special group of patients RIA is applied after a thorough reassessment of histopathological, clinical and biochemical features, including thyroglobulin (Tg). However, there is no consensus on what is the suitable cut-off value for the radioiodine ablation (RIA) decision or for therapy prediction. Moreover, is also unclear which Tg parameters should be used for these purposes. If we can determine useful and practical cut-off values for excellent response (ER) and non-structural incomplete response (non-SIR) response categories, this will facilitate our therapy response prediction before RIA and may allow us to categorize the group of "COD for PSRIA" based on a higher risk of recurrence/relapse or disease specific mortality rates according to serum thyroglobulin (Tg). This categorization may also enable us to plan the follow-up frequency of patients more scientifically. Consequently, it may provide the more efficient use of medical facility and healthcare system resources. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred forty-nine patients (out of 577 examined) with "COD for PSRIA" were included in this study. Firstly, patients with indeterminate, biochemical incomplete and structural incomplete responses were considered as the non-ER group and compared to the ER group. Secondly, patients with excellent, indeterminate, and biochemically incomplete responses were considered as the non-SIR group and compared to the SIR group. The data were evaluated by MedCalc Statistical Software version 18.9. RESULTS: The cut-off value for ER patients was calculated as ≤6.57ng/mL. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 67.9%, 75.4%, 55.6% and 83.8%, respectively. The cut-off value for non-SIR patients was calculated as ≤12.7ng/mL. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 78.5%, 91.7%, 35.5% and 98.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: If a patient has ≤6.57ng/mL pre-ablative Tg, follow-up intervals of patients with "COD for PSRIA" may be extended due to lower recurrence/relapse rates. However, if a patient has >12.7ng/mL pre-ablative Tg, these patients should be followed-up more frequently in order to determine SIR earlier. This approach may enable more efficient use of medical facility and healthcare system resources and a more scientific planning of their follow-up treatment. This approach seems to have the potential to contribute significantly to cost-effectiveness.

A promising biomarker to distinguish benign and malignant renal tumors: ELABELA.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate ELABELA (ELA) expression in benign and malignant renal tissues and expression differences in different nuclear grades of clear cell carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients that underwent surgery due to renal masses between the years of 2007 and 2017 were used. Control renal tissues (n = 23), papillary RCC (n = 23), clear cell RCC (CcRCC) [Fuhrman Grade1 (n = 23), Fuhrman Grade2 (n = 23), Fuhrman Grade3 (n = 23), Fuhrman Grade4 (n = 23)], and chromophobe RCC (n = 23) were included to the study. The Independent samples t-test was used for 2-point intergroup assessments and the one-way analysis of variance and posthoctukey test was used for the others. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: ELA immunoreactivity was observed in proximal and distal tubules in the kidney, but not in glomeruli in control tissues. When compared with control kidney tissue, a statistically significant increase was observed in ELA immunoreactivity in renal oncocytoma. In the chromophobe RCC, ELA immunoreactivity was significantly lower than control kidney tissue, whereas papillary RCC did not show ELA immunoreactivity. However, compared with control kidney tissue, ELA immunoreactivity was not observed in Fuhrman Grade 1 and Grade 2 CcRCC. Also, there was a significant decrease at Fuhrman Grade 3 and Grade 4 CcRCC compared with control kidney tissues. In the statistical analysis of ELA immunoreactivity among the Fuhrman nuclear grades of CcRCCs, The ELA immunoreactivity was higher at Grade 4 CcRCC than Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. CONCLUSION: ELA is a usefull molecule to differentiate benign and malign renal tumors. But further broad and comprehensive studies are needed to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of ELAs on malign transformation.

Polysomnographic findings in persistent allergic rhinitis.

PURPOSE: Persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) is characterized by a chronic, eosinophilic inflammation with nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. Nasal congestion can constitute to sleep-disordered breathing problems that range from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PAR on sleep quality and severity of OSAS. METHODS: The study included 150 patients presenting with typical symptoms of sleep apnea. Fifty-five patients were diagnosed as PAR (group-1) and were compared with age and body mass index matched 95 individuals (group-2) without any nasal disease. Skin prick tests and polysomnography were performed in all patients. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups for polysomnographic findings including sleep architecture, arousal and respiratory index, and mean and minimal oxygen saturations. Simple snoring was determined in 41.8 % allergic and 32.6 % non-allergic patients. Mild OSAS was determined in 32.7 % allergic and 29.4 % non-allergic patients. Moderate OSAS was determined in 9 % allergic and 17.8 % non-allergic patients. Severe OSAS was determined in 16.3 % allergic and 20 % non-allergic patients. Their entire Epworth sleepiness scale index was also found similar. CONCLUSIONS: Our data pointed out that in patients with sleep-related breathing disorders symptoms, presence of PAR does not affect polysomnographic parameters compared with other patients without any nasal inflammation. Besides, prevalence of OSAS was similar between groups.

Method for fabrication and verification of conjugated nanoparticle-antibody tuning elements for multiplexed electrochemical biosensors.

There is a critical need for more accurate, highly sensitive and specific assay for disease diagnosis and management. A novel, multiplexed, single sensor using rapid and label free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tuning method has been developed. The key challenges while monitoring multiple targets is frequency overlap. Here we describe the methods to circumvent the overlap, tune by use of nanoparticle (NP) and discuss the various fabrication and characterization methods to develop this technique. First sensors were fabricated using printed circuit board (PCB) technology and nickel and gold layers were electrodeposited onto the PCB sensors. An off-chip conjugation of gold NP's to molecular recognition elements (with verification technique) is described as well. A standard covalent immobilization of the molecular recognition elements is also discussed with quality control techniques. Finally use and verification of sensitivity and specificity is also presented. By use of gold NP's of various sizes, we have demonstrated the possibility and shown little loss of sensitivity and specificity in the molecular recognition of inflammatory markers as "model" targets for our tuning system. By selection of other sized NP's or NP's of various materials, the tuning effect can be further exploited. The novel platform technology developed could be utilized in critical care, clinical management and at home health and disease management.

Influence of CPAP treatment on airway and systemic inflammation in OSAS patients.

AIM: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by recurrent respiratory disorders in the upper airways during sleep. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been accepted to be the most effective treatment for OSAS, its role on inflammation remains debatable. In this study, our aim was to examine the influence of 3 months of CPAP treatment on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), 8-isoprostane, and peroxynitrite levels in exhaled breathing condensates (EBC) and serum. METHODS: Thirty-five patients who were newly diagnosed as moderate or severe OSAS with full night polysomnography and used CPAP therapy regularly for 3 months were included in the study. Polysomnography, spirometric tests, fasting blood samples, and EBC were ascertained on entry into the study and after 3 months of treatment. All patients were assessed monthly for treatment adherence and side effects. RESULTS: We found that all polysomnographic parameters were normalized after CPAP therapy in the control polysomnogram. Also, all markers in EBC and nitrotyrosine and 8-isoprostane levels in serum were decreased significantly with CPAP treatment. Sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, IL-6, and TNF-α remained unchanged in serum after treatment. We found that baseline nitrotyrosine levels were significantly correlated with apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and percent time in SpO2 < 90 % (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP therapy has primarily a relevant impact on airways, and nitrotyrosine levels correlated well with severity of OSAS. This treatment decreases both inflammation and oxidative stress levels in airways in OSAS patients. Also, this treatment helps to decrease systemic oxidative stress levels in serum.

Comparing anterior palatoplasty and modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for primary snoring patients: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (mUP3) and anterior palatoplasty (AP) techniques for treating snoring in a prospective clinical trial. METHODOLOGY: Patients with total apnea-hypopnea index values < 5/per hour sleep were included in the study. Patients completed the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and snoring visual analogue scale (VAS) before and 24 months after surgery, and a VAS for pain after the operation. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were in the mUP3 group with a mean age of 42.1 +/- 11.8 years, and 26 in AP group with a mean age of 43.2 +/- 10.4 years. Snoring VAS values were significantly decreased after surgery in both groups (p < 0.025), but changes between operative groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Patients' ESS scores in both groups significantly decreased (p < 0.025), but ESS score changes between groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Two years postoperatively, patient satisfaction was 85% in the AP group, and 70% in the mUP3 group. Pain VAS values were significantly lower in the AP group than in the mUP3 group (p < 0.001). Eight patients (33.3%) in the mUP3 group and one (7.7%) in the AP group reported nasal regurgitation of liquids upon swallowing during the first week postoperatively. Two years after the operation, 10 patients (41.6%) in the mUP3 group and 9 (34.6%) in AP group still had a lump sensation in the throat. CONCLUSIONS: We compared the efficacy of the mUP3 and AP techniques to treat patients with primary snoring and found less morbidity and more patient satisfaction in the AP group.

The roles of Klotho and FGF-23 in bipolar manic episode.

OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorder (manic episode) is an essential psychiatric disorder with unknown etiology, in which inflammation is considered to play a role. Klotho and FGF-23 are known to be associated with inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the link between Klotho and FGF-23 levels and bipolar disorder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 42 men with BD and 41 healthy controls were enrolled, followed up, and/or treated at the High-Security Forensic Psychiatry Clinic. Sociodemographic data form, Young Mania Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to all participants. RESULTS: Klotho and FGF-23 levels were significantly increased in patients with BD manic episodes. There was no correlation between Klotho and FGF-23 levels and clinical parameters. For Klotho and FGF-23, cutoff values of 69 and 1,646 yielded 67.4% sensitivity and 72.1% specificity and 81.4% sensitivity and 51.2% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Klotho and FGF-23 may play critical roles in the etiopathology of manic episodes and are potential candidate biomarkers for bipolar disorder. This relationship might contribute to the etiopathogenesis of the disease and determine its treatment. Anti-Klotho and anti-FGF-23 administration may be a future treatment for controlling the course of the disease.

Subfatin, asprosin, alamandine and maresin-1 in cerebral ischemia, intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhages.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) remain an important public health issue due to the increasing number of deaths worldwide. Changes in the synthesis and release of peptides in CVDs may play an important role in elucidating the physiopathology of the disease. Therefore, this study was to investigate the fate of maresin-1 (MaR-1), subfatin (SUB), asprosin (ASP), and alamandine (ALA) levels in patients with cerebral infarction (CI), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) evaluated within the scope of CVDs, and voluntary healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study participants were divided into 4 groups: CI patients, ICH patients, SAH patients, and healthy volunteers. The diagnosis of CVDs was made based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score (ICHS), Botterel-Hunt-Hess Scale (BHHS), and cranial computed tomography (CT). The levels of MaR-1 (ng/mL), SUB (ng/mL), ASP (ng/mL), and ALA (pg/mL) in the blood samples collected from the participants were studied using the ELISA method. Other parameters included in the study were obtained from the patient records of our hospital. RESULTS: The comparison of MaR-1 [(control 1.38 ± 0.14), SAH (0.98 ± 0.087), CI (0.67 ± 0.04), ICH (0.51 ± 0.03)], SUB [(control (13.2 ± 1.4), SAH (10.1 ± 1.2), CI (7.9 ± 0.8), ICH (5.8 ± 0.5)], and ALA [(control (67.2 ± 7.9), SAH (58.2 ± 4.3), CI (42.1 ± 3.7), and ICH (34.2 ±3.9)] values revealed a significant decrease compared to the control values. The comparison of the ASP values of SAH, CI, and ICH patients and control values (11.6 ± 1.2) showed significantly higher asprosin values in SAH (13.8 ± 1.1), CI (15.4 ± 1.2) and ICH (28.9 ± 2.8) patients. Similarly, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and glucose levels of CKD patients were also high. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased MaR-1, SUB, ALA and increased ASP compared to the control values may play a role in the physiopathology of these diseases. MaR-1, SUB, ALA, and ASP differences between SAH, CI and ICH patients may also guide clinicians along with SBP, DBP and glucose values.

Vitamin D supplementation alleviates diabetic complications by increasing the amount of irisin in testicular tissues and blood of rats with experimental diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is an important endocrinological disease that has an increasing incidence in the world and affects all biological tissues including testicles. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the histological and biochemical effects of vitamin D on irisin, apoptosis, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) in testicular tissues of rats with experimental diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 41 male Wistar rats, 8-10 weeks old, weighing between 200-220 g, were included in the study as the following groups: control group (n=7; no treatment), sham group [only sodium citrate buffer (SCB)] [n=7; single dose 0.1 Molar (M) SCB given intraperitoneally (i.p)], vitamin D group (n=7; 50 IU/day given orally), diabetes group [n=10; single dose 50 mg/kg Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 0.1 M SCB and given i.p (tail vein blood glucose level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hours)] and diabetes+vitamin D group [n=10, single dose 50 mg/kg STZ, dissolved in 0.1 M SCB and given i.p (tail vein blood glucose level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hours) and when diabetes occurs, oral vitamin D administration of 50 IU/day)]. At the end of the 8 weeks experiment, blood was drawn from the tail vein of all rats, they were sacrificed and testicular tissues were taken. While the amount of irisin in the blood and testicular tissue supernatants was analyzed with the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method, TAS and TOS measurements were analyzed with the REL method, testicular tissues were analyzed histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and with the TUNEL method. RESULTS: When the diabetes group was compared with the control and sham groups, it was reported that the amounts of blood and tissue supernatant irisin and TAS significantly decreased and the TOS was significantly increased; a statistically significant increase in irisin and TAS of blood and tissue supernatants and a significant decrease in TOS were detected when diabetes+vitamin D and diabetes groups were compared among themselves. Similar results were obtained in the immunohistochemical studies. Tissue expressions of irisin decreased in the diabetes group compared to the control and sham groups, while the application of vitamin D increased the tissue expressions of irisin. Additionally, when the numbers of apoptotic cells were compared, it was reported that apoptotic cells in the diabetes group increased significantly compared to the control and sham groups, and vitamin D administration significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, vitamin D administration to diabetic rats decreased the number of apoptotic cells and increased the amount of irisin. Vitamin D had an effective role in maintaining the physiological integrity of rat testicular tissues, so vitamin D may be a potent agent to be used in the treatment of diabetes in the future.

Effect of regular exercise on the levels of subfatin and asprosin: a trial with different types of exercise.

OBJECTIVE: Subfatin (Metrnl) and asprosin are associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. Exercise is among the most important regulators of health in humans and has been previously demonstrated to regulate these parameters. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of regular exercises on levels of subfatin, asprosin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid, and glucose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 120 young and healthy males, who participated in the study voluntarily. These participants were randomly divided into four groups, such as control (C), aerobic exercise (AE), intermittent (HIIT), and resistance exercise (RE) groups. Additionally, all the groups had equal numbers of participants. First, the subjects in the exercise group were made familiar with the exercise regime for two weeks. Then, they performed regular exercises, three days a week for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected from the participants at the beginning and end of the study. Subfatin and asprosin levels were analyzed using the ELISA method. AST, ALT, uric acid, and glucose levels were analyzed using the AutoAnalyzer. RESULTS: No differences were observed in pretest values between the groups (p>0.05). Assessment of intragroup changes demonstrated no significant changes in the control group. In the comparisons, statistically significant changes were recorded in the levels of subfatin, asprosin, and glucose in all exercise groups. Particularly, differences were observed in the levels of AST and uric acid in the AE and HIIT groups while differences in ALT levels were observed only in the AE group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the conclusion of the study, different types of exercises caused significant changes in subfatin and asprosin levels. Thus, these results suggested that the parameters associated with metabolic diseases could be controlled with the aid of regular exercises.

Asprosin, visfatin and subfatin as new biomarkers of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity are important public health problems associated with adipose tissue mass. Asprosin, visfatin, and subfatin are new members of which fate in MetS and obesity has not been fully revealed yet. Thus, this study was to investigate the association between asprosin, visfatin, subfatin, and biochemical values, demographic data, and body composition measurement values in MetS patients with and without obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were taken from a total of 90 people, including 31 MetS patients with obesity, 29 MetS patients without obesity, and 30 healthy (control). Asprosin, visfatin, and subfatin were studied by the ELISA method. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between asprosin and Body Mass Index (BMI) in the MetS + Obese group. The correlations between asprosin and urea and fasting insulin (FI) levels in the MetS group were positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). While there was a statistically significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between visfatin and BMI in the MetS + Obese group, the correlation with waist circumference in the MetS + Obese and MetS groups was statistically significant and negative (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant negative relationship (p < 0.05) between aspartate aminotransferase value and visfatin. The results between visfatin values and asprosin and subfatin in all groups were significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a direct relationship between circulating amounts of asprosin, visfatin, and subfatin hormones and age, weight, height, diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and creatinine. Therefore, asprosin, visfatin, and subfatin hormones are the new biomarkers of metabolic turbulence.

Leptin/Melanocortin pathway hormones in obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The melanocortin system is an important neural system underlying the control of body weight and food intake. This system has recently received great attention as a potential target for obesity treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the leptin-melanocortin pathway before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) in obese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out with a total of 144 individuals in 3 groups [control, obese group before LSG and obese group after LSG (who underwent LSG one year ago)]. The amount of leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), tropomyosin receptor kinase receptor B (TrkB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) molecules were measured by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body mass index (BMI) values (p = 0.001). There was also statistically significant difference present between obese before LSG group and obese after LSG group regarding the levels of LEP, TrkB, BDNF and proteins (p < 0.05). A decline was determined in the LEP and BDNF levels one year follow-up after LSG. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that the leptin melanocortin pathway strictly regulates food intake and BMI before and after LSG surgery. This pathway should be kept under control for effectively reducing food intake and body weight in the treatment of obesity.

Basal blood concentrations of some orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones in obese and nonobese individuals according to blood groups.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a serious public health problem associated with excessive food intake. Regulation of food intake in highly organized organisms is under the control of a large number of orexigenic and anorexigenic molecules. Therefore, the main purpose of this study has been to determine the relationship between obesity and some of the circulating orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides that have a role in appetite control and to determine whether the concentrations of these molecules differ according to blood groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 400 individuals of whom 100 were obese women, 100 obese men, 100 healthy men and 100 healthy women. Obese women and men were divided into 4 groups, according to their blood groups. In the control group, healthy women and healthy men were similarly divided into 4 blood groups. Each blood group within the groups, therefore, had 25 participants. RESULTS: When leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y, ghrelin and galanin levels of the control group and obese participants were compared, regardless of blood groups, leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y were significantly higher, whereas only the ghrelin levels were significantly lower in obese patients. When the amounts of these hormones were measured according to gender, the situation was similar. When leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y values of the control and obese participants' blood groups were compared with each other; these hormones were high in all blood groups; however, leptin levels in A blood group, nesfatin-1 levels in AB and O blood group, obestatin levels in AB blood group, neuropeptide-Y levels in A, B, AB blood groups were significantly higher. When the ghrelin levels of the blood groups in the control group and obese participants were compared, it was only significantly lower in the AB blood group. The ghrelin levels in the other blood groups of the obese individuals were again low, but not significantly so. When the distribution of hormones according to gender was evaluated, a situation parallel to the above results was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y and galanin levels of obese individuals were significantly higher than the control values, whereas the ghrelin values were significantly lower regardless of blood groups. Also, these hormones in blood partly varied with ABO blood groups. These different concentrations of hormones in ABO blood groups might be related with stimulation or suppression of appetite in human. However, further studies in other ethnic groups are needed to confirm these results.

Molecular communication between Apelin-13, Apelin-36, Elabela, and nitric oxide in gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that affects from 3.8% to 6.9% of pregnancies worldwide, causing significant mortality and unfavorable obstetric outcomes, such as delivery trauma and macrosomia risk. The fundamental processes of this metabolic disorder that first appeared during pregnancy are still unknown. Tissue hormones, particularly adipokines, have aided in understanding the pathophysiology of numerous disorders in recent years. This study aims to determine if Apelin-13 (APLN-13), Apelin-36 (APLN-36), Elabela (ELA), and nitric oxide (NO) molecules have all a part in the pathophysiology of GDM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 30 pregnant control women and 30 pregnant women who had been diagnosed with GDM in the second trimester and whose body mass index and age were compatible with each other. Blood samples were collected from 60 participants during the second trimester (30 control pregnant women and 30 GDM pregnant women) and postpartum (17 controls vs. 14 GDM). In these blood samples, the amounts of APLN-13, APLN-36, ELA, and NO were studied using the ELISA method. In addition, the participants' glucose, lipid profiles, and other parameters were obtained from the hospital record files. At postpartum, 29 pregnant women (13 control and 16 pregnant women with GDM) dropped out of the study without explanation. RESULTS: In the second trimester and postpartum plasma of mothers with GDM, APLN-13, APLN-36, NO, and ELA molecules were found to be significantly higher (< 0.05), compared to those of the control mothers, while APLN-13, APLN-36, NO values were significantly lower (0.05). While APLN-13, APLN-36, NO amounts in mothers with GDM were positively correlated with glucose amounts, they were negatively correlated with ELA amounts. Similarly, the triglyceride amounts in mothers with GDM were positively correlated with APLN-13, APLN-36 and NO, while they were negatively correlated with the ELA amounts. Due to gestational diabetes, APLN-13, APLN-36, NO, glucose, and triglyceride increased, and ELA decreased. CONCLUSIONS: It is predicted that the glucose increase in GDM is because Apelins reduce glucose transport to erythrocytes by inhibiting the sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT) and that the increase in triglyceride and NO may be associated with high glucose levels in GDM. As a result, we believe that the above-mentioned chemicals may cause GDM Pathology by triggering one another.

Tongue abscess with actinomycosis.

Actinomycosis of the tongue is uncommon, but without proper treatment, it causes extensive tissue destruction. A mass that may mimic both benign and malignant neoplasms can be seen at clinical presentation and may mislead the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is critical but usually difficult with cultures or imaging. We report a patient who presented with a tumor-like deeply localized primary actinomycosis of the tongue with its magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Factors Affecting the Histopathological Outcomes of Atypical Glandular Cells on Pap Test.

BACKGROUND: Glandular cell abnormalities may indicate the presence of pre-malignant or malignant lesions. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between atypical glandular cells (AGC) and patients' demographics, histopathological outcomes, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2019, women with AGC on Pap tests were retrieved from the hospital electronic database. The patients with AGC on cervicovaginal smears who underwent further pathological, laboratory, and imaging diagnostic testing and who were followed up at least 1-year were included in the study, while those who had a history of cervical dysplasia or cancer, lost during follow-up, or had missing data were excluded. RESULTS: Of 85,692 Pap smears, 114 (0.13%) were diagnosed with AGC, of those 88 cases were eligible for final analysis. Gynecological malignancies were detected in 13 (14.8%) patients; including 6 (6.8%) endometrioid endometrial cancers, 3 (3.4%) non-endometrioid endometrial cancers, 2 (2.3%) cervical adenocarcinomas, 1 (1.1%) cervical squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 (1.1%) high-grade tubal serous cancer. Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of concomitant abnormal squamous lesion (P = 0.002), being 50 years and older (P = 0.028), HPV positivity (P < 0.001), and menopause (P = 0.023) were risk factors for significant pathology. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of AGC may be related to the preneoplastic/neoplastic processes. A further comprehensive histopathological examination is required in women with AGC, aged 50 years and older, postmenopausal, HPV-positivity and concomitant squamous cell abnormality Clinicians should consider ovarian pathologies when there is no pathological finding on endometrial or cervical histopathological examination.

Can renalase be a novel candidate biomarker for distinguishing renal tumors?

Renalase (RNLS) is synthesized mainly in renal tissues. The function of RNLS in cancerous renal tissues has not been investigated. We investigated the synthesis of RNLS in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma with Fuhrman grades (FG): FG1, nucleoli are absent or inconspicuous and basophilic; FG2, nucleoli are conspicuous and eosinophilic and visible but not prominent; FG3, nucleoli are conspicuous and eosinophilic; FG4, extreme nuclear pleomorphism, multinucleate giant cells, and/or rhabdoid and/or sarcomatoid differentiation. We used 90 tissue samples including 15 healthy controls, 15 chromophobe renal cell carcinoma tissues and 10 papillary renal cell carcinoma renal tissues: 12 FG1, 14 FG 2, 14 FG 3 and 10 FG4. RNLS in the tissue samples was measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and immunostaining of RNLS in these tissues. RNLS was significantly greater in the chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma tissues than the control. The least amount of RNLS was found in the renal tissues of clear cell renal cell carcinoma FG1; the amount of RNLS increased as the FG grades increased. Because RNLS increased significantly in renal tissues due to cancer, except for clear cell renal cell carcinoma FG1, RNLS may be useful biomarker for distinguishing grades of renal cancer. Because RNLS increases cell survival, anti-RNLS preparations may be useful for treating cancer in the future.

Effects of a topical hemostatic agent on an epistaxis model in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS) is a standardized herbal compound consisting of 5 different plant extracts. ABS, as a topical medicinal product, has been approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health for the management of dermal, external postsurgical and postdental surgery bleedings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the hemostatic effect of ABS in an experimental epistaxis model. METHODS: Adult female New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Standardized full-thickness mucosal wounds were created to provide bleeding on the right and left side of the nasal septum of rabbits with a 3-mm surgical punch. To stop bleeding, the wounds were treated with topical ABS on one side and with topical isotonic saline solution as a control on the other side of the nasal septum. Investigators were blinded to treatment. The duration of bleeding was measured in order to compare the hemo-static effect with ABS or topical isotonic saline solution. The wounds were observed for the duration of bleeding in order to compare the hemostatic effect of ABS with isotonic saline solution and acute adverse effects (AEs) for 30 minutes by a researcher blinded to treatment groups. RESULTS: Six rabbits (mean weight, 2.6 kg [range, 2.3-3.1 kg]) were used in this study. Mean (SD) bleeding time in the wounds administered ABS (98 [17] sec) was significantly less than that of the controls (266 [36] sec; P = 0.004). No AEs were observed up to 30 minutes after study initiation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ABS may be more effective in reducing time to hemostasis when compared with isotonic saline solution in this epistaxis model in rabbits.

How Important is the Timing of Radioiodine Ablation in Differentiated Thyroidal Carcinomas: A Referral Centre Experience. / Cómo es de importante el momento de la ablación con radioyodo en los carcinomas diferenciados de tiroides: la experiencia de un centro de referencia.

INTRODUCTION: It's difficult to make a scientific, evidence-based approach about the timing of radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs). Primary aim of the study was to reveal whether timing of RRA relates to achievement of non- structurally incomplete response (non-SIR) in low/intermediate and high-risk patients. Another aim was to reveal the correlation of timing with non-SIR status in reproductive-age women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 279 low, intermediate, and high-risk patients were analysed, retrospectively. Number of days between surgery and RRA is referred to as timing. Low/intermediate-risk patients, high-risk patients, and low/intermediate-risk reproductive-age women were divided into non-SIR and SIR groups, according to 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines for therapy response. The relationship between timing and therapy response was analysed statistically. RESULTS: We could not find any significant relationship in patients with low/intermediate risk between timing and non-SIR, including women between 18-49 years of age (p >0.1). For high-risk patients, we found a statistically significant relationship between timing and non-SIR response. According to ROC analysis, RRA ≤58 days was found as a cut-off value. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated as 83.3%, 70.0%, 2.78, and 0.24, respectively. CONCLUSION: RRA must be initiated within 58 days after surgery in patients with high-risk DTCs. Under this approach, risk of SIR and associated mortality risk may be reduced. RRA timing for women in reproductive ages with low/intermediate risk groups may be planned according to their pregnancy/breastfeeding intent. For other low/intermediate risk groups, they can safely proceed according to the capacity of the medical facility and related logistical considerations.