Awareness Level of Cervical Cancer Patients Referred to Radiation Oncology Outpatient Clinics-A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of patients with cervical cancer referred to radiation oncology outpatient clinics in Turkey regarding screening methods and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and increase social awareness based on the findings. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2022 involving 300 patients in various regions. Data on demographics, cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination knowledge, and recommendations to relatives were collected through a questionnaire-based interview. Univariate logistic regression analyzed the impact of independent variables on knowledge levels. RESULTS: Among the participants, 57% were unaware of cervical cancer screening, and 66% had no knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Higher knowledge levels were associated with higher education, older age at marriage and first birth, and previous gynecological checkups. Lower knowledge levels were observed in patients treated at state institutions, with no formal education, and diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 60 or older. A significant inverse correlation was found between knowledge levels and the stage of cancer at diagnosis, with higher awareness in earlier stages. CONCLUSION: The study revealed limited awareness among cervical cancer patients in Turkey regarding screening and HPV vaccination. Lower knowledge levels were associated with specific demographic factors, emphasizing the importance of targeted educational campaigns to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and promote early detection. Efforts to enhance vaccination coverage and encourage early screening can significantly improve outcomes. Comprehensive awareness surveys are essential in guiding policymaking and implementing effective early detection and prevention strategies for cervical cancer.

Extensive penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis due to catheter traction following laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy: a rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis is an extremely rare urologic condition associated with substantial morbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case presenting extensive penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis following catheter traction in a 71-year-old male patient who had a laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The patient has no preexisting diabetes mellitus or chronic renal failure. The case was successfully managed with penile preservation. During the procedure, it was observed that the necrosis was not limited to the glans. The necrosis had spread to the entire penile urethra and corpus spongiosum, and an excision of approximately 14 cm of corpus spongiosum was performed. CONCLUSION: This is the first case presenting extensive length of penile glans and corpus spongiosum necrosis managed successfully with penile preservation, enabling reaching the best functional and esthetic results reported in the literature. Early detection and urgent imaging with a high index of suspicion ensure a favorable outcome. The main treatment steps are careful evaluation, appropriate therapy, and prompt intervention depending on the severity.

Outcomes of Decompressive Craniectomy in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with patient outcomes after decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to compare the authors' findings with the existing literature. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 50 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI between 2013 and 2023. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Injury Severity Score (ISS), electrolyte imbalances, nosocomial infections, and hospital stay duration, were collected. Outcomes were assessed at 12 months postsurgery, and statistical analyses were performed to determine factors associated with favorable and unfavorable outcomes. RESULTS: Younger age, higher GCS scores, and lower ISS were significantly associated with favorable outcomes. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia, were linked to unfavorable outcomes. Nosocomial infections were significantly more common in patients with unfavorable outcomes. Longer hospital stays were also associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' findings highlight the importance of individualized patient management based on age, admission GCS score, ISS, electrolyte imbalances, nosocomial infections, and hospital stay duration to maximize the potential for favorable outcomes. These results contribute to the growing literature on decompressive craniectomy for TBI and provide valuable insights for clinicians in optimizing patient management.

Comparison of craniotomy and limited membranectomy with conventional techniques in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.

Background/aim: Chronic subdural hematoma is the most frequently operated on intracranial hemorrhage worldwide. Although surgical results are satisfactory, recurrence remains an important problem. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate patients who underwent craniotomy with limited membranectomy (CwLM) in terms of recurrence rate and other complications. Materials and methods: Electronic records of 291 consecutive patients who were operated on at our clinic (Atatürk University Yakutiye Research Hospital) between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Their radiological images at the time of admission, clinical status, any early postoperative complications, and clinical status at the 6-month follow-up were all evaluated. Results: According to the results of the study, postoperative mortality and morbidity of patients who underwent CwLM were similar to those with minimally invasive methods, and it reduced recurrence, especially in laminar and separated subtypes. Conclusion: It is our belief that CwLM will be an appropriate treatment approach in suitable patients (radiologically detected) in chronic subdural hematoma, where recurrence is an important problem.

Bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for postoperative persistent low back pain in lumbar disc surgery.

BACKGROUND: Persistent low back pain is an important disability after lumbar disc surgery. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is highly effective in providing post-surgical pain control, but its effectiveness in long-term persistent low back pain has not been investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of ESPB on the reduction of persistent low back pain after surgery. METHODS: 162 patients who were operated for lumbar disc herniation under spinal anaesthesia were divided into two groups according to the following criteria; ESPB block group (Group A); applied before surgery and 1 month after surgery and non-ESPB block group (Group B). The preoperative and postoperative 6th month Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI) and Japan Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) scores of the patients were evaluated, and it was examined whether there was a difference. RESULTS: In two groups with similar patient characteristics and no significant difference in preoperative pain scores, a significant improvement was observed in pain scores in Group A compared to Group B at the end of the 6th month. CONCLUSIONS: ESPB, which has a low risk of complications and is simple to perform, has been found useful in the treatment of persistent low back pain after disc surgery.

Screening of Carbonic Anhydrase, Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, and α-Glycosidase Enzyme Inhibition Effects and Antioxidant Activity of Coumestrol.

Coumestrol (3,9-dihydroxy-6-benzofuran [3,2-c] chromenone) as a phytoestrogen and polyphenolic compound is a member of the Coumestans family and is quite common in plants. In this study, antiglaucoma, antidiabetic, anticholinergic, and antioxidant effects of Coumestrol were evaluated and compared with standards. To determine the antioxidant activity of coumestrol, several methods-namely N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride radical (DMPD•+)-scavenging activity, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical (ABTS•+)-scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•)-scavenging activity, potassium ferric cyanide reduction ability, and cupric ion (Cu2+)-reducing activity-were performed. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Trolox, α-Tocopherol, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were used as the reference antioxidants for comparison. Coumestrol scavenged the DPPH radical with an IC50 value of 25.95 µg/mL (r2: 0.9005) while BHA, BHT, Trolox, and α-Tocopherol demonstrated IC50 values of 10.10, 25.95, 7.059, and 11.31 µg/mL, respectively. When these results evaluated, Coumestrol had similar DPPH•-scavenging effect to BHT and lower better than Trolox, BHA and α-tocopherol. In addition, the inhibition effects of Coumestrol were tested against the metabolic enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), and α-glycosidase, which are associated with some global diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), glaucoma, and diabetes. Coumestrol exhibited Ki values of 10.25 ± 1.94, 5.99 ± 1.79, 25.41 ± 1.10, and 30.56 ± 3.36 nM towards these enzymes, respectively.

Clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in ageing male: A retrospective study of 18 cases.

AIM: A worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which emerged in China in December 2019 affects the world very seriously. We aimed to evaluate the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who were admitted and treated to our hospital due to COVID-19. METHODS: Between March 18, 2020 and April 5, 2020, 18 patients admitted with COVID-19 who has BPH and are using medication for this were included in the study and analysed retrospectively. Diagnosis was confirmed by COVID-19 nucleic acid test by sampling sputum or nasopharyngeal swab. Standard COVID-19 treatment protocol determined by our Ministry of Health was applied to all patients according to their risk groups. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological features, additional diseases, laboratory tests, complications and outcome data of all patients were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 59.6 (range: 56-73). As the mode of transmission, 10 (55.5%) of patients were infected in hospital, 5 (27.7%) patients had a relative with COVID-19 and three (16.6%) was unknown. During follow-up, 2 (11.1%) patients were transferred to intensive care unit (ICU). One of these patients dramatically progressed and died. Patients who survived and were not transferred to ICU had lesser comorbidities and were relatively young. Mean duration of hospitalisation was 14.2 days (range 12-19). CONCLUSION: We think that COVID-19 patients with BPH had a low mortality rate and did not have a poor prognosis in this patient group. It is crucial to take comprehensive preventive measures to control COVID-19 transmission via hospital route.

Hematologic parameters and neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio in the prediction of urethroplasty success.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of urethral stricture and its recurrence remains vague and one of the important causes is progressive infl ammation. It has been shown in recent years that the neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio is a marker of systemic infl ammation and is associated with prognosis in many cardiovascular diseases, malignancies and chronic infl ammatory diseases. We assessed simple systemic infl ammation markers preoperatively and surgical techniques for urethral stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After exclusion criteria applied, a total of 117 male cases operated with urethroplasty in our clinic between January 2012 and June 2017 were included in the study and analyzed retrospectively. Localization and length of the strictures of the patients, neutrophil counts and percentages, lymphocyte counts and percentages, and neutrophil / lymphocyte ratios in preoperative peripheral blood samples were statistically analyzed. Recurrent stricture during fi rst 12 months follow-up after the surgery has been assessed as recurrence. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54.12 ± 16.35 and the mean urethral stricture length was 3.44 ± 1.83 cm. Recurrence was observed in 30.1% of cases who received buccal graft, 30% in penile skin applied cases and 26.1% of cases treated with end-to-end anastomosis and there was no statistically signifi cant difference between neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio and average stricture segment length between recurrent and non-recurrent cases (p > 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: We consider that neutrophil, lymphocyte counts and their ratio prior to urethroplasty and the technique performed are not parameters that can be used to predict stricture recurrence. Prospective and randomized new trials with larger patient populations are needed to make more accurate judgments about the role of these inflammatory parameters.

A New Technique in Surgical Management of the Giant Cerebral Hydatid Cysts.

OBJECTIVES: In hydatid disease, the central nervous system is affected approximately in 2% to 3% of patients. Surgical management in these patients is important. To develop a surgical technique to avoid the formation of great volume of cavity after hydatid cyst removal and prevent complications associated with brain collapse and cortical convolution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2 patients, hydatid cysts were delivered by this new technique. A balloon filled with 150 cc of sterile air/distilled water was placed in the cavity until the balloon filled the entire cavity. Air/distilled water evacuation was continued at a rate of 20 cc/d and, after a week, eventually, the balloons were removed RESULTS:: All cysts were delivered without rupture. Neurologic outcomes were good. No complications were observed related to usage of the system such as balloon rupture, evacuation problems, and infection. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that the balloon insertion technique may be a useful method to prevent brain collapse, cortical convolution, and complications associated with this condition. Further technical refinements of the system are needed for better results.

Myeloid Cell-Restricted Insulin/IGF-1 Receptor Deficiency Protects against Skin Inflammation.

Myeloid cells are key regulators of tissue homeostasis and disease. Alterations in cell-autonomous insulin/IGF-1 signaling in myeloid cells have recently been implicated in the development of systemic inflammation and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM). Impaired wound healing and inflammatory skin diseases are frequent DM-associated skin pathologies, yet the underlying mechanisms are elusive. In this study, we investigated whether myeloid cell-restricted IR/IGF-1R signaling provides a pathophysiologic link between systemic insulin resistance and the development of cutaneous inflammation. Therefore, we generated mice lacking both the insulin and IGF-1 receptor in myeloid cells (IR/IGF-1R(MKO)). Whereas the kinetics of wound closure following acute skin injury was similar in control and IR/IGF-1R(MKO) mice, in two different conditions of dermatitis either induced by repetitive topical applications of the detergent SDS or by high-dose UV B radiation, IR/IGF-1R(MKO) mice were protected from inflammation, whereas controls developed severe skin dermatitis. Notably, whereas during the early phase in both inflammatory conditions the induction of epidermal proinflammatory cytokine expression was similar in control and IR/IGF-1R(MKO) mice, during the late stage, epidermal cytokine expression was sustained in controls but virtually abrogated in IR/IGF-1R(MKO) mice. This distinct kinetic of epidermal cytokine expression was paralleled by proinflammatory macrophage activation in controls and a noninflammatory phenotype in mutants. Collectively, our findings provide evidence for a proinflammatory IR/IGF-1R-dependent pathway in myeloid cells that plays a critical role in the dynamics of an epidermal-dermal cross-talk in cutaneous inflammatory responses, and may add to the mechanistic understanding of diseases associated with disturbances in myeloid cell IR/IGF-1R signaling, including DM.

Determination of biogenic amines in licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) by ion-pair extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Ion-pair extraction combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method has been proposed for the determination of biogenic amines in licorice samples. RESULTS: Limit of detection and limit of quantitation for the biogenic amines were 1.4-2.7 and 4.7-9.1 ng mL-1 , respectively. Relative standard deviations based on five replicate extraction of 100 ng mL-1 of each biogenic amine were <4.7% for intra-day and 7.4% for inter-day precision. The method described in this study has been shown to be in accordance with satisfactory accuracy and good reproducibility for the quantitative determination of biogenic amines in licorice samples. Nine biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, spermine, spermidine, tyramine, tryptamine, agmatine and phenylethylamine) were detected in licorice samples and total biogenic amine concentrations were determined at 369 ng mL-1 in fresh and 3532 ng mL-1 in non-fresh licorice samples. Putrescine was found at the highest concentrations to be up to 704 ng mL-1 in all the analyzed samples, followed by tyramine (675 ng mL-1 ) and tryptamine (282 ng mL-1 ). Putrescine, tyramine and spermine concentrations were dramatically increased, whereas agmatine concentration was significantly decreased, in non-fresh licorice samples compared to fresh ones. CONCLUSION: The consumption of freshly prepared licorice is recommended because of the relatively low concentration of total biogenic amines. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Changing the Stage, Grade and Histological Subtypes of Renal Cell Carcinomas during 10 Years Period.

Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) account 80-85% of all primary renal neoplasms and originate from the renal cortex. The patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for renal tumour in our unit between January 2005 and 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups; group 1 includes patients who were treated between January 2005 and December 2009, group 2 those from January 2010 to 2015. There were 103 patients in group 1. The patients were between 21 and 89 years with mean age of 61.46 year. Renal cell carcinomas account 83.4% of the patients, benign renal tumours were 8.7% and transitional cell carcinomas were 7.7% of the patients in group 1. A total of 32.5% RCCs were classified as pT1a, 24.4% as pT1b, 15.1% as pT2a, 11.6% as pT2b, 15.1% as pT3a and 1.1% as pT4. There were 202 patients in group 2 and the patients were between 27 and 81 years with mean age of 58.5 year. Renal cell carcinomas comprised the main bulk of the tumours with 182 nephrectomy specimens. According to the pathological classification of RCCs, 51 specimens were found as pT1a, 54 were pT1b, 13 were pT2a, 14 were pT2b, 48 were pT3a and 2 were pT4. Although, the incidence of small renal masses has been increasing with widespread use of imaging techniques and recent advancements, the proportion of high grade and advanced stage renal tumours increased during the study period.

Adult urethral stricture: practice of Turkish urologists.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate national practice patterns in the treatment of male anterior urethral strictures among Turkish urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey form including 12 questions prepared to determine active Turkish urologists' approach to diagnosis and treatment of the adult urethral stricture (US) were filled out. Based on the survey results, the institutions which 218 urologists work and their years of expertise, methods they used for diagnosis and treatment, whether or not they perform open urethroplasty and timing of open urethroplasty were investigated. RESULTS: Optic internal urethrotomy and dilatation are the most commonly used minimal invasive procedures in treatment of US with the ratios of 93.5% and 63.3% respectively. On the other hand it was seen that urethroplasty was a less commonly used procedure, compared to minimal invasive techniques, with the ratio of 36.7%. Survey results showed us that the number of US cases observed and open urethroplasty procedures performed increases with increasing years of professional experience. CONCLUSIONS: As a method demanding special surgical experience and known as a time-consuming and challenging procedure, open urethroplasty will be able to take a greater part in current urological practice with the help of theoretical education and practical courses given by specific centers and experienced authors.

Does resectoscope size play a role in formation of urethral stricture following transurethral prostate resection?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To investigate the possible effect of resectoscope size on urethral stricture rate after monopolar TURP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 71 men undergoing TURP was conducted at two centers' from November 2009 to May 2013. The patients were divided into one of two groups according to the resectoscope diameter used for TURP. Resectoscope diameter was 24 F in group 1 (n=35) or 26 F in group 2 (n=36). Urethral catheter type, catheter removal time and energy type were kept constant for all patients. Urethral stricture formation in different localizations after TURP was compared between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, pre-operative prostate gland volume (PV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), maximal urinary flow rates (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and post-voiding residual urine volume (PVR). The resection time and weight of resected prostate tissue were similar for both groups (p>0.05). A statistically significant higher incidence of bulbar stricture was detected in group 2 compared to group 1 (p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The use of small-diameter resectoscope shafts may cause a reduction in the incidence of uretral strictures in relation to urethral friction and mucosal damage.

A new problem in inflammatory bladder diseases: use of mobile phones!

PURPOSE: Technological developments provide a lot of conveniences to our lives. This issue is one of the risks that arise along with these conveniences. In our study we tried to understand the impact of electromagnetic waves from mobile phones on bladder tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Group 1 was exposed to electromagnetic wave for 8 hours per day for 20 days and then their bladders were taken off immediately. Group 2 was firstly exposed to electromagnetic wave for 8 hours per day for 20 days then secondly another for 20 days without exposition to electromagnetic wave and then their bladders were taken off. Group 3 was the control group and they were not exposed to electromagnetic wave. RESULTS: Under microscopic examination of bladder tissue, in the first group severe inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in lamina propria and muscle layer in contrast to intact urothelium. In the second group mild inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in lamina propria and muscle layer. The mean scores for the three groups were 5.5 ± 2.5, 0.8 ± 1.3 and 1.2 ± 1.5 respectively. Mean score of group 1 was statistically higher than others (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intensive use of mobile phones has negative impact on bladder tissue as well as the other organs. Keeping a minimum level of mobile phone use makes it easy to be kept under control of diseases in which inflammation is an etiologic factor.

Evaluation of depression and self-esteem in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: A controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is very common and is one of the most common causes for patients to be admitted to urology, pediatrics, child psychiatry and child surgery departments. We aimed to investigate the effect on depression and self-esteem of this disorder that can cause problems on person's social development and human relations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 90 patients who were admitted to our clinic with complaints of nocturnal enuresis were enrolled. Investigations to rule out organic causes were performed in this group of patients. Out of them 38 children and adolescents (age range 8-18 years) with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) agreed to participate in the study In the same period 46 healthy children and adolescents with a similar age range without bed wetting complaint were included in the study as a control group. The age of the family, educational and socioeconomic level were questioned and Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) forms were filled out. RESULTS: Mean age of the cases (18 females or 47.4% and 20 males or 52.6%) was 10.76 ± 3.82 years whereas mean age of controls (26 females or 56.5% and 20 males or 43.5%) was 10.89 ± 3.11 years. Depression scale was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the case group than in the control group (10.42 ± 4.31 vs 7.09 ± 4.35). In both groups there was no statistically significant difference by age and sex in terms of depression scale (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: NE is widely seen as in the community and is a source of stresses either for children and for their families. When patients were admitted to physicians for treatment, a multidisciplinary approach should be offered and the necessary psychological support should be provided jointly by child psychiatrists and psychologists.

Inflammation indexes and machine-learning algorithm in predicting urethroplasty success.

PURPOSE: To assess the predictive capability of hematological inflammatory markers for urethral stricture recurrence after primary urethroplasty and to compare traditional statistical methods with a machine-learning-based artificial intelligence algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred eighty-seven patients who underwent primary urethroplasty were scanned. Ages, smoking status, comorbidities, hematological inflammatory parameters (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios, platelet-lymphocyte ratios [PLR], systemic immune-inflammation indexes [SII], and pan-immune-inflammation values [PIV]), stricture characteristics, history of previous direct-visual internal urethrotomy, urethroplasty techniques, and grafts/flaps placements were collected. Patients were followed up for one year for recurrence and grouped accordingly. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to create a predictive model. Additionally, a machine-learning-based logistic regression analysis was implemented to compare predictive performances. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Comparative analysis between the groups revealed statistically significant differences in stricture length (p=0.003), localization (p=0.027), lymphocyte counts (p=0.008), PLR (p=0.003), SII (p=0.003), and PIV (p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, stricture length (odds ratio [OR] 1.230, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.142-1.539, p<0.0001) and PIV (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.003, p=0.039) were identified as significant predictors of recurrence. Classical logistic regression model exhibited a sensitivity of 0.76, specificity of 0.43 with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.65. However, the machine-learning algorithm outperformed traditional methods achieving a sensitivity of 0.80, specificity of 0.76 with a higher AUC of 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: PIV and machine-learning algorithms shows promise on predicting urethroplasty outcomes, potentially leading to develop possible nomograms. Evolving machine-learning algorithms will contribute to more personalized and accurate approaches in managing urethral stricture.

Overlooked evidence for transmission deficit of pupillary light reflex can be secondary to trigeminal nerve ganglion degeneration following subarachnoid hemorrhage; preliminary experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Although the effect of oculomotor and cervical sympathetic networks on pupil diameter is well known; the effect of the trigeminal nerve on pupil diameter has not been investigated yet. This subject was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five of 23 rabbits were used as a control group (GI; n = 5); 0.5 ccs saline solution into cisterna magna injected animals used as SHAM (GII; n = 5); autologous blood injected to produce SAH used as the study group (GIII; n = 13) and followed up three weeks. Light-stimulated pupil diameters were measured with an ocular tomography device before, middle, and at the end of the experiment. Considering the sclera area/pupil area ratio index (PRI) as the pupillary reaction area, we used this equation for the pupil's rush to light. Degenerated neuron densities of trigeminal ganglia and pupil diameters compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The PRI, degenerated neuron density of trigeminal ganglia (n/mm3) were: (2.034 ± 0.301)/(13 ± 3) in GI; (1.678 ± 0.211)/(46 ± 9) in GII; and (0.941 ± 0.136)/(112 ± 21) in GIII. P-values between groups as: p < 0.005 in GI/GII; p < 0.0001 in GII/GIII and p < 0.00001 in GI/GIII. CONCLUSION: Light stimulates the cornea which is innervated by the trigeminal nerves. This experimental study indicates that the pupil remains mydriatic as the cornea is damaged by trigeminal ischemia following SAH and blocks the light flow.

Computational modeling of the direct hydride transfer mechanism for the MAO catalyzed oxidation of phenethylamine and benzylamine: ONIOM (QM/QM) calculations.

Monoamine oxidases are two isozymic flavoenzymes which are the important targets for drugs used in the treatment of depression, Parkinson and Alzheimer's diseases. The catalytic reaction taking place between the cofactor FAD and amine substrate is still not completely understood. Herein we employed quantum chemical methods on the recently proposed direct hydride transfer mechanism including full active site residues of MAO isoforms in the calculations. Activation free energy barriers of direct hydride transfer mechanism for MAO-A and MAO-B were calculated by ONIOM (our own n-layered integrated molecular orbital + molecular mechanics) method with QM/QM (quantum mechanics:quantum mechanics) approach employing several density functional theory functionals, B3LYP, WB97XD, CAM-B3LYP and M06-2X, for the high layer. The formation of very recently proposed αC-flavin N5 adduct inside the enzyme has been investigated. ONIOM (M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p):PM6) results revealed that such an adduct may form only in MAO-B suggesting slightly different hydride transfer mechanisms for MAO-A and MAO-B.

Methods and rates of punishment implemented by families to enuretic children in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Nocturnal enuresis is a serious health problem affecting a significant portion of the population. In this study, we investigated the frequency of punishment methods in nocturnal enuresis (NE) in Turkey and its relationship with other parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 501 children (301 boys and 200 girls) who were admitted to our outpatient clinic due to nocturnal enuresis were included in the study. Mean age was 9.39 years (range 5-18). Prepared questionnaire form inquiring educational status of the family, frequency and implementation and duration of punishment methods was applied to patients and families. RESULTS: At least one punishment method was applied to 291 (58.1%) of children with NE. Punishment methods of parents were detected as condemnation (257 patients, 51.3%), depriving desires of the child (120 patients, 23.9%), humiliating the child in the presence of other children (113 patients, 22.6%), reprimanding- threatening with punishment (203 patients, 40.5%). This application was found to continue for longer than 1 year in 52% of punished children. Families graduated of high school and above were found to use punishment methods significantly more than others. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, a quite high proportion of enuretic children were detected to be exposed to punishment methods. Even, some parents consider that these methods are a part of nocturnal enuresis treatment. We, the doctors, should endeavor more for raising awareness of the community in order to diminish this worrisome behavior.