Prenatal Exposure to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 Induces Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Neonatal Rats: Insights into WNT and BDNF Signaling Perturbations.

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the swift development and distribution of mRNA vaccines, including BNT162b2, to address the disease. Concerns have arisen about the potential neurodevelopmental implications of these vaccines, especially in susceptible groups such as pregnant women and their offspring. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of WNT, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, specific cytokines, m-TOR expression, neuropathology, and autism-related neurobehavioral outcomes in a rat model. Pregnant rats received the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine during gestation. Subsequent evaluations on male and female offspring included autism-like behaviors, neuronal counts, and motor performance. Molecular techniques were applied to quantify WNT and m-TOR gene expressions, BDNF levels, and specific cytokines in brain tissue samples. The findings were then contextualized within the extant literature to identify potential mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine significantly alters WNT gene expression and BDNF levels in both male and female rats, suggesting a profound impact on key neurodevelopmental pathways. Notably, male rats exhibited pronounced autism-like behaviors, characterized by a marked reduction in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in neuronal counts in critical brain regions, indicating potential neurodegeneration or altered neurodevelopment. Male rats also demonstrated impaired motor performance, evidenced by reduced coordination and agility. Our research provides insights into the effects of the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine on WNT gene expression, BDNF levels, and certain neurodevelopmental markers in a rat model. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these observations in humans and to explore the exact mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the risks and rewards of COVID-19 vaccination, especially during pregnancy, remains essential.

Investigation of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than the average population. Early diagnosis of SCZ patients with subclinical atherosclerosis is great importance in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate some clinical risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with SCZ. METHODS: Fifty-one SCZ patients (20 females, 31 males) and 55 healthy controls (HCs) (25 females, 30 males) were included in the study. Electrocardiography (ECG), lipid parameters, hemogram, and biochemistry values of the participants were taken. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured. The arrhythmogenic index of plasma (AIP) was analyzed. The recorded right and left carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements by carotid ultrasonography were scanned. RESULTS: QT interval (p = 0.035), CIMT-left (p = 0.008), CIMT-right (p = 0.002), fasting triglyceride (p = 0.005), AIP (p = 0.005) in the SCZ group compared to HCs (< 0.001) was statistically higher, while HDL (p = 0.003) was statistically lower. Smoking rates, QT interval (p = 0.035), CIMT-left (p = 0.008), and CIMT-right (p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the the SCZ group than in the HCs. According to odds ratios, individuals with SCZ have a 6.3-fold higher smoking rate. According to Pearson correlation analysis, CIMT-left was positively correlated with age and QT interval (r = 0.568, p < 0.001 and r = 0.589, p < 0.001, respectively). CIMT-right value was also positively correlated with age and QT interval (r = 0.533, p < 0.001 and r = 0.555, p < 0.001, respectively). QT interval positively and significantly predicted CIMT-left and CIMT-right (p < 0.001, ß = 0.549 and p = 0.001 and ß = 0.506 accordingly). CONCLUSION: In this study, a close relationship was found between the QT interval and CIMT in SCZ patients. This finding could be valuable for using an easy-to-calculate data such as QT in place of a laborious test such as CIMT.

Comparison of Anthropometric and Cephalometric Measurements Obtained by Stereophotogrammetry and 3D Computed Tomography of the Nose Before Septorhinoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) is normally used in evaluation of patients with esthetic and functional nasal deformities. Stereophotogrammetry (SPG) is a measurement device that is an alternative to CT and does not harm human health. In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate measurements obtained with CT and SPG. METHODS: The measurements of 18 patients who applied to our clinic between January 2022 and August 2022 and planned for septorhinoplasty were performed on both 3D images obtained with paranasal sinus CT and SPG device (SLR type Vectra H1 system). Measurements included that dorsocolumellar length, columella-filtral length, nasal tip projection ratio (dorsocolumellar length/columella-filtral length), columella-labial angle, nasofrontal angle, tip deviation direction, tip deviation angle, tip deviation distance and dorsal nasal hump. RESULTS: Most of patients were male (61.1%). Mean age was 24.5 years. Only columella-labial angle measurements showed a low level of significant difference (p < 0.05). However, there was no significance difference in other measurements (p > 0.05). A significant strong correlation was observed between all Vectra and CT measurements (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: SPG device can be applied quickly in polyclinic without giving radiation to patient. Measurements can be taken automatically using a software. Its use in postoperative period does not carry any risk. Disadvantage of SPG is lack of information about internal nasal passage. However, there is a strong correlation between measurements obtained from both measurement devices. Therefore, SPG can be considered as an alternative to CT imaging in operation planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Significance of fragmented QRS and predictors of outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) might be associated with certain characteristics in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and inhospital adverse events. Materials and Methods: A sum of 500 patients were gone over retrospectively. Patients with STEMI, all undergone percutaneous coronary intervention, were grouped as fQRS (-) and fQRS (+). Characteristics of the patients, major adverse cardiac event (MACE), death in hospital, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, slow flow myocardial perfusion, development of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation, cardiogenic shock and cardiopulmonary arrest were filtered. Results: FQRS (-) group was composed of 207 patients whose mean age was 61.1 ± 12.1, whereas 293 patients were there in fQRS (+) with a mean age of 66.7 ± 10.6 (P < 0.001). Thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) (P < 0.01), the global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) (P < 0.01) scores, white blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, MACE and the ratio of death in hospital and VT in the hospital were significantly higher in fQRS (+) group (P < 0.001, for remaining all). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, TIMI scores above 2 and GRACE scores above 109 were determined as independent predictors of MACE in the entire patient group (odds ratio [OR]: 2.022; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.321-3.424, P = 0.003; OR: 1.712; 95% CI: 1.156-2.804, P = 0.008). Conclusion: FQRS (+) and fQRS (-) patients markedly differ from each other in terms of certain demographic and clinical features and TIMI and GRACE scores have a significant predictive value for MACE in all STEMI patients' group.

Risk factors affecting benign anastomotic stricture in anterior and low anterior resections for colorectal cancer: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Although not as life-threatening as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture reduces the quality of life. The risk factors for such an important life complication have not been revealed. This article examines the risk factors affecting anastomotic strictures due to colorectal cancers. METHODS: Patients who underwent anterior and low anterior resection for colorectal cancer under elective conditions between 2015 and 2021 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, those who developed anastomotic stricture and those who did not. The parameters determined between the two groups were compared, and multivariate analysis of statistically significant parameters was performed. RESULTS: A total of 375 patients were included in the study. The anastomotic stricture was detected in 36 (9.6%) patients. In the multivariate analysis, non-mobilization of the splenic flexure and a proximal clean surgical margin of < 10 cm and a distal surgical margin of < 2 cm were identified as risk factors affecting anastomotic stricture. The risk factor with the highest odds ratio in the development of anastomotic stricture is the non-mobilization of the splenic flexure (p = 0.001, OR 11.375). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the mobilization of the splenic flexure to reduce the development of strictures. In addition, a clean surgical margin of 10 cm proximally and 2 cm distally and high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery may reduce the development of stricture.

Does the Thymus Index Predict COVID-19 Severity?

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is a global health emergency that is straining health care resources. Identifying patients likely to experience severe illness would allow more targeted use of resources. This study aimed to investigate the association between the thymus index (TI) on thorax computed tomography (CT) and prognosis in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted between March 17 and June 30, 2020, in patients with confirmed COVID-19. The patients' clinical history and laboratory data were collected after receiving a signed consent form. Four experienced radiologists who were blinded to each other and patient data performed image evaluation. The appearance of the thymus was assessed in each patient using 2 published systems, including the TI and thymic morphology. Exclusion criteria were lack of initial diagnostic thoracic CT, previous sternotomy, pregnancy, and inappropriate images for thymic evaluation. A total of 2588 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 1231 of these with appropriate thoracic CT imaging were included. Multivariable analysis was performed to predict the risk of severe disease and mortality. RESULTS: The median age was 45 (interquartile range, 33-58) years; 52.2% were male. Two hundred forty-nine (20.2%) patients had severe disease, and 60 (4.9%) patients died. Thymus index was significantly associated with mortality and severe disease (odds ratios, 0.289 [95% confidence interval, 0.141-0.588; P = 0.001]; and 0.266 [95% confidence interval, 0.075-0.932; P = 0.038]), respectively. Perithymic lymphadenopathy on CT imaging had a significantly strong association with grades of TI in patients with severe disease and death ( V = 0.413 P = 0.017; and V = 0.261 P = 0.002, respectively). A morphologically assessable thymus increased the probability of survival by 17-fold and the absence of severe disease by 12-fold. CONCLUSION: Assessment of the thymus in patients with COVID-19 may provide useful prognostic data for both disease severity and mortality.

Histological and Immunological Evaluation of the Osteogenic Effects of Compact Bone-Delivered Stem Cell on Spongiosis Bone in the Rat Zygomatic Arch Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: In stem cell applications, apart from bone marrow and adipose tissue, compact bone is also used as an alternative. However, studies on this subject are limited. In our study, we investigated the effect of stem cell derived from compact bone on rat zygomatic arch defect. METHODS: Fifteen rats were included in the study. Five rats were killed to obtain stem cells before the experiment. The rats were divided into 2 groups with 5 rats each. In group 1, compact bone-derived stem cell was applied. In group 2, adipose tissue-derived stem cell was applied. Right zygomatic arch defect was created in rats in both groups. Zygomatic bones were decellularized by cryosurgery. Stem cells were transferred to zygomatic bones. The number of stem cells, stem cell differentiation, and superficial markers obtained from the groups were examined. Histologically, cell structure, osteocyte count and osteopontin scores, elemental composition of the groups, percentages of resemblance to intact bone, osteocytes numbers, and cells were examined by electron microscopy of the bones in the groups after killing. RESULTS: The number of stem cells administered to the groups was 5 × 107 and 3.2 × 107 for group 1 and group 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Histologically, the morphology of the cells in group 1 was found to be healthier than group 2. The number of osteocytes was 97.56 ± 15.4 and 132.93 ± 10.8 in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P < 0.05). The osteopontin score was 3.47 ± 0.73 and 65 ± 0.64 in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P < 0.05). In the electron microscope examination, the morphologies of the cells in group 1 were seen more normal. The Ca/P ratio of the groups was 1.51 and 1.59 in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P > 0.05). Osteocyte counts were 10.7 ± 2.8 and 6.1 ± 1.2 in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P < 0.05). Morphological similarity percentages to normal bone were 88.4% and 79.6% in group 1 and group 2, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Stem cells obtained from compact bone gave positive results in zygomatic arch defect. This method can also be used as an alternative in stem cell applications.

The Effect of Centrifuge Duration on Fat Graft Survival.

Background Although fat grafts are widely used for reconstruction and aesthetic purposes, their survival rates differ significantly. Centrifugation is one of the methods used to increase the survival of fat grafts. However, experimental studies examining the long-term outcomes of centrifugation duration are currently limited. Thus, in the present study, the effects of centrifugation duration on the survival of fat grafts were assessed using an animal model. Methods Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study and fat grafts were obtained from each specimen by excision from inguinal fat pads. Preparation protocols were administered as an en-bloc fat graft in Group 1, minced fat graft in Group 2, and fat graft centrifuged at 1,054 ×g for 2 minutes, 3 minutes, and 4 minutes in Group 3, 4, and 5, respectively. After 12 weeks of follow-up, grafts were harvested and were subjected to histopathological evaluation based on an established scoring system. Results En-block fat grafts were associated with necrosis, fibrosis, inflammation, vacuole formation, and alterations in adipocyte morphology. Among the three centrifugation groups, Group 3 demonstrated the best adipocyte viability and vascularity. However, graft weights decreased in all experimental groups. Conclusion The centrifugation process may have positive effects on adipocyte survival by means of purifying the fat graft and increasing adipocyte concentration. When the centrifugal durations were compared, 3-minute centrifuge yielded the most favorable results.

Comparison of the Effects of Intratubal Injection of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Transection: An Experimental Study.

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of epineural tubulization (ENT) with or without intratubal application of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in the rat model of sciatic nerve transection. After formation of 1-cm defect in the left sciatic nerve and ENT, 32 adults female Wistar albino rats were separated into 4 groups (n = 8 for each) including ENT per se (group 1; ENT group) and ENT plus intratubal ASC injection groups killed on day 21 (group 2; ENT-ASC-21-day group), 60 days (group 3; ENT-ASC-60-day group), and 120 days (group 4; ENT-ASC-120-day group). Functional (sciatic function index, hip circumference, withdrawal reflex latency, muscle weight ratio), electrophysiological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed in each group. Sciatic function index was significantly higher (-51.98 ± 5.94, P < 0.01) and withdrawal reflex latency was shorter (-6.21 ± 2.14, P < 0.01), in the group 4 as compared with all other groups on day 21. Amplitude of contraction was significantly lower in the group 4 as compared with all other groups (0.22 ± 0.05 vs 0.34 ± 0.07, 0.50 ± 0.11, and 0.61 ± 0.16, P < 0.01 for each). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed presence of green fluorescent protein, vimentin-stained cells, and single neural progenitor cells indicating that induction of neuronal differentiation by ASCs and direct involvement of ASCs within the axonal structure alongside extension of ASCs to the muscular layer of the group 4. In conclusion, our findings revealed that use of ENT plus intratubal ASC injection in a rat sciatic nerve transection model was associated with satisfactory functional outcome and improved peripheral axonal regeneration along with stem cell neural differentiation.

Demonstration of ameliorating effect of vardenafil through its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in autism spectrum disorder induced by propionic acid on rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. In this study, we aimed to determine the ameliorating effects of vardenafil in the ASD rat model induced by propionic acid (PPA) in terms of neurobehavioral changes and also support these effects with histopathological changes, brain biochemical analysis and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male rats were randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 (control, 7 rats) did not receive treatment. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were given PPA at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 5 days. After PPA administration, animals in group 2 (PPAS, 7 rats) were given saline and animals in group 3 (PPAV, 7 rats) were given vardenafil. Behavioral tests were performed between the 20th and 24th days of the study. The rats were taken for MRS on the 25th day. At the end of the study, brain levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, nerve growth factor, cGMP and lactate levels were measured. In the cerebellum and the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, counts of neurons and Purkinje cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein (associated with gliosis) were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: Three chamber sociability and passive avoiding test, histopathological results, lactate levels derived from MRS, and biochemical biomarkers revealed significant differences among the PPAV and PPAS groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that vardenafil improves memory and social behaviors and prevent loss of neuronal and Purkinje cell through its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect.

Effect of hyperthermic chemotherapy on topical hemostatic agents.

PURPOSE: There is no clear consensus as to which topical hemostatic agent is best used during cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperthermic chemotherapy on the biomechanical properties of organic topical hemostatic agents and histologically fibrin formation rates. METHODS: Four topical hemostatic agents (Spongostan™, Surgicel®, Fibrillar™, Arista®) were evaluated. All agents were mixed with 3 ml blood in sterile tubes separately to form clot formation. The resulting clot formations were incubated with 36 °C and 42 °C with saline or cisplatin for 1 h. Strength and flexibility of hemostatic samples were evaluated under weight of 0 g, 50 g, 100 g, 200 g and 300 g. All samples were stained with hemotoxylin-eosin and compared histologically for fibrin clot formation under light microscope. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences according to strength and flexibility of topical hemostatic agents on hyperthermic chemotherapy. Histopathologically, the highest fibrin formation was observed in Surgicel®, followed by Fibrillar™. The least fibrin formation was detected in Arista®. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that exposure to hyperthermic chemotherapy did not significantly affect the biomechanical properties of organic topical hemostatic agents and the fibrin clot formation.

The anticarcinogen activity of ß-arbutin on MCF-7 cells: Stimulation of apoptosis through estrogen receptor-α signal pathway, inflammation and genotoxicity.

Arbutin is one of the active ingredients employed in cosmetics as a skin whitening agent. In the present study, the possible effects of arbutin on breast cancer were determined with human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. α and ß-arbutin cytotoxicity levels in MCF-7 cells were determined with the MTT method. At low (1-10 mM) doses, α-arbutin appears to be more toxic than ß-arbutin. At higher (5-200 mM) and LD50 doses beta arbutin toxicity appears to be higher than alpha arbutin. Thus, the study was continued with ß -arbutin. The effects of low and high doses of ß-arbutin was determined on oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and estrogen receptor-α in MCF-7 cells. The results demonstrated that the ß-arbutin doses administered to MCF-7 cells did not affect oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the experimental groups. However, it was found that administration of LD50 dose ß-arbutin induced inflammation in these cells via proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1ß). It was observed that LD10 and LD50 doses of ß-arbutin increased genotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. The gene expression analysis conducted with RT-PCR device and immunocytochemical analysis revealed that ß-arbutin at LD50 dose induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via p53 and Caspase 3. Furthermore, it was determined that all ß-arbutin doses inhibited estrogen receptor-α in MCF-7 cells. Considering that arbutin increased the activation of apoptotic Caspase 3 through p53, which was stimulated by genotoxic and inflammatory effects at LD50 dose in MCF-7 cells. Determination of this mechanism behind these effects of ß-arbutin may contribute to the development of a new perspective in treatment.

Risk factors affecting failure of colonoscopic detorsion for sigmoid colon volvulus: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: Colonoscopic detorsion (CD) is the first treatment option for uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus (SV). We aim to examine the factors affecting the failure of CD. METHODS: The files of patients, treated after diagnosis of SV between January 2015 and September 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, endoscopy reports, and surgical and other treatments were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups, as the successful CD group and unsuccessful CD group. The data were compared between the groups, and multivariate analysis of statistically significant variables was performed. RESULTS: There were 21 patients in the unsuccessful CD group and 52 patients in the successful CD group. The unsuccessful CD rate was found to be 28.76%; this is likely a function of more neuropsychiatric disease, more accompanying sigmoid diverticulum, previous abdominal surgery, abdominal tenderness, onset of symptoms for more than 48 h, higher mean intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), IAP over 15 mmHg, larger mean diameter of the cecum, the cecum diameter over 10 cm, and higher mean C-reactive protein (CRP) values as statistically significant. In the multivariate analysis, previous abdominal surgery and cecum diameter over 10 cm were seen as predictive factors for failure of CD (p=0.049, OR=0.103, and p = 0.028, OR=10.540, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CD failure rate was significantly associated with previous abdominal surgery and a cecum diameter over 10 cm. We found that patients with these factors will tend to need more emergency surgery.

Factors affecting the response to Y-90 microsphere therapy in the cholangiocarcinoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the early therapy response in patients with unresectable CCA who received Y-90 microsphere therapy for CCA and define the factors related to therapy response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 19 patients [extrahepatic (n: 6) and intrahepatic (n: 13)] who received 24 sessions of Y-90 microsphere therapy [glass (n: 13) and resin (n: 11)] were retrospectively evaluated. Tumor load, tumor size, therapy response evaluation by RECIST1.1 criteria (n: 13), tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and metabolic therapy responses were evaluated (n: 8) using PERCIST1.0 criteria. RESULTS: No significant relation was found between therapy response and tumor localization, treated liver lobe, type of Y90 microspheres, the presence of previous therapies, perfusion pattern on hepatic artery perfusion scintigraphy, or patient demographics. The mean overall survival (OS) was 11.9 ± 2.3 months and was similar after both resin and glass Y90 microspheres; however, it was longer RECIST responders (p: 0.005). MTV and TLG values significantly decreased after therapy, and ΔMTV (- 45.4% ± 12.1) was found to be positively correlated with OS. No statistical difference was found between iCCA and eCCA, in terms of OS and response to therapy. Although not quantitatively displayed, better-perfused areas on HAPS images had a better metabolic response and less perfused areas were prone to local recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Both resin and glass microsphere therapy can be applied safely to iCCA and eCCA patients. Early therapy response can be evaluated with both RECIST and PERCIST criteria. Both anatomical and metabolic therapy response evaluations give complementary information.

Teat characteristics in relation to animal temperament during milking in buffaloes, and comparison of buffalo and cow teat morphology.

This study aimed to examine the teat characteristics in relation to the animal temperament during milking in the Anatolian buffaloes using ultrasonographic, histomorphological and immunohistochemical methods. The teat canal length (TCL), teat wall thickness (TWT), teat cisternal diameter (TCD), teat diameter (TD), teat length (TL), and teat circumference (TC) values in docile (n = 5) and nervous (n = 7) buffaloes were measured at the 0th, 3rd and 6th minute of stimulation. In additional experiments, comparative histomorphology and immunohistochemical examinations of buffalo (n = 7) and cow teats (n = 8) were performed. It was determined that post-stimulation mean TCL values were significantly higher in nervous buffaloes than those of teats in docile buffaloes (p < .05). A significant positive correlation between TCD and TD, TL and TC in both docile and nervous buffaloes was noted (p < .05). Unlike nervous buffaloes where only 3/14 teat canals were open by 3rd minute of milking stimulation, almost all (9/10) teat canals were observed opened in docile buffaloes. There were fewer muscle but more collagen bundles in buffalo teats compared with cow teats. It seems that temperament of animal during milking effects the milking efficiency, and in nervous buffaloes, probably the stimulation alone may not be sufficient for opening of the teat canal and hence achieve complete milking.

The effect of thymus transplantation on donor-specific chimerism in the rat model of composite osseomusculocutaneous sternum, ribs, thymus, pectoralis muscles, and skin allotransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Research on tolerance has proven that development of donor-specific chimerism (DSC) may accompany tolerance induction in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of thymus transplantation on the induction of DSC in rat VCA model of osseomusculocutaneous sternum (OMCS) and osseomusculocutaneous sternum and thymus (OMCST) allotransplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 Lewis-Brown Norway and Lewis rats, 5-6 weeks old, weighting between 120 and 150 g, were used in the study. OMCS (n = 5) and OMCST (n = 5) allografts were harvested from Lewis-Brown Norway donors (RT1l + n ) based on the common carotid artery and external jugular vein, and a heterotopic transplantation was performed to the inguinal region of the Lewis (RT1l ) recipients under cyclosporine A monotherapy (16 mg/kg) protocol tapered to 2 mg/kg and maintained for the duration of the study. The peripheral blood chimerism levels (T-cell, B-cell, and monocyte/granulocyte/dendritic cell-MGDC populations) were evaluated at days 7, 14, 35, 63, 100, and 150 posttransplant by flow cytometry. At Day 150, thymus, spleen, and liver samples were assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the presence of DSC. RESULTS: Total chimerism level increased in both OMCST and OMCS groups at all time points. At 150 days posttransplant, chimerism in OMCST group was significantly higher (12.91 ± 0.16%) than that in OMCS group (8.89 ± 0.53%%, p < .01), and PCR confirmed the presence of donor-derived cells in the liver and spleen of all OMCST recipients and in one liver sample and two spleen samples in OMCS recipients without thymus transplant. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the direct effects of thymus transplantation on the induction and maintenance of DSC in T-cell, B-cell, and MGDC populations. These results confirm correlation between thymus transplantation and DSC induction.

Efficacy of safranal to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of safranal on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received physiological saline; animals in Group 2 received only safranal and in Group 3 received only cisplatin; 5 days of safranal treatment was performed following administration of cisplatin for the animals in Group 4; 5 days of safranal pretreatment was applied to the animals in Group 5 before administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected as a single dose and safranal (200 mg/kg) was administered by gavage. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilized for evaluation of the nephrotoxicity. The concentrations of creatinine and urea in plasma and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined in kidney tissue. Administration of cisplatin to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized with a significant increase in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations. MDA and TOS levels of rats that received cisplatin alone were not significantly different compared with those of the control group, but GSH and TAS levels in the only cisplatin-administered group were significantly decreased. Safranal administration produced amelioration in biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in both plasma and kidney tissues when compared with the only cisplatin-administered group, pretreatment with safranal being more effective. As a result, safranal treatment might have a protective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat.

Late Correction of Traumatic Nasal Deformities: A Surgical Algorithm and Experience in 120 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic nasal deformities have a wide spectrum of presentations, which further complicates their management and preoperative planning. Although many methods and algorithms have been proposed for management of specific posttraumatic nasal deformities, such as twisted, deviated, saddle, or short nose, these algorithms usually focus on a specific deformity in isolation from the remainder of the nose. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to present an algorithm for traumatic nasal deformities and to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of this new algorithm by a preoperative and postoperative quality-of-life questionnaire. METHODS: Patients with traumatic nasal deformity were operated on according to our surgical algorithm. Preoperative and postoperative Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scores, which is a rhinoplasty outcome survey, were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included in the study. The mean preoperative ROE score was 3.3 ± 1.9 and mean postoperative ROE score was 20.4 ± 3.2. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ROE scores (P < 0.001). There was a negative, mild to moderate, statistically significant correlation between preoperative scores and benefit (difference between postoperative and preoperative scores) (r = -0.465, P < 0.001), which means patients with lower scores had more improvement from the surgery. During the follow-up period, relapse of deviation, hypertrophic inferior turbinate, and intranasal synechia were found in 9% (n = 11), 6.6% (n = 8), and 3.3% (n = 4) of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a comprehensive surgical algorithm applicable to all traumatic nasal deformities is suggested, and the results of 120 patients with traumatic nasal deformities are presented.

Zero valent zinc nanoparticles promote neuroglial cell proliferation: A biodegradable and conductive filler candidate for nerve regeneration.

Regeneration of nerve, which has limited ability to undergo self-healing, is one of the most challenging areas in the field of tissue engineering. Regarding materials used in neuroregeneration, there is a recent trend toward electrically conductive materials. It has been emphasized that the capacity of conductive materials to regenerate such tissue having limited self-healing ability improves their clinical utility. However, there have been concerns about the safety of materials or fillers used for conductance due to their lack of degradability. Here, we attempt to use poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix consisting of varying proportions of zero valent zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) via electrospinning. These conductive, biodegradable, and bioactive materials efficiently promoted neuroglial cell proliferation depending on the amount of Zn NPs present in the PCL matrix. Chemical characterizations indicated that the incorporated Zn NPs do not interact with the PCL matrix chemically and that the Zn NPs improved the tensile properties of the PCL matrix. All composites exhibited linear conductivity under in vitro conditions. In vitro cell culture studies were performed to determine the cytotoxicity and proliferative efficiency of materials containing different proportions of Zn NPs. The results were obtained to explore new conductive fillers that can promote tissue regeneration.

A Study on the Effects of the Use of Propofol in Experimental Model Inferior Epigastric Island Flap on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Problems concerning vascular blood flow are the most frequently encountered ones after flap applications. The flap tissue starts to develop ischemia in patients with a vascular blood flow insufficiency. And reperfusion starts in those patients in whom the ischemia is temporary, triggering an ischemia-reperfusion injury depending on the duration of the ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of propofol, which is an anesthetic agent known to have an antioxidant effect and a free radical scavenging feature on the ischemia-reperfusion injury created on an experimental epigastric island flap.Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Inferior epigastric artery-based abdominal flaps were prepared in all the groups. In group 1 (sham), the flap was elevated but no ischemia was applied. In groups 2 (control) and 3 (propofol), the flap was exposed to ischemia for 2 hours after it was elevated. All the rats were sacrificed and biochemical and histopathological assessments were made on the tissue samples taken on the 14th day. As a result of a comparison between the groups, the flap viability rates and the superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase values were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the propofol group while the malondialdehyde and total oxidative stress values were lower (P < 0.001). Based on the data obtained from the present study, the use of propofol was observed to have a protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injuries in flap surgeries.