Protective Effects of Fuziline on Dobutamine-Induced Heart Damage in Mice

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fuziline is one of the many antioxidants currently being tested to treat cardiac damage. In our study, histopathological and biochemical effects of fuziline were investigated in mice with dobutamine-induced heart damage in vitro. Methods: Thirty-two adult male BALB/c mice, average weight of 18-20 g, were randomly divided into four groups - Group 1 (sham, n=8), Group 2 (control, dobutamine, n=8), Group 3 (treatment 1, dobutamine + fuziline, n=8), and Group 4 (treatment 2, fuziline, n=8). Biochemical parameters and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were measured. Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), NLR family, pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3), 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), gasdermin D (GSDMD), and galectin 3 (GAL-3) levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and histopathological examination of heart tissues was performed. Results: When dobutamine + fuziline and fuziline groups were compared, troponin-I (P<0.05), NLRP3 (P<0.001), GSDMD (P<0.001), 8-OHDG (P<0.001), IL-1β (P<0.001), and GAL-3 (P<0.05) were found to be statistically significant. TOS level was the highest in the dobutamine group (P<0.001) and TAS level was the highest in the fuziline group (P<0.001). OSI level was statistically significant between the groups (P<0.001). In histopathological examination, focal necrosis areas were smaller in the dobutamine + fuziline group than in the dobutamine group, and cardiac myocytes were better preserved. Conclusion: Fuziline markedly reduced cardiac damage and pyroptosis in mice with dobutamine-induced heart damage by lowering the levels of GSDMD, 8-OHDG, IL-1β, and GAL-3. It also prevented necrosis of cardiac myocytes in histopathological evaluation.

Frequency of Congenital Aortic Arch Anomaly in COVID-19 Patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of aortic arch anomaly in COVID-19 patients and to determine whether it will be included in the risk classification. METHODS: The study was retrospectively conducted in a third-level hospital by scanning the contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography and thoracic computed tomography angiography examinations of patients who received PCR (+), hospitalization, and known COVID pneumonia between March 2020 and July 2021. The study consists of 88 cases and 88 control groups. RESULTS: The study found that the frequency of aortic arch anomaly was higher in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and in male patients with bovine-type anomaly. CONCLUSIONS: The higher prevalence of bovine arch anomaly in COVID patients may be considered a risk factor for COVID-19 in individuals with this type of vascular anomaly.

Soluble ST2 as a Potential Biomarker in Pericardial Fluid of Coronary Artery Patients

Abstract Introduction: The growth Stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2) (or interleukin 1 receptor-like 1, also known as IL1RL1) is considered a biomarker of poor prognosis in cardiovascular diseases. The aims of this study are to investigate ST2 in the pericardial fluid (PF) of coronary artery disease patients and to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. Methods: 40 patients (blood plasma and PF) who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and 40 controls (blood plasma only) were included in this study. Soluble ST2 (sST2) level was determined by enzyme-linked ımmunosorbent assay method in plasma and PF, and sST2 gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) method. Results: The sST2 level was found to be 44.89 ng/ml and 390.357 ng/ml in the control and patient groups' plasma, and 223.992 ng/ml in the PF of the patient group. An increase in sST2 level was detected in the patient group compared to the control group (P<0.001). The sST2 expression in plasma was higher in the patient group than in the control group. Additionally, sST2 was more expressed in the plasma of the patient group than PF (P<0.001). Conclusion: The fact that sST2 was detected for the first time in a high level in PF showed that this biomarker was closely related with the heart and strengthened its potential to be used as a biomarker. Therefore, sST2 can contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease.

Monopolar versus bipolar transurethral resection of lateral wall-located bladder cancer under obturator nerve block: a single center prospective randomized study

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of the present prospective-randomized study was to compare perioperative outcomes and complications of bipolar and monopolar TURBT for lateral wall-located non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) under obturator nerve block (ONB). Patients and Methods: 80 patients who underwent TURBT for lateral wall-located primary bladder tumors under ONB from March, 2016 to November, 2019 were included in the present study. The patients were randomized equally into two groups; monopolar TUR (M-TURBT) and bipolar TUR (B-TURBT). The primary and secondary outcomes were safety (obturator jerk and bladder perforation) and efficacy (complete tumor resection and sampling of the deep muscle tissue). Results: Obturator jerk was detected in 2 patients (5%) in M-TURBT while obturator jerk was not observed during B-TURBT (p=0.494). Bladder perforation was not observed in both groups. All of the patients underwent complete tumor resection. There was no significant difference in muscle tissue sampling (67.5% vs. 72.5%, p=0.626) and thermal tissue damage rates (12.5% vs. 25%, p=0.201). The majority of complications were low-grade and the differences in Clavien grade 1-3 complications between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the treatment of lateral-wall located NMIBCs, either M-TURBT or B-TURBT can be safely and effectively performed by combining spinal anesthesia with ONB. Even so, it should be taken into consideration that low-grade postoperative hemorrhagic complications may occur in patients who undergo M-TURBT.

Unusual hydatid cysts: cardiac and pelvic-ilio femoral hydatid cyst case reports and literature review

Abstract Introduction: Hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, most commonly seen in the liver and lungs. The hydatid cyst is rarely seen in the heart and iliofemoral region, representing less than 2% of all cases. In this article, we report our cases of hydatid cysts in unusual loci. Methods: Between 2015 and 2018, 6 rare cases of hydatid cysts were diagnosed at the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of Harran University. Four of these patients had cardiac localization and two patients had their cysts located in the iliofemoral region, extending to the pelvic zone. All patients were female. Three patients had no other organ involvement. One patient with cardiac hydatid cyst underwent normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass + total pericystectomy + Cooley-like aneurysmectomy. Total pericystectomy was performed in three other patients with intrathoracic locus by normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Two patients who were referred to our clinic with palpable iliofemoral mass were evaluated with appropriate imaging methods and diagnosed accordingly. Multiple iliofemoral cysts were managed with pericystectomy and drainage by a single incision made over the inguinal ligament. Conclusion: Hydatid cyst disease can develop in cardiac chambers and inguinal region with or without hepatic or pneumatic involvement. Normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass can be safely used in patients with cardiac hydatid cysts, and capitonnage similar to ventricular aneurysm repair in patients with a widely involved cystic lesion can be very useful for the protection of ventricular functions.

Toward the first definition of taste rosea in female breasts: histological analysis / La primera definición del sabor rosea en mamas femeninas: análisis histológico

Although various neuropsychochemical theories have been established about why breastfeeding mothers feel hedonic sensation, the underlying neural mechanism has not been adequately clarified. We aimed to investigate if there is hedonic sensation-initiated taste-bud like structures stimulated by sugars in the milk-secreting lactiferous ducts of mammary glands of breastfeeding female rats. In this study, twenty-two female rats were chosen which six of the virgin (n=6), six of pregnant (n=6) and ten of breastfeeding (n=10). We examined lactiferous ducts/nipples of mammary glands of all animals. They were sacrificed following intracardiac formalin injection, and their breast tissues were removed with covering tissues and fixed with 10 % of formalin solution. After current histological procedures, the tissues were examined by light microscope to assess taste-bud like structures, and their numerical densities were calculated by using stereological methods. Results were analyzed statistically. Taste-buds like structures with neuron-like appendages at the apical ends were discovered in lactiferous ducts. The taste rosea numbers were estimated as 3±1/mm3 in virgins, 167±27/mm3 in pregnant and 375±63/mm3 in breastfeeding animals. The taste rosea numbers were greater in breastfeeding rats than those of virgins and pregnant rats. They named as taste rosea resembling flower bucket which has not been mentioned in the literature so far.

Existen varias teorías neuropsicoquímicas, referente a la sensación hedónica que sienten las mujeres al amamantar, y el mecanismo neural subyacente. No obstante, estas aún no se aclaran adecuadamente. El objetivo de este estudio, fue investigar si existen estructuras hedónicas iniciadas por la sensación gustativa estimuladas por los azúcares en los conductos mamarios secretores de leche, de las glándulas mamarias de las ratas durante el período de lactancia. En este estudio, se eligieron 22 ratas hembras, seis de estas no preñadas como grupo control, seis preñadas y diez en período de lactancia. Examinamos los conductos lactíferos / pezones de las glándulas mamarias de los tres grupos. Los animales fueron sacrificados por medio de inyección intracardíaca de formalina. El tejido mamario se fijó en solución de formalina al 10 %. La muestras histólogicas fueron examinadas a través microscopía óptica con la finalidad de evaluar estructuras con características morfológicas similares a las papilas gustativas. Su densidad de número se calculó utilizando métodos estereológicos. Los resultados fueron analizados estadísticamente. En los conductos mamarios se observaron dos estructuras con con características morfológicas tipo papilas gustativas con apéndices neuronales en los extremos apicales. Los números se estimaron en 3±1/mm3 en el grupo control, 167±27/mm3 en gestantes y 375±63/mm3 en animales lactantes. El número de estructuras características morfológicas similares a las papilas gustativas fue mayor en las ratas amamantando que en el grupo control y que en las ratas preñadas. Conocido como sabor rosea debido a que se asemeja a un ramo de flores, lo que hasta ahora no se ha mencionado en la literatura.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis for monitoring fluid and body cell mass changes in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Objective: To evaluate preoperative and postoperative body fluid distribution with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Fifteen adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this study. Total body fluid changes, basal metabolism rates, body fat masses, lean body masses, and total cell masses were recorded. The patients' values were measured before anesthesia, after anesthesia, after sternotomy, at the 5th, 30th, and 60th minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass, and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative days. All values were compared with preoperative values. Results: Total body fluid changed significantly after cardiopulmonary bypass (P<0.01). Metabolic velocity significantly changed compared to preoperative measurements (P<0.05). Fat mass and lean body mass also changed significantly. Body mass index and phase angle did not change significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Changes in body fluids during and after cardiopulmonary bypass are inevitable. The increase in total body weight shows that this fluid load shifts to the extracellular space during bypass and the fluid load in this area passes into the intravascular area in the early postoperative period. This may cause edema and dysfunction in the major organs. Therefore, the fluid balance should be adjusted very carefully, especially during the bypass phase and the early postoperative period.

New determinants for casual peripheral mechanism of neurogenic lung edema in subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ischemic degeneration of vagal nerve, kidney and lung circuitry. Experimental study

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether there is a relationship between renal artery vasospasm related low glomerular density or degeneration and neurogenic lung edema (NLE) following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods: This study was conducted on 26 rabbits. A control group was formed of five animals, a SHAM group of 5 to which saline and a study group (n=16) injected with homologous blood into the sylvian cisterna. Numbers of degenerated axons of renal branches of vagal nerves, atrophic glomerulus numbers and NLE scores were recorded. Results: Important vagal degeneration, severe renal artery vasospasm, intrarenal hemorrhage and glomerular atrophy observed in high score NLE detected animals. The mean degenerated axon density of vagal nerves (n/mm2), atrophic glomerulus density (n/mm3) and NLE scores of control, SHAM and study groups were estimated as 2.40±1.82, 2.20±1.30, 1.80±1.10, 8.00±2.24, 8.80±2.39, 4.40±1.14 and 154.38±13.61, 34.69±2.68 and 12.19±1.97 consecutively. Degenerated vagal axon, atrophic glomerulus and NLE scores are higher in study group than other groups and the differences are statistically meaningful (p<0.001). Conclusion: Vagal complex degeneration based glomerular atrophy have important roles on NLE following SAH which has not been extensively mentioned in the literature.

Comparing the short - term outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors in patients with coronary artery disese: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

ABSTRACT Introduction: To compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: A total of 90 CAD patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer who underwent TURBT were randomized into monopolar TURBT (M-TURBT) and bipolar TURBT (B-TURBT) groups. Primary outcome was safety of the procedures including obturator jerk, bladder perforation, clot retention, febrile urinary tract infection and TUR syndrome. The secondary outcome was the efficacy of TURBT procedures, including complete tumor resection, sampling of the deep muscle tissue and sampling of the qualified tissues without any thermal damage. Results: Mean ages of the patients in M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups were 71.36±7.49 and 73.71±8.15 years, respectively (p=0.157). No significant differences were found between M-TURBT and B-TURBT groups regarding complete tumor resection (76.2% vs. 87.5%, p=0.162) and muscle tissue sampling rates (71.4% vs. 64.6%,p=0.252). Obturator jerk was detected in 16.7% of the patients in M-TURBT group and 2.1% in B-TURBT group (p=0.007). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications. Conclusions: Both monopolar and bipolar systems can be used safely and effectively during TURBT procedure in CAD patients. Due to the more frequently seen obturator jerk in M-TURBT than B-TURBT, careful surgical approach is needed during M-TURBT.

Intraperitoneal administration of silymarin protects end organs from multivisceral ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model

Abstract Objective: To determine whether intraperitoneal silymarin administration has favorable effects on the heart, lungs, kidney, and liver and on oxidative stress in a rat model of supraceliac aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods: Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided equally into three groups: sham, control, and silymarin. The control and silymarin groups underwent supraceliac aortic occlusion for 45 min, followed by a 60 min period of reperfusion under terminal anesthesia. In the silymarin group, silymarin was administered intraperitoneally during ischemia at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Rats were euthanized using terminal anesthesia, and blood was collected from the inferior vena cava for total antioxidant capacity, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index measurement. Lungs, heart, liver and kidney tissues were histologically examined. Results: Ischemia/reperfusion injury significantly increased histopathological damage as well as the total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels in the blood samples. The silymarin group incurred significantly lesser damage to the lungs, liver and kidneys than the control group, while no differences were observed in the myocardium. Furthermore, the silymarin group had significantly lower total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels than the control group. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of silymarin reduces oxidative stress and protects the liver, kidney, and lungs from acute supraceliac abdominal aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat model.

Thymoquinone protects end organs from abdominal aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model / Timoquinona protege órgãos terminais da isquemia/reperfusão da aorta abdominal em modelo com ratos

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated that thymoquinone has protective effects against ischemia reperfusion injury to various organs like lungs, kidneys and liver in different experimental models. Objective: We aimed to determine whether thymoquinone has favorable effects on lung, renal, heart tissues and oxidative stress in abdominal aorta ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham (n=10), control (n=10) and thymoquinone (TQ) treatment group (n=10). Control and TQ-treatment groups underwent abdominal aorta ischemia for 45 minutes followed by a 120-min period of reperfusion. In the TQ-treatment group, thymoquinone was given 5 minutes. before reperfusion at a dose of 20 mg/kg via an intraperitoneal route. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in blood serum were measured and lung, kidney, and heart tissue histopathology were evaluated with light microscopy. Results: Total oxidative status and oxidative stress index activity in blood samples were statistically higher in the control group compared to the sham and TQ-treatment groups (P<0.001 for TOS and OSI). Control group injury scores were statistically higher compared to sham and TQ-treatment groups (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Thymoquinone administered intraperitoneally was effective in reducing oxidative stress and histopathologic injury in an acute abdominal aorta ischemia-reperfusion rat model. .

Introdução: Estudos prévios demonstraram que a timoquinona tem efeitos protetores contra a lesão de isquemia/reperfusão em vários órgãos como pulmão, rins e fígado em diferentes modelos experimentais. Objetivo: Determinar se timoquinona tem efeitos positivos em tecidos do pulmão, rim e coração e no estresse oxidativo em lesão de isquemia/perfusão da aorta abdominal. Métodos: Trinta ratos foram divididos em três grupos: sham (n=10), controle (n=10) e tratamento com timoquinona (TQ) (n=10). Os grupos controle e de tratamento com TQ foram submetidos à isquemia da aorta abdominal durante 45 minutos, seguido por um período de 120 minutos de reperfusão. No grupo de tratamento com TQ, a timoquinona foi administrada 5 minutos antes da reperfusão, dose de 20 mg/kg através da via intraperitoneal. A capacidade total antioxidante, estado oxidativo total (TOS) e o índice de estresse oxidativo (OSI) no soro do sangue foram medidos, e a histopatologia dos tecidos do pulmão, rim e coração foram avaliados com microscopia de luz. Resultados: Estado oxidativo e índice de estresse oxidativo total em amostras de sangue foram estatisticamente mais altos no grupo controle em relação aos grupos sham e tratamento com TQ (P<0,001 para TOS e OSI). Escores de lesões no grupo controle foram estatisticamente mais altos em relação aos grupos sham e tratamento com TQ (P<0,001 para todas as comparações). Conclusão: A timoquinona administrada por via intraperitoneal foi eficaz na redução do estresse oxidativo e lesão histopatológica em modelo de rato de isquemia/reperfusão aguda da aorta abdominal. .

Coping strategies and mood profiles in patients with multiple sclerosis / Estratégias de enfrentamento e perfis de humor em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the coping strategies, mood characteristics and the association between these aspects in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects. Method: Fifty consecutive patients who were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria and thirty-one healthy subjects were included in the study. In addition to the sociodemographic form, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences Scale (COPE), and Profile of Mood States (POMS) tests were applied to the participants. Results: Non-functional coping strategies were significantly higher in the secondary-progressive type (p≤0.05). Depression-dejection, fatigue-inertia and total POMS scores were significantly higher in the secondary-progressive type (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate the importance of rehabilitation programs that encourage exercise among patients with multiple sclerosis to increase vigor-activity levels. .

Objetivo: Investigar as estratégias de enfrentamento, as características de humor e a associação entre estes aspectos em pacientes com diagnóstico de esclerose múltipla em comparação a indivíduos saudáveis. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 50 pacientes com diagnóstico de esclerose múltipla de acordo com os critérios de McDonald e 31 pessoas saudáveis. Além da caracterização sócio-econômica, foram aplicados a todos os pacientes testes para avaliar o Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), o Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences Scale (COPE) e o Profile of Mood States (POMS). Resultados: Escores referentes a estratégias de enfrentamento não funcionais foram significativamente maiores na forma secundariamente progressiva (p≤0.05). Escores relativos a depressão-abatimento, fadiga-inércia e escores totais POMS foram significativamente maiores na forma secundariamente progressiva (p≤0.05). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo mostram a importância de programas de reabilitação que encorajem os pacientes com esclerose múltipla a praticar exercícios com maiores níveis de vigor e atividade. .

The assessment of cardiac autonomic functions in adolescents with a family history of premature atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Subclinical atherosclerosis has been recently detected in adolescents with a family history of premature atherosclerosis. However, no studies in the literature have assessed the cardiac autonomic functions of these adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac autonomic functions of adolescents with a family history of premature atherosclerosis compared with those of age- and gender-matched adolescents without a family history of atherosclerosis. METHOD: We evaluated the cardiac autonomic functions of 36 adolescents with a family history of premature atherosclerosis (Group 1) and compared them with those of 31 age- and gender-matched adolescents whose parents did not have premature atherosclerosis (Group 2). Twenty-four-hour time domain (standard deviation of all normal sinus RR intervals [SDNN], standard deviation of the mean of normal RR intervals in each 5-minute segment [SDANN], root-mean-square differences in successive RR intervals) and frequency domain (very low frequency, low frequency, high frequency, low frequency/high frequency) parameters of heart rate variability were used for the evaluation of cardiac autonomic functions. RESULTS: There were no differences in the time and frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability between the two groups. Heart rate was negatively correlated with SDNN (r = -0.278, ...

Diurnal photosynthesis, water use efficiency and light use efficiency of wheat under Mediterranean field conditions.

Photosynthesis and transpiration rates of wheat leaves (Triticum aestivum L.) were measured at 30 min intervals under Mediterranean field conditions, using Photosynthesis Monitor system (PM-48M). The dynamics of net photosynthetic rate (P(N)), transpiration rate (E(T)), water use efficiency (WUE), light use efficiency (LUE), stomatal conductance (g(s)), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and atmospheric CO2 concentration (Catm) were quantified at five rainfed wheat sites with the same stages of development (midflowering) along south-to-north and east-to-west transects for eight days in April. Diurnal P(N) (3.6 to 6.6 micromol m(-2) s(-1)), PAR (392 to 564 micromol m2 sec(-1)), LUE (0.006 to 0.015) and WUE (0.0001 to 0.011) did not vary significantly across all five wheat sites (p > 0.05). P(N) and E(T) were strongly coupled and highly correlated with PAR (p < 0.001). Best multiple linear regression (MLR) models accounted for 92% of variations in P(N) as a function of PAR and E(T), and 90% in E(T) as a function of PAR and RH (p < 0.001). P(N) exhibited a peak at mid-morning, and a photosynthetic midday depression under the limiting effects of high evaporative demand. Diurnal variations in WUE and LUE showed a bimodal behavior with the maximum values in early morning and late afternoon. As the impacts of global climate change become increasingly felt, continuous measurements of climate-crop-soil-managementinteractions under natural conditions play a pivotal role not only in exploring changes in ecophysiological properties of strategic crops for food security such as wheat but also in devising preventive and mitigative management practices to ensure sustained agricultural productivity.