Estudio retrospectivo sobre equinococosis quística en animales de granja en el norte de Türkiye

RESUMEN Objetivo. Este estudio se realizó retrospectivamente para evaluar el estado de equinococosis quística de los animales de granja, analizando las muestras enviadas al Instituto de Control Veterinario de Samsun de la República de Türkiye, Ministerio de Agricultura y Silvicultura, entre el Enero de 2016 y el Diciembre de 2022. Materiales y Métodos. Un total de 818 ovejas, 160 cabras y 990 materiales de necropsia de ganado bovino se examinaron macroscópicamente e histopatológicamente de acuerdo con las directrices de la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (WOAH). Los quistes se detectaron en 61 materiales de todos los materiales examinados. Resultados. Se encontró que la tasa de positividad de equinococosis quística total en animales de granja era del 3,1% en el norte de Türkiye. Se detectaron quistes en al menos uno de los hígados y pulmones. Se detectó en hígado en 24 casos (39.3%), pulmón en 23 casos (37.7%) y tanto pulmón como hígado en 11 casos (18%). Además, se encontraron quistes tanto en pulmón como en bazo (1 caso), riñón e hígado (1 caso) y corazón e hígado (1 caso). La tasa de positividad fue mayor en ovejas que en otros rumiantes, y la diferencia con otras especies de rumiantes fue estadísticamente significativa. (p<0.001). Se encontró que la diferencia entre las tasas de prevalencia por años era estadísticamente significativa (p=0.001). Conclusiones. Türkiye se define como una región altamente endémica para Echinococcus granulosus y Echinococcus multilocularis. La vigilancia debe realizarse regularmente para implementar programas de control. La información presentada en este estudio contribuirá a obtener una idea sobre el estado de la equinococosis quística en el ganado en el norte de Türkiye y al desarrollo de estrategias de prevención y control.

ABSTRACT Objective. This study was conducted retrospectively to assess the cystic echinococcosis status of farm animals from the samples sent to Samsun Veterinary Control Institute of the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, between January 2016 and December 2022. Materials and Methods. A total of 818 sheep, 160 goats, and 990 cattle necropsy materials were examined macroscopically and histopathologically according to World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. Cysts were detected in 61 of examined materials. Results. The rate of total cystic echinococcosis positivity in farm animals was found to be 3.1% in northern Türkiye. Cysts were detected in at least one of the liver and lungs. It was detected in the liver in 24 cases (39.3%), the lung in 23 cases (37.7%), and both the lung and liver in 11 cases (18%). In addition, cysts were found in both of lung and spleen (1 case), kidney and liver (1 case), and heart and liver (1 case). The positivity rate was higher in sheep than in other ruminants, and the difference with other ruminant species was statistically significant. (p<0.001). The difference between prevalence rates by years was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion. Türkiye is defined as a highly endemic region for Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. Surveillance should be done regularly to implement control programs. The information presented in this study will contribute to gaining an idea about the status of cystic echinococcosis in livestock in northern Türkiye and to the development of prevention and control strategies.

Epigenetic and genetic investigation of SOCS-1 gene in patients with multiple myeloma

Background@#The suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) functions to induce an appropriate immune response and is an essential physiological regulator of interferon signaling. DNA methylation involves adding a methyl group to the carbon 5 position of cytosine. Besides comparing SOCS-1 gene methylation status between patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and healthy controls, this study also aimed to demonstrate the effect of SOCS-1 gene distribution and the effect of methylation of SOCS-1 on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). @*Methods@#This study included 120 patients diagnosed with MM between January 2018 and 2020 and 80 healthy individuals. The distribution of the SOCS-1 genotypes was statistically compared between MM patients and healthy controls. Additionally, the statistically significant effects of these genotypes on survival were examined. @*Results@#The CA/CA genotype of SOCS-1 was significantly higher in healthy controls (P =0.001), while the Del/Del genotype was significantly higher in patients with MM (P =0.034). The percent methylated reference (PMR) value of the SOCS-1 gene was significantly higher in the healthy controls (median, 43.48; range, 2.76‒247.75; P =0.001). Patients with a PMR value of ≥43.48 were 3.125 times more likely to develop progression than those with a PMR value of ＜43.48. @*Conclusion@#The effects of SOCS-1 polymorphisms on the pathogenesis of MM and SOCS-1 methylation will further shed light on the pathophysiology of MM.

Is the Reference Electrode Location Important for the Electromyography Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor in Urodynamic Studies? / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#Perineal electromyography (EMG) is a crucial part of urodynamic studies. Many researchers focused on the standardization of techniques in urodynamics, but no study has yet evaluated the differences with various reference electrode placements. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal placement of the reference electrode for recording pelvic floor activity in urodynamic studies. @*Methods@#Children over 6 years of age without anatomic or neurological abnormalities were invited to participate in the study. Four reference electrodes were placed on the right kneecap, the inner surface of the right inner thigh, the right anterior iliac spine (AIS), and the skin over the left gluteal muscles for simultaneous recording. The EMG signal formed by pelvic contraction during forceful straining was recorded both in the supine and sitting positions. The root mean square (RMS) value of each muscle contraction signal was calculated. @*Results@#Twenty-one participants (10 boys and 11 girls) were included. The mean age was 10.19±3.20 years. The highest RMS values were obtained with the reference electrode on the thigh in the supine position and the AIS in the sitting position. Significant differences were found between the mean RMS values of the knee and other locations of reference electrodes in the supine position, as well as between mean RMS values in all regions except the thigh and gluteus in the sitting position. The minimum mean RMS values in both positions were obtained with the reference electrode on the knee. @*Conclusions@#During urodynamic studies, reference electrodes shall be placed on AIS in the sitting and on the inner thigh in the supine position. The knee is not a suitable option for reference electrode placement. This information may help improve EMG recordings in the evaluation of pelvic floor muscles.

Evaluation of factors affecting the frequency and clinical course of COVID-19 in patients using anti-TNF-alpha agents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: Patients being treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) agents were reported to have better prognosis related to COVID-19. We evaluated the factors affecting the frequency, clinical course, and outcome of COVID-19 in patients treated with anti-TNF-alpha agents. METHODS: Patients with rheumatoid diseases and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases treated with anti-TNF-alpha agents were evaluated retrospectively. The laboratory data in routine visits, frequency of COVID-19, pneumonia, hospitalization and/or intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up and, mortality were recorded. The factors related to COVID-19 frequency and clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients (177 males [54.6%] and 147 females [45.4%], mean age: 45.3±12.16 years) was included in the study. In all, 44 (13.6%) patients had COVID-19; of these, 11 (25%) developed pneumonia, 7 (15.9%) were hospitalized, and 1 (2.3%) was followed up in ICU. There was no mortality. The patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were older (mean age: 52±11 years versus 41±12 years, p=0.01), had hypertension and coronary artery disease more frequently (5 cases [55.6%] versus 4 cases [44.4], p=0.02 and 2 cases [100%] versus 0 cases [0%], p=0.014, respectively), and lower eosinophil % (1.35±1.79% versus 2.3±1.45%, p=0.016). The diabetes mellitus was more frequent (66.7 versus 33.3%, p=0.013), and mean eosinophil % was lower among inpatients compared with outpatients (1.29±2.22% versus 2.19±1.37%, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the patients treated with anti-TNF-alpha agents having COVID-19 might have mild clinical course and better prognosis.

Sideritis perfoliata inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and exhibits cellular antioxidant activity in cervical cancer cells / Sideritis perfoliata inhibe la proliferación celular, induce apoptosis y exhibe actividad antioxidante celular en células de cáncer de cuello uterino

In this study, it was aimed to determine the antioxidant and anticancer activities of Sideritis perfoliata methanolic extract (SPE) on cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Different doses (25, 50,100 and 200 µg/mL) of SPE were used to determine proliferation of HeLa cells by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining method. Induction of apoptosis was determined by Annexine-V and propidium iodide staining method. Interleukin (IL) 6-8 levels were measured by ELISA method. Antioxidant activities of SPE were determined by DPPH, DNA (plasmid pBR322) protecting and cellular antioxidant activity tests. Some phytochemicals of SPE were also screened by LC-MS-MS. It was determined that SPE reduced the proliferation of HeLa cells and also induced apoptosis. IL6-8 levels importantly decreased at 200 µg/mL. SPE exhibited moderately antioxidant activities in tests used. Among the phenolics identified, vanillic acid had the highest amount. As a result, it was determined to have the anticancer activity of SPE by decreasing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and decreasing IL6-8 in HeLa cells.

En este estudio, se tuvo como objetivo determinar las actividades antioxidantes y anticancerígenas del extracto metanólico de Sideritis perfoliata (SPE) en las células de cáncer de cuello uterino (HeLa). Se utilizaron diferentes dosis (25, 50, 100 y 200 µg/mL) de SPE para determinar la proliferación de células HeLa mediante el método de tinción con bromuro de 3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il] -2,5-difenil-tetrazolio (MTT). La inducción de apoptosis se determinó mediante el método de tinción con anexina-V y yoduro de propidio. Los niveles de interleucina (IL) 6-8 se midieron mediante el método ELISA. Las actividades antioxidantes de SPE se determinaron mediante pruebas de DPPH, protección de ADN (plásmido pBR322) y actividad antioxidante celular. Algunos fitoquímicos de SPE también se analizaron mediante LC-MS-MS. Se determinó que SPE redujo la proliferación de células HeLa y también indujo apoptosis. Los niveles de IL6-8 disminuyeron de manera importante a 200 µg/mL. SPE mostró actividades moderadamente antioxidantes en las pruebas utilizadas. Entre los fenólicos identificados, el ácido vainílico tuvo la mayor cantidad. Como resultado, se determinó que tenía la actividad anticancerígena de SPE al disminuir la proliferación celular, inducir apoptosis y disminuir la IL6-8 en las células HeLa.

Attitudes of patients with a rheumatic disease on drug use in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background: Anti-rheumatic drugs can increase the predisposition to infection, and patients may be unaware of continuing their treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to assess whether patients maintain their treatment for rheumatic conditions during the pandemic period and determine the factors responsible for discontinuation. Methods: Patients were randomly selected from the prospectively collected database of our tertiary referral center. The patients were interviewed by telephone through a standardized closed-ended questionnaire, which is targeting the continuity of the treatment plan and the considerations related to the individual choice. The patients were asked whether they hesitated to visit the hospital for follow-up or intravenous drug administration. Results: A total of 278 patients completed the questionnaire. While 62 of the patients (22.3%) had reduced or interrupted the treatment, only 11 patients (3.9%) stopped the treatment completely. A significant difference was observed between the duration of illness and the discontinuation of treatment. (p = 0.023) There was a significant difference in disease activity between the group that stopped treatment and continued treatment. (p = 0.001) There was no statistically significant difference in other demographic characteristics. One hundred thirty-five patients (48.6%) made the treatment decision by themselves, and 80% continued the treatment. Reasons for stopping the treatment were anxiety (48.4%), not being able to go to the hospital for intravenous treatment (45.1%), and not being able to find the drug (6.5%). Conclusion: Since patients with long-term illnesses were found to be significantly more likely to stop their treatment, this group of patients should be monitored.

TNF-α-308 G/A variant may be associated with bipolar disorder in a Turkish population

ABSTRACT Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory multifunctional cytokine produced by macrophages. A dysregulation of the immune system contribute to the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the TNF-α gene -308G/A promoter variant and the risk of BD. Methods: A total of 104 BD patients and 94 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Genomic DNA was isolated and TNF-α -308G/A variant was analyzed using PCR-RFLP method. Results: TNF-α -308G/A variant GG genotype and G allele were more prevalent in BD patients compared to the controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.017, respectively). The patients carrying GG genotype had a 5.927-fold higher risk of developing BD. Then, we divided patients into two groups as smokers and non-smokers. TNF-α -308G/A variant GA genotype was higher in non-smoker BD patients than smoker patients (p = 0.027). We found that TNF-α -308G/A AA genotype and A allele increased in smoker patients compared to non-smoker patients (p = 0.008, p = 0.002, respectively). Discussion: Our results provided evidence that TNF-α -308G/A variant may contribute to development of BD in a Turkish cohort. In addition, this variant plays a relevant role in the smoker status of BD.

Efecto agudo de diferentes ejercicios sobre la variabilidad del ritmo cardíaco de jugadores jóvenes de fútbol / Acute effect of different trainings in the variability of the heart rate of young football players / Efeito agudo de diferentes exercícios sobre a variabilidade do ritmo cardíaco de jogadores jovens de futebol

Objective: To determine the time-domain (SDNN, RMSSD) of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) of young football players in different training sessions. Method: 15 football players voluntarily participated (mean age = 15.5 ± 0.5 years, height= 171.1 ± 7.9 cm, weight= 62.4 ± 8.9 kg, BMI= 21.2 ± 1.9 kg/m2). They performed three different training: speed, coordination, and match formation. The HRV and HR of the participants were measured during warm-up, main training, and cool-down in each of the three different training sessions. Results: There was a significant interaction between time and intervention on RMSSD (Frmat= 2.983) and HR (Frmat t= 4.894). The results show that HR and HRV are affected differently by diverse training practices in football.

Objetivo: determinar el dominio del tiempo (SDNN, RMSSD) de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (HRV) y la frecuencia cardíaca (HR) de los futbolistas jóvenes en diferentes entrenamientos. Método: participaron voluntariamente 15 jugadores de fútbol (media de edad = 15.5 ± 0.5 años, altura = 171.1 ± 7.9 cm, peso = 62.4 ± 8.9 kg, IMC = 21.2 ± 1.9 kg / m2), quienes se sometieron a 3 entrenamientos diferentes: velocidad, coordinación y partido de entrenamiento. La HRV y la HR de los deportistas se midieron durante el calentamiento, el entrenamiento principal y el enfriamiento en cada uno de los 3 entrenamientos. Resultados: hubo una interacción significativa entre el tiempo y la intervención en RMSSD (Frmat = 2.983) y HR (Frmat = 4.894). Los resultados indican que la HR y la HRV se ven afectadas de manera diferente por diversas prácticas de entrenamiento en fútbol.

Objetivo: determinar o controle do tempo (SDNN, RMSSD) da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (HRV) e da frequência cardíaca (HR) dos futebolistas jovens em diferentes treinamentos. Método: participaram voluntariamente 15 jogadores de futebol (media de idade = 15.5 ± 0.5 anos, altura = 171.1 ± 7.9 cm, peso = 62.4 ± 8.9 kg, IMC = 21.2 ± 1.9 kg / m2), eles realizaram 3 treinamentos diferentes: velocidade, coordenação e partido de treinamento. A HRV e a HR dos esportistas se mediram durante o aquecimento, o treinamento principal e o esfriamento em cada um dos 3 treinamentos. Resultados: houve uma interação significativa entre o tempo e a intervenção em RMSSD (Frmat = 2.983) e HR (Frmat = 4.894). Os resultados indicam que a HR e a HRV são afetadas de maneiras diferentes por diversas práticas de treinamento em futebol.

PER3 VNTR variant and susceptibility to smoking status/substance use disorder in a Turkish population

Abstract Background Substance use and smoking exert devastating impact on sleep, especially hindering the ease of falling asleep, compromising the sleep maintenance, and distorting the sleep cycles. PERIOD genes are believed to play a role in individual differences in sleep timing by influencing circadian. Objective The aim of this study was to ascertain whether Per3 VNTR variant affects suspectibility of individuals to substance use disorder (SUD) and smoking status in a Turkish population. Methods A total of 549 subjects, including 212 SUD patients, 160 smoker, and 177 healthy controls, matched by ethnicity, age, and gender, were recruited in a case-control study. Genotyping of Per3 variant was performed using PCR method. Results When the SUD, smoker groups and controls were compared in terms of 5R/5R, 5R/4R, 4R/4R genotypes, no significant difference was observed. Besides, allele frequencies of Per3 VNTR were similar among the groups. Discussion Our data indicate that Per3 VNTR variant is not associated with the risk of SUD and smoking status in our population.

A grading dilemma; Gleason scoring system: Are we sufficiently compatible? A multi center study

Objective: Gleason scoring is the grading system which strongly predicts the prognosis of prostate cancer. However, even being one of the most commonly used systems, the presence of different interobserver agreement rates push the uropathologists update the definitons of the Gleason patterns. In this study, we aimed to determine the interobserver agreement variability among 7 general pathologists, and one expert uropathologist from 6 different centers. Methods: A set of 50 Hematoxylin & Eosin stained slides from 41 patients diagnosed as prostate cancer were revised by 8 different pathologists. The pathologists were also grouped according to having their residency at the same institute or working at the same center. All pathologists' and the subgroups' Gleason scores were then compared for interobserver variability by Fleiss' and Cohen's kappa tests using R v3.2.4. Results: There were about 8 pathologists from 6 different centers revised all the slides. One of them was an expert uropathologist with experience of 18 years. Among 7 general pathologists 4 had surgical pathology experience for over 5 years whilst 3 had under 5 years. The Fleiss' kappa was found as 0.54 for primary Gleason pattern, and 0.44 for total Gleason score (moderate agreement). The Fleiss' kappa was 0.45 for grade grouping system. Conclusion: Assigning a Gleason score for a patient can be problematic because of different interobserver agreement rates among pathologists even though the patterns were accepted as well-defined.

Diagnostic role of ultrasound elastography on lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck cancer / Papel diagnóstico da elastografia ultrassonográfica nas metástases de linfonodos em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço

Abstract Introduction: Ultrasonography is the easiest non-invasive method to diagnose lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck cancer. However, since CT scans are often preferred in the evaluation of primary tumours of these patients, information about lymphatic metastases may also available in these patients. Therefore, ultrasound is not routinely employed in the evaluation of these patients. However, elastography technique, a recent development in ultrasound technology, could make use of ultrasonography in these patients even more widespread, even though it is still not widely used today. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of sonographic elastography in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of head and neck cancer. Methods: Twenty-three patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer and scheduled for surgical treatment including neck dissection were included in the study. All patients underwent neck examination by palpation, ultrasound elastography and computerized tomography with contrast. To compare the diagnostic performance of palpation, ultrasound elastography and computerized tomography, the findings of each examination method were compared with the histopathological examination results of neck specimens. Results: 15 (65.2%) patients had a primary tumour in the larynx; 7 (30.4%) in the oral cavity; and 1 (4.3%) in the parotid. 7 (30.4%) out of 23 patients underwent bilateral neck dissection. In total, 30 neck dissections were hereby taken into account during study. Ultrasound elastography showed higher accuracy (83.3%) and higher sensitivity (82.4%) than palpation and computerized tomography, but the specificity of ultrasound elastography was lower (84.6%) than palpation and computerized tomography. Conclusions: Ultrasound elastography is helpful for the diagnosis of lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck cancer. Due to its non-invasive character, it can be used safety in combination with other radiological techniques to support or improve their diagnostic performance.

Resumo Introdução: A ultrassonografia é o método mais fácil e não invasivo para diagnosticar metástases em linfonodos em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço. No entanto, como as tomografias computadorizadas são frequentemente preferidas na avaliação de tumores primários desses pacientes, as informações sobre metástases linfáticas também se tornam disponíveis. Portanto, a ultrassonografia não faz parte da avaliação de rotina desses pacientes. Entretanto, a técnica de elastografia, um desenvolvimento mais recente na tecnologia de ultrassom, poderia tornar o uso da ultrassonografia mais difundido nesses pacientes, embora atualmente ainda não seja amplamente usado. Objetivo: Avaliar o papel da elastografia ultrassonográfica no diagnóstico de metástases em linfonodos em casos de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 23 pacientes diagnosticados com câncer de cabeça e pescoço e com tratamento cirúrgico programado, inclusive esvaziamento cervical. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame cervical por palpação, elastografia ultrassonográfica e tomografia computadorizada com contraste. Para comparar o desempenho diagnóstico da palpação, elastografia ultrassonográfica e tomografia computadorizada, os achados de cada método de exame foram comparados com os resultados do exame histopatológico de amostras obtidas do pescoço. Resultados: Dos pacientes, 15 (65,2%) apresentaram tumor primário na laringe; sete (30,4%) na cavidade oral; e um (4,3%) na parótida. Sete (30,4%) dos 23 pacientes foram submetidos a esvaziamento cervical bilateral. Foram considerados durante o estudo 30 pescoços. A elastografia ultrassonográfica mostrou maior acurácia (83,3%) e maior sensibilidade (82,4%) do que a palpação e a tomografia computadorizada, mas a especificidade da elastografia ultrassonográfica foi menor (84,6%) do que a palpação e a tomografia computadorizada. Conclusões: A elastografia ultrassonográfica é útil para o diagnóstico de metástases de linfonodos em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Graças ao seu caráter não invasivo, pode ser usada com segurança em combinação com outras técnicas radiológicas para apoiar ou melhorar o desempenho diagnóstico.

Effect of monoamine oxidase B A644G variant on nicotine dependence and/or schizophrenia risk

Abstract Objectives Schizophrenia (Sch) is a severe and chronic mental illness. Smoking prevalence is higher in patients with Sch than general population. We aimed to investigate the effects of MAOB gene A644G variant on nicotine dependence (ND) and Sch+ND risk in Turkish population and to evaluate by bioinformatic analysis. Methods Present study included 161 individuals with ND, 223 patients with Sch+ND, and 96 non-smoker controls. MAOB A644G variant was analyzed using PCR-RFLP method. As the MAOB gene is located on the X chromosome, each gender was analysed separately. Results The total distributions of AA, AG and GG genotypes of MAOB gene A644G were 44.7%, 22.4% and 32.9% in the ND group, 45.3%, 25.1% and 29.6% in the Sch+ND group and, 44.8, 22.9% and 32.3% in non-smoker controls. No significant differences were observed between groups for the MAOB A644G genotype and allele frequencies when female group compared to male group (p > 0.05). Examination of disease associations of SNPs from each miRNA gene region in GWAS databases yielded results for aging, bipolar disorder, autoimmune, and neurological diseases. Discussion Our results indicate that the MAOB gene A644G variant is not associated with ND and/or Sch susceptibility in the Turkish population.

Ocular abnormalities in morbid obesity / Anormalidades oculares na obesidade mórbida

ABSTRACT Purpose: Obesity is associated with eye diseases, but the underlying structural changes and pathogenic mechanisms have not been examined in detail. Here, we assessed the effects of morbid obesity on the morphometric indices of eye disease. Methods: Morbidly obese volunteers (n=101, body mass index [BMI] ³40) and healthy individuals (n=95, BMI: 18.50-24.99) were examined by Goldman applanation tonometry, pachymetry, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, axial length, central corneal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, central foveal thickness, and choroidal thickness were compared between groups. Results: Uncorrected intraocular pressure was significantly greater in the morbidly obese group than in the healthy control group (15.5 ± 2.5 vs. 14.5 ± 2.6 mmHg, p=0.009), whereas axial length, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness did not differ between the groups. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at the temporal quadrant was reduced in the morbidly obese group (72.7 ± 13.6 vs. 85.05 ± 52.6 mm, p=0.024). Similarly, the mean retinal thicknesses at nasal and temporal 1500-mm locations were lower in the morbidly obese group (346.6 ± 18.2 vs. 353.7 ± 18.8 mm, p=0.008; 323.1 ± 20.3 vs. 330.0 ± 18.9 mm, p=0.001). The mean choroidal thickness was also reduced in almost all measurement locations (fovea, temporal 500 and 1000 mm, and nasal 500, 1000, and 1500 mm) of the obese group (p<0.05). Weight and BMI were negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r=-0.186, p=0.009; r=-0.173, p=0.015). Conclusion: Morbid obesity is associated with elevated uncorrected intraocular pressure and signs of neuropathy and retinopathy. Obesity may thus increase the risks of glaucoma and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: A obesidade está associada a doenças oulares, mas as mudanças estruturais subjacentes e os mecanismos patogênicos não foram examinados detalhadamente. Aqui avaliamos os efeitos da obesidade mórbida nos índices morfométricos da doença ocular. Métodos: Voluntários obesos mórbidos (n=101, índice de massa corporal ³40) e indivíduos saudáveis (n=95, índice de massa corporal 18,50 a 24,99) foram examinados por tonometria de aplanação de Goldman, paquimetria e tomografia de coerência óptica de domício espectral. A pressão intraocular, profundidade da câmara anterior, comprimento axial, espessura central da córnea, espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina, espessura foveal central e espessura da coroide foram comparadas entre os grupos. Resultados: A pressão intraocular não corrigida foi significativamente maior no grupo com obesidade mórbida do que no grupo controle saudável (15,5 ± 2,5 vs. 14,5 ± 2,6 mmHg, p=0,009), enquanto que o comprimento axial, profundidade da câmara anterior e espessura central da córnea não diferiram entre os grupos. A espessura média da camada de fibras nervosas da retina no quadrante temporal foi reduzida no grupo com obesidade mórbida (72,7 ± 13,6 vs. 85,05 ± 52,6 mm, p=0,024). Da mesma forma, a média das espesuras da retinianas nas localizações nasal e temporal de 1500 m foi menor no grupo com obesidade mórbida (346,6 ± 18,2 mm vs. 353,7 ± 18,8 mm, p=0,008; 323,1 ± 20,3 mm vs. 330,0 ± 18,9 mm, p=0,001). A espessura média da coroide também foi reduzida em quase todos os locais de mensuração (fóvea, temporal 500 e 1000 mm, nasal 500, 1000 e 1500 mm) do grupo obeso (p<0,05). Peso e índice de massa corporal foram negativamente correlacionados com a espessura da coroide subfoveal (r=-0,186, p=0,009; r=-0,173, p=0,015). Conclusão: A obesidade mórbida está associada à elevada pressão intraocular não corrigida e a sinais de neuropatia e retinopatia. A obesidade pode, assim, aumentar os riscos de glaucoma e neuropatia óptica glaucomatosa.

XRCC4 rs6869366 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to both nicotine dependence and/or schizophrenia

Abstract Background: Oxidative stress induced DNA damage has been assumed to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia (Sch). Smoking prevalence was more common in patients with Sch. The X-ray repair cross-complementation group 4 (XRCC4) gene plays an important role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether XRCC4 rs6869366 polymorphism has a relationship both in nicotine dependence (ND) and Sch+ND risk. Methods: One hundred and four patients with Sch+ND, 133 subjects with ND only and 70 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. XRCC4 rs6869366 polymorphism was analyzed using PCR-RFLP assay. Results: The frequency of XRCC4 rs6869366 GG genotype was more common in the ND and Sch+ND group than controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). XRCC4 rs6869366 TT genotype was lower in both ND and Sch+ND group compared to controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Also, XRCC4 rs6869366 G allele was higher in Sch+ND group than controls (p = 0.001) while XRCC4 rs6869366 T allele was lower in ND group than healthy controls (p=0.001). XRCC4 rs6869366 GT genotype was lower in ND group than control group (p = 0.003). Discussion: These results suggested that the XRCC4 rs6869366 polymorphism G related genotype/allele was associated with susceptibility to both ND and Sch+ND in a Turkish population.

Pelvic floor muscle strength of women consulting at the gynecology outpatient clinics and its correlation with sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the pelvic floor muscle strength of the women and evaluate its possible correlation with sexual dysfunction

Methods: In this cross-sectional type study, stratified clusters were used for the sampling method. Index of Female Sexual Function [IFSF] worksheet were used for questions on sexual function

The pelvic floor muscle strength of subjects was assessed by perineometer. The chi-squared test, logistic regression and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for the statistical analysis

Results: Four hundred thirty primiparous women, mean age 38.5 participated in this study. The average pelvic floor muscle strength value was found 31.4+/-9.6 cm H[2]0 and the average Index of Female Sexual Function [IFSF] score was found 26.5+/-6.9. Parity [odds ratio OR=5.546] and age 40 or higher [OR=3.484] were found correlated with pelvic floor muscle weakness [p<0.05]

The factors directly correlated with sexual dysfunction were found being overweight [OR=2.105] and age 40 or higher [OR=2.451] [p<0.05]

Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was a statistically significant linear correlation between the muscular strength of the pelvic floor and sexual function [p=0.001]

Conclusion: The results suggested subjects with decreased pelvic floor muscle strength value had higher frequency of sexual dysfunction

Macular Choroidal Thickness and Volume Measured by Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography in Healthy Korean Children

No abstract available.

Determination of Heavy Metals Contents of Some Monofloral Honey Produced in Turkey.

In the present work, some element contents (Cd, Se, Cr, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Fe) of 23 different monofloral honey samples from different regions of Turkey were assessed. Origins of monofloral honey research materials are as follows; Pimpinella sp., Castanea sp., Astragalus sp., Onobrychis sp., Mentha sp., Coridothymus capitatus, Robinia pseudoacacia, Cedrus libani, Gossypium sp., Thymus sp., Euphorbia sp., Tilia sp., Eucalyptus sp., Ferula sp., Centaurea solstitialis, Petroselinum sp., Vitexagnus-castus, Helianthus annuus, Citrus sp., Pinus sp., Rhododendron sp., Arbutus sp., Ceratonia siliqua. Metal contents of samples were determined by wet combustion method in ASS machine. As a result of the study, heavy metal contents of honey samples were as follows; Cd<Se<Cr<Pb<Cu<Mn<Ni<Zn<Fe. In addition, although none of the heavy metals were found in some honey samples, honey samples were found to be reliable in terms of heavy metal residues.

Assessment of fetal adrenal gland enlargement in term and preterm labor cases.

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the Fetal Zone Depth (FZD) of fetal adrenal gland in term and preterm labor cases. Methods: Twenty nine preterm pregnant women at 29-36 weeks of gestation with single pregnancy admitted with the clinical diagnosis of preterm labor and the comparison group of 33 pregnant women at 37-40 weeks with term pregnancy were included in this study. FZD and Total Gland Depth (TGD) of fetal adrenal gland of the entire fetuses in sagittal plane were ultrasonographically measured and FZD/TGD ratios were calculated. Demographic and clinical features, laboratory findings and fetal adrenal gland FZD/TGD ratios were compared between the two groups. Results: No difference was found between the two groups in respect of age, number of pregnancies and delivery method (P >0.05); yet preterm birth history and duration of hospital stay were higher in preterm group (P <0.05). Fetal adrenal gland FZD/TGD ratio was statistically significantly higher in preterm group compared to the term group (55.4% ± 4.9 vs. 47.7% ± 5.6; P <0.001). Conclusion: The growth in FZ as a fetal adaptation mechanism in increased fetal stress in preterm labor cases was at a significant level. Once supported by more comprehensive studies, we think that this result would be beneficial in the prediction of preterm labor in clinical practice.