Utilidad y confiabilidad del cuestionario PreViAs para la evaluación de la visión en neonatos y lactantes turcos / The utility and reliability of the PreViAs questionnaire for the assessment of vision in Turkish neonates and infants

Introducción. La evaluación de la visión en los niños durante el periodo preverbal, con un método fácil de usar y basado en la evidencia, permitiría el diagnóstico temprano y la intervención en los trastornos visuales. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la utilidad y confiabilidad de la versión en idioma turco del cuestionario Preverbal Visual Assessment (PreViAs), desarrollado para evaluar la visión en niños preverbales. Población y métodos. El cuestionario PreViAs se administró a los cuidadores primarios de niños nacidos de término, antes de los 24 meses de edad. Se registraron sus respuestas. Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de 278 participantes para evaluar la consistencia interna del cuestionario PreViAs. Se encontró un alto nivel de consistencia con un alfa de Cronbach de 0,958 para el puntaje total, lo que sugiere una fuerte coherencia interna. Los valores del alfa de Cronbach para cada dominio fueron: 0,890 ­ 0,913 ­ 0,951 y 0,922 para la atención visual, la comunicación visual, el procesamiento visual y la coordinación visomotora respectivamente; esto indica una buena consistencia interna para cada subdominio. Conclusión. La versión en idioma turco del cuestionario PreViAs es útil y confiable para evaluar la visión durante el periodo preverbal.

Introduction: Evaluating the visual functions of children with an easy-to-use and evidence-based method during the preverbal period will enable early diagnosis and intervention of visual impairments. The aim of this study is to determine the utility and reliability of the Turkish version of the Preverbal Visual Assessment (PreViAs) questionnaire, which was developed to evaluate the visual functioning of preverbal infants. Population and Methods: The PreViAs questionnaire was administered to primary caregivers of term infants under 24 months of age, and their responses were recorded. Results: Data from the 278 participating infants were analyzed to assess the internal consistency of the PreViAs questionnaire. Results showed a high level of consistency with Cronbach's alpha value of 0.958 for the total score, suggesting strong internal coherence. In addition, the Cronbach's alpha values for each domain were 0.890, 0.913, 0.951, and 0.922 for visual attention, visual communication, visual processing, and visual-motor coordination, respectively, indicating good internal consistency for each subdomain. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the PreViAs questionnaire is useful and reliable for assessing functional vision during the preverbal period.

Metahemoglobinemia y hemólisis intravascular aguda después de una intoxicación por naftaleno en un paciente pediátrico / Methemoglobinemia and acute intravascular hemolysis after naphthalene poisoning in a pediatric patient

La intoxicación por naftaleno es poco frecuente en los niños. Es causada por la ingesta, la inhalación o el contacto con la piel de sustancias que contienen naftaleno. Los pacientes suelen tener orina de color marrón oscuro, diarrea acuosa y vómito bilioso. Los signos incluyen fiebre, taquicardia, hipotensión y valores bajos en la oximetría de pulso, incluso con oxigenoterapia. Los análisis de sangre detectan anemia hemolítica, metahemoglobinemia, insuficiencia renal e hiperbilirrubinemia. Además del tratamiento sintomático, se hacen transfusiones de eritrocitos y se les administran ácido ascórbico, azul de metileno y N-acetilcisteína. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 23 meses de edad con metahemoglobinemia y hemólisis intravascular aguda que recibió atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos durante cinco días por intoxicación por naftaleno. Si bien la intoxicación por naftaleno es muy poco frecuente, tiene consecuencias mortales y se debe ejercer precaución con su uso y venta.

Poisoning by naphthalene is uncommon in children. It is a type of poisoning brought on by ingesting, inhaling, or coming into touch with naphthalene-containing substances on the skin. Patients typically present with an initial onset of dark brown urine, watery diarrhea, and bile vomit. The signs include fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and low pulse oximetry readings even with oxygen support. Hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, renal failure, and hyperbilirubinemia are all detected in blood tests. Erythrocyte transfusion, ascorbic acid, methylene blue, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) therapies are provided to inpatients in addition to symptomatic treatment. We present a 23-month-old male patient who developed methemoglobinemia and acute intravascular hemolysis, who was followed up in the intensive care unit for five days due to naphthalene intoxication. Although naphthalene poisoning is very rare, it should be known that it has fatal consequences, and more care should be taken in its use and sale.

Subcortical Volume Changes in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Quantitative MRI Study

SUMMARY: Volume abnormalities in subcortical structures, including the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus have been observed in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), not all individuals with these disorders exhibit such changes. In addition, the specific patterns and severity of volume changes may vary between individuals and at different stages of the disease. The study aims to compare the volumes of these subcortical structures between healthy subjects and individuals diagnosed with SZ or BD. Volumetric measurements of lateral ventricle, globus palllidus, caudate, putamen, hippocampus, and amygdale were made by MRI in 52 healthy subjects (HS), 33 patients with SZ, and 46 patients with BD. Automatic segmentation methods were used to analyze the MR images with VolBrain and MRICloud. Hippocampus, amygdala and lateral ventricle increased in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients in comparison with control subjects using MRIcloud. Globus pallidus and caudate volume increased in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder compared control subjects using Volbrain. We suggested that our results will contribute in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients that assessment of the sub-cortical progression, pathology, and anomalies of subcortical brain compositions. In patients with psychiatric disorders, VolBrain and MRICloud can detect subtle structural differences in the brain.

Se han observado anomalías de volumen en las estructuras subcorticales, incluidos el hipocampo, la amígdala, el tálamo, el núcleo caudado, el putamen y el globo pálido, en la esquizofrenia (SZ) y el trastorno bipolar (BD); no todos los individuos con estos trastornos presentan tales cambios. Además, los patrones específicos y la gravedad de los cambios de volumen pueden variar entre individuos y en diferentes etapas de la enfermedad. El estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los volúmenes de estas estructuras subcorticales entre sujetos sanos e individuos diagnosticados con SZ o BD. Se realizaron mediciones volumétricas del ventrículo lateral, globo pálido, núcleo caudado, putamen, hipocampo y amígdala mediante resonancia magnética en 52 sujetos sanos (HS), 33 pacientes con SZ y 46 pacientes con BD. Se utilizaron métodos de segmentación automática para analizar las imágenes de resonancia magnética con VolBrain y MRICloud. El hipocampo, la amígdala y el ventrículo lateral aumentaron en pacientes con esquizofrenia y trastorno bipolar en comparación con sujetos de control que utilizaron MRIcloud. El globo pálido y el núcleo caudado aumentaron en pacientes con esquizofrenia y trastorno bipolar en comparación con los sujetos control que utilizaron Volbrain. Sugerimos que en pacientes con esquizofrenia y trastorno bipolar, nuestros resultados contribuirán a la evaluación de la progresión subcortical, la patología y las anomalías de las composiciones cerebrales subcorticales. En pacientes con trastornos psiquiátricos, VolBrain y MRICloud pueden detectar diferencias estructurales sutiles en el cerebro.

Sprint and Anaerobic Power with the Soccer-Specific ACTN3 Gene: A Distintive Example

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is twofold: (1) to identify differences in certain anaerobic parameters (10m sprint, 30m sprint, anaerobic power, and Illinois agility tests) between professional and amateur soccer players, and (2) to determine whether there is a difference in the ACTN3 gene polymorphism between professional and amateur soccer players. Ultimately, the goal is to reveal which parameters contribute to the differentiation in these two aspects. A total of 133 volunteer soccer players, including 71 professionals and 62 amateurs, participated in the research. DNA extraction from buccal epithelial cells was performed using a commercial kit to determine the genetic background of the athletes, and Real-Time PCR was conducted for genotyping. Statistical analysis of the findings obtained from the test results was performed using the SPSS 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) package program. The homogeneity of variance of the data was assessed using the Levene Test, and normal distribution analyses were conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk Test. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed for parameter analysis. The significance level was set at p0.05). However, there is a statistically significant difference in anaerobic parameters (10m sprint, 30m sprint, and anaerobic power) except for the Illinois test (p<0.05). In conclusion, our study found that gene polymorphism is not a differentiating factor between professional and amateur soccer players, but speed (10m and 30m) and anaerobic power parameters are differentiating factors.

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: 1º identificar diferencias en ciertos parámetros anaeróbicos (sprint de 10 m, sprint de 30 m, potencia anaeróbica y pruebas de agilidad de Illinois) entre jugadores de fútbol profesionales y amateurs, y 2º determinar si existe una diferencia en el polimorfismo del gen ACTN3 entre jugadores de fútbol profesionales y aficionados. En definitiva, el objetivo fue revelar qué parámetros contribuyen a la diferenciación en estos dos aspectos. En la investigación participaron un total de 133 jugadores de fútbol voluntarios, incluidos 71 profesionales y 62 aficionados. La extracción de ADN de las células epiteliales orales se realizó utilizando un kit comercial para determinar los antecedentes genéticos de los atletas y se realizó una PCR en tiempo real para el genotipado. El análisis estadístico de los hallazgos obtenidos a partir de los resultados de las pruebas se realizó utilizando el programa de paquete SPSS 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, EE. UU.). La homogeneidad de la varianza de los datos se evaluó mediante la prueba de Levene y los análisis de distribución normal se realizaron mediante la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk. Para el análisis de parámetros se emplearon las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y U de Mann-Whitney. El nivel de significancia se fijó en p0,05). Sin embargo, existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los parámetros anaeróbicos (sprint de 10 m, sprint de 30 m y potencia anaeróbica) excepto para la prueba de Illinois (p<0,05). En conclusión, nuestro estudio encontró que el polimorfismo genético no es un fac- tor diferenciador entre jugadores de fútbol profesionales y amateurs, pero sí los parámetros de velocidad (10 m y 30 m) y potencia anaeróbica.

Sonographic and Anatomical Evaluation of the Liver and Portal Vein Reference Values / Evaluación Ecográfica y Anatómica de los Valores de Referencia del Hígado y la Vena Porta

SUMMARY: This paper's aim is a morphometric evaluation of liver and portal vein morphometry using ultrasonography in healthy Turkish population. This study was carried out with 189 subjects (107 females, 82 males). The demographic data and the body surface area were calculated. The longitudinal axis of the liver for two lobes, diagonal axis or liver span, anteroposterior diameter of the liver and portal vein, portal vein transverse diameter, caudate lobe anteroposterior diameter, and portal vein internal diameters as well as longitudinal liver scans in an aortic plane, sagittal plane, transverse plane, and kidney axis were measured. All measurements were analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, obesity and alcohol consumption. The mean values of the age, height, weight and body mass index were calculated as 44.39 years, 167.05 cm, 74.23 kg, and 27.06kg/m2 in females, respectively. The same values were 44.13 years, 167.70 cm, 75.93 kg and 26.71 kg/m2 in males, respectively. There was significant difference between demographic characteristics, gender, and alcohol consumption in terms of anteroposterior diameter of the liver, portal vein transverse diameter of the right side and liver transverse scan. Also, some measurements including portal vein transverse diameter, liver transverse scan and at kidney axis longitudinal scan of liver showed significant difference between the age groups. There was significant difference in diagonal axis and anteroposterior diameter of liver, portal vein internal diameter, and longitudinal liver scans of the aortic plane parameters between obesity situation. The findings obtained will provide important and useful reference values as it may determine some abnormalities related liver diseases. Also, age, sex, obesity and body mass index values can be effective in the liver and portal vein morphometry related parameters.

El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una evaluación de la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta mediante ecografía en una población turca sana. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 189 sujetos (107 mujeres, 82 hombres). Se calcularon los datos demográficos y la superficie corporal. Se midió eleje longitudinal del de dos lóbulos del hígado, el eje diagonal o la extensión del hígado, los diámetros anteroposterior del hígado y de la vena porta, el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, anteroposterior del lóbulo caudado y los diámetros internos de la vena porta, así como las exploraciones longitudinales del hígado en un plano aórtico. Se midieron el plano sagital, el plano transversal y el eje del riñón. Todas las mediciones se analizaron según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, obesidad y consumo de alcohol. Los valores medios de edad, talla, peso e índice de masa corporal se calcularon como 44,39 años, 167,05 cm, 74,23 kg y 27,06 kg/m2 en las mujeres, respectivamente. Las mismas variable fueron 44,13 años, 167,70 cm, 75,93 kg y 26,71 kg/m2. Hubo diferencias significativas entre las características demográficas, el sexo y el consumo de alcohol en términos de diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, diámetro transversal de la vena porta del lado derecho y exploración transversal del hígado. Además, algunas mediciones, incluido el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, la exploración transversal del hígado y la exploración longitudinal del hígado en el eje del riñón, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de edad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el eje diagonal y el diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, el diámetro interno de la vena porta y los parámetros de las exploraciones hepáticas longitudinales del plano aórtico entre situaciones de obesidad. Los hallazgos obtenidos proporcionarán valores de referencia importantes y útiles ya que pueden determinar algunas anomalías relacionadas con enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los valores de edad, sexo, obesidad e índice de masa corporal pueden ser eficaces en los parámetros relacionados con la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta.

Diferenças entre Duas Condições Cardíacas Hipertróficas Distintas: Doença de Fabry Versus Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica / Differences Between Two Distinct Hypertrophic Cardiac Conditions: Fabry Disease versus Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Resumo Fundamento A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) e a doença de Fabry (DF) são doenças herdadas geneticamente com características fenotípicas de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) que causam resultados cardíacos adversos. Objetivos Investigar as diferenças demográficas, clínicas, bioquímicas, eletrocardiográficas (ECG) e ecocardiográficas (ECO) entre CMH e DF. Métodos 60 pacientes com CMH e 40 pacientes com DF foram analisados retrospectivamente como uma subanálise do "estudo LVH-TR" após exclusão de pacientes com fibrilação atrial, ritmo de estimulação, bloqueios de ramo e bloqueios atrioventriculares (AV) de segundo e terceiro graus. O nível de significância foi aceito como <0,05. Resultados O sexo masculino (p=0,048) e a creatinina (p=0,010) são significativamente maiores a favor da DF; entretanto, infradesnivelamento do segmento ST (p=0,028), duração do QT (p=0,041), espessura do septo interventricular (SIVd) (p=0,003), espessura da parede posterior (PWd) (p=0,009), insuficiência mitral moderada a grave (IM) (p=0,013) e o índice de massa ventricular esquerda (IMVE) (p=0,041) são significativamente maiores a favor da CMH nas análises univariadas. Na análise multivariada, a significância estatística apenas permanece na creatinina (p=0,018) e na duração do intervalo QT (0,045). A DF foi positivamente correlacionada com a creatinina (rho=0,287, p=0,004) e a CMH foi positivamente correlacionada com o PWd (rho=0,306, p=0,002), IVSd (rho=0,395, p<0,001), IM moderada-grave (rho= 0,276, p<0,005), IMVE (rho=0,300, p=0,002), espessura relativa da parede (ERP) (rho=0,271, p=0,006), duração do QT (rho=0,213, p=0,034) e depressão do segmento ST (rho =0,222, p=0,026). Conclusão Características bioquímicas, ECG e ECO específicas podem auxiliar na diferenciação e no diagnóstico precoce da CMH e da DF.

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Fabry disease (FD) are genetically inherited diseases with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) phenotype characteristics that cause adverse cardiac outcomes. Objectives To investigate the demographic, clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic (ECG), and echocardiographic (ECHO) differences between HCM and FD. Methods 60 HCM and 40 FD patients were analyzed retrospectively as a subanalysis of the 'LVH-TR study' after excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, pace rhythm, bundle branch blocks, and second and third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks. The significance level was accepted as <0.05. Results Male gender (p=0.048) and creatinine (p=0.010) are significantly higher in favor of FD; however, ST depression (p=0.028), QT duration (p=0.041), interventricular septum thickness (IVSd) (p=0.003), posterior wall thickness (PWd) (p=0.009), moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR) (p=0.013), and LV mass index (LVMI) (p=0.041) are significantly higher in favor of HCM in the univariate analyses. In multivariate analysis, statistical significance only continues in creatinine (p=0.018) and QT duration (0.045). FD was positively correlated with creatinine (rho=0.287, p=0.004) and HCM was positively correlated with PWd (rho=0.306, p=0.002), IVSd (rho=0.395, p<0.001), moderate-severe MR (rho=0.276, p<0.005), LVMI (rho=0.300, p=0.002), relative wall thickness (RWT) (rho=0.271, p=0.006), QT duration (rho=0.213, p=0.034) and ST depression (rho=0.222, p=0.026). Conclusion Specific biochemical, ECG, and ECHO characteristics can aid in the differentiation and early diagnosis of HCM and FD.

Standard internal limiting membrane peeling versus internal limiting membrane abrasion technique for primary epiretinal membrane surgery / Remoção padrão da membrana limitante interna versus técnica de abrasão da membrana limitante interna em cirurgia primária de membrana epirretiniana

ABSTRACT Purposes: The purpose of this study is to compare the standard inner limiting membrane peeling technique to the inner limiting membrane abrasion technique with respect to visual outcomes and central retinal thickness in the primary epiretinal membrane surgery. Methods: A total of 59 eyes from 57 epiretinal membrane patients were separated into two groups including the standard inner limiting membrane peeling group and the inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique group. At 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, the mean alteration in best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness were assessed for each group. Results: The study includes 32 (54%) standard inner peeling and 27 (46%) inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique patients. The mean preoperative logMAR best-corrected visual acuity for the standard inner limiting membrane peeling and inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion groups was 0.73 (±0.29) and 0.61 (±0.3) respectively. At 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, the best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly in each group. At each period of observation, the alteration in best-corrected visual acuity was not statistically significant (p=0.54, p=0.52, p=0.67). When comparing the alterations between the standard inner limiting membrane peeling and inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique groups at 6 months (p=0.26) and 24 months (p=0.06), no statistically significant differences were observed, but they were statistically different at 12 months (p=0.03), reflecting a greater reduction in central retinal thickness for the inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique group after one year. Conclusion: Abrasion of the inner limiting membrane with a diamond-dusted membrane scraper during epiretinal membrane surgery demonstrates similar effectiveness to the standard inner limiting membrane peeling technique. At 12 months, retinal thinning was found to be more significant in inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique patients in terms of central retinal thickness values. As a result, it may be argued that the inner limiting membrane abrasion technique eliminates the inner limiting membrane and related structures more effectively while inflicting less retinal damage.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a técnica padrão de peeling da membrana limitadora interna com a técnica de abrasão da membrana limitadora interna com relação aos resultados visuais e à espessura central da retina na cirurgia primária de membrana epirretiniana. Métodos: Cinquenta e nove olhos de 57 pacientes com membrana epirretiniana foram divididos em dois grupos, incluindo o grupo de remoção padrão da membrana limitante interna e o grupo de remoção da membrana limitante interna com técnica de abrasão. A alteração média da melhor acuidade visual corrigida e da espessura central da retina foram medidas para cada grupo aos 6, 12 e 24 meses de acompanhamento. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 32 (54%) de padrão de membrana limitante e 27 (46%) de membrana interna com técnica de abrasão. A média de logMar pré-operatório de melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi de 0,73 (±0,29) e 0,61 (±0,3) para os grupos de remoção padrão da membrana limitante interna e de remoção da membrana limitante interna com técnica de abrasão, respectivamente. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida melhorou significativamente em cada grupo aos 6, 12 e 24 meses de acompanhamento. A alteração na melhor acuidade visual corrigida não foi estatisticamente significante (p=0,54, p=0,52, p=0,67) em cada período de observação. Quanto à espessura central da retina, diferenças estatisticamente significativas não foram observadas aos 6 meses (p=0,26) e 24 meses (p=0,06), mas foram estatisticamente diferentes aos 12 meses (p=0,03) quando comparadas às alterações entre os grupos de remoção padrão da membrana limitante interna e de remoção da membrana limitante interna com técnica de abrasão, refletindo uma maior redução da espessura central da retina para o grupo de remoção da membrana limitante interna com técnica de abrasão após um ano. Conclusão: A abrasão da membrana limitante interna com um raspador de membrana com pó de diamante em cirurgia de membrana epirretiniana demonstra eficácia semelhante com a técnica de remoção padrão de membrana limitante interna. Em relação aos valores de espessura central da retina, o afinamento da retina foi mais significativo em pacientes com remoção da membrana limitante interna com técnica de abrasão aos 12 meses. Assim, pode-se argumentar que a técnica de abrasão da membrana limitante interna remove a membrana limitante interna e as estruturas relacionadas de forma mais eficaz sem causar danos significativos à retina.

The role of trimethylamine-N-oxide level in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy / Papel do nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina no diagnóstico da retinopatia diabética e no diagnóstico diferencial da retinopatia diabética e não-diabética

ABSTRACT Purpose: Trimethylamine N-oxide serum levels have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. The current study aimed to find out if plasma trimethylamine N-oxide level may be a novel marker in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and if it can be used in the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy. Methods: The study included 30 patients with diabetic retinopathy, 30 patients with nondiabetic retinopathy, 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy, and 30 healthy control participants. Biochemical parameters, serum IL-6, TNF-α, and trimethylamine N-oxide levels were measured in all participants. Results: Trimethylamine N-oxide level was significantly higher in diabetic retinopathy than in the other groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in trimethylamine N-oxide levels between nondiabetic retinopathy and control or type 2 diabetes mellitus Groups. There was a significant positive correlation between trimethylamine N-oxide level and elevated FPG, BMI, HOMA-IR score, BUN, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Conclusion: The current study showed that the trimethylamine N-oxide level is elevated in diabetic retinopathy. These findings suggest that serum trimethylamine N-oxide level might be a novel marker for diabetic retinopathy, and it might be used in the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os níveis séricos de N-óxido de trimetilamina têm sido associados ao diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e suas complicações. O presente estudo tem como objetivo responder a duas questões, entre elas: O nível plasmático de N-óxido de trimetilamina poderia ser um novo marcador no diagnóstico de retinopatia diabética? e Ele poderia ser utilizado no diagnóstico diferencial de retinopatia diabética e não diabética? Métodos: Trinta pacientes com retinopatia diabética, 30 pacientes com retinopatia não diabética, 30 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sem retinopatia e 30 participantes saudáveis do grupo controle foram incluídos no estudo. Parâmetros bioquímicos, níveis séricos de IL-6, de TNF-α e de N-óxido de trimetilamina foram medidos em todos os participantes. Resultados: O nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina foi significativamente maior na retinopatia diabética do que nos outros grupos (p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa no nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina entre o grupo de retinopatia não diabética, do grupo controle ou do grupo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Houve uma correlação positiva significativa entre o nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina e os níveis elevados de FPG, IMC, HOMA-IR, BUN, IL-6 e TNF-α. Conclusão: O estudo atual mostrou que o nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina encontra-se elevado na retinopatia diabética. Esses achados sugerem que o nível sérico de N-óxido de trimetilamina pode ser um novo marcador na retinopatia diabética, podendo ser usado no diagnóstico diferencial de retinopatia diabética e não diabética.

Effect of intensive training on immune system cells in elite female weightlifters

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of intense weightlifting training on lymphocyte and natural killer cell subgroups, which are the major cells of the immune system, in elite female weightlifters. METHODS: A total of 20 elite female weightlifters were evaluated using flow cytometry before training (pre-T), immediately after training (post-T), and after a 120-min rest period (rest-T). RESULTS: Post-T and rest-T showed significant decreases in helper T (Th) and cytotoxic T compared with pre-T (p=0.045, p<0.001 and p=0.05, p<0.001, respectively). B and natural killer cells were higher in post-T and rest-T than in pre-T. The increase in B cells was significant in pre-T/rest-T (p<0.001) but not in pre-T/post-T (p=0.122). Intense training significantly increased natural killer cells in both post-T and rest-T (p<0.001). CD56bright and CD56dim natural killer cell subgroups were significantly lower in post-T and rest-T than in pre-T (p=0.005, p=0.006 and p<0.001, p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study shows that intense weightlifting alters peripheral lymphocyte and natural killer subgroup ratios, being the first investigation in this field.

Human papillomavirus DNA testing with the urine sample is not yet available: the accuracy of two distinct kits

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the results and efficiency of two real-time polymerase chain reaction procedures for detecting human papillomavirus utilizing urine samples. METHODS: This study comprised 151 patients who had previously tested positive for human papillomavirus in their cervical samples. Two different commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques were used for identification and genotyping human papillomavirus in urine specimens. The urine samples of 151 patients were evaluated via the Roche Cobas test, and the urine samples of 91 patients were also evaluated via the Qiagen test. RESULTS: The overall consistency of urine and cervical swab specimens for the identification of human papillomavirus in Roche Cobas and Qiagen tests were 44.8 and 44%, respectively. The rates of positive human papillomavirus results from urine samples were 57 and 70.3%, respectively. The overall concordance among Roche Cobas and Qiagen tests utilizing urine samples for human papillomavirus type 16/18 was 84.3% with a kappa value of 0.675, and for other high-risk-human papillomavirus, it was 75.60% with a kappa value of 0.535. Roche Cobas showed high concordance with Qiagen test. CONCLUSION: human papillomavirus positivity was not detected in all urine samples. It is still inappropriate to recommend the use of urine liquid biopsy for the accurate and reliable detection of human papillomavirus. Due to the lack of a standardized tool, the utilization of urine samples as a screening human papillomavirus test remains a challenge.

Multiple immunoassay interference in a patient with falsely elevated calcitonin

SUMMARY Calcitonin (CT) is a diagnostic and follow-up marker of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Heterophile antibodies (HAbs) may interfere during immunometric assay measurements and result in falsely high CT levels and different markers. A 50-year-old female patient was referred to our institution for elevated CT levels (3,199 pg/mL [0-11,5]). Physical examination and thyroid ultrasonography show no thyroid nodules. Because of the discrepancy between the clinical picture and the laboratory results, various markers and hormones were examined to determine whether there was any interference in the immunometric assay. Thyroglobulin (Tg) and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were also found inaccurately elevated. After precipitation with polyethylene glycol, CT, Tg, and ACTH levels markedly decreased, showing macro-aggregates. Also, serial dilutions showed non-linearity in plasma concentrations. Additionally, CT samples were pretreated with a heterophilic blocking tube before measuring, and the CT level decreased to < 0.1 pg/mL, suggesting a HAb presence. Immunoassay interference should be considered when conflicting laboratory data are observed. This may help reduce the amount of unnecessary laboratory and imaging studies and prevent patients from complex diagnostic procedures.

Associação do Nível de ST2 Solúvel com Mortalidade em 6 Meses e/ou Hospitalização Recorrente Relacionada a Doenças Cardiovasculares em Embolia Pulmonar / Association of soluble ST2 Level with 6-month Mortality and/or Recurrent Cardiovascular-Related Hospitalization in Pulmonary Embolism

Resumo Fundamento: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705-0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. Conclusões: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.

Abstract Background: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. Conclusion: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.

Preoperative co-application of bevacizumab and tissue plasminogen activator in vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the clinical benefits of the co-application of bevacizumab and tissue plasminogen activator as adjuncts in the surgical treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Patients who underwent vitrectomy for proliferative dia-betic retinopathy complications were preoperatively given in-travitreal injection with either bevacizumab and tissue plasminogen activator (Group 1) or bevacizumab alone (Group 2). Primary outcomes were surgery time and number of intraoperative iatrogenic retinal breaks. Secondary outcomes included changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and postoperative complications at 3 months postoperatively. Results: The mean surgery time in Group 1 (52.95 ± 5.90 min) was significantly shorter than that in Group 2 (79.61 ± 12.63 min) (p<0.001). The mean number of iatrogenic retinal breaks was 0.50 ± 0.59 (0-2) in Group 1 and 2.00 ± 0.83 (0-3) in Group 2 (p<0.001). The best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved in both groups (p<0.001). One eye in each group developed retinal detachment. Conclusion: Preoperative co-application of bevacizumab and tissue plasminogen activator as adjuncts in the surgical treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy shortens the surgery time and reduces the number of intraoperative iatrogenic retinal breaks.

Assessment of interobserver reliability for the letournel and judet classification / Avaliação da confiabilidade interobservadores para a classificação de letournel e judet

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Judet and Letournel classification is the most widely used classification system for acetabular fractures. Some complex fractures couldn't be classified according to this classification. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the Letournel and Judet classification system for acetabular fractures. Material and methods: 10 acetabular fractures were analyzed among 17 orthopedic surgeons. The surgeons were asked to classify the fractures according to the Judet and Letournel classification. Their experience, the number of surgeries, and the incision type that the surgeon uses for the anterior part of the acetabulum were recorded. Results: The overall interobserver agreement for the Letournel classification was found to be poor, with a Kappa value of 0.287. The Kappa value for interobserver agreement was 0.224 for plain radiographs, 0.293 for 2D-CT, and 0.321 for 3D-CT scans. There was no significant difference between the incision types used by the surgeons. The highest reliability was determined among the surgeons who operate on 10-20 acetabular fractures per year, with a Kappa value of 0.309. Conclusion: This results revealed that the Judet and Letournel Judet classification is not sufficient to classify acetabular fractures because of unclassified fractures and the complex algorithm of the system. Level of Evidence III; Comparative Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Introdução: A classificação de Judet e Letournel é o sistema de classificação mais amplamente utilizado para fraturas acetabulares. Algumas fraturas complexas, porém, não puderam ser classificadas de acordo com esta classificação. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a confiabilidade do sistema de classificação de Judet e Letournel para fraturas acetabulares. Material e métodos: Foram selecionadas aleatoriamente 10 fraturas acetabulares de um banco de dados. Participaram do estudo 17 cirurgiões ortopédicos. Foi solicitado aos cirurgiões que classificassem as fraturas de acordo com a classificação de Judet e Letournel. Suas experiências, o número de cirurgias e o tipo de incisão que o cirurgião utiliza para a parte anterior do acetábulo foram registrados. Resultados: A concordância interobservadores geral para a classificação de Judet e Letournel foi considerada fraca, com um valor de Kappa de 0,287. O valor de Kappa para a concordância interobservadores foi de 0,224 para radiografias simples, 0,293 para tomografias computadorizadas em 2D e 0,321 para tomografias computadorizadas em 3D. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tipos de incisão utilizados pelos cirurgiões. A maior confiabilidade foi determinada entre os cirurgiões que operam de 10 a 20 fraturas acetabulares por ano, com um valor de Kappa de 0,309. Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram que a classificação de Judet e Letournel não é suficiente para classificar fraturas acetabulares devido a fraturas não classificadas e ao algoritmo complexo do sistema. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo Comparativo Retorpectivo.

Novel optical coherence tomography findings in a patient with methanol toxicity: a case report

ABSTRACT We report a case of acute methanol toxicity with unique optical coherence tomography findings. A 56-year-old man was referred to our ophthalmology clinic with a history of handmade vodka consumption and vision loss. On ophthalmologic examination, his vision was 20/100 in his right eye and 20/200 in his left eye. Bilateral mild optic disk hyperemia was detected on fundus examination. Because of the severity of systemic symptoms in such cases, it is very difficult to include optical coherence tomography in the ophthalmologic examination. However, we managed to perform optical coherence tomography and recorded shallow subretinal fluid and a prominent middle limiting membrane sign as acute retinal structural changes in the patient. The patient was treated with hemodialysis, intravenous ethanol, and sodium bicarbonate. On the fourth day of treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/20 in both eyes. In addition, the prominent middle limiting membrane sign and subretinal fluid disappeared. In this unusual case, retinal pigment epithelium damage and retinal ischemia may have contributed to the prominent middle limiting membrane and subretinal fluid, which are novel optical coherence tomography findings of methanol toxicity.

Hemoglobin/Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome in Long-Term Follow-Up

Abstract Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most common subtype of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is one of the main reasons affecting the expected life expectancy and quality of life. Objetives In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and Hemoglobin (Hb)/Red cell distribution width (RDW) in long-term follow-up after ACS. Methods A total of 1,146 ACS patients were included in the study, being classified according to the type of myocordial infarction (MI). MACE were recorded in long-term follow-up. The relationship between Hb/RDW and MACE was investigated. The statistical analyses of Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of two independent groups and chi-square test for categorical variables were used. In order to determine the diagnostic feature of the HB/RDW ratio, the diagnostic ratios were calculated by applying Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis. A p < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant in all analyses. Results: When the patients were analyzed according to MI types — ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)/Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) —, it was observed that Hb/RDW (p = 0.038) was significantly higher in the STEMI group. The Hb/RDW ratio was statistically significant in predicting mortality. As a result of ROC analysis, Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.654 (p < 0.001) was found. The cut-off value for the Hb/RDW ratio was calculated as 0.947. The sensitivity and specificity of 76.9% and 48.4% for the diagnostic rates obtained were moderately acceptable. Conclusion The Hb/RDW-long-term mortality relationship was found to be significant in ROC analysis. It can be used in clinical practice as it is cheap, easy to apply, and reduces possible bias in post-ACS follow-up.

Effect of hyperchloremia on mortality of pediatric trauma patients: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hyperchloremia is often encountered due to the frequent administration of intravenous fluids in critically ill patients with conditions such as shock or hypotension in the pediatric intensive care unit, and high serum levels of chloride are associated with poor clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the association between hyperchloremia and in-hospital mortality in pediatric patients with major trauma. DESIGN AND SETTING: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected between March 2020 and April 2022. Patients aged 1 month to 18 years with major trauma who received intravenous fluids with a concentration > 0.9% sodium chloride were enrolled. Hyperchloremia was defined as a serum chloride level > 110 mmol/L. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between the survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 23% (n = 20). The incidence of hyperchloremia was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (P = 0.05). In multivariate logistic analysis, hyperchloremia at 48 h was found to be an independent risk factor for mortality in pediatric patients with major trauma. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with major trauma, hyperchloremia at 48-h postadmission was associated with 28-day mortality. This parameter might be a beneficial prognostic indicator.

Protective effects of hesperidin in gastric damage caused by experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury model in rats

Purpose: This study evaluated the protective effect of hesperidin on injury induced by gastric ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats (250­300 g) were divided into five groups: control (C), sham (S), ischemia (I), ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and hesperidin + ischemia-reperfusion (Hes + I/R). Hesperidin was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 100 mg/kg one hour before the experimental stomach ischemia-reperfusion. Celiac artery was ligated. After 45 minutes ischemia and 60 minutes reperfusion period, blood samples were obtained under anesthesia. Then, animals were sacrificed, stomach tissues were excised for biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed. Malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), protein, total thiol parameters were measured in plasma, and tissue homogenate samples. H + E, periodic acid­Schiff, hypoxia inducible factor, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for cell proliferation as immunohistochemical parameters were determined. Results: Upon biochemical and histopathological assessment, hesperidin decreased stomach tissue changes in comparison with IR group. Ischemia-reperfusion injury led to a considerably increase in malondialdehyde, protein, and TOS levels (p < 0.001) in stomach tissue. Hesperidin treatment significantly decreased malondialdehyde, protein, and TOS levels (p < 0.001). Hesperidin increased superoxide dismutase, TAS, total thiol and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison with IR group. Hesperidin reduced damage and also increased TUNEL and PCNA immunoreactivity in stomach tissue. Conclusions: Hesperidin was able to decrease I/R injury of the stomach tissue due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, duration of antioxidant, and free radical scavenger properties. Consequently, hesperidin can provide a beneficial therapeutic choice for preventing stomach tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury in clinical application.

Evaluation of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Outpatients in the Post-COVID-19 Period With Electrocardiographic Ventricular Depolarization and Repolarization Parameters

Abstract Background A recently identified viral illness called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading quickly. Numerous cardiovascular issues such as arrhythmias and electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations have been linked to COVID-19. Objective In this investigation, we compared ECG indicators of depolarization and repolarization heterogeneity between symptomatic individuals who complained of palpitations and chest discomfort following COVID-19 and those who did not. Methods In this prospective case-control study, 56 post-COVID-19 patients who did not have any symptoms of chest discomfort or palpitations were included in the control group and compared with a study group comprising 73 post-COVID-19 patients who presented at the outpatient clinic with complaints of chest pain and palpitation. Electrocardiographic (ECG) measures were used to assess depolarization and repolarization of the ventricles. These measures included the Tpeak-Tend (Tp-e) interval, QT dispersion (QTd), Tp-e/QT ratio, Tp-e/QTc ratio, frontal QRS-T (fQRS-T) angle, and fragmented QRS (FQRS). Two cardiologists recorded the patients' ECG data. A statistically significant result was defined as a p value less than 0.05. Results The results of multivariate analysis including FQRS, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/cQT showed that presence of FQRS (OR: 6.707, 95% CI: 1.733-25.952; p = 0.006) was an independent predictor of symptomatic post-COVID -19 patients. Conclusion In our study, FQRS was found to be significantly higher in symptomatic post-COVID-19 patients than in non-symptomatic post-COVID-19 patients, while Tp-e interval was found to be lower.

Preventive effects of systemic Pistacia eurycarpa Yalt. administration on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress in rats with experimental periodontitis

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of systemic administration of P. eurycarpa Yalt. plant extract on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress biomarkers in gingival tissue in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. Methodology: 32 male Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into four groups (n=8): Healthy control (HC), Experimental periodontitis control (EPC), Experimental periodontitis 400 mg/kg (EP400), Experimental periodontitis 800 mg/kg (EP800). Experimental periodontitis was induced using the ligating method. Distilled water was administered to the HC and EPC groups and the plant extract was administered to the EP400 and EP800 groups by oral gavage at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The rats were sacrificed on the 15th day. The values of glutathione peroxidase GSH-Px, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismustase (SOD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) in the gingival tissues were analyzed by ELISA tests. Alveolar bone loss was assessed using micro-CT images of the maxilla. Results: Although the IL-1β, TOS, OSI results of the healthy control group were lower than those of the other groups, the TAS values were higher (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in the biochemical parameters among the EPC, EP400, and EP800 groups (p>0.05). Alveolar bone loss was significantly reduced in the extract groups compared to the EPC group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that the systemic P. eurycarpa extract application reduced alveolar bone loss in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the beneficial effects of P. eurycarpa.