The effect of informative video before the procedure on anxiety levels in patients who will have ureteral stent removal under local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the impact of video-animated information on the anxiety levels of patients undergoing ureteral stent removal under local anesthesia. METHOD: The study was designed as a randomized prospective trial. The one group received only verbal and written information before the surgery, while the other group received video-animated information in addition to the written and verbal instructions. The patients' anxiety levels were assessed using the STAI-S and STAI-T questionnaires, while their pain scores were evaluated using VAS scores. Tolerability and satisfaction scores were also evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The video-group (Group 1) consisted of 74 patients, while the non-video group (Group 2) consisted of 82 patients. The mean pre-information STAI-T score was 34.4 ±â€¯3.7 in Group 1 and 35.2 ±â€¯3 in the Group 2 (p = 0.113). In the video group, pre-information STAI-S scores was 34.8 ±â€¯3.3 and post-information STAI-S scores was 33.8 ±â€¯3 (p < 0.001). In the non-video group, pre-information STAI-S score was 35.6 ±â€¯2.6 and post-information STAI-S score was 35.5 ±â€¯2.7 (p = 0.260). The mean VAS score of Group 1 is 5.7 ±â€¯1.2 and Group 2 is 5.7 ±â€¯1.4 (p = 0.608). The mean tolerability scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 3.7 ±â€¯0.9 and 2.7 ±â€¯1, respectively. The mean satisfaction scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 4.1 ±â€¯0.9 and 2.6 ±â€¯1, respectively. Both tolerability score and satisfaction score improved statistically significantly after video information (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Providing video-animated information in addition to written and verbal information before removing the ureteral stent reduces patients' preoperative anxiety. Furthermore, patient tolerance and satisfaction are higher when informative videos are included.

Utilidad del índice nutricional pronóstico como criterio de selección para la vigilancia activa en el cáncer de próstata / Could Prognostic Nutritional Index be a new criteria for active surveillance of prostate cancer?

Objetivo Determinar el valor del índice nutricional pronóstico (INP) en la selección de pacientes para vigilancia activa (VA) en cáncer de próstata. Métodos Entre septiembre de 2020 y junio de 2022, se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos de 125 pacientes que se sometieron a prostatectomía laparoscópica asistida por robot. Todos los pacientes eran candidatos aptos para VA antes de la operación. Con base en los resultados patológicos obtenidos en la prostatectomía laparoscópica asistida por robot, los pacientes fueron asignados a 2 grupos. Los pacientes que cumplían con los criterios para VA se asignaron al grupo 1 y los demás se asignaron al grupo 2. Se compararon datos demográficos, valores de INP y parámetros hematológicos de los grupos. Resultados El 38% (n:48) de los pacientes cumplió los criterios del grupo 1 y el 62% (n:77) cumplió los criterios del grupo 2. Se encontró un incremento de grado y estadio (upgrade y upstage) en 76 (61%) y 26 (21%) pacientes, respectivamente. No hay diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a edad, IMC, PSA, densidad de PSA, volumen prostático y PI-RADS. El primer grupo obtuvo un valor de INP más alto. El valor de 49,45 se calculó mediante análisis ROC como el valor de corte ideal de INP para predecir la reclasificación a un grado y estadio más alto del cáncer de próstata (p<0,001). De acuerdo con el análisis de regresión tanto univariante como multivariante, se encontró que el INP era un predictor de exclusión de la VA (p<0,001). Conclusión Los incrementos de grado y estadio se detectan con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con valores bajos de INP. El uso del valor INP en la selección de pacientes para VA aumentará la tasa de éxito en la selección de los candidatos óptimos. (AU)

Objective To evaluate the importance of the Prognostic Nutritional Index(PNI) value for patient selection of active surveillance (AS) in prostate cancer. Methods Between September 2020 and June 2022, the data of 125-patients who underwent Robot-Assisted-Laparoscopic-Prostatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were suitable for AS preoperatively. Using the pathological results of Robot-Assisted-Laparoscopic-Prostatectomy, patients have been divided 2 groups. Patients who met the criteria for AS were defined as the first group, others were defined second. Demographic datas, PNI values and hematological parameters of the groups were compared. Results 38%(n:48) patients were found suitable for the group 1, and 62%(n:77) were found suitable for the group 2. Upgrading and upstaging were found at 76 patients (61%) and 26 (21%), respectively. There is no significant difference between groups on age, BMI, PSA, PSA-density, prostate volume, and PIRADS. PNI value was found higher at first group. The value of 49.45 was calculated by ROC analysis as the ideal PNI cut-off value for predicting upgrading and upstaging of prostate cancer(P<.001).According to the both univariate and multivariate regression analysis, PNI was found a predictor for exclusion from AS (P<.001). Conclusion Upgrading and upstaging are detected at a higher rate in patients with low PNI values. The use of PNI value in the selection of patients to AS will increase the success rate of ideal patient selection. (AU)

A new instrument to assess physical function in stroke patients: the Dubousset function test and its validity, reliability, responsiveness.

AIM: The Dubousset Functional Test (DFT) ia a practical four-component assessment test to assess the physical function and balance capacities. The study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, responsiveness of the DFT in stroke survivors. METHODS: This study included a total of 57 post-stroke patients (age 60.16 ± 15.08 years). The participants were divided into two groups according to the duration of stroke (6-12 months, 12 months and more). Reliability of DFT test was evaluated with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The correlation between the DFT and The Timed Up and Go test (TUG), dual-task TUG, Functional Reach Test (FRT), 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT), Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) was used for the validity. RESULTS: For total post-stroke patients, ICC values were between 0.899 and 0.984 (excellent agreement). For stroke patients have 6-12 months stroke duration ICC values were between 0.831 and 0.988 (excellent agreement). For post-stroke patients have 6-12 months stroke duration ICC values were between 0.858 and 0.992 (excellent agreement). For total stroke post-patients the correlation with four component of DFT and TUG, dual-task TUG, FRT, 3MBWT and POMA was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The DFT has excellent reliability and validity in post-stroke patients. Therefore, it may be a clinically suitable test for detecting balance and physical function.

Could Prognostic Nutritional Index be a new criteria for active surveillance of prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of the Prognotic Nutritional Index(PNI) value for patient selection of active surveillance(AS) in prostate cancer. METHODS: Between September 2020 and June 2022, the data of 125-patients who underwent Robot-Assisted-Laparoscopic-Prostatectomy(RALP) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were suitable for AS preoperatively. Using the pathological results of RALP, patients have been divided two groups. Patients who met the criteria for AS were defined as the first group, others were defined second. Demographic datas, PNI values and hematological parameters of the groups were compared. RESULTS: 38% (n:48) patients were found suitable for the group1, and 62%(n:77) were found suitable for the group 2. Upgrading and upstaging were found at 76 patients (61%) and 26(21%), respectively. There is no significant difference between groups on age, BMI, PSA, PSA-density, prostate volume, and PIRADS. PNI value was found higher at first group. The value of 49.45 was calculated by ROC analysis as the ideal PNI cut-off value for predicting upgrading and upstaging of prostate cancer (P < ,001). According to the both univariate and multivariate regression analysis, PNI was found a predictor for exclusion from AS (P < ,001). CONCLUSION: Upgrading and upstaging are detected at a higher rate in patients with low PNI values. The use of PNI value in the selection of patients to AS will increase the success rate of ideal patient selection.

SURVIVIN POSITIVITY AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMAS.

Context: Papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC)s are the indolent progressive tumours. Survivin is a unique bifunctional protein with cell cycle regulation and apoptosis inhibition. The expression of this protein has been shown to be increased in thyroid tumours correlated with aggressive behavior from well differentiated to anaplastic. Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between immunohistochemically survivin expression and tumour-associated prognostic factors in papillary thyroid carcinomas. Design: In patients with thyroidectomy, we compared the clinicopathological findings and immunohistochemical positivity for survivin. Subjects and Methods: In 109 patients, sex, age, tumour size, histological tumour variant, tumour focality, tumour border pattern, tumour peripheral/intratumoural lymphocytic and stromal response, intraglandular spread, extrathyroideal spread, lymph node metastases, lymphocytic tiroiditis and relationships of these findings with survivin positivity were investigated. Results: When we indicated the tumour size and compared it with survivin expression, tumour size correlates with, survivin expression (p = 0.016). Survivin expression was correlated statistically significant with lymphovascular invasion, without stromal response and with intraglandular extension respectively (p<0.001, p = 0.043, p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between other clinicopathological parameters and survival. Conclusion: Few studies have investigated the relationship of survivin expression with prognosis in thyroid papillary carcinomas and showed that survivin was a poor prognostic marker. If its expression is detected in preoperative cytology smears, it may affects the surgical treatment strategy. When it is detected in the tissue, postoperative radioactive iodine treatment plan may be modified and the need for more aggressive follow-up may be considered.

Validity and Reliability of The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Individuals with Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk and balance. The aim of our study was to reveal the test-retest reliability and validity of the 3MBWT in stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 41 stroke patients [age 59 (35-78) years]. 3MBWT, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were applied to the patients. The second evaluation (retest) was carried out by the same physiotherapist two days following the first evaluation (test) in order to measure test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.974 (excellent). For intra-rater agreement, the ICC values in the individual test were 0.985. The SEM value was 1.11 sec, the MDC value was found to be 1.57 sec. A moderate correlation was revealed between the 3 m-backward walking speed and BBS (r: -0.691, p: 0.001) and TUG (r: 0.849, p: 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3MBWT was observed to be valid and reliable in stroke individuals. It is an effecive and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and falls in stroke.

The MEFV gene and its association with familial Mediterranean fever, severe atopy, and recurrent respiratory tract infections

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common auto-inflammatory disease and is characterized by self-limiting episodes of fever and polyserositis. The aim of this study was to determine the atopic clinical findings associated with the MEFV gene. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients who had received a diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever between August 2015 and November 2018. RESULTS: A total of 454 patients with familial Mediterranean fever were evaluated. The median age of diagnosis was 60 months (min-max: 6-228) and the percentage of patients who were male was 57.5%. A MEFV gene mutation was determined in 310 (68.3%) children. The most frequent genetic mutation was a R202Q heterozygote mutation, which was found in 95 patients (20.9%). When compared with MEFV-negative patients, elevation of serum amyloid A and fibrinogen levels during an episode of FMF was found to occur more frequently in MEFV-positive patients (p = 0.019 and 0.027, respectively). Male gender, cigarette exposure, and a younger diagnosis age were seen more frequently in patients who had episodes with fever (p = 0.039, 0.022, and 0.001, respectively). Chronic cough with sputum and persistent purulent rhinitis were more frequent in the group which did not experience fever episodes (p = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: While being a periodic fever syndrome, familial Mediterranean fever also presents as a multisystemic disease with heterogeneous clinical symptoms. Severe atopic diseases and recurrent respiratory tract infections are characteristic features of this disease

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The MEFV gene and its association with familial Mediterranean fever, severe atopy, and recurrent respiratory tract infections.

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common auto-inflammatory disease and is characterized by self-limiting episodes of fever and polyserositis. The aim of this study was to determine the atopic clinical findings associated with the MEFV gene. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients who had received a diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever between August 2015 and November 2018. RESULTS: A total of 454 patients with familial Mediterranean fever were evaluated. The median age of diagnosis was 60 months (min-max: 6-228) and the percentage of patients who were male was 57.5%. A MEFV gene mutation was determined in 310 (68.3%) children. The most frequent genetic mutation was a R202Q heterozygote mutation, which was found in 95 patients (20.9%). When compared with MEFV-negative patients, elevation of serum amyloid A and fibrinogen levels during an episode of FMF was found to occur more frequently in MEFV-positive patients (p=0.019 and 0.027, respectively). Male gender, cigarette exposure, and a younger diagnosis age were seen more frequently in patients who had episodes with fever (p=0.039, 0.022, and 0.001, respectively). Chronic cough with sputum and persistent purulent rhinitis were more frequent in the group which did not experience fever episodes (p=0.003 and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: While being a periodic fever syndrome, familial Mediterranean fever also presents as a multisystemic disease with heterogeneous clinical symptoms. Severe atopic diseases and recurrent respiratory tract infections are characteristic features of this disease.

Risk assessment of a formamidine pesticide, Amitraz, focusing on thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Amitraz, a formamidine pesticide, and their metabolites have the potential to disrupt endocrine homeostasis in a variety of organisms, nevertheless there is a lack of information concerning such effects and underlying mechanisms in any fish species.To evaluate the potential impacts of Trasil (EC; active constituent 200 g amitraz/L), a commercial product of amitraz, on thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss); mRNA levels of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), TRα and TRß, were determined by RT-PCR soon after sub-lethal administration in a static bio-assay system. The sub-lethal exposure of 0.84 mg/L amitraz resulted in upregulation of both TRαand TRßgenes for muscle and liver, respectively in a tissue-manner, though the differences were found statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The present results emerged an endocrine interaction between amitraz based formulation and TH homeostasis, but still needs further detail studies to a better understanding of TH mechanism in teleosts in response to environmental compounds.

Significance of serum endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (Endocan) level in patients with erectile dysfunction: a pilot study.

This study aimed to measure the serum endocan level of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and to investigate the possible association between the Endothelial-specific molecule-1 (Endocan) level and ED. Twenty healthy and sixty-four male patients included in the study were divided into four groups: severe ED (19 patients), moderate ED (24 patients), mild ED (21 patients) and control group (20 healthy men). The erectile function of all the patients was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire. The body mass index (BMI) of each participant was determined, together with levels of fasting blood glucose, total testosterone, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and endocan in serum samples. No significant difference was found between the three ED groups and the control group in terms of the mean age, BMI and the levels of cholesterol and fasting blood glucose (P>0.05). The mean serum endocan level was found to 1.076±0.5, 0.674±0.40 and 0.671±0.3 ng ml-1 in the severe, moderate and mild ED groups, respectively. This indicated that the highest value was obtained from the severe ED group, and the difference between the severe ED group and the other groups was statistically significant. In the control group, the serum endocan level was 0.73±0.46 ng ml-1, which was significantly higher compared to the moderate and mild ED groups (P<0.05). The significant difference between the control and ED groups in terms of the serum endocan level can assist in the evaluation of endothelial pathologies in the etiology ED.

Do cigarette smoke and vitamin E affect the development of endometrial pinopods? An animal study.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of cigarette smoke and vitamin E on the development of endometrial pinopods. STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen female and 12 male Swiss albino mice, 12-14 weeks old, with a mean weight of 25g (standard deviation 5g) were used in this study. Female mice were divided into three equal groups. Every day for 10 weeks, mice in Group 1 (control group) received normal saline intraperitoneally; mice in Group 2 were exposed to smoke from 20 cigarettes/day using a smoke machine; and mice in Group 3 were exposed to smoke from 20 cigarettes/day using a smoke machine and also received 50mg/kg vitamin E intraperitoneally. After 10 weeks, vaginal smears were taken from the female mice and they were copulated with the 12 male Swiss albino mice on the day of oestrus. Day 0 was defined as the day on which sperm were detected in the vagina by smear test. Mice were killed at the end of Day 5, which was considered to represent the optimal day for implantation. The uteri were removed and the effects of cigarette smoke and vitamin E on the development of endometrial pinopods were studied using an electron microscope. RESULTS: The endometrial tissue of the control group appeared morphologically normal, with short microvilli, cytoplasm and pinopods in the form of cytoplasm and cell membrane enlargements in patches. In total, 149 pinopods were counted in the control group using a scanning electron microscope (two histologists performed the analysis and were blinded to each other's findings). In the smoke-exposed group, the cytoplasmic structure was degenerated considerably, and fewer pinopods were counted (n=11). The number of pinopods in mice who were exposed to cigarette smoke and vitamin E (n=67) was significantly higher compared with the cigarette-exposed group (p=0.002), but considerably lower compared with the control group (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Smoke exposure led to a significant decrease in the development of endometrial pinopods. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, partially reversed the adverse effects of cigarette smoke. This suggests that cigarettes may have a negative effect on fertility by decreasing the number of pinopods. However, this negative effect can be reduced using vitamin E. More studies should be conducted to support this finding.

The effects of L-carnitine on some hematological parameters in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet.

We evaluated the effects of L-carnitine on the hematological characteristics of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. Healthy male Wistar Albino rats were assigned to four equal groups. During the 40 day experiment, group 1 was fed standard rat pellets, group 2 was fed standard rat pellets containing 7.5 % cholesterol powder, group 3 was fed standard rat pellets and water that contained 75 mg/l L-carnitine, and group 4 was fed standard rat pellets that contained 7.5% cholesterol and water that contained 75 mg/l L-carnitine. Blood samples were analyzed for red (RBC) and white (WBC) blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) using an automated cell counter. The RBC count in the group that received the 7.5% cholesterol diet was decreased significantly compared to the other groups. The hematocrit of the cholesterol group was lower than for the L-carnitine + cholesterol and L-carnitine groups. The MCV in the cholesterol group was significantly higher than the control group. The MCH in the cholesterol group was higher than for the other groups. There was no significant difference among the groups with regard to hemoglobin, MCHC, WBCs and leukocyte types. L-carnitine appears to have beneficial effects on erythrocyte stability, erythropoiesis and hyperlipidemia.

A case of propylthiouracil-induced antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis successfully treated with radioactive iodine.

Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis is one of the rare complications of propylthiouracil treatment. Having a variable clinical spectrum, it may be presented with both skin limited vasculitis and life-threatening systemic vasculitis. In this study, we present a case that developed ANCA-positive vasculitis with skin and kidney involvement (hematuria and proteinuria) six months after propylthiouracil treatment was initiated for toxic nodular goiter. Proteinuria recovered dramatically subsequent to radioactive iodine treatment following ceasing the drug.

Age and gender related changes in hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals.

Hematological and biochemical profiles commonly are required in equine medicine. We studied hematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV), differential leukocyte counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in thoroughbred foals at different ages and for both sexes. Sixty healthy thoroughbred foals, 1 day, 3 days and 1 year old were used. Each age group consisted of 10 male and 10 female animals. We found significant differences related to age in RBC values of females, PCV, MCV values of males, WBC, neutrophil percentages, lymphocyte percentages, monocyte percentages of females, and eosinophil percentages and basophil percentages. Significant differences related to gender were found only with regard to PCV at 1 year and WBC at 1 day. The hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals up to one year old may be useful for evaluating and monitoring the health of these animals.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves low back pain during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficiency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with those of exercise and acetaminophen for the treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP) during the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective study included 79 subjects (≥32 gestational weeks) with visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores ≥5. Participants were divided randomly into a control group (n = 21) and three treatment groups [exercise (n = 19); acetaminophen (n = 19); TENS (n = 20)]. The VAS and the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ) were completed before and 3 weeks after treatment to assess the impact of pain on daily activities. RESULTS: During the study period, pain intensity increased in 57% of participants in the control group, whereas pain decreased in 95% of participants in the exercise group and in all participants in the acetaminophen and TENS groups. Post-treatment VAS and RMDQ values were significantly lower in the treatment groups (p < 0.001). VAS and RMDQ scores indicated a significantly greater degree of pain relief in the TENS group than in the exercise and acetaminophen groups (p < 0.001). No adverse effect of TENS application on pregnant women was observed during the study. CONCLUSION: TENS is an effective and safe treatment modality for LBP during pregnancy. TENS improved LBP more effectively than did exercise and acetaminophen.

Effects of aflatoxin on some haematological parameters and protective effectiveness of esterified glucomannan in Merino rams.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects of aflatoxin on some hematological parameters and to determine the preventive effectiveness of added glucomannan. In the study, 32 Merino rams were used, and the rams were separated equally to four groups as control (C), glucomannan (G), glucomannan + aflatoxin (AG), and aflatoxin (A). Erythrocyte, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were decreased in A group compared with the other groups, and there was a reduction in similar parameters in AG group compared to control values. On the other hand, these parameters were tended to increase in AG group compared to A group values. Aflatoxicosis caused the lymphocytopenia and monocytopenia but increased percentage of neutrophil counts. In conclusion, the results determined in the study might be important to demonstrate the effects of aflatoxicosis and glucomannan on some haematological parameters before the clinical symptoms appear.

Recurrence of ovarian cyst after sclerotherapy.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate correlation between cyst recurrence and some cyst characteristics after sclerotherapy of non-neoplastic ovarian cyst with alcohol-erythromycin combination. METHODS: Fifty two cases of simple ovarian cysts were subjected to sclerotherapy with alcohol and erythromycin. Two patients were excluded due to suspicious cytologic result. All patients were followed-up monthly with color Doppler ultrasonography for over 12 months. Failure of procedure was considered if recurrent cyst diameter exceeds 5 centimeters detected by ultrasound. Cyst size, volume and color of aspirate, steroid hormone, and tumor marker levels of the cyst fluid were correlated to the recurrence rate. RESULTS: The fluid of cyst was serous in 32 cases and dark chocolate-colored in twenty cases. Cytological analyses of thirty cysts were acellular sediment, twenty were suitable with endometrioma and two were reported as suspicious. At 12-month follow-up, 12 cyst recurrences was detected. There was no difference in aspirated cyst volume, cyst size and FSH and LH content of recurrent and resolved cyst. The cyst wall thickness of recurrent cyst was higher than that of resolved cyst (P<0.001). The mean estradiol and progesterone concentrations of resolved cysts were significantly higher than that of recurrent cysts on the other hand, the mean CA125 levels in recurrent cysts (347.9±204.4) was significantly higher as compared to the mean CA125 concentrations of resolved cyst (16.75±22.45). CONCLUSION: Aspiration and sclerotherapy with alcohol and erythromycin yielded a relatively high recurrence rate in cyst with a bloody aspirate and high CA125 levels in cyst fluid.

Voltammetric studies on the potent carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene: Adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination in bulk aqueous forms and human urine samples and detection of DNA interaction on pencil graphite electrode.

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), is a widely studied polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that has long been recognized as a very potent carcinogen. Initially, the electrochemical oxidation of DMBA at the glassy carbon and pencil graphite electrodes in non-aqueous media (dimethylsulphoxide with lithium perchlorate) was studied by cyclic voltammetry. DMBA was irreversibly oxidized in two steps at high positive potentials, resulting in the ill-resolved formation of a couple with a reduction and re-oxidation wave at much lower potentials. Special attention was given to the use of adsorptive stripping voltammetry together with a medium exchange procedure on disposable pencil graphite electrode in aqueous solutions over the pH range of 3.0-9.0. The response was characterized with respect to pH of the supporting electrolyte, pre-concentration time and accumulation potential. Using square-wave stripping mode, the compound yielded a well-defined voltammetric response in acetate buffer, pH 4.8 at +1.15V (vs. Ag/AgCl) (a pre-concentration step being carried out at a fixed potential of +0.60V for 360s). The process could be used to determine DMBA concentrations in the range 2-10nM, with an extremely low detection limit of 0.194nM (49.7ngL(-1)). The applicability to assay of spiked human urine samples was also illustrated. Finally, the interaction of DMBA with fish sperm double-stranded DNA based on decreasing of the oxidation signal of adenine base was studied electrochemically by using differential pulse voltammetry with a pencil graphite electrode at the surface and also in solution. The favorable signal-to-noise characteristics of biosensor resulted in low detection limit (ca. 46nM) following a 300-s interaction. These results displayed that the electrochemical DNA-based biosensor could be used for the sensitive, rapid, simple and cost effective detection of DMBA-DNA interaction.

Effect of pentoxifylline on endotoxin-induced haemostatic disturbances in rabbits.

Pentoxifylline (PTX, a methylxanthine derivative) has been found to interrupt early gene activation for tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tissue factor production and to improve survival from experimental sepsis. During endotoxaemia, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) and proinflammatory cytokines trigger the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) via the tissue factor-dependent pathway of coagulation. The present study was undertaken to determine whether pentoxifylline could prevent coagulation disturbances in LPS-treated rabbits. Endotoxaemia was induced with E. coli lipopolysaccharide in New Zealand White rabbits. Forty rabbits were used and divided into four equal groups. Group 1 served as a control group; Group 2: lipopolysaccharide was injected intravenously, Group 3: pentoxifylline was injected intraperitoneally, Group 4: lipopolysaccharide and pentoxifylline were injected simultaneously. Blood samples were collected 6 h after the treatments. In rabbits with endotoxin-induced DIC, platelet count, leukocyte count, percentage of differential leukocyte values, fibrinogen level, antithrombin III (AT-III) and protein C (PC) activity were decreased. Moreover, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were prolonged when compared to the control group. In conclusion, haemostatic disturbances associated with endotoxin-induced DIC were moderately suppressed by the administration of PTX.

Pethidine versus tramadol for pain relief during labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of tramadol and pethidine in labor. METHOD: Fifty-nine full term parturients were randomly assigned to one of two groups in active labor. Group 1 received 100 mg pethidine; group 2, 100 mg tramadol, intramuscularly. Analgesic efficacy, maternal side effects, changes in the blood pressure, heart rate, and duration of labor were assessed. RESULT: At 30 and 60 min after drug administration, pain relief was greater in the pethidine group than in tramadol group. The incidence of nausea and fatigue was higher in the tramadol group. Following drug administration the decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the increase in heart rate were statistically significant in both groups. No significant difference was found between the groups when compared for duration of labor and Apgar scores. None of the neonates developed respiratory depression. CONCLUSION: Pethidine seems to be a better alternative than tramadol in obstetric analgesia because of its superiority in analgesic efficacy and low incidence of maternal side effects.