Coexistence of Celiac Disease and Allergic Wheat Sensitivity: An Observational Study of Daily Clinical Practice.

INTRODUCTION: Although separate immunogenic mechanisms are involved, IgE-type sensitization to wheat and celiac disease (CD) may coexist. We observationally assessed the importance of this relationship in daily practice using CD and wheat sensitization screenings. METHODS: Celiac antibody (CA) screening and food prick tests (FPTs) were requested simultaneously from patients who presented to the Allergy Clinic between January 2022 and December 2023 and had any complaint accompanied by CD symptoms/findings (non-celiac group). Patients with positive CA (CA+) underwent endoscopy. As another group, FPT results were recorded for patients previously diagnosed with CD following a gluten-free diet (celiac group). RESULTS: In total, 169 patients (124 non-celiac and 45 celiac) were included in the study. Wheat prick positivity (WP+) was observed in 1 patient with CD. Among 65 WP+ patients without a CD diagnosis, 14 (20.3%) tested positive for CA+, and histopathology detected CD in 4 of these cases. Among the 59 WP- patients, 4 (8.8%) had CA+. The CA+ status of those with WP+ was significantly higher than those with WP- (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The 4 patients unaware of their CD exhibited WP+, with a higher rate of CA+ observed in the WP+ group. The association between WP+ and CA+ suggests that an impaired intestinal barrier may lead to simultaneous T helper 1 and 2 type inflammatory responses. Although different types of sensitization to the same food would not typically be expected, growing evidence indicates that this phenomenon does occur. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and to explore the underlying causes.

Effects of Apelin-13 on auditory system in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

AIM: Damage to the auditory pathways is one of the complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of apelin-13 in the auditory pathways of rats with experimentally induced diabetes by examining its effect on auditory brainstem responses, cochlear oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: sham control, diabetes, apelin and diabetes + apelin. A single dose of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to induce diabetes. The apelin group received 50 µg/kg apelin-13 for seven days intraperitoneally (ip). At the end of the apelin and STZ applications auditory brainstem responses (ABR) was recorded. At the end of the experiment, cochlea was removed and biochemical analyzes were performed. RESULTS: In ABR recordings, the latencies of wave V in diabetic group were observed to be longer than those of the control, with the apelin treatment exhibiting a partial reversal of this situation, particularly at specific frequencies and intensity levels. Apelin treatment leads to a significant increase in total antioxidant status (TAS) and a reduction in total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in cochlea compared to diabetic groups. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta) in cochlear tissue were found to be significantly reduced in the apelin-treated group compared to the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Apelin-13 may have a protective effect on the auditory system and may be proposed as a potential new therapeutic strategy for the management diabetic auditory impairment.

Investigations of motor performance with neuromodulation and exoskeleton using leader-follower modality: a tDCS study.

This study investigates how the combination of robot-mediated haptic interaction and cerebellar neuromodulation can improve task performance and promote motor skill development in healthy individuals using a robotic exoskeleton worn on the index finger. The authors propose a leader-follower type of mirror game where participants can follow a leader in a two-dimensional virtual reality environment while the exoskeleton tracks the index finger motion using an admittance filter. The game requires two primary learning phases: the initial phase focuses on mastering the pinching interface, while the second phase centers on predicting the leader's movements. Cerebral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with anodal polarity is applied to the subjects during the game. It is shown that the subjects' performance improves as they play the game. The combination of tDCS with finger exoskeleton significantly enhances task performance. Our research indicates that modulation of the cerebellum during the mirror game improves the motor skills of healthy individuals. The results also indicate potential uses for motor neurorehabilitation in hemiplegia patients.

Understanding Career Adapt Abilities, Career Stress, Work Stress, Career Regret, Job Satisfaction Among Nursing Professionals.

AIM: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the interrelationships among career stress, work stress, career regret, job satisfaction and career adapt abilities within the nursing profession. DESIGN: The research involved a sample of 576 nurses from ten urban hospitals, distributed across five distinct cities in Turkiye, between December 2023 and January 2024. The study employed regression models to systematically test hypotheses, providing nuanced insights into the complex dynamics of the variables under investigation. METHODS: Regression models were utilized to test the hypotheses systematically, considering the moderating role of career adapt abilities. The study included a sample of 576 nurses from 10 urban hospitals in Turkey, distributed across five distinct cities. This approach allowed for a detailed examination of the intricate relationships between career stress, work stress, career regret, job satisfaction and career adapt abilities within the nursing profession. RESULTS: The findings underscore the delicate balance between the positive gains of job satisfaction and the challenges posed by career stress, work stress and career regret in the multifaceted landscape of nursing. CONCLUSION: In nursing, the relationship between career stress, work stress, career regret and job satisfaction include progress, resilience and obstacles. Developing strategies requires a cooperative effort from health care organizations, nursing leaders and individual nurses. IMPACT: The research provides valuable insights into the interplay of these factors and emphasizes the moderating role played by career adapt abilities. The implications of the study extend to healthcare organizations, nursing leaders and individual nurses. The research advocates for collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing job satisfaction, alleviating stressors and addressing career regret. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the retention of a resilient nursing workforce, emphasizing the importance of strategies that support the well-being and satisfaction of nurses in their careers. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Can Immature Granulocyte Counting be Utilized in the Selection of Samples for Flow Cytometric Enumeration of Stem Cells?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the IMG counting by an auto hematology analyzer with the flow cytometric enumeration of CD34+ cells. METHODS: All data from 124 samples submitted to the hematology laboratory for CD34+ cell counting in 2019 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Whole blood samples were taken into EDTA tubes and assayed within 2 hours. The numbers and percentages of WBC and IMG were determined by using Mindray BC6200 hematology analyzer, while the same were determined for CD45 and CD34+ cells by using Beckman Coulter Navios flow cytometer. The performance of the new method was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 124 samples, 94 were collected from healthy individuals and 30 were collected from patients. A significant correlation was found between IMG and CD34+ cell counts in all patients (r = 0.71, p = 0.000) at the cutoff values of > 20/µL and > 50/µL. The Bland-Altman analysis of all patients showed that there was an agreement between the two methods. When the cutoff value of 20/µL for CD34+ cells was used in the ROC analysis, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 100 (96.1 - 100) and 96.77 (83.3 - 99.9), respectively, for the IMG count of > 900/µL. CONCLUSIONS: An IMG count of 900/µL can be used as the cutoff value in the analysis with the Mindray BC6200. The IMG counting cannot replace the flow cytometric CD34+ cell enumeration but can be used in the selection of the samples for stem cell enumeration by flow cytometry.

TRESK channel activation ameliorates migraine-like pain via modulation of CGRP release from the trigeminovascular system and meningeal mast cells in experimental migraine models.

AIMS: Accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of TRESK potassium channels in migraine, however, effects of TRESK activation on migraine-related mechanisms remain unclear. We explored effects of TRESK channel modulation on migraine-related behavioral and molecular markers in in-vivo and ex-vivo rat models of migraine. MAIN METHODS: The selective TRESK activator cloxyquin at different doses, the TRESK inhibitor A2764, and the migraine drug sumatriptan were tested alone or in different combinations in nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced in-vivo model, and in ex-vivo meningeal, trigeminal ganglion and brainstem preparations in which CGRP release was induced by capsaicin. Mechanical allodynia, CGRP and c-fos levels in trigeminovascular structures and meningeal mast cells were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: Cloxyquin attenuated NTG-induced mechanical allodynia, brainstem c-fos and CGRP levels, trigeminal ganglion CGRP levels and meningeal mast cell degranulation and number, in-vivo. It also diminished capsaicin-induced CGRP release from ex-vivo meningeal, trigeminal ganglion and brainstem preparations. Specific TRESK inhibitor A2764 abolished all effects of cloxyquin in in-vivo and ex-vivo. Combining cloxyquin and sumatriptan exerted a synergistic effect ex-vivo, but not in-vivo. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings provide the experimental evidence for the anti-migraine effect of TRESK activation in migraine-like conditions. The modulation of TRESK channels may therefore be an attractive alternative strategy to relieve migraine pain.

The effect of two different modes of anaesthesia maintenance on postoperative delirium in elderly patient with low preoperative mini-cog score.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is a common distressing symptom experienced following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study aimed to investigate the influence of a low preoperative Mini-Cog testing score and 2 different anesthesia methods: total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) versus sevoflurane, on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A total of 84 patients over 60 years old who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between March 1and - October 1 2023 were included in the study. Patients with a Mini-Cog score of 0-2 were considered to have low and possibly impaired neurocognitive function. We invastigated the effects of preoperative Mini-Cog score and the two anesthesia methods used on the incidence of postoperative delirium. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with low Mini-Cog score in the preoperative period was 17.9%. Sevoflurane and TIVA was used in 41 and 43 patients respectively. The incidence of postoperative delirium in patients with low preoperative Mini-Cog scores was 66.7% at postoperative 0 h and 33.3% at the 1st hours. Postoperative delirium was found to be statistically higher in patients with low Mini-cog scores than in those with negatively-screened for Mini-cog scores (p: 0.01-0.035). In patients using sevoflurane, the incidence of postoperative delirium was 26.8% and 24.4% at the 0 and 1st hours, respectively. This was found to be statistically higher than in patients receiving TIVA (p: 0.036 - 0.010). CONCLUSION: Low Mini-Cog score was an indicator of a higher risk of early postoperative delirium. Sevoflurane is more likely to cause postoperative delirium than TIVA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT06597812) .

The relationship of decision regret with quality of life and comfort level in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the effective methods of weight loss. It is essential to determine patients' regret and predictive factors to improve their quality of life and comfort. No study has investigated decision regret and affecting factors in patients undergoing SG in Turkey. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the relationship of decision regret with quality of life and comfort level in patients undergoing SG. SETTING: The research was carried out with patients who had undergone SG in a private hospital in the west of Turkey. METHODS: The research was conducted as a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected between March and May 2023, and the study was completed with 286 patients. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Decision Regret Scale (DRS), Quality of Life Following Obesity Surgery Scale (QoL-OS), and Comfort Scale. RESULTS: Patients' mean score on the DRS was 5.27 ± 13.41 (0-100), the total mean score on the QoL-OS-Biopsychosocial dimension was 79.57 ± 9.35 (18-90), the mean score on the QoL-OS-Complications dimension was 17.17 ± 4.60 (7-35), and the environmental comfort score average was 8.87 ± 2.23 (0-10). Patients' decision regret was significantly affected by the QoL-OS-Biopsychosocial Area dimension in the first place (Beta = -.516; P < .001), social comfort in the second place (Beta = -.278; P < .001), postoperative weight gain in the third place (Beta = .221; P < .001), and complication development in the fourth place (Beta = .163; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that patients' decision regret levels were very low up to 3 years after surgery and found that low postoperative quality of life and social comfort level, postoperative weight gain, and complications affected decision regret.

INFLUENCE OF ABUTMENT MATERIAL, CEMENT THICKNESS, AND CROWN TYPE ON THE FINAL COLOR OF IMPLANT-SUPPORTED RESTORATIONS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of abutment material, cement thickness, and crown type on the esthetics of implant supported restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 60 specimens were prepared to represent six abutment groups: Group PA = pink-anodized Ti; Group GA = gold-anodized Ti; Group T = nonanodized Ti; Group H = hybrid (Ti + zirconia); Group P = PEEK (Ti + PEEK); and Group C = composite resin (control). Crown specimens (n = 120) were obtained from Vita Enamic (VE) and Vita Suprinity (VS). Two cement thicknesses (0.1 and 0.2 mm) were used. The color values of crown configura:ons were measured and ΔE00* values were calculated. Statistical analyses included were Shapiro Wilk, three-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD tests (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: Abutment (P < .001) and crown materials (P = .001) had a significant effect on ΔE00* values, while cement thickness did not. Groups PA and H resulted in significantly lower mean ΔE00* values than other abutments, whereas Group T revealed the highest. Unlike VS, cement thicknesses created a significant difference on the ΔE00* values for VE (P ≤.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pink-anodized Ti or hybrid abutments for VE and pink- or goldanodized Ti for VS seem to be better options, in terms of color change. Cement thickness of 0.1 mm resulted in higher ΔE00* value than 0.2 mm for VE (P ≤ .05).

Investigation of gaseous end products produced by thulium fiber laser lithotripsy of cystine, uric acid, and calcium oxalate monohydrate stones: A gas chromatographic and electron microscopic analysis.

Laser lithotripsy mechanisms can cause the chemical decomposition of stone components and the emergence of different end products. However, the potentially toxic end products formed during thulium fiber laser (TFL) lithotripsy of cystine stones have not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of our in vitro study is to analyze the chemical content of the gas products formed during the fragmentation of cystine stone with TFL. Human renal calculi consisting of 100% pure cystine, calcium oxalate monohydrate, or uric acid were fragmented separately with TFL in experimental setups and observed for gas release. After the lithotripsy, only the cystine stones showed gas formation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the gas qualitatively, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction was used to examine the dried cystine stone fragments. Fragmentation of the cystine stones released free cystine, sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon disulfide gas. The SEM-EDX and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the free cystine in the dried fragments contained 43.1% oxygen, 28.7% sulfur, 16.1% nitrogen, and 12.1% carbon atoms according to atomic weight. The detection of potentially toxic gases after lithotripsy of cystine stones with TFL indicates a risk of in vivo production. Awareness needs to be increased among healthcare professionals to prevent potential inhalation and systemic toxicity for patients and operating room personnel during TFL lithotripsy of cystine stones.

Assessment of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the combination of N-acetyl cysteine and carvacrol against Staphylococcus aureus, the most common orthopedic infectious agent.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has led to the search for new approaches. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol and N-acetyl cysteine, both individually and in combination, on the planktonic cells and biofilm formations of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive strains. Additionally, the study sought to perform cytotoxicity tests and chemical characterization to further understand the properties and potential applications of these substances. METHODS: A total of 19 S. aureus strains were included in the study. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by assays. Synergy analysis tests were carried out. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted on the fibroblast cell line. Characterization test was performed. RESULTS: While Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for carvacrol varied between 250 and 500 µg/ml, these values were in the range of 32-64 mg/ml for N-acetyl cysteine. Biofilm formation activities were identified. A total of eight strains, including six clinical and two standard strains with the highest biofilm-forming ability, were selected for combination studies. The combination of Carvacrol and N-acetyl cysteine exhibited synergistic and partially synergistic effects on the tested planktonic and biofilm strains, and these effects were dose-dependent. Carvacrol was found to be the most active drug at the end of 24, 48, and 72 h. Regarding the synergistic effect of N-acetyl cysteine + carvacrol, it was revealed to exhibit higher activity than N-acetyl cysteine and lower activity than carvacrol. CONCLUSION: The combination of carvacrol and N-acetyl cysteine demonstrated synergistic and partially synergistic effects against both planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggest potential for novel approaches in managing orthopedic infections, warranting further research to explore their therapeutic applications.

Return to Work Following Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Percutaneous Posterior Pedicle Fixation: A Retrospective Analysis from Two Academic Centers in Germany.

Objective: Return to work after spinal surgery is a crucial factor in the recovery process. It can contribute not only to physical rehabilitation but also to psychological well-being. This study aims to evaluate the rate of return to work following elective lumbar spine surgery and identify predictors that predict failure of return to work. Methods: Adult patients who underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion at two medical centers were retrospectively identified. A standardized telephone interview was conducted for the final analysis to assess the clinical outcomes of these patients. Results: Out of a total of 159 patients, 104 were of working age at the time of the elective surgery. Data were missing for 35 patients, who were thus excluded from the analysis. All patients had a minimum follow-up period of one year. After surgery, 75% of the patients returned to work within a median time of 3 months. Quality of life, back pain, leg pain, and ODI scores, as well as self-reported satisfaction, were significantly better in patients who returned to work (p < 0.05). Tobacco use and previous musculoskeletal surgery were significant predictive factors of failure to return to work. None of the patients who were unemployed prior to surgery returned to work. Conclusions: Our study reveals that 75% of patients returned to work within three months after surgery. The most significant predictor of failure to return to work is being unemployed before surgery. Additionally, preoperative education about postoperative behavior and physical activity could potentially increase the rate.

Prevalence and Subtypes Distribution (ST10, ST14, ST25, ST26) of Blastocystis spp. in Anatolian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Van, Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis spp. is one of the most common protozoa worldwide, living in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals. On the basis of the genetic heterogeneity of small subunit ribosomal RNA, at least 28 subtypes (ST1-ST17, ST21 and ST23-ST32) are reported to exist in mammals and birds. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis spp. in Anatolian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Van province in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. METHODS: DNA was extracted using commercial GeneMATRIX Stool DNA Purification Kit and then stored at -20°C until PCR amplification. After PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene region positive Blastocystis spp., amplicons from buffalo faeces were sequenced and then deposited in GenBank (OR576949.1, OR576950.1, OR576970.1, OR576971.1, OR577019.1, PP837943.1, PP837940.1, PP837939.1, PP837604.1, PP837937.1, PP837934.1, PP837601.1, PP837936.1 and PP837603.1). RESULTS: PCR analysis of 120 faecal samples showed a total prevalence of 11.67% (14/120). The prevalence was higher in females and young animals (p > 0.05). Sequence analysis revealed Blastocystis spp., ST10, ST14, ST25 and ST26 subtypes. To our knowledge, Blastocystis subtypes ST25 and ST26 in buffaloes were reported for the first time in this study. CONCLUSION: It is thought that more large-scale studies should be carried out to determine the zoonotic subtype potential of this protozoan in the region.

The effect of digital game addiction on aggression and anger levels in adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of digital game addiction on aggression and anger levels in adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: The participants of this cross-sectional study were adolescents. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Game Addiction Scale, and Buss-Perry Aggression Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Anova, correlation and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS: In this study, game addiction and aggression levels of adolescents were determined as moderate. The game type that adolescents played the most was determined as war games with 35 %. The mean score of the Game Addiction Scale for male adolescents, those with medium and high income levels, those who play digital games for >8 h a day and every day, was found to be significantly higher. In this study, a positive and moderately significant correlation was found between Game Addiction Scale and Aggression Total Scale and Anger subscale (p < 0.05). Especially male gender (ß = 0.273), high income status (ß = -0.089), long time playing digital games (ß = 0.173) and playing digital games every day (ß = 0.360) were determined as predictors that increase game addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Digital game addiction can trigger aggression and anger in adolescents. Nurses play a crucial role in screening and identifying adolescents at risk of game addiction to prevent aggression and anger. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: According to the findings of this research, it is necessary to provide training and counseling to prevent digital game addiction in schools and to plan strategies by psychiatric nurses.

Histological and scanning electron microscopy investigation of the effects of titanium surface modifications on osseointegration in rabbits.

This study aimed to compare the novel Estas Medical Anodization (EMA) surface treatment technique with the techniques commonly used in the literature and to examine their effects on osteointegration in the rabbit tibia. A total of 24 rabbits used in this study were divided into 3 groups, with 8 rabbits in each group. Using both tibias of all rabbits in the study, screws belonging to the control group were placed in the left tibia, and the right tibia belonging to the experimental group were placed. In the first 8 rabbits, a single experimental group in the right tibia were used; in the second 8 rabbits, 2 different experimental groups in the right tibia were used; and in the last 8 rabbits, 2 different experimental groups in the right tibia were used. Thus, 5 different experimental groups with 8 screws in each group and a separate control group were formed for each of them. EMA-treated surfaces were named 200-800 nm iris oxidation and 800-1200 nm gray oxidation according to the TiO2 layer thickness. Group 1 was implanted with mini-screws prepared with chemical etching+EMA iris oxidation, while group 2 was implanted with sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched (SLA) mini screws treated with EMA gray oxidation. Group 3 was implanted with mini-screws treated with EMA gray oxidation, group 4 was implanted with mini-screws treated with chemical etching+micro-arc oxidation, and group 5 was implanted with mini-screws treated with chemical etching+EMA gray oxidation. The control group was implanted with mini-screws prepared with pure titanium. At the end of 6 weeks, osseointegration percentages were calculated and compared using histological and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. The histological results confirmed the increase in osseointegration percentages in all experimental groups compared to those that received pure titanium implants (P values control group vs group 1=.005, control group vs group 2, 3, 4, 5=.001). The comparison between the groups revealed that the chemical etching+EMA gray oxidation modification technique (group 5) significantly increased osseointegration compared to the SLA+EMA gray oxidation technique (group 5 vs group 2 P=.016) and the chemical etching+EMA iris oxidation technique (group 5 vs group 1 Pp=.001). The EMA gray oxidation technique (group 3) significantly increased osseointegration compared to the chemical etching+EMA iris oxidation technique (group 1) (group 3 vs group 1 P=.043). The results of the SEM analysis showed that osseointegration was significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to that in the pure titanium (control) group (P values control group vs group 1, 2, 3=.001, control group vs Group 4,5=.006). The mean osseointegration percentage in the experimental groups was the highest in group 5, followed by group 4, group 3 and group 1 equally, and group 2. However, the differences among the experimental were not significant (group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 vs group 5 P=.408). The EMA titanium surface modification techniques we developed significantly increased osseointegration compared to the pure titanium surface. The EMA gray oxidation technique seems to result in higher osseointegration rates than the EMA iris oxidation technique, and similar rates can be found with the SLA and chemical etching techniques. N/A.

Pushing the tuning limits of femtosecond Yb-based solid-state lasers to 1†µm: a Yb:YVO4 laser tunable down to 1004†nm.

We have obtained what we believe to be the shortest fs tuning wavelength (1004 nm) from a Yb-based solid-state laser system. As the working horse, we have chosen Yb:YVO4 due to its blueshifted gain spectrum. While using a single 10 W 952 nm diode for pumping and a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) for mode-locking, we have achieved 266 fs long pulses with up to 1.24 W of output power around 1021 nm. Using an intracavity birefringent filter, the central wavelength of the fs pulses could be tuned smoothly between 1004-1038 nm and 1009-1061 nm while employing the E//a and E//c axis of the material, respectively. By using an additional hard aperture to increase the modulation depth, we have also attained 100 fs level pulses in the 1012.5-1019 nm range, which shows the suitability of the system in seeding cryogenic Yb:YLF-based amplifiers.

Determination of the diagnostic accuracy of peritoneal biopsy with an 18G cutting needle under ultrasonography guidance and the contribution of CT findings to diagnosis before biopsy (our 8-year clinical experience).

AIM: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy is an important technique in diagnosing mesenteric involvement. Diagnostic results were compared with pre-biopsy CT findings. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic efficiency of omental lesion biopsies performed under ultrasound guidance and to investigate the relationship between pre-biopsy diagnostic CT findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic data of 70 patients who underwent omental biopsy under ultrasound guidance in our clinic between August 2015 and July 2023, the presence of a primary malignancy focus during the investigations conducted during the research, biopsy histopathology results, and pre-biopsy CT findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: This retrospective study included who underwent omental biopsy under ultrasound guidance, 48 (69%) were female, and 22 (31%) were male, with an average age of 61 (age range 15-95), and an average body mass index [BMI] of 27.7 ± 6.9. Five (7%) of the 70 biopsy procedures were not pathologically diagnostic. Diagnostic results were compared with pre-biopsy CT findings. In all omental lesions, the percentage of omental infiltrative involvement in diagnostic CT was subjectively evaluated by two radiologists. 65 patients diagnosed pathologically, 47 (67%) were malignant, and 18 (26%) were benign. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal biopsies under ultrasound guidance for mesenteric diseases detected on CT are a reliable procedure that can be easily applied. Ultrasonography imaging helps identify appropriate locations for targeted biopsies before deep percutaneous biopsy, increasing diagnostic accuracy, especially when omental lesions appear as infiltrative thickenings.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AMINOGLYCOSIDE EXPOSURE AND OTOTOXICITY IN CHILDREN WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary exacerbations increase the requirement of aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Several studies have shown that AGs have a cumulative effect on ototoxicity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AG exposure and ototoxicity by using three different methods in patients with CF. MATERIALS-METHODS: The multicenter study included 121 pwCF aged between 5-18 years with a history of parenteral AG exposure. Standard pure tone audiometry (sPTA), extended high frequency audiometry (EHF-PTA), and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) tests were performed. Mitochondrial mutation analysis for m1555G>A was performed in 61 patients. RESULTS: Median age was 12.85 years and 52.1% (n=63) were male. 18.2% (n=22) of the patients had received parenteral AGs more than 5 courses/lifetime. Ototoxicity was detected in at least one of the tests in 56.2% (n= 68) of the patients. Only 10.7 % (n=13) of the patients had reported a symptom indicating ototoxicity. 30.3% (n=30) of the patients had ototoxicity in the low-exposure group while it was 45.5% (n=10) in the high-exposure group according to EHF-PTA (p>0.05). Median number of parenteral amikacin courses was significantly higher in the ototoxic group [2(1.25-5.75) vs 2(1-3); p=0.045]. No m1555A>G mutation was detected in 61 patients who screened for mitochondrial mutation analysis. CONCLUSION: As AG ototoxicity occurs primarily at high frequencies, EHF-PTA is important in early detecting otoxicity. EHF-PTA and DPOAE detected ototoxicity in some patients with normal PTA results. All pwCF with a history of AG exposure should be evaluated for hearing loss since symptoms may only be noticed in the late period.