Thalamic nuclei volume differences in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls using probabilistic mapping: A comparative analysis.

AIM: We aimed to investigate potential discrepancies in the volume of thalamic nuclei between individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls. METHODS: The imaging data for this study were obtained from the MCICShare data repository within SchizConnect. We employed probabilistic mapping technique developed by Iglesias et al. (2018). The analytical component entailed volumetric segmentation of the thalamus using the FreeSurfer image analysis suite. Our analysis focused on evaluating the differences in the volumes of various thalamic nuclei groups within the thalami, specifically the anterior, intralaminar, medial, posterior, lateral, and ventral groups in both the right and left thalami, between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. We employed MANCOVA to analyse these dependent variables (volumes of 12 distinct thalamic nuclei groups), with diagnosis (SCZ vs. HCs) as the main explanatory variable, while controlling for covariates such as eTIV and age. RESULTS: The assumptions of MANCOVA, including the homogeneity of covariance matrices, were met. Specific univariate tests for the right thalamus revealed significant differences in the medial (F[1, 200] = 26.360, p < 0.001), and the ventral groups (F[1, 200] = 4.793, p = 0.030). For the left thalamus, the medial (F[1, 200] = 22.527, p < 0.001); posterior (F[1, 200] = 8.227, p = 0.005), lateral (F[1, 200] = 7.004, p = 0.009), and ventral groups (F[1, 200] = 9.309, p = 0.003) showed significant differences. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that particular thalamic nuclei groups in both the right and left thalami may be most affected in schizophrenia, with more pronounced differences observed in the left thalamic nuclei. FUNDINGS: The authors received no financial support for the research.

Chronotype influences on posttraumatic stress disorder induced by the twin earthquakes in Turkey: A cross-sectional study among medical students.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between chronotypes and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in medical students affected by earthquakes in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, while elucidating if the PTSD manifestation varies among different chronotypes four months post-disaster. The study encompassed 193 medical students, subjected to the sociodemographic data form, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The results indicated that students identified as "evening types" reported significantly elevated PCL-5 scores (p < 0.001) relative to "morning" and "intermediate" types. According to PCL-5 scores, 43.5% of the participants exhibited PTSD, with a higher occurrence among the evening types. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that lower MEQ scores independently correlated with elevated PTSD symptoms (ß = -0.1389 [95% CI = -0.273 - -0.0048], p = 0.042), suggesting the potential of eveningness as a risk factor for PTSD post-disaster. These findings could enhance our understanding of PTSD, aid the development of preventive strategies, and underscore the importance of considering chronotypes. Further expansive, population-based studies with a longitudinal design are necessary to better understand the relationship between PTSD and the circadian system.

Effects of mammalian sex hormones on in vitro organogenesis of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Beans are an important plant species and are one of the most consumed legumes in human nutrition, especially as a protein, vitamin, mineral, and fiber source. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a plant that also has an important role in natural nitrogen fixation. Currently, in vitro regeneration and micropropagation applications are limited in relation to genetic factors in bean Accordingly, there is great need to optimize micropropagation and tissue culture methods of the bean plant. To date, the effect of mammalian sex hormones (MSH) on in vitro conditions in P. vulgaris L. is poorly understood. This study examined the effects of different types of explants (embryo, hypocotyl, plumule, and radicle), MSH type (progesterone, 17 ß-estradiol, estrone, and testosterone), and MSH concentration (10-4, 10-6, 10-8 and 10-10 mmol L-1) on the responding explants induction rate (REI), viability of plantlets rate (VPR), shoot proliferation rate (SPR), root proliferation rate (RPR), and callus induction rate (CIR). The effects of mammalian sex hormones, concentrations, explant type, and their interactions were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.01) in all examined parameters. The best explants were embryo and plumule. Our results showed that the highest REI rate (100%) was recorded when 10-10 mmol L-1 of all MSH was applied to MS medium using the plumule explant. The highest VPR (100%) was obtained when 10-10 mmol L-1 of all MSH was applied to MS medium using the plumule explant. The highest root proliferation rates (77.5%) were recorded in MS medium supplemented with 10-8 mmol L-1 17ß-estradiol using embryo explant. The highest percentage of shoot-forming explants (100%) generally was obtained from embryo and plumule cultured in the MS culture medium with low MSH concentration. In addition, the highest CIR (100%) was obtained from embryo and plumule explant cultured in MS medium containing 10-10 mmol L-1 of all MSH types. In conclusion, we observed that mammalian sex hormones may be used in bean in vitro culture.

Internet addiction, insomnia, and violence tendency in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited information on how the tendency to violence in adolescents is affected by internet addiction and insomnia. This study will contribute to the literature in revealing the effect of internet addiction on insomnia and violence tendency in adolescents. METHODS: The data were collected between 26/May/2021 and 06/July/2021. A total of 2,502 adolescents studying in 9th and 12th grades were included in the study. Data were collected with the adolescent information form, Internet Addiction Scale-Short Form, Bergen Insomnia Scale, and Violence Tendency Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation, and simple linear regression analyzes were used in the analysis of data. RESULTS: Participants were 15.92 ± 1.19 years old and 70.80% were women. While internet addiction do not change according to gender, and violence tendency mean scores do not change according to having a device to use the internet, the study variable mean score changes according to all the other socio-demographic variables included in our study. There is a positive relationship between internet addiction, violence tendency, and insomnia. Furthermore, while internet addiction explained 22.1% of insomnia scores, 18.8% of the variance changes in the violence tendency scores, insomnia explained 11.8% of violence tendency scores. CONCLUSION: Although the scale scores of the adolescents in our study were below the average, internet addiction is common problem necessitates working on the subject. In our study, there is a significant relationship between internet addiction, insomnia and tendency to violence, and internet addiction predicts other variables.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: When There is no Cure, There are Countless of Treatments.

We investigated parent reports of use of special education and support services, use of evidence-based practices (EBPs), use of past and current complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, non-use of CAM treatments, willingness, and unwillingness to use CAM treatments, reasons for use and non-use of CAM treatments, and perceptions of EBPs and CAM treatments in their children's functioning. We collected data from a total of 166 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through a web-based survey. 94% of the parents reported lifetime use of at least one CAM treatment. Parents weighed on a wide variety of factors in decision-making. CAM treatments use was positively associated with parental educational level, length of time since ASD diagnosis, and child's ASD severity.

Determining Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces from Türkiye Using SSR Markers.

Assessment of genetic diversity among different varieties helps to improve desired characteristics of crops, including disease resistance, early maturity, high yield, and resistance to drought. Molecular markers are one of the most effective tools for discovering genetic diversity that can increase reproductive efficiency. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), which are codominant markers, are preferred for the determination of genetic diversity because they are highly polymorphic, multi-allelic, highly reproducible, and have good genome coverage. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of 40 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces collected from the Ispir district located in the Northeast Anatolia region of Türkiye and five commercial varieties using SSR markers. The Twenty-seven SSR markers produced a total of 142 polymorphic bands, ranging from 2 (GATS91 and PVTT001) to 12 (BM153) alleles per marker, with an average number of 5.26 alleles. The gene diversity per marker varied between 0.37 and 0.87 for BM053 and BM153 markers, respectively. When heterozygous individuals are calculated proportional to the population, the heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 1.00, with an average of 0.30. The expected heterozygosity of the SSR locus ranged from 0.37 (BM053) to 0.88 (BM153), with an average of 0.69. Nei's gene diversity scored an average of 0.69. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values of SSR markers varied from 0.33 (BM053) to 0.86 (BM153), with an average of 0.63 per locus. The greatest genetic distance (0.83) was between lines 49, 50, 53, and cultivar Karacasehir-90, while the shortest (0.08) was between lines 6 and 26. In cluster analysis using Nei's genetic distance, 45 common bean genotypes were divided into three groups and very little relationship was found between the genotypes and the geographical distances. In genetic structure analysis, three subgroups were formed, including local landraces and commercial varieties. The result confirmed that the rich diversity existing in Ispir bean landraces could be used as a genetic resource in designing breeding programs and may also contribute to Türkiye bean breeding programs.

The relationship of chronotypes with food addiction, impulsivity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in a sample of undergraduate university students.

The primary aim of the current study was to examine the frequency of food addiction in a group of university students and whether it differed among chronotypes. The second aim was to investigate the relationship of chronotypes with impulsivity, poor sleep quality and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and to evaluate how this relationship affects food addiction. 328 university students were included in the study. Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 Short Form (BIS-11-SF), Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered. Evening types scored significantly higher on ASRS and BIS-11 SF (p < .001, p < .001 respectively). Based on YFAS scores, 12.5% (n = 41) of the participants met the criteria for food addiction. The number of participants fulfilling the criteria for food addiction was higher among the evening types compared to intermediate and morning types (p = .006, p = .004, respectively). The mean ASRS and BIS-11 SF scores of the students who met the criteria for food addiction were significantly greater than those who did not (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). 63.4% (n = 26) of the students meeting the criteria for food addiction scored 6 or higher on PSQI versus 32.0% (n = 92) of the students who did not (p < .001). Mediation analysis showed that the direct effect of MEQ scores on food addiction was not significant (ß = -0.009, p = .723). However, lower MEQ scores had an indirect effect on food addiction through higher ASRS scores (ß = -0.027; p < .05 bias corrected and accelerated 95% CI -0.052 to -0.011). The results of the present study suggest that higher prevalence of food addiction among evening types seems to be related to higher occurrence of ADHD symptoms in these chronotypes. Further population-based studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our findings.

The Effect of Mammalian Sex Hormones on Polymorphism and Genomic Instability in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Mammalian sex hormones are steroid-structured compounds that support the growth and development of plants at low concentrations. Since they affect the physiological processes in plants, it has been thought that mammalian sex hormones may cause modifications to plant genomes and epigenetics. This study aims to determine whether different mammalian sex hormones (17 ß-estradiol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) in several concentrations (0, 10-4, 10-6, and 10-8 mM) affect genetic or epigenetic levels in bean plants, using in vitro tissue cultures from plumule explants. We investigated levels of DNA damage, changes in DNA methylation and DNA stability in common bean exposed to mammalian sex hormones (MSH) using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and Coupled Restriction Enzyme Digestion-iPBS (CRED-iPBS) assays, respectively. The highest rate of polymorphism in iPBS profiles was observed when 10-4 mM of estrogen (52.2%) hormone was administered. This finding indicates that genetic stability is reduced. In the CRED-iPBS profile, which reveals the methylation level associated with the DNA cytosine nucleotide, 10-4 mM of estrogen hormone exhibited the highest hypermethylation value. Polymorphism was observed in all hormone administrations compared to the control (without hormone), and it was determined that genomic stability was decreased at high concentrations. Taken together, the results indicate that 17 ß-estradiol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in bean plants affect genomic instability and cause epigenetic modifications, which is an important control mechanism in gene expression.

iPBS-Retrotransposon Markers in the Analysis of Genetic Diversity among Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm from Türkiye.

Beans are legumes that play extremely important roles in human nutrition, serving as good sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In this study, we tried to elucidate the genetic diversity and population structure of 40 Turkish bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) local varieties and 5 commercial cultivars collected from 8 different locations in Erzurum-Ispir by using inter-primary binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon markers. For molecular characterization, the 26 most polymorphic iPBS primers were used; 52 bands per primer and 1350 bands in total were recorded. The mean polymorphism information content was 0.331. Various diversity indices, such as the mean effective allele number (0.706), mean Shannon's information index (0.546), and gene diversity (0.361) revealed the presence of sufficient genetic diversity in the germplasm examined. Molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) revealed that 67% of variation in bean germplasm was due to differences within populations. In addition, population structure analysis exposed all local and commercial bean varieties from five sub-populations. Expected heterozygosity values ranged between 0.1567 (the fourth sub-population) and 0.3210 (first sub-population), with an average value of 0.2103. In contrary, population differentiation measurement (Fst) was identified as 0.0062 for the first sub-population, 0.6372 for the fourth subpopulations. This is the first study to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of bean germplasm in Erzurum-Ispir region using the iPBS-retrotransposon marker system. Overall, the current results showed that iPBS markers could be used consistently to elucidate the genetic diversity of local and commercial bean varieties and potentially be included in future studies examining diversity in a larger collection of local and commercial bean varieties from different regions.

Morphological and molecular characterization of some Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes collected from Erzincan Province of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Turkey is a country with different geographical features and therefore it is extremely diverse in plant diversity. Tomato is one of the most important vegetables produced both in the world and in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to determine the genetic diversity of 24 tomato genotypes collected from local farmers from "Center villages" and "Üzümlü" district in Erzincan province. METHODS AND RESULTS: Morphological (qualitative and quantitative) and ISSR(Inter Simple Sequence Repeat)were used to determine genetic diversity among genotypes. Contribution rates of morphological properties to the first three main components differed. Genotype 24 was found to be higher than other genotypes with important quantitative morphological features such as fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight and soluble solid content (SSC). Considering the overall morphological traits, a wide variation was detected between genotypes. Genotypes were divided into 2 main groups according to the evaluation with molecular markers. According to the molecular findings obtained. The polymorphism rate ranged from 0 to 100% and the average polymorphism rate was calculated as 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Present findings revealed the diversity in tomato genotypes collected from Erzincan province and may constitute the bases for further breeding studies in tomato and will bring an integrity in tomato identification studies.

Morphological and molecular characterization of some pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) genotypes collected from Erzincan province of Turkey.

Plant genetic resources constitute the most valuable assets of countries. It is of great importance to determine the genetic variation among these resources and to use the data in breeding studies. To determine the genetic diversity among genotypes of Cucurbita pepo L. species of pumpkin, which is widely grown in Erzincan, 29 different pumpkin genotypes collected were examined based on the morphological parameters and molecular characteristics. SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers were used to determine genetic diversity at the molecular level. The analysis of morphological characterization within genotypes showed a wide variability in morphological traits of plant, flower, fruit, and leaf. In the evaluation performed using SSR markers, all primers exhibited polymorphism rate of %100. Seven SSR markers yielded a total of 15 polymorphic bands, the number of alleles per marker ranged from 2 to 3, and the mean number of alleles was 2.14. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.06 (GMT-M61) to 0.247 (GMT-P41), and the mean PIC value per marker was 0.152. Cluster analysis using Nei's genetic distance determined that 29 genotypes were divided into 4 major groups. The present findings have revealed the genetic diversity among pumpkin genotypes collected from Erzincan province and may form the basis for further breeding studies in pumpkin.

Restless Legs Syndrome: Associated with Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder But Not with Antidepressant Use.

Background: The current study primarily aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of restless legs syndrome differs in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder without antidepressant use compared to control group. Secondly, the study sought to examine whether there was a difference in restless legs syndrome prevalence among patients on antidepressant treatment compared to control subjects. Methods: Five hundred patients who were diagnosed with anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)-5 criteria without a history of antidepressant treatment were included in the study (group 1). Group 2 consisted of 500 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder and on antidepressant treatment who were identified as being in complete or partial remission via psychiatric interview based on DSM-5 criteria. Five hundred age- and sex-matched subjects without any mental illness were included in control group (Group 3). Results: Among all participants, restless legs syndrome was diagnosed in 101 (6.73%) individuals. There were no significant differences in age, gender, smoking status, marital status, and education level between those with or without a diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (P = .209, P = .519, P = .227, P = .508, P = .676, respectively). Restless legs syndrome was diagnosed in 65/500 (13.0%) group 1 patients, 16/500 (3.2%) group 2 patients, and 20/500 (4.0%) control subjects, with a significant difference among the groups (P < .001). The prevalence of RLS diagnosis did not significantly differ among patients receiving different antidepressant drugs (P = .965). Conclusion: Antidepressant use was not found to be a risk factor for restless legs syndrome. Our study presents important data on the close association of anxiety disorder, especially major depressive disorder with restless legs syndrome.

Predictors of Caregiver Burden in Family Caregivers of Male Patients with Opioid Use Disorders.

Background: We aimed to determine the factors that correlate and best predict caregiver burden in family caregivers of male patients with opioid use disorders, specifically with heroin use. Methods: A total of 100 patients with opioid use disorders and their primary caregivers (n = 100) were included in the study. Both patients and caregivers completed sociodemographic data collection forms. The Addiction Severity Index was applied to the patients, and the Burden Assessment Scale, COPE Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to the caregivers. Patients and their caregivers were divided into groups according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and then the caregiver burden scores were compared. In addition, factors correlating with caregiver burden were determined. Finally, in considering all these data, the factors that best predict caregiver burden were identified using regression analysis. Results: Factors that increased the burden of caregivers were duration of care, at least 1 instance of inpatient treatment, the presence of verbal and physical violence between patients and other family members, intravenous drug use, and moderate or severe dependence, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Caregivers' active coping scores, based on the COPE Inventory, were found to negatively predict caregiver burden, while the patients' family-social relationship scores, based on the Addiction Severity Index, were found to positively predict caregiver burden. Conclusions: Developing caregivers' coping skills and patients' family-social relationships may thus contribute to reducing the burden of disease related to heroin-addicted patients.

Burden of care and quality of life in relatives of opioid dependent male subjects.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) and family burden in relatives of patients with heroin dependence with that of healthy controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 heroin dependent patients and 50 of their relatives and 50 healthy subjects and 50 of their relatives were included in the study. The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID-I) was used to determine the heroin dependence and other Axis I psychiatric disorders. Family burden and QoL levels in the relatives were assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) protocol and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the groups. When compared with healthy controls, family members of heroin dependence patients had significantly higher ZBI scores and significantly lower all subscale scores of the WHOQOL-BREF. ZBI score was positively correlated with duration of the illness. All WHOQOL-BREF subscale scores were negatively correlated with duration of the illness. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that heroin dependence not only affects the lives of patients but also the lives of their family members. Heroin dependence leads to high burden on the family and also impairs the QoL of relatives.

Ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block: a sonoanatomic study of a new methodologic approach.

BACKGROUND: Obturator nerve block is one of the most technically challenging regional anesthesia techniques. Recently, the characteristics of the nerve have been described using ultrasound. However, clinical application of proximal ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block on patients has not been reported. In this study, we used ultrasound to describe the anatomical localization of the obturator nerve and its two branches in cadavers, volunteers, and also patients. METHODS: A hyperechoic triangular shape formed by the superior pubic ramus, posterior margin of the pectineus muscle and anterior aspect of the external obturator muscle containing the obturator vessels and nerve was defined by ultrasound imaging in cadavers. In eight volunteers, bilateral obturator nerve images were obtained and the distances to specific landmarks (femoral artery, femoral vein, and pubic tubercle) were recorded. Ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block was further performed in 15 patients by using the previously defined approach. The final distance of the needle tip to the femoral artery, distances between the needle insertion point to the pubic tubercle and the depth of needle insertion were recorded. RESULTS: The rates of common obturator nerve, anterior and branching obturator nerve pattern visibility with ultrasound were determined in 12/16, 13/16, and 7/16 sites in volunteers, respectively. Mean (SD) values of critical landmarks obtained from volunteers were obturator nerve-femoral vein 12.9 +/- 2.9 mm and obturator nerve-pubic tubercle 19.9 +/- 2.6 mm. Mean measurements obtained from patients were: femoral artery- needle tip 18.5 +/- 2.4 mm, needle depth 48.3 +/- 10.4 mm, pubic tubercle- needle insertion point (horizontal) 18.8 +/- 2.0 mm, and pubic tubercle- needle insertion point (vertical) 21.1 +/- 2.9 mm. Visual analog scale scores obtained from patients at 1 and 24 h were lower compared to baseline values (P < 0.001). Ninety-three percent (14 of 15) of the patients reported satisfaction from the block. CONCLUSIONS: Landmarks defined in this clinical trial can be used in patients for obturator nerve block with ultrasound guidance.

Intrasaccular combination of metallic coils and onyx liquid embolic agent for the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to report on a novel technique in which metallic embolization coils were combined with the Onyx liquid embolic agent in the aneurysm sac to achieve a more durable result after endovascular treatment. This therapeutic procedure was performed in selected cases in which, based on the authors' experiences, either coil embolization or Onyx alone would likely have failed. The authors report long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up results in 20 consecutive intracranial aneurysms treated using this combination for defined indications. METHODS: Twenty aneurysms in 20 patients were treated with a combination of embolic coils and Onyx. Four aneurysms were giant; 13, large; and three, small. This new technique was used when standard Onyx or coil treatment with balloon assistance was determined to involve a higher possibility of recanalization, because either an adjunctive stent insertion could not be performed or the Onyx technique could not be used due to an unsuccessful seal test or intraaneurysm balloon prolapse. In one case, an adjunctive stent was placed before coil placement and Onyx deposition to control the material in the sac of the aneurysm, which had a fusiform neck. All aneurysms were completely occluded after using this technique. No clinical or technical adverse events occurred in any of the cases. Follow-up angiography was performed in all patients: 3-year studies in six patients, 2-year studies in five, and 1-year studies in nine. None of these studies demonstrated aneurysm regrowth or parent artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the embolic coils and the Onyx liquid embolic agent provides very durable aneurysm occlusion for defined indications.

Traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula treated by combined transarterial and transvenous coil embolization and associated cavernous internal carotid artery dissection treated with stent placement. Case report.

The authors report on a case in which a carotid-cavernous fistula and an associated cavernous-carotid dissection developed in a 48-year-old man following a motor vehicle accident. The fistula was treated with coil embolization via a combined transarterial-transvenous approach. The dissected carotid artery segment was treated with a balloon-expandable stent, which restored normal caliber and hemispheric flow. There was no recurrence of the fistula and the postoperative wide patency of the carotid artery indicates that stent placement is an effective method of treating traumatic intracranial artery dissections.