Treatment, not delivery, of the late preterm and term fetus with supraventricular arrhythmia.

OBJECTIVE: While in-utero treatment of sustained fetal supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA) is standard practice in the previable and preterm fetus, data are limited on best practice for late preterm (34 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks), early term (37 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks) and term (> 39 weeks) fetuses with SVA. We reviewed the delivery and postnatal outcomes of fetuses at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation undergoing treatment rather than immediate delivery. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of fetuses presenting at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation with sustained SVA and treated transplacentally at six institutions between 2012 and 2022. Data were collected on gestational age at presentation and delivery, SVA diagnosis (short ventriculoatrial (VA) tachycardia, long VA tachycardia or atrial flutter), type of antiarrhythmic medication used, interval between treatment and conversion to sinus rhythm and postnatal SVA recurrence. RESULTS: Overall, 37 fetuses presented at a median gestational age of 35.7 (range, 35.0-39.7) weeks with short VA tachycardia (n = 20), long VA tachycardia (n = 7) or atrial flutter (n = 10). Four (11%) fetuses were hydropic. In-utero treatment led to restoration of sinus rhythm in 35 (95%) fetuses at a median of 2 (range, 1-17) days; this included three of the four fetuses with hydrops. Antiarrhythmic medications included flecainide (n = 11), digoxin (n = 7), sotalol (n = 11) and dual therapy (n = 8). Neonates were liveborn at 36-41 weeks via spontaneous vaginal delivery (23/37 (62%)) or Cesarean delivery (14/37 (38%)). Cesarean delivery was indicated for fetal SVA in two fetuses, atrial ectopy or sinus bradycardia in three fetuses and obstetric reasons in nine fetuses that were in sinus rhythm at the time of delivery. Twenty-one (57%) cases were treated for recurrent SVA after birth. CONCLUSION: In-utero treatment of the near term and term (≥ 35-week) SVA fetus is highly successful even in the presence of hydrops, with the majority of cases delivered vaginally closer to term, thereby avoiding unnecessary Cesarean section. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

COVID-19: booster(s) vs. hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit admission.

OBJECTIVE: As the pandemic continues, different vaccine protocols have been implemented to maintain the protection of vaccines and to provide protection against new variants. The aim of this study was to assess hospitalized patients' vaccination status and document the efficacy of boosters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients that were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were enrolled from 28 hospitals in Turkey for five months from September 2021. 5,331 confirmed COVID-19 patients from collaborating centers were randomly enrolled to understand/estimate the distribution of vaccination status in hospitalized patients and to compare the efficacy of vaccination/booster protocols. RESULTS: 2,779 men and 2,552 women of which 2,408 (45.2%) were admitted to Intensive Care Units participated in this study. It was found that the highest risk reduction for all age groups was found in groups that received 4 doses. Four doses of vaccination for every 3.7 people under 50 years of age, for every 5.7 people in the 50-64 age group, and for every 4.3 people over 65 years of age will prevent 1 patient from being admitted to intensive care. Regardless of the type of vaccine, it was found that the risk of ICU hospitalization decreased in those who were vaccinated compared to those who were not vaccinated. Regardless of the type of vaccine, the ICU risk was found to decrease 1.25-fold in those who received 1 or 2 doses of vaccine, 1.18-fold in those who received 3 doses, and 3.26-fold in those who received 4 doses. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the addition of a fourth dose is more effective in preventing intensive unit care even in disadvantaged groups.

Prognostic significance of the metastatic lymph node ratio compared to the TNM classification in stage III gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate a comparative analysis of the prognostic value of the metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR) and pN (TNM) in stage III gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 159 stage III gastric cancer patients with curative gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Cutoff values for LNR were designated according to 25%, 50% and 75% percentiles, 0.07, 0.20 and 0.44 respectively. The LNR was divided into four groups as 0 > LNR1 ≤ 0.07; 0.07 > LNR2 ≤0.20; 0.20 > LNR3 ≤0.44; 0.44 > LNR4 ≤1. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.1 ± 11.3 years. Male predominance was apparent (73.6%). The 1-year overall survival and recurrence rates were 73.6% and 33.6%, respectively. The univariate cox regression analysis demonstrated age and LNR were the main variables that affected overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05). Harvested lymph nodes less than 16 did not affect OS (p = 0.255). The results of the multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that only LNR was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001), while pN was not (p > 0.05). Similar results, as with overall survival, could not be revealed clearly for disease free survival (DFS). CONCLUSIONS: LNR was an independent significant prognostic factor and superior to pN staging in predicting OS but not for DFS in stage III gastric cancer patients. The high LNR levels in our research were found to be associated with poor survival rates. The percentile system we used to determine cutoff values may be considered as a reliable method. Similarly, LNR also provides a reliable prognostic parameter in future staging systems to help guide treatment algorithm plans.

A prospective international Aspergillus terreus survey: an EFISG, ISHAM and ECMM joint study.

OBJECTIVES: A prospective international multicentre surveillance study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and amphotericin B susceptibility of Aspergillus terreus species complex infections. METHODS: A total of 370 cases from 21 countries were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of A. terreus species complex among the investigated patients with mould-positive cultures was 5.2% (370/7116). Amphotericin B MICs ranged from 0.125 to 32 mg/L, (median 8 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Aspergillus terreus species complex infections cause a wide spectrum of aspergillosis and the majority of cryptic species display high amphotericin B MICs.

Influence of antenatal physical exercise on heart rate variability and QT variability.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterise the influence of an antenatal exercise programme on ECG-derived cardiac variables. METHODS: Fifity-one healthy pregnant women were recruited and randomly assigned (2 × 2×2 design) to an exercise group or a control group. Exercising groups attended weekly classes from the 20th week of pregnancy onwards. Cardiovascular assessments (heart rate variabiliy (HRV), QT, and the QT variability index (QTVI)) were performed at 12-16, 26-28, 34-36 weeks and 12 weeks following birth, during supine rest and exercise conditions. RESULTS: Advancing gestation was associated with an increased maternal heart rate (p = 0.001), shorter QT interval (p = 0.003), diminished HRV (p = 0.002) and increased QTVI (p = 0.002). Each of these changes was reversed within 12 weeks postpartum (p < 0.004). The Exercise group displayed exaggerated changes for all variables (except QT) but only during supine rest in the third trimester (p < 0.029). CONCLUSION: Advancing gestation is associated with a shift in HRV/QTVI towards values that have been associated with an elevated risk of arrhythmia. A 20-week exercise programme undertaken between mid and late pregnancy exaggerated these changes during rest in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Influence of physical exercise on baroreceptor sensitivity during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) refers to the magnitude of change in the heart rate in response to change in blood pressure (e.g. upon standing). The impact of regular antenatal exercise on maternal BRS is unclear. AIMS: To determine whether supervised weekly exercise influences BRS, and to determine if posture and calculation method are important in antenatal BRS measurement. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Eighty-one healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The exercise group attended weekly classes from the 20th week of pregnancy onwards. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cardiovascular assessments (beat-to-beat blood pressure, heart rate) were performed at 12-16, 26-28, 34-36 weeks and 12 weeks following birth. BRS was calculated using two methods ("sequence" and "beat-to-beat"). RESULTS: Fifty-one women (63%) completed the study. Mean BRS reduced progressively in all women (p < 0.025) and was lowest in those who exercised (0.046 < p < 0.002). Postnatal increases in BRS were independent of posture. Training-induced BRS (beat-to-beat) reduction occurred earlier than BRS (sequence), and only BRS (sequence) was affected by posture. Heart rate variability reduced with advancing gestation (p < 0.002) and was more pronounced in the exercise group (p < 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Weekly exercise exaggerated the reductions in BRS and HRV during pregnancy and is likely linked to diminished parasympathetic activity.

Recruitment of pregnant women to an exercise-intervention study.

We share here our experience of recruiting pregnant women into an exercise intervention study. Recruitment challenges were anticipated owing to the study design, which required four hospital visits for cardiovascular assessment, a long-term (nine-month) commitment, and adherence to a 20-week exercise programme. Fifty-three women were assigned to one of three groups (no-exercise, land exercise or water exercise) using a 2 × 2 × 2 flexible randomisation design. Seven hundred forty-four women were screened at an antenatal clinic, of whom 501 were eligible to participate in the study. One hundred forty-five women were subsequently approached: 46 (32%) of whom agreed to participate, 42 (29%) were interested but then declined and 57 (39%) declined outright. Our study design helped recruit pregnant women as it allowed them some choice of group membership. We also noted that the participant-researcher relationship is important in reducing attrition. Our experience provides indications of likely recruitment and attrition rates for future randomised controlled trials of this type.

Changes in heart rate variability and QT variability during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The risk of new-onset arrhythmia during pregnancy is high, presumably relating to changes in both haemodynamic and cardiac autonomic function. The ability to non-invasively assess an individual's risk of developing arrhythmia during pregnancy would therefore be clinically significant. We aimed to quantify electrocardiographic temporal characteristics during the first trimester of pregnancy and to compare these with non-pregnant controls. Ninety-nine pregnant women and sixty-three non-pregnant women underwent non-invasive cardiovascular and haemodynamic assessment during a protocol consisting of various physiological states (postural manoeurvres, light exercise and metronomic breathing). Variables measured included stroke volume, cardiac output, heart rate, heart rate variability, QT and QT variability and QTVI (a measure of the variability of QT relative to that of RR). Heart rate (p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005) and cardiac output (p = 0.043, p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005) were greater in pregnant women in all physiological states (respectively for the supine position, light exercise and metronomic breathing state), whilst stroke volume was lower in pregnancy only during the supine position (p < 0.0005). QTe (Q wave onset to T wave end) and QTa (T wave apex) were significantly shortened (p < 0.05) and QTeVI and QTaVI were increased in pregnancy in all physiological states (p < 0.0005). QT variability (p < 0.002) was greater in pregnant women during the supine position, whilst heart rate variability was reduced in pregnancy in all states (p < 0.0005). Early pregnancy is associated with substantial changes in heart rate variability, reflecting a reduction in parasympathetic tone and an increase in sympathetic activity. QTVI shifted to a less favourable value, reflecting a greater than normal amount of QT variability. QTVI appears to be a useful method for quantifying changes in QT variability relative to RR (or heart rate) variability, being sensitive not only to physiological state but also to gestational age. We support the use of non-invasive markers of cardiac electrical variability to evaluate the risk of arrhythmic events in pregnancy, and we recommend the use of multiple physiological states during the assessment protocol.

Pityriasis rosea-like drug eruption due to bupropion: a case report.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common, acute, and self-limited inflammatory skin disease. The typical clinical presentation includes the appearance of a primary "herald" patch followed within days to weeks by the onset of secondary scaly skin eruptions distributed along the skin tension line in most cases. Although PR is a well-known and relatively common disease, its cause is still not completely understood. However, viral agents, autoimmunity, psychogenic status, and numerous drugs have been proposed as possible factors to PR. Bupropion is known to cause hypersensitivity reactions. We present a clinical case of PR eruption caused by the use of bupropion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case of PR associated with bupropion use.

Erdosteine protects rat testis tissue from hypoxic injury by reducing apoptotic cell death.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on testis morphology and the effects of erdosteine on testis tissue. Caspase-3 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry. Adult male Wistar rats were placed in a hypobaric hypoxic chamber. Rats in the erdosteine group were exposed to the same conditions and treated orally with erdosteine (20 mg kg(-1) daily) at the same time from the first day of hypoxic exposure for 2 weeks. The normoxia group was evaluated as the control. The hypoxia group showed decreased height of spermatogenic epithelium in some seminiferous tubules, vacuolisation in spermatogenic epithelial cells, deterioration and gaps in the basal membrane and an increase in blood vessels in the interstitial area. The erdosteine group showed amelioration of both epithelial cell vacuolisation and basal membrane deterioration. Numbers of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-immunostained Sertoli and Leydig cells were significantly higher in the hypoxia group than in the erdosteine group. The number of seminiferous tubules with caspase-3-immunostained germ cells was highest in the hypoxia group and decreased in the erdosteine and normoxia groups respectively. Based on these observations, erdosteine protects testis tissue from hypoxic injury by reducing apoptotic cell death.

Comparison of halogen versus LED light-cured temporary endodontic filling materials for sealing.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of the three light-cured temporary restorative materials curing with two different light curing devices; halogen and LED. METHODS: After the preparation of standard endodontic access cavities, the canal systems were instrumented by using a step-back technique irrigated with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. Light-cured temporary restorative materials; First fill, Bioplic, and Diatemp were applied and polymerized with either of the LED or Halogen light-curing devices. The specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for four days in an incubator for the leakage assessment. RESULTS: The first fill presented the least microleakage values for both the LED (2.54±0.53) and halogen (2.84±0.48) treated groups whereas; Diatemp presented the highest microleakage values for both the LED (2.83±0.59) and halogen (3.28±0.56) groups. The leakage values of all light-cured temporary filling materials for the LED-treated groups were lower than the halogen treated ones. However, there were statistically no significant differences among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that light curing temporary filling materials can achieve a good and comparable sealing capacity when cured by both LED and halogen LCUs.

Effect of solvents on the accuracy of the Mini Root ZX apex locator.

AIM: To evaluate ex vivo, the effects of three solvents on the accuracy of a contemporary electronic root canal length measurement device (ERCLMD), the Mini Root ZX. METHODOLOGY: The actual working length (AWL) of 56 extracted maxillary incisor teeth were measured with an ERCLMD. All root canals were prepared with the ProTaper system to AWL. Of them, 20 were filled with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer (Group A), 20 with gutta-percha and a zinc oxide/eugenol-based sealer (Group B), and 16 roots were used as the control group (Group C). Removal of the root filling and repreparation processes were performed using the ProTaper system. Guttasolv and Resosolv were used as the solvents in Group A and Guttasolv and Endosolv E in Group B. After the removal of the root fillings had been achieved, the same ERCLMD was used to measure the working length (WL). Differences between AWL and WL measurements were analysed by paired t-test, and the accuracy of ERCLMD was assessed using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: There were significant differences between AWL and WL measurements in subgroups A2 (Resosolv group) and B2 (Endosolv E group). In these subgroups, WL was shorter than AWL (P < 0.05). Also, the accuracy of the Resosolv group was significantly lower than the others (P < 0.05) at a ±0.5 mm margin of error. CONCLUSIONS: Removing root fillings may require use of a solvent. In these cases, ERCLMDs may exhibit a lower accuracy, thus operators must exercise additional care when measuring the working length using ERCLMDs.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: impact of prenatal diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether prenatal screening is effective in the detection of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and to identify common prenatal features. METHODS: This was a retrospective collaborative study involving 19 pediatric cardiac centers in the UK, Ireland and Sweden. Cases with TAPVC born between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004, and prenatally diagnosed cases whose estimated dates of delivery were within this time frame, were identified. Cases with functionally univentricular circulation or atrial isomerism were excluded. All available data and stored images were reviewed. RESULTS: Four-hundred and twenty-four cases with TAPVC were identified prenatally or postnatally, of whom eight (1.9%) had a prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC. Median gestational age at fetal diagnosis was 26 + 6 (range, 22 + 4 to 32 + 0) weeks. Six further fetuses with TAPVC had an abnormality diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound, but not the TAPVC. This included other congenital heart defects (four cases) and isolated pleural effusion (two cases). Seventeen (4.0%) of the 422 liveborn infants had a first-degree relative with congenital heart disease; and six of 17 had a sibling with TAPVC. Two died in utero. Of the liveborn infants diagnosed prenatally with TAPVC, none required urgent intervention for pulmonary venous obstruction and all were alive and well at a median of 2.3 (range, 1.0-7.0) years after surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC is infrequent using current screening methods. Where there is a family history of TAPVC, specialized fetal echocardiography at 20 and 28 weeks' gestation may be indicated.

European expert opinion on the management of invasive candidiasis in adults.

This report discusses the present status of antifungal therapy and treatment options for candidaemia, considered by experts in the field in Europe. A conference of 26 experts from 13 European countries was held to discuss strategies for the treatment and prevention of invasive candidiasis, with the aim of providing a review on optimal management strategies. Published and unpublished comparative trials on antifungal therapy were analysed and discussed. Commonly asked questions about the management of candidaemia were selected, and possible responses to these questions were discussed. Panellists were then asked to respond to each question by using a touchpad answering system. After the initial conference, the viewpoint document has been reviewed and edited to include new insights and developments since the initial meeting. For many situations, consensus on treatment could not be reached, and the responses indicate that treatment is likely to be modified on a patient-to-patient basis, depending on factors such as degree of illness, prior exposure to azole antifungals, and the presence of potentially antifungal drug-resistant Candida species.

Relationship between trait anxiety, dental anxiety and DMFT indexes of Turkish patients attending a dental school clinic.

The aims of this study were to evaluate possible relationships between trait anxiety, dental anxiety and the total number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index of patients attending a dental school clinic. A sample of 558 patients was surveyed with the Turkish version of the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory and Dental Anxiety Scale. DMFT index was calculated by clinical and radiographic examination. A significant linear correlation was observed between trait and dental anxiety, but there was no correlation between DMFT index, trait anxiety and dental anxiety. Trait anxiety has an impact on dental anxiety, but does not affect the DMFT index.

Lamotrigine as an augmentation agent in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case report.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common, often chronic and disabling disorder with high rates of partial and/or absent response to standard, recommended treatments. We report a case of treatment-resistant OCD that was successfully treated with a pharmacological augmentation of lamotrigine plus clomipramine. The patient, a 59-year-old woman, was on a stable dose of clomipramine (225 mg/day) when she was started on lamotrigine (up to 150 mg/day). After 10 weeks of this treatment, her clinical condition remarkably improved, as indicated by a significant decrease of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. This case suggests some preliminary evidence that the addition of glutamatergic agent lamotrigine may be useful in treatment-resistant OCD. However, further controlled studies are needed to support this finding.

Relationship between trait anxiety, dental anxiety and DMFT indexes of Turkish patients attending a dental school clinic

The aims of this study were to evaluate possible relationships between trait anxiety, dental anxiety and the total number of decayed, missing and filled teeth [DMFT] index of patients attending a dental school clinic. A sample of 558 patients was surveyed with the Turkish version of the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory and Dental Anxiety Scale. DMFT index was calculated by clinical and radiographic examination. A significant linear correlation was observed between trait and dental anxiety, but there was no correlation between DMFT index, trait anxiety and dental anxiety. Trait anxiety has an impact on dental anxiety, but does not affect the DMFT index

Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in the assessment of severity of acute pulmonary embolism and right ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The distinction between severe pulmonary embolism (PE) and right heart dysfunction is important for predicting patient mortality. PURPOSE: To identify the role of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the assessment of the severity of acute PE and right ventricular dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients suspected of having PE, as diagnosed by CTPA and scintigraphy, were divided into three groups: hemodynamically unstable PE (HUPE) (n = 20), hemodynamically stable PE (HSPE) (n = 33), and no PE (n = 32). For each patient, obstruction scores, including short-axis diameters of the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV), main pulmonary artery, and superior vena cava (SVC), were measured. The RV/LV short-axis ratios were calculated. The shapes of the interventricular septum and the reflux of the contrast medium into the inferior vena cava (IVC) were evaluated. The mortality due to PE within a 1-month follow-up period was recorded. RESULTS: The median CTPA obstruction score (HUPE 64%, HSPE 28%, P < 0.001), median RV/LV short-axis ratio (HUPE 1.4, HSPE 1.0, P < 0.01), median RV diameter (HUPE 55 mm, HSPE 42 mm, P < 0.001), median SVC diameter (HUPE 23 mm, HSPE 19 mm, P < 0.01), interventricular septum convex toward the LV (HUPE 70%, HSPE 18%, P < 0.001), and reflux of the contrast medium into the IVC (HUPE 65%, HSPE 33%, p < 0.05) were significantly different between the HUPE and HSPE groups. With ROC analysis, the CTPA obstruction score and RV/LV short-axis ratio threshold values for the HUPE patients were calculated to be 48% (95% sensitivity, 76% specificity) and 1.1 (85% sensitivity, 76% specificity), respectively. Three patients in the HUPE group died within the first 24 hours. Logistic regression methods revealed only the RV diameter as a significant predictor of death (odds ratio 1.24; 95% CI 1.04-1.48; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study found that the parameters useful for distinguishing HUPE and HSPE included CTPA obstruction score, RV and SVC diameters, RV/LV short-axis ratio, interventricular septum shape, and reflux into the IVC. RV dilatation may be a significant predictor for mortality.

Epidemiological features of Turkish patients with sarcoidosis.

Epidemiological characteristics of sarcoidosis differ according to geographical distribution. The aim of our study was to disclose epidemiological characteristics in our country. The data was collected from investigators, who sent information on newly-diagnosed patients via internet. In 2 years 198 female and 95 male patients were enrolled to the study (f/m:2.08). Mean age of patients was 44+/-13 years (17-90). Mean age of male patients was 38+/-12 while mean age of female patients was 48+/-13 (p<0.001). 73.4% of patients were nonsmokers (85.4% of females; 48.4% of males; (p<0.001)). About 50% of our 293 patients were housewives. Familial sarcoidosis was found in 3 patients' first degree relatives. Estimated annual incidence of sarcoidosis for Turkey was calculated as 4 per 100,000 person. According to our study, 2/3 of sarcoidosis patients were women; mean age of patients was 45 and the disease began 10 years later in female patients. 80% of patients were nonsmokers; negative relation between sarcoidosis and smoking was evident especially in women. Familial sarcoidosis frequency was lower compared to other studies in the literature. There was no occupational exposure history in our patients. Our incidence rate, is similar with the results of other European studies.