Origin of the effects of optical spectrum and flow behaviour in determining the quality of dry fig, jujube, pomegranate, date palm and concentrated grape vinegars.

In this study, we focused on physical characterization and quality control of dry fig, jujube, pomegranate, date palm and concentrated grape vinegars using UV spectroscopy method and rheology technique. The optical spectra and flow behaviour of the vinegars were analysed in detail in the selected specific wavelength, shear rate and frequency ranges, respectively. It was determined that the peak values seen in the UV spectra of the vinegars were caused by the organic acid and phenolic compound concentration. The peak values in the UV spectra of the vinegars wavelength range of 190 nm to 240 nm and 250 nm to 300 nm were caused by the organic acid and phenolic compound concentration, respectively. In this context, it was predicted that concentrated grape vinegar, which has the highest absorbance value, has higher organic acid content and more antibacterial/antioxidant properties compared to the others. It is thought that the optical energy gaps of vinegars are related to the organic acid concentration and the release time. Flow properties of the vinegars were non-Newtonian thickening fluids (dilatant fluids) and compatible with the Power law model. The stable flow of the vinegars in the high shear rate region was interpreted as having a successful production process and being of good quality.

Investigation of the traditional organic vinegars by UV-VIS spectroscopy and rheology techniques.

Optical, rheological and metabolic properties of the apple, hawthorn, artichoke, grape, rosehip and blackberry organic vinegar produced by deep culture method (handmade traditional method) were analysed using UV-Vis spectroscopy and rheology techniques. Flow behaviours for all samples were analysed in the shear rate range of 10-3 to 103 1/s and in frequency range of 10-3 to 103rad/s, respectively. Absorption spectra for six organic vinegars was observed two peaks around 215 and 285nm due to the presence of phenolic compounds and organic acids such as acetic. The effects of optical transitions of organic molecules on the absorption coefficient values for vinegars were determined. Optical energy band gaps of all samples were found to be consistent with Planck's radiation approach known as Rayleigh-Jeans law and Tauc law. The rheological/flow properties of the all vinegars were found to be relevant with non-Newtonian flow behaviour and Ostwald-de Waele model. From the results of optical and rheological analysis, which determines the quantity and quality characteristics of all organic vinegars, it was concluded that these vinegars are in a level that people can drink easily.

Un-methylation of the survivin gene has no effect on immunohistochemical expression of survivin protein in lung cancer patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family. The function of the survivin protein is to inhibit caspase activation, thereby leading to negative regulation of apoptosis or programmed cell death. This has been shown by the disruption of survivin induction pathways leading to an increased apoptosis and decreased tumour growth. These data suggest that survivin may provide a new target for cancer treatment, which would distinguish transformed cells from normal cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate exon 1 of the survivin gene by means of methylation-specific PCR and evaluate its impact on survivin protein expression following DNA isolation and bisulphite modification in paraffin-embedded normal and tumour tissues of lung cancer patients with squamous cell carcinoma. We used 41 squamous cancer tissues with methylation in exon 1 of the survivin gene and non-methylation in corresponding tumours. However, the immunohistochemistry staining of these samples demonstrated an increased survivin protein compared to normal tissue. While there is almost no other study to date on this subject matter, we believe that the absence of methylation in exon 1 of the survivin gene may not affect disease prognosis as it has no effect on expression, and possible promoter methylation or transcription factors (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 15).

Histopathological and biochemical comparisons of the protective effects of amifostine and l-carnitine against radiation-induced acute testicular toxicity in rats.

The aim of this study was to compare the radioprotective efficacies of amifostine (AMI) and l-carnitine (LC) against radiation-induced acute testicular damage. Thirty Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control (n = 6), AMI plus radiotherapy (RT) (n = 8), LC plus RT (n = 8) and RT group (n = 8). The rats were irradiated with a single dose of 20 Gy to the scrotal field. LC (300 mg/kg) and AMI (200 mg/kg) were given intraperitoneally 30 min before irradiation. The mean seminiferous tubule diameters (MSTDs) were calculated. Testicular damage was evaluated histopathologically using Johnsen's mean testicular biopsy score criteria. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione levels were measured in tissue samples. AMI plus RT and LC plus RT groups had significantly higher MSTDs than those in the RT group (p = .003 and p = .032 respectively). MDA values of both AMI plus RT and LC plus RT groups were significantly lower than those in RT group (p < .004 and p < .012 respectively). As a result, AMI and LC have a similar radioprotective effect against radiation-induced acute testicular damage, histopathologically and biochemically.

Uterine extra gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting as intramural leiomyoma.

Extra gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGIST) are reported in different sites and organs. This tumors are rare in gynecologic apparatus. Here the authors report an uterine unique tumor represented as intramural leiomyoma. Because of different treatment options, clinicians should be aware of this rare tumor which may be located in uterus and confused with a smooth muscle tumor.

Vulval pruritus: the experience of gynaecologists revealed by biopsy.

Pruritus of the vulva is a common symptom among patients attending to outpatient clinics. In the present study, we aimed to assess pathologies causing vulval pruritus in the reliability of biopsy in a tertiary referral centre. A total of 137 patients undergoing vulval colposcopy because of vulval pruritus were reviewed from the hospital records retrospectively. The mean age of the patients was 47.61 ± 11.88 years and 36.5% of the patients were postmenopausal. In 101 (73.7%) of the patients, macroscopic lesions were present. In 88 (64.2%) of the patients, tolidine-positive stained areas were determined under colposcopy. In total, 68 (49.6%) of the lesions were plain, whereas 51 (37.2%) of them were depigmented. Lichen simplex chronicus, lichen sclerosis and chronic inflammation were the major pathologies associated with vulval pruritus (25.5%, n = 35; 20.4%, n = 28; 14.6%, n = 20). In conclusion, several pathologies out of vulvovaginal candidiasis may lead to vulval pruritus and clinicians should be aware of the importance of biopsy in determining the underlying pathology.

Comparison of home-based and outpatient clinic-based intravaginal electrical stimulation for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

AIM: Aim of the study was to compare the effects of outpatient clinic-based versus home-based intravaginal electrical stimulation (ES) for the treatment of urinary incontinence. METHODS: Women applying with the complaint of urinary incontinence and offered ES treatment were divided into outpatient clinic-based or home-based ES. Patients were instructed about home-based ES at the outpatient clinic by certified physiotherapy nurses. Bladder diary, 1-hour pad test, and King's-Health-Questionnaire (KHQ) were performed before and after treatment. ES was applied for 20 minutes, 6-8 weeks with pulses of 10-50 Hz square waves at a 300 µs or 1 ms pulse duration and a maximal output current of 24 to 60 mA with 5-10 Hz frequency, three times/week. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients received outpatient clinic-based, 22 patients received home-based ES. Pad test, bladder diary and pelvic floor muscle strength parameters in both groups improved significantly after treatment, with no significant difference between the two groups. Seven patients (31.8%) were cured, six patients (27.3%) were much improved, and seven patients (31.8%) were improved in the home-based ES group. Nine patients (37.5%) were cured, six patients (25%) were much improved, and six patients (25%) were improved and in the outpatient clinic-based ES group. There was an improvement in quality of life in all domains in both groups when the pretreatment and post-treatment KHQ results were compared, with no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Home-based ES is as effective in the treatment of urinary incontinence as outpatient clinic-based ES with significant improvement in objective and subjective parameters.

Comparison effects and electron spin resonance studies of α-Fe2O4 spinel type ferrite nanoparticles.

α-Fe2O4 spinel type ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) assisted hydrothermal route by using NaOH solution. Electron spin resonance (ESR/EPR) measurements of α-Fe2O4 nanoparticles have been performed by a conventional x-band spectrometer at room temperature. The comparison effect of nanoparticles prepared by using CTAB and EDTA in different α-doping on the structural and morphological properties have been investigated in detail. The effect of EDTA-assisted synthesis for α-Fe2O4 nanoparticles are refined, and thus the spectroscopic g-factor are detected by using ESR signals. These samples can be considered as great benefits for magnetic recording media, electromagnetic and drug delivery applications.

Borderline ovarian tumors: outcomes of fertility sparing surgery.

AIM: Borderline ovarian tumors(BOT) account for ten to 20 percent of all epitelial ovarian carcinomas and often occur in reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and reproductive outcomes of patients who were diagnosed with BOT and underwent fertility sparing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients younger than 40 years who underwent fertility sparing surgery for BOT from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed retrospectively and were evaluated according to the reproductive and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients younger than 40 years with BOT underwent fertility sparing surgery. Median follow up time was 42 +/- 28.1 months. During the follow up period, two patients (7.1%) developed recurrence at 35 and 36 months, respectively. Five (17.9%) out of 28 patients became pregnant during the follow up period. CONCLUSION: Fertility sparing surgery should be the first choice for the treatment of BOT in patients who wish to preserve fertility.

The effects of simple and radical hysterectomy and radiotherapy on lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of simple/radical hysterectomy, radiotherapy, and their combination on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urodynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were formed as simple hysterectomy; Group 1 (n = 20), Type-II hysterectomy; Group 2 (n = 11), Type-II hysterectomy + radiotherapy; Group 3 (n = 16), radiotherapy; Group 4 (n = 20). LUTS, bladder diary, pad test, Q-tip test, stress-test, urodynamics, bladder-wall-thickness measurement, King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) performed prior and at six and 18 months after treatment. RESULTS: Pre-treatment prevalence of LUTS was higher in Group 1 and decreased at six and 18 months. LUTS increased in Groups 2, 3, and 4 at six months; some of the symptoms decreased to pre-treatment levels at 18 months. Quality of life improved in Group 1 and worsened in the others. Maximum bladder capacity increased in Group 1 and decreased in Groups 2 and 3. Bladder-wall-thickness, maximum detrusor pressures increased, urine sensation decreased in Groups 2 and 4. Maximum vesical pressure increased and compliance decreased in Groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: LUTS may decrease after simple hysterectomy. Radical hysterectomy and radiotherapy result in voiding dysfunction; however some of the symptoms may decrease to pre-treatment levels during follow-up.

Surgical intervention for adnexal masses during pregnancy.

We aimed to evaluate the influence of surgical intervention on gestational and neonatal outcomes in women who underwent elective surgery in the second trimester of gestation because of an adnexal mass. We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of women who underwent elective surgery for adnexal masses in the second trimester of gestation between 2006 and 2012. The ages of the women ranged between 17 and 33 years. Eight women underwent a laparotomy, and one woman, who aborted on the day of the operation, underwent a laparoscopy. Dermoid cysts, cystadenoma and borderline ovarian tumours were present in four, two and two of the women, respectively. Eight women had no complications after surgery and delivered healthy newborns at term. We concluded that elective surgery on an adnexal mass in the second trimester of gestation is safe for both the mother and the fetus.

Shear stress-induced improvement of red blood cell deformability.

Classically, it is known that red blood cell (RBC) deformability is determined by the geometric and material properties of these cells. Experimental evidence accumulated during the last decade has introduced the concept of active regulation of RBC deformability. This regulation is mainly related to altered associations between membrane skeletal proteins and integral proteins, with the latter serving to anchor the skeleton to the lipid matrix. It has been hypothesized that shear stress induces alterations of RBC deformability: the current study investigated the dynamics of the transient improvement in deformability induced by shear stress at physiologically-relevant levels. RBC were exposed to various levels of shear stress (SS) in a Couette type shearing system that is part of an ektacytometer, thus permitting the changes in RBC deformability during the application of SS to be monitored. Initial studies showed that there is an increase in deformability of the RBC subjected to SS in the range of 5-20 Pa, with kinetics characterized by time constants of a few seconds. Such improvement in deformability, expressed by an elongation index (EI), was faster with higher levels of SS and hence yielded shorter time constants: absolute values of EI increased by 3-8% of the starting level. Upon the removal of the shear stress, this response by RBC was reversible with a slower time course compared to the increase in EI during application of SS. Increased calcium concentration in the RBC suspending medium prevented the improvement of deformability. It is suggested that the improvement of RBC deformability by shear forces may have significant effects on blood flow dynamics, at least in tissues supplied by blood vessels with impaired vasomotor reserve, and may therefore serve as a compensating mechanism for the maintenance of adequate microcirculatory perfusion.

Comparison effects and dielectric properties of different dose methylene-blue-doped hydrogels.

The dielectric properties of methylene blue (MB)-doped hydrogels were investigated by impedance spectroscopy. The real part (ε') and the imaginary part (ε") of the complex dielectric constant and the energy loss tangent/dissipation factor (tan δ) were measured in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 100 MHz at room temperature for pH 5.5 value. Frequency variations of the resistance, the reactance, and the impedance of the samples have also been investigated. The dielectric permittivity of the MB-doped hydrogels is sensitive to ionic conduction and electrode polarization in low frequency. Furthermore, the dielectric behavior in high-frequency parts was attributed to the Brownian motion of the hydrogen bonds. The ionic conduction for MB-doped samples was prevented for Cole-Cole plots, while the Cole-Cole plots for pure sample show equivalent electrical circuit. The alternative current (ac) conductivity increases with the increasing MB concentration and the frequency.

Platelet volume as a parameter for platelet activation in patients with endometrial cancer.

The objective of this study was to use mean platelet volume (MPV) as a measure of platelet activation in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and healthy controls. There was a total of 310 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma retrospectively evaluated and 250 healthy controls. Preoperative haemoglobin, platelet counts and mean platelet volume were evaluated and statistical tests were conducted to determine the differences among early and advanced disease groups and controls. Median haemoglobin (13.0 vs 13.3 g/dl) and platelet count (282,000 vs 280,000/µl) values were similar in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and healthy controls (p > 0.05). Subjects with endometrial cancer exhibited slightly higher MPV than the control group (8.4 fl vs 8.2 fl) (p = 0.048). In patients with advanced-stage endometrial cancer, haemoglobin was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and MPV was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in either patients with early-stage endometrial cancer or the control group. It was concluded that MPV was found to be a marker for predicting advanced-stage endometrial cancers.

The relationship between urogenital symptoms and climacteric complaints.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between urogenital symptoms and climacteric complaints, including anxiety, depression, somatic, vasomotor and sexual subscores according to the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1278 patients and the 908 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The relationships were evaluated between GCS and vaginal symptoms, including vaginal pain, dyspareunia, itching, discharge, burning, dryness, and postcoital bleeding, and urinary symptoms, including dysuria, frequency, nocturia and incontinence, by using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among vaginal symptoms, somatic and sexual scores and, among urinary symptoms, anxiety and somatic scores were found to be the most associated factors. Of the vaginal symptoms, the highest odds ratios for somatic score and sexual score were found to be 2.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69-2.88, p < 0.001) and 2.08 (95% CI 1.70-2.56, p = 0.029), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses for urinary symptoms revealed that the highest odds ratios for anxiety, somatic, depression and sexual scores were 1.53 (95% CI 1.20-1.95, p = 0.001), 1.92 (95% CI 1.38-2.66, p = 0.01), 1.47 (95% CI 1.11-1.94, p = 0.007), and 1.28 (95% CI 1.06-1.55, p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong relationship between urogenital symptoms and GCS subscores. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of urogenital problems in the presence of severe climacteric symptoms and this may provide earlier treatment for urogenital complaints.

Does tension-free vaginal tape and tension-free vaginal tape-obturator affect urodynamics? Comparison of the two techniques.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) operations on urodynamics and subjective and objective outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with stress or mixed urinary incontinence underwent TVT or TVT-O. Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) Questionnaire-Scored Form, one-hour pad test, Q-tip test, perineometer, and urodynamics were performed before and after the operations. Blaivas-nomogram was used for assessment of postoperative voiding difficulty. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent TVT-O and 17 patients underwent TVT. Mean follow-up was 18.4 +/- 6.8 months. There was no difference between two groups regarding demographic variables, degree of prolapse, type of incontinence, perineometer, Q-tip test, pad test, and urodynamics. There was a significant increase in the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and residual volume in TVT-O group. According to Blaivas-nomogram, five patients had mild, one had medium obstruction in the TVT-O group, whereas one had mild and three had medium obstruction in TVT group. Two bladder perforations occurred during TVT. One patient developed groin pain after TVT-O. CONCLUSIONS: TVT-O may lead to an increase in MUCP and residual urine volume. TVT-O is as efficient as TVT and leads to milder obstruction when compared to TVT.

Prediction of wastewater dilution and indicator bacteria concentrations for marine outfall systems.

This paper describes a modeling study of near-field and far-field dilution of discharged effluents from a deep sea outfall system in Antalya Bay of Turkey. Initial dilution and wastewater plume behavior were simulated by Visual Plumes-UM3 model whereas Brooks dispersion model and first order bacterial decay formulations were used to simulate far-field dilution. The input data sets were collected by detailed field and lab investigations for effluent discharges (flow rate, total and fecal coliform concentration) and ambient environment (oceanographic and current measurements). Geostatistical methods and GIS were used to visualize results of the bacteriological sampling study. Site specific bacterial inactivation rates were determined by both in-situ and lab-scale experiments. Total dilution values and bacteria concentrations were predicted. Good agreement between predicted and measured total and fecal coliform concentrations were obtained for homogeneous and density stratified ambient conditions. Discussion on wastewater dilution mechanisms was presented with recommendations for similar future studies.

Prediction of suboptimal cytoreduction of epithelial ovarian carcinoma by preoperative computed tomography.

In an aim to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of preoperative abdominal-pelvic CT for the prediction of suboptimal cytoreduction of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) at primary surgery, CT scans of 48 patients who underwent primary surgery for EOC were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of at least one of the following CT findings: multiple implants > 1 cm in maximum diameter in the mesenteria of the small or large intestines, porta hepatis or intersegmental fissure or on the hepatic surface, diaphragmatic peritoneum, gastrohepatic or gastrosplenic ligaments or the extension of tumor infiltration > 2 cm on the omentum towards the spleen or stomach or the intestines encased by the tumor > 2 cm, diffuse peritoneal thickening or invasion of the lateral pelvic wall > 1 cm or multiple lymph nodes > 1 cm at the cardiophrenic and suprarenal levels were accepted as the critical markers for predicting suboptimal cytoreduction. Suboptimal surgery, defined as leaving a residual tumor mass > 1 cm, was determined in 18 (37.5%) patients. CT predicted suboptimal cytoreduction with 83.3% (15/18) sensitivity, 90% (27/30) specificity and 87.5% (42/48) accuracy. PPV and NPV values were 83.3% (15/18) and 90% (27/30), respectively. These results suggested that preoperative CT could successfully predict suboptimal surgery in patients with EOC.