Exploring free amino acid profiles in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever patients: Implications for disease progression.

This study investigated the intricate interplay between Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection and alterations in amino acid metabolism. The primary aim is to elucidate the impact of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on specific amino acid concentrations and identify potential metabolic markers associated with viral infection. One hundred ninety individuals participated in this study, comprising 115 CCHF patients, 30 CCHF negative patients, and 45 healthy controls. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques were employed to quantify amino acid concentrations. The amino acid metabolic profiles in CCHF patients exhibit substantial distinctions from those in the control group. Patients highlight distinct metabolic reprogramming, notably characterized by arginine, histidine, taurine, glutamic acid, and glutamine metabolism shifts. These changes have been associated with the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. Exploring novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies addressing specific amino acids may offer potential means to mitigate the severity of the disease.

Exploring free amino acid profiles in CCHF patients: Implications for disease progression.

This study investigated the intricate interplay between Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection and alterations in amino acid metabolism. Our primary aim is to elucidate the impact of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) on specific amino acid concentrations and identify potential metabolic markers associated with viral infection. One hundred ninety individuals participated in this study, comprising 115 CCHF patients, 30 CCHF negative patients, and 45 healthy controls. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques were employed to quantify amino acid concentrations. The amino acid metabolic profiles in CCHF patients exhibit substantial distinctions from those in the control group. Patients highlight distinct metabolic reprogramming, notably characterized by arginine, histidine, taurine, glutamic acid, and glutamine metabolism shifts. These changes have been associated with the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. Exploring novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies addressing specific amino acids may offer potential means to mitigate the severity of the disease.

Dysregulated Leukotriene Metabolism in Patients with COVID-19.

This study aimed to examine the leukotriene metabolism during COVID-19. In total, 180 participants were included in this study, of which 60 were healthy controls, 60 required intensive care units (ICU), and 60 did not require intensive care (non-ICU). The serum levels of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), 5-LO activating protein (ALOX5AP), and cysteinyl leukotriene (CYSLT) were measured, and the mRNA expression levels of 5-LO, ALOX5AP, and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CYSLTR1) were investigated. Compared with the control group, both the non-ICU and ICU groups had lower levels of 5-LO and mRNA expression. ICU patients had lower levels of 5-LO and mRNA expression than non-ICU patients. CYSLTR1 mRNA expression was highest in the ICU group, followed by the non-ICU group, and healthy controls had the lowest mRNA expression levels. CYSLT levels were higher in the control group than in the non-ICU and ICU groups. CYSLTR1 expression was higher in patients than in controls; therefore, selective leukotriene receptor blockers can be used as treatment options. CYSLTR1 expression was higher in the ICU group than in the non-ICU group. Furthermore, CYSLTR1 mRNA expression may be a promising biomarker of COVID-19 severity.

Protective effect of ursodeoxycholic acid and resveratrol against tacrolimus induced hepatotoxicity.

Tacrolimus (TAC) is a potent and well-tolerated immunosuppressive drug, but serious side effects including nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity have been reported. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and resveratrol (RSV) exhibit hepatoprotective effects in liver diseases. We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of UDCA and RSV against TAC induced hepatotoxicity. We divided 40 male rats into five equal groups: A) control group, B) TAC group, C) TAC + UDCA group, D) TAC + RSV group, E) TAC + UDCA + RSV group. We administered 0.5 mg/kg TAC once daily, 25 mg/kg UDCA twice daily and 10 mg/kg RSV once daily. The drugs in the experimental groups were given by gavage from the first day of the study and continued for 21 days. Histopathologic and biochemical analyses were performed on day 22. In group B, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total oxidative status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher compared to group A, and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) were lower compared to group A. Severe cellular swelling, degeneration and focal necrosis were more evident in group B than in groups C-E. Histopathological improvement was observed in groups C-E, where UDCA and RSV were combined, compared to group B. We found that UDCA and RSV, together or separately, protected the liver against oxidative stress damage caused by TAC.

Concordance of LDL-C Estimating Equations with Direct Enzymatic Measurement in Diabetic and Prediabetic Subjects.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-established biomarker in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the concordance of LDL-C-estimating equations with direct enzymatic measurement in diabetic and prediabetic populations. The data of 31,031 subjects included in the study were divided into prediabetic, diabetic, and control groups according to HbA1c values. LDL-C was measured by direct homogenous enzymatic assay and calculated by Martin-Hopkins, Martin-Hopkins extended, Friedewald, and Sampson equations. The concordance statistics between the direct measurements and estimations obtained by the equations were evaluated. All equations evaluated in the study had lower concordance with direct enzymatic measurement in diabetic and prediabetic groups compared to the non-diabetic group. Even so, the Martin-Hopkins extended approach demonstrated the highest concordance statistic in diabetic and prediabetic patients. Further, Martin-Hopkins extended was found to have the highest correlation with direct measurement compared with other equations. Over the 190 mg/dL LDL-C concentrations, the equation with the highest concordance was again Martin-Hopkins extended. In most scenarios, the Martin-Hopkins extended performed best in prediabetic and diabetic groups. Additionally, direct assay methods can be used at low values of the non-HDL-C/TG ratio (<2.4), as the performance of the equations in LDL-C estimation decreases as non-HDL-C/TG decreases.

Validation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol equations in pediatric population.

Several studies have shown a high prevalence of dyslipidemia in children. Since childhood lipid concentrations continue into adulthood, recognition of lipid abnormalities in the early period is crucial to prevent the development of future coronary heart disease (CHD). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the most used parameters in the initiation and follow-up of treatment in patients with dyslipidemia. It is a well known fact that LDL-C lowering therapy reduces the risk of future CHD. Therefore, accurate determination of the LDL-C levels is so important for the management of lipid abnormalities. This study aimed to validate different LDL-C estimating equations in the Turkish population, composed of children and adolescents. A total of 3,908 children below 18 years old at Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital (Sivas, Turkey) were included in this study. LDL-C was directly measured by direct homogeneous assays, i.e., Roche, Beckman, Siemens and estimated by Friedewald's, Martin/Hopkins', extended Martin-Hopkins' and Sampson's formulas. The concordances between the estimations obtained by the formulas and the direct measurements were evaluated both overall and separately for the LDL-C, triglycerides (TG) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) sublevels. Linear regression analysis was performed and residual error plots were generated between each estimation and direct measurement method. Coefficient of determination (R 2) and mean absolute deviations were also evaluated. The overall concordance of Friedewald, Sampson, Martin-Hopkins and the extended Martin-Hopkins formula were 64.6%, 69.9%, 69.4%, and 84.3% for the Roche direct assay, 69.8%, 71.6%, 73.6% and 80.4% for the Siemens direct assay, 66.5%, 68.8%, 68.9% and 82.1% for the Beckman direct assay, respectively. The extended Martin-Hopkins formula had the highest concordance coefficient in both overall and all sublevels of LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and TG. When estimating the LDL-C categories, the highest underestimation degrees were obtained with the Friedewald formula. Our analysis, conducted in a large pediatric population, showed that the extended Martin-Hopkins equation gives more reliable results in estimation of LDL-C compared to other equations.

Comprehensive analysis of circulating viral DNA in maternal plasma at population-scale using low-pass whole-genome sequencing.

As the most readily adopted molecular screening test, low-pass WGS of maternal plasma cell-free DNA for aneuploidy detection generates a vast amount of genomic data. This large-scale method also allows for high-throughput virome screening. NIPT sequencing data, yielding 6.57 terabases of data from 187.8 billion reads, from 12,951 pregnant Turkish women was used to investigate the prevalence and abundance of viral DNA in plasma. Among the 22 virus sequences identified in 12% of participants were human papillomavirus, herpesvirus, betaherpesvirus and anellovirus. We observed a unique pattern of circulating viral DNA with a high prevalence of papillomaviruses. The prevalence of herpesviruses/anellovirus was similar among Turkish, European and Dutch populations. Hepatitis B prevalence was remarkably low in Dutch, European and Turkish populations, but higher in China. WGS data revealed that herpesvirus/anelloviruses are naturally found in European populations. This represents the first comprehensive research on the plasma virome of pregnant Turkish women.

Examination of the correlation between hand grip strength and muscle mass, balance, mobility, and daily life activities in elderly individuals living in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a process that includes progressive physiological changes. Grip strength is an important indicator of current health in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the correlation between dominant-hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function, mid-upper arm circumference, muscle-bone mass, balance, mobility, and daily life activities in elderly individuals living in nursing homes and determine the effect rates of these factors on HGS. METHODS: Seventy-two elderly individuals aged over 65 who lived in a nursing home were included in the study. Dominant HGS and mid-upper forearm circumference were measured. Muscle and bone masses were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Mid-upper arm circumference was measured using a non-elastic tape. HGS was measured using a hand dynamometer. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT); mobility and balance were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS); the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale (KATZ ADL) was used to evaluate daily life activities. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between HGS and muscle and bone masses (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between HGS and TUGT, ADL (p = 0.001, p = 0.016). There was no significant correlation between HGS and BBS (p = 0.2). There was a correlation between HGS and SMMT at the statistical significance limit (p = 0.055). On HGS, the Body Mass Index had a 64.9% effect; the muscle mass had a 30.9% effect; the TUGT had a 27.7% effect. These parameters were found to explain 59.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION: As a global indicator of muscle strength, HGS can be used to predict age-related functional changes. Approaches to increase physical activity levels in elderly can be effective in reducing age-related negativities.

Evaluation of primary care physicians' approaches to hemophilia and bleeding disorders: a questionnaire survey.

Bleeding disorders are causes of great concern and panic for parents and primary care providers. Lack of knowledge and awareness on appropriate screening tests and factor product preparation contributed to potential diagnostic delays, increased complications, and economic costs. This study aimed to determine and compare the approach of primary care physicians (including general practitioners) and emergency physicians with a questionnaire including simulation-based cases on hemophilia. This simulation and two-stage questionnaire study was conducted with 244 participants. Before-after questionnaires, two case simulations, a brief presentation, and statistical analysis were performed. Participants mostly preferred tests, such as prothrombin time (PT) or partial thromboplastin time (PTT) to bleeding time for primary hemostasis (PT/PTT n : 192, 84.2%, bleeding time n : 94, 41.2%). Similar results were found for secondary hemostasis (bleeding time n : 144, 63.4%). There was a lack of knowledge in the management of simulation-based cases of acute hemorrhagic complications and factor product preparation (complication case: correct n : 100, 55.2%; initial doses correct n : 56, 43.4%, factor preparing correct n : 37, 49.3%, factor admission correct n : 36, 24.3%). All changed significantly, after the presentation ( P  = 0.000). Our study shows that there is probably a lack of knowledge of diagnostic investigations and appropriate factor product preparation with possible consequences for patients and economics.

Validation of Friedewald, Martin-Hopkins and Sampson low-density lipoprotein cholesterol equations.

BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important biomarker for determining cardiovascular risk and regulating lipid lowering therapy. Therefore, the accurate estimation of LDL-C concentration is essential in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and prognosis. Sampson recently proposed a new formula for the estimation of LDL-C. However, little is known regarding the validation of this formula. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate this new formula with other well-known formulas in Turkish population, composed of adults. METHODS: A total of 88,943 participants above 18 years old at Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital (Sivas, Turkey) were included to this study. LDL-C was directly measured by homogeneous assays, i.e., Roche, Beckman and Siemens and estimated by Friedewald's, Martin-Hopkins', extended Martin-Hopkins' and Sampson's formulas. The concordances between the estimations obtained by the formulas and the direct measurements were evaluated both in general and separately for the LDL-C, TG and non-HDL-C sublevels. Linear regression analysis was applied and residual error plots were generated between each estimation and direct measurement method. Coefficient of determination (R2) and mean absolute deviations were also calculated. RESULTS: The results showed that the extended Martin-Hopkins approach provided the most concordant results with the direct assays for LDL-C estimation. The results also showed that the highest concordances were obtained between the direct assays with the extended Martin-Hopkins formula calculated with the median statistics obtained from our own population. On the other hand, it was observed that the results of the methods may differ in different assays. The extended Martin-Hopkins approach, calculated from the median statistics of our population, gave the most concordant results in patients with "low LDL-C level (LDL-C levels < 70 mg/dL) or hypertriglyceridemia (TG levels ≥ 400 mg/dL)". CONCLUSIONS: Although the results of the formulas in different assays may vary, the extended Martin-Hopkins approach was the best one with the highest overall concordances. The validity of the Martin Hopkins' and Sampson's formulas has to be further investigated in different populations.

Validation of the five-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5) in a Turkish elderly population.

BACKGROUND: Late-life depression is a geriatric syndrome which should be taken seriously. Many clinical scales have been developed for the screening of geriatric depression. Most of these have been validated at different times and in diverse populations. A five-question version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5) was developed in 1997. This test has been validated and used in different populations. In the present study, we plan to validate the GDS-5 for the Turkish elderly population. METHODS: Patients aged 60 years and older who applied to the Geriatrics Clinic of our hospital between November 2018 and November 2019 were included in the study. We compared the effectiveness of Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (YGDS-30) and GDS-5 in screening depression, based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) depression criteria. RESULTS: Four hundred participants were included in the study. A significant positive correlation was found between the DSM-5 scale and the GDS-5 scale (rho = 0.726, P <0.001). According to DSM-5, YGDS-30 and GDS-5, 112 participants (28%), 154 patients (%38.5) and 199 patients (%49.8) were diagnosed with depression respectively. When the cut-off value was taken as ≥2, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values for the GDS-5 scale were determined as 96%, 68%, 54%, and 98%, respectively. We obtained these diagnostic measures with 95% confidence intervals. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the validity and reliability of the GDS-5 for Turkish elderly populations. This five-question scale will be significant in daily use to screen for depression in elderly individuals with multiple problems.

Adaptation of the Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 into Turkish: Reliability and validity study.

Practices for the evaluation and treatment for people with aphasia (PWA) is dominated by an impairment-based view of aphasia. The number of aphasia evaluation tools adapted or developed to reflect PWA's perspective in Turkish is limited. Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 (AIQ-21), a tool developed based on the social model of disability, measures the individuals' quality of life from their own perspective. This study sought to adapt and establish the validity and reliability of AIQ-21 in Turkish (AIQ-21-TR) to meet this need. Data from 43 PWA and 61 healthy participants were analysed to determine AIQ-21-TR's construct, criterion, face validity and content validity. Reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficients and the inter-item and item-total score correlations coefficients. Correlation between AIQ-21-TR and Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 Turkish (SAQOL-39-TR) was also calculated. The validity analysis indicated that the Turkish adaptation of AIQ-21 has a high level of construct, content, face, and criterion validity. Similarly, the reliability analysis showed that the adapted questionnaire has an excellent reliability coefficient (α = 0.91). Our findings suggested that AIQ-21-TR may be used as a reliable and valid tool with PWA in clinical and research settings.

Frailty in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Associations with Disability and Timed Up and Go.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was identify the prevalence of frailty in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), to describe the relationship between severity of the disease and frailty, and to evaluate if timed up and go (TUG) is an eligible test for determination of frailty in idiopathic PD patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study which included 66 patients, aged 60 and over in a tertiary hospital. Frailty was assessed by the Fried Frailty Index (FFI). Severity of the idiopathic PD was detected by the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale. Mobility was measured by the TUG test. Demographic characteristics and comprehensive geriatric assessments were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used in analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the discriminative effect of TUG test on frailty. RESULTS: The numbers of frail, prefrail, and robust subjects were 34 (51.5%), 24 (36.4%), and 8 (12.1%), respectively. Dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was significantly associated with frailty (Odds ratio (OR): 36.00, Confidence interval (CI): 8.43-153.80). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results yielded, depression (OR: 10.37, CI: 2.82-38.12) and higher levodopa doses (OR: 6.28, CI: 1.77-22.24) were independently associated with frailty. TUG test performance was strongly associated with frailty with high sensitivity (0.806) and specificity (0.826) (Area under the curve (AUC): 0.831). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is highly prevalent in idiopathic PD and is strongly associated with disabilities as well as specific risk factors of the disease. The TUG may be a reliable test for prediction of frailty in patients with idiopathic PD.

Relationship Between Dysphagia and Sarcopenia with Comprehensive Geriatric Evaluation.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia has features of geriatric syndromes and is strongly associated with sarcopenia. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the association between dysphagia and sarcopenia, in a practical way, accompanied by comprehensive geriatric assessment. Dysphagia and sarcopenia were defined by the EAT-10 and SARC-F questionnaires, respectively. Cognition and mood, was evaluated by the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), respectively. Physical performance was assessed by the Timed up and Go Test (TUG) and muscle strength was determined by Hand Grip Strength (HGS). Functionality was stated by Katz and Lawton Indexes. Serum levels of hemoglobin, triglyceride, albumin, and total cholesterol were recorded. A total of 512 (151 male/361 female) patients age 60 and older were included in the study. Prevalences of dysphagia and sarcopenia were 23% and 40.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis sarcopenia (OR:2.596, p = 0.008), depressive symptoms (OR:1.115, p < 0.001), and lower KATZ scores (OR:0.810, p = 0.036) were independently related with dysphagia. Dysphagic patients with sarcopenia had lower scores on the Katz and Lawton scales (p < 0.001, rpb = 0.380 and p < 0.001, rpb = 0.447 respectively) and TUG performances were worse (p = 0.009, rpb = - 0.254). Serum hemoglobin and albumin levels were significantly low in dysphagic patients with sarcopenia (p < 0.001, rpb = 0.345, p = 0.008, rpb = 0.243). Dysphagia is independently associated with sarcopenia, depressive symptoms, and functionality. Dysphagia coexist with sarcopenia is associated with worse clinical consequences than without sarcopenia.

Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 as a novel marker of arteriovenous fistula stenosis in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis is one of the most important clinical problems in hemodialysis patients. The histopathological findings of neointimal hyperplasia and impaired angiogenesis have been well established in stenotic AVFs. Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) has been implicated in pathological angiogenesis. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between sVEGFR-1 and AVF stenosis in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 70 patients with end-stage renal disease. Forty-five patients were included in the final analysis, and the median follow-up period was 36 months. Venous stenosis was detected by physical examination and documented by fistulography. Blood samples were analyzed a day before the fistula operation, and serum levels of sVEGFR-1 were measured. FINDINGS: The median sVEGFR-1 level was higher in the stenosis group than in the nonstenosis group (17 pg/mL [89.5%] vs. 5 pg/mL [19.2%], respectively; P < 0.001]. According to body mass index (BMI) categories, obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m2 ) had the shortest stenosis-free survival (20 months [9.35-30.65]). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that sVEGFR-1, serum creatinine, and parathyroid hormone levels were associated with AVF stenosis risk. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with less than the median value of sVEGFR-1 (<6093.07 pg/mL) had longer cumulative stenosis-free survival than patients with sVEGFR-1 levels above the median value (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Increased levels of sVEGFR-1 and obesity were found to be associated with AVF stenosis in hemodialysis patients.

How does body mass index affect semen parameters and reproductive hormones in infertile males?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to invastigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on semen parameters and reproductive hormone levels in infertile males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, 858 infertile male patients, aged between 18 and 55 years, referred to our infertility clinic were included in the study. Patients without risk factors, besides obesity, that could affect semen parameters or reproductive hormones were evaluated. Patients were separated into the following three groups: non-obese (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Age, semen parameters, and reproductive hormones were evaluated and compared among the groups. In addition, subgroups based on sperm concentration were compared. RESULTS: Total testosterone and testosterone-estradiol ratio negatively correlated with BMI (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between BMI and age (p<0.001). Even when adjusted for age, the decrease in total testosterone was significant in all groups parallel to the increase in BMI. Although age, prolactin level, and total testosterone had a significant relationship in univariate analysis, the only significant parameters were prolactin and total testosterone according to multivariate analysis. There were no significant differences between BMI and semen parameters. No significant difference related to BMI was observed among the infertile groups [severe oligospermia (34.3%), oligospermia (18.2%), and normospermia (47.6%)]. CONCLUSION: A significant negative correlation was observed between increasing BMI and total testosterone. No relationship was observed between BMI and semen parameters except progressive motility. Nevertheless, prospective longitudinal clinical trials with larger sample sizes involving weight loss are needed to understand the precise relationship of BMI with reproductive hormones and semen parameters in the same individual.

Sarcopenia, dynapenia, and body composition in Parkinson's disease: are they good predictors of disability?: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To assess sarcopenia and dynapenia and their relationship with disease severity and disabilities in PD and to state body composition in PD. METHODS: We conducted a case-control, cross-sectional study that included 70 patients with idiopathic PD and 85 controls. Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria. Dynapenia was detected by a handheld dynamometer. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was performed, and the SARC-F questionnaire was applied. Disabilities were appointed according to the Katz and Lawton indexes. RESULTS: Sarcopenia and dynapenia were more prevalent in PD than in controls (50 vs 30.6% and 31.4 vs 17.6%, respectively). Dynapenia was significantly associated with the severity of the disease and disabilities (p = 0.047, p = 0.001); however, sarcopenia was not. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) did not differ between the PD and controls. FMI was lower in the advanced stages of the disease. Higher scores in the SARC-F questionnaire were significantly associated with disabilities and the severity of the disease (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Muscle strength was closely associated with the severity of the disease and disabilities in PD, but muscle mass was not. Sarcopenia, defined by the SARC-F questionnaire, was a good predictor of disabilities in PD, while the EWGSOP criteria were not. PD patients have a favorable body composition even in advanced stages of the disease with lower FMI and protected lean mass.

MLSeq: Machine learning interface for RNA-sequencing data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, RNA-sequencing technology has become method-of-choice and prefered to microarray technology for gene expression based classification and differential expression analysis since it produces less noisy data. Although there are many algorithms proposed for microarray data, the number of available algorithms and programs are limited for classification of RNA-sequencing data. For this reason, we developed MLSeq, to bring not only frequently used classification algorithms but also novel approaches together and make them available to be used for classification of RNA sequencing data. This package is developed using R language environment and distributed through BIOCONDUCTOR network. METHODS: Classification of RNA-sequencing data is not straightforward since raw data should be preprocessed before downstream analysis. With MLSeq package, researchers can easily preprocess (normalization, filtering, transformation etc.) and classify raw RNA-sequencing data using two strategies: (i) to perform algorithms which are directly proposed for RNA-sequencing data structure or (ii) to transform RNA-sequencing data in order to bring it distributionally closer to microarray data structure, and perform algorithms which are developed for microarray data. Moreover, we proposed novel algorithms such as voom (an acronym for variance modelling at observational level) based nearest shrunken centroids (voomNSC), diagonal linear discriminant analysis (voomDLDA), etc. through MLSeq. MATERIALS: Three real RNA-sequencing datasets (i.e cervical cancer, lung cancer and aging datasets) were used to evalute model performances. Poisson linear discriminant analysis (PLDA) and negative binomial linear discriminant analysis (NBLDA) were selected as algorithms based on dicrete distributions, and voomNSC, nearest shrunken centroids (NSC) and support vector machines (SVM) were selected as algorithms based on continuous distributions for model comparisons. Each algorithm is compared using classification accuracies and sparsities on an independent test set. RESULTS: The algorithms which are based on discrete distributions performed better in cervical cancer and aging data with accuracies above 0.92. In lung cancer data, the most of algorithms performed similar with accuracies of 0.88 except that SVM achieved 0.94 of accuracy. Our voomNSC algorithm was the most sparse algorithm, and able to select 2.2% and 6.6% of all features for cervical cancer and lung cancer datasets respectively. However, in aging data, sparse classifiers were not able to select an optimal subset of all features. CONCLUSION: MLSeq is comprehensive and easy-to-use interface for classification of gene expression data. It allows researchers perform both preprocessing and classification tasks through single platform. With this property, MLSeq can be considered as a pipeline for the classification of RNA-sequencing data.

Validity of simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire for Turkish community-dwelling elderly and determining cut-off according to mini nutritional assessment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine a cut-off value for the SNAQ according to both the MNA long and MNA short forms and to assess whether the SNAQ can predict malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in the elderly. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Nutritional status was assessed both by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) long and short forms. All demographic characteristics, mental status, depressive mood, functional status, and frailty were determined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the cut-off of the SNAQ according to both the MNA long and short forms for malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Reliability and validation of the SNAQ was analysed. RESULTS: We included 905 community-dwelling elderly, but those with middle-stage dementia (MMSE score <18, n = 30) were excluded. The mean age ±â€¯standard deviation (SD) was 71.4 ±â€¯5.5 years (49.3% female and 50.7% male). The prevalence of well-nourished, risk of malnutrition or malnutrition were 55.2%, 44.8%, respectively according to the MNA-long form. The prevalence of elderly at risk of future weight loss (SNAQ score of ≤14) was 31.0% (n = 268; 66.0% female, 34.0% male). The area under the curve (AUC) for SNAQ was 0.725 (95% CI 0.690-0.760). The cut-off value of the SNAQ, according to both the MNA long and short forms, was 14 (sensitivity; 50%, 50% and specificity; 84%, 82%, respectively). The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of SNAQ for internal consistency was 0.639. CONCLUSION: The SNAQ was reliable and valid as an appetite screening tool in community-dwelling Turkish elderly.