Relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective study on 3424 subjects.

BACKGROUND: The extent of the association between vitamin D deficiency and knee osteoarthritis remains inadequately understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between vitamin D levels and knee osteoarthritis through a cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: This retrospective study involved an analysis of knee radiographs and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-(OH) vitamin D3) levels in a cohort of 3424 individuals (2901 women and 523 men). Knee osteoarthritis severity was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence radiological scoring system. RESULTS: Of the participants, 49.2% (n= 1,683) were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Among these patients, the levels of adjusted 25-(OH) vitamin D3 were significantly lower (p< 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and knee osteoarthritis, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.7 (95% CI: 1.5-2.0; p< 0.001). Notably, a stronger association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and knee osteoarthritis in women under 65 compared to those aged 65 and above. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Maintaining adequate serum 25-(OH) vitamin D3 levels may prevent knee osteoarthritis, especially in women below 65.

Biological Markers in Newly Diagnosed Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients: 8-OHdG, S100B and Oxidative Stress.

Purpose: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic disease persisting for at least 6 months, characterized by excessive and continuous anxiety, which leads to evident problems and functional disorders. S100B is a glial protein that plays a role in intercellular communication regulating cell growth and differentiation, and intracellular signal transmission. This study aimed to analyze the serum S100B, 8-OHdG, and oxidative stress levels of patients newly diagnosed with GAD who had not started treatment, to better understand the underlying neurobiological basis of the etiology of GAD. Patients and Methods: Forty-four patients diagnosed with GAD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and 44 healthy controls were included in the study. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to determine the anxiety levels of the GAD patients. The serum S100B, 8-OHdG, total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were measured in the patient and control groups. Results: The 8-OHdG values of the GAD group were determined to be statistically significantly higher than those of the control group (p=0.028). No significant difference was determined between the GAD patients and the control group in respect of the TAS, TOS, and oxidative stress index (OSI) values (p>0.05). The S100B levels of the GAD group were found to be higher than those of the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there could be DNA damage because of oxidative stress in GAD patients. There is a need for further studies to confirm the role of S100B protein in GAD etiology and pathogenesis.

Is the Akagi Line a Reliable Landmark for Adjusting the Rotational Axis of the Tibial Component in Patients with Patellofemoral Instability?

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether the Akagi line is a reliable anatomic landmark for adjusting the rotational axis of the tibial component in patients with patellofemoral (PF) malalignment. Materials and methods: This retrospective case-control study included 86 patients with PF instability and 129 controls. On the superimposed axial CT images, TT-TG, TT-PCL, nTT-TG, nTT-PCL, knee joint rotation, and the angle between the Akagi line and surgical transepicondylar axis (Akagi/sTEA angle) were measured. In addition, a modified Akagi line, drawn 1 cm medial to the patellar tendon attachment, was defined, and the angle between the new Akagi line and sTEA (mAkagi/sTEA angle) was also measured and compared between groups. Results: There were 86 patients (47 females, 39 males) in the case group and 129 patients (56 females, 73 males) in the control group with a mean age of 35.7 ± 17.9 years and 41.1 ± 18.8 years, respectively (p < 0.001). Radiologic variables of PF alignment (TT-TG, TT-PCL, nTT-TG, nTT-PCL, and knee joint rotation) were significantly abnormal in the case group (p < 0.001 for all variables). The Akagi/sTEA angle was significantly higher in the case group, resulting in 89.5% external malrotation of the tibial component (> 10°). However, the tibial component was 96.5% aligned correctly (between 10° external and 3° internal rotation) in the control group. Using the modified Akagi line significantly improved the rotational alignment, and normal tibial rotation increased to 93.3% of the case group. The Akagi/sTEA angle strongly correlated with the knee rotation (rho: 0.735, p: 0.001), TT-TG (rho: 0.715, p: 0.001) and nTT-TG (rho: 0.783, p: 0.001). But the TT-PCL (rho: 0.459, p: 0.001) and nTT-PCL (rho: 0.589, p: 0.001) had a medium correlation. Conclusions: The Akagi line might cause unacceptable external rotation of the tibial component in patients with PF malalignment. The use of the modified Akagi line described in this study may be a solution for the rotational mismatch between femoral and tibial components in TKA. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Does endometrial thickness affect birth weight and serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in frozen cycles?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether endometrial thickness (EMT) affects birth weight and maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) level in singleton pregnancies following frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FET). METHODS: This retrospective study included women who underwent first-trimester combined screening for aneuploidy after FET, and subsequently delivered a singleton live birth after 24 weeks of gestation at a private in-vitro fertilization centre. The subjects were stratified into three groups based on EMT percentiles: <7.7 mm (<10th percentile), 7.7-12 mm (10-90th percentile), and > 12 mm (>90th percentile). Multi-variable linear regression analysis was undertaken to identify the association between birth weight and EMT after adjusting for variables with p < 0.1 on univariate analysis. RESULTS: In total, 560 women met the inclusion criteria. Mean (±standard deviation) birth weight was 3127 ± 783 g in those with EMT < 7.7 mm, 3225 ± 644 g in those with EMT 7.7-12 mm, and 3256 ± 599 g in those with EMT > 12 mm (p = 0.577). Mean PAPP-A and PAPP-A < 0.5 rates were similar in the three groups. On multi-variate analysis, maternal serum PAPP-A was found to be a significant predictor of birth weight (p = 0.013), but EMT was not found to be predictive of birth weight on univariate or multi-variate analysis. CONCLUSION: This study provided a new angle to evaluate the association between EMT and neonatal birth weight by analysing this association along with maternal serum PAPP-A as a marker for placental function, suggesting that EMT is not an independent factor for neonatal birth weight.

Evaluation of Thiol/Disulfide Interrelation in Major Depressive Disorder.

Objective: Although major depressive disorder (MDD) constitutes a significant part of mental health problems, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. The inadequacy of diagnostic tests specific to MDD causes difficulty in diagnosis. Therefore, we investigated the situation of thiol/disulfide imbalance, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, in MDD patients. Methods: Forty-five MDD patients and 40 non-patient volunteers participated in our study. Sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression Scale, and Clinical Global Impression Scale were used in making the diagnosis and evaluation process. Results: There was a significant difference between the MDD and non-patient groups in native thiol and total thiol levels, disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratios. No significant difference was detected in terms of disulfide level between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between the patients' thiol disulfide ratios and the severity of depression. There was no significant difference between the patients' symptom duration and thiol disulfide ratios. Nevertheless, a negative correlation was identified between the duration of the patients' symptoms and their disulfide levels. Conclusion: When the results were examined in terms of thiol and disulfide ratios, they showed that thiol and disulfide ratios were impaired in depression. We think that thiol/disulfide parameters may be a biomarker candidate that can help in the diagnosis of MDD.

Biomarker potential of hsa-miR-145-5p in peripheral whole blood of manic bipolar I patients.

OBJECTIVE: Bipolar I disorder (BD-I) is a type of bipolar spectrum disorder characterized by manic or mixed episodes. Detecting microRNA regulations as epigenetic actors in BD-I is important to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease and reveal the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers. METHODS: We evaluated the expression profile of six candidate miRNAs (hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-miR-376a-3p, hsa-miR-3680-5p, hsa-miR-4253-5p, hsa-miR-4482-3p, and hsa-miR-4725) in patients with BD-I and in healthy controls (aged 11-50 years). We also determined the potential target genes of these miRNAs through in silico analysis. The diagnostic values of the miRNAs were calculated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Four miRNAs were upregulated (hsa-miR-376a-3p, hsa-miR-3680-5p, hsa-miR-4253-5p, hsa-miR-4482-3p) and hsa-miR-145-5p was downregulated in patients (p < 0.001). The target gene analyses showed that hsa-miR-145-5p specifically targets the dopamine decarboxylase (DDC) gene. The area under the curve of hsa-miR-145-5p was 0.987. CONCLUSION: Differential expression of five miRNAs in peripheral blood may be associated with the pathogenesis of BD-I, and hsa-miR-145-5p has potential as a BD-I biomarker. This miRNA can be used in dopamine-serotonin regulation and dose adjustment in drug therapy via the DDC gene.

Accuracy of the Standardized Early Fetal Heart Assessment in Excluding Major Congenital Heart Defects in High-Risk Population: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of standardized early fetal heart assessment (EFHA) that includes the 4-chamber view, outflow tract relationship (OTR), and transverse arches views (TAV) of the great arteries in excluding major congenital heart defects (CHDs) in high-risk populations. METHODS: This retrospective study included high-risk pregnancies for CHDs undergoing EFHA at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Risk factors for CHDs were diabetes mellitus, a family history of CHDs, a history of a CHD use of teratogenic medications, seizure disorder, assisted reproductive treatment-conceived pregnancy, presence of at least one of the ultrasound markers: enlarged nuchal translucency (>95th percentile), tricuspid regurgitation, and reversed a-wave in the ductus venosus, presence of an extracardiac or a suspected cardiac anomaly, a high-risk first trimester combined screen result, and multiple pregnancies. EFHA consisted of visualization of 4ChV, OTR, and TAV, with and without power Doppler ultrasound. The primary outcome was the negative predictive value of EFHA in excluding major CHDs. RESULTS: EFHA was performed on 1055 fetuses. Of these, 1024 were used for the final analysis. Of these, 94.9% (n = 923) were singleton. The most common indication for EFHA was maternal DM (n = 231, 22.6%). The sensitivity, specificity, false positive, false negative, and accuracy of EFHA were 93.2%, 99.9%, 1.4%, 0.4%, and 99.5% (P < .0001), respectively, in entire included cases. The performance of EFHA was 88%, 99.9%, 1.4%, 0.4%, and 99.5% (P < .0001) respectively when the terminated cases were excluded. CONCLUSION: Early fetal heart assessment is feasible for screening for major CHDs in high-risk populations. This approach may be expanded to the general obstetric population.

The rate of undetectable genetic causes by Cell-free DNA test in congenital heart defects.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to estimate the rate of genetic causes that were undetectable by Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) test in prenatally diagnosed congenital heart defect (CHD) cases based on an assumption that cfDNA would accurately detect common aneuploidies including trisomy 21/18/13/45X, and del22q11.2. METHODS: This study included prenatally diagnosed CHD cases with diagnostic genetic results. The possibility of false-positive/negative results from cfDNA testing was discarded. Thus, cfDNA results would be positive in common aneuploidies or del22q11.2 and negative in normal diagnostic genetic testing results or other genetic conditions. The rate of genetic causes that were undetectable by cfDNA test was estimated for all cases as well as for CHD subgroups. RESULTS: Of 302 cases, 98 (34.8%) had a type of genetic abnormalities, with 67 having common aneuploidies or del22q11.2 and 31 having other genetic conditions. The rate of genetic causes that were undetectable by cfDNA test in CHD cases was 13.2% among those with assumingly negative cfDNA screen results and 10.3% among the entire study population. These rates were similar between CHD subgroups (p > .05). The rate of genetic causes that were undetectable by cfDNA test was higher in the non-isolated cases than in the isolated ones among those with assumingly negative-screen results (20.5% and 9.9%, respectively, p = .025). CONCLUSION: In prenatally diagnosed CDH cases, a significant number of chromosomal abnormalities are still identified after diagnostic testing even if cfDNA screen is negative, and thus it is important to extensively counsel patients with negative cfDNA screen carrying a CHD-affected fetus.

Marginal placental cord insertion: the need for follow up?

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate the association between marginal placental cord insertion (PCI) and small for gestational age (SGA) and other adverse perinatal outcomes and (2) to determine if pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels was altered in these patients. METHODS: It was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies undergoing ultrasound between 2016 and 2018. Marginal PCI was defined as a distance of ≤2 cm from placental edge to PCI site, visualized in both sagittal and transverse planes, and diagnosed between 16 and 32 weeks. Velamentous PCI were excluded. The primary outcome was SGA, defined as birthweight below 10th percentile for gestational age. Pregnancies with marginal PCI were compared to those with normal PCI with respect to maternal characteristics, PAPP-A levels and adverse perinatal and delivery outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of marginal PCI was 4.2% (76/1819). Compared to those with a normal PCI, patients with a marginal PCI were more likely to be nulliparous and less likely to be African American or morbidly obese (p < .05). SGA rate was similar between the groups (17.6% vs. 18.1%). There was a trend toward an increased incidence of oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios and breech presentation in patients with marginal PCI; however, these did not reach statistical significance. The incidence of low PAPP-A level was comparable between the groups (18.4% vs. 14.3%, p > .05). CONCLUSION: Our study did not demonstrate any increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes in the presence of marginal PCI. These findings may provide reassurance for counseling patients with this sonographic finding.

Analysis of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Purpose: The prevalence of dissociative identity disorder (DID) is 1%. However, the diagnosis can be made less frequently. This rate is similar to that of schizophrenia, and it is a public health problem that should receive attention. In the wake of the research results and clinical experiences, it was determined that DID diagnosis was challenging. Despite prevalence rates being similar to those seen in schizophrenia, DID remains under-researched. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic features, complaints, aetiological traumas, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and previous psychiatric applications of patients who had DID diagnosis, as well as to increase the awareness and recognisability of DID. Patients and Methods: Seventy patients who were diagnosed with DID based on the DSM 5 criteria and admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychiatry Harran University Faculty of Medicine agreed to participate in this study. Patients filled out dissociative experiences scale, dissociation scale, and sociodemographic data form. Results: Of the 70 patients, 47 (67.14%) were female, and 23 (32.85%) were male. The mean age was 26.5 ± 9.63, the age range was 18-62. It was the first psychiatric application for 34 (48.57%) patients. Of the 70 patients, 27 (38.57%) had four or more applications. Only 17 patients (24.28%) had the sole diagnosis of DID, while 47 patients (67.14%) had comorbid depressive symptoms. Regarding the first complaints, 35 patients (50.00%) had dissociative symptoms; 49 patients (70.00%) had depressive symptoms. As for the trauma types, 45 patients (64.28%) had histories of physical abuse, while 34 patients (48.57%) had histories of chronic neglect. Conclusion: The symptoms of DID can be related to many psychiatric disorders. DID patients can be classified under many different symptom groups. Treatments for symptoms fail when the diagnosis of DID is neglected. Patients are generally misdiagnosed, as determined in this study and in previous studies. Dissociative symptoms should be checked regularly during psychiatric interviews to prevent misdiagnosis.

Extension pin block technique versus extension orthosis for acute bony mallet finger; a retrospective comparison.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the clinical, radiological, aesthetic and economic outcomes of extension pin block technique and extension orthosis in closed mallet fractures with more than 1/3 of articular surface involvement without subluxation (Wehbe and Schneider classification type IB and IC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (11 women and 28 men; mean age: 40.9±11.5 years) who had mallet fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-one patients were treated with the extension pin block technique, and the remaining 18 were treated with the extension orthosis. Fracture classification, measurement of articular surface involvement, presence of subluxation, and the fragment displacement were performed according to the Wehbe and Schneider classification. Crawford's criteria, extension lag, distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) range of motion, dorsal bump, and visual analog scale were evaluated. Fracture union, articular incongruity, and all other complications were followed and analyzed. The Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) was used to evaluate the aesthetic perception of the patient's finger. Direct and indirect costs were calculated for each treatment method. RESULTS: At the final follow-up (mean: 18.4±6.2 months), there was no significant difference with respect to clinical outcomes between groups (p=0.335) and pain (p=0.131). Fracture union was achieved in all cases. Both extension lag (p=0.150) and DIPJ flexion (p=0.261) were not different between groups. Dorsal bump was more frequent in the conservative treatment group (p=0.048). Aesthetic scores were similar between groups (p=0.477), but female patients rated significantly lower aesthetic scores than males (p=0.003) regardless of the treatment method. The direct medical (p=0.001), indirect (p=0.009) and cumulative costs (p=0.001) were significantly higher in surgical treatment group. One pin tract infection, one nail dystrophy, and one joint space narrowing were seen in the surgical treatment group versus none in the conservative treatment group (p=0.698). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment does not result in inferior clinical, radiographic and aesthetic outcomes compared to surgical fixation in closed mallet fractures with more than 1/3 of articular surface involvement without subluxation. Extension orthosis which is non-invasive, and cheap, maybe the treatment of choice in closed mallet fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Retrospective cohort.

Impact of Isthmocele on Assisted Reproductive Treatment Outcomes: An Age-matched Retrospective Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the presence of an ultrasonographic visible isthmocele has an impact on the chance of pregnancy in women undergoing embryo transfer. DESIGN: Age-matched retrospective study. SETTING: Private-assisted reproductive center. PATIENTS: The study included a total of 150 patients with a history of cesarean delivery with 75 isthmocele cases and 75 controls. All patients underwent embryo transfer from January 2017 through June 2018. The diagnosis of isthmocele was based on transvaginal ultrasound assessment. Isthmocele was defined as an anechoic indentation on the previous cesarean scar at the midsagittal plane, with a depth of >1 mm. INTERVENTIONS: Embryo transfer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The groups were similar in patient and treatment characteristics. The live birth rate was 44% in the isthmocele group and 46.7% in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-1.71; p = .743). The clinical pregnancy rates were 49.3% and 50.7%, respectively (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.50-1.79; p = .870). The miscarriage rate was greater in the isthmocele group (8%) than in the control group (4%); however, it did not reach statistical significance (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.50-8.67; p = .302). The multiple pregnancy rate was similar between the groups (8% vs 5.3%, respectively; OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.41-5.70; p = .513). The groups were also similar in ectopic pregnancy rates (p = .560). These outcomes remained similar when adjusted for potential confounders on the regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Isthmocele does not seem to have a significant impact on the chance of pregnancy in assisted reproductive treatment settings. However, the embryo transfer procedure may be more difficult in the presence of an isthmocele.

A novel approach to reduce blood loss in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Cesarean hysterectomy for the treatment of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders has the potential to be associated with significant blood loss, massive transfusion, and operative morbidity. Two major contributors to blood loss are the hysterotomy and the bladder dissection. We introduce a new surgical technique and hypothesize that developing the hysterotomy with a linear cutter and mobilization of the bladder using a vessel sealing system (VSS) before clamping uterine arteries will lead to a total reduction in blood loss and transfusion rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case series, which presents clinical outcomes according to our described surgical technique. The following surgical outcomes were collected: operation time (minutes), estimated blood loss (EBL), intraoperative complications, need for reoperation before discharge, and transfusion rates. Our surgical technique utilizes a linear cutter to create a bloodless hysterotomy and a VSS to dissect the vesicouterine tissue. The VSS cauterizes and transects the small vesicouterine and placental-vesical vascular anastomoses that are prone to bleeding. Once the bladder is mobilized below the level of the cervix, the uterine arteries are ligated to complete the key components of the hysterectomy. RESULTS: Of the 23 cases, the median EBL was 1500 cubic centimeters and patients received a median of 1 unit of packed red blood cells. Eleven of the 23 cases did not require any blood transfusion and no patients required massive transfusion. The EBL did not differ between procedures that were performed emergently versus scheduled and it also did not differ between patients that had placenta increta versus placenta percreta, as diagnosed by histopathology. CONCLUSION: Use of a linear cutter and closure of the lower anastomosis with VSS prior to clamping uterine artery during cesarean hysterectomy can significantly reduce blood loss and transfusion rates. This technique is applicable in emergent and nonemergent settings as well as for the most challenging procedures complicated by placenta percreta.

Modified fetoscopic laser surgery in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome with proximate cord insertions: a report of two cases and literature review.

Proximate cord insertions (PxCIs) are a variant of umbilical cord insertions (CIs) that can be identified in monochorionic (MC) twins, making fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) technically challenging. The existing literature is controversial for successful fetoscopic laser photocoagulation in TTTS cases with PxCIs. We presented two cases with TTTS complicated by PxCIs that underwent a successful laser ablation using our proposed technique.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy in severe male factor infertility.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the use of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) improve outcomes in couples with severe male factor infertility (SMFI)? DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included SMFI cases that underwent blastocyst transfer with/without PGT-A. Inclusion criteria were SMFI (azoospermia and sperm count <1 million/ml), women aged 25-39 years, single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer, and no intracavitary pathologies. Patients were divided into PGT-A and non-PGT-A groups. The primary outcome was live birth rate (live birth of an infant after 24 weeks of gestation); secondary outcomes were implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS: The study included 266 SMFI cases (90 and 176 in the PGT-A and non-PGT-A groups, respectively). Men and women in the PGT-A group were significantly older than those in the non-PGT-A group. The groups did not differ in terms of male factor categories, sperm collection methods or additional female factors. Live birth rates in the PGT-A and non-PGT-A groups were 55.6% and 51.1%, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.98, P = 0.495). The implantation rates were 65.6% and 64.2%, respectively (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.62-1.80, P = 0.827). The clinical pregnancy rates were 62.2% and 58.0%, respectively (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.71-2.01, P = 0.502). The use of PGT-A was not an independent factor for live birth (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 0.66-2.70, P = 0.421). Advanced age in women was the only independent factor associated with live birth (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22-0.96, P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PGT-A does not seem to be an independent factor associated with live birth per transfer in couples with SMFI.

Ovarian incision enhances folliculogenesis: A rat model.

AIM: To determine whether performing incision on the surface of the ovarian cortex in rats advances follicular development. METHODS: Five to seven separate superficial incisions were performed on the surface of right ovaries of 6-7-month-old albino Wistar rats. Daily 40 IU of gonadotropins were administered for 14 days. On the 15th day, both ovaries of the rats were removed. The right (incised) ovaries were compared with the contralateral ovaries in terms of ovary's weight, numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles, their mean percentages and mean Ki-67 proliferation indices. RESULTS: A total of 22 ovaries were evaluated, with 11 right ovaries (incised) and 11 left ovaries (non-incised). The mean weight of ovaries was greater in the right ovaries than in the left ovaries; however, no statistical difference was found between them (0.77 ± 1.22 vs. 0.22 ± 0.08 gr, P = 0.159). The numbers of secondary and antral follicle were statistically higher in the right ovaries than in the left ovaries (4.4 ± 1.5 vs. 2.1 ± 1.6, P = 0.003 and 18.6 ± 8.7 vs. 11.3 ± 7.5, P = 0.046, respectively). The right ovaries also significantly differed from the left ovaries in terms of mean percentages of primordial and antral follicles (P < 0.05 for both). The mean Ki-67 proliferation index had a marginal difference between the groups (P = 0.064). CONCLUSION: Performing incisions on the surface of the ovarian cortex in rats may advance the ovarian follicular development. Future animal studies may provide more evidence regarding potential benefits of mechanical stimulation to the ovaries.

Frozen blastocyst transfer improves the chance of live birth in women with endometrioma.

Purpose: The existing literature is scarce regarding outcomes of fresh vs frozen embryo blastocyst transfers in women with endometrioma. The goal of the study was to compare outcomes between fresh and frozen blastocyst transfers (fresh-BT vs. frozen-BT) in endometrioma-affected women. Materials and methods: This study included 315 endometrioma-affected women aged between 20 and 39 years who underwent blastocyst transfer. Primary outcome was live birth rate (an alive birth after 24 completed weeks gestation). Results: The study groups did not differ in terms of patient characteristics and treatment variables. The live birth rate was 40.7% in fresh-BT group and 56.1% in frozen-BT group (OR:1.86, 95% CI:1.18-2.92 p = .007). The approach of frozen embryo transfer was an independent factor of live birth (adjusted OR:1.83, 95% CI:1.16-2.90, p = .009). Conclusion: The approach of frozen blastocyst transfer increases the chance of live birth in endometrioma-affected patients compared with fresh blastocyst transfer. Thus, a frozen embryo transfer may be the choice of strategy in these patients.

Decidualized juvenile cystic adenomyoma mimicking a cornual pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the laparoscopic excision technique of a juvenile cystic adenomyoma and show how the decidualization of ectopic endometrial tissue can lead to the misdiagnosis of a focus of ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN: Description and step-by-step demonstration of the surgical procedure using a video recording (Canadian Task Force Classification 3). SETTING: Teaching and research hospital. PATIENT(S): A 27-year-old gravida 2 parity 1 patient with one previous caesarean delivery presented to the emergency department with symptoms of pelvic pain and delayed menses. Her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 2,161 mIU/mL. On transvaginal ultrasonography the uterine cavity appeared empty without any signs of a gestational sac, and a 42×45 mm heterogeneous mass was observed on the right cornual area. An 18×21 mm cystic area was observed within the mass. A diagnosis of cornual pregnancy was made and two doses of systemic methotrexate treatment were administered. On the 12th day following medical treatment, the patient reported increasing abdominal pain and free fluid was observed in the pouch of Douglas on ultrasonography. The decision to perform laparoscopic cornual excision was made. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURE(S): On laparoscopic exploration a tubal ectopic pregnancy was observed within the left fallopian tube. The presence of two simultaneous ectopic pregnancies, located in the left fallopian tube and the right cornual area, was suspected. However, upon careful inspection, the right fallopian tube appeared normal and the mass initially thought to be a right cornual pregnancy appeared more like a degenerated fibroid. A left salpingectomy was performed and the excision of the mass in the right cornual area was planned. An incision was made over the mass and the cystic inner area containing chocolate-brown colored fluid was drained. As there was no pseudo capsule surrounding the mass, the diagnosis of focal adenomyosis instead of degenerated fibroid was made. No endometriotic foci were observed within the pelvis. Different from the enucleation of a fibroid, the mass was dissected from the middle into two halves until healthy myometrium was reached on the floor of the mass. The two halves of the mass were resected totally by dissecting the adenomyotic tissue from the myometrium starting from the caudal end towards the cranial end. The first layer of the remaining myometrial defect was sutured extracorporeally with No.1 polyglactan sutures. The second and third layers were sutured intracorporeally with V-loc sutures. The resected left fallopian tube containing the ectopic pregnancy and the adenomyotic mass were externalized through a posterior colpotomy incision. RESULT(S): The patient was discharged 24 hours postoperatively without any complications. A diagnosis of juvenile cystic adenoma was made upon histopathological examination. The patient reported subsiding of her dysmenorrhea on the postoperative third month. CONCLUSION(S): Juvenile cystic adenomyosis (JCA), is a rare form of focal adenomyosis which is usually located in close proximity to the uterine insertion of the round ligament, contains a cystic inner area larger than 1 cm and is encountered before the age of 30 years. Some authors reported JCA to be an accessory and cavitated uterine mass (ACUM) anomaly developing as a result of gubernaculum dysfunction. The only difference between the two conditions is reported to be the presence of a denser area of adenomyosis surrounding the cystic area lined with endometrium in JCA than in ACUM. This case has shown that decidual changes observed in ectopic endometrial tissue within an adenomyotic area may be misdiagnosed as a focus of ectopic pregnancy. Atypical endometriomas demonstrating decidual changes may also be misdiagnosed as ovarian malignancies. In non-emergency situations, waiting for the decidualization effect of ectopic endometrium to subside can help in the definitive diagnosis of such cases. Our technique for JCA excision is different from enucleation of a fibroid and may aid in the total resection and dissection of the adenomyotic tissue from healthy myometrium.

PRENATAL IDENTIFICATION OF ABERRANT RIGHT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY IN ISOLATION: THE NEED FOR FURTHER GENETIC WORK-UP?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) and chromosomal abnormalities. The study included 5211 women having attended our unit for fetal anatomic screening and fetal echocardiography from August 2016 until February 2019. After diagnosing ARSA, prenatal invasive testing was discussed with the patients. ARSA affected fetus was determined in 57 cases; of these, there were 38 cases of isolated ARSA and 19 cases of non-isolated ARSA but associated with soft markers and fetal anomalies. Nineteen patients underwent amniocentesis; Down syndrome was determined in two women, both of them from the non-isolated ARSA group, with fetal hydrops, atrioventricular septal defect and esophageal atresia. Fifteen of 38 patients who declined prenatal diagnostic testing, accepted karyotype analysis after delivery and none of these 15 cases had chromosomal abnormalities. Identification of ARSA should be followed by detailed ultrasound examination to ensure that there are no accompanying soft markers and/or structural defects. Isolated ARSA may not be an indication for karyotype analysis or 22q11.2 microdeletions. Non-ARSA implies a strong predictor of aneuploidy, and when additional findings are detected, invasive testing should be offered to the parents. The association between isolated ARSA and genetic disease should be evaluated in large powered prospective studies.

Neural tube defects in eastern Turkey; Is low folate status or vitamin B12 deficiency or both associated with a high rate of NTDs?

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the rates of low folate status and vitB12 deficiency between pregnancies with a NTD-affected fetus and those with a structurally normal fetus in a low-income population residing in eastern Turkey.Study design: It was a retrospective cohort study conducted in our perinatology unit in eastern Turkey between 2016 and 2018. The inclusion criterion for the study group was pregnancies with an NTD-affected fetus. The control group was pregnancies who met the following criteria; no prior history of pregnancy with a NTD-affected fetus, spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, no fetal growth problems or structural abnormality in the present pregnancy, and matching by gestational age. Venous blood samples of these women were obtained at the time of ultrasound examination and serum folate and vitB12 levels were measured by chemiluminescence method using ECLIA immunologic test (Roche, cobas e601/602 analyzers) at our laboratory.Results: The rate of NTDs was 130 per 10 000 (151/11 552). VitB12 deficiency was found in 62.9% of the study group and 36.4% of the control group (p < .001). The rate of low folate status was also different between the groups, with 42.3 and 15.2%, respectively (p < .001). Of the NTDs cases, 12.5% had only low folate status, 33.7% had only vitB12 deficiency, and 29.8% had both together. The rate of low folate status together with vitB12 deficiency was significantly different between the groups (p < .001).Conclusion: Low folate status coupled with B12 deficiency seems to be strongly associated with NTDs. Thus, simultaneous correction of their levels may be the best reasonable approach for the prevention of NTDs in low-income regions. This strategy can reduce the rate of NTDs in low-income regions, improve overall population health and mitigate the economic burden of NTDs on health care system.