Evaluation of staining potential of Silver Diamine Fluoride, Potassium Iodide, Nanosilver Fluoride: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The black staining effect of silver-containing solutions for use to arrest caries can have a negative aesthetic impact on children and parents. This study aims to assess the staining effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride/Potassium Iodide (SDF/KI), SDF and Nanosilver Fluoride (NSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four extracted carious primary molars were collected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 11). The carious tissue in all teeth was removed using a chemo-mechanical caries removal agent with an excavator. After caries removal in all groups, SDF, SDF/KI, and NSF were applied to the different groups, while no solution was applied to the control group. Subsequently, the teeth in all groups were restored with compomer. Color values L*, a* and b* were measured using a spectrophotometer at three time points: immediately after compomer restoration (T0), one week later (T1), and four week later (T2). Changes in brightness (ΔL) and color (ΔE) over time were calculated and comparisons among groups were made. RESULTS: The SDF solution induced statistically significant black staining (p = 0.013) and a decrease in L* value (p < 0.001) on the compomer material compared to the other groups over time. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that SDF/KI has the potential to reduce the black staining effect of SDF, though not entirely. Novel experimental solutions like NSF may offer an alternative to counteract the staining effect of SDF.

A dynamin superfamily-like pseudoenzyme coordinates with MICOS to promote cristae architecture.

Mitochondrial cristae architecture is crucial for optimal respiratory function of the organelle. Cristae shape is maintained in part by the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex. While MICOS is required for normal cristae morphology, the precise mechanistic role of each of the seven human MICOS subunits, and how the complex coordinates with other cristae-shaping factors, has not been fully determined. Here, we examine the MICOS complex in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a minimal model whose genome only encodes for four core subunits. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we identify a poorly characterized inner mitochondrial membrane protein that interacts with MICOS and is required to maintain cristae morphology, which we name Mmc1. We demonstrate that Mmc1 works in concert with MICOS to promote normal mitochondrial morphology and respiratory function. Mmc1 is a distant relative of the dynamin superfamily of proteins (DSPs), GTPases, which are well established to shape and remodel membranes. Similar to DSPs, Mmc1 self-associates and forms high-molecular-weight assemblies. Interestingly, however, Mmc1 is a pseudoenzyme that lacks key residues required for GTP binding and hydrolysis, suggesting that it does not dynamically remodel membranes. These data are consistent with the model that Mmc1 stabilizes cristae architecture by acting as a scaffold to support cristae ultrastructure on the matrix side of the inner membrane. Our study reveals a new class of proteins that evolved early in fungal phylogeny and is required for the maintenance of cristae architecture. This highlights the possibility that functionally analogous proteins work with MICOS to establish cristae morphology in metazoans.

Antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride, potassium iodide and nanosilver fluoride on dual-species biofilm.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), SDF/potassium iodide (KI), and nanosilver fluoride (NSF). METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of sterile saline, 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), SDF, SDF/KI, NSF, and KI solutions against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei was assessed through disc diffusion tests. A dual-species biofilm of S. mutans-L. casei was formed on 48 enamel samples, divided into six groups (n = 8). Group 1 was treated with sterile saline, Group 2 with 5% NaOCl, Group 3 with 2% CHX, Group 4 with SDF, Group 5 with SDF/KI, and Group 6 with NSF. The samples were analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis utilized Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests and multiple comparisons were conducted using Dunn test. RESULTS: SDF, SDF/KI, and NaOCl displayed significantly higher antibacterial activity against dual-species biofilm compared to NSF and CHX (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SDF and SDF/KI demonstrated greater antibacterial activity than NSF. SDF's antibacterial activity was unaffected by KI. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate content and concentration for achieving effective antibacterial activity with NSF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of silver-containing materials is increasing in popularity within pediatric dentistry. In this study, an endeavor has been made to assist pediatric dentists in determining which solution might be more advantageous for preventing caries.

PPTC7 limits mitophagy through proximal and dynamic interactions with BNIP3 and NIX.

PPTC7 is a mitochondrial-localized PP2C phosphatase that maintains mitochondrial protein content and metabolic homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that knockout of Pptc7 elevates mitophagy in a BNIP3- and NIX-dependent manner, but the mechanisms by which PPTC7 influences receptor-mediated mitophagy remain ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate that loss of PPTC7 upregulates BNIP3 and NIX post-transcriptionally and independent of HIF-1α stabilization. On a molecular level, loss of PPTC7 prolongs the half-life of BNIP3 and NIX while blunting their accumulation in response to proteasomal inhibition, suggesting that PPTC7 promotes the ubiquitin-mediated turnover of BNIP3 and NIX. Consistently, overexpression of PPTC7 limits the accumulation of BNIP3 and NIX protein levels in response to pseudohypoxia, a well-known inducer of mitophagy. This PPTC7-mediated suppression of BNIP3 and NIX protein expression requires an intact PP2C catalytic motif but is surprisingly independent of its mitochondrial targeting, indicating that PPTC7 influences mitophagy outside of the mitochondrial matrix. We find that PPTC7 exists in at least two distinct states in cells: a longer isoform, which likely represents full length protein, and a shorter isoform, which likely represents an imported, matrix-localized phosphatase pool. Importantly, anchoring PPTC7 to the outer mitochondrial membrane is sufficient to blunt BNIP3 and NIX accumulation, and proximity labeling and fluorescence co-localization experiments suggest that PPTC7 associates with BNIP3 and NIX within the native cellular environment. Importantly, these associations are enhanced in cellular conditions that promote BNIP3 and NIX turnover, demonstrating that PPTC7 is dynamically recruited to BNIP3 and NIX to facilitate their degradation. Collectively, these data reveal that a fraction of PPTC7 dynamically localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane to promote the proteasomal turnover of BNIP3 and NIX.

Earthquake victims in focus: a cross-sectional examination of trauma and management in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: After the Kahramanmaras earthquake of February 6, 2023, the disaster of the century, a significant number of victims were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). In this study, we aimed to share the characteristics and management of critical earthquake victims and shed light on our experiences as intensivists in future earthquakes. METHODS: The study included 62 earthquake victims in two tertiary ICUs. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics, trauma and disease severity scores, treatments administered to patients, and the clinical course of the patients were recorded retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, survivors and nonsurvivors, according to 7-day mortality and into two groups according to the duration of their stay under the rubble: those who remained under the rubble for 72 hours or less and those who remained under the rubble for more than 72 hours. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the best cutoff value for the 'Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech' (CRAMS) score. RESULTS: The median age of the 62 patients included in the study was 35.5 (23-53) years. The median length of stay under the rubble for the patients was 30.5 (12-64.5) hours. The patient was transferred to the ward with a maximum duration of 222 hours under the rubble. The limb (75.8%) was the most common location of trauma in patients admitted to the ICU. Crush syndrome developed in 96.8% of the patients. There was a positive correlation between the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and myoglobin, serum lactate, and uric acid levels (r = 0.372, p = 0.003; r = 0.307, p = 0.016; r = 0.428, p = 0.001, respectively). The best cutoff of the CRAMS score to predict in-7-day mortality was < 4.5 with 0.94 area under the curve (AUC); application of this threshold resulted in 75% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: Search and rescue operations should continue for at least ten days after an earthquake. The CRAMS score can be used to assess trauma severity and predict mortality in critically ill earthquake victims.

A DRP-like pseudoenzyme coordinates with MICOS to promote cristae architecture.

Mitochondrial cristae architecture is crucial for optimal respiratory function of the organelle. Cristae shape is maintained in part by the mitochondrial inner membrane-localized MICOS complex. While MICOS is required for normal cristae morphology, the precise mechanistic role of each of the seven human MICOS subunits, and how the complex coordinates with other cristae shaping factors, has not been fully determined. Here, we examine the MICOS complex in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a minimal model whose genome only encodes for four core subunits. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we identify a poorly characterized inner mitochondrial membrane protein that interacts with MICOS and is required to maintain cristae morphology, which we name Mmc1. We demonstrate that Mmc1 works in concert with MICOS complexes to promote normal mitochondrial morphology and respiratory function. Bioinformatic analyses reveal that Mmc1 is a distant relative of the Dynamin-Related Protein (DRP) family of GTPases, which are well established to shape and remodel membranes. We find that, like DRPs, Mmc1 self-associates and forms high molecular weight assemblies. Interestingly, however, Mmc1 is a pseudoenzyme that lacks key residues required for GTP binding and hydrolysis, suggesting it does not dynamically remodel membranes. These data are consistent with a model in which Mmc1 stabilizes cristae architecture by acting as a scaffold to support cristae ultrastructure on the matrix side of the inner membrane. Our study reveals a new class of proteins that evolved early in fungal phylogeny and is required for the maintenance of cristae architecture. This highlights the possibility that functionally analogous proteins work with MICOS to establish cristae morphology in metazoans.

Chitosan-based buccal mucoadhesive patches to enhance the systemic bioavailability of tizanidine.

Tizanidine hydrochloride (TZN) is a muscle relaxant used to treat a variety of disorders such as painful muscle spasms and chronic spasticity. TZN has low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and is used orally at a dose of 6-24 mg per day. In the present study, buccal patches were prepared by solvent casting method using chitosan glutamate (Chi-Glu) and novel chitosan azelate (Chi-Aze) which was synthesised in-house for the first time, to enhance the bioavailability of TZN by bypassing first-pass metabolism. The characterisation, mucoadhesion and drug release studies were performed. Chi-Aze patches retained their integrity longer in the buccal medium and showed higher ex vivo drug permeability compared to that prepared with Chi-Glu. In vivo studies revealed that buccal formulation fabricated with Chi-Aze (3%) showed approx 3 times more bioavailability than the orally administered commercial product. Results of the studies indicate that Chi-Aze, prepared by conjugation of chitosan and a fatty acid, the patch formulation is a promising buccal mucoadhesive system due to the physical stability in buccal medium, the good mucoadhesiveness and the high TZN bioavailability. Moreover, Chi-Aze patch might be an alternative to oral formulations of TZN to reduce the dose and frequency of drug administration.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound Imaging and Perioperative Measurement in the Diagnosis and Characterization of Incisional Hernia.

Background: Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after abdominal surgery, and there is no gold standard imaging modality for its diagnosis. Although computed tomography is frequently used in clinical practice, it has limitations such as radiation exposure and relatively high cost. The aim of this study is to establish standardization and hernia typing by comparing preoperative ultrasound (US) measurements and perioperative measurements in IH cases. Methods: The patients who were operated for IH in our institution between January 2020 and March 2021 were reviewed, retrospectively. In result, 120 patients were included in the study, and the cases had preoperative US images and perioperative hernia measurements. IH was divided into three subtypes as omentum (Type I), intestinal (Type II), and mixed (Type III) according to the defect content. Results: Type I IH was detected in 91 cases, Type II IH in 14 cases, and Type III IH in 15 cases. When the diameters of IH types were compared for preoperative US and perioperative measurements, respectively, there was no statistical significance (P = 0.185 and P = 0.262). According to Spearman correlation, there was a positive very strong correlation between preoperative US measurements and perioperative measurements (ρ = 0.861 and P < 0.001). Conclusion: As stated by our results, US imaging can be performed easily and quickly, providing a reliable way to accurately detect and characterize an IH. It can also facilitate the planning of surgical intervention in IH by providing anatomical information.

The outer mitochondrial membrane protein TMEM11 demarcates spatially restricted BNIP3/BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy.

Mitochondria play critical roles in cellular metabolism and to maintain their integrity, they are regulated by several quality control pathways, including mitophagy. During BNIP3/BNIP3L-dependent receptor-mediated mitophagy, mitochondria are selectively targeted for degradation by the direct recruitment of the autophagy protein LC3. BNIP3 and/or BNIP3L are upregulated situationally, for example during hypoxia and developmentally during erythrocyte maturation. However, it is not well understood how they are spatially regulated within the mitochondrial network to locally trigger mitophagy. Here, we find that the poorly characterized mitochondrial protein TMEM11 forms a complex with BNIP3 and BNIP3L and co-enriches at sites of mitophagosome formation. We find that mitophagy is hyper-active in the absence of TMEM11 during both normoxia and hypoxia-mimetic conditions due to an increase in BNIP3/BNIP3L mitophagy sites, supporting a model that TMEM11 spatially restricts mitophagosome formation.

Effects of Carvedilol on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the potential protective effect of Carvedilol against liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 each). Group I (Sham/Control group) underwent only laparotomy, Group II (Carvedilol group) was administered carvedilol and then underwent laparotomy, Group III (I/R group) underwent laparotomy and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, and Group IV (I/R + Carvedilol group) was administered carvedilol and then underwent laparotomy and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion. Blood samples were collected for malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) analysis. Liver sections were obtained for histopathological analysis and stained with hematoxy-lin-eosin. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Caspase-3 primary antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Serum GSH levels increased in the I/R + Carvedilol group. MPO activity was increased significantly in the IR group. In I/R + Carvedilol group, serum MPO levels were similar to the control group. Histopathological findings showed reduced dilatation and congestion in vena centralis, regenerative changes in hepatocyte cells with the protected nucleus structure in the I/R + Carvedilol group. Hepatocyte nuclei with increased pycnosis and apoptosis and the dilated vena centralis were observed in I/R group. In the control group, TNF-α showed a positive reaction in macrophage cells around vena centralis. An increase in TNF-α expression was observed in hepatocyte cells of I/R group. Positive expression of caspase-3 in hepatocyte cells and a small number of endothelial and Kupffer cells were seen in I/R group. However, negative caspase-3 expression was seen in hepatocyte, endothelial, and Kupffer cells in I/R + Carvedilol group. CONCLUSION: Carvedilol may prevent initiation of oxidative stress process, inflammation induction and apoptotic progression.

Evaluation of eryptosis in patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the result of reduced erythropoietin, disturbed erythropoiesis and decreased lifespan of circulating erythrocytes. Excessive eryptosis or premature suicidal erythrocyte death is characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine externalization. This study aimed to explore accelerated eryptosis and accompanying biochemical alterations in CKD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 106 CKD patients (59 predialysis [PreD] patients, 26 haemodialysis [HD] patients and 21 peritoneal dialysis [PD] patients) and a control group composed of 29 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Data on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (U/mL), annexin-V binding (mean fluorescent intensity, MFI) and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i; MFI) as well as the hematologic and biochemical parameters were recorded. RESULTS: The [Ca2+]i levels were 3.05 ± 1.66 MFI, 2.24 ± 0.99 MFI, 2.38 ± 0.87 MFI and 1.71 ± 0.46 MFI in the PreD, HD, PD and control groups, respectively. Other than significantly higher [Ca2+]i levels in the PreD group than in the control group (p < 0.001), no significant difference was noted between study groups in terms of [Ca2+]i. Annexin-V binding was 1.05 ± 0.99 MFI in PreD group, 1.15 ± 0.56 MFI in HD group, 1.06 ± 0.87 MFI in PD group, and 0.88 ± 0.86 MFI in controls. Annexin-V binding was significantly higher in PreD, HD and PD groups compared with the control group (p < 0.001 for each). SOD activity was 0.07 ± 0.07 in the PreD group, 0.13 ± 0.08 in the HD group, 0.14 ± 0.07 in the PD group, and 0.03 ± 0.01 in the control group. SOD activity in both HD and PD groups were significantly higher than control and PreD groups (p < 0.001 for each). Lower albumin, higher ferritin, and higher parathormon levels were found to be correlated with eryptosis biomarkers. Patients treated vs. non-treated with calcium channel blockers had significantly lower annexin-V binding levels (p = 0.013). Patients treated vs. non-treated with erythropoietin (EPO) had elevated annexin-V binding level (p < 0.001) and lower [Ca2+]i (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings revealed the presence accelerated eryptosis, as a potential contributing factor to development of anemia, in patients with CKD stages 3-5D. Inflamation and parathormon can also accelerate eryptosis. Favorable effect of CCB and EPO on eryptosis needs to be confirmed in larger scale studies.

The sensitivity of ultrasound in the clinical diagnosis of inguinal hernias in adults: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasonography (US) is a non-invasive, non-ionizing radiation modality highly successful at diagnosing inguinal hernia. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating defects of fascia in inguinal hernias and compare with surgical findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 33 patients with a sonographic diagnosis of an inguinal hernia are included to study. After US, all patients underwent a blinded surgery and the surgical findings are compared with the US results. RESULTS: The sensitivity of US was found to be 100% and 80% for indirect and direct types, respectively. The mean size of the defect was found to be 22 mm (max: 70 mm, min: 6 mm) with US; and 27 mm (max: 50 mm, min: 4 mm) at surgery. The size of defects at US and in surgery were correlated with each other (p = 0.001).

ER-localized phosphatidylethanolamine synthase plays a conserved role in lipid droplet formation.

The asymmetric distribution of phospholipids in membranes is a fundamental principle of cellular compartmentalization and organization. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), a nonbilayer phospholipid that contributes to organelle shape and function, is synthesized at several subcellular localizations via semiredundant pathways. Previously, we demonstrated in budding yeast that the PE synthase Psd1, which primarily operates on the mitochondrial inner membrane, is additionally targeted to the ER. While ER-localized Psd1 is required to support cellular growth in the absence of redundant pathways, its physiological function is unclear. We now demonstrate that ER-localized Psd1 sublocalizes on the ER to lipid droplet (LD) attachment sites and show it is specifically required for normal LD formation. We also find that the role of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PSD) enzymes in LD formation is conserved in other organisms. Thus we have identified PSD enzymes as novel regulators of LDs and demonstrate that both mitochondria and LDs in yeast are organized and shaped by the spatial positioning of a single PE synthesis enzyme.

Relationship between phosphorylamine-modification and molecular weight on transfection efficiency of chitosan.

The aim of this study is both to design the chitosan (Chi) nanoparticles with different Mw containing the phosphoester bonds and increase their amino function for the transfection. The phosphorylamine-modification of Chi and depolymerized Chi (DChi) was realized using o-phosphorylethanolamine (o-PEA) and characterized, for the first time. The nanoparticles (nMChi and nMDChi) were prepared by ionic gelation and their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, stability, gene binding capacity and cytotoxicity were examined. The effects of the Mw of Chi on the cytotoxicity, gene binding capacity, and in vitro transfection efficiency of the nanoparticles on Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293) cells were also examined. Green Fluorescent Protein Circular Plasmid DNA (pEGFN1) loaded nanoparticles (gnMChi and gnMDChi) were used in the transfection. This study showed that the Mw of phosphorylamine-modified Chi significantly affected the characteristics, cytotoxicity, gene binding capacity and transfection efficiency of the nanoparticles.

Perforated colorectal cancers: clinical outcomes of 18 patients who underwent emergency surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Although colon cancer perforations are rare among acute abdominal syndromes, it is a clinical picture with high mortality that requires urgent treatment. AIM: In this study, the clinical results of patients who were operated in emergency conditions due to colorectal cancer perforation were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 18 patients treated for colorectal cancer perforation in our clinic between February 2014 and February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were evaluated: demographic features of the patients, location of the tumour, metastasis, stage of the tumour, number of lymph nodes dissected, survival, type, and prognosis of the surgery. RESULTS: Eight (44%) of 18 patients with perforated colon cancers were female and 10 (56%) were male. The mean age was 65.2 (31-104) years. Four of the patients had liver metastasis only, and 5 had multiple metastases. All cases had sudden abdominal pain and acute abdominal clinical findings. Fourteen of the patients underwent full resection, and 4 of them underwent partial resection and trephine stoma (colostomy). Perioperative mortality was not observed. The long-term mortality rate in our study was 77.7% (n = 14), and the operative mortality rate was 44% (n = 8). Additional organ injuries occurred during resection in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer perforation seen in advanced ages is one of the causes of acute abdominal syndrome, which can be fatal. The general condition of the patient and the size and localization of the perforation should be taken into consideration in the choice of treatment. Curative surgery can also be performed in perforated colorectal cancers. However, partial resection and trephine colostomy should be performed in patients with multiple metastases and poor general condition.

Measurement of hiatal surface area and other hiatus oesophageal diameters at computed tomography imaging in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and its relationship with hiatal hernia.

BACKGROUND: The oesophageal hiatus is a long and oblique opening in the diaphragm where the thoracic section of the oesophagus passes into the abdomen. Enlarged hiatal surface and insufficiency are considered to be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH). In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the relationship and the presence of GERD with HH by performing hiatal surface area (HSA) and other hiatal measurements at the thorax and abdominal computed tomography (CT) images in cases without any intra-abdominal or oesophageal surgery history. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 192 patients of GERD+ and 173 cases with GERD- as a control group were included in the study. In CT examinations of 365 patients included in the study, measurements and comments were made by an experienced radiologist in abdominal radiology. In CT scans, the following were evaluated for each case; HSA, hiatus anterior-posterior (A-P) diameter, hiatus transverse diameter, and HH types. The HSA measurement was made with the freehand region of interest in the picture archiving and communication system. RESULTS: A total of 365 cases were included in this study; there was a significant difference between the median HSA, A-P diameter, and transverse diameter measurements between GERD- and GERD+ groups (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the presence of GERD and HH types (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CT imaging helps investigate the presence of HH at GERD+ patients. In addition, pre-operative valuable data can be obtained from the detection of HH types and HSA measurements in cases with HH.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourism: A DEMATEL method analysis on quarantine decisions.

Countries' most effective methods to reduce the impact of outbreaks are quarantine the regions during the pandemic periods. Quarantine decisions during a pandemic directly affect the hospitality industry. There is no universal guideline regarding the quarantine decision during a pandemic. There is a gap in the literature on making the right quarantine decisions to decrease the negative effect of a pandemic on the hospitality industry. To fill this gap, this study uses a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to help countries for quarantine decisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the critical hospitality industry indicators is the inter-regional travel flow between regions for local tourism. Data from the household domestic tourism survey obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) is used to acquire the number of people entering and exiting among regions. This study's findings indicate that Istanbul has an essential impact on Turkey's rest. The results also demonstrate that the DEMATEL method provides convenient solutions for quarantine decisions during a pandemic. The DEMATEL application results concerning the COVID-19 pandemic effect might shed light on the hospitality industry's prospects and challenges. This study's findings might be adopted to prepare the hospitality industry for the COVID-19 pandemic and similar pandemic.

Comparison of negative-pressure incision management system in wound dehiscence: A prospective, randomized, observational study.

Wound dehiscence is a significant problem faced by surgeons after major abdominal surgery. In this study, it was aimed to select the best incision management system to keep the incision edges together and prevent wound opening, and infection by protecting the incision. In this study, 60 patients who underwent abdominal surgery were evaluated regarding their risk of wound dehiscence. In our clinic, high-risk cases of abdominal surgery are performed, the risk factors being ischemia along the incision line, dirty and contaminated wound, obesity, tension on the suture line, traumatization of the wound site, age at onset (> 65), body mass index (BMI) > 30, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immunosuppressive drug users. A prospective study protocol was planned after ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status class assignment. Patients were divided into three groups: patients who underwent a postoperative negative-pressure therapy dressing, patients who underwent subcutaneous aspiration drainage, and patients who received standard dressing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the decompensation, surgical site infection, seroma, hospital stay and costs and to evaluate the results in the postoperative period. Sixty patients were randomized (n = 20, for each group). Thirty-one (51%) of the patients were male, and the mean age was 64.3 ± 8.9 (46-85). The mean BMI was 30.45 ± 7.2. There was no statistically significant difference (p≥0.05) between groups in terms of sex, age, and BMI. The ASA score and surgical interventions were similar between the groups. Wound dehiscence rate was 25% (n = 8), 20% (n = 6) and 3% (n = 1) for the Standard Dressing (SD), Aspiration Drainage (AD) and Negative-Pressure (NP) groups, respectively (p <0.017). Duration of hospitalization was 16.45 ± 6.6, 14.3 ± 7.4 and 8.95 ± 2.8 days (p <0.001) for SD, AD and NP groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding other variables (p≥0.05 for all variables). Negative-pressure wound treatment is an easy, fast and practical technique which reduces lateral tension and swelling. It provides perfusion support and helps to protect the surgical field against external sources of infection.

Investigation of base excision repair gene variants in late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Base excision repair (BER) defects and concomitant oxidative DNA damage accumulation play a role in the etiology and progression of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). However, it is not known whether genetic variant(s) of specific BER genes contribute to reduced BER activity in LOAD patients and whether they are associated with risk, development and/or progression of LOAD. Therefore, we performed targeted next generation sequencing for three BER genes, uracil glycosylase (UNG), endonuclease VIII-like DNA glycosylase 1 (NEIL1) and polymerase ß (POLß) including promoter, exonic and intronic regions in peripheral blood samples and postmortem brain tissues (temporal cortex, TC and cerebellum, CE) from LOAD patients, high-pathology control and cognitively normal age-matched controls. In addition, the known LOAD risk factor, APOE was included in this study to test whether any BER gene variants associate with APOE variants, particularly APOE ε4. We show that UNG carry five significant variants (rs1610925, rs2268406, rs80001089, rs1018782 and rs1018783) in blood samples of Turkish LOAD patients compared to age-matched controls and one of them (UNG rs80001089) is also significant in TC from Brazilian LOAD patients (p<0.05). The significant variants present only in CE and TC from LOAD are UNG rs2569987 and POLß rs1012381950, respectively. There is also significant epistatic relationship (p = 0.0410) between UNG rs80001089 and NEIL1 rs7182283 in TC from LOAD subjects. Our results suggest that significant BER gene variants may be associated with the risk of LOAD in non-APOE ε4 carriers. On the other hand, there are no significant UNG, NEIL1 and POLß variants that could affect their protein level and function, suggesting that there may be other factors such as post-transcriptional or-translational modifications responsible for the reduced activities and protein levels of these genes in LOAD pathogenesis. Further studies with increased sample size are needed to confirm the relationship between BER variants and LOAD risk.