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Vibration data analysis reserves a significant place in structural health monitoring practice since it can be employed for certain engineering problems such as locating damage and assessing damage severity by means of vibration signature interpretation. In this study, a damage detection study is carried out in light of vibration data analysis methods on a four-span bridge model by exploiting strain measurements. The concept of strain operating deflection shape along with an extraction method based on frequency and spatial domain decomposition is proposed. The damage-induced state of the bridge model is compared with the baseline state to detect and locate the damage. The result of strain analysis is also compared with acceleration analysis by simultaneous measurements of strain and acceleration. The power spectrum matrix of responses is estimated using digital signal processing principles. Besides the operating deflection shape analysis, operational modal analysis and correlation analysis of strain modes are conducted to identify and locate the damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational modal analysis (OMA), where only the responses are utilized, has been applied to various engineering problems more commonly due to its advantages in real life implementations. A frequency and spatial domain decomposition method for operational modal analysis making use of strain measurements is presented in this paper. With the proposed algorithm, accurate global characteristics of a structure can be obtained from only the measured strain responses. Singular value decomposition, power spectrum enhancement, and the least square fitting techniques are adopted to decouple and obtain the strain modes one by one. Strain modal analysis and acceleration modal analysis are conducted simultaneously to extract the modal parameters of a four-span bridge model with a pair of heavily coupled modes. The processes and the results are carefully compared with each other. Starting from the abnormal strain modes observed, the accidental change of a boundary condition of the bridge model is successfully detected, and also accurately located by the correlation calculation of strain mode shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with contraindication for beta-blockers who are also under long-term calcium channel-blocker therapy for any reason, ivabradine may be used as an alternative treatment to achieve the target heart rate. Purpose: To assess whether single dose oral ivabradine in patients referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is safe and can significantly decrease heart rate compared to intravenous (i.v.) metoprolol in patients receiving long-term calcium channel-blocker therapy. Material and Methods: One-hundred and twenty patients who were under calcium channel-blocker therapy referred for CCTA were randomized to premedication with single dose (15 mg) ivabradine (n = 63) or i.v. metoprolol (5-10 mg) (n = 62). Hearth rate (HR) was assessed at admission (HR1), prescan (HR2), and during CCTA scan (HR3) for all patients. Blood pressure (BP) was measured before medication (BP1) and immediately before CCTA scan (BP2). Results: Although the HR averages of two groups were not significantly different before medication (HRIv1 = 80 ± 7 bpm vs. HRβ1 = 81 ± 7 bpm; P = 0.42), significant HR reduction was observed in the ivabradine group (HRIv3 = 62 ± 7 bpm) when compared to the metoprolol group (HRβ3 = 66 ± 6 bpm; P = 0.001). Decreases in HR forivabradine (18 ± 6 bpm) was significantly higher than for metoprolol (15 ± 4 bpm; P = 0.003) without relevant side-effects. Ivabradine showed no significant effect on either systolic BP or diastolic BP (siBPIv1, 139 ± 10; siBPIv2, 138 ± 10; P = 0.260; diBPIv1, 81 ± 7; diBPIv2, 81 ± 6; P = 0.59). Nevertheless, metoprolol group demonstrated significant reduction in both SiBP and DiBP (siBPβ1, 136 ± 11; siBPβ2 130 ± 11; P < 0.001; diBPβ1, 81 ± 6; diBPβ2, 78 ± 6; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Single dose ivabradine is safe and significantly more effective than i.v. metoprolol in decreasing HR in patients under calcium channel-blocker therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate depression and sexual dysfunction in female patients with mucocutaneous Behçet's disease ( BD). Methods Twenty-five consecutive, sexually active premenopausal female patients with mucocutaneous BD (mean age: 34.76 ± 4.61 SD years) followed at a rheumatology outpatient clinic were enrolled into the study. The control group consisted of 27 age-matched (mean age: 37.0 ± 4.6 SD years), sexually active, healthy volunteers. The Female Sexual Function Index ( FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI) were used for sexual and psychiatric assessment. Results Depression was found in four of 27 (14.8%) in the control group and eight of 25 (32%) in the BD group ( P = 0.01). The median total FSFI score for patients with BD was 21.85 (interquartile range [ IQR]: 18.25-27.9) and for healthy controls, 27 ( IQR 21.5-29.3; P = 0.03). Female sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 14 of 25 (56%) in the BD group and in 11 of 27 (41%) in the control group ( P = 0.27). The pain domain was significantly higher in the BD group at 5.6 (4.4-6.0) than in the control group at 4.4 (3.2-5.5; P = 0.03). None of the other domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction) of the BD and control groups were different. There were no statistically significant differences between the FSFI, BDI scores and presence of genital ulceration in the BD patients. Conclusion Depression and FSD were more common in the patients with BD than in the healthy subjects. This might have been a result of the depressive effect of chronic disease as well as BD and low androgen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze-drying is a common method for preservation of probiotics, including bifidobacteria, for further industrial applications. However, the stability of freezedried bifidobacteria varies depending on the freezedrying method and subsequent storage conditions. The primary goals of this study were to develop an optimized freeze-drying procedure and to determine the effects of temperature, water activity, and atmosphere on survival of freeze-dried bifidobacteria. To address these goals, a commercially used bifidobacteria strain that is resilient to stress, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12, and a characterized intestinal strain that is more sensitive to stress conditions, Bifidobacterium longum DJO10A, were used. A freeze-drying protocol was developed using trehalose as the cryoprotectant, which resulted in almost no loss of viability during freeze-drying. Resuscitation medium, temperature, and time did not significantly influence recovery rates when this cryoprotectant was used. The effects of temperature (-80 to 45°C), water activity (0.02 to 0.92), and atmosphere (air, vacuum, and nitrogen) were evaluated for the stability of the freeze-dried powders during storage. Freeze-dried B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12 was found to survive under all conditions tested, with optimum survival at temperatures up to 21°C, water activities up to 0.44, and all 3 atmospheres tested. The intestinal-adapted strain B. longum DJO10A was much more sensitive to the different storage conditions, but could be adequately maintained using optimum conditions. These optimum storage conditions included frozen storage, replacement of oxygen with nitrogen, and water activities between 0.11 and 0.22. These results indicated that an optimized storage environment is required to maintain viability of stress-sensitive bifidobacteria strains, whereas stress-resilient bifidobacteria strains can maintain viability over a wide range of storage conditions, which is practical in countries where controlled cold storage conditions may not be readily available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sialadenosis is an uncommon, noninflammatory condition which usually causes bilateral, diffuse enlargement of the salivary glands, particularly of the parotid. Sialadenosis has been associated most often with alcoholism, eating disorders, malnutrition, medications and diabetes mellitus. Herein, we describe a case report of a patient with sialadenosis precipitated by poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Bone mineral density (BMD) loss and progressive bone loss have been detected in patients with untreated hyperprolactinemia. It is unclear in patients with mild hyperprolactinemia. Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate bone metabolism through bone mineral density by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bone turnover markers in premenopausal women with prolactinoma. Design, Subjects and Methods. Twenty five patients newly diagnosed with prolactinoma and treated surgically and/or medically, but whose prolactin levels were above the normal limits (PRL > 25 μg/L) and 25 healthy controls were included in the study, which was conducted at the Cerrahpasa Medical School, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism outpatient clinic. Bone mineral density was measured using the DXA method. Bone turn-over markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, Type I collagen Ntelopeptide (NTX) and Type I collagen CTelopeptide (CTX) levels were determined. Results. The only significant difference in bone density (p=0.02) was in L4 lumbar vertebrae. There were no significant differences between the patient and the control groups in ALP, osteocalcin, NTX, and CTX levels. Conclusion. There were no significant differences between the patient and the control groups in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers, except in the L4 lumbar vertebrae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism consists of vitamin D analogues in combination with oral calcium supplementation. This treatment modalities induce chronic hypercalciuria which leads to nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis and renal insufficiency. Here we report the case of a 32-year-old woman who developed hypocalcemia and hypercalciuria under treatment with high doses of vitamin D analogs and oral calcium. She had cerebral calcification, nephrocalcinosis under this treatment. Stable calcium levels were achieved with synthetic human parathyroid hormone treatment that was given in alternate days. PTH appears to be an alternative and effective treatment in hypoparathyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To assess preptin concentrations in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and in the cord blood of their fetuses.Study Design:In all, 31 pregnant women with GDM and 31 gestational age-matched healthy pregnant subjects participated. Maternal serum and cord blood preptin levels were measured with ELISA. The relationships between maternal serum and cord blood preptin levels, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were also assessed.Result:Maternal serum and cord blood preptin levels were found higher in patients with GDM compared with control pregnant women. Preptin concentration in maternal serum was positively correlated with maternal age, fasting insulin levels, 1-h blood glucose after glucose load and cord preptin concentrations at birth. However, relationships between maternal and/or cord serum preptin and fetal growth parameters at birth were not detected.Conclusion:Our results indicate that preptin concentrations increase in maternal serum of women with GDM. Preptin levels may provide a novel approach to identify women with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between maternal serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) and pregnancy outcomes in women with familial mediterranean fever (FMF). BACKGROUND: FMF exists worldwide, it primarily affects Mediterranean countries. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 269 pregnant women, who underwent a routine prenatal follow-up and delivery in our hospital from 2016 to 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including age, gravida, parity, abortus, proteinuria in the first trimester, NLR, obstetrical complications, gestational age at delivery, birthweight were retrieved from the patients' medical records. Data from 67 pregnant women with FMF and 202 healthy pregnant women were compared. RESULTS: Patients with FMF showed higher rates of preeclampsia and primary caesarean delivery; however, there were no differences between the groups in terms of other obstetric complications or adverse neonatal outcomes. In both the FMF and control groups, NLRs in the third trimester were significantly higher than those in the first trimester. Additionally, patients in the FMF group demonstrated higher NLRs than patients in the control group in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The NLRs are a haematological parameter that can be used to predict subclinical inflammation and the effects of ongoing subclinical inflammation on the pregnancy outcomes in women with FMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 28-year old woman with acardiacus acephalus type twin pregnancy. It states that a monochorionic, monoamniotic twin pregnancy with a live fetus and an acardiac fetus was diagnosed through ultrasonography. It mentions that the acardiac twin, which measured 11 cm in length, was seriously distorted and generally swollen. It adds that the woman delivered a still born normal fetus and an acardiac, acephalic fetus.

The effect of salinity on the conformation of proteins of four salt-tolerant M generation mutants of soybean plants (S04-05/150-2, S04-05/150-8, S04-05/150-106, and S04-05/150-114) was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Salinity is one of the important abiotic stress factors that limits growth and productivity of plants. The mutants belonging to the M generation were determined as tolerant to 90 mM NaCl. The relative contents of α-helix, β-sheet, turn, and irregular conformations for the soybean protein isolates were determined depending on the analysis of the amide I region. The comparison of the secondary structures of soybean proteins of the mutants with those of the control group indicated that the α-helix structure percentage was diminished while β-turn and disordered structures were increased as a result of the salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Data about iodine status in pregnant women in Turkey is not sufficient. We aimed to determine the iodine status, goiter prevalence, iodized salt consumption among first trimester pregnant women living in Edirne. Design and Setting. Cross-sectional study was performed on pregnant women living in Edirne. Subjects and Methods. A total of 275 pregnant women in their first trimester were examined regarding iodized salt use, median urinary iodine concentration (UIC), presence or absence of goitre and thyroid function. Goitre status was determined by palpation. Participants filled out a questionnaire, which included questions regarding sociodemographic features, iodized salt consumption, knowledge, and behavior regarding iodine deficiency. UIC was measured using colorimetric method based on Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Thyroid hormones and TSH were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassays. Results. While the proportion of iodized salt use was 96.6%, UIC was below 150 µg/L in 88.4% of the women. The median UIC was 77 µg/L, indicating insufficient iodine intake. Total goitre rate was 19.3%. Conclusions. Our study shows that iodine deficiency is a serious problem among pregnant women in Edirne. We suggest that pregnant women living in Edirne should be supplemented by iodine-containing preparations in addition to iodized salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the role of endometrial concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in the aetiology of unexplained infertility. Study design Thirty-three women with unexplained infertility and 32 fertile women were recruited. Endometrial biopsies were collected during the putative window of implantation (cycle days 20-24). The concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic were measured in endometrial biopsy specimens using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results Cadmium was detected in 91% (30/33) of women with unexplained infertility, compared with 34% (11/32) of fertile women. The median endometrial cadmium concentration was 19.58 (interquartile range 1.46-30.23) μg/l in women with unexplained infertility, compared with 0.00 (interquartile range 0.00-0.40) μg/l in fertile women. Lead was detected in 15% (5/33) of women with unexplained infertility and 3% (1/32) of fertile women. Mercury and arsenic were not detected in any endometrial samples from either group. Conclusion A significant difference in endometrial cadmium concentration was found between women with unexplained infertility and fertile women. This suggests that cadmium may be a contributing factor in the aetiology of unexplained infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic efficiency of resveratrol in the treatment of experimental endometriosis in rats. Settings and Design: Experimental study was carried out in a University hospital. Materials and Methods: Endometriosis was surgically induced in 24 female rats. Four weeks after this procedure, the viability and dimensions of the endometriosis foci were recorded. Rats were then randomly divided into three groups: (1) Control group (n = 8); (2) low dose (10 mg/kg) resveratrol group (n = 8); (3) high dose (100 mg/kg) resveratrol group (n = 8). At the end of the 7-day treatment, blood samples were taken and laparotomy was performed. The endometrial implants were processed for biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical studies. Statistical Analysis Used: The Kruskal-Wallis H test and one-way ANOVA test were used. Results: Resveratrol-treated rats showed significantly reduced endometriotic implant volumes (P = 0.004). After treatment, a significant and dose-dependent increase in activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in serum and tissue of the rats in Group 2 and Group 3 was detected. Similarly, serum and tissue malonyl dialdehyde levels and tissue catalase levels were significantly higher in Group 3 than that of control animals. Histological scores and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression levels were also significantly reduced in Group 2 and Group 3 than that of control group. Conclusion: In a rat endometriosis model, resveratrol showed potential ameliorative effects on endometriotic implants probably due to its potent antioxidative properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied premature atherosclerosis with carotid Doppler ultrasonography in active acromegaly before and after treatment. Patients (n = 27) with active acromegaly and 12 age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Carotid intima–media thickness was decreased significantly in the inactive group after treatment (median: 0.6 mm, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.55-0.80]) when compared with the active group (median: 0.9 mm [IQR: 0.75-1.15], P < .0001), but there was no significant difference between the inactive and control groups. There was a correlation between homeostasis model of assessment–insulin resistance (P = .01, r = .41) and growth hormone (GH; P < .0001, r = .46). In conclusion, premature atherosclerosis was demonstrated in active acromegaly patients probably as a consequence of insulin resistance and direct vascular effects of GH and/or insulin-like growth factor 1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary: This study was performed to evaluate whether the use of drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis in women is associated with COVID-19 outcomes. The results showed that the risk of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and mortality was not altered in individuals taking anti-osteoporosis drugs, suggesting no safety issues during a COVID-19 infection. Introduction: Whether patients with COVID-19 receiving anti-osteoporosis drugs have lower risk of worse outcomes has not been reported yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of anti-osteoporosis drug use with COVID-19 outcomes in women. Methods: Data obtained from a nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 11th to May 30th, 2020 was retrieved from the Turkish Ministry of Health Database. Women 50 years or older with confirmed COVID-19 who were receiving anti-osteoporosis drugs were compared with a 1:1 propensity score-matched COVID-19 positive women who were not receiving these drugs. The primary outcomes were hospitalization, ICU (intensive care unit) admission, and mortality. Results: A total of 1997 women on anti-osteoporosis drugs and 1997 control patients were analyzed. In the treatment group, 1787 (89.5%) women were receiving bisphosphonates, 197 (9.9%) denosumab, and 17 (0.9%) teriparatide for the last 12 months. Hospitalization and mortality rates were similar between the treatment and control groups. ICU admission rate was lower in the treatment group (23.0% vs 27.0%, p = 0.013). However, multivariate analysis showed that anti-osteoporosis drug use was not an independent associate of any outcome. Hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality rates were similar among bisphosphonate, denosumab, or teriparatide users. Conclusion: Results of this nationwide study showed that preexisting use of anti-osteoporosis drugs in women did not alter the COVID-19-related risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. These results do not suggest discontinuation of these drugs during a COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of the surgical landmarks on the lateral surface of the mastoid bone with the landmarks in a deeper location. Simple mastoidectomy was carried out without drilling over the linea temporalis inferior (LTI) on 20 adult temporal bones. The suprameatal spine, i.e., Henle spine (HS), variants were noted. Morphometric measurements were performed between these surgical landmarks, and their variations with pneumatization or HS types were evaluated. Three types of HS were identified: triangular, crest, absent. The HS–lateral semicircular canal distance was 15 mm on average and longer in bones with a triangular HS than a crest type HS (16.4 vs. 14.3 mm). The LTI was found to be located on average 4.7 mm inferior to the middle fossa dural plate (MFD). The LTI–MFD distance had a tendency to be longer in bones without an HS than with a crest type of HS (5.9 vs. 3.9 mm). Chorda tympani emerged from the facial nerve at the stylomastoid foramen in five specimens (25%). This anatomical organization was not correlated with the type of HS. Korner’s septum (KS) was identified in nine bones (45%). It was present in eight of 16 (50%) bones with good pneumatization. No tendency for the existence of KS was found for any specific type of HS. This study confirms that the mastoid antrum is located 15 mm deep to the lateral surface of the mastoid bone. It should be expected to be longer in bones with a triangular HS. In addition, the MFD is located on average 5 mm above the LTI, which could be useful information for beginners or inexperienced surgeons. The ear surgeon should anticipate that the MFD might be longer in bones without an HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivation of Corylus avellana L. in Turkey is performed generally in the northern regions where it is an important source of livelihood for the local farmers. More than 70% of world hazelnut production is supplied by Turkey, but compared with other countries, Turkey's hazelnut production area is quite narrow. In this study was aimed to develop an effective in vitro production for seven local cultivars of C. avellana. Therefore, WPM medium supplemented with 6Benzylaminopurine (BAP) was modified by using single or in combination of FeEDDHA, AgNO3, H3BO3, charcoal and gibberellic acid. In all varieties, the best regeneration rates varying between 68% and 94% were obtained from WPM medium supplemented with 4.4 µM BAP, 27.8 µM FeEDDHA and 10g/L Charcoal. Genetic stability of shoots derived from meristem culture using the best medium was analysed using ISSR primers, when the gel images of the PCR products were examined, no polymorphic band was observed in samples collected from seven provinces, and the genetic stability was determined as 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the clinical outcomes of cervical esophageal carcinoma patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The clinical data of 180 patients received concurrent CRT between April 2005 and September 2021 at 17 institutions were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with curative intent CRT. Only patients treated with definitive intent, and squamous histology were analyzed. Patients who were treated with adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting or adenocarcinoma histology were excluded. The primary endpoint was LC, and the secondary endpoints were PFS and OS. Median age was 56 years (range; 26-87 years). Mean tumor size was 4.9 ± 2.1 cm. Majority of patients (60.6%) are female, had extensive T stage (78.9%), and regional lymph node metastasis (60.6%). Median fraction and total radiation doses were 2 Gy (range, 1.8-2.3 Gy) and 60 Gy (45-72 Gy), respectively delivered in median 30 fractions (range, 23-38 fr). Thirty-six patients (20%) were treated with 3-D conformal radiotherapy (RT) and 144 patients (80%) received intensity modulated RT (IMRT). Majority of the patients (49.4%) received concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy with a median 5 cycles (range, 1-8). Median follow-up was 20.7 months (range, 2.4-155.2 months). The 2-year OS and PFS rates were 58.7% and 47%, respectively. The 2-year LC was 69.5%. In univariate analysis ECOG performance score (p:0.01) and treatment response (p<0.001) were significant prognostic factors for OS and PFS. In multivariate analysis ECOG score 2 (HR=1.94, 95%CI, 1.18-3.18, p=0.009) and incomplete treatment response (HR=4.42, 95%CI, 2.80-6.99, p<0.001) were independent predictors for worse OS. In multivariate analysis ECOG score 2 (HR=1.73, 95%CI, 1.0.7-3.79, p=0.003) and incomplete treatment response (HR=4.42, 95%CI, 2.88-6.74, p<0.001) were independent predictors for worse PFS. We found that CRT is a safe and effective treatment modality in patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma. The treatment response and patient performance status were predictive for survival. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the ability of some hematologic prognostic scores demonstrating inflammation in predicting sperm presence in testicular sperm extraction ( TESE). We retrospectively investigated the medical data of 430 patients with the diagnosis of non-obstruc tive azoospermia ( NOA) who had undergone TESE operation consecutively in our institution between the dates of January 2009 and February 2017. In all, 352 patients with the diagnosis of NOA, with bilaterally palpable vas deferens, who had undergone TESE for the first time, were included in the study. Patients with genetic anomalies, genital infection, history of surgery or vasectomy, chronic diseases, history of inflammatory, metabolic, rheumatologic, or malignant diseases, morbid obesity, with the diagnosis of clinical varicocele, or patients who had undergone TESE for the second time were excluded from the study. According to the results of TESE, the patients were divided into two groups as those with sperm retrieval and those without sperm retrieval. These groups were compared in terms of age, infertility duration, body mass index, hormone profile, hematologic parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ( NRL), monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio ( MER), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio ( PLR). The NLR and PLR levels were found to be significantly higher in patients without sperm retrieval at TESE compared to those with sperm retrieval. The logistic regression analysis showed NLR as an independent factor that showed the presence of spermatozoa at TESE (odds ratio: 4.786, %95 confidence interval: 2.667-8.589, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve ( AUC) for the PLR was determined to be 0.574. As the calculated AUC value of the PLR was below 0.6, there was insufficient evidence determined at TESE to say that it was a reliable marker to indicate the presence of spermatozoa. The area of the MER value under the ROC curve was not statistically significant. It has been demonstrated that systemic inflammation negatively affects the probability of extracting spermatozoa in TESE and NLR is an independent factor indicating the presence of spermatozoa in TESE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly being used to treat oligometastatic cancers, but high-level evidence to support policy decisions is lacking in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic factors for survival in oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with SBRT in a multicentric setting. The clinical data of 437 oligometastatic CRC patients who received metastasis directed treatment (MDT) via SBRT at 18 institutions between February 2007 and February 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients either had de novo oligometastasis (≤5 metastases) at the time of diagnosis or had oligometastatic recurrences during follow-up. All patients were treated with the goal of curing their metastasis, and 839 lesions were irradiated. The average age was 61 years (range; 27-92 years). The majority of patients (58.8%) had colon carcinoma with a single organ metastasis (88.8 %). The average number of metastatic lesions was 2 (range, 1-5). There were 103 patients with liver metastasis, 222 patients with lung metastasis, 58 patients with lymph node metastasis, 60 patients with bone metastasis, 32 patients with brain metastasis, and 6 patients with other organ metastasis. Before RT, the median CEA and Ca-19-9 levels were 5.16 ng/mL (range: 0-8181.1 ng/mL) and 19.4 (range: 0.60 - 3693), respectively. After RT, the median CEA and Ca-19-9 were 5.00 ng/mL (range, 0.4-5693v ng/mL) and 18 (range, 0 - 6577), respectively. The average period of follow-up was 15.2 months (range, 0.3-91.5 months). The rates of OS and PFS after two years were 76.3 % and 28.1 %, respectively. Age (p<0.001), pre-RT CEA (p=0.006), pre-RT Ca19-9 (p=0.02), post-RT CEA (p=0.01), and post-RT Ca19-9 (p=0.02) were all significant prognostic factors for OS in univariate analysis. Age (HR=1.03, 95 % CI, 1.01-1.04, p=0.004) and pre-RT CEA (HR=1.01, 95 % CI, 1.00-1.02, p=0.04) were independent predictors of OS in multivariate analysis, while post-RT CEA (HR=1.93, 95 % CI, 1.28-2.90, p=0.002) was an independent predictor of PFS. SBRT to oligometastatic lesions was found to be a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with colorectal cancer. Survival was predicted by age, baseline CEA, and the Ca19-9 response to MDT. Additional prospective studies with larger cohorts are necessary to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Under conditions of oxidative stress, cell apoptosis is triggered through the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are linked to excess cell loss and mediate the initiation of apoptosis in a diverse range of cell types. The aims of this study were to assess intracellular Ca(2+) release, ROS production, and caspase-3, and -9 activation in ARPE-19 cells during the blue light-mediated cell death, and to examine a potential protective effect of melatonin and amfenac, in the apoptotic cascade.Methods: ARPE-19 cells were cultured in their medium. First, MTT tests were performed to determine the protective effects of amfenac and melatonin. Cells were then exposed to blue light irradiation in an incubator. Intracellular Ca(2+) release experiments, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, apoptosis assay, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and ROS experiments were done according to the method stated in the Materials and methods section.Results: Cell death was clearly associated with increased levels of ROS production, as measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, and associated increase in Ca(2+) levels, as measured by Fura-2-AM. Blue light-induced cell death was associated with an increased level of caspase-3 and 9, suggesting mediation via the apoptotic pathway. Cell death was also associated with mitochondrial depolarization. Melatonin was shown to delay these three steps.Conclusion: Melatonin, amfenac, and their combination protect ARPE-19 cells against blue light-triggered ROS accumulation and caspase-3 and -9 activation. The antiapoptotic effect of melatonin and amfenac at doses inhibiting caspase synthesis modified Ca(2+) release and prevented excessive ROS production, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to age-related macular degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To investigate perceptual, acoustic and aerodynamic voice parameters in obese individuals.Methods:Twenty obese and 20 normal-weight volunteers underwent voice evaluation by laryngoscopy, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic measurement and perceptual analysis (using the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain (‘GRBAS') scale and the Voice Handicap Index 10 scale). Data from both subject groups were compared.Results:No difference was found in acoustic analysis parameters between the two groups (p > 0.05). Maximum phonation time in the obese group (mean ± standard deviation, 19.6 ± 4.9 seconds) was significantly shorter than in controls (26.4 ± 4.1 seconds) (p < 0.001), although the s/z ratio was very similar between the two groups. In the obese and control groups, the mean ± standard deviation grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scores were 1 ± 1.3 and 0.2 ± 0.6 (p = 0.002) and the mean ± standard deviation Voice Handicap Index 10 scores were 0.5 ± 1.2 and 1.2 ± 1.7 (p = 0.27), respectively.Conclusion:Obese individuals had poorer vocal quality as judged by the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale, and reduced maximum phonation time. However, there was no change in voice quality as assessed by acoustic analysis and Vocal Handicap Index 10 score, compared with controls. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The photoconductivity of p-i-n GaInNAs/GaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) mesa structures is investigated. When illuminated with photons at energy greater than the GaAs bandgap, a number of oscillations are observed in the current–voltage I–V characteristics. The amplitude and position of the oscillations is shown to depend upon the temperature, as well as upon the exciting wavelength and intensity. Due to the absence of the oscillations in the dark I–V and at temperatures above T =200K, we explain them in terms of photogenerated electrons escaping from quantum wells via tunnelling or thermionic emission. Magnetic fields up to B =11T were applied parallel to the planes of the QWs. A small voltage shift in the position of the oscillations was observed, proportional to the magnetic field intensity and dependent upon the temperature. Calculation of the Landau level energy separation (16meV) agrees with the observed experimental data. Magneto-tunnelling spectroscopy probes in detail the nature of band- or impurity-like states responsible for resonances in first and second subbands, observing the I–V plot in dark condition and under illumination. The field-dependence of the amplitude of the oscillation peaks in I–V has the characteristic form of a quantum mechanical admixing effect. This enhancement is also probably due to the hole recombination with majority electrons tunnelling in the N-related states of the quantum wells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]