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Background. The incidence of malignancy is heightened in individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Despite a decrease in the incidence of HIV infection resulting from antiretroviral therapy (ART), the prevalence of HIV-associated malignancies remains substantial. Objective. Our objective was to examine the types of cancer that initially manifest in individuals infected with HIV or emerge during their subsequent observation period. Material and method. The study conducted a retrospective analysis of demographic characteristics, malignancy types, presenting symptoms, mode of transmission, HIV-RNA levels, and CD4/CD8 ratios in individuals living with HIV who developed malignancies and were under follow-up at the Infectious Diseases Polyclinic between October 2018 and December 2022. Results. Out of the 465 patients who were monitored during the study, 27 individuals (5.8%) were diagnosed with various malignancies. Among these patients, 22 (81%) were men and 5 (19%) were women. The average age of the patients ranged from 45.87 to 9.12 years. Among the patients, 17 (63%) were married and 10 (17%) were single. In terms of education, 16 patients (59.3%) had completed primary school, 7 patients (25.9%) were university graduates, and 4 patients (14.8%) had completed high school. The mode of HIV transmission in all patients was through sexual intercourse. The reasons for testing varied, with 8 patients (29.7%) being tested due to fever, 6 patients (22.2%) before undergoing surgery, 3 patients (11.1%) due to weight loss, and 2 patients (7.4%) tested for reasons such as job application, diarrhea, pre-blood donation, lymphadenomegaly, and dysphagia. The most common types of malignancies observed in the patients were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with 11 cases (40.7%), followed by Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) with 5 cases (18.5%), and cervical carcinoma with 3 cases (11.1%). Conclusion. The incidence of cancer is higher among individuals with HIV. There is a need to enhance the awareness among both healthcare providers who specialize in HIV care and those who do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the overall characteristics and clinical and laboratory data of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases followed up in our clinic during the pandemic. Material and Methods: Our study included 60 HIV/AIDS patients who were followed up in our center between January 1, 2020 and June 1, 2022. This study was conducted at the Department of Infection Disease, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital. Retrospective crosssectional study. Results: In this study, 57 were male (95%), 3 were female (5%), and the median age was 35 (27-45) years. The median value of HIV-RNA was 168.31 IU/mL. In serological tests, 36% (n=21) of the patients were positive for Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG (n=59) 98%, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n=2) 3.4%, venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) (n=10) 17%, and T. pallidum antibody (n=15) 25.9%. CD4 T-cell count: 329 cells/µL, 17% CD4, CD8 cell count: 888 cells/µL, 53% CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio: 0.35. The prevalence of serological markers of the patients was as follows: antihepatitis A virus IgG was positive in 45 (77.6%), hepatitis B surface antigen 0%, hepatitis B surface antibody 32 (55.2%), hepatitis B core antibody-IgG 17 (29.3%), anti-HCV 2 (3.4%), VDRL 10 (17.2%), anti-Treponema pallidum 15 (25.9%), CMV-IgG 59 (98%), and Toxo-IgG 21 (36.2%). Conclusion: In recent years, it has been observed that our patients can express their sexual identities more easily, and therefore, the rate of unknown transmission has decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Scabies, an infestation affecting individuals of all ages, poses significant public health implications due to its potential for epidemics and transmission within households. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic data of patients diagnosed with scabies between the years 2022 and 2023. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Outpatient Clinics between January 2022 and November 2023 was conducted, with symptoms of itching and rash, and was diagnosed with scabies during the first admission. The patients of all age groups were included in the study. Results: A total of 1261 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 30.0 (0.0-93.0) years and 669 (53.0%) were male. In 2022, 521 (41.3%) patients were diagnosed with scabies, while in 2023, the number increased to 740 (58.7%). Among the total patients, 167 (13.2%) were admitted from outside the province, with 77 (6.1%) in 2022 and 90 (7.1%) in 2023. Interestingly, 114 (9.0%) patients were diagnosed with scabies while hospitalized for reasons unrelated to scabies itself. This includes 16 (1.3%) patients in 2022 and 98 (7.8%) patients in 2023. Conclusion: Scabies are an escalating public health concern that has the potential to trigger epidemics. Primary health-care institutions, specialty associations, and the General Directorate of Public Health play vital roles in recognizing the disease, coordinating treatment strategies, and disseminating preventive measures to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine the utility of CD4 T lymphocyte counts and percentages and CD4/CD8 ratios as markers for the progression of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active tuberculosis (TB) infection in HIV-positive patients followed in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Polyclinic of our hospital. Methods: The files of 530 HIV-positive patients were retrospectively analyzed. "Tuberculin skin test" (TST) was applied after the anti-HIV test was positive. Asymptomatic patients with a TST =5 mm were considered TB negative, patients with a TST =5 mm were considered LTBI, and all symptomatic patients (fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss) regardless of TST result were considered as active TB infection. CD4 counts and percentages and CD4/CD8 ratios were calculated and the relationship between LTBI and active TB infection was evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test and independent sample t-test. Results: During the specified period, 530 patients were admitted to the HIV Outpatient Clinic. There were 43 (8.11%) patients in the LTBI group, of whom 4 (9.3%) were female and 39 (90.7%) were male. CD4 was <200 mm² in 7 (16.3%) patients and >200 mm² in 36 (83.7%) patients. The mean CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.55 (0.08-1.45). 21 (3.96%) patients had symptoms of fever, cough, night sweats and weight loss and were diagnosed with active TB infection. Among these patients, 1 (4.8%) was female and 20 (95.2%) were male. CD4 was <200 mm² in 5 (23.8%) patients and >200 mm² in 16 (76.2%) patients. The mean CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.38 (0.07-1.8). The difference in CD4 counts between patients with LTBI and active TB infection was not significant, but the difference in CD4/CD8 ratio was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Immune dysfunction that occurs in HIV and TB co-infection facilitates the activation of LTBI. While CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were not significant as risk markers, CD4/CD8 ratio was found as significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the vessel wall. It is usually limited to the skin but may rarely affect organs such as the kidney. A 58-year-old female patient presented with palpable petechiae-purpura on the skin after initiating metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Renal biopsy was performed due to hematuria and proteinuria. The renal biopsy showed proliferative glomerulonephritis. After other causes of vasculitis were excluded, a diagnosis of metformin-induced vasculitis was considered. The patient was started on methylprednisolone and azathioprine treatment. Skin findings disappeared completely after two months, and glomerulonephritis resolved at 9 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Immunosuppressive therapy in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is indispensable for patient and kidney survival. There is a controversy about whether the risks of plasma exchange treatment override the probability of kidney-related outcomes. Hence, the question arises in which conditions the plasma exchange will be required? In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of plasma exchange adding to immunosuppressive therapy in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 57 patients with biopsy-proven anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. We grouped patients according to treatment options with or without plasma exchange. We investigated the 1-year and 5-year patients and kidney outcomes. Results: Thirty-six (63.2%) of 57 patients were treated with plasma exchange besides the routine immunosuppressive treatment. Sixteen (44.5%) of 36 patients were with active pulmonary hemorrhage and the remaining 20 (55.5%) were with vasculitic pulmonary involvement. The survival rate was 80.7% and 68.8% in the first and fifth year, respectively. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis model, risk factors affecting patient survival were age >50 years (hazard ratio = 17.11 P = .034), pulmonary involvement (hazard ratio = 13.25, P =.02), positive perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (hazard ratio = 5.93, P =.036), and lower albumin level (hazard ratio = 0.18, P =.014). It is found that C-reactive protein level and plasma exchange did not relate to better patient and kidney outcomes (P > .05). Conclusions: In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, although pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary involvement are serious complications, plasma exchange did not provide additional benefit to standard treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels are commonly employed as prognostic and inflammatory indices, given their ease in assessment, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of serum beta-2 microglobulin as a marker in geriatric patients and establish its role in frailty assessment. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 participants aged>65 years. Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels were compared with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor Tumor Necrosis Factor-a, and vitamin D levels. To determine whether beta-2 microglobulin is an effective marker for frailty assessment, the study was divided into frail and non-frail patients, except for the acute infection group. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale Version 9, and quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Scale Short Form-36. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.14±7.00 years. The frail group comprised 47.5% of the total patients. beta-2 microglobulin exhibited a strong positive correlation with C-reactive protein, Clinical Frailty Scale score, and comorbidity index, and a moderate positive correlation with Tumor Necrosis Factor-a and interleukin-6 levels. Conversely, beta-2 microglobulin and Short Form-36 exhibited a strong negative correlation. The Short Form-36 was the most effective in assessing changes in beta-2 microglobulin levels. The optimal beta-2 microglobulin cut-off value to assess frailty was 3.78 (sensitivity=75%; specificity=93.5%). Conclusion: In the geriatric population, we detected a significant association between increased beta-2 microglobulin levels and frailty, as well as a significant relationship with decreased quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: We aim to determine whether chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b pigments in green vegetables and fruits have antigenotoxic effects against the MeIQx compound, which is frequently formed during the cooking of meat and meat products. In this study, the protective effects of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (0.5 and 1 µM) against the heterocyclic amine compound 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx, 4.69 µM, 9.38 µM, 23.45 µM) with somatic mutation and recombination test in Drosophila melanogaster are investigated. Chronic applications are performed to transheterozygous larvae with respect to two recessive genes, mwh (multiple wing hair) and flr3 (flare), by using Drosophila strains. The genotoxic effects of MeIQx are primarily determined for third instars larvae. In antigenotoxicity studies, two different application groups are constituted. While for the first group doses of chlorophyll a, b, and MeIQx are given to the third instars larvae simultaneously, for the second group doses of MeIQx are applied at the third instars after doses of chlorophyll a and b are given to at the second instars larvae. Chlorophyll a and b are effective in reducing genotoxic effects of MeIQx by both applications on individuals and it is observed that the pretreatment method is much more effective than the simultaneous one. There are similar results for chlorophyll a and b in efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the effects of hypokalemia on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with Covid-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we recorded characteristics of hospitalized covid-19 pneumonia patients and laboratory test results on the first hospital day. Duration of hospitalization, requiring intensive care including mechanical ventilation and survival, were determined. Results: Our study included 185 patients and of them 111 male (60% male) patients with mean age of 64 ± 14.5 (23- 90). Patients were grouped as hypokalemic (16.8%) and normokalemic patients (83.2%). The number of diabetic patients was higher in the normokalemic group. Serum total protein and albumin levels were lower in hypokalemic group, while alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood pH and bicarbonate level were higher. In multiple logistic regression analyses, alkalosis increased risk of hypokalemia 5.73 times. Duration of hospitalization, requirement of intensive care and hospital mortality were similar in hypokalemia and normokalemia patients. Conclusion: In patients with Covid-19 pneumonia, hypokalemia has been found to be quite common as high as 16.8% at the first presentation. Hypokalemia was related to metabolic alkalosis but unrelated to the duration of hospitalization, requirement of intensive care including mechanical ventilation and hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giriş: Bu çalışmada insan bağışıklık yetmezliği virüsü (HIV) nedeniyle polikliniğimizde takip edilen hastalarda AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalık sıklığını görmek amaçlandı. Gereç ve Yöntem: 2018-2023 yılları arasında hastanemiz enfeksiyon hastalıkları ve klinik mikrobiyoloji polikliniğine başvuran ve takipleri yapılan HIV pozitif hastalar geriye yönelik olarak incelendi. Hastaların ilk başvuru sırasında AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalık belirtileri, HIV-RNA ve CD4 sayıları, eşlik eden komorbid durumlar irdelendi. Bulgular: Yaşları 21 ile 66 arasında değişen, 5 (%10) kadın ve 45 (%90) erkek, HIV tanımlayıcı hastalık olan 50 hasta çalışmaya dahil edildi. En sık görülen AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalık Pneumocystis jirovecii (n=19, %38) pnömonisiydi. Bunu sırasıyla lenfoma (n=9, %18), sifilitik üveit (n=7, %14), Kaposi sarkomu (n=7, %14), kandida özefajiti (n=6, %12), toksoplazma keratit ve ensefaliti (n=2, %4), kriptokok menenjiti (n=2, %4), sitomegalovirüs retiniti (n=2, %4) ve bir hastada progresif multifokal lökoensefalopati idi. Hastaların 5'inde (%10) birden fazla HIV tanımlayıcı hastalık mevcuttu. HIV-RNA düzeyi 0-14093638 kopya/ml (ortalama: 1158750 kopya/ml) arasında ve CD4 sayısı 1-1314/μl (356) arasında değişmekteydi (hastalık gruplarına göre HIV-RNA ve CD4 sayıları ve ortalamaları Tablo 1'de özetlenmiştir). Sonuç: AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalıklar neoplazmlar, viral, bakteriyel, parazitik, fungal enfeksiyonlar şeklinde karşımıza çıkabilmektedir. Farklı şikayetlerle başvuru yapan hastalarda tanımlayıcı hastalıkların varlığı HIV enfeksiyonunu düşündürmeli ve gerekli tetkikleri istenmelidir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of anesthesia techniques on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Patients and methods: This retrospective study included a total of 264 patients (164 males, 100 females; mean age 67.2 years; range, 58 to 84 years) who underwent carotid endarterectomy in our clinic between April 2016 and October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of anesthesia as those undergoing regional anesthesia (RA group, n=128) and those undergoing general anesthesia (GA group, n=136). Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data of the patients were evaluated. Results: The incidence of myocardial infarction and cerebral complications was similar between the groups (1.6% in RA group vs. 1.5% in GA group, p=1.00; 2.3% in RA group vs. 2.2% in GA group, p=1.00, respectively). The mean total operating time was significantly shorter in the RA group (92.5±7.7 min vs. 97.1±7.2 min, respectively; p<0.0001). The mean time to first postoperative analgesia requirement was significantly shorter in the GA group (193.9±20.8 min vs. 114.5±17.1 min, respectively; p<0.0001). The intraoperative hypotension rates were higher in the GA group (13.3% vs. 31.6%, respectively; p=0.0004), while the intraoperative hypertension rates were higher in the RA group (41.4% vs. 26.5%, p=0.0132). Postoperative hypotension (1.6% vs. 8.1%, respectively; p=0.0201), hypertension (26.6% vs. 69.1%, respectively; p<0.0001), and coexistence of hypotension and hypertension rates (2.3% vs. 9.6%, respectively; p=0.0185) were higher in the GA group compared to the RA group. Conclusion: Our study results demonstrate that anesthesia techniques do not substantially affect cerebral complications, postoperative myocardial infarction, and mortality in carotid surgery. Furthermore, RA provides better hemodynamic stability, less pulmonary complications, less analgesic use, and shorter length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of left ventricular geometric patterns in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: A total of 162 patients (100 males) with stage 2--5 CKD were included in the study. Patient age was between 17 and 79 years. Left ventricular geometry (LVG) patterns were calculated as left ventricular normal geometry (LVNG), left ventricular concentric remodeling (LVCR), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (cLVH) and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (eLVH) by echocardiographic parameters. Results: The incidence of LVH was 45.1%. LVG patterns were found as follows: eLVH in patients 18(11.1%), cLVH in 42(25.9%), LVCR in 51(31.5%), and LVNG 51(31.5%). LVNG was found 10.38% and 34.27% in CKD stage 2 and dialysis, respectively. LVCR was as high as 62.3% in CKD stage2. cLVH and eLVH were found as 35.92% and 29.13% in stage 5 non-dialysis and dialysis, respectively. There was a relationship between clinical characteristics and LVG as follows age and GFR with LVCR, HbA1C and serum levels of albumin and sodium with cLVH, and age and serum albumin with eLVH Conclusions: In our CKD patients, abnormal LVG was found as earlier as CKD stage 2. The incidence of cLVH and eLVH was higher in advanced stages of CKD. Nontraditional factors such as volume status and nutrition were also crucial for left ventricular remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of International Social Research is the property of Journal of International Social Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline parameters including platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as predictive value for mortality in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: In this study 129 patients undergoing hemodialysis more than 3 months, were evaluated for survival between 1999 and 2017. In the 3. Month of beginning of hemodialysis clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were separated into 2 groups as dead and living. After 30 excluded patients due to study criteria, 33 paients of the remaining 99 patients died and 66 were still undergoing hemodialysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 57 ± 18.9 years (13- 93), 46.5% (46) were female and mean hemodialysis vintage was 35.02 ± 30.44 months. According to Kaplan Meier, survival analysis PLR was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients who died compared to surviving hemodialysis patients but NLR was not different in hemodialysis patients who surviving or died. Multivariate Cox regression analysis model, correlated factors associated with mortality were PLR and serum sodium. Conclusion: Baseline PLR and serum sodium were found to be sensitive biomarkers for mortality. Baseline 3. hemodialysis month PLR of which is easily accessible, inexpensive and simple, can be a predictor of mortality at follow up period in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In hemodialysis patients, detection of left ventricul diastolic dysfunction as early as possible is critically important. The presystolic wave occurs in the left ventricul outflow tract and it’s associated with left ventricul stiffness and compliance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of presystolic wave in the detection of diastolic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, eighty hemodialysis patients and 88 healthy controls were included in the study. The laboratory parameters were tested before the dialysis. The conventional B-mode, pulsed doppler parameters, doppler tissue-imaging, and presystolic wave measurements were performed at echocardiography. Results: Presystolic wave was detected in 46.0% of patients and 18.1% of the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between patients in terms of MPI, mitral E and A wave velocity, E/A and e’/a’ ratio, deceleration time, septal a’ and e’ wave velocity, and Sao in either presence or absence of presystolic wave. In the univariate model, higher Eao velocity and septal E/e’ ratio, and reduced duration of hemodialysis were determined as risk factors for the presence of presystolic wave. Conclusion: The assessment of presystolic wave on echocardiography examination may provide important information about the left ventricul diastolic function. But we have demonstrated in this study that presystolic wave is not entirely associated with left ventricul diastolic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology / Türk Kardiyoloji Derneği Arşivi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis transmitted through the urine of infected animals. Leptospira can be associated with respiratory, renal, hepatic and hematological complications and most importantly carries a high mortality when untreated. We present a rare cause of acute renal failure, acute hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia and cold agglutinin disease occurring simultaneously with leptospirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranean Journal of Infection, Microbes & Antimicrobials is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a diagnostic test with relatively rare usage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate both the optimal cleaning regimen for CCE and the diagnostic value of test in the study group. Methods. A total of 62 patients were enrolled in this study. In the first step, 3 different colon preparing regimens were given to 30 patients [Group A: 3 days of liquid diet, sodium phosphate (NaP) (90 mL), and NaP enema; Group B: 3 days of liquid diet, 4 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and metoclopramide; Group C: 3 days of liquid diet, 4 L of PEG, NaP (45 mL), and bisacodyl after capsule ingestion] (10 patients in each group). The other consecutive 32 patients were cleaned with the best regimen which was NaP + PEG and CCE was performed. The results of CCE were controlled with colonoscopy in 28 patients. Results. Group C had the highest cleaning score, compared with the other groups (2.2±0.4 versus 2.7±0.4 versus 3.7±0.4, p value =0.000). The CCE findings were as follows in 28 patients who were also examined with colonoscopy: polyp (range: 5–10 mm) in 6 patients, internal hemorrhoids in 3 patients, angiodysplasia in 1 patient, diverticula in 1 patient, and ulcerative colitis in 1 patient. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCE were 100%, 92%, 93%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions. Low dosage NaP combined with PEG provides optimal bowel preparation for CCE. CCE appears to be a highly sensitive diagnostic modality for detecting colonic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are relatively rare neuroectodermal tumors that develop from choroid plexus epithelial cells and are usually restricted to the ventricles. Extraventricular CPPs are very unusual and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A 50-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic complaining of headache and visual deterioration. Neurological examination found no abnormalities except decreased light perception and secondary optic atrophy in the left eye. Endocrine testing revealed normal levels of hormones produced by the pituitary and target glands. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a huge regular-shaped lesion in the sellar-suprasellar region occupying the sella turcica and extending into the suprasellar cistern and planum sphenoidale. The lesion was completely excised by microsurgery via an ordinary left-sided pterional approach. Histopathology identified the lesion as a choroid plexus papilloma. Following the case report, literature on the origin, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this rare tumor is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous anthropogenic contaminants, and their abundance in the entire ecosystem raises the question of how far is the impact of these MPs on the biota, humans, and the environment. Recent research has overemphasized the occurrence, characterization, and direct toxicity of MPs; however, determining and understanding their genotoxic effect is still limited. Thus, the present review addresses the genotoxic potential of these emerging contaminants in aquatic organisms and in human peripheral lymphocytes and identified the research gaps in this area. Several genotoxic endpoints were implicated, including the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD), DNA strand breaks, and the percentage of DNA in the tail (%Tail DNA). In addition, the mechanism of MPs-induced genotoxicity seems to be closely associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory responses, and DNA repair interference. However, the gathered information urges the need for more studies that present environmentally relevant conditions. Taken into consideration, the lifestyle changes within the COVID-19 pandemic, we discussed the impact of the pandemic on enhancing the genotoxic potential of MPs whether through increasing human exposure to MPs via inappropriate disposal and overconsumption of plastic-based products or by disrupting the defense system owing to unhealthy food and sleep deprivation as well as stress. Overall, this review provided a reference for the genotoxic effect of MPs, their mechanism of action, as well as the contribution of COVID-19 to increase the genotoxic risk of MPs. [Display omitted] • The genotoxic effects of MPs are determined in somatic cells of aquatic organisms and human peripheral lymphocytes. • The mechanism of MPs-induced genotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA repair disruption. • The COVID-19 pandemic contributes to the genotoxic potential of MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare pathology that involves diffuse/ segmental narrowing of the distal thoracic or abdominal aorta. The most common clinical manifestation is severe hypertension, which requires multiple antihypertensive medications and/or surgical repair. We report the surgical repair of MAS in a 14-year-old male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening clinical pathologic syndrome caused by a variety of diseases. We report a case of DAH related to therapy of warfarin use. In this case report, we present the diffuse alveolar hemorrhage case as a rare and life-threatening complication of warfarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare pathology that involves diffuse/ segmental narrowing of the distal thoracic or abdominal aorta. The most common clinical manifestation is severe hypertension, which requires multiple antihypertensive medications and/or surgical repair. We report the surgical repair of MAS in a 14-year-old male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High‐fat and high‐sucrose intakes were shown to contribute to syndromes such as hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Numerous studies showed that a high‐fat and/or high‐sucrose diet induces insulin resistance in rodents. The effect of a long‐term high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet on the apoptosis has not been clarified. Material and Methods: This research project aims to investigate plasma Caspase 3 (CASP3) levels in High‐fat and High‐sucrose Fed Rats. For this purpose, Konya Necmettin Erbakan University, KONÜDAM Experimental Medicine Research and Application Center which was available from 28 adult Wistar albino postnatal (8‐12 weeks) male rats fed, accompanied by a high‐fat, high‐sucrose or standard chow. It was divided into several groups, in its blood (plasma) CASP3 levels (markers of apoptosis) were studied with the ELISA method. Results: The plasma CASP3 levels of fed with standard feed, fed with high sucrose diet, fed with high fat diet and fed with high fat and high sucrose diet were found as (X + SD) 0.34 ± 0.007, 0.36 ± 0.03, 0.36 ± 0.01 and 0.35 ± 0.02 ng/ml respectively. There were no significant differences between plasma CASP3 levels of the groups. Discussion: Our findings shown that high fat and high sucrose diet may not cause apoptosis. We belive that our finding will contribute to further understanding of the etiopathogenesis of feeding a high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Consumption of a diet high in saturated fats and sucrose is an important factor in the increasing occurrence of these metabolic disorders. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax) are multifunctional protein that are important for immune responses, cell survival, apoptosis, and proliferation. However, ıt is unknown about the relationship between the STAT3/ Bax and high sucrose/ high fat diet Material and Methods: Konya Necmettin Erbakan University, KONÜDAM Experimental Medicine Research and Application Center which was available from 28 adult Wistar albino postnatal (8‐12 weeks) male rats fed, accompanied by a high‐fat, high‐sucrose or standard chow. It was divided into several groups, in its blood (plasma) STAT3 and Bax levels were studied with the ELISA method. Results: Plasma STAT levels of fed with standard feed, fed with high sucrose diet, fed with high fat diet and fed with high fat and high sucrose diet were found as (X + SD) 0.25 ± 0.007, 0.26 ± 0.02, 0.27 ± 0.02 and 0.29 ± 0.04 pg/ml respectively. Plasma Bax levels of fed with standard feed, fed with high sucrose diet, fed with high fat diet and fed with high fat and high sucrose diet were found as (X + SD) 0.35 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.01 and 0.33 ± 0.01 ng/ml respectively. There were no significant differences between plasma STAT3/ Bax levels of the groups. Discussion: Our findings show that there was no relationship between the STAT3/ Bax and high sucrose/ high fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many new pesticides are produced for use every year. Fungicides, one of the important subgroups of pesticides, are used to protect agricultural products from fungal infections. However, studies on the genotoxic potential of fungicides are still very limited. In this study, the genotoxic potentials of four commonly used fungicides (metiram, kresoxim-methyl, propamocarb and hymexazol) were investigated using the Drosophila Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) and the Drosophila Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Test (Drosophila Comet Test). Drosophila, which has been widely used in genetic studies in recent years, provides a powerful system in the use of genetic and molecular approaches in human genetic diseases research. As a model organism, Drosophila is in many ways similar to human systems. According to the results obtained from the study, it was determined that 4 fungicides whose genotoxic effects were investigated by SMART method did not induce genotoxicity. In the KOMET experiment, it was determined that the studied fungicides caused DNA single strand breakage. This study provides new data on the potential effects of pesticides on human health and possible genetic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is an uncommon but major congenital cardiac anomaly, which was firstly defined in 1866. Multiple surgical techniques intend to compose 2-coronary artery system, including direct reimplantation of left coronary artery to aorta and coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. Left coronary artery seldomly rises from non-facing pulmonary sinus, where direct reimplantation is technically quite difficult for surgical correction because of long distance from native aorta. In this case report, a surgical technique option of reconstructing left coronary artery, arising from nonfacing sinus which we turned to aorta with a tunnel created from autologous pulmonary artery wall, was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/aim: C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has recently been recognized as an independent prognostic marker for vasculitides. This study aims to investigate CAR and its relationship with disease activity and damage in prevalent ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV) patients., Methods: Fifty-one patients with AAV and 42 age-sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Birmingham vasculitis score (BVAS) was used to assess vasculitis activity and vasculitis damage index (VDI) to provide information on disease damage., Results: The median (25 th -75 th ) age of the patients were 55 (48-61) years. CAR was significantly higher in AAV patients than controls (1.9±2.7 vs 0.7±0.4; p=0.006). The 75 th percentile of BVAS was defined as high BVAS (BVAS≥5) and ROC curve analysis showed that CAR≥0.98 predicted BVAS≥5 with 70.0% sensitivity and 68.0% specificity (AUC:0.660, CI: 0.482-0.837, p=0.049). When patients with CAR≥0.98 were compared to those without, BVAS [5.0 (3.5-8.0) vs. 2.0 (0-3.25), p<0.001], BVAS≥5 [16 (64.0%) vs 4 (15.4%) patients, p:0.001], VDI [4.0 (2.0-4.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0-3.0), p=0.006], and CAR [1.32 (1.07-3.78) vs. 0.75 (0.60-0.83), p<0.001] were higher whereas albumin [3.8 (3.1-4.3) vs. 4.1 (3.9-4.4) g/dL, p=0.025] and haemoglobin [12.1 (10.4-13.4) vs. 13.0 (12.5-14.2) g/dL, p=0.008] were lower. Multivariate analysis revealed that BVAS [OR(95% CI):1.313 (1.003-1.719), p=0.047] was an independent factor associated with CAR≥0.98 in patients with AAV. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that CAR significantly correlated with BVAS (r: 0.466, p=0.001)., Conclusion: In this study, we observed that CAR was significantly associated with disease activity in AAV patients and can be used to monitor disease activity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology (MJR).)

Human exposure to pollutants has been on the rise. Thus, researchers have been focused on understanding the effect of these compounds on human health, especially on the genetic information by using various tests, among them the somatic mutation and recombination tests (SMARTs). It is a sensitive and accurate method applicable to genotoxicity analysis. Here, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of SMART assays in genotoxicity studies was performed to assess publication trends of this field. Data were extracted from the Web of Science database and analyzed by the bibliometric tools HistCite, Biblioshiny (RStudio), VOSViewer, and CiteSpace. Results have shown an increase in the last 10 years in terms of publication. A total of 392 records were published in 96 sources mainly from Brazil, Spain, and Turkey. Research collaboration networks between countries and authors were performed. Based on document co-citation, five large research clusters were identified and analyzed. The youngest research frontier emphasized on nanoparticles. With this study, how research trends evolve over years was demonstrated. Thus, international collaboration could be enhanced, and a promising field could be developed.

Objective: Ventricular repolarization (VR) markers may predict ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a hemodialysis (HD) session and HD adequacy on VR markers in HD patients., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 2 university hospitals with 83 patients and VR markers were measured before and after an HD session: QT, QTc, QT minimum, QT maximum, dispersion of QT (QTd), T-peak to T-end (Tp-e) interval, and Tp-e/QT. Kt/V measurements calculated using the second generation Daugirdas formula were used to indicate dialysis adequacy. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the Kt/V value. Group 1 patients had a Kt/V of ≤1.6 with a standard dialysis dose, and Group 2 comprised those with a measurement of >1.6 with a high dialysis dose., Results: There were 36 patients in Group 1 and 47 patients in Group 2. There were statistically significantly more female patients in Group 2 (p=0.016). After an HD session, heart rate increased, blood pressure decreased, and the QT, QTc, QT maximum, QTd, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT were prolonged (p<0.05). The VR markers measured were similar in the 2 groups. VR markers were not significantly different in diabetic patients., Conclusion: HD may be a risk factor for cardiac arrest because of prolonged VR parameters, independent of HD adequacy. A high dialysis dose may not always be best for the heart.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the results of late-onset type A aortic dissection following primary cardiac surgery and to compare the outcomes of patients with or without prior coronary artery bypass grafting., Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, data of 32 patients (16 males, 16 females; mean age 58.1±10.9 years; range, 45 to 73 years) who were diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection and underwent repair with a history of previous cardiac surgery at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as those with a history of prior coronary artery bypass grafting (n=16) and the patients with a previous cardiac surgery without prior coronary artery bypass grafting (n=16)., Results: Dissection of the ascending aorta occurred in 32 patients (late acute in 22 and late chronic in 10) who underwent previous cardiac surgery (aortic valve replacement in 12, mitral valve replacement in two, aortic valve replacement + coronary artery bypass grafting in two, coronary artery bypass grafting in 10, mitral valve replacement + coronary artery bypass grafting in four, and dual valve replacement in two patients). The mean time between the first operation and dissection was 4.0±1.5 years. Dissections were treated with the Bentall procedures (n=8), ascending aorta replacement (n=14), ascending aorta replacement + hemiarch replacement (n=4), ascending aorta + aortic valve replacement (n=4) and Bentall + arch replacement (n=2). In-hospital mortality (30-day mortality) was seen in five patients, and oneyear mortality rate was 21.85% (n=7). The survival rates of the all patients for primary cardiac surgery vs primary cardiac surgery + coronary artery bypass grafting were 81.25% vs 75% at one year, 75% vs 68.75% at three years,75% vs 56.25% at five years, 68.75% vs 56.25% at seven years, and 68.75% vs 56.25% at 10 years, respectively (p=0.71, CI: 95%)., Conclusion: Type-A aortic dissections may develop after cardiac operations with or without coronary artery bypass grafting at any time, and irrespective of associated histologies, they may result in high overall in-hospital mortality. With careful planning by prompt intervention, the outcomes in redo sternotomy operations with or without coronary artery bypass grafting for aortic dissections would be consistent the results of spontaneous aortic dissections., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2018, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.)

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease. It was first described by Du Vernoy in 1793 during a cadaver dissection. Air-filled bubble-like lesions are located in the submucosa or the subserosa of the digestive tract. A 55-year-old Turkish male presented to the emergency department with complaints of recurrent abdominal pain and vomiting. Free air was detected in abdominal x-ray and abdominal computed tomography (CT). In exploration, a grape-like lesion consisting of hundreds of cysts was detected on the surface of the small intestine. Bowel resection was performed successfully. The surgical findings and pathological result confirmed the diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.