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Background and Aim: The triglyceride glucose index (TyG) has been proposed as a promising indicator of both insulin resistance (IR) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the efficacy of the TyG index in predicting NAFLD has not been adequately studied, particularly in obese individuals. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 190 morbidly obese individuals. The TyG index, anthropometric obesity indices, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), and biochemical parameters were compared. NAFLD was diagnosed by hepatic ultrasonography and classified into four grades (0, 1, 2, and 3). Individuals in grades 2 and 3 are considered to have severe steatosis, while those in grades 0 and 1 do not. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) values of the TyG index, body mass index, neck circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and HOMA-IR did not differ significantly in predicting severe steatosis (0.640, 0.742, 0.725, 0.620, and 0.624 respectively). However, the AUC values of waist circumference and alanine aminotransferase provided better predictions than the TyG index (0.782, 0.744, and 0.640 respectively). Conclusion: The TyG index is highly effective in predicting both the presence and severity of NAFLD. However, it did not outperform simple obesity indices in predicting NAFLD and its severity in obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to contribute to the literature by retrospectively analyzing the indications, results, culture successes, and pregnancy results of patients who underwent amniocentesis in our clinic between 2021–2022. Material and Methods: Our study includes the results of 132 patients who underwent amniocentesis. Demographic characteristics, weeks of gestation, amniocentesis indications, results, complications, and pregnancy outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Results: In our study, the most common indication for amniocentesis was patients with fetal anomaly detected in ultrasonography (US) with a rate of 38.6% (51/132). The culture success rate was 98.5%. Chromosome anomaly was detected as 18.2% (24/132) in the culture results. Chromosome anomaly was found in 15.7% (8/51) of patients with a fetal anomaly in US. The most common numerical anomalies in culture were Trisomy 21 and Trisomy 18. Among the chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) results, 4.9% (2/41) were found to be pathogenic and 4.9% (2/41) were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The pregnancy of 13 patients with chromosomal anomalies was terminated, and three had stillbirths. No maternal or fetal complications related to amniocentesis were observed. Conclusion: Amniocentesis is a reliable and successful prenatal diagnosis test. The results of our study can provide a database for the literature to provide appropriate genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fetuin-A is a protein that exhibits proatherogenic, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory effects with increased insulin resistance and adipocyte dysfunction. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that is crucial for protecting cells against oxidative damage. As a cell death product, cytokeratin 18 (CK18) levels increase during necrosis and apoptosis of both normal and tumor cells. We analyzed the plasma levels of three biomarkers based on the hypothesis that they might be related to some pathophysiological pathways in Hashimoto's disease. Methods: We compared 34 female patients with overt hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's disease (Group 1) with 34 age-matched healthy females (Group 2). For comparison, plasma levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fetuin-A, Nrf2, and CK18 were measured in all participants. Results: In group 1, the mean TSH levels (31.4±15.3) were significantly higher than those in group 2 (2.6±1.0) (p<0.001). The levels of mean fetuin-A (606.7±34.2) and Nrf2 (1.3±0.6) were found to be significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (440.0±34.2 vs. 0.7±0.2) (p<0.001 for both). CK18 levels in group 1 (0.36±0.13) were also significantly higher than in group 2 (0.26±0.16) (p=0.020). A significant correlation was observed between TSH levels and fetuin-A (r=0.401, p=0.001). Conclusion: Increased levels of fetuin-A, Nrf2, and CK18 may be a consequence or cause of the pathophysiological pathways of Hashimoto's disease. The clinical significance of increased levels of these biomarkers requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Testicular cancer accounts for 1% of all male neoplasms and 95% of cases are testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). There are studies investigating the relationship between hematological inflammatory markers and testicular cancer. We aimed for the 1st time to investigate whether there is an association between Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) and clinical Stage 1 TGCT. Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent radical inguinal orchiectomy because of testicular mass between June 2019 and December 2020 were included. Age, preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and whole blood cell counts, tumor stage, and tumor size of the patients were recorded. Pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Systemic Immune Inflammation Index, and SIRI were compared to preoperative serum AFP, hCG, and LDH levels between seminoma (n=27) and non-seminoma (n=33) TGCT groups. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between two groups in terms of tumor size, LDH level and tumor side, NLR, PLR, and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (p>0.05). SIRI, serum AFP, and HCG levels were significantly higher in non-seminoma group (p=0.006, p=0.001, and p=0.005, respectively). In multivariate analysis, it was determined SIRI over 0.985 is associated with non-seminoma TGCT pathology (OR=5.662, 95% CI=1.284-24.966, p=0.022). Discussion and Conclusion: In this pilot study, it was revealed that pre-operative SIRI is associated with non-seminoma TGCT. We believe it is important to explore the utility of SIRI in the differential diagnosis of TGCT in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Nectin-4 is a transmembrane protein belonging to the nectin family of immunoglobulin-like molecules which is found in the placenta and trachea under physiological conditions and its expression has been shown in many cancer types. We aimed to investigate for the 1st time nectin-4 expression in human prostate cancer tissues. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the prostate pathology specimens of 82 patients who underwent initial transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy or transurethral prostate resection and were found to have atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) and incidentally prostate cancer. Tissue samples with prostatic cancer were used as a control for alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), and benign prostatic glands in the same tissue provided the negative control. The intensity and extent of nectin-4 expression were determined microscopically using the histochemical scoring system which was defined as the product of the staining intensity (score: 0-3) and percentage of stained cells (0-100) at a given intensity. RESULTS: We conducted immunohistochemical analysis of nectin-4 and AMACR expression in all 82 samples. While AMACR expression was positive in prostate cancer tissues with a GS of <7 (n=24, 100%), 7 (n=18, 100%), and =8 (n=15, 100%), it was negative in all ASAP samples (n=25, 100%) (p<0.001). Nectin-4 expression was not detected in any of the GS <7, GS 7, or GS =8 samples but was found in benign prostatic gland tissues and all 25 (100%) ASAP samples (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that nectin-4 was not expressed in prostate cancer tissues but was expressed in ASAP-and benign prostate gland containing tissues. We believe that prospective studies with more patients and samples including radical prostatectomy materials will reveal the relationship between nectin-4 and prostate cancer more clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ümraniye Pediatri Dergisi 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.)

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether serum C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) as well as a marker that can be used to predict treatment response. METHODS: CXCL5 levels were measured by ELISA in sera of 20 RRMS patients under fingolimod treatment, 10 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients, 15 RRMS patients presenting predominantly with spinal cord and optic nerve attacks (MS-SCON), and 14 healthy controls. RESULTS: Fingolimod treatment significantly reduced CXCL5 levels. CXCL5 levels were comparable among NMOSD and MSSCON patients. CONCLUSION: Fingolimod might regulate the innate immune system. Serum CXCL5 measurement does not differentiate between RRMS and NMOSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia 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.)

Copyright of Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia 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.)

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.)

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.)

Copyright of Bosphorus Medical Journal / Boğaziçi Tıp Dergisi 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.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi 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.)

Objective: Despite increasing data on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults, the data in pediatric patients are still limited. The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical features and laboratory findings of our confirmed pediatric COVID-19 cases. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted in one of the largest COVID-19 treatment centers in İstanbul, Turkey. Four hundred and fifty-six cases confirmed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included in the study. One hundred inpatients and 356 outpatients were treated. Patients were classified according to the disease severity as asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe. Results: The number of asymptomatic, mild, moderate or severe cases were 199 (43.6%), 194 (42.5%), 33 (7.2%) and 30 (6.6%) respectively. Most of the hospitalized patients younger than 5 years old had the mild disease (67.7%), whereas most of the patients over 15 years of age had severe disease (54.2%). Lymphopenia and high ferritin levels at admission were more common in severe cases (p<0.05). Also, multiple regression analysis revealed that high ferritin and D-dimer levels were found to prolong hospital stay (p=0.000; R2=0.404). Conclusion: Age, lymphocyte count, ferritin and D-dimer levels can be used to estimate the disease severity for COVID-19 infection in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 is a probable causative agent of severe disease both in children and adults. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the management of hospitalized severe pediatric COVID-19 patients. Methods: Data on the management of 21 children under the age of 18 who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 between March 2020 and May 2020 were included in this study. Results: A total of 1109 patients, including 888 outpatients and 221 inpatients, were included in this study. 91 (41.1%) of the 221 hospitalized children were PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. 21 (23%) of 91 COVID-19 patients were considered severe COVID-19. 10 (47.6%) were females and 11 (52.4%) were males, with a mean±standard deviation (SD) age of 14.4±2.7 years (range; 9 years-17.6 years). The most prevalent symptoms at admission were fever (80.9%), cough (76.1%), shortness of breath (23.8%) and myalgia (23.8%). 4 (19%) of 21 patients had underlying diseases. 19 (90.4%) patients were in close contact with confirmed cases in the family. All patients had typical findings on lung computed tomography (CT) and the major CT abnormalities observed were ground-glass opacities. Two patients who needed respiratory support received favipiravir treatment. The mean hospital stay was 7.34±2.65 (5-16) days. Clinical improvement was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: The clinical course of COVID-19 in children is milder and has a better prognosis than adults, but it should be kept in mind that severe cases are defined in the pediatric patient group and these patients should be followed closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia 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.)

Candida species are found in the normal human flora; however, predisposing factors, such as immunosuppression, intensive care unit stay, and catheter use, may cause progression to disease. Candida glabrata is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, fungal infection. This report describes the case of a 14-month-old male patient who developed Candida glabrata candidemia during hospitalization in the burn ward. The patient was admitted to the hospital with second-degree scald burns comprising 9.5% of the total body surface area. A fever was observed on the third day of hospitalization and empiric intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam therapy was initiated. A blood culture revealed no microorganism. Fluconazole was added to the patient’s therapy on the fifth day of treatment due to yeast reported on a blood culture taken after a recurrence of fever. Laboratory results indicated that the yeast was Candida glabrata and treatment with caspofungin was implemented. A control blood culture was sterile. Candida glabrata is a rare fungal pathogen, however, it can cause severe infection and is resistant to azoles. The classic risk factors of immunosuppression, intensive care unit admission, or catheter administration were not present in this case, yet it should be kept in mind that burn patients are secondarily immunosuppressed and prone to severe infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agri: Journal of the Turkish Society of Algology / Türk Algoloji (Ağrı) Derneği'nin Yayın Organıdır 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.)

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new and alarming infection for all around the world and studies on the epidemiology, clinical course, form of infection, diagnosis and treatment of the disease continue rapidly, and vaccination studies are carried out to provide immunity worldwide. Although there is no clear approach for treatment especially for pediatric patients worldwide, the guideline published by the Turkish Ministry of Health in our country is a guide. The main approach to treatment is supportive therapy, but mild cases with underlying risk factors and treatment with possible severe pneumonia can be planned. Currently, studies on treatment are ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 from Wuhan-China. The disease has spread over the World in a few months. On 11 March 2020, it was declared as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 usually causes mild upper respiratory disease or pneumonia. In general, COVID-19 seems to be a less aggressive disease in children compared to adults. Ninety percent of pediatric cases have asymptomatic, mild or moderate disease. Despite several published pediatric reports, the epidemiological, clinical patterns and the treatment approach in pediatric patients with COVID-19 are still uncertain. In this review, we aimed to summarize the epidemiology, clinical course and the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Periesophageal vagal plexus injury is a complication of cryoablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cryoablation on esophageal functions and to determine the relationship between esophageal temperature and esophageal motility. Methods: Twenty patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who underwent cryoablation were included in this study. The lowest cryoballoon temperature for each pulmonary vein (PV) was recorded. Esophageal temperature was measured using an esophageal probe during each cryoapplication. Esophageal manometry was performed before the procedure and one day after the procedure for each patient in order to assess the esophageal functions. Results: During the procedure, the highest esophageal temperature change was found in the left-side PVs in 13 patients (65%) and in the rightside PVs in seven patients (35%). No correlation was found between the lowest cryoballoon temperature and esophageal temperature change (r=0.22, p=0.05). It was detected that the lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal contraction amplitude pressure decreased after the procedure (before: 19.7±9.3 mm Hg, after: 14.3±4.9 mm Hg, p=0.001; before: 84.5±28.3 mm Hg, after: 72.7±34.3 mm Hg, p=0.005, respectively). Five patients (25%) developed gastrointestinal symptoms after the procedure. Conclusion: During cryoablation, esophageal temperature measurement can be performed to reduce the probability of esophageal injury. Cryoablation affects esophageal motility, and esophageal manometry can be performed to detect esophageal motility impairments in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]