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Background: Today, the cell phone is the most widespread technology globally. However, the outcome of cell‐phone radiofrequency on head and neck cancer progression has not yet been explored. Methods: The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and human head and neck cancer cell lines, FaDu and SCC25, were used to explore the outcome of cell‐phone radiofrequency on angiogenesis, cell invasion, and colony formation of head and neck cancer cells, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the impact of the cell phone on the regulation of E‐cadherin and Erk1/Erk2 genes. Results: Our data revealed that cell‐phone radiofrequency promotes angiogenesis of the CAM. In addition, the cell phone enhances cell invasion and colony formation of human head and neck cancer cells; this is accompanied by a downregulation of E‐cadherin expression. More significantly, we found that the cell phone can activate Erk1/Erk2 in our experimental models. Conclusion: Our investigation reveals that cell‐phone radiofrequency could enhance head and neck cancer by stimulating angiogenesis and cell invasion via Erk1/Erk2 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on some reproductive characteristics, testicular and pancreatic oxidative status and pancreatic endocrine receptor densities of male offspring at post‐pubertal stage. A total of 36 1‐day‐old Wistar Albino male offspring including 12 pups of nontreated mothers (control group), 14 pups of 40 mg/kg STZ‐injected mothers (STZ‐40 group) and 10 pups of 60 mg/kg STZ‐injected mothers (STZ‐60 group) were used. The offspring were euthanised on post‐natal day 60, their blood, reproductive organs and pancreatic tissues were obtained and examined. When compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in body and absolute reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level, testicular and pancreatic catalase activities, pancreatic glutathione level, epididymal sperm concentration of both STZ‐40 and STZ‐60 groups as well as in testicular glutathione level of only STZ‐60 group. Significant increases were determined in testicular and pancreatic malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity in both groups and in fasting serum glucose of only STZ‐60 group in comparison with the control group. Although some histopathological damages were observed in testes of both STZ‐40 and STZ‐60 groups, there were no detectable differences between the groups in density of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin receptors in pancreas. In conclusion, GDM has negative effects on reproductive efficiency and testicular–pancreatic tissue oxidant/antioxidant balance of male offspring at post‐pubertal stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Although inappropriate use of digoxin has been described in various populations, a real-world evaluation of patterns of digoxin prescription has not been well studied in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to identify prevalence, indications and appropriateness of digoxin use in the general population of patients with non-valvular AF ( NVAF) in Turkey. Methods We included and classified patients from the RAMSES (ReAl-life Multicentre Survey Evaluating Stroke prevention strategies in Turkey) study, a prospective registry including 6273 patients with NVAF, on the basis of digoxin use. After excluding the data of 73 patients whose medical history about digoxin use or left ventricle function was absent, 6200 patients were included for the final analysis. Digoxin use was considered inappropriate if patients did not have left ventricular systolic dysfunction or symptomatic heart failure ( HF). Results and discussion Digoxin was used in 1274 (20·5%) patients. Patients treated with digoxin were older (71·4 ± 9·8 years vs. 69·2 ± 10·9 years, P < 0·001), more likely to be female (58·8% vs. 55·9%, P = 0·019) and had more common comorbidities such as HF (40·2% vs. 17·4%), diabetes (26·4% vs. 21·1%), coronary artery disease (35·3 vs. 27·6%) and persistent/permanent AF (93·4% vs. 78·4%; P < 0·001 for each comparison). Of the 1274 patients, the indication of digoxin use was considered inappropriate in 762 (59·8%). What is new and conclusion Our findings show that nearly one-fifth of the patients with NVAF were on digoxin therapy and nearly 60% of these patients were receiving digoxin with inappropriate indications in a real-world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to identify the distribution of serotonin immunoreactive cells within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of European catfish ( Silurus glanis). For this purpose, the tissue samples were taken from the stomach (cardia, fundus and pylorus region) and intestine (anterior, middle and posterior region). They were examined by applying the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. The serotonin containing immunoreactive cells are presented in all regions of the GIT. It was determined to be localized generally in different distribution within the stomachs and intestines of S. glanis. It was found that the most intensive regions of immunoreactive cells were the cardia stomach and posterior of intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Udenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor ( PDE5) previously shown in studies conducted in populations of Eastern-Asian ethnicity, to significantly improve sexual function, in addition to a favourable safety profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of udenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), for the first time in a non-Eastern-Asian population. In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study conducted in five centres in Turkey, 118 eligible subjects were randomized to receive udenafil 100 mg taken as on-demand or matching placebo for an 8-week treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline of the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire-Erectile Function Domain ( IIEF- EFD) score, secondary efficacy variables were changes from baseline in IIEF Questionnaire Domains' 2-5 scores (Intercourse Satisfaction, Orgasmic Function, Sexual Desire, Overall Sexual Satisfaction) and IIEF Questionnaire Grand Total score, changes from baseline in penetration success rates ( SEP2) and intercourse completion rates ( SEP3) and evaluation of responses to the global assessment question ( GAQ). Patients treated with udenafil demonstrated significantly higher increase in the IIEF- EFD scores compared with placebo-treated subjects [4.0 (95% CI: 1.3-6.6; p = 0.003)]. Similarly, greater improvements were observed in the scores for SEP2 [0.65 (95% CI: 0.02-1.3, p = 0.043)], SEP3 [0.9 (95% CI: 0.3-1.5, p = 0.003)] and two other IIEF Questionnaire Domains (Domain 4: Sexual Desire, Domain 5: Overall Sexual Satisfaction). The proportion of positive responses to the GAQ was greater in the udenafil compared to the placebo group (72.2% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.014). The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were headache, flushing and rhinorrhea, all of mild or moderate severity. This is the first study to demonstrate in a non-Eastern-Asian population that udenafil 100 mg taken as on-demand can effectively improve erectile function and is well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of sildenafil citrate on testicular injury after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Thirty-seven adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: sham operated group (group 1), T/D+ saline (group 2), T/D+ 0.7 mg sildenafil citrate (group 3) and T/D+ 1.4 mg sildenafil citrate (group 4). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720° in a clockwise direction for 2 h in other groups, except for group 1, which was served as sham group. The level of GSH ( P < 0.05) in the testis in the group 2 were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) and the levels of MDA and NO ( P < 0.01 for both) in the testis were significantly higher when compared with those of the group 1. Administration of low dose sildenafil citrate prevented the increases in MDA and NO levels and decreases in GSH values induced by testicular torsion. However, administration of high dose sildenafil citrate did not have any effect on these testicular tissue parameters ( P > 0.05). Also, mean values of seminiferous tubules diameters, germinal cell layer thicknesses and mean testicular biopsy score were significantly better in group 3 than groups 2 and 4. These results suggest that T/D injury occurred in testis after unilateral testicular T/D and that administration of low dose sildenafil citrate before detorsion prevents ischemia/reperfusion cellular damage in testicular torsion. Sildenafil citrate probably acts through reduction of reactive oxygen species and support antioxidant enzyme systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An up-to-date food composition database with detailed information on the energy and nutrient content of nationally consumed foods and drinks is an invaluable tool for determining the nutritional and health status of a population and for developing national nutrition policies. Until recently, Turkey lacked such a database and has had to rely on data extracted from databases developed for use in other countries. However, with support and encouragement from the European Union (EU) funded Network of Excellence, the European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR), the Food Institute (FI) of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Marmara Research Centre (TUBITAK MRC), has strengthened its technical knowledge on food composition data management and, as a related result in December 2008, TUBITAK MRC FI launched the project titled ' Determination of National Food Composition and Formation of a Widely Available and Sustainable System'. The aim has been to analyse systematically and to compile the nutrient composition of approximately 520 foods, including traditional Turkish foods, using methods that are in line with international quality criteria for producing, using and managing food composition data. The nutrients analysed were prioritised according to the nutritional profile of each food and were selected from a potential list of around 100 nutrients. Analytical quality-control systems have been put in place, addressing method validation and variation, including proficiency tests. Once completed, it is hoped that the systematic, traceable and user-friendly nature of the free-to-access database will appeal to food experts and health professionals who need up-to-date information on the energy and nutrient composition of foods eaten in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of testicular fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with open biopsy in infertile males with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia and to evaluate the reliability of testicular sperm extraction by FNA. A total of 76 testes of 40 patients, 34 with azoospermia, four oligozoospermia and two patients who underwent orchidectomy as a result of cancer of prostate were included. Detailed clinical and laboratory examinations were performed and two semen analyses were obtained from each patient. A 20-ml 26 gauge 13-mm needle was used for FNA and smears were stained with May–Grunwald–Giemsa and Papanicolaou stain. An open biopsy was performed in each patient after FNA and the samples were stained with haematoxylen–eosin. Smears and histological stains were examined and compared under light microscopy by the same pathologist. In 69 of the 76 testes (90%) FNA cytology results agreed with the histology. In four testes, the aspirate was unsatisfactory and in three testes, spermatocytic arrest was found cytologically while subsequent biopsies revealed diffuse fibrosis. In 15 of 16 patients (93.7%) with normal and hypospermatogenesis, spermatozoa had been extracted by FNA. Spermatozoa could not be obtained after neither FNA nor open biopsy in the remaining 24 patients. Testicular FNA in infertile males is a simple, reliable and minimally invasive diagnostic tool. It is as effective as open biopsy for testicular sperm extraction and good results can be achieved in experienced hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bacterial flora of Hyphantria cunea Drury. (Lep., Arctiidae) were investigated during three hazelnut seasons from 1998 to 2000. Four different bacteria were found in dead and living larvae. They were isolated and identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, Escherichia freundii, Micrococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. Laboratory experiments carried out to determine the insecticidal activities of these isolates showed that E. freundii and Micrococcus sp. did not have any insecticidal effect on second — third instar larvae of H. cunea. However, B. thuringiensis and Streptococcus sp. had 56 and 38% effects, respectively. Crystals and spores from B. thuringiensis were also purified and the crystals, spores and crystals-spore mixture were tested separately against the larvae of H. cunea. It was found that the insecticidal activities of the crystals, spores and crystal-spore mixture were 37.5, 25 and 62.5%, respectively, on second — third instar larvae of H. cunea. These results indicate that the crystal-spore mixture has 6.5% more insecticidal effect than that of the vegetative cells of the B. thuringiensis isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective This study aimed to investigate the rate of occupational sensitization to horse hair in grooms and whether occupational exposure to horse hair increases respiratory and allergic symptoms and affects lung function in grooms or not. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Two hundred grooms were randomly selected among 1000 grooms working in Veliefendi Hippodrome of Istanbul. One hundred and twenty-five subjects agreed to enter the study. Ninety-two workers who worked in the different parts of this hippodrome enrolled as the control group. A detailed questionnaire including respiratory and allergic symptoms was filled in, physical examination, skin prick tests and pulmonary function tests were performed. Results Sensitization to horse hair was 12.8% in grooms and 4.3% in controls. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0035). Asthma was found in 14.4% of the grooms and 5.4% of the controls, allergic rhinitis in 42.4% of the grooms and 18.4% of the controls, allergic conjunctivitis in 35.2% of the grooms and 15.2% of the controls, and allergic skin diseases in 32.8% of the grooms and 13% of the controls. The differences were statistically significant ( P = 0.043, P = 0.0002, P = 0.001 and P = 0.0008, respectively). The means of FEV 1 , FEV 1 /FVC and FVC parameters were significantly lower in the groom group ( P = 0.006, P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, being in the groom group and working years were found to be predictive factors for impairments of lung function ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Occupational exposure to horse increases the sensitization to horse hair, induces asthma and allergic symptoms and also impairs lung functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether exposure to sunflower pollen (Helianthus annuus ) increases both sensitization and respiratory symptoms, and whether or not it affects lung functions in sunflower processing workers. Methods: The largest sunflower processing factories in the Thrace region of Turkey participated in this study. Workers from the units directly exposed to sunflower seed enrolled as the study group (n = 102) and workers who were not directly exposed to Helianthus annuus pollen (n = 102) were the control group. Detailed questionnaires covering respiratory and allergic symptoms were completed, and skin prick tests and lung function tests were performed. Results: We found a very high rate (23.5%) of sensitization to Helianthus annuus in the study group compared to the controls (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of sensitization to H. annuus was increased 4.7-fold (odds ratio = 4.17, 95% confidence interval = 1.3–16.7) if subjects were exposed to sunflower pollen in the workplace. While asthmatic symptoms and allergic skin diseases were not different between the two groups, workers in the study group had a higher rate of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (P < 0.05). We found that pulmonary function was significantly impaired in the study group (P < 0.01). Using a multivariate analysis model, inclusion in the study group was found to be a predictive factor for impairment of lung function (P = 0.002). Conclusions: We conclude that sunflower pollen has high allergenic potential, especially when there is close contact, and exposure to sunflower pollen in the workplace can result in impairment in lung function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the diameters and collapsibility indices of coronary sinus (CS) and inferior vena cava (IVC) and invasively measured right atrial pressure (RAP), and to determine whether these parameters have predictive value on RAP., Methods: A total of 136 patients undergoing right heart catheterization due to pulmonary arterial hypertension were included in the study prospectively. CS diameters, IVC diameters, CS collapsibility index (CSCI), and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) were measured by echocardiography before catheterization. Pearson correlation analysis was used to compare the parameters. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of the CS and IVC collapsibility indices in predicting RAP., Results: Patients were divided into two groups as invasively measured RAP≥10 mm Hg (n:57) and RAP < 10 mm Hg (n:79). In the group with RAP≥10 mm Hg, IVC and CS diameters were higher than in the group with RAP < 10 mm Hg, while the IVCCI and CSCI were lower (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between CSCI and IVCCI and RAP. Also, a positive correlation was observed between CSCI and IVCCI. Optimal cut-off value for IVCCI was 46.1 with a sensitivity of 75%, and specificity of 79.7%. Optimal cut-off value for CSCI was 39.2 with a sensitivity of 75.4%, and specificity of 88.6%., Conclusion: CS and IVC diameters and collapsibility indices measured by echocardiography were found to be associated with invasively measured RAP, and may be used together for estimating RAP., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Tetralogy of Fallot/Absent Pulmonary Valve (TOF/APV) has been classically associated with the absence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We present a rare case of APV in TOF with a discontinuous left pulmonary artery (LPA) that was suspected during fetal echocardiogram. Postnatal echocardiogram confirmed the origin of a hypoplastic LPA from the PDA. Despite an aneurysmal (right pulmonary artery) (RPA), axial imaging demonstrated widely patent tracheobronchial system with no evidence of bronchial compression. Clinically, the child required only minimal respiratory support. Genetic testing was positive for 22 q11deletion, commonly associated with this lesion. Surgery consisted of unifocalization of the discontinuous LPA with placement of a valved pulmonary homograft during complete repair of this lesion. Our case highlights the importance of prenatal detection, to aid in the prompt initiation of prostaglandins so as to ensure early rehabilitation of the left lung. Inability to visualize one of the branch pulmonary arteries (PA's) and a PDA on fetal echocardiogram in TOF/APV must raise suspicion for an eccentric branch PA with ductal origin., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)