Search

The aim of this study was to clinically and radiologically evaluate the technique of biceps femoris muscle transposition as a new extracapsular treatment technique for cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, which are often encountered in cats. In this study, eight cats diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture were treated with the biceps femoris muscle transposition technique. The postoperative standard clinical examination procedures were applied to each cat for 90 days. In the preoperative clinical and radiological examinations of the eight cats in the study, cranial cruciate ligament rupture alone was diagnosed in seven of them. Both, the cranial cruciate ligament rupture and meniscal lesions in the same stifle joint were determined in one cat. The biceps femoris muscle transposition technique operation took approximately 20 mins in each case.

In this study, multilayer graphene (Gr)-reinforced cellulose composites were synthesized by using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphonate ionic liquid. The composites were fabricated via dissolving the cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphonate and Gr loading at different ratios (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt.%). Both sides of the composites were coated with gold leaf to generate electrodes. The effect of Gr loading on chemical functional groups, crystallographic properties, thermal stability, and morphological and mechanical properties of cellulose film was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile test, respectively. Electromechanical behavior of the cellulose composite films reinforced with Gr (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt.%) was investigated under DC excitation voltages of 1, 3, 5 and 7 V. Gr loading of 0.2 wt.% increased maximum tip displacement by 400% when the actuator is excited with 3 V.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a clinical condition that arises acutely in the pancreas through various inflammatory pathways due to multiple causes. Turkish Society of Gastroenterology Pancreas Working Group developed comprehensive guidance statements regarding the management of AP that include its epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, disease severity, treatment, prognosis, local and systemic complications. The statements were developed through literature review, deliberation, and consensus opinion. These statements were ultimately used to develop a conceptual framework for the multidisciplinary management of AP.

Objective: Isolated adrenal myelolipoma (IAM) is an uncommon, nonfunctioning tumour of the adrenal gland, primarily composed of adipose tissue and hematopoietic trilinear cells. The etiopathogenesis and clinical relevance of this neoplasm remain poorly understood. However, similar myelolipomatous alterations can also occur within adrenocortical adenomas. This report presents our findings on IAM and adrenocortical adenomas with a myelolipomatous component (AMC), focusing on comparing these cases' clinical, demographic, and pathological characteristics., Methods: Data from twenty patients were retrospectively analyzed, including twelve diagnosed with IAM and eight with AMC, all of whom underwent adrenalectomy. In the IAM cohort, surgical intervention was primarily indicated based on tumour size and/or related symptoms, while in AMC cases, the indication was often driven by hormonal activity., Results: Patients with IAM had an average age of 52.5 years, with a predominance of female patients (75%). A significant proportion of this group was obese, with concomitant hypertension (HT) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The tumours were predominantly right-sided, with a median size of 69.0 ± 40.0 mm. Notably, 58% of patients with IAM presented with flank or abdominal pain attributed to the mass effect. None of the IAM cases exhibited hormonal activity. Conversely, the AMC group had a younger average age of 46 years, with a high prevalence also in female patients (63%). The tumours were generally smaller, with a median size of 40.0 ± 16.0 mm, and were mostly left-sided. All patients in this group had a history of HT and/or DM, with six exhibiting hormonally active tumours, which manifested as various clinical syndromes, including Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and Conn syndrome., Conclusions: While IAM and AMC share several common features, they also demonstrate distinct differences. The presence of endocrinological syndromes was more frequent in AMC cases, whereas IAM cases rarely showed hormonal activity. The most pronounced difference between the two groups was the tumour size at diagnosis, which contributed to the varying clinical presentations upon hospital admission. Furthermore, the high prevalence of obesity, HT, and DM in both groups suggests that these comorbidities may play a role in the development of myelolipomatous patterns observed in these tumours., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Background/aims:  Liver fatty acid-binding protein (LFABP) controls hepatocyte lipid metabolism and can be a biomarker in liver diseases. We compared the correlation of LFABP levels with liver histology in viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and investigated the utility of serum LFABP as a biomarker for liver damage., Materials and Methods:  We included 142 patients (60 chronic viral hepatitis B [CHB], 35 chronic viral hepatitis C [CHC], 47 NAFLD) and 40 healthy controls. LFABP levels were determined in all participants, and a liver biopsy was performed on patients. The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) activity score (NAS), hepatosteatosis, liver inflammation, and fibrosis were evaluated for NAFLD patients. Ishak's histological scores were used for viral hepatitis. The correlation between LFABP levels and histologic scores was assessed in each group., Results:  Serum LFABP levels in CHB, CHC, NAFLD, and control groups were 2.2, 3.5, 7.6, and 2.1 ng/mL, respectively. LFABP levels were significantly higher in the NAFLD group compared to the control, CHC, and CHB groups. LFABP was significantly higher in the NASH group than in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, 8 ng/mL and 5.4 ng/mL, respectively (P = .001). In the NAFLD group, LFABP levels showed a moderate positive correlation with NAS score (r = 0.58, P <.001), ballooning degeneration (r = 0.67, P <.001), and lobular inflammation (r = 0.62, P <.001). A logistic regression study showed that the level of LFABP was predictive of NASH independent of age, gender, homeostasis model of IR, body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase (OR = 1.869, P = .01)., Conclusion:  LFABP specifically correlates with liver histology in NAFLD compared to viral hepatitis. Additionally, it can distinguish NASH from simple steatosis. LFABP may be a valuable biomarker for hepatocyte injury in NASH.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia , Baobabopsis sabindy in leaves of Eragrostis spartinoides , Cortinarius magentiguttatus among deep leaf litter, Laurobasidium azarandamiae from uredinium of Puccinia alyxiae on Alyxia buxifolia , Marasmius pseudoelegans on well-rotted twigs and litter in mixed wet sclerophyll and subtropical rainforest. Bolivia , Favolaschia luminosa on twigs of Byttneria hirsuta , Lecanora thorstenii on bark, in savannas with shrubs and trees. Brazil , Asterina costamaiae on leaves of Rourea bahiensis , Purimyces orchidacearum (incl. Purimyces gen. nov. ) as root endophyte on Cattleya locatellii . Bulgaria , Monosporascus bulgaricus and Monosporascus europaeus isolated from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Microthlaspi perfoliatum . Finland , Inocybe undatolacera on a lawn, near Betula pendula . France , Inocybe querciphila in humus of mixed forest. Germany , Arrhenia oblongispora on bare soil attached to debris of herbaceous plants and grasses. Greece , Tuber aereum under Quercus coccifera and Acer sempervirens . India , Alfoldia lenyadriensis from the gut of a Platynotus sp. beetle, Fulvifomes subramanianii on living Albizzia amara , Inosperma pavithrum on soil, Phylloporia parvateya on living Lonicera sp., Tropicoporus maritimus on living Peltophorum pterocarpum . Indonesia , Elsinoe atypica on leaf of Eucalyptus pellita. Italy , Apiotrichum vineum from grape wine, Cuphopyllus praecox among grass. Madagascar , Pisolithus madagascariensis on soil under Intsia bijuga . Netherlands , Cytosporella calamagrostidis and Periconia calamagrostidicola on old leaves of Calamagrostis arenaria , Hyaloscypha caricicola on leaves of Carex sp., Neoniesslia phragmiticola (incl. Neoniesslia gen. nov. ) on leaf sheaths of standing dead culms of Phragmites australis , Neptunomyces juncicola on culms of Juncus maritimus , Zenophaeosphaeria calamagrostidis (incl. Zenophaeosphaeria gen. nov .) on culms of Calamagrostis arenaria . Norway , Hausneria geniculata (incl. Hausneria gen. nov. ) from a gallery of Dryocoetes alni on Alnus incana . Pakistan , Agrocybe auriolus on leaf litter of Eucalyptus camaldulensis , Rhodophana rubrodisca in nutrient-rich loamy soil with Morus alba . Poland , Cladosporium nubilum from hypersaline brine, Entomortierella ferrotolerans from soil at mines and postmining sites, Pseudopezicula epiphylla from sooty mould community on Quercus robur , Quixadomyces sanctacrucensis from resin of Pinus sylvestris , Szafranskia beskidensis (incl. Szafranskia gen. nov. ) from resin of Abies alba . Portugal , Ascocoryne laurisilvae on degraded wood of Laurus nobilis, Hygrocybe madeirensis in laurel forests, Hygrocybula terracocta (incl. Hygrocybula gen. nov. ) on mossy areas of laurel forests planted with Cryptomeria japonica . Republic of Kenya , Penicillium gorferi from a sterile chicken feather embedded in a soil sample. Slovakia , Cerinomyces tatrensis on bark of Pinus mugo , Metapochonia simonovicovae from soil. South Africa , Acremonium agapanthi on culms of Agapanthus praecox , Alfaria elegiae on culms of Elegia ebracteata , Beaucarneamyces stellenboschensis (incl. Beaucarneamyces gen. nov. ) on dead leaves of Beaucarnea stricta , Gardeniomyces kirstenboschensis (incl. Gardeniomyces gen. nov .) rotting fruit of Gardenia thunbergia , Knufia dianellae on dead leaves of Dianella caerulea , Lomaantha quercina on twigs of Quercus suber. Melanina restionis on dead leaves of Restio duthieae , Microdochium buffelskloofinum on seeds of Eragrostis cf. racemosa , Thamnochortomyces kirstenboschensis (incl. Thamnochortomyces gen. nov. ) on culms of Thamnochortus fraternus , Tubeufia hagahagana on leaves of Hypoxis angustifolia , Wingfieldomyces cypericola on dead leaves of Cyperus papyrus . Spain , Geastrum federeri in soil under Quercus suber and Q. canariensis , Geastrum nadalii in calcareous soil under Juniperus , Quercus , Cupressus , Pinus and Robinia , Hygrocybe garajonayensis in laurel forests, Inocybe cistophila on acidic soil under Cistus ladanifer , Inocybe sabuligena in a mixed Quercus ilex subsp . ballota/Juniperus thurifera open forest , Mycena calongei on mossy bark base of Juniperus oxycedrus , Rhodophana ulmaria on soil in Ulmus minor forest, Tuber arriacaense in soil under Populus pyramidalis , Volvariella latispora on grassy soils in a Quercus ilex ssp. rotundifolia stand. Sweden , Inocybe iota in alpine heath on calcareous soil. Thailand , Craterellus maerimensis and Craterellus sanbuakwaiensis on laterite and sandy soil, Helicocollum samlanense on scale insects, Leptosporella cassiae on dead twigs of Cassia fistula , Oxydothis coperniciae on dead leaf of Copernicia alba , Russula mukdahanensis on soil, Trechispora sangria on soil, Trechispora sanpatongensis on soil. Türkiye , Amanita corylophila in a plantation of Corylus avellana . Ukraine , Pararthrophiala adonis (incl. Pararthrophiala gen. nov. ) on dead stems of Adonis vernalis . USA , Cladorrhinum carnegieae from Carnegiea gigantea , Dematipyriformia americana on swab from basement wall, Dothiora americana from outside air, Dwiroopa aeria from bedroom air, Lithohypha cladosporioides from hospital swab, Macroconia verruculosa on twig of Ilex montana , associated with black destroyed ascomycetous fungus and Biatora sp., Periconia floridana from outside air, Phytophthora fagacearum from necrotic leaves and shoots of Fagus grandifolia , Queenslandipenidiella californica Crous PW, Jurjević Z, Balashov S, De la Peña-Lastra S, Mateos A, Pinruan U, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Osieck ER, Altés A, Czachura P, Esteve-Raventós F, Gunaseelan S, Kaliyaperumal M, Larsson E, Luangsa-ard JJ, Moreno G, Pancorbo F, Piątek M, Sommai S, Somrithipol S, Asif M, Delgado G, Flakus A, Illescas T, Kezo K, Khamsuntorn P, Kubátová A, Labuda R, Lavoise C, Lebel T, Lueangjaroenkit P, Maciá-Vicente JG, Paz A, Saba M, Shivas RG, Tan YP, Wingfield MJ, Aas T, Abramczyk B, Ainsworth AM, Akulov A, Alvarado P, Armada F, Assyov B, Avchar R, Avesani M, Bezerra JL, Bhat JD, Bilański P, Bily DS, Boccardo F, Bozok F, Campos JC, Chaimongkol S, Chellappan N, Costa MM, Dalecká M, Darmostuk V, Daskalopoulos V, Dearnaley J, Dentinger BTM, De Silva NI, Dhotre D, Carlavilla JR, Doungsa-ard C, Dovana F, Erhard A, Ferro LO, Gallegos SC, Giles CE, Gore G, Gorfer M, Guard FE, Hanson S-A, Haridev P, Jankowiak R, Jeffers SN, Kandemir H, Karich A, Kisło K, Kiss L, Krisai-Greilhuber I, Latha KPD, Lorenzini M, Lumyong S, Manimohan P, Manjón JL, Maula F, Mazur E, Mesquita NLS, Młynek K, Mongkolsamrit S, Morán P, Murugadoss R, Nagarajan M, Nalumpang S, Noisripoom W, Nosalj S, Novaes QS, Nowak M, Pawłowska J, Peiger M, Pereira OL, Pinto A, Plaza M, Polemis E, Polhorský A, Ramos DO, Raza M, Rivas-Ferreiro M, Rodriguez-Flakus P, Ruszkiewicz-Michalska M, Sánchez A, Santos A, Schüller A, Scott PA, Şen İ, Shelke D, Śliwa L, Solheim H, Sonawane H, Strašiftáková D, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Sudsanguan M, Suwannarach N, Suz LM, Syme K, Taşkın H, Tennakoon DS, Tomka P, Vaghefi N, Vasan V, Vauras J, Wiktorowicz D, Villarreal M, Vizzini A, Wrzosek M, Yang X, Yingkunchao W, Zapparoli G, Zervakis GI, Groenewald JZ (2024). Fungal Planet description sheets: 1614-1696. Citation: Crous PW, Jurjević Z, Balashov S, De la Peña-Lastra S, Mateos A, Pinruan U, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Osieck ER, Altés A, Czachura P, Esteve-Raventós F, Gunaseelan S, Kaliyaperumal M, Larsson E, Luangsa-ard JJ, Moreno G, Pancorbo F, Piątek M, Sommai S, Somrithipol S, Asif M, Delgado G, Flakus A, Illescas T, Kezo K, Khamsuntorn P, Kubátová A, Labuda R, Lavoise C, Lebel T, Lueangjaroenkit P, Maciá-Vicente JG, Paz A, Saba M, Shivas RG, Tan YP, Wingfield MJ, Aas T, Abramczyk B, Ainsworth AM, Akulov A, Alvarado P, Armada F, Assyov B, Avchar R, Avesani M, Bezerra JL, Bhat JD, Bilański P, Bily DS, Boccardo F, Bozok F, Campos JC, Chaimongkol S, Chellappan N, Costa MM, Dalecká M, Darmostuk V, Daskalopoulos V, Dearnaley J, Dentinger BTM, De Silva NI, Dhotre D, Carlavilla JR, Doungsa-ard C, Dovana F, Erhard A, Ferro LO, Gallegos SC, Giles CE, Gore G, Gorfer M, Guard FE, Hanson S-A, Haridev P, Jankowiak R, Jeffers SN, Kandemir H, Karich A, Kisło K, Kiss L, Krisai-Greilhuber I, Latha KPD, Lorenzini M, Lumyong S, Manimohan P, Manjón JL, Maula F, Mazur E, Mesquita NLS, Młynek K, Mongkolsamrit S, Morán P, Murugadoss R, Nagarajan M, Nalumpang S, Noisripoom W, Nosalj S, Novaes QS, Nowak M, Pawłowska J, Peiger M, Pereira OL, Pinto A, Plaza M, Polemis E, Polhorský A, Ramos DO, Raza M, Rivas-Ferreiro M, Rodriguez-Flakus P, Ruszkiewicz-Michalska M, Sánchez A, Santos A, Schüller A, Scott PA, Şen İ, Shelke D, Śliwa L, Solheim H, Sonawane H, Strašiftáková D, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Sudsanguan M, Suwannarach N, Suz LM, Syme K, Taşkın H, Tennakoon DS, Tomka P, Vaghefi N, Vasan V, Vauras J, Wiktorowicz D, Villarreal M, Vizzini A, Wrzosek M, Yang X, Yingkunchao W, Zapparoli G, Zervakis GI, Groenewald JZ (2024). Fungal Planet description sheets: 1614-1696. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 13 : 183-440. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.13.11., (© 2024 Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute.)

Background: The aim of this study was to examine variations in stress, metabolic, and physiological parameters of horses used in the traditional equestrian team sport of Kök-Börü in relation to winning and losing outcomes., Material and Methods: To accomplish this, blood samples were taken from horses on four different teams who participated in two separate games, both before and after game. These samples were used to measure levels of cortisol, ACTH, beta-endorphin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) via species-specific commercial ELISA kits. The autoanalyzer tested biochemical and hematological parameters. The gathered data were then analyzed statistically based on the teams' winning or losing status., Results: The results suggested that winning teams had lower MID, red blood cell, HGB, RDW-SD, HCT, platelet distribution width, and creatine kinase values post-game in comparison to their pre-game state. Conversely, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and CREA values increased in the winning teams' post-game. Additionally, horses in the winning teams showed a decrease in cortisol, beta-endorphin, and ACTH levels post-game but increased levels of adrenaline and T3. Considering the pre-game values, it was found that GRA and Cl levels were lower in the winning teams. Before the game, adrenaline and T3 levels were higher in the winning teams. No significant difference was observed in post-game hematological parameters between the teams. However, post-game K, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels were higher among the winning teams' horses, while cortisol and beta-endorphin levels were heightened in horses from the losing side., Conclusion: In conclusion, significant differences were not observed in the distribution of hematological and biochemical parameters of horses following the Kök-Börü games, regardless of the outcome. However, decreased post-game cortisol, ACTH, and beta-endorphin levels in winning teams may suggest better stress management abilities among these horses., (© 2024 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To evaluate the sexual function of women with urinary incontinence (UI) and double incontinence (DI) comparing with a healthy control group by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)., Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective study consisting of UI, DI, and a control group, each containing age-matched 40 patients. Statistical comparisons were made among the UI, DI, and control groups in terms of the FSFI total score as well as each domain's score., Results: The FSFI total scores were found to be 22.92, 20.53, and 20.32 for the control, UI, and DI groups, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found among the groups. A statistically significant difference existed among the groups only in terms of satisfaction and pain. Significantly higher pain was found in the UI and DI groups compared with the control group ( p =0.007 and p <0.001). Although there was significantly lower satisfaction in the DI group compared with the control group ( p =0.012), no significant difference was found between the UI and control groups., Conclusion: The pain in the UI group and the pain and the low satisfaction in the DI group might be parameters that cause sexual dysfunction., (Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.)

Background/aims:  Gastroenterologists have an important role in the treatment and management of comorbidities related to obesity. Assessment of gastroenterologists' perception and attitude toward obesity was aimed in this study., Materials and Methods:  Survey questions were determined for the study. An online questionnaire was prepared afterward. Participants were invited via e-mail by providing them with information about the study. It was ensured that those who accepted the study could access the questionnaire form with the relevant link. Participants who answered all questions were included in the study., Results:  Totally 117 gastroenterologists were included in the study. The proportion of gastroenterologists who thought that obesity complicates the management of gastroenterological diseases and those who thought obesity as a factor that negatively affects the prognosis of gastroenterological diseases was determined as 88.9% and 95.7%, respectively. Among the obese patients, the proportion of those who applied diet therapy, exercise, pharmacotherapy, and endoscopic methods was 94%, 91.5%, 35%, and 37.6%, respectively. The rates of intragastric balloon therapy and intragastric botulinum toxin A injection were 30% and 21.4%, respectively. The proportion of those who agreed that obese patients lost a significant amount of weight with the treatment methods applied was 47.2%. The proportion of participants who agreed that long-term maintenance of weight loss was impossible for most obese patients was 59.8%., Conclusion:  To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the perception and attitude of gastroenterologists toward obesity. Our study results show that gastroenterologists think that obesity is a chronic disease and that gastroenterologists should be involved in management of obesity.

Flea beetles of the genus Psylliodes have evolved specialized interactions with plant species belonging to several distantly related families, mainly Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, and Fagaceae. This diverse host use indicates that Psylliodes flea beetles are able to cope with different chemical defense metabolites, including glucosinolates, the characteristic defense metabolites of Brassicaceae. Here we investigated the evolution of host use and the emergence of a glucosinolate-specific detoxification mechanism in Psylliodes flea beetles. In phylogenetic analyses, Psylliodes species clustered into four major clades, three of which contained mainly species specialized on either Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, or Fagaceae. Most members of the fourth clade have broader host use, including Brassicaceae and Poaceae as major host plant families. Ancestral state reconstructions suggest that Psylliodes flea beetles were initially associated with Brassicaceae and then either shifted to Solanaceae or Fagaceae, or expanded their host repertoire to Poaceae. Despite a putative ancestral association with Brassicaceae, we found evidence that the evolution of glucosinolate-specific detoxification enzymes coincides with the radiation of Psylliodes on Brassicaceae, suggesting that these are not required for using Brassicaceae as hosts but could improve the efficiency of host use by specialized Psylliodes species., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE).)

Background: Vaccines against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been effective in preventing symptomatic diseases, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. However, data regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19 remains unclear., Aims: To determine the vaccination status and investigate the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on the 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19., Study Design: Multicenter prospective observational clinical study., Methods: This study was conducted in 60 hospitals with ICUs managing critically ill patients with COVID-19. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU were included. The present study had two phases. The first phase was designed as a one-day point prevalence study, and demographic and clinical findings were evaluated. In the second phase, the 28-day mortality was evaluated., Results: As of August 11, 2021, 921 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.42 ± 16.74 years, and 48.6% (n = 448) were female. Among the critically ill patients with COVID-19, 52.6% (n = 484) were unvaccinated, 7.7% (n = 71) were incompletely vaccinated, and 39.8% (n = 366) were fully vaccinated. A subgroup analysis of 817 patients who were unvaccinated (n = 484) or who had received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine (n = 333) was performed. The 28-day mortality rate was 56.8% (n = 275) and 57.4% (n = 191) in the unvaccinated and two-dose CoronaVac groups, respectively. The 28-day mortality was associated with age, hypertension, the number of comorbidities, type of respiratory support, and APACHE II and sequential organ failure assessment scores ( p < 0.05). The odds ratio for the 28-day mortality among those who had received two doses of CoronaVac was 0.591 (95% confidence interval: 0.413-0.848) ( p = 0.004)., Conclusion: Vaccination with at least two doses of CoronaVac within six months significantly decreased mortality in vaccinated patients than in unvaccinated patients.

The development of alternative therapeutic treatments based on the use of medicinal and aromatic plants, such as Juniper communis L., has aroused interest in the medical field to find new alternatives to conventional therapeutic treatments, which have shown problems related to bacterial resistance, high costs, or sustainability in their production. The present work describes the use of hydrogels based on sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose, with combinations of juniperus leaves and berry extracts, in order to characterize their chemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, tissue adhesion test, cytotoxicity in the L929 cell line, and their effects on an in vivo model in mice to maximize the use of these materials in the healthcare field. Overall, an adequate antibacterial potential against S. aureus, E. coli and P. vulgaris was obtained with doses above 100 mg.mL -1 of hydrogels. Likewise, low cytotoxicity in hydrogels combined with extracts has been identified according to the IC 50 value at 17.32 µg.mL -1 , compared to the higher cytotoxic activity expressed by the use of control hydrogels with a value at 11.05 µg.mL -1 . Moreover, in general, the observed adhesion was high to different tissues, showing its adequate capacity to be used in different tissue typologies. Furthermore, the invivo results have not shown erythema, edema, or other complications related to the use of the proposed hydrogels. These results suggest the feasibility of using these hydrogels in biomedical applications given the observed safety., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Objective: To compare systematic biopsy with MRI-TRUS fusion prostate biopsy in terms of cancer detection rates., Patients and Methods: The data of the patients who had a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score of 3 or more lesions on mpMRI and underwent MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy with simultaneous 12-core standard systematic biopsy from June 2016 to June 2019 in our tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, radiological and pathological data were recorded. Statistical difference among the groups was determined by using McNemar tests., Results: A total of 344 patients were included in the study. As a result of transrectal targeted and systematic combined biopsy, 117 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Benign pathology rates in patients with PI-RADS 3, PI-RADS 4, and PI-RADS 5 lesions were 93.8%, 68.5%, and 46.4%, respectively. Patients were divided into two groups as ISUP grade 1 and ISUP grade ≥2 and cancer detection rates (CDRs) were found significantly higher in transrectal targeted biopsy compared with the systematic biopsy (12.5% vs. %6.4, p=0.007 and 17.4% vs. 8.7%, p<0.001, respectively). Targeted biopsy CDRs were found significantly higher in the high PSA density group (24.5% vs. 41.4%, p=0.001) unlike the systematic biopsy., Conclusion: Transrectal targeted biopsy was superior to systematic biopsy in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Clinicians should be more selective when making a biopsy decision for patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions. PSA density can be used as a criterion for patient selection for targeted biopsy.

Background: There are limited data on the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 from different parts of the world., Aims: To determine risk factors of 90-day mortality in critically ill patients in Turkish intensive care units (ICUs), with respiratory failure., Study Design: Retrospective, observational cohort., Methods: Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and who had been followed up in the ICUs with respiratory failure for more than 24 hours were included in the study. Their demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory variables, treatment protocols, and survival data were recorded., Results: A total of 421 patients were included. The median age was 67 (IQR: 57-76) years, and 251 patients (59.6%) were men. The 90-day mortality rate was 55.1%. The factors independently associated with 90-day mortality were invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (HR 4.09 [95% CI: [2.20-7.63], P < .001), lactate level >2 mmol/L (2.78 [1.93-4.01], P < .001), age ≥60 years (2.45 [1.48-4.06)], P < .001), cardiac arrhythmia during ICU stay (2.01 [1.27-3.20], P = .003), vasopressor treatment (1.94 [1.32-2.84], P = .001), positive fluid balance of ≥600 mL/day (1.68 [1.21-2.34], P = .002), PaO2/FiO2 ratio of ≤150 mmHg (1.66 [1.18-2.32], P = .003), and ECOG score ≥1 (1.42 [1.00-2.02], P = .050)., Conclusion: Long-term mortality was high in critically ill patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in intensive care units in Turkey. Invasive mechanical ventilation, lactate level, age, cardiac arrhythmia, vasopressor therapy, positive fluid balance, severe hypoxemia and ECOG score were the independent risk factors for 90-day mortality.