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The objective of this study was to determine effects of terebinth fruit oil (TFO) supplementation to diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics, some blood parameters and composition of breast meat fatty acids in Japanese quails. Totally 240 uned daily Japanese quail chicks were assigned randomly to three treatment groups. Each group divided into 4 replicates, each containing 20 birds. A group was fed with basal starter diet for 1-21th days and grower diet for 22-42th days (Control). Treatment groups were also fed same diets additionally their ration added by 130 (Group A) or 260 mg/kg TFO (Group B) during the study. At 42 d of study, 20 quails (5 quails from each subgroup) from each group slaughtered for determination of carcass traits, blood parameters and fatty acid composition of breast meat. As a result of this study, final live weight of quails in Group B was found higher than Control and Group A (P

The purpose of this study were to determine effects of fattening systems on fattening performance (n=39) and slaughter and carcass characteristics (n=24) in male Tuj lambs. Three different fattening groups were formed as extensive (n=13), semi-intensive (n=13) and intensive (n=13). Lambs in the extensive group were grazed in pasture. In addition to pasture, concentrated feed was given to lambs in the semi-intensive group. High quality fodder and concentrated feed were given to those in the intensive group. The study was completed in 90 d. Final live weights of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive groups were 31.19, 41.22, and 40.56 kg (P

Pentasomy X is an extremely rare sex chromosome abnormality, a condition that only affects females, in which three more X chromosomes are added to the normally present two chromosomes in females. We investigated the novel clinical findings in a 1-year-old female baby with pentasomy X, and determined the parental origins of the X chromosomes. Our case had thenar atrophy, postnatal growth deficiency, developmental delay, mongoloid slant, microcephaly, ear anomalies, micrognathia and congenital heart disease. A conventional cytogenetic technique was applied for the diagnosis of the polysomy X, and quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) using 11 inherited short tandem repeat (STR) alleles specific to the chromosome X for the determination of parental origin of X chromosomes. A cytogenetic evaluation revealed that the karyotype of the infant was 49,XXXXX. Comparison of the infant’s features with previously reported cases indicated a clinically recognizable specific pattern of malformations referred to as the pentasomy X syndrome. However, to the best of our know-ledge, this is the first report of thenar atrophy in a patient with 49,XXXXX. The molecular analysis suggested that four X chromosomes of the infant originated from the mother as a result of the non disjunction events in meiosis I and meiosis II. We here state that the clinical manifestations seen in our case were consistent with those described previously in patients with pentasomy X. The degree of early hypotonia constitutes an important early prognostic feature in this syndrome. The pathogenesis of pentasomy X is not clear at present, but it is thought to be caused by successive maternal non disjunctions.

Sensor placement is one of the vital concerns in civil structure monitoring. A sensor placement strategy based on a damage assessment method has been introduced for beam‐like structures. An existing damage detection method adapted to multi‐modes and different types of beam‐like structures. Then, it is numerically verified to be suitable for detecting any damage location in a 100 degrees of freedom mass‐spring system. Depending on the noise in the response and the limited measurements, the results demonstrate the validity of using the multi‐mode damage indicator. However, there are limitations to this method due to mode shape saddle points. Sensor deployment schemes have been proposed to address the restriction. In contrast to the corresponding procedure, this method does not rely on the optimization algorithm. Sensor placement strategies involve the simultaneous use of accelerometers and large‐area electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bladder volume measurement is critical for early detection and management of lower urinary tract dysfunctions. Current gold standard is invasive, and alternative technologies either require trained personnel or do not offer medical grade information. Here, we report an integrated wearable ultrasonic bladder volume monitoring device for accurate and autonomous continuous monitoring of the bladder volume. The device incorporates flexible and air-backed ultrasonic transducers and miniaturized control electronics with wireless data transmission capability. We demonstrate the real-life application of the device on healthy volunteers with various bladder shapes and sizes with high accuracy. Apart from the lower urinary tract dysfunctions, the proposed technology could also be adapted for various wearable ultrasonic applications.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of fig seed (FS) as a feed additive in quail rations on growth performance, carcass parameters, and antioxidant status. A total of 2000 oneday-old quail chicks were allocated to a control diet (C; n = 400) or diets supplemented with 0.25% (FS0.25; n = 400), 0.50% (FS0.50; n = 400), 0.75% (FS0.75; n = 400), and 1.00% (FS1.00; n = 400) FS. There were five replicates of 80 chicks for each treatment. At the end of the study, the highest body weights and average daily live weight gains were observed in the FS1.00 group, whereas the lowest BW was observed in the control group. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of feed consumption, but the feed conversion ratios of all experimental groups were higher than the control group. The addition of FS had a marked effect on slaughter, hot, and cold carcass weights; and leg, chest, and wing weights compared to the control. Addition of FS to the ration increased total protein and albumin levels, whereas it decreased total oxidant status and alkaline phosphatase. Glucose and uric acid values showed a variable trend. As a consequence, it was concluded that the addition of fig seed as a feed additive at 0.50-1.00% of quail rations could be beneficial based on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Poultry Science / Archiv für Geflügelkunde is the property of Verlag Eugen Ulmer 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: We aimed to describe the outcomes and patient satisfaction (PS) rates of transurethral polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) (Bulkamid®) injection for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in a Turkish cohort. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients who underwent injection primarily or secondarily between December 2019 and March 2023 due to SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent an invasive urodynamic study (UDS) before the procedure. The primary outcome was treatment success (TS), defined as no pad use, negative International Continence Society (ICS) uniform cough stress test (CST), and no SUI on International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form question 6. The secondary outcome was PS. Results: The median age was 61.5 (41-84) years. Six patients had stress-predominant MUI and 15 had SUI. PAHG injection was the primary and secondary treatment in 17 and 4 patients, respectively. ICS uniform CST was positive in all patients. In 8 patients, intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) was detected during UDS. One patient developed transient urinary retention after surgery. At a median follow-up of 17 (1-38) months, the overall TS rate was 85.7%. Success rates in primary vs. secondary setting and pure SUI vs. MUI were 88.2% vs. 75% and 80% vs. 100%, respectively. The overall PS rate was 90%. Satisfaction rates in the primary vs. secondary setting and pure SUI vs. MUI were 93.6% vs. 75% and 85.7% vs. 100%, respectively. TS and PS rates were 100% in all patients with ISD. Conclusion: PAHG injection proved to be a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for pure stress and stress-predominant MUI in both primary and secondary settings.

Aims:: To present the ICS Teaching Module on Videourodynamics (VUD) and the information as a best practice report. Methods:: This teaching module was developed by the (International Continence Society) ICS Urodynamics Committee to assist ICS members in their clinical practice. A detailed literature search on studies and guidelines published on the clinical role of VUD as well as expert opinions have been considered. A slideshow on VUD has been developed and will be presented to the members of the ICS Urodynamics Committee and will be made available to the ICS membership on the ICS website. Results:: The scientific evidence on the indications, recommended techniques and interpretation of VUD in patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms has been summarised. Troubleshooting and optimisation of the imaging as also been described to minimise the radiation exposure to both patient and healthcare professionals. Conclusions:: The scientific evidence on the clinical role, techniques and the indications for VUD is sparse with varying clinical expert opinion. The ICS Urodynamics Committee recommends its use as a second line diagnostic tool for a thorough visualisation of the lower urinary tract anatomy and real time function. This manuscript summarises the evidence and provides practice recommendations on VUD for teaching purposes in the framework of an ICS teaching module.

Aim:: To present the body of evidence behind the International Continence Society (ICS) educational module on “Practice of uroflowmetry in adults” which consists of a PowerPoint® presentation. Methods:: This evidence review has been prepared by a working group instituted by the ICS Urodynamics Committee. The method used included systematic literature review, consensus formation by the members of the Working Group, and review by members of the ICS Urodynamics Committee core panel. Results:: A total of 104 articles were included in this systematic review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Evidence analysis was conducted along the following themes: physiology of voiding, pathophysiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction, technique of uroflowmetry, quality check of the uroflowmetry test, interpretation and reporting of uroflowmetry findings. Conclusions:: Uroflowmetry is the most commonly utilized diagnostic test in the evaluation of adults presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. The practice of uroflowmetry exhibits variations which might lead to inconclusive or inaccurate assessments. The ICS educational module on the Practice of Uroflowmetry in Adults provides up-to-date and evidence-based guidance in an effort to establish standards in the technique, interpretation, and reporting of uroflowmetry.

Objective:Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is one of the most common disorders in pediatric urology, and patients often turn to family physicians (FP) and pediatricians (P) initially. The aim of this study was to understand the awareness, self-confidence and suggestions of physicians regarding the management of NE.Materials and Methods:In this study, 360 FP and family medicine residents (FMR), as well as 280 P and pediatrics residents (PR), were contacted through a cellular phone texting system. A simple multiple-choice questionnaire (Surveymonkey®) consisting of 10 questions was used to gather data. The survey included questions about their experience, training, evaluation, and management of NE.Results:A total of 119 FPs and Ps (18.5%) filled the questionnaire. Thirty (25.21%) of the participants were P, 27 (22.69%) PR, 3 (2.52%) FP and 59 (49.58%) FMR. The rate of physicians who encounter at least 5 children with NE per month is 31.33%. The mean self-confidence in the management of NE was 4.5 out of 10. The self-confidence of pediatricians was significantly higher than that of PR and FMR (p

Duloxetine is the only available agent for the medical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In this systematic review, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of duloxetine treatment in women with SUI and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (SPMUI). We searched the literature using OVID MEDLINE, Embase and ULAKBIM (Turkish database) databases for placebo-controlled studies on the use of duloxetine in women with SUI or SPMUI. Data on change in incontinence episode frequency (IEF), decrease in the number of continence pads used, increase in voiding interval (minute) and discontinuation rates due to adverse effects and lack of efficacy (%) were extracted. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials were included. Duloxetine treatment results in an 18% decrease in IEF and 16% decrease in the number of incontinence pads used compared to pre-treatment status. It also increases the time interval between the voids by 18 min. Duloxetine treatment was associated with higher treatment discontinuation rates compared with placebo. The reason for discontinuation was related to the side effects of the treatment rather than lack of efficacy. Duloxetine can be an effective treatment option in women with UI based on high-level evidence supporting its efficacy. Further studies with larger patient populations and longer durations of follow-up are required to assess its safety profile.

Aim: The voiding diary (VD) yields crucial insights into voiding volumes (VV), voiding frequency (VF), and management habits in children with lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction. It is recommended to be conducted for a minimum of 2 days. Nevertheless, certain studies have indicated similarities in voided volumes between days in a three-day VD. This study aims to compare VV and VF values across days based on bladder capacity and symptom scores. Materials and Methods: Children who applied to the pediatric urology clinic due to LUT symptoms between 2022 and 2023 were included in the study. Retrospective evaluation was conducted on the records. Children with neurological deficits and incomplete data were excluded from the study. All children were assessed following the guidelines of ICCS and EUA and underwent a 3-day voiding diary. Mean VV and VF values of the whole group for each day were compared and subgroup analyzes were performed in terms of gender, Voiding Dysfunction Symptom Score (VDSS), bladder capacity (BC), and diagnoses. Results: A total of 109 (53 girls (48.6%), 56 boys (51.4%)) children with a median age of 8 (3-17) were included in the study. 77 (70.6%) children were diagnosed with overactive bladder, 8 (7.4%) with dysfunctional voiding, and 24 (22%) with monosymptomatic enuresis nocturne. The mean VVs between days were similar in the whole group (p = 0.759). Moreover, the mean VV of the first day was similar to the average of both the first two days and the three days (p = 0.021, p = 0.490). Also, the maximum and minimum VVs were similar between days (p = 0.942, p = 0.160, respectively). In subgroup analyses based on gender, bladder capacity, and symptom score, mean VV was also found to be similar. VF values were found to be significantly different between days. There was also a difference between VF values in children with VDSS > 8.5 (p = 0.012) and BC/EBC (%) > 65 (p = 0.030). In subgroup analysis for diagnoses, mean and maximum VV and VF were similar between the groups, except for VF (p = 0.026) in OAB. Conclusion: While the voided volumes of children with non-neurogenic LUT dysfunctions appear to be consistent across the days of the VD, variations in VF might arise, especially among children with a VDSS of > 8.5 and normal bladder capacity. As a result, we believe that using a VD spanning at least two days could enhance diagnostic accuracy and help prevent unnecessary treatment.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on the sexual lives of couples who live in Turkiye.Materials and Methods:One hundred ninety-three sexually active participants. While sexual functions were evaluated with the international erectile function index-15 in men and the female sexual function index in women, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM) was used to measure anxiety level. Married people filled out the Marriage adjustment test (MAT) questionnaire. The effects of the quarantine period on the relationship were evaluated with a questionnaire created specifically for this study.Results:Sexual improvement and worsening were observed in 8.8%, and 15%, respectively. It did not change for 76.2%. Sexually deteriorated subjects had a higher HAM score (p=0.003). The MAT score was lower in sexually deteriorated subjects (p=0.004). The rate of sexual worsening was higher in women than in men (28.6% vs. 12%, p=0.02). Women’s HAM scores were higher (p=0.002). The MAT score was also found to be higher in women (p=0.0037). 58% of sexually deteriorated participants did not feel safe at home during the COVID-19 period, whereas all of those sexually improved participants felt safe at home.Conclusion:During the COVID-19 lockdown period, sexual deterioration was detected in 15% of sexually active people. This worsening was associated with the HAM score. Additionally, it was revealed that feeling safe at home is related to sexual life. While the relationship between sexually worsening and the MAT score was significant in men, it was revealed that the level of anxiety in women affected sexual life more significantly.

This research was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on the growth performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, fatty acid composition of breast meat, and apparent nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allocated to a control diet (T1) or diets supplemented with 50 ppm (T2) and 100 ppm (T3) of COS. There were five replicates of 25 chicks for each treatment. All the experimental birds were fed a starter (days 1 - 4), grower (days 15 - 28), and finisher diet (days 29 - 42). No differences were detected among treatments for live weight, gain, feed intake or feed conversion, except that feed intake was depressed in T3 during the grower period. Serum total protein and albumin levels did not differ among the treatments. Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triglyceride concentrations were reduced significantly by supplementation with COS, whereas the high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was significantly lower only for T2 relative to T1. The dressing percentage was significantly higher for T2 and T3 than for T1. Fatty acid composition of the breast meat was unaffected by the treatments. The digestibility of the diet and some of its constituents was affected in a graduated manner by the addition of COS. Thus, supplementation of broiler diets with COS improved carcass yield and had a hypolipidemic effect in improving the serum lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo Fundamento Pacientes pré-diabéticos têm um risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, e, portanto, a detecção precoce é importante. Objetivo Nosso estudo teve o objetivo de revelar a usabilidade dos níveis de endocan sérico como biomarcador no diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica em pacientes pré-diabéticos, com base em medições de EIMC. Métodos Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com a presença (n=42) ou ausência (n=42) de pré-diabetes. Os valores de endocan sérico, glicemia em jejum, insulina em jejum e hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) dos pacientes foram examinados e a EIMC foi medida. O nível de significância para a análise estatística foi 0,05. Resultados Apesar de se ter determinado que os níveis de endocan sérico são mais baixos em pacientes pré-diabéticos em comparação com o grupo de controle (p=0,042), determinou-se que os valores de EIMC são mais altos (p=0,046). A avaliação do endocan sérico por análise regressiva multivariada detectou que seu nível estava associado à EIMC, independentemente de outros parâmetros (p=0,007). Encontramos uma correlação negativa entre insulina plasmática em jejum e níveis de endocan (r=-0,320, p=0,001). Conclusões Este estudo demonstrou que a espessura íntima-média de carótida é mais alta e o nível de endocan sérico é mais baixo em pacientes pré-diabéticos. Os níveis de endocan sérico diminuídos em pacientes pré-diabéticos podem ser um fator que contribui para os mecanismos de formação de aterosclerose.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) is a serine protease which is believed to be an important factor in the inherited immune system. In this article, we present a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) family of five patients: a 56-year-old father, a 51-year-old mother, two sons aged 23 and 21 years, and a 15-year-old daughter. According to the results of MBL2 rs1800450 variant analysis performed, the father had homozygous mutant, the mother had homozygous normal, and the three children had heterozygous mutant genotype. When we compared the clinical parameters and genotypes, MBL2 gene polymorphism plays a very important role in COVID-19 susceptibility and severe disease. The family, which makes up our study, is the proof of this situation, and it contains important implications for host factors and COVID-19.

Objective:: Urinary retention after non-urological surgery is a common morbidity, yet its​ etiology and treatment approaches are still a matter of debate. The primary aims of this study are to evaluate the management of urinary retention after non-urological surgeries, determine the predictors of prognosis, and report follow-up data. Methods:: Patients who were referred to the urology clinic at a single center due to postoperative urinary retention between December 2014 and November 2021 were included. Demographical, clinical, and surgical parameters were recorded. In all patients, a urethral catheter was kept in-situ for at least 5 days after urinary retention. In case of persistent urinary retention after catheter removal, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was recommended. Results of the patients who spontaneously regained micturition after conservative treatment and those with persistent urinary retention were compared. Results:: Among 95 patients, the median age was 65 (24–90) years. In 75 patients (78.9%), spontaneous micturition returned with conservative management (Group 1). Twenty patients (21.1%) required CIC due to persistent urinary retention (Group 2). The percentages of males in Group 1 and 2 were 81.3% and 50% respectively (p

Copyright of Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire is the property of Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse 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.)

Abstract Background Laminin, one of the largest glycoproteins of the basement membrane, is an important component of the extracellular matrix. Functions of the basement membrane include regulation of cell signaling behaviors and structural support. Laminin plays a critical role in the regulation of insulin action in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. The study mainly investigates an association between the change in serum laminin levels and insulin resistance and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis. Methods This prospective study included a total of 90 participants; 60 patients diagnosed with Grade 2–3 non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls between December 2019 and December 2020. Routine laboratory tests including glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and C-reactive protein and laminin levels were measured in the serum of the patient and control groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the measurement of laminin levels. Results The median serum laminin levels were lower in patients with hepatic steatosis, compared to the control group (72 ng/L vs. 82 ng/L, respectively; p = 0.003). In the patients with insulin resistance, median laminin levels were lower, regardless of the presence of non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis (67 ng/L vs. 85 ng/L, respectively; p = 0.007). There was a weak, negative correlation between the laminin levels and HOMA-IR. Conclusions Our study results suggest that, although there is no exact link between laminin and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis, serum laminin levels are lower in patients with insulin resistance by regulating the insulin effect through integrins.

Let $G =(V(G),E(G))$ be a simple undirected graph of order $n$, and let $S \subseteq V(G)$. If every vertex in $V(G)-S$ is adjacent to at least one vertex in $S$, then the set $S$ is called a \textit{dominating set}. The \textit{domination number} of $G$ is the minimum cardinality taken over all sets of $S$, and it is denoted by $\gamma(G)$. Recently, the effect of one or more edges deletion on the domination number has been examined in many papers. Let $F\subseteq E(G)$. The \textit{bondage number} $b(G)$ of $G$ is the minimum cardinality taken over all sets of $F$ such that $\gamma(G-F) > \gamma(G)$. In the literature, a lot of domination and bondage parameters have been defined depending on different properties. In this paper, we investigate the \emph{bondage, strong and weak bondage numbers} of complementary prism graphs of some well-known graph families.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the neurourological and urodynamic findings of children with cerebral palsy (CP) that referred for dorsal rhizotomy surgery (DRS).Materials and Methods:All children with CP who were scheduled for selective DRS were assessed with a detailed medical history, physical exam, urinalysis and urodynamic studies to assess bladder function and urinary problems. Urodynamic studies included filling and voiding cystometry, detrusor leak point pressure, external anal sphincter electromyography, flow rate and residual urine volume. All investigations and definitions relied on the standardisation of the International Continence Society.Results:Overall, 24 boys and 10 girls were evaluated. The mean age of boys, and girls and the study group was 6.6 (1.7-9.8), 6.5 (3.5-11.4) and 6.6 (1.7-11.4) years, respectively. The most common complaints of the study group were urinary incontinence (58.8%), encopresis (32.4%) and constipation (17.6%) and 41.2% of patients needed diapers due to these problems. Twenty-five per cent (n=5) of male patients had an undescended testis. The most common clinical conditions at urodynamics, were low bladder compliance (85.3%), detrusor overactivity (67.6%), hyposensitive bladder (52.6%) and low bladder capacity (41.2%).Conclusion:Upper motor neuron lesions, like CP, may present with various urodynamic findings. However, patients with CP are not routinely seen by urologists. Our findings revealed serious neurological problems in children referred for DRS. Therefore, every child with CP who has a DRS plan should undergo a detailed urological examination at least once before the procedure.

A detailed description of the two new pyridine ligands, (2E,3Z)-3-[2-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]-N-hydroxybutan-2-imine and 3-chloro-2-{(2Z)-2-[1-(4 nitrophenyl)ethylidene]hydrazinyl}, is reported. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic studies, spectral features were performed by TD-DFT calculations. New-generation pyridine ligand of HL2 was also determinate by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld surface analysis with two-dimensional fingerprint plots was used to analyze intermolecular interactions in crystals. Molecular-docking was performed to investigate the binding areas of chemical compounds, and the results showed the inhibitory activity of the studied HL1 and HL2 against E. coli. The results of the current study revealed the drug-likeness and bioactive properties of the ligands.

Background: There are limited data regarding short- and medium-term IgG antibody levels after the CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines. This study aimed to investigate the antibody responses of health workers who initially received two doses of CoronaVac one month apart followed by a booster dose of either CoronaVac or BNT162b2, as well as determine whether either vaccine provided superior results. Methods: This research represents the second phase of a mixed-methods vaccine cohort study and was conducted between July 2021 and February 2022. The participants (n = 117) were interviewed in person and blood samples were collected before and at 1 and 6 months after the booster vaccination. Results: BNT162b2 was found to have greater immunogenic potential than CoronaVac (p < 0.001). Health workers without chronic disease exhibited statistically significant increases in antibody levels after both vaccines (p < 0.001), whereas only BNT162b2 caused a significant increase in antibody levels in participants with chronic disease (p < 0.001). Samples obtained before and at 1 and 6 months after the booster vaccination revealed no age- or sex-based differences in IgG-inducing potential for either vaccine (p > 0.05). Antibody levels were comparable in both vaccine groups before the booster regardless of COVID-19 history (p > 0.05); however, antibody levels were significantly higher after the BNT162b2 booster at 1 month (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that even a single booster dose of BNT162b2 after initial vaccination with CoronaVac provides a protective advantage against COVID-19, especially for risk groups such as health workers and those with chronic diseases.

Abstract Background Endotrophin is one of the extracellular matrix proteins secreted by adipose tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of changes in blood glucose levels on serum endotrophin levels secreted by adipose tissue and thus on diabetes. Methods In this prospective pilot study included 78 patients with type 2 diabete (T2D) with hemoglobin A1c level > 9 %. Lifestyle changes were recommended and appropriate medical treatment was initiated to all patients in order to reach the target HbA1c level. Data of anthropometric measurements, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), serum lipid parameters and endotrophin were collected in patients; all examinations were repeated after 3 months. Analysis was performed using Paired-Samles T test and Spearman tests. Results Of patients, 23 were female (54.8 %) and 19 were male (45.2 %). Mean age was 55.2 years, with mean diabetes age of 8.14 ± 5.35 years. After 3 months follow-up, HbA1c, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein(CRP), UACR and endotrophin levels were observed to clearly reduce. The variation in serum endotrophin levels examined at the start of the study and in the 3rd month was identified to have a positive correlation with the variation in HbA1c and UACR levels (r = 0.342, p = 0.02; r = 0.484, p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed percentage variation values (δ)-endotrophin levels were only independently correlated with (δ)-UACR (model r2 = 0.257, p value = 0.00). Conclusions Endotrophin levels decreased significantly with the decrease in HbA1c. Unexpectedly, this reduction in endotrophin levels is closely related to the decrease in UACR, regardless of blood glucose regulation. We think that studies targeting endotrophin will contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of diabetic nephropathy in the future.

Bladder pain syndrome is an important chronic pain syndrome which seriously reduces the patients’ quality of life. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is defined as a clinical diagnosis composed of chronic (>6 months) pain/pressure/discomfort that is primarly perceived from the bladder and/or pelvis, and accompanied by urgency and/or frequency of urination. Throughout this paper, the definition, characteristic features, diagnostic tests and attempts, interpretation of the findings and the different treatment algorithms suggested by different organizations will be discussed.

Introduction: COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread rapidly across the world. In our study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the liver enzymes on admission (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT) and severity of COVID-19. We evaluated course of disease, hospital stay, liver damage and mortality. Materials and methods: Our study included 614 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 between 03.16.20 and 05.12.20. Patients with liver disease, hematological and solid organ malignancy with liver metastases were excluded, resulting in 554 patients who met our inclusion criteria. We retrospectively evaluated liver transaminase levels, AST/ALT ratio, cholestatic enzyme levels and R ratio during hospital admission and these were compared in terms of morbidity, mortality and clinical course. Results: Mean age of 554 subjects were 66.21 ± 15.45 years, 328 (59.2%) were men. The mean values of liver enzymes on admission were AST (36.2 ± 33.6 U/L), ALT (34.01 ± 49.34 U/L), ALP (78.8 ± 46.86 U/L), GGT (46.25 ± 60.05 U/L). Mortality rate and need for intensive care unit were statistically significant in subjects that had high ALT–AST levels during their admission to the hospital (p = 0.001). According to the ROC analysis AST/ALT ratio was a good marker of mortality risk (AUC = 0.713: p = 0.001) and expected probability of intensive care unit admission (AUC = 0.636: p = 0.001). R ratio, which was used to evaluate prognosis, showed a poor prognosis rate of 26.5% in the cholestatic injury group, 36.1% in the mixed pattern group and 30% in the hepato-cellular injury group (p 0.001). Conclusions: ALT–AST elevation and AST/ALT ratio >1 was associated with more severe course and increased mortality in COVID-19.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) inhibitors may increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is the receptor for SARSCoV-2 Spike protein. The consequences of using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. Methods: A retrospective cohort study aiming to identify the odds of severe disease (defined as either hospitalization of ≥14 days, admission to the intensive care unit, or death) associated with exposure to ACEi or ARB was conducted. Adult patients (age ≥18 years) with COVID-19 admitted to the İstanbul Faculty of Medicine Corona Center between March 9 and May 11, 2020, were included. Chronic users of ACEi, ARB, or other antihypertensive drugs were matched according to age, sex, sick days before hospitalization, comorbidities, smoking, number of antihypertensive regimens, doxazosin use, furosemide use, and serum creatinine level. Odds ratios (OR) of having severe disease were calculated. Results: In total, 611 patients were admitted with COVID-19, confirmed by either reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or computed tomography (CT). There were 363 males, and the age ranged from 18 to 98 years, with an average age of 57+-15 years. Of these, 165 participants had severe disease (53 deaths, case fatality rate: 8.7%). Among those with hypertension (n=249), ARB exposure was compatible with decreased odds (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.27–1.36, p=0.31) of severe disease though not statistically significant, while ACEi exposure significantly reduced the risk of severe disease (OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.87, p=0.03). ACEi exposure was associated with milder infiltrations seen on baseline CT, lower C-reactive protein and ferritin, higher monocytes, shorter hospitalization, and less requirement for specific empirical treatments (favipiravir and meropenem). Conclusion: Our data suggest that exposure to ACEi drugs may have favorable effects in the context of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical risk factors contributing to the development of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- producing asymptomatic bacteriuria in myelodysplastic children performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).Materials and Methods:The clinical risk factors for ESBL-producing bacteriuria were retrospectively investigated in 60 myelodysplastic children who had asymptomatic bacteriuria and were performing CIC. A total of 60 children were included in this study, 30 children (17 females, 13 males) with ESBL-positive bacteriuria in urine culture were identified as the study group and 30 age- and gender-matched ESBL-negative children (16 females, 14 males) served as controls. All children had neurogenic bladder due to myelodysplasia and had been used anticholinergics. The two groups were compared in terms of age, gender, presence of constipation and motor deficit, antibiotic prophylaxis, number of hospital admission, ultrasound findings, and presence of renal scarring in dimercapto succinic acid scintigraphy and urodynamic findings.Results:The mean age of the children was 77±50 months in study and 78±69 months in control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of maximum bladder capacity, leak point pressure, constipation status and scarring. In study and control groups, 83% and 46% of children were on antimicrobial prophylaxis, respectively (p=0.007).Conclusion:ESBL-producing bacteriuria was found to be associated with long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. Thus, it was concluded that the use of antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteriuria should be kept to a minimum.

Objective: Patients with cancer are considered highly vulnerable to the COVID-19 disease. However, there are still few data in hematologic patients. Some small studies have shown a high mortality on patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19. In this study we aim to report a single center experience of the hematologic patient population with COVID-19 disease. Methodology: This single centre, retrospective, cohort study included a total of 111 adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic hematologic diseases between March 2020 and August 2021. Ethics committee approval was obtained from the Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson's Chi-square test. STATA16-MP was used for the statistical analysis. Results: A total of 111 patients (median age:55) with hematologic disease were diagnosed with COVID19. Ninety patients had neoplastic hematologic disorder. Fourty-five patients were receiving anti-neoplastic treatment at the time of COVID19 diagnosis. A total of 21 patients (overall mortality rate:19%) died and 19 of them had neoplastic disorder. The malignancy mortality rate was estimated to be 21%. 45 of 90 cases were receiving chemotherapy. Ten of these 45 patients (22%) died due to COVID19 disease. Conclusion: In our study the majority of patients who died due to COVID-19 had hematological malignancies. The cytokine storm which affects the clinical outcome in COVID-19 may contribute to dismal prognosis in hematologic malignancies in which cytokine increase is a part of process. Most of the succumbed patients were relapsed refractory multiple line treated which may reflect the immune insufficiency. It seemed COVID-19 progress is mostly poor in hematologic malignancies compared otherwise healthy people.

Apelin is a peptide known for its insulin-sensitizing effect. This study aimed to examine the relationship between apelin and fatty liver disease. Non-diabetic patients were evaluated by ultrasound in this prospective, single-center, case-control study between 1 April 2020 and 1 April 2021. Serum apelin levels were measured, and the relationship with ultrasonography results and degree of hepatosteatosis was examined. Statistical analysis was carried out using NCSS 2007. This study was conducted with 80 non-diabetic participants, 53 females and 27 males. The mean age of the cases was 40.55 ± 13.82 (interquartile range = 27–51) years, and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.34 ± 7.44 (interquartile range = 23.4–35.2) kg/m 2 . There was no hepatosteatosis according to ultrasound in 42% (n = 34) of the cases. When patients with or without hepatosteatosis were compared, there was no difference in terms of gender, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hemoglobin levels, whereas fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA-IR, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, BMI, creatinine, and age were higher in the group with hepatosteatosis. Apelin was found to be lower in patients with non-diabetic hepatosteatosis than in those without hepatosteatosis ( p = .001). As the degree of fatty liver increased, the apelin level decreased further. There was also a negative correlation between apelin and age. However, the relationship between apelin and hepatosteatosis was independent of age. In non-diabetic patients with fatty liver disease, compared to those without fatty liver disease, serum apelin level was lower and was negatively correlated with the degree of steatosis, independent of age.

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Oral pharmacotherapy constitutes second-line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) after lifestyle modifications, bladder retraining, and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Antimuscarinics have an established role in the treatment of OAB. However, antimuscarinics are known to have low persistence rates in clinical practice. Mirabegron is an oral β3-adrenoreceptor agonist which has emerged as an alternative to antimuscarinics for managing OAB. Overall, mirabegron has similar clinical efficacy to antimuscarinics and is superior to placebo. Mirabegron has been generally well tolerated in both interventional and non-interventional studies. Persistence has been shown to be higher with mirabegron than with antimuscarinics in real-world studies. Increased blood pressure is associated with mirabegron and therefore its use is contraindicated in patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension. However, a low rate of treatment cessation due to cardiovascular issues has been noted in clinical trials. Mirabegron’s utility in the elderly patient population has been well supported with promising efficacy and safety outcomes. New data from a prospective placebo-controlled randomized trial in older OAB patients is expected to be published soon. Mirabegron does not interfere with detrusor contractions during the emptying phase of the micturition cycle and hence lacks any significant effect on post-void residual volume. Mirabegron can be combined with antimuscarinics to synergize clinical effectiveness. Overall, mirabegron represents a well-tolerated and effective medical treatment option for OAB. Mirabegron could be used as an alternative to antimuscarinics, especially in patients who do not improve with antimuscarinics and/or experience bothersome side effects for whom anticholinergic load may be a relevant consideration.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of voiding dysfunction (VD) and nocturnal enuresis (NE) in Turkish primary school children using a previously validated Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS) questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire.Materials and Methods:The previously validated DVSS questionnaire was completed by the parents of 3015 randomly selected children. Another questionnaire was also administered for studying VD and NE rates, demographic characteristics, and learning or behavioral problems of children.Results:Of all children, 6.6% (n=199) had a score suggesting VD and 6.1% (n=185) had NE. No significant differences were found between children with and without VD in terms of age, gender, and fluid intake. Children with VD had significantly high rates of constipation (19.7% vs 5.2%; p

Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a fixed-ratio co-formulation of insulin degludec (IDeg), which provides long-lasting basal insulin coverage, and insulin aspart (IAsp), which targets post-prandial glucose. This expert panel aimed to provide a practical and implementable guidance document to assist clinicians in prescribing IDegAsp in the diabetes management with respect to different patient populations including children and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well as pregnant, elderly and hospitalized patients and varying practice patterns (insulin-naive, insulin-treated, switching from basal, basal bolus and premix regimens). The experts recommended that IDegAsp can be used in insulin-naive T2D patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%) despite optimal oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) as well as in insulin-treated T2D patients by switching from basal insulin, basal-bolus therapy or premixed insulins in relation to lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia, fewer injections and lower intraday glycemic variability, respectively. The experts considered the use of IDegAsp in children with T2D as a basal bolus alternative rather than as an alternative to basal insulin after metformin failure, use of IDegAsp in adult T1D patients as a simplified basal bolus regimen with lesser nocturnal hypoglycemia, fewer injections and better fasting plasma glucose control and in children with T1D as an alternative insulin regimen with fewer injection to increase treatment adherence. The proposed expert opinion provides practical information on use of IDegAsp in different patient populations and practice patterns to assist clinicians, which seems to compensate the need for easily implementable guidance on this novel insulin regimen.

Heavy metals and pollutants cause serious damage to the ecological environment and accumulate in marine species in the seas. These pollutants and heavy metals accumulating in living species are a serious source of danger for human health. For this purpose, in this study, heavy metal (lead, mercury, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, silver, manganese, and nickel) and pesticide (p-p′-DDE, α-BHC, endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, aldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, methoxychlor, p-p′-DDD, p-p′-DDT, β-BHC, cypermethrin, and dieldrin) analyses of four different fish species (Pomatomus saltatrix, Dicentrarchus labrax, Mugil cephalus, and Sparus aurata) collected from the Aegean and Marmara seas were carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. We observed serious and remarkable arsenic, lead, and cadmium concentrations in the muscle meat of fish sample. p-p′-DDE and endosulfan were determined in every fish sample of each region. Heptachlor concentration was determined as 0.0598 μg/g in Dicentrarchus labrax sample from Marmara Sea, which is nearly nine thousand times more than the maximum allowable concentration of environmental quality standards biota of heptachlor listed in 2013/39/EU. The results show an indication of the significant health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated fish in the Aegean and Marmara seas. In the Turkish food codex and in the 2013/39/EU directive, some heavy metals that do not have the maximum allowable concentration limits should be urgently indicated.