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This study aims to determine the differences in satisfaction levels after septorhinoplasty between patients who are healthcare workers and those who are not. The study includes patients who underwent primary septorhinoplasty surgery, divided into two groups: healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers. The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire was administered to the patients at the 6th postoperative month. Among the 37 patients, 18 were healthcare workers, and 19 were non-healthcare workers. The mean Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation score for healthcare workers at the 6th postoperative month was 75.69 ± 16.06, while in the non-healthcare worker group, the ROE scores were 60.31 ± 27.69. The findings from our study indicated that individuals in the healthcare profession exhibited significantly greater satisfaction rates following septorhinoplasty in comparison to those in the non-healthcare worker group, with a statistically significant difference noted (p: 0.046). Having more knowledge about septorhinoplasty surgery and its complications among healthcare workers may allow for more realistic expectations regarding the surgical intervention. Simultaneously, it may facilitate better communication with the surgeon and the expression of expectations. Clinicians should pay attention not only to the patient's intellectual level but also to their health literacy in communication with the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study to examine the effects of curcumin and gallic acid use against oxidative stress damage in the autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation model created in rats on ovarian follicle reserve, ovarian surface epithelium, and oxidant-antioxidant systems. 42 adult female Sprague Dawley rats (n=7) were allocated into 6 groups. Group 1 served as the control. In Group 2, rats underwent ovarian transplantation (TR) to their peritoneal walls. Group 3 received corn oil (CO) (0.5 ml/day) one day before and 14 days after transplantation. Group 4 was administered curcumin (CUR) (100 mg/kg/day), Group 5 received gallic acid (GA) (20 mg/kg/day), and Group 6 was treated with a combination of curcumin and gallic acid via oral gavage after transplantation. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th postoperative day, and blood along with ovaries were collected for analysis. The removed ovaries were analyzed at light microscopic, fluorescence microscopic, and biochemical levels. In Group 2 and Group 3, while serum and tissue Total Oxidant Levels (TOS) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) increased, serum Total Antioxidant Levels (TAS) decreased statistically significantly (p˂0.05) compared to the other groups (Groups 1, 4, 5, and 6). The ovarian follicle reserve was preserved and the changes in the ovarian surface epithelium and histopathological findings were reduced in the antioxidant-treated groups (Groups 4, 5, and 6). In addition, immunofluorescence examination revealed that the expression of Cytochrome C and Caspase 3 was stronger and Ki-67 was weaker in Groups 2 and 3, in comparison to the groups that were given antioxidants. It can be said that curcumin and gallic acid have a histological and biochemical protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury due to ovarian transplantation, and this effect is stronger when these two antioxidants are applied together compared to individual use. • Ovarian transplantation induces histopathologic changes within the ovary. • Curcumin and gallic acid treatments aid in preserving the follicular reserve in ovarian transplantation. • Curcumin and gallic acid decreased TOS and OSI levels and increased TAS levels in intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation. • Treatment with curcumin demonstrates a more effective preventive effect against oxidative stress compared to gallic acid. • Curcumin and gallic acid, which are more potent when used together than when used individually, may be a new strategy to mitigate ovarian transplantation injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the radioprotective effect of melatonin against acute testicular injury caused by low- and high-dose-rate radiotherapy in rats. A total of 40 12-week-old adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8). Group 1 comprised control rats who were not subjected to any procedures. A single dose of 8 Gy (Gy) radiotherapy was administered to the abdominopelvic regions of Group 2 (low-dose rate radiotherapy (LDRR) group) and Group 4 (high-dose rate radiotherapy (HDRR) group) rats at dose rates of 400 MU/min and 1400 MU/min, respectively. A single dose of 8 Gy radiotherapy was administered to Group 3 (low-dose rate radiotherapy + melatonin (LDRR + MEL) group) and Group 5 (high-dose rate radiotherapy + melatonin (HDRR + MEL) group) rats at dose rates of 400 MU/min and 1400 MU/min, respectively. Following this, 50 mg/kg/intraperitoneal melatonin was given to the rats 15 min before radiotherapy. The subjects were sacrificed 48 h after radiotherapy. Histological, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, and biochemical analyses of testicular tissue samples were performed. As a result of comparing the FF and FFF radiotherapy groups with the control group, a statistically significant difference was observed in histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent parameters (p < 0.001). An improvement in these parameters was observed in the groups where melatonin was applied along with radiotherapy (p < 0.001). Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found between FF and FFF dose rates (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between these low- and high-dose rates of radiotherapy in terms of testicular damage and the effect of melatonin. Further, melatonin may be useful in preventing testicular damage caused by low- and high-dose rate radiotherapy. • No difference was found between the damages caused by FF and FFF dose rates in rat testicular tissue. • Melatonin administration increased ZO-1 and LECTIN expression in testicular tissue damaged by radiotherapy. • Melatonin administration decreases the OSI value increased by radiotherapy in rat testis. • Melatonin administration decreased the apoptotic index increased by radiotherapy in rat testis. • Melatonin may be a safe antioxidant that can be applied to prevent radiotherapy-induced testicular injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common gynecological hurting disorder in which tissue is similar to the tissue that normally lines the inner layer of the uterus. It often causes fertility problems. Unfortunately, effective treatments are limited. Therefore it's important to explore an imperative and easily accessible treatment to alleviate the probable pathologies and preserve fertility in endometriosis. Consequently, we aimed to investigate the effects of metformin, letrozole, and atorvastatin on inflammation and apoptosis in experimentally induced ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis in rat models. In the present study, 35 rats were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1: sham-operated control group. Group 2: untreated endometriosis group. Group 3: given 100 mg/kg/day of oral metformin. Group 4: given 0.1 mg/kg/day of oral letrozole. Group 5: given 2.5 mg/kg/day of oral atorvastatin. At the end of the 28 days, we examined Ki67, Bax and Bcl-2 immunoexpressions in ovarian and peritoneal tissues, and IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels were evaluated from the peritoneal fluid. All medical treatment groups showed a significant decrease in Ki67 expression. A significant increase in Bax expression was also observed in all samples from all medical treatment groups (other than the untreated endometriosis groups). Further, a significant decrease in Bcl-2 expression was found in all medical treatment groups. IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in all medical treatment groups than in the endometriosis groups. In conclusion; Metformin, letrozole, and atorvastatin showed apoptosis induction and anti-inflammatory effects on both ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis in experimental models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the iodinated contrast media, iopamidol (IOPA) has been frequently detected in effluents of wastewater treatment plants and surface waters at elevated concentrations due to their refractory nature and hence incomplete removal. The objective of this study was to investigate anaerobic treatability of aqueous IOPA and its effect on biogas production in lab-scale batch reactors treating synthetic sewage. Initial total COD (CODtot) concentrations varied between 800–950 mg/L in the batch reactors having IOPA concentrations in the range of 0–100 mg/L. Findings of this study reflected that increased IOPA concentrations did not result in any significant decrease in anaerobic treatment performance as well as the biogas yield. Although the highest soluble COD (CODsol) removal was observed in the bioreactor bearing no IOPA (i.e., 90% CODsol); no meaningful change occurred at elevated IOPA concentrations up to 100 mg/L (i.e., 82% CODsol). Results also indicated that IOPA could be removed from the supernatant at a rate of 33–44% at the end of a 32-day incubation period. Moreover, maximum cumulative biogas production was observed as 134 mL in the reactor with 75 mg/L IOPA compared to 111 mL in the control reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rose essential oil on primary dysmenorrhea. Methods One hundred patients were randomly divided into two groups; Group D received diclofenac sodium (75 mg/im) and Group A administered diclofenac sodium with aromatherapy (2% rose essential oil). The visual analog scale (VAS) scores in all subjects at baseline, 10th min, and 30th min were recorded. Results When the two groups were compared before and after the treatment, there were significant decreases in VAS values at the 10 min and 30 min compared to baseline values in both groups (p < 0.001). However, the 30th min mean VAS value in Group D was higher than in Group A (p = 0.019). Conclusion The present study suggests that aromatherapy with rose essential oil, which is a nonpharmacologic treatment method, as an adjuvant to conventional treatment methods may be beneficial for pain relief in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to look into the roles of iron and zinc metals in etiopathogenesis of recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy by evaluating the levels of iron and zinc elements in the palatine tonsillar tissue.Methods: In total, 40 patients who underwent a tonsillectomy to treat recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy were included in the study. Patients were classified into two groups, recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy, determined by the results of clinical and histopathological examination. The levels of iron and zinc elements were determined for each tonsillar tissue sample.Results: There was a significant difference in the iron and zinc concentrations (p<0.001) between the tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis groups. The levels of iron and zinc were significantly lower in the recurrent tonsillitis group.Conclusions: This study suggests that low tissue concentrations of iron and zinc may lead to recurrent tonsillitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The use of VFAs as carbon source for wastewater denitrification was evaluated. • The system was operated in lab-scale MBBR using denitrifying carriers. • VFA concentration and composition influences denitrification. • Impurities in AD-VFA effluent showed no negative effects on denitrification rate. • Nitrite accumulations were reduced by the VFA addition. Fossil-based materials such as methanol are frequently used in the denitrification process of advanced biological wastewater treatment as external carbon source. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced by anaerobic digestion of food waste, are sustainable compounds with the potential to act as carbon sources for denitrification, reducing carbon footprint and material costs. In this study, the effectiveness of food waste-derived VFAs (AD-VFA) was investigated in the post-denitrification process in comparison with synthetic VFA and methanol as carbon sources. Acetic acid had the highest rate of disappearance among single tested VFAs with a denitrification rate of 0.44 g NO x -N removed/m2/day, indicating a preferential utilization pattern. While AD-VFA had a denitrification rate of 0.61 mg NO x -N removed/m2/day, sVFA had a rate of 0.57 mg NO x -N removed/m2/day, indicating that impurities in AD-VFA did not play substantial role in denitrification. AD-VFA proved to be promising carbon source alternative for denitrification in wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of oestradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration on intrauterine insemination success rate. Methods: The present study included 206 intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles performed between June 2011 and October 2012. All IUI cycles were preceded by ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins starting on cycle day 3. A single IUI was performed 24–36h after hCG administration. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to define the covariates of IUI success. The main outcome measure, clinical pregnancy rate per cycle, was assessed according to the oestradiol level. Results: With LR+=2 and AUC=0.73, ROC analysis revealed out the oestradiol level as 465pg/mL to predict the pregnancy with 60% sensitivity and 66% specificity. Binary logistic regression analysis identified the presence of oestradiol levels higher than 465pg/mL (p <0.01, 95% CI=0.147–0.687) and stimulation duration (p <0.01, 95% CI=0.201–0.705) as the covariates approached statistical significance for IUI success. Conclusions: Oestradiol level >465pg/mL on the day of hCG administration might point out advanced outcome on mild ovarian stimulation combined with insemination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: This study evaluated the protective effect of sildenafil on liver injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Forty female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-control (SC), ischemia (I), ischemia-reperfusion (IR), and ischemia-reperfusion+sildenafil (SIL; sildenafil gavaged at 50mg/kg before operating). A 2-h ischemia-reperfusion was performed by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. Liver function, plasma alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase, and intestinal and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at the end of the experiment. Intestinal and liver tissue damage was examined by histology. Liver samples were immunologically stained for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Results: The ALT and AST levels were highest in the IR group and were lower in the SIL group (p<0.05). Intestinal MDA levels were statistically higher in the IR group than in the SC, I and SIL groups. Liver MDA levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the I and SC groups (p<0.05) and higher than in the SIL group (p>0.05). Intestinal damage based on Chiu scoring was more severe in the IR than in the SIL group (p<0.05). Sildenafil reduced damage and also increased eNOS and PCNA immunoreactivity in liver tissue. Conclusions: Sildenafil shows a protective effect on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury, possibly by decreasing vascular resistance through increased nitric oxide levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim of this study was to determine the extent of pollution in the West Black Sea Coast of Turkey by measuring CYP1A associated EROD activity, phase II enzyme, glutathione S-transferase and antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione reductase activities and immunochemical detection of CYP1A protein level in the liver of mullet. The fish samples were caught from six locations having a varying degree of pollution in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey in August 2005, 2006 and 2007. Mullets caught from Zonguldak Harbour, Ere¿li Harbour and Gülüç Stream¿s Mouth displayed 6¿9-fold higher EROD, 2¿4-fold higher glutathione S-transferase and 2¿3-fold higher catalase activities than the reference site, Amasra. Total polyaromatic hydrocarbon levels in mullets caught from these locations were also significantly higher (2¿4-fold) than Amasra. The results of this study indicate that Zonguldak Harbour, Ere¿li Harbour and Gülüç Stream are highly polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and related contaminants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To compare the effects of ligation of the ascending branches of the uterine artery and tourniquet methods intra-operative and post-operative hemorrhage during abdominal myomectomy. Methods: Fifty-one cases with symptomatic myoma uteri were prospectively, randomly assigned to two single blind groups. Myomectomy was performed in Group 1 (n=26) by bilateral ligation of the ascending branches of the uterine artery and in Group 2 (n=25) by the intra-operative tourniquet method. Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon Rank and χ2 tests were used in the comparison of the data. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between myoma enucleation, operation duration and blood loss (rs, P, n). Results: Operation time, number of removed myoma nuclei, (P>0.05, Mann–Whitney U test), and febrile morbidity were similar in the two groups (P>0.05, χ2 test). Intra-operative blood loss was lower in Group 1 (P<0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). In three cases from Group 2 post-operative hemorrhage occurred, and the laparotomy and bilateral ligation of the internal iliac arteries were performed in these cases. There was a positive correlation among myoma enucleation, operation duration and blood loss (rs=0.7, P=0.001, n=51). Conclusions: Intra-operative blood loss is lower with bilateral ligation of the ascending branches of the uterine artery during myomectomy. The effect of ligation on hemorrhage continues in the post-operative period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the use of omental graft following the repair of fistula between bladder and uterus (Youssef syndrome). Methods: Primary repair was performed on four women who had developed vesico-uterine/vesico-cervical fistula and infertility due to previous low segment caeserean between October 1997 and January 2001. An omental graft of 4 cm×3.5 cm was placed between bladder and uterus. Results: Repair was successful in all four patients. Complaints of amenorrhea, menouria and in three patients urine-type vaginal flux disappeared. Three patients did not want pregnancy, so contraceptives were administered. The fourth patient conceived after 4 months. Conclusions: This operation is both simple and effective. Fertility is recovered quickly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of a single preoperative dose of misoprostol in abdominal myomectomies.: DesignPlacebo-controlled randomized prospective study.: SettingDepartment of obstetrics and gynecology in a university hospital.: Patient(s)Twenty-five women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.: Intervention(s)Among patients undergoing abdominal myomectomies, an hour before the operation women in the study group (n = 13) were given a single dose of vaginal misoprostol (400 μg); those in the control group (n = 12) were given placebo.: Main outcome measure(s)Intraoperative blood loss, duration of operation, duration of postoperative hospitalization, and the need for blood transfusion were compared between the control and study groups.: Result(s)Blood loss, operation time, and need for postoperative blood transfusion were significantly reduced in the group given vaginal misoprostol. No difference was observed among patients in terms of the time of hospitalization.: Conclusion(s)A single preoperative dose of vaginal misoprostol is a simple, reliable method for reducing intraoperative blood loss and need for postoperative blood transfusion after abdominal myomectomies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fear of falling frequently reported by older individuals and is an important health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fear of falling on balance, dual task performance, physical activity level and the quality of life on the aged people. Elderly care facilities. 60 elderly individuals aged 65 and over were included. 30 individuals with fear of falling were included in the study group and 30 individuals without fear of falling were included in the control group. Fall Efficiency Scale International (FES I) was used to determine the fear of falling. Balance tests i.e. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), Time Up and Go Test (TUG) were applied to all individuals. Dual-task performance was evaluated by asking each person to perform motor (TUG motor) and cognitive tasks (TUG cognitive) simultaneously with TUG. Evaluation of physical activity was conducted by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and assessment of the quality of life was determined by the EuroQol-5 Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D). The scores of BBS, TUG, PASE, EQ-5D and POMA (balance and gait subscores) of the aged who have a fear of falling were significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the completion time of both TUG motor and TUG cognitive test of the aged who have a fear of falling was significantly longer than the control group (p < 0.001). There were in deterioration in balance, dual task performance and quality of life and a decrease in physical activity level in elderly individuals in elderly with fear of falling. • It was found that the balance was disturbed in elderly individuals with a fear of falling. • It was found that the dual-task performance was impaired in elderly individuals with a fear of falling. • Quality of life and physical activity were found to be decreased in elderly individuals with a fear of falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological mechanisms underlying obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are not sufficiently elucidated. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress were shown to increase neopterin and decrease tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels by activating the neopterin–BH4 pathway. This study compared serum TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, neopterin, BH4, and nitric oxide (NO) levels between child and adolescent patients diagnosed with OCD and a healthy control group. The study included 29 patients diagnosed with OCD (comorbidity free, drug free) and 28 healthy children as an aged and sex matched control group. Serum samples were analyzed for TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, neopterin, and BH4 by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and NO concentrations were assessed by colorimetric method based on Griess reaction. All cytokine levels were found to be low, but this decrease was statistically significant only for TGF-β1. The neopterin and NO levels were significantly higher and BH4 significantly lower in children with OCD compared to the healthy control group. Also, a statistically significant correlation was found between NO, neopterin, and BH4 levels. The results of our study show that the levels of TGF-β1 and NO and the activation of the neopterin–BH4 pathway may be implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD. • Circulating TGF-β1 levels are significantly lower in pediatric OCD patients. • The activity of the neopterin–BH4 pathway may underlie OCD. • Circulating NO levels are significantly higher in pediatric OCD patients. • Statistically significance was found between NO, neopterin, and BH4 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) causes significant psychic distress and affects children's social and academic functioning. Approximately 80% of OCD cases begin in childhood. Earlier onset is associated with more severe OC symptoms, poorer treatment response, and a more unfavorable clinical course. A particular oxidative stress marker, thiol/disulfide homeostasis, using a new, comparatively inexpensive, easily calculated, easily accessible, repeatable, and fully automated method was investigated between pediatric patients diagnosed with OCD and a healthy control group in this study. This study is the first to address this subject in pediatric patients with OCD and aims to contribute to our knowledge of the etiopathogenesis and treatment of pediatric OCD. The study included children with OCD (n = 35, 52.2%) (drug free, comorbidity free) between 11 and 18 years of age and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 32, 47.8%). The total thiol (p = 0.025) and disulfide (p = 0.001) levels and the disulfide/native thiol (p = 0.001) and disulfide/total thiol ratios (p = 0.001) were significantly different between the groups. Also, in the patient group, biochemical analysis revealed that the disulfide level (p = 0.05) and the disulfide/native thiol (p = 0.034) and disulfide/total thiol ratios (p = 0.039) differed significantly according to the presence of a family history of psychiatric disorders. Consequently, the results of our study show that thiol/disulfide homeostasis may affect the etiopathogenesis of pediatric OCD and can be utilized as a new method when evaluating oxidative stress. • A particular oxidative stress marker, thiol/disulfide homeostasis, was investigated. • Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was significantly disturbed in pediatric OCD patients. • Thiol/disulfide homeostasis may affect the etiopathogenesis of pediatric OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance and microbial community dynamics in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor coupled with anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (Anammox) treating diluted chicken manure digestate (Total ammonia nitrogen; TAN = 123 ± 10 mg/L) were investigated for a 120-d operating period in the presence of anaerobic granular inoculum. Maximum TAN removal efficiency reached to above 80% with as low as 20 mg/L TAN concentrations in the effluent. Moreover, total COD (tCOD) with 807 ± 215 mg/L in the influent was removed by 60–80%. High-throughput sequencing revealed that Proteobacteria , Actinobacteria , and Firmicutes were dominant phyla followed by Euryarchaeota and Bacteroidetes . The relative abundance of Planctomycetes significantly increased from 4% to 8–9% during the late days of the operation with decreased tCOD concentration, which indicated a more optimum condition to favor ammonia removal through anammox route. There was also significant association between the hzsA gene and ammonia removal in the UASB reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "6.9 Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Sleep Disturbance Symptoms, and Quality of Children With Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy and Sleep-Disordered Breathing" by Serhat Turkoglu and colleagues is presented.

Efficient utilization of hemicellulose entails high catalytic capacity containing xylanases. In this study, proline rich sequence was fused together with a C-terminal of xylanase gene from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans C5 and designated as GthC5ProXyl. Both GthC5Xyl and GthC5ProXyl were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 host in order to determine effect of this modification. The C-terminal oligopeptide had noteworthy effects and instantaneously extended the optimal temperature and pH ranges and progressed the specific activity of GthC5Xyl. Compared with GthC5Xyl, GthC5ProXyl revealed improved specific activity, a higher temperature (70 °C versus 60 °C) and pH (8 versus 6) optimum, with broad ranges of temperature and pH (60–80 °C and 6.0–9.0 versus 40–60 °C and 5.0–8.0, respectively). The modified enzyme retained more than 80% activity after incubating in xylan for 3 h at 80 °C as compared to wild −type with only 45% residual activity. Our study demonstrated that proper introduction of proline residues on C-terminal surface of xylanase family might be very effective in improvement of enzyme thermostability. Moreover, this study reveals an engineering strategy to improve the catalytic performance of enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to investigate the effects of unilateral total salpingectomy procedure on ovarian follicular reserve, apoptosis, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining in this study. Study design Fourteen female Wistar Albino rats of 12 weeks were randomly divided into two groups. Abdomen midline incision was conducted under general anesthesia. Group 1(G1) ( n = 7): Group in which only the abdomen was opened and closed, Group 2(G2) ( n = 7): Group that underwent right total salpingectomy. After 1 month, abdomens of all rats were opened. Ovaries were macroscopically evaluated. Right ovarian tissue was quickly removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde, and paraffin blocks were prepared.’ The existence of fibrosis was identified with the usage of light microscope. Follicles were microscopically classified and counted. The prevalence of cytoplasmic immune staining and TUNEL staining was scored semi-quantitatively. Statistical analysis : SPSS 17.0 software was used for the statistical analysis of data. First, Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis was conducted, and then Mann–Whitney U test was utilized for inter-group dual comparisons for parameters found as p < 0.05. Results While the number of CL was found out dramatically high, secondary follicle count was found out to be significantly low in G2. Also in G2, although the number of atretic follicle and fibrosis were found out significantly increased, and the score of the angiogenesis was found to be significantly decreased in CL. When compared PCNA immunoreactivity in granulosa cells with the control group, there was a significant decrease in G2. When compared the malondialdehyde (MDA) immunoreactivity with G1 a significant increase was established in G2. Apoptosis score of ovarian follicles in granulosa cells was significantly higher in G2. Conclusions In this experimental study, the decrease in the ovarian reserve and PCNA staning of granulosa cells, an increase in apoptosis, fibrosis and the number of atretic follicles in unilateral total salpingectomy operation were analyzed in rats. We found out significantly higher MDA staining rates in G2 in comparison to in G1. According to the study, the unilateral total salpingectomy procedure can damage to the same side ovarian tissue by means of the ischemia and reperfusion injury at the ovarian tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Implantation necessitates complex interactions among the developing embryo, decidualizing endometrium, and developing maternal immune tolerance and/or alterations in cellular and humoral immune responses. Overstimulation of T helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cytokines in systemic and local environments, alterations of the prevalence of IL17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) cytokines have also been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of implantation failure. We aimed to investigate the plasma levels of IL4, IL6, IL10, TNFα, IFNγ, TGFβ, IL17, IL35, and SOCS3 in infertile and fertile women. This case–control study was conducted with 80 women suffering from unexplained infertility and 40 fertile women. Peripheral venous blood samples were drawn on day 21 of the menstrual cycle. The extracted plasma samples were assayed by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Our main findings were as follows: despite the significantly high IL17 and IL35 plasma levels of infertile women, IL35/IL17 ratio was significantly lower in the infertile group compared with that in the fertile group; SOCS3 plasma levels showed an inverse relation with plasma levels of all cytokines except IL35; increased plasma IL17 levels (>3.42pg/mL) have a negative impact on fertility; TNFα/IL10, IFNγ/IL10, IFNγ/IL6, and IFNγ/IL4 ratios were significantly higher in infertile group compared with those in the fertile group. It is not possible to show the major immunological factor(s) of unexplained infertility, but our findings point out that the decreased suppressor activity of the immune system may play a role in implantation failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the regression level of simple ovarian cyst size after local ethanol application and the damage level of adjacent ovarian reserve in rats. Study design: This study was conducted at Firat University Animal Laboratory with 18 mature (12–14 weeks old) female Wistar albino rats weighing 200–220g, with regular cycles. Ovarian cyst induction was performed with unilateral salpingectomy. Fourteen rats with ovarian cysts after a second laparotomy were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1 (n =7): cyst aspiration group, and Group 2 (n =7): intracystic 95% ethanol application group. One month after the cyst aspiration procedure a third laparotomy was performed. The cyst number and size were recorded for each rat. Right ovariectomy was performed and formalin-fixed/paraffin-embedded tissues were sectioned at 5μm thickness. Under light microscopy, ovarian total follicle reserve and fibrosis were evaluated with Masson trichrome staining and apoptosis was evaluated with TUNEL staining. The groups were compared with the Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Rank test. p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ovarian cyst formation was observed in 85% (15/18) of rats. The mean diameter of ovarian cysts in Groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 10.3mm and 10.1mm. After aspiration, there was no significant reduction in the cyst diameter (10.3mm vs 8.1mm), but after ethanol application the diameter significantly reduced (10.1mm vs 3.4mm, p <0.05). Mean ovarian follicle count in Group 2 was significantly lower than in Group 1 (25 vs 42, p <0.05), and mean fibrosis and apoptosis scores in Group 2 were significantly higher than in Group 1 (2.5 vs 0.9, p <0.05). Conclusion: Local ethanol application reduces cyst diameter but concomitantly decreases ovarian reserve due to increased fibrosis in rats. In humans, intracystic ethanol application should be performed cautiously. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]