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Sarcoidosis is a Th1-mediated chronic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas. Its pathogenesis is not yet clear, but the possible role of various proinflammatory cytokines is being discussed. This study aims to determine serum cytokine (IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23) levels in patients with sarcoidosis, and to determine a possible correlation with clinical and laboratory findings of the disease. Forty-four biopsy-proven sarcoidosis patients followed up at a single centre and 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of all patients were recorded. Serum samples from the patients and the control group were taken and IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23 were measured by ELISA method. Of the 44 sarcoidosis patients, 13(29.5%) were male and 31(70.5%) were female. Average patient age was 47.4 years, mean disease duration was 3.2 years. Twenty-one (47.7%) patients had erythema nodosum, three (6.8%) had uveitis, 40(90.9%) had arthralgia, 23(52.3%) had ankle arthritis, 15(34.1%) had enthesitis. Laboratory evaluation showed increased serum ACE levels in 24(54.5%) patients, increased serum calcium levels in 11 (25%) patients, increased serum D3 levels in 5(11.4%) patients, increased ESR and CRP levels in 22(50%) and 23(52.3%) patients, respectively. Compared with the control group higher serum IL-23 levels were found in the patients with sarcoidosis (p =.01). Serum IL-23 was associated with ankle arthritis (p =.02). Serum IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17 levels were similar in the sarcoidosis patients and the control group (p =.128, p =.212, p =.521 respectively). In our study, we found increased serum IL-23 in patients with sarcoidosis, while serum IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17 were detected as normal. Although our results are somewhat contradictory to other studies in the literature, the question should still be whether sarcoidosis is a Th1/Th17 disease. Multicentre studies are needed in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the most reliable dosimetric predictors for pulmonary complications and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) and surgery for locally advanced esophageal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 patients with esophageal cancer who received surgery following NACRT for locally advanced esophageal cancer from January 2014 to June 2023. Following the completion of NACRT, all patients received transthoracic esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy. Before surgery, all patients were evaluated in terms of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, COPD status, and hematological values. The levels of complications were evaluated with the comprehensive complication index (CCI). The patients' radiotherapy (RT) plans were evaluated retrospectively, and lung V5, V10, V15, V20, V30, and mean lung dose (MLD) data were obtained using dose-volume histograms. The effect of this data on the need for postoperative intensive care (IC) and the occurrence of pneumonia was calculated using binary logistic regression analysis. The impact of categorical clinical features on the requirement for IC and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia was assessed using the Fisher's exact test. The median age was 58 (range = 26–77), and the median interval between NACRT and surgery was 5 weeks (range = 4–14). The RT dose was median 45 Gy/25 fractions (range = 41.4-50.4) with 1.8–2.0 Gy daily per fraction, and 87.5% of patients received FOLFOX as concurrent chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was applied to 8 (25%) of the patients using 3D conformal, 20 (62.5%) using VMAT, and 4 (12.5%) using the hybrid (3D-IMRT) technique. The median ASA score before surgery was 2 (1-3). Only in 1 (3.1%) patient, the score was 3. Before surgery, three (9.4%) patients were diagnosed with COPD, and one (3.1%) patient had grade 2 neutropenia. Intensive care was required in 14 patients after surgery. Postoperative pneumonia occurred in 12 (37.5%) patients. The median postoperative CCI value of the patients was 22.6 (range = 0–100). Lung median V5, V10, V15, V20, V30, and MLD doses were 65.75 (28.2-95.9), 40.5 (22.4-90.6), 29.55 (13.4-45.9), 18.10 (7.6-30.6), 7.50 (2.9-24.7), and 1126.8 cGy (263-1628), respectively. The impact of preoperative COPD presence on postoperative pneumonia and IC needs was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.274 and p = 0.596). In multivariate analyses, lung V5 (p = 0.042), V10 (p = 0.037), and V15 (p = 0.049) doses statistically significantly affected the need for IC. Lung volume exposed to low-dose radiation (V5-V15) was found to be strongly associated with prolonged intensive care unit stay after surgery for locally advanced esophageal cancer. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial aims to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and safety of BioVirtualPed, a biofeedback-based virtual reality (VR) game designed to reduce pain, anxiety, and fear in children undergoing medical procedures. An Oculus Quest 2 headset was used in the VR experience, respiratory data was captured using an ADXL354 accelerometer, and these data were integrated into the game with ArdunioUno software. The sample of this study consisted of 15 pediatric oncology patients aged 6 to 12 years between July and August 2023. BioVirtualPed's acceptability, feasibility, and safety were evaluated through child and expert feedback, alongside metrics including the System Usability Scale, Wong-Baker Pain Rating Scale, Child Fear Scale, Child Anxiety Scale-Status, Satisfaction Scoring, and various feasibility and safety parameters. Regarding the acceptability, the expert evaluation showed a mean score of 122.5 ± 3.53, indicating high usability for the system. All children provided positive feedback, and both children and their mothers reported high satisfaction with using BioVirtualPed. The BioVirtualPed was feasible for reducing children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels. All the children complied with the game, and no one withdrew from the trial. BioVirtualPed did not cause symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, or nausea in children and was found to be safe for children. The findings showed that BioVirtualPed meets the following criteria: feasibility, user satisfaction, acceptability, and safety. It is a valuable tool to improve children's experience undergoing port catheter needle insertion procedures. Integration of VR interventions with BioVirtualPed into routine nursing care practices has the potential to effectively manage the pain, anxiety, and fear experienced by children undergoing medical procedures. The safety, feasibility, and acceptability results are promising for further research and integration into pediatric healthcare practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Reumatología Clínica is the property of Elsevier B.V. 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.)

Passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) concept with an already developed roadmap for 24% efficiency will be leading the photovoltaics industry in the upcoming years. In a few industrial pilot lines, efficiencies above 22% have already been attained. Pilot lines have important roles in bridging lab scale proven concepts with the products which are ready for mass production. Therefore, GUNAM Photovoltaic Line which is specialized on PERC concepts has been established to overcome the barriers that hinder the performance of c-Si solar cells in PERC concepts in a relevant environment. The aim of this article is to show how a loss analysis can be employed in a practical way in an industrially relevant environment. The analysis depends on the first results of the studies from 6 months ramp up period of GPVL. A batch of standard PERC type solar cells with p-type base and atomic layer deposited Al 2 O 3 rear passivation have been fabricated during the ramp up of the line. A detailed gain-loss analysis was performed to address the optical, electrical and recombination losses in order to increase the cell efficiency. • Pilot lines bridge lab scale proven concepts with the products which are ready for mass production. • PERC technology has gained up to 21% market share along all Si based technologies. • Detailed loss analysis helps to draw roadmaps for higher efficiencies. • 19.21% efficiency PERC was fabricated in pilot environment as expected by loss analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the Salvia genus are aromatic herbs and traditionally used for many medicinal purposes in Anatolia. The genus has produced an extraordinarily large number of beneficial secondary metabolites belonging to numerous chemical groups. Salvia pisidica is an endemic plant of southwest Anatolia, the dried parts of which are used as herbal tea and local materia medica. The composition of endemic S. pisidica essential oil was determined through GC-MS studies. In vitro cytotoxicity activity and apoptosis analysis were investigated by MTT assay, q-PCR and Annexin V staining experiments. Our results showed that 1,8 cineole (19.15 %) camphor (18.12 %) and γ-gurjunene (8.58 %) were the major constituents of the essential oil. It showed cytotoxic effects on the human breast cancer MCF-7, colon carcinoma Caco-2, hepatocyte carcinoma HepG2, and prostate carcinoma LnCap. The results of q-PCR and image-cytometer analysis showed that the essential oil caused induction of apoptosis by intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in all cancer cell lines. S. pisidica essential oil demonstrates considerable cytotoxic activity due to an apoptosis-related mechanism, suggesting that their bioactive components could be used as natural anticancer substances. [Display omitted] • Salvia pisidica esssential oil was cytotoxic and apoptotic in MCF-7, Caco-2, HepG2 and LnCap cells. • S. pisidica essential oil induced apoptosis via intrinsic pathway. • The esssential oil content was found different than previous studies. • The essential oil contains 1,8 cineole, camphor and γ-gurjunene as a major components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) approach has been thoroughly researched with the aim of reducing radiation exposures to normal tissues in breast cancer patients. Although heart and lung toxicity are widely addressed in many literature, radiation-associated liver toxicity and dose constraints for the right coronary artery (RCA) are not well studied in relation to breast radiotherapy. Additionally, very few studies have investigated the relationship between doses to cardiac substructures. This study aimed to determine the effect of the DIBH technique on the right coronary artery (RCA) region, cardiac substructures, and liver dose in right breast cancer irradiation. Between January 2022 and December 2022, thirty-five right breast cancer patients who previously received breast-surgery underwent computed tomography (CT) simulation with both free-breathing (FB) and DIBH techniques. Patients were contoured by a radiation oncologist on the scans using the Treatment Planning System. For cardiac substructures, reference atlas contours were used for accurate delineation and to reduce inter-observer variation. Each patient underwent two treatment plans for both the DIBH and FB datasets. The plan comprised the FB and DIBH techniques, and the doses to the cardiac substructures, ipsilateral lung, RCA region, and liver were compared using a two-tailed paired t-test. Radiotherapy was delivered with a Linac with the prescription dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. For both FB and DIBH irradiation groups, the mean radiation doses to the ipsilateral lung, heart, and RCA region in patients with FB and DIBH techniques were; 14.67 Gy, 2.33 Gy, 4.88 Gy and 12.05 Gy, 1.34 Gy and 3.29 Gy respectively. The mean radiation doses to the cardiac substructures; for the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, and right atrium for the FB were 1.08 Gy, 1.79 Gy, 4.11 Gy, and for DIBH, 0.49 Gy, 1.49 Gy, 0.95 Gy, and 2.61 Gy, respectively. For the DIBH group, the liver maximum dose (p<0.01), right lung mean dose (p = 0.001), heart maximum dose (p = 0.009), RCA mean dose (p = 0.020), RCA maximum dose (p = 0.008), RCA V5 dose (p = 0.035), right atrium maximum dose (p = 0.009) and right ventricle mean dose (p = 0.040) were significantly lower than in patients treated in the non-gated group. DIBH resulted in considerable displacement of the liver away from the high-dose target region, such that the volume of liver in the high-dose region was reduced. Additionally, the use of the DIBH technique in right breast cancer irradiation effectively reduces the radiation doses to the cardiac substructures, such as the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, right atrium, RCA region, and lungs. DIBH could lead to substantial sparing of these structures with the right breast cancer radiotherapy. Future prospective studies are required to determine whether improvements to dose-distribution will translate into improved toxicity outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Reumatología Clínica is the property of Elsevier B.V. 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.)

Highlights • An analytical study of Roman red slip ware from Tripolis, Turkey. • Characterization of compositional differences by petrography, XRD and XRF. • Identification of local pottery production at Tripolis during the Roman period. • The some sample groups were imported from Menderes valley and Sagalassos. Abstract Roman red slip ware uncovered at Tripolis, an ancient city of Lydia region in modern Denizli province, Turkey, was analyzed for geochemical and mineralogical properties in order to clarify their manufacturing technology. Samples were examined by optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence. Results thus obtained indicate that the analyzed red slip wares can be divided into three groups based on the inclusion types, and grain sizes. Mineralogical compositions also reflect differences in production technology. The firing temperatures are estimated from the phase assemblages as <800 °C for the Group 1 and 2 samples and about 900 °C for Group 3 samples. Group 1 was probably produced from local clays (Lykos Valley) in Denizli region. Group 2 shows clear similarity with local clay but it is from different origin (probably from Meander Valley (Menderes Massif clays). Whereas Group 3 does not seem to be a local production of Tripolis, rather wares imported from possibly Sagalassos in ancient Pisidia of Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we worked on a new industry-inspired generalization of the multi-agent path finding (MAPF) problem. In this new problem, incoming jobs should be assigned to agents in a way that minimizes the total path cost. In this problem, definition of a job is visiting a certain coordinate by the agent. In addition, the agents must keep the following tasks on their own lists and decide the order of visiting the tasks assigned to them by minimizing the total distance traveled. This new structure can be applied to many real-world problems like cleaning an area with autonomous robots, automated warehouses and area protection with autonomous robots. In solving this problem, three different problems must be solved; to which agent a new job will be assigned, in what order the agents will handle that job, and finally, how agents will act without colliding with each other when the agents have multiple destinations. This problem is different from the job-distribution problems in the MAPF literature since the optimization criterion is total path cost and agents have to decide the order of the jobs to be visited. For this reason, new job-distribution methods that meet these goals are presented in this study. Five new heuristic algorithms that produce fast solutions for job-distribution are presented. Furthermore, we presented one brute force algorithm to find the optimal path-cost solution and compare with the heuristics created. Experiments conducted on benchmark maps have demonstrated that the job-distribution algorithm yielding the best performance resulted in path costs that were at most three to three and a half percent higher compared to the brute force approach. Additionally, the heuristics developed were found to operate at least ten times faster in terms of processing time when compared to the brute force approach. The CBS-D*-lite algorithm was previously presented in the literature and shown to produce good results in incremental environments. With these modifications, agents can have multiple destinations and collisions between the agent paths are avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease with unknown cause characterized by non-caseating granuloma formations. It may present with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, the involvement of eye and symptoms on the locomotor system. Gouty arthritis is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by hyperuricemia, recurrent arthritis attacks and the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and the surrounding tissues. We reported the coexistence of sarcoidosis and gouty arthritis in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease with unknown cause characterized by non-caseating granuloma formations. It can be presented with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, eye involvement and locomotor system findings. Adult onset Still disease (AOSD) is a chronic inflammatory disease which presents with fever, arthritis and typical skin rashes. The disease is rare and can be misdiagnosed due to the absence of typical clinical and laboratory findings. The association of sarcoidosis and AOSD has not been previously reported in the literature. Herein we reported the development of AOSD in a patient followed by the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient did not respond to high-dose corticosteroids and methotrexate therapy, and the disease was under control with anti-IL-6 (Tocilizumab) drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-known equation for hydrostatic equilibrium in a static spherically symmetric spacetime supported by an isotropic perfect fluid is referred to as the Oppenheimer–Volkoff (OV) equation or the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation in various General Relativity textbooks or research papers. We scrutinize the relevant original publications to argue that the former is the more appropriate terminology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, catalyst free hydrogen generation for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) from directly disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer membranes (BPSH) has been successfully achieved. A two-compartment reactor where an acid solution was separated from sodium borohydride solution via a proton exchange membrane was used to evaluate hydrogen generation capacity. Hydrogen generation rate was simply controlled by tailoring the proton conductivities of the membranes. For this purposes, BPSH membranes at various percent degrees of disulfonation (25, 35 and 45 molar percent) have been prepared. The hydrogen generation performances of both BPSH and the state of art membrane, Nafion ™ have been explored. Hydrogen generation rates were observed as 124, 175, 235 and 151.3 mL min −1 for BPSH 25, 35, 45 and Nafion ™ , respectively. The influence of temperature on hydrogen generation rates was also investigated. It was demonstrated that the hydrogen generation performance of Nafion ™ was deteriorated at temperatures higher than 80 °C due to considerable loss in its proton conductivity. Last but not least, we have demonstrated that a fuel cell has been powered along 300 h with highly stable catalyst free hydrogen generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time with this study, flexible thin film platinum catalysts with nanoflower morphology to produce hydrogen gas from chemical hydrides have been introduced. We are also reporting a novel strategy for preparing hydrogen generation catalysts. This has been achieved by dealloying of aluminum from alloys of platinum and aluminum. The efforts in tailoring the catalyst morphology have resulted with very high catalytically active surface area of 119.8 m 2 g −1 catalyst system . Hence, the catalyst system in this study shows the highest rate in the literature in terms of any definition of hydrogen generation rate. The platinum loading of the films was only about 44.0 μg cm −2 . Therefore, using very small amount of catalysts with very high activity greatly helps to overcome the challenges associated with the price of the precious catalysts. Moreover, considerable amount of flexibility has been provided when catalysts are prepared on Teflon™ and asymmetric polymeric membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Reumatología Clínica is the property of Elsevier B.V. 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.)

Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with unknown cause characterized by non-caseating granuloma formations. It may present with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, the involvement of eye and symptoms on the locomotor system. FMF (Familial Mediterranean Fever) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease, characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and polyserositis. Simultaneous occurrence of these diseases is rare. In this paper, we reported the coexistence of sarcoidosis with FMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on structure-property-performance relationship of directly copolymerized disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes (BPSH) utilized in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Degree of disulfonation was systematically altered from 25 to 45 M percent by introducing controlled amount of disulfonated monomer into the copolymer structure. For the first time with this study the relation has been established between VRFB cell performances and basic membrane properties such as ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, proton conductivity, and vanadium (VO2+) permeability of BPSH membranes. BPSH with 25 M percent disulfonation (BPSH 25) showed delay time during discharging process due to the fluctuation of the discharging voltage caused by poor proton conductivity, 23 mS cm-1. Therefore, columbic efficiencies became greater than 100 percent for BPSH 25 indicating higher discharging time than charging time. On the other hand, the best performance in the series was observed with BPSH 35. Since it had almost three times higher proton conductivity than BPSH 25 and about 100 times lower vanadium permeability (1.6 x 10-13 m² s-1) than BPSH 45. Although BPSH 45 had the highest proton conductivity (140 mS cm-1), its performance was deteriorated due to higher vanadium permeability (1.6 x 10-11 m² s-1). It was also demonstrated that water uptake values of the series scales with the vanadium permeabilities. As a result, several basic membrane parameters were controlled and presented as tunable properties, which were function of VRFB performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of patellofemoral congruency with chondromalacia patellae (CP) was retrospectively evaluated. Lateral patellar tilt angle (LPTA), sulcus angle (SA), trochlear depth (TD), and patella angle (PA) weremeasured at 301 knee magnetic resonance images and compared between groups with and without CP. In the CP group, LPTA and TD were significantly low (P < .01), SA was high (P < .01), while PA showed no difference (P > .05). The parameters were also compared between groups with mild and severe CP, and no significant difference was found (P > .05). Our results demonstrate that patellar tilt and trochlear dysplasia are related to the presence but not the degree of CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine the value of ultrasound elastography (US-E) using carotid artery pulsation in differentiation of malignant and benign thyroid nodules. One hundred ten nodules were evaluated by US-E, and stiffness scores were compared to biopsy results. When cutoff for malignancy was determined as score 4, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 100%, 95%, 40%, and 100%, respectively. We suggest fine needle aspiration biopsy to be performed in all score 4 nodules, while biopsy may be unnecessary in score 1 nodules. Benign biopsy result in a score 4 nodule should suggest radiological-pathological disagreement, and repeat biopsy should be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To determine traumatic experiences, prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among psychiatric inpatients in a tertiary clinic and the relationship between suicidal attempts. Material and methods: While a total of consecutive 175 patients (97 females, 78 males) who were hospitalized in the clinic for a period of six months were being assessed with usual diagnostic processes, they also filled out Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and socio-demographic assessment form. Results: While diagnosis of PTSD was made in 0.017% of the patients when they were evaluated with usual diagnostic methods of the clinic, 63.8% of females and 64.1% of males reported traumatic experiences when they were evaluated through scales. 30.3% of patients met criteria for PTSD according to PDS, and 8% of patients reported subthreshold PTSD symptoms. There was the history of suicidal attempts in 40.2% of females and in 30.8% of males. When evaluated with regression analysis, presence of PTSD according to PDS, physical violence, emotional abuse, exposure to economic abuse and high scores of PDS were found to be predictive factors for suicidal attempt. Three subjects who did not report traumatic experiences at the time of hospitalization reported sexual trauma during outpatient follow up. Conclusion: PTSD is common among hospitalized psychiatric patients; diagnosis of PTSD is usually related with suicidal attempt. Diagnosis of PTSD is not recognized in many cases unless investigated especially. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) parameters predict the development of atrial fibrillation. We investigated the effect of telmisartan treatment on atrial EMD parameters in patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension. Methods: Thirty-six patients with essential hypertension were treated with telmisartan (80 mg/day) for 6 months. Baseline electrocardiographic P-wave measurements and echocardiographic atrial EMD parameters were compared with the 6-month follow-up. Results: Pmax and Pd were significantly decreased (108.4 ± 6.1 vs 93.9 ± 6.2 milliseconds, 33.4 ± 8.6 vs 19.5 ± 7.0 milliseconds, respectively, P = .0001 for each) after 6-month telmisartan therapy. The atrial EMD parameters were decreased from baseline (mitral EMD, 68.9 ± 4.9 vs 53.8 ± 4.9 milliseconds; septum EMD, 51.6 ± 7.1 vs 42.6 ± 7. milliseconds1; tricuspid EMD, 48 ± 6.9 vs 39 ± 6.9 milliseconds; interatrial EMD, 20.9 ± 5.5 vs 14.8 ± 5.7 milliseconds; P = .0001 for each parameter). The reduction of interatrial EMD was correlated with the reduction in systolic BP nighttime and the increase in mitral E wave velocity/mitral A wave velocity ratio. Conclusion: Telmisartan decreased the atrial EMD parameters in patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is a drug-metabolizing enzyme, which is genetically variable in human populations. Polymorphisms in the NAT2 gene have been associated with drug efficacy and toxicity as well as disease susceptibility. Recently, an association of NAT2 gene variation with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been suggested. This is the first study performed in a population from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) in which the frequency of two common NAT2 polymorphisms, 341T>C (NAT2∗5) and 590G>A (NAT2∗6) was determined in diabetic patients. Methods: The frequency of the NAT2∗5 (341T>C) and NAT2∗6 (590G>A) polymorphisms was analyzed by employing TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (Applied Biosystems) in a group of 63 patients with T2DM and 79 nondiabetic subjects. Results: Our data demonstrated that the frequencies of NAT2∗5 (341T>C) and NAT2∗6 (590G>A) polymorphisms in BH population were in line with the Caucasians genotype data. The NAT2∗5 and NAT2∗6 alleles were in high linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.969). Strinkingly, there was a significant difference in genotype frequencies for NAT2∗5 (p <0.05) and NAT2∗6 (p <0.001) polymorphisms between diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. NAT2∗5 polymorphism was associated with 2.4-fold increased risk for developing T2DM (adjusted OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.10–5.25, p = 0.028). On the contrary, NAT2∗6 variant significantly decreased by 5-fold susceptibility to the disease (adjusted OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.09–0.43, p <0.001). Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that NAT2 genetic variation appeared to be an important risk factor in development of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on the ovarian follicle numbers and the nuclear maturity status of ovulated oocytes. Aged and young Balb-C mice were randomly divided into three groups: (i) control, (ii) stimulated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and (iii) stimulated with FSH+rhGH. Ovaries were collected for histological and morphometric investigations. For the determination of nuclear maturation of ovulated oocytes, additional aged and young mice were randomly divided into two groups: (i) stimulated with FSH and (ii) stimulated with FSH+rhGH. In young mice, developing ovarian follicle numbers were significantly higher with rhGH; while in aged mice, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. In young mice co-stimulated with FSH and rhGH, atretic follicle numbers were significantly higher. In aged mice, atretic follicle numbers significantly decreased with FSH while there was a slight decrease with rhGH and this was not significant. The percentage of metaphase-II oocytes were significantly higher in both young and aged mice groups co-stimulated with FSH and rhGH. In conclusion, co-treatment with FSH and rhGH for ovarian stimulation in older mice appears to cause a slight decrease in the number of atretic follicles and thus improves the collection of high numbers of mature, fertilizable oocytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An increasing evidence suggests that vanadium compounds are novel potential drugs in the treatment of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Vanadium has also demonstrated activities against RNA viruses and is a promising candidate for treating acute respiratory diseases. The antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, cardioprotective, antineoplastic, antiviral, and other potential effects of vanadium are summarized here. Given the beneficial antihyperglycemic and antiinflammatory effects as well as the potential mechanistic link between the COVID-19 and diabetes, vanadium compounds could be considered as a complement to the prescribed treatment of COVID-19. Thus, further clinical trials are warranted to confirm these favorable effects of vanadium treatment in COVID-19 patients, which appear not to be studied yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]