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Objective: This study was carried out to determine the relationship between parental monitoring status of the children with type 1 DM and their quality of life. Methods: This descriptive-correlational type study was conducted in the pediatric endocrine outpatient clinic of a university hospital located in the northern region of Turkey and included 126 children with type 1 diabetes. The data of the study were collected with the "Parental monitoring of diabetes care scale (PMDC) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes" and "Pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL 3.0) diabetes module for children." Results: It was determined that 20.6% of the children were hospitalized for a reason related to diabetes and 7.1% received psychological support due to their disease. The mean score of the parents on the parental monitoring in diabetes care scale in adolescents with type 1 diabetes was found to be 65.40 ± 15.38, and the mean score on the pediatric quality of life inventory for children with type 1 diabetes was found to be 109.11 ± 16.99. No statistically significant correlation was determined between the parents' scores of the parental monitoring in diabetes care scale in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and the scores of the pediatric quality of life inventory for children with type 1 diabetes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although it was observed in the study that the levels of parental monitoring in type 1 diabetes care and pediatric quality of life were above the moderate level, parental monitoring was not found to affect children's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determine if the gene expression profiles of ovarian support cells (OSCs) and cumulus-free oocytes are bidirectionally influenced by co-culture during in vitro maturation (IVM). Methods: Fertility patients aged 25 to 45 years old undergoing conventional ovarian stimulation donated denuded immature oocytes for research. Oocytes were randomly allocated to either OSC-IVM culture (intervention) or Media-IVM culture (control) for 24–28 h. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100,000 OSCs in suspension culture with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. The Media-IVM control lacked OSCs and contained the same supplementation. A limited set of in vivo matured MII oocytes were donated for comparative evaluation. Endpoints consisted of MII formation rate, morphological and spindle quality assessment, and gene expression analysis compared to in vitro and in vivo controls. Results: OSC-IVM resulted in a statistically significant improvement in MII formation rate compared to the Media-IVM control, with no apparent effect on morphology or spindle assembly. OSC-IVM MII oocytes displayed a closer transcriptomic maturity signature to IVF-MII controls than Media-IVM control MII oocytes. The gene expression profile of OSCs was modulated in the presence of oocytes, displaying culture- and time-dependent differential gene expression during IVM. Conclusion: The OSC-IVM platform is a novel tool for rescue maturation of human oocytes, yielding oocytes with improved nuclear maturation and a closer transcriptomic resemblance to in vivo matured oocytes, indicating a potential enhancement in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. These improvements on oocyte quality after OSC-IVM are possibly occurring through bidirectional crosstalk of cumulus-free oocytes and ovarian support cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations to evaluate natural radioactivity and health risk levels of nine travertines in the Yaprakhisar and Balkayası regions in Turkey. The samples coded B1-M, B2, B5, B7, B8, and B10 represent waste derived from the Yaprakhisar travertines, as well as samples T5-M, T12, and Z1 travertines derived from Balkayası. The levels of natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations (232Th, 40K, and 137Cs) were measured using a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector system. The travertine activity ranged from 2.09 to 12.07 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, 4.21 to 13.41 Bq kg−1 for 40K, and 0.42–3.26 Bq kg−1 for 137Cs. The results showed that the activity concentration values for 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were coherent with the travertine analysis results in the UNSCEAR, 2000; 2008 publications. The values obtained were lower than the average values in the UNSEAR reports. The radiological hazard parameters calculated in this study were absorbed gamma dose rate (D), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), exposure dose (ER), total annual effective dose (AEDEtotal), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRtotal), gamma representative level (GRL), internal hazard index (Hin) and external hazard index (Hex). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether the embryonic euploidy rate and live birth outcomes following single, euploid embryo transfer (SEET) differ among women of self-reported racial and ethnic backgrounds. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all infertile patients of different self-reported racial backgrounds who underwent In vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and an autologous single euploid embryo transfer (SEET) from December 2015 to December 2019 at a single private and academic assisted reproduction technology center. Primary outcome measures included ploidy rates among different racial groups. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy loss, and live birth rates. Results: Five thousand five hundred sixty-two patients who underwent an IVF cycle with ICSI-PGT-A were included. A total of 24,491 blastocysts were analyzed. White participants had on average more euploid embryos and higher euploidy rates when compared to their counterparts (p ≤ 0.0001). However, after controlling for confounding factors, there was no association between race and the odds of having a higher euploidy rate (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 0.63–2.17, p = 0.42). A total of 4949 patients underwent SEET. Pregnancy outcomes did not differ among patients of varying self-reported races. Conclusions: Euploidy rates and pregnancy outcomes were comparable among patients of different racial backgrounds who underwent a SEET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport and radiological traces of natural and artificial radionuclides in the samples taken from the boron waste storage area of the Bandırma boron production facility have been investigated. Boron raw materials were supplied from Kirka (Turkey) and Emet (Turkey) quarries. Radiological dose values were examined in nine different samples. The samples coded A3, A10 and A11 represent waste derived from just the Emet deposit, whereas samples A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, and A9 were waste derived from both Kirka and Emet deposits. Natural and artificial radionuclide concentration levels of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in these wastes were determined using a high-purity germanium detector. The calculations showed that the activity concentration values for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were compatible with the waste analysis results in the literature. In this study, many parameters indicating radiological hazards have been calculated. In this study, the radiological risk assessment parameters for samples taken from the boron waste storage site were determined and compared with the world average values. The results obtained from the analyses showed that the best waste value belonged to sample A6 from the Kirka deposit in Turkey. In addition, due to environmental effects and the presence of other wastes (A11), the radiological hazard level was high in waste from the Emet deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen associated with gastroduodenal diseases. This study aimed; (i) to investigate H. pylori presence by invasive tests in adult dyspeptic patients, (ii) to determine antibiotic susceptibility and genotypic characteristics of the H. pylori isolates, and (iii) to investigate the relationship between the H. pylori genotypes and the histopathological findings. In this cross-sectional study, gastric biopsy samples from 208 adult dyspeptic patients were used for culture, tissue Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and histopathological analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility of the H. pylori isolates was analyzed by gradient method. Analysis of the virulence genes was performed by monoplex PCR. Genetic profiles (from A to H) were created based on the virulence genes presence. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) was used for the genotyping of the H. pylori isolates. The mean age of the patients was 46 (± 15) years and 128 (61.5%) of them were female. H. pylori positivity was detected by culture, tissue PCR and histopathological examination in 59 (28.4%), 114 (54.8%) and 81 (38.9%) patients, respectively. The overall prevalence of H. pylori was found to be 63% (131/208). All H. pylori isolates were susceptible to tetracycline and amoxicillin. The resistance rates for metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and rifampicin were 67.2%, 27.9%, 34.4% and 13.11%, respectively. Multi drug resistance (MDR) was detected at the rate of 45.9% (28/61). While the most common virulence gene was cagA (93.44%), the least common was vacAm1 (23%). The predominant genetic profile was profile A (47.5%). ERIC-PCR results revealed a total of 26 different patterns. A high prevalence of H. pylori was detected in adult dyspeptic patients as in developing countries. It was observed significant genotypic heterogeneity and virulence gene diversity within the isolates. A considerable resistance rate detected against antibiotics such as clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin, which are frequently used in the eradication of H. pylori, should be taken into consideration when creating regional empirical treatment regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-component system (TCS) generally consists of three elements, namely the histidine kinase (HK), response regulator (RR), and histidine phosphotransfer (HP) gene families. This study aimed to assess the expression of TCS genes in P. vulgaris leaf tissue under salt and drought stress and perform a genome-wide analysis of TCS gene family members using bioinformatics methods. This study identified 67 PvTCS genes, including 10 PvHP, 38 PvRR, and 19 PvHK, in the bean genome. PvHK2 had the maximum number of amino acids with 1261, whilst PvHP8 had the lowest number with 87. In addition, their theoretical isoelectric points were between 4.56 (PvHP8) and 9.15 (PvPRR10). The majority of PvTCS genes are unstable. Phylogenetic analysis of TCS genes in A. thaliana, G. max, and bean found that PvTCS genes had close phylogenetic relationships with the genes of other plants. Segmental and tandem duplicate gene pairs were detected among the TCS genes and TCS genes have been subjected to purifying selection pressure in the evolutionary process. Furthermore, the TCS gene family, which has an important role in abiotic stress and hormonal responses in plants, was characterized for the first time in beans, and its expression of TCS genes in bean leaves under salt and drought stress was established using RNAseq and qRT-PCR analyses. The findings of this study will aid future functional and genomic studies by providing essential information about the members of the TCS gene family in beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To investigate the relationship between pelvic incidence (PI) and proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in patients treated surgically for adult spinal deformity (ASD) with fusion from thoracolumbar junction to sacrum. Methods: A consecutive series of ASD patients who underwent fusion from the thoracolumbar junction to the sacrum with a minimum of 2-year follow-up was studied. Patients were divided into low PI (≤ 50°) and high PI (> 50°) groups. We compared radiographic parameters and the rates of PJK, between the two groups. A sub-analysis was performed on patients with a postoperative PI minus lumbar lordosis mismatch between − 10° and 10° (i.e., ideally corrected). Results: Sixty-three patients were included: 19 low PI and 44 high PI. Median follow-up was 34 months (range 24–103). Overall PJK rate was 38%. PJK was observed in 16% of low PI and 48% of high PI patients (p = 0.02). The odds ratio for developing PJK with a high PI compared to a low PI was 4.9 (p = 0.03). There were 32 ideally corrected patients. Eleven of these were in the low PI group, and 21 patients were in the high PI group. The incidence of PJK was 25% for ideally corrected patients. PJK occurred in none of these patients in the low PI group and 38% of patients in the high PI group (p = 0.03). Conclusion: When the upper-instrumented vertebra includes the thoracolumbar junction, patients with a PI > 50° are at a significantly higher risk of developing PJK compared to patients with a PI ≤ 50°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing awareness that efficient and regular mitochondrial dynamics improvement cardiac function and affects the quality of life. Melatonin is a main pineal gland hormones and ameliorates mitochondrial dynamics in many cardiac disorders. For that purpose, we administrated melatonin to healthy rats all day long in order to investigate change in left ventricle mitochondrial dynamics both in the end of the nighttime and daytime. Twenty male Wistar rats (3–4 months age) were randomly assigned into Control (C; n = 10) and Melatonin groups (MEL; 10 mg/kg melatonin added drinking water, n = 10). On the 5th day of the study, 5 rats from the groups were randomly selected and euthanized at 08:00 AM and the remaining 5 rats were euthanized at 20:00 PM from each groups and samples of left ventricle (LV) tissue were harvested. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that melatonin acts preventive role on mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy through the DRP1/FIS1 and BNIP3/NIX axis, respectively. Additionally, melatonin administration significantly reduced P21 activation, induced cell cycle arrest, P27, finally regulated caspase-depended mitochondrial apoptosis signals in a time dependent manner. Our results suggest that melatonin may emerge as a therapeutic candidate to protect the bioenergetic dynamics of mitochondria in hearth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast carcinoma is highly metastatic and invasive. Tumor metastasis is a convoluted and multistep process involving tumor cell disseminating from their primary site and migrating to the secondary organ. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the crucial steps that initiate cell progression, invasion, and metastasis. During EMT, epithelial cells alter their molecular features and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. The regulation of EMT is centered by several signaling pathways, including primary mediators TGF-β, Notch, Wnt, TNF-α, Hedgehog, and RTKs. It is also affected by hypoxia and microRNAs (miRNAs). All these pathways are the convergence on the transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/2. In addition, a line of evidence suggested that EMT and cancer stem like cells (CSCs) are associated. EMT associated cancer stem cells display mesenchymal phenotypes and resist to chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In this review, we highlighted recent discoveries in these signaling pathways and their regulation in breast cancer metastasis and invasion. While the clinical relevance of EMT and breast cancers remains controversial, we speculated a convergent signaling network pivotal to elucidating the transition of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes and onset of metastasis of breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the lung is seen as the main target organ affected by SARS-CoV-2, other organs are also damaged. Aim: We aimed to determine the extrapulmonary findings of autopsies performed on cases with positive results with postmortem polymerase chain reaction test. Methods: Pathological changes in extrapulmonary organs were examined with light microscopy. Results: Heart, liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, and central nervous system samples of these cases were evaluated. About 80% of the cases were men, and 20% were women. In the examination of heart, 28 of the cases had scar, 14 had acute myocardial infarction, 6 had acute and previous myocardial infarction findings, 2 had myocarditis, and 4 had interstitial mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration. In the examination of the liver, portal inflammation was observed in 84 of the cases, steatosis in 54, centrilobular necrosis in 9, and capillary endotheliitis in the portal area in 7 of them. In the evaluation of the kidney, 37 cases had chronic pyelonephritis, 36 had tubular damage, 15 had tubulointerstitial necrosis, 16 had subcapsular microhemorrhage, 10 had capillary endothelitis, and 9 had a microvascular fibrin trombosis in their glomerular capillaries. In the central nervous system, 8 cases had infarction and liquefaction, 56 had perivascular petechial hemorrhage, 54 had acute hypoxic ischemic change, 3 had parenchymal microhemorrhage, and 52 had capillary endotheliitis. Conclusion: Autopsies play an important role in systematically examining the damage caused by the virus in all organs in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and contribute to the clinical management of infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of the brain is important to reducing recurrent seizures and other neurological sequelae after status epilepticus (SE). Medical ozone (MedO3) shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in the human body. In this study, it was aimed to understand the neuroprotective potential of MedO3 in the acute period after SE. Mature rats of Wistar Albino were used for the study. Group design O3 + SE: SE induced after MedO3, O3: MedO3 alone was given, SE: SE only induced, SE + O3; MedO3 given after SE, C: control and S: sham control group. SE was induced with lithium-pilocarpine experimental model and evaluated on the Racine scale. Peripheral blood samples and brain tissue samples were taken before decapitation. Histopathological evaluation of the hippocampus of the rats given medical O3 before and after SE were studied. The highest peripheral blood oxidative stress index (OSI) was found in SE group. The OSI level in O3 + SE and SE + O3 was significantly higher than SE/C/S. Gene expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA were significantly higher in SE compared to other groups. Histopathologically; eosinophilia, cellular shrinkage and interstitial oedema were detected in the most severe SE and to a lesser extent in O3 + SE/ SE + O3. MedO3 reduced SE-induced oxidative damage, neuroinflammation and neuronal injury and contributed positively to neuroprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study was conducted to investigate the cardioprotective activity of alcoholic extract of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) against cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats model. Therewithal, the regulation in the expression level of Aquaporin (AQP) water channels in the heart was evaluated. Cardiotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by administering a single-dose injection of CYP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) on the seventh day of the experimental period. GL (500 mg/kg, gavage) was administered daily for seven days. Cardiac alteration following CYP and GL administration was evaluated using electrocardiographic changes, morphological staining, AQP gene expression and western blot analysis. It was observed that the CYP administration significantly (p < 0.001) increased cardiac troponin- I (cTn-I) and elevated the level of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). Further, rats treated with CYP showed increased expression levels of AQP-3, -4 and − 7 compared to the control group. The treatment with GL significantly (p < 0.001) reversed the level of cardiac biomarkers in CYP-induced cardiotoxicity. Potential cardioprotective effect of GL which reduced the severity of cellular damage of the myocardium was supported by histopathological examination. The biochemical, expressional and histopathological reports supported the cardioprotective activity of GL which could be attributed to changes in myocardial edema. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that reports the cardioprotective role of GL in CYP-induced myocardial edema and the changes in the expression levels of AQP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in hormonal balance, especially with ageing, cause many pelvic floor problems such as urinary incontinence, lack of interest in or desire for sex and inactivity. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise and behavioral training programs on sexual function, incontinence, quality of life and physical activity level in the elderly. A total of 94 elderly subjects were separated into two groups as the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) group and the behavioral training for pelvic floor dysfunctions (BT) group. A (1-h program was applied twice a week for 8 weeks). Evaluations pre and post-training were made using the Female Sexual Function Inventory, the International Index of Erectile Function, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, SEAPI quality of life scale, and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. In the post-treatment comparisons, the PFMT group was superior to the BT group in all parameters (z: − 4.21–0.00, p:0.00–0.02). The results of this study suggest that pelvic floor muscle training could be beneficial if added to rehabilitation programs for the elderly to obtain less sexual dysfunction and, incontinence, and better incontinence-related quality of life and physical activity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the postpartum depression rates and maternal-infant bonding status among immediate postpartum women, whose last trimester overlapped with the lockdowns and who gave birth in a tertiary care center which had strong hospital restrictions due to serving also for COVID-19 patients, in the capital of Turkey. The low-risk term pregnant women who gave birth were given the surveys Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI) within 48 h after birth. A total of 223 women were recruited. The median score obtained from the EPDS was 7 (7) and 33 (14.7%) of the women were determined to have a risk for postpartum depression. The median scores of the EPDS inventory of depressive women were 15 (3). The median MAI score of 223 women was 100 (26); and the MAI scores of women with depression were significantly lower than the controls [73 (39) vs. 101 (18) respectively, p < 0.001]. Evaluation of the factors that affect the psychological status of pregnant and postpartum women will lead the healthcare system to improve the implementations during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Women with cancer may desire fertility preservation (FP) prior to initiating cancer treatment, but undergoing FP may result in treatment delays. This study sought to determine whether such delays existed in our population and which factors were associated with patients' decision to proceed with FP. Methods: This was a historical cohort study performed at Montefiore Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health. Reproductive age women diagnosed with cancer and consulted for FP were included. The main outcome measure was the number of days between FP consultation and cancer treatment initiation. Factors associated with patients' decisions to proceed with FP were also analyzed. Results: Thirty out of 51 women in our study underwent FP including embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), both oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, or GnRH agonist treatment. The majority of women who underwent FP chose embryo cryopreservation (36.7%), followed by oocyte cryopreservation (33.3%). Of the 20 patients with partners who underwent FP, 13 (65%) froze embryos. Only 4 of the 30 women who underwent FP had all, or a portion of their services, covered by insurance. The mean treatment delay was 18 days (p = 0.007), with a mean consultation to oncologic treatment gap of 23 ± 16.8 and 41.4 ± 25.9 days in the non-FP and FP groups, respectively. Conclusion: Women with cancer diagnosis who underwent FP prior to initiating cancer treatment experienced a statistically significant delay in initiating cancer treatment. However, the clinical significance of this finding is unknown since FP treatments have not been associated with increased recurrence or mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Anemia is one of the most common problems of pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes in labor and delivery in women whose anemia was treated with intravenous iron and women who delivered with uncorrected anemia. Materials: Methods: This retrospective case–control study was carried out in a tertiary obstetric care center. Term (> 37 weeks), singleton, low-risk pregnant women who were admitted for delivery were evaluated. Seventy-two pregnant women who had intravenous ferric carboxymaltose treatment in the third trimester were compared with 72 women who were anemic (Hb < 10 g/dL) at the time Queryof admission for delivery. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age, parity, and gestational age. The mean gestational age of the study group was 38.6 weeks. Their mean Hb of 8.2 ± 0.8 g/dL improved to 11.1 ± 1.3 g/dL prior birth. The mean Hb of the anemic group was 9.1 ± 0.5 g/dL upon admission for birth. The mean APGAR scores, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and the rates of preterm delivery, small for gestational age, and low-birth weight infant were similar between groups. The primary cesarean section rate was significantly higher in anemic women (4.2% vs. 19.4%; p < 0.001) and the need for postpartum blood transfusion also decreased with iv iron treatment (8.3% vs. 29.2%; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Correction of anemia with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in the third trimester does not significantly change neonatal outcomes but it is effective in reducing maternal morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate whether live birth rates from euploid blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles are associated with infertility diagnosis or oocyte source. Design: Retrospective analysis of FET cycles reported to SART CORS in 2014. Methods: Data from fresh IVF cycles with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), linked to the first FET cycles, were collected from the 2014 SART CORS database for autologous and donor oocyte cycles. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing FET with euploid embryos (n = 4148). Demographic data including age, BMI, prior fertility, and etiology of infertility were collected from the retrieval cycle and analyzed. Patients with uterine anomalies, preimplantation genetic testing-mutation (PGT-M) for genetic diseases, gender selection, HLA determination, or systemic and immunologic disorders were excluded. The primary outcome measure was live birth (LB) rate. Potential confounders such as age, prior fertility, and maximum baseline FSH values were analyzed with regression models as indicated. Results: Though age, maximum baseline FSH, and infertility diagnosis were significantly different, LB was similar between patients undergoing autologous or donor oocyte FET cycles. Etiology of infertility was not significantly associated with LB in autologous cycles (p = 0.95). Potential confounders such as maternal age, prior fertility, and maximum baseline FSH were not associated with outcomes; however, maternal BMI was inversely related to LB in autologous cycles, with an odds ratio of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96–0.98 (rho = − 0.08, p < 0.01)). Conclusions: After controlling for confounding variables, a euploid embryo derived from a donor or autologous oocyte results in similar LB in women with different infertility diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation length and total gonadotropin (GN) dose on recipient live birth rate (LBR) in fresh donor oocyte cycles. Methods: Data was obtained from SART CORS on all fresh donor oocyte GnRH antagonist cycles (n = 1049) between 2014 and 2015 which resulted in a single embryo transferred. Donor and recipient demographic information and cycle characteristics were extracted. Binomial regression was used to estimate LBR with respect to days of stimulation (DOS) and total GN dose. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate these relationships after controlling for confounders. Results: Overall LBR in fresh donor oocyte cycles was 57%. Average stimulation length was 14.3 ± 4.9 days, and total GN dose was 2464 ± 1062 IU. On univariate analysis, neither days of stimulation (p = 0.5) nor total GN dose (p = 0.57) was independently correlated with LBR. However, in prolonged stimulations (> 15 days) with high total GN dose (> 3000 IU), as both the cycle length and total GN dose increased, LBR significantly decreased from 63.81 to 48.15% (p = 0.02) and from 67.61 to 48.15% (p = 0.01), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed no significant effect of either DOS or total GN dose on LBR. Conclusions: LBR is significantly decreased in fresh donor oocyte cycles when cycles are prolonged with high total GN dose. However, after controlling for confounders neither DOS nor total GN dose significantly affects LBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) of a group of adolescent patients in different body mass index (BMI) percentile. Material and methods: Subjects were divided into three different groups in accordance to their BMI percentile status: normal weight (35 subjects; mean age, 14.81 ± 2.12 years), overweight (32 subjects; mean age, 14.77 ± 2.56 years), and obese (33 subjects; mean age, 14.06 ± 2.59 years) groups. Mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) were assessed on panoramic radiographs. Results: There were statistically significant differences in PMI and MI that were observed among groups (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectivel). MI and PMI are higher in overweight and obese individuals than in normal-weight. Conclusions: Mandibular cortex was found thicker in patients who are obese and overweight compared to normal weight patients. We can suggest that young obese individuals' bone structure can be take in consideration in orthodontic or dental surgical treatment planning. Clinical relevance: Dense cortical bone may cause some difficulties in orthodontic and surgical treatment. Clinicians should understand obesity and overweight-related jaw bone changes and consider these factors to treat their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: YouTube™ is the foremost source of videos of all kinds of issues. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate videos related to accelerated orthodontic treatment on YouTube™ in terms of characteristics, content, popularity and viewers' assessments. Methods: Six keywords related to accelerated orthodontic treatment were searched on YouTube™. After sorting by view-count, all 116 videos were evaluated, and the exclusion criteria were defined as: another language than English, unrelated to the topic, poor video quality and duplication. The remaining 80 videos were analyzed for general characteristics, primary purpose, information content, audio-visual quality. Also, viewers' interaction index, and viewing rate formulas were calculated for each video. Results: The final 80 videos were viewed by users for 177,328 times in total. Most videos were uploaded by an educational institution (n = 40; 50.0%), followed by orthodontists (n = 20; 25.0%). Most of the videos (51.25%) were classified as having excellent general information content, 30.00% were rated as moderate, and 18.75% were rated as poor. The videos generally involved educational content (47.50%), followed by product presentation (20.00%), and then technical details about accelerated orthodontics (11.25%). Only 6.25% of the videos (n = 5) had viewers' interaction index values of greater than 3.00. Videos with excellent content had significantly higher interaction index values than others (p < 0.001). Conclusions: YouTube™ could be preferred as an important source for patient information about accelerated orthodontics. Reliable informative videos should be uploaded by orthodontists or dental professionals in accelerated orthodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To perform a medical evaluation of penile necrosis causes and treatment approaches by examining patients who had penile necrosis after circumcision surgery.Methods: A total of 24 patients with penile necrosis after circumcision surgery, who presented at various hospitals in Turkey between September 2003 and April 2013 and whose cases were being reviewed at the Institution of Forensic Medicine with regard to malpractice, were evaluated retrospectively.Results: The mean age of the patients was 5 ± 3.7 years, and the mean time of the necrosis diagnosis after circumcision was 5.2 ± 6.3 days. In etiologic terms, the predictive factors were monopolar cautery use in ten (41.6%) patients, post-circumcision infection in eight (33.3%), compartment syndrome due to post-circumcision dressing in three (12.5%), local anesthetic agent used for dorsal nerve blockage in two (8.3%), and methemoglobinemia in one (4.1%) patient. The first approaches to necrosis treatment were surgical intervention in 15 (62.5%) patients, hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) in 6 (25%), the conservative approach in 2 (8.3%), and HBOT plus surgical intervention in 1 (4.1%) patient.Conclusion: Penile necrosis is a preventable complication that requires early intervention. The current study will be helpful in preventing penile necrosis and in guiding surgeons in approaches following its occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valproic acid (VPA) is a anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing agent used to treat epilepsy in patients of all ages. However, it can cause hepatotoxicity with increased oxidative stress. Melatonin (MEL) is known as antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent. Therefore, the present study designed to investigate the probable protective role of melatonin against VPA-induced liver toxicity. For that purpose, 28 Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups, namely the Group C (vehicle), VPA (500 mg/kg/day VPA), MEL + VPA (10 mg/kg/day melatonin + 500 mg/kg/day VPA) and MEL (10 mg/kg/day melatonin). The agents were given by oral gavage for 14 days. Blood and liver tissue samples from all the rats were harvested on the 15th day of experiment. Biochemical analyses were conducted on the blood samples. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alpha glutathione S-transferases (α-GST), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and changes in gene expression were examined in the liver tissues. Also, liver histopathological analyses were conducted. VPA administration significantly increased the levels of α-GST, MDA, NF-κB and of IL-1β, TNF-α gene expression in the liver compared to Group C. Moreover, vacuolization, hydropic degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and sinusoidal congestion were commonly detected in the VPA-treated group along with the highest apoptotic index (TUNEL staining) values. Melatonin administration was revealed to exhibit powerful protective properties at cellular, inflammatory and oxidative level activities against VPA-induced liver toxicity. Therefore, melatonin administration may be used as an adjuvant therapy against to VPA-induced liver toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "A comprehensive study of Helicobacter pylori infection: molecular analysis, antibacterial susceptibility, and histopathological examination" published in the journal Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. The correction addresses errors in the text citations for Figures 1 and 2 in different sections of the article. The corrections have been made, and the original article has been updated. The publisher, Springer Nature, maintains a neutral stance on jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The authors of the article are listed as Fatih Buyuk, Emre Karakaya, Mustafa Akar, Tuba Kayman, Serdal Tarhane, Hacer Ece Ozcan, Ozgur Celebi, Izzet Burcin Saticioglu, Turgut Anuk, Secil Abay, Salih Otlu, and Fuat Aydin. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation of two different alpha angle (a-angle) measurements ("anatomical method and "three-point method") with the anterior offset ratio (AOR), femoral head ratio (FHR), and lateral femoral head ratio (LFHR) in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).Materials and Methods: We included 39 hips of 26 patients. The a-angles were measured on the frog-leg lateral view (Lat) and anteroposterior (Ap) view, FHR was measured on the Ap view, and LFHR and AOR were measured on the Lat view. A t test was performed to analyze the means of the alpha angles measured using the three-point method and the anatomical method, and also, a correlation was conducted to assess the association of the a-angles among the FHR, LFHR, and AOR.Results: The mean a-angles in the Ap plane in the three-point method and anatomical method were 76° ± 15° and 64° ± 10° respectively (p < 0.001). The mean a-angles in the Lat plane in the three-point method and anatomical method were 67° ± 13° and 56° ± 11° respectively (p < 0.001). The AOR showed a significant correlation only with the anatomical method a-angle values in the Lat plane (p = 0.026). The a-angles in the three-point method in the Lat plane did not show any significant correlation with the AOR, FHR, and LFHR. Both the FHR and LFHR values correlated significantly with the Ap plane a-angles in the three-point method and anatomical method. However, none of these correlations was strong.Conclusions: The a-angle measurement methods described in patients without femoral head-neck axis disruption may not be valid in patients with a disorder such as SCFE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sella turcica bridging occurs with fusion or calcification of the anterior and posterior clinoid processes in the middle cranial region. This study aimed to compare the cephalometric parameters among normal shape, partial bridge, and total bridge of the sella turcica in adolescent and young adult subjects. Methods: This retrospective study was performed on the lateral cephalometric radiographs of 410 Turkish adolescent and young adult subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups: normal sella turcica shape (128 females, 32 males; mean age: 17.7 ± 1.54 years), partial sella turcica bridge (129 females, 32 males; mean age: 17.8 ± 2.15 years), and total sella turcica bridge (66 females, 23 males; mean age: 18.2 ± 1.82 years). Thirteen angular and eight linear cephalometric measurements were performed using a cephalometric software program. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and the Kruskal–Wallis test with the Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant differences were found for Nperp–A distance, Nperp–Pg distance, and palatal plane-to-anterior cranial base angle among the groups (p < 0.016). There were no significant differences in the cephalometric parameters between the partial and total sella turcica bridging groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study evaluated a large amount of data for cephalometric measurements focusing on the degree of calcification of the sella turcica in adolescent and young adult subjects. The maxilla and mandible were located in a sagittally retrusive position in the partial and total sella turcica bridge subjects compared with the normal sella turcica shape subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pneumatization of the articular tubercle (PAT) and pneumatization of the roof of the glenoid fossa (PRGF) in a large population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This study was designed to evaluate the CBCT images of 1000 patients. The prevalences of the pneumatizations by age, sex, locularity, and laterality were determined. The significance of differences between variables was evaluated by the Chi-square test and analysis of variance. Results: PAT was detected in 28.4% of the zygomatic bone sides and PRGF in 29.6%. Bilateral PAT was detected in 176 (17.6%) patients and bilateral PRGF in 195 (19.5%). The mean age of patients with PAT was 47.33 years and that of patients with PRGF was 45.62 years. Multilocular appearance was observed significantly more often than unilocular type for both pneumatizations (p < 0.01). Unilateral PAT cases were slightly, but significantly, higher than bilateral PAT cases (p = 0.047), while no significant difference was observed between unilateral and bilateral PRGF cases. Conclusions: In conclusion, PAT and PRGF can be assessed more accurately on CBCT images than on plain radiographs. During routine radiological investigations, maxillofacial radiologists should be aware of zygomatic air cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of different wire size reverse closing loop and retraction forces in canine tooth distalization using the finite element analysis method.Materials and methods: Maxillary alveolar bone, maxillary first molar, second premolar and canine teeth were constructed in three dimensions along with their periodontal ligaments and standard edgewise brackets of 0.022 inch and stainless-steel reverse closing loop of 0.016 × 0.022 inch and 0.019 × 0.025 inch were designed. Force of 0.98 N and 1.96 N were applied to the arch wire from the posterior region of the molar tooth in the distal direction for activating the reverse closing loop. The stress distribution and displacement of the maxillary canine tooth were performed using the three-dimensional finite element analysis method.Results: The maximum deformation on the canine tooth was higher in the x‑, y‑, and z‑axes in both arch wires with 1.96 N force activation. Moreover, 1.96 N caused more stress on the canine tooth in both arch wires compared to the application of 0.98 N. In terms of von Mises stress distribution on alveolar bones, the amount of stress was higher during the application of 1.96 N than the application of 0.98 N.Conclusion: The finite element method is a reliable instrument which allows the effects of biomechanics applied in orthodontics to be evaluated. The finite element analysis method precisely predicted the mechanical effects of reverse closing loop of different wire sizes and different retraction forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the differences in perinatal outcomes after frozen embryo transfer cycles using autologous or donor oocytes in women of advanced maternal age.Design: Historical cohort study.Setting: US national database from the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) from 2009 to 2013.Patient(s): Women at 40-43 years of age undergoing autologous frozen embryo transfers (a-FET) or donor oocyte frozen embryo transfers (d-FET) resulting in singleton pregnancies that were entered in the SART CORS database from 2009 to 2013.Results: a-FET resulted in 4402 singleton live births whereas d-FET resulted in 2703 singleton live births. d-FET resulted in a higher risk of preterm births (< 37 weeks), with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.33 (95% CI 1.02-1.75), but similar risk of small for gestational age (SGA), with aOR 1.75 (95% CI 0.85-3.7), when compared to a-FET. However, when only single blastocyst transfer cycles are considered, d-FET and a-FET showed no difference in preterm births or other adverse perinatal outcomes.Conclusions: Singletons resulting from d-FET are at increased risk for perinatal morbidity. However, the risk was diminished in single blastocyst transfer cycles. Our study supports the current American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines of transferring a single blastocyst in d-FET cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: What are the experience, approach, and knowledge of US Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ob-gyn) towards counseling patients on reproductive aging (RA) and elective fertility preservation (EFP).Methods: A cross-sectional survey emailed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to 5000 ACOG fellows consisting of 9 demographic and 28 questions relating to counseling patients on RA and EFP.Results: Seven hundred and eighty-four responders completed the survey. Although 82.8% agreed that conversations relating to RA should take place with patients desiring future childbearing and delaying due to social reasons, only 27.6% stated that they frequently counsel these women aged 18-34 years old, compared to 75.8% aged 35-44 years old (P < 0.01). Limited time (75.8%) and limited knowledge (41.4%) were amongst the most frequent reported barriers towards counseling patients on RA. Fifty-eight percent stated that they have been asked about EFP by patients. Although 74.8% agreed that conversations should take place related to EFP in women desiring future childbearing and delaying due to social reasons, only 27.6% stated that they frequently counsel these patients on EFP (P < 0.01). Limited time (75%) and limited knowledge (59.9%) were amongst the most frequent barriers towards counseling on EFP.Conclusions: In the USA, methods to improve patient counseling and provider knowledge on RA and EFP are warranted and further studies are needed to address optimal methods to improve counseling and knowledge related to these topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between serum estradiol (E) levels during artificial autologous frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles and ongoing pregnancy/live birth rates (OP/LB). Methods: A historical cohort study was conducted in an academic setting in order to correlate peak and average estradiol levels with ongoing pregnancy/live birth rates for all autologous artificial frozen embryo transfer cycles performed from 1/2011 to 12/2014. Results: Average and peak E levels from 110 autologous artificial FET cycles from 95 patients were analyzed. Average E levels were significantly lower in cycles resulting in OP/LB compared to those that did not (234.1 ± 16.6 pg/ml vs. 315 ± 24.8 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.04). Although peak E levels were not significantly different between cycles resulting in OP/LB compared with those that did not (366.9 ± 27.7 pg/ml vs. 459.1 ± 32.3 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.19), correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant ( p = 0.02) downward trend in OP/LB rates with increasing peak E levels. Conclusions: This study suggests that elevated E levels in artificial autologous FET cycles are associated with lower OP/LB rates. Estradiol levels should be monitored during artificial FET cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bacillus anthracis virulence plasmid pXO2, which encodes for a polypeptide capsule, can be lost during long term laboratory storage. To determine if pXO2 is lost in nature we screened B. anthracis isolates obtained from B. anthracis spores from contaminated animal burial sites in Turkey for their ability to express a capsule upon primary culture. A total of 672 B. anthracis colonies were examined of which ten produced a mixed mucoid (capsule +ve)/non-mucoid (capsule −ve) phenotype and a further one colony yielded non-mucoid colonies upon repeated culture. Screening by PCR using pXO2 specific primers revealed that seven of these isolates had eliminated the plasmid. Of the four colonies which were positive by PCR, one regained the ability to express a capsule upon repeated culture suggesting that the defect was reversible. This is an important observation as capsule expression is a principal marker of virulence and in the absence of PCR serves as a key diagnostic marker. The results of this preliminary study suggest that pXO2 is lost in nature and that further studies are need to determine the mechanisms by which this occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the mandibular volume in patients affected by unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and to compare the findings with a well-matched normal occlusion sample without cleft. Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of 66 patients divided into UCLP (24 patients; mean age, 14.46 ± 3.24 years), BCLP (17 patients; mean age, 14.28 ± 2.85 years), and control (25 patients; mean age, 14.40 ± 2.81 years) groups. The volume of the mandible including the condyle and the roots of the teeth and craniofacial measurements were performed using cone-beam computed tomography and analyzed using the one-way variance analysis and post hoc Tukey's tests. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships of the measurements and the mandibular volume. Results: Patients affected by UCLP and BCLP had similar craniofacial features ( p > 0.05), including decreased SNB, Co-A, Co-Gn, Co-Go, and Go-Gn and increased ANB and SN-MP measurements compared to the control group. Both UCLP and BCLP groups had decreased values of mandibular volume compared to the normal occlusion group, while these differences were found to be statistically insignificant ( p > 0.05). Co-Go (Beta = 0.420; p = 0.014) and Co-Gn variables (Beta = 0.708; p = 0.045) were positively correlated with mandibular volume, while SNB (Beta = −0.669; p = 0.044) and SN-MP (Beta = −0.358; p = 0.049) variables were negatively correlated ( R = 60.3 and p = 0.000). Conclusion: Mandibular volume insignificantly differs in cleft patients ( p > 0.05), and the variables of Co-Go, Co-Gn, SNB, and SN-MP significantly correlate with the volume. Clinical relevance: This article investigates mandibular volume in patients affected by UCLP and BCLP that has never been investigated in the literature. The present study showed that both UCLP and BCLP groups had insignificantly decreased values of mandibular volume compared to the normal occlusion group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that ovarian kisspeptin (kiss1) and its receptor (kiss1r) expression are affected by age, obesity, and the age- and obesity-related chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Methods: Ovaries from reproductive-aged and older C57BL/6J mice fed normal chow (NC) or high-fat (HF) diet, ovaries from age-matched young MCP-1 knockout and young control mice on NC, and finally, cumulus and mural granulosa cells (GCs) from women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) were collected. Kiss1, kiss1r, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and AMH receptor (AMHR-II) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In mouse ovaries, kiss1 and kiss1r mRNA levels were significantly higher in old compared to reproductive-aged mice, and diet-induced obesity did not alter kiss1 or kiss1r mRNA levels. Compared to young control mice, young MCP-1 knockout mice had significantly lower ovarian kiss1 mRNA but significantly higher AMH and AMHR-II mRNA levels. In human cumulus GCs, kiss1r mRNA levels were positively correlated with age but not with BMI. There was no expression of kiss1 mRNA in either cumulus or mural GCs. Conclusion: These data suggest a possible age-related physiologic role for the kisspeptinergic system in ovarian physiology. Additionally, the inflammatory MCP-1 may be associated with kiss1 and AMH genes, which are important in ovulation and folliculogenesis, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether obesity alters genes important in cellular growth and inflammation in human cumulus granulosa cells (GCs). Methods: Eight reproductive-aged women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation followed by oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization were enrolled. Cumulus GC RNA was extracted and processed for microarray analysis on Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 chips. Gene expression data were validated on GCs from additional biologically similar samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Comparison in gene expression was made between women with body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 (group 1; n = 4) and those with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (group 2; n = 4). Results: Groups 1 and 2 had significantly different BMI (21.4 ± 1.4 vs 30.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2, respectively; P = .02) but did not differ in age (30.5 ± 1.7 vs 32.7 ± 0.3 years, respectively; P = .3). Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles by supervised clustering between group 1 versus group 2 resulted in the selection of 7 differentially expressed genes: fibroblast growth factor 12 (FGF-12), protein phosphatase 1-like (PPM1L), zinc finger protein multitype 2 (ZFPM2), forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), cell division cycle 20 (CDC20), interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 (IL1RL1), and growth arrest-specific protein 7 (GAS7). FOXM1, CDC20, and GAS7 were downregulated while FGF-12 and PPM1L were upregulated in group 2 when compared to group 1. Validation with RT-PCR confirmed the microarray data except for ZFPM2 and IL1RL. As BMI increased, expression of FOXM1 significantly decreased (r = −.60, P = .048). Conclusions: Adiposity is associated with changes in the expression of genes important in cellular growth, cell cycle progression, and inflammation. The upregulation of the metabolic regulator gene PPM1L suggests that adiposity induces an abnormal metabolic follicular environment, potentially altering folliculogenesis and oocyte quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies regarding the effect of obesity on serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been conflicting. Our aim was to determine the effect of obesity on serum AMH levels among women from different racial backgrounds. Methods: The medical records of 350 women (159 Caucasian, 99 African-American, 58 Hispanic, 34 Asian with ages 16-46) evaluated for infertility at an academic-affiliated center and who had AMH levels measured as part of their evaluation were reviewed. Age, AMH, body mass index (BMI), self-reported race, etiology of infertility, smoking history, maximum serum early follicular follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), and history of ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy were recorded. Results: Age correlated negatively with AMH and antral follicle count across all races ( p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis, and smoking, elevated BMI had a negative correlation with AMH in Caucasian women ( β = 0.17, p = 0.01) but not in African-American, Hispanic, or Asian women. Conclusion: Elevated BMI correlates negatively with AMH in Caucasian women but not in African-American, Hispanic, or Asian women. Additional studies are needed to elucidate further the effect of race on the interaction between obesity and ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of the heavy metal-polluted waters of the Gediz River, which flow into the Aegean Sea, and different concentrations of copper (Cu) solutions on maize ( Zea mays L.) seedlings are investigated with physiological parameters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. Results displayed physiologically a significant difference in root and stem length between the control seedlings and the seedlings grown with the waters of the Gediz River. Also, the certain ascending concentrations of copper solution (80, 160, 320, 640, and 1280 ppm) caused a significant decrease in root and stem length of seedlings compared to the control seedlings. As a result of the waters of the Gediz River and copper solution treatment, the changes occurred in RAPD profiles of seedlings observed as variations like increment and/or loss of bands compared with the control seedlings. And these changes were reflected as a decrease in genomic template stability (GTS, changes in RAPD profile) derived by genotoxicity. RAPD band profiles and GTS values showed consistent results with physiological parameter. In conclusion, the study revealed the environmental risk and negative effect of waters of the Gediz River on maize seedlings and the suitability of RAPD assay for the detection of environmental toxicology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Tönnis triple pelvic osteotomy in patients with LCP disease. Methods: Between 2007 and 2011, Tönnis triple pelvic osteotomy was performed for 43 patients with LCP, in our institute. During the follow-ups of patients with LCP the indications for the surgery were lateralization of the femoral head, insufficient femoral head coverage and subluxation of the femoral head. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 9.4 years. Results: Before surgical intervention, according to Waldenstrom classification, three patients were in the necrosis stage (7 %), six patients in the fragmentation stage (13.9 %), 16 patients in the re-ossification stage (37.2 %) and 18 patients in the remodeling stage (41.9 %). According to Herring classification, four patients were in group B (9.3 %), one patient in group B/C (2.3 %) and 38 patients in group C (88.4 %). After the operation, patients were evaluated with Stulberg classification, and good outcome (Stulberg I/II) was achieved in 23 patients (53, 5 %), fair outcome (Stulberg III) in 16 patients (37, 2 %) and poor outcome (Stulberg IV/V) was seen in only four patients (9.3 %). The mean value of CEA was 0.37° pre-operatively and in the last follow-ups the mean value of CEA was 23.7°. Conclusions: We recommend triple pelvic osteotomy for patients with LCP when conservative methods are not successful. According to our results we believe that Waldenstrom classification is a better option than Herring classification to determine the prognosis of disease after containment surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Knowledge of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) is necessary for understanding the morphology and pathogenesis of lesions that occur in this region. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the dimensions and anatomic characteristics of the NPC in a pediatric population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Study design: Reformatted sagittal, coronal, and axial slices of 368 individual CBCT images were analyzed with regard to dimensions and anatomic features of the NPC. Results: Funnel shape of the NPC was most commonly found [26.9 % (99)], followed by banana shape [19.6 % (72)]. There was no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.317) between girls and boys in terms of NPC shape. The mean width of incisive foramen was found to be 2.53 mm with a significant difference (0.002). The mean NPC length was found to be 10.83 mm and the mean canal length was found to be significantly longer in boys than girls ( p < 0.000). Conclusion: The present study provides new information on the literature concerning the identification of the anatomical structure of NPC. This finding may assist clinicians in understanding the morphology and preventing possible complications in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the mandibular vertical asymmetry in a group of adult patients who had early bilateral mandibular first molar extractions. Methods: Mandibular asymmetry index measurements (condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal) were made on the panoramic radiographs of a study group including 30 subjects (mean age, 18.22 ± 1.30 years) and a control group of 25 subjects (mean age, 18.24 ± 1.17 years). Group I comprised the control group patients with no extractions and had excellent class I relationships, no missing teeth, and slight or moderate anterior crowding. Group II included patients with a bilateral mandibular first molar teeth extracted before the age of 12 years. Student's t test was used for the comparison of asymmetry index values between the groups. A paired t test was used to determine possible statistically significant differences between the sides for condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal height measurements. Results: No group showed statistically significant side-specific differences for posterior vertical height measurements. Condylar asymmetry index (CAI), ramal asymmetry index, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry index measurements were not statistically different between the groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: CAI values were significantly high when compared with the 3 % threshold value in the both groups, but comparisons between the groups were not statistically significant. Clinical relevance: This article investigates the effects of early bilateral mandibular molar teeth extraction that has never been investigated in the literature. The present study showed that the lengths of the condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal height were less in the study group than in a well-matched control group of without extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main perspective of this study was to determine cross-transmissions amongst anthrax cases and provide detailed information regarding the genotypes of Bacillus anthracis isolates circulating in Turkey. A total of 251 B. anthracis isolates were obtained from human (93 isolates), animal (155 isolates), and environmental (three isolates) samples in various provinces of Turkey. All isolates were susceptible to quinolones, vancomycin, tigecycline, and linezolid, but not to ceftriaxone. Excluding human isolates, one of the animal isolates was found to be resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, and doxycycline. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeats analysis including 8 loci (MLVA8) revealed 12 genotypes, in which genotype 43 was observed at the highest frequency (41.8 %), followed by genotype 35 (25.5 %) and genotype 27 (10.4 %). Major subtype A3.a was the predominant cluster, including 86.8 % of the isolates. The MLVA25 analysis for the 251 isolates yielded 62 different genotypes, 33 of which had only one isolate, while the remaining 29 genotypes had 2 to 43 isolates, with a total of 218 isolates (86.9 %). These findings indicate very high cross-transmission rates within anthrax cases in Turkey. The genotypes diagnosed in Turkey are populated in the A major cluster. Penicillin prescribed as the first-choice antibiotic for the treatment of anthrax is still effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to assess the impact of wastewater on parsley ( Petroselinum crispum). The parameters determined for soil were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe), and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb), while the parameters determined for the plant included pigment content, dry matter, nutrient element, and heavy metals. SOM, EC, and clay contents were higher, and pH was slightly acidic in soil treated with wastewater compared to control soil. The enrichment factors (EF) of the nutrient elements in contaminated soil are in the sequence of Na (2) > Ca (1.32) > Mn = Mg (1.17) > Cu (1.11) > Zn (1.08) > Fe (1.07) > K (0.93), while EF in parsley are Na (6.63) > Ca (1.60) > Mg (1.34) > Zn (1.15) > Fe (0.95) > Cu = K (0.90) > Mn (0.85). Application of wastewater significantly decreased dry matter, while photosynthetic pigment content increased in parsley. The enrichment of the heavy metals is in the sequence: Cd (1.142) > Pb (1.131) > Ni (1.112) > Cr (1.095). P. crispum shows a high transfer factor (TF > 1) for Cd signifying a high mobility of Cd from soil to plant. Thus, although the wastewater irrigation in parsley production aims to produce socioeconomic benefits, study results indicated that municipal wastewater is not suitable for irrigation of parsley because it has negative effects on plant and causes heavy metal accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway has been shown to be essential for cell cycle progression and mitosis. We previously showed that this pathway is activated in mitotic granulosa cells of follicles from transitional to antral stages. In this study, we, therefore, aimed to investigate whether this signaling pathway has any effect on in-vitro growth of murine preantral follicles and granulosa cell cycle control. Two structurally different pharmacologic JNK inhibitors, SP600125 and AS601245, were used in the experiments. First their inhibitory concentrations were determined in granulosa cells by Western blot analysis. Then preantral follicles isolated from immature and adult C57BL/6 mice were cultured in matrigel and standard culture plates for 6 days with these inhibitors. Spontaneously immortalized rat granulosa cells (SIGCs) were first synchronized at G1/S and G2/M stages of cell cycle and then treated with JNK inhibitors. Cell cycle progression was analyzed with Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay and flow cytometry analysis. Both inhibitors significantly inhibited phosphorylation of c-Jun in granulosa cells at 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L concentrations. Isolated preantral follicles cultured with these inhibitors exhibited arrested growth in culture in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analyses showed that both inhibitors impair the progression of cell cycle at S phase and G2/M transition of granulosa cells. These results suggest that JNK pathway is essential for in vitro growth of preantral follicle growth and regulates both S phase and G2/M stages of cell cycle in granulosa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Parricide which is defined as the murder of one's parents is a rare event. We describe a consecutive series of adolescent parricide offenders referred to the Council of Forensic Medicine for medico-legal evaluation. Majority of the adolescent parricide offenders were male with a frequency of 79.5%. Age of the offenders ranged from 12 to 18 years old with a median age of 15.13. The majority of the victims were the fathers of the offenders (27; 69.2%). Firearms and cutting devices were the most frequently used weapons. The history of abuse in the family as a motive for the murder was detected in 51.2% of the offenders. The major abuse type was physical abuse. There was no history of psychiatric disorders in the majority of the offenders (37; 94.9%). After the medico-legal evaluation of the adolescent parricide offenders in the Council of Forensic Medicine, psychiatric disorder was diagnosed only in 4 offenders. Schizophrenia was the final diagnosis in 3 cases and paranoid disorder (otherwise unclassified) in only 1 offender. Our study confirmed the frequency of mental illness among adolescent parricide offenders to be very low when compared to adult offenders. Adolescent parricide offenders differ from the other perpetrators particularly in terms of motives of the murder and psychiatric illnesses. Abuse in the family seems to play an important role in these murders. Therefore, it is extremely important that individuals in the legal, criminal justice, social work, psychology, educational and other professional communities be more conscious and informed of child maltreatment and family violence and more research is essential in understanding and preventing adolescent parricide offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]