Search

The effect of ionizing irradiation on testes and the protective effects of melatonin were investigated by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic methods. Eighty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups. The rats in the irradiated groups were exposed to a sublethal irradiation dose of 8 Gy, either to the total body or abdominopelvic region using a 60Co source at a focus of 80 cm away from the skin in the morning or evening together with vehicle (20% ethanol) or melatonin administered 24 h before (10 mg/kg), immediately before (20 mg/kg) and 24 h after irradiation (10 mg/kg), all ip. Caspace-3 immunoreactivity was increased in the irradiated group compared to control (P < 0.05). Melatonin-treated groups showed less apoptosis as indicated by a considerable decrease in caspace-3 immunoreactivity (P < 0.05). Electron microscopic examination showed that all spermatogenic cells, especially primary spermatocytes, displayed prominent degeneration in the groups submitted to total body and abdominopelvic irradiation. However, melatonin administration considerably inhibited these degenerative changes, especially in rats who received abdominopelvic irradiation. Total body and abdominopelvic irradiation induced identical apoptosis and testicular damage. Chronobiological assessment revealed that biologic rhythm does not alter the inductive effect of irradiation. These data indicate that melatonin protects against total body and abdominopelvic irradiation. Melatonin was more effective in the evening abdominopelvic irradiation and melatonin-treated group than in the total body irradiation and melatonin-treated group.

We investigated the day-night differences in intestinal oxidative-injury and the inflammatory response following total body (TB) or abdominopelvic (AP) irradiation, and the influence of melatonin administration on tissue injury induced by radiation. Rats (male Wistar, weighing 220-280 g) in the irradiated groups were exposed to a dose of 8 Gy to the TB or AP region in the morning (resting period - 1 h after light onset) or evening (activity span - 13 h after light onset). Vehicle or melatonin was administered immediately before, immediately after and 24 h after irradiation (10, 2.0 and 10 mg/kg, ip, respectively) to the irradiated rats. AP (P < 0.05) and TB (P < 0.05) irradiation applied in the morning caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels. Melatonin treatment in the morning (P < 0.05) or evening (P < 0.05) decreased TBARS levels after TB irradiation. After AP irradiation, melatonin treatment only in the morning caused a significant decrease in TBARS levels (P < 0.05). Although we have confirmed the development of inflammation after radiotherapy by histological findings, neither AP nor TB irradiation caused any marked changes in myeloperoxidase activity in the morning or evening. Our results indicate that oxidative damage is more prominent in rats receiving TB and AP irradiation in the morning and melatonin appears to have beneficial effects on oxidative damage irrespective of the time of administration. Increased neutrophil accumulation indicates that melatonin administration exerts a protective effect on AP irradiation-induced tissue oxidative injury, especially in the morning.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of limited food intake (LFI) (24, 48 and 120 h) and a single i.p. dose of vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/kg) on serum glucose and C-peptide levels, and pancreatic insulin and glucagon levels in guinea pigs. The highest serum glucose levels were found after vitamin C supplementation plus LFI for 48 h (LFI 48). Serum C-peptide levels were not significantly affected by food limitation (LFI 24, LFI 48, or LFI 120) as compared with controls, but when vitamin C was supplemented, the C-peptide levels were moderately enhanced. Immunohistochemical findings on pancreatic islets showed increased staining intensity for both insulin and glucagon when vitamin C was supplemented. In addition, the alpha and beta cells were stimulated, particularly by vitamin C supplementation plus LFI 120. Based on these findings, vitamin C supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the alpha and beta cells.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided facia iliaca compartment (FIC) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in managing postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty surgery., Methods: A total of 60 patients were randomized into 2 groups (n = 30): one that received FIC blocks and one that received ESP blocks. FIC and ESP blocks were performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the surgery. The patients received intravenous tramadol and patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. The pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded., Results: The dynamic pain scores on movement in the postoperative first hour were significantly lower in the ESP block group than in the FIC block group (3 [2-4] vs 4 [2-5], respectively; P = .035). Data are expressed as median (25th-75th percentiles). Postoperative opioid consumption within the first postoperative 8 hours was significantly higher in the FIC block group than in the ESP block group (80 mg [61-100] vs 100 mg [80-120], respectively; P = .010). The adverse effects of opioids did not differ between the 2 groups., Conclusion: ESP and infrainguinal FIC blocks provided similar postoperative analgesia 24 hours after total hip arthroplasty. The ESP block is more beneficial than the FIC block in terms of pain scores and opioid consumption in the early hours of the postoperative period., Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05621161)., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

In our study we aimed to investigate whether the use of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring would decrease total propofol consumption during the transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedure. This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. The study was conducted in the operating room, and postoperative recovery room. One hundred and thirty, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients, over age 18, undergoing transvaginal oocyte retrieval were included in this study. All patients were administered 2 μg/kg fentanyl, and 2 mg/kg propofol for the induction of anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups. Patients in the group bolus were given 0.5 mg/kg of propofol when necessary, according to the observer's range of motion. Patients in the group BIS were given 10 mg/kg/h propofol infusion adjusted to keep the BIS value between 40 and 60. The primary outcome was the total dose of propofol administered per patient. The secondary outcomes were the time to reach the value of 5 on the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness Sedation Scale (MOASs), the time to reach Post Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System (PADSS) ≥ 9 of the patients, satisfaction of the patient, and the gynecologist. The amount of total propofol was higher in the group BIS than in the group bolus administered according to the patient's clinic. There was no difference in the time to reach the value of 5 on the MOASs between the groups. The time to reach PADSS ≥ 9 was longer in the group BIS than in the group bolus. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the satisfaction of the patient and the gynecologist. Administration of propofol as an infusion with BIS monitoring did not reduce the amount of propofol administered to patients during transvaginal oocyte retrieval.Clinical trial registration number: NCT05631925-30/11/2022., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of general anaesthesia and ultrasonography-guided interscalene block on pain and oxidative stress evaluated by thiol-disulphide balance and C-reactive protein levels in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy., Materials and Methods: A total of 42 patients aged 18-75 years who were scheduled to undergo shoulder arthroscopy were randomised into interscalene block group (Group-IB, n = 20) and general anaesthesia group (Group-GA, n = 22). All patients received patient-controlled analgesia during the postoperative period. Additional analgesics were administered to patients with a visual analogue scale score of >4. Native-thiol, total-thiol, disulphide and C-reactive protein levels were measured. Patients' visual analogue scale scores, morphine and additional analgesic consumption were recorded. A shift in thiol-disulphide balance towards decreased thiol and increased disulphide levels was regarded as an indicator of oxidative stress., Results: Pain level, morphine and additional analgesic consumption were higher in Group-GA. Native-thiol and total-thiol levels were higher in Group-IB postoperatively and also disulphide levels were lower at postoperative 18 hours. C-reactive protein levels were similar in both the groups., Conclusion: Interscalene block induced less oxidative stress during the postoperative period, as evaluated by thiol-disulphide balance. In shoulder arthroscopy, interscalene block provides more stable haemodynamics perioperatively and facilitates better postoperative pain control., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: AISI 316 L stainless steel wire cerclage routinely used in sternotomy closure causes lateral cut-through damage and fracture, especially in cases of high-risk patients, which leads to postoperative complications. A biocompatible elastomer (Pellethane®) coating on the standard wire is proposed to mitigate the cut-through effect., Methods: Simplified peri-sternal and transsternal, sternum-cerclage contact models are created and statically analyzed in a finite element (FE) software to characterize the stress-reduction effect of the polymer coating for thicknesses between 0.5 and 1.125 mm. The performance of the polymer-coated cerclage in alleviating the detrimental cortical stresses is also compared to the standard steel cerclage in a full sternal closure FE model for the extreme cough loading scenario., Results: It was observed via the simplified contact simulations that the cortical stresses can be substantially decreased by increasing the coating thickness. The full closure coughing simulation on the human sternum further corroborated the simplified contact results. The stress reduction effect was found to be more prominent in the transsternal contacts in comparison to peri-sternal contacts., Conclusions: Bearing in mind the promising numerical simulation results, it is put forth that a standard steel wire coated with Pellethane will majorly address the cut-through complication., (Copyright © 2021 by ASME.)

Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interest: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

In the current study, organoruthenium(II)-arene complexes (I-IV) have been prepared by the reaction of [{(η 6 -p-cym)RuCl} 2 (μ-Cl) 2 ] with new thiosemicarbazones (TSC1-4).The isolate was analyzed using elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal XRD. Subsequently, the complexes and TSC ligands were assessed for anticancer properties in vitro against three different colorectal cancer stage's cell lines (Caco-2, DLD-1, and SW620) and a noncancerous cell line (CCD18Co). The complexes (I-IV) showed higher cytotoxicity with low IC 50 values as 0.1-0.33 μM in colorectal cell lines except for SW620 (47.4-84.20 μM) than in a noncancerous cell. Complex I was 2.8 and 24.5-fold more active against Caco-2 and DLD-1 than CCD18Co, respectively. The complexes (I-IV) accumulated at a high concentration in the cell nuclei and caused cell cycle arrest by affecting the G0/G1 and/or G2/M phase and showed high binding affinity with CT-DNA (Kb = 10 4  M - 1 ). The expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 apoptosis-related protein levels was slightly upregulated and Atg5 autophagy-related protein level was clearly downregulated according to control and 5-FU-treated cells after complex I and II treatment. Furthermore, it was observed that cytotoxicity of the complexes is decreased while cancer progresses. Altogether, this study indicates that all organoruthenium (II)-arene complexes (particularly complex I) can be a promising alternative to platinum counterparts in cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

During development of colon cancer, Protein Kinase Cs (PKCs) are involved in regulation of many genes controlling several cellular mechanisms. Here, we examined the changes in cell adhesion molecules and PKCs for colorectal cancer progression. We identified that PKCs affected expression of EpCAM, claudins, tetraspanins. Treatment with low concentrations of PKC inhibitors resulted in decreased cell viability. In addition, immunoblotting and qRT-PCR analysis showed that apoptosis was inhibited while autophagy was induced by PKC inhibition in colon cancer cells. Furthermore, we observed decreased levels of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl, confirming the ROS-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our results reveal that PKC signalling modulates not only cell adhesion dynamics but also cell death-related mechanisms. Abbreviations: PKC: Protein Kinase C; EpCAM: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule; FBS: fetal bovine serum; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide); CAM: cell adhesion molecule; ROS: reactive oxygen species.

Aim: To investigate the potential protective effects of melatonin on the chronic radiation emitted by third generation mobile phones on the brain., Material and Methods: A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups. Throughout a 90-day experiment, no application was performed on the control group. The second group was exposed to 2100 MHz radiation for 30 minutes. Subcutaneous melatonin was injected into the third group. Subcutaneous melatonin injection was applied 40 minutes before radiation and then the fourth group was exposed to radiation for 30 minutes. At the end of the experiment, brain (cerebrum and cerebellum) tissues were taken from the subjects. Histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and western blot analyses were applied. In addition to brain weight, Purkinje cells’ number, immunohistochemical H Score analyses and the results of the Western blot were examined statistically., Results: With the application of radiation, neuronal edema, relatively-decreased numbers of neurons on hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, displacement of the Purkinje neurons and dark neurons findings were observed as a result of histochemical stainings. Radiation also activated the NMDA-receptor 2B/Calpain-1/Caspase-12 pathway, NMDA-receptor 2B and Calpain-1 with the findings being supported by western blot analyses. Pre-increased protein synthesis before apoptosis was identified by electron microscopy., Conclusion: Mobile phone radiation caused certain (ultra) structural changes on the brain and activated the NMDA-receptor 2B/ Calpain-1/Caspase-12 pathway; in addition, melatonin was found to be effective, but insufficient in demonstrating the protective effects.

In 2016, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae was diagnosed for a man in Turkey. He had been bitten by a Hyalomma marginatum tick, from which PCR detected rickettsial DNA. Sequence analysis of the DNA identified R. sibirica mongolitimonae. Immunofluorescence assay of patient serum indicated R. conorii, which cross-reacts. PCR is recommended for rickettsiosis diagnoses.

Morgagni hernia is a relatively rare form of diaphragmatic hernia in the pediatric age group and it is conventionally treated with open surgical repair. Minimal access surgery is currently being adapted for many procedures in children. However, to date just a few techniques have been described relevant to minimal access surgical repair of Morgagni hernia in children. Herein, we report two cases of Morgagni hernia repaired by a new single-port laparoscopic technique assisted by an optical forceps. Two infants, a one-year-old boy and an eight-month-old girl, were operated with this technique in just 26 and 35 min and were discharged with oral analgesic prescription by postoperative hour 5 and 8, respectively. In the English-language literature, these cases are the first reports of laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair that were performed as an outpatient procedure. Also, the technique introduced can be easily applied by a single surgeon without an assistant to operate the laparoscope.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Oxidative stress and inflammation may cause structural and electrical remodeling in the atria making these critical processes in the pathology of AF. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the development of AF in patients presenting with STEMI. This prospective cohort study consisted of 346 patients with STEMI. Serum TAC and TOS were assessed by Erel's method. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without AF. Predictors of AF were determined by multivariate regression analysis. In the present study, 9.5% of patients developed AF. In the patients with AF, plasma TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly higher and plasma TAC levels were significantly lower compared to those without AF (p = .003, p = .002, p < .0001, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis results showed that, female gender (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.07; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.26-7.47; p = .01), left atrial diameter (OR =1.28; 95% CI =1.12-1.47; p < .0001), hs-CRP (OR =1.02; 95% CI =1.00-1.03; p = .001) and OSI (OR =1.10; 95% CI =1.04-1.18; p = .001) were associated with the development of AF in patients presenting with STEMI. The main finding of this study is that oxidative stress and inflammation parameters were associated with the development of AF in patients presenting with STEMI. Other independent predictors of AF were female gender, left atrial diameter and hs-CRP.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cisplatin and the protective role of acetyl l-carnitine against uterine tube toxicity. Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control group was injected with saline (control); group 2 was injected with acetyl l-carnitine; group 3 was injected with cisplatin; and group 4 was pre-treated with acetyl l-carnitine before cisplatin intraperitoneal injection. According to our results, a significant weight loss was observed in rats from group 3. The thickness of the wall and epithelium of uterine tube were decreased in group 3 rats. We elaborate the protein expression of caspase in epithelium and stroma by IHC. We found that the expression of caspase and the number of TUNEL-positive cells were increased in group 3 rats compared to the other groups. In our study, we showed the protective role of acetyl l-carnitine against uterine tube toxicity caused by cisplatin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nebivolol, carvedilol or metoprolol succinate on the outcome of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by left ventricular dysfunction., Subjects and Methods: Patients (n = 172, aged 28-87 years) with AMI and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤0.45 were randomized to the nebivolol (n = 55), carvedilol (n = 60) and metoprolol succinate (n = 57) groups. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and composite event rates of nonfatal MI, cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization due to unstable angina pectoris or heart failure, stroke or revascularization during the 12-month follow-up were compared among the groups using the x03C7;2 test, t test or log-rank test as appropriate., Results: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the three groups. The composite end point during follow-up was lower in the patients treated with nebivolol than those treated with metoprolol (14.5 vs. 31.5%; p = 0.03). However, event rates were similar between the patients treated with carvedilol and those treated with the metoprolol (20.3 vs. 31.5%, p > 0.05) and between the patients treated with nebivolol and carvedilol (14.5 vs. 20.3%, p > 0.05)., Conclusion: The patients treated with nebivolol experienced 12-month cardiovascular events at a lower rate than those treated with metoprolol succinate. However, event rates were similar between the carvedilol and the metoprolol succinate groups and between the nebivolol and the carvedilol groups., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background and Aim: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the association between use of previous angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (renin-angiotensin system [RAS] blockers) and started RAS blockers after MI and development of AF in patients presenting with acute STEMI., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 1000 patients with acute STEMI who were admitted to the coronary care unit. Patients were divided into groups according to the use of RAS blockers before MI and development of AF rates was compared. Predictors of AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis., Results: Of the 1000 patients presenting with STEMI, 247 received and 753 did not receive RAS blockers. The incidence of AF was 7.9%. The incidence of AF in patients receiving RAS blockers and did not receiving RAS blockers before MI were similar (5.7% vs. 8.6% respectively, P=0.13). On the other hand, AF rate was lower in patients in whom RAS blockers were administered during MI as compared to those in whom these agents were not administered (7.2% vs. 28.6%, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis results showed that administration of RAS blockers or statins during hospitalization and left atrial diameter were associated with development of AF in patients with acute STEMI., Conclusions: Previous therapy with RAS blockers does not reduce the incidence of AF in STEMI. Administration of RAS blockers at the hospital may decrease the AF rate in STEMI., (Copyright © 2016 The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Objective: There are conflicting data on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in coronary artery ectasia (CAE). It is unclear whether CAE is associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). We therefore investigated major cardiovascular risk factors, serum GGT and hs-CRP levels in a large population of patients with CAE., Methods: A total of 167 patients with isolated CAE and 150 controls with normal coronary arteries were selected from 10505 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Serum GGT and hs-CRP levels were evaluated in addition to cardiovascular risk factors including family history, obesity, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia., Results: Hypertension and obesity were slightly more prevalent in CAE patients than in controls, whereas diabetes was slightly less frequent in CAE patients. Other risk factors were similar. Serum GGT (22 [17-42] vs. 16 [13-21] U/l, p=0.001) and hs-CRP (2.9 [1.9-3.6] vs. 1.4 [1.1-1.8] mg/l, p=0.001) levels were higher in CAE patients than in controls. The presence of CAE was independently associated with diabetes (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95, p=0.04), obesity (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.07-7.56, p=0.04), GGT (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12, p=0.001) and hs-CRP levels (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.1-4.6, p=0.001). In addition, GGT and hs-CRP levels were higher in diffuse and multivessel ectasia subgroups than focal and single-vessel ectasia subgroups (each p<0.05)., Conclusions: Our findings show that CAE can be independently and positively associated with obesity, GGT and hs-CRP levels, but inversely with diabetes. Moreover, its severity may be related to GGT and hs-CRP levels., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Background: Coronary microvascular impairment may cause myocardial ischemia and systolic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC)., Patients and Methods: The study included 41 patients with IDC and 33 healthy control subjects. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were assayed and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was measured in all subjects via echocardiography., Results: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were significantly higher in patients with IDC than in the control group (3.42 ± 2.14 vs. 1.91± 1.40, p = 0.001). Serum TAS was statistically lower in patients with IDC than in controls (1.23 ± 0.16 vs. 1.77 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). CFR was statistically and significantly lower in the IDC group (2.10 ± 0.39 vs. 3.09 ± 0.49, p < 0.001). The IDC group was subsequently subdivided into two groups according to CFR values, as CFR ≥ 2 and CFR < 2. HsCRP (4.30 ± 2.42 vs. 2.58 ± 1.42, p = 0.01), TNF-α (16.67 ± 8.08 vs. 10.97 ± 1.63, p = 0.01), and IL-6 (7.54 ± 6.16 vs. 3.14 ± 1.10, p = 0.05) values were significantly higher in the CFR < 2 group compared with the higher CFR group. TAS (1.3 ± 0.16 vs. 1.14 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the CFR < 2 group. CFR correlated significantly with hsCRP, TAS, red cell distribution width (RDW), IL-6, and TNF-α., Conclusion: Plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels are increased in patients with IDC. CFR was impaired as a reflection of impaired coronary microvascular dysfunction in association with increasing plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels and hsCRP levels.

Objective: Diabetics are at risk for developing overt heart failure and subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Also, impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR) reflecting coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in diabetics. However, no substantial data regarding the effects of good glycaemic control on subclinical LV dysfunction and CFR are available., Context: To investigate whether good glycaemic control had favourable effects on subclinical LV dysfunction and CFR., Design: Prospective, open-label, follow-up study., Patients: Diabetics (n = 202) were classified based on baseline HbA1C levels: patients with good (group 1) (<7·0%) and poor glycaemic control (≥7·0%)., Measurements: All patients underwent echocardiographic examination at baseline evaluation, and it was repeated at months 6 and 12. Based on HbA1C levels obtained at month 6, the patients with poor glycaemic control were divided into two groups: achieved (group 2) and not achieved good glycaemic control (group 3)., Results: The groups were comparable with respect to diastolic function parameters including left atrium diameter, mitral E/A, Sm , Em /Am , E/E' and Tei index, and these parameters did not significantly change at follow-up in the groups. At baseline, CFR was slightly higher in group 1 than in group 2 and group 3, but it did not reach statistically significant level. At follow-up, CFR remained unchanged in group 1 (P = 0·58) and group 3 (P = 0·86), but increased in group 2 (P = 0·02: month 6 vs baseline and P = 0·004: month 12 vs baseline)., Conclusions: Diabetics with poor and good glycaemic control were comparable with respect to echocardiographic parameters reflecting subclinical LV dysfunction, and good glycaemic control did not affect these parameters. However, good glycaemic control improved CFR., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

During tendon injuries, the tendon sheath is also damaged. This study aims to test effectiveness of engineered tendon synovial cell biomembrane on prevention of adhesions. Forty New Zealand Rabbits enrolled into four study groups. Engineered synovial sheath was produced by culturing cell suspension on fabricated collagen matrix membrane. Study groups were: tendon repair (group A), tendon repair zone covered with plane matrix (Group B), synovial suspension injection into the zone of repair over matrix (Group C), and biomembrane application (Group D). Biomechanical evaluations of tendon excursion, metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints range of motion, H&E and Alcian Blue with neutral red staining, and adhesion formation graded for histological assessments were studied. Ten non-operated extremities used as control. Tendon excursions and range of motions were significantly higher and close to control group for Group D, p < 0.05. Adhesion formation was not different among Groups C, D, and Control, p > 0.005. Hyaluronic acid synthesis was demonstrated at groups C and D at the zone of injury. Application of synovial cells into the tendon repair zone either by cell suspension or within a biomembrane significantly decreases the adhesion formation. Barrier effect of collagen matrix and restoration of hyaluronic acid synthesis can explain the possible mechanism of action., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is closely related to cardiovascular disorders including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke. The clinical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including age, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, are the same for MAC and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory marker, in patients with MAC. The study group consisted of 117 patients with MAC. Age and sex-matched control group was composed of 38 patients who were admitted to echocardiography laboratory due to suspicion of organic heart disease and eventually found to be free of MAC. We measured hematological indices in patients and control individuals. NLR ratio was significantly higher in patients with MAC than in control individuals (3.3 ± 1.8 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4, respectively; P < 0.001), and NLR ratio was positively correlated with MAC (P < 0.001, r = 0.58). Red cell distribution width was also significantly higher in patients with MAC than in control individuals (16.2 ± 3.3 vs. 13.4 ± 0.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). We have shown that NLR was significantly elevated in patients with MAC and it was correlated with MAC.

Objectives: To study the effects of cigarette smoke and vitamin E on the development of endometrial pinopods., Study Design: Eighteen female and 12 male Swiss albino mice, 12-14 weeks old, with a mean weight of 25g (standard deviation 5g) were used in this study. Female mice were divided into three equal groups. Every day for 10 weeks, mice in Group 1 (control group) received normal saline intraperitoneally; mice in Group 2 were exposed to smoke from 20 cigarettes/day using a smoke machine; and mice in Group 3 were exposed to smoke from 20 cigarettes/day using a smoke machine and also received 50mg/kg vitamin E intraperitoneally. After 10 weeks, vaginal smears were taken from the female mice and they were copulated with the 12 male Swiss albino mice on the day of oestrus. Day 0 was defined as the day on which sperm were detected in the vagina by smear test. Mice were killed at the end of Day 5, which was considered to represent the optimal day for implantation. The uteri were removed and the effects of cigarette smoke and vitamin E on the development of endometrial pinopods were studied using an electron microscope., Results: The endometrial tissue of the control group appeared morphologically normal, with short microvilli, cytoplasm and pinopods in the form of cytoplasm and cell membrane enlargements in patches. In total, 149 pinopods were counted in the control group using a scanning electron microscope (two histologists performed the analysis and were blinded to each other's findings). In the smoke-exposed group, the cytoplasmic structure was degenerated considerably, and fewer pinopods were counted (n=11). The number of pinopods in mice who were exposed to cigarette smoke and vitamin E (n=67) was significantly higher compared with the cigarette-exposed group (p=0.002), but considerably lower compared with the control group (p=0.002)., Conclusion: Smoke exposure led to a significant decrease in the development of endometrial pinopods. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, partially reversed the adverse effects of cigarette smoke. This suggests that cigarettes may have a negative effect on fertility by decreasing the number of pinopods. However, this negative effect can be reduced using vitamin E. More studies should be conducted to support this finding., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

It is unclear whether carvedilol and nebivolol will produce different effects on platelet function and prothrombotic state in heart failure (HF). Thus, we compared their effects on these functions in patients with nonischemic HF. We included 61 patients with symptomatic nonischemic HF having ejection fraction ≤40%. The patients were randomized to carvedilol (n = 31) or nebivolol (n = 30). Analyses were made at baseline, 3, and 6 months. At 6 months, mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly lowered by both carvedilol and nebivolol therapy. However, MPV tended to be lower in the carvedilol group (7.7 ± 1.0 vs 8.0 ± 0.7 fL, P = .05). Fibrinogen and d-dimer levels were significantly decreased in but comparable in both the groups. Carvedilol and nebivolol have similar beneficial effects on platelet function and prothrombotic state in patients with nonischemic HF., (© The Author(s) 2013.)

Background: Atrial fibrillation is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress., Hypothesis: Carvedilol and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) combination decreases inflammation, oxidative stress, and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) rates more than metoprolol or carvedilol., Methods: Preoperative and postoperative total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and white blood cells (WBC) were measured in metoprolol, carvedilol, or carvedilol plus NAC groups, and association with POAF was evaluated., Results: Preoperative TAC, TOS, and WBC levels were similar among the groups. Postoperative TAC levels were lower in the metoprolol group compared with the carvedilol group (1.0 vs 1.4) or the carvedilol plus NAC group (1.0 vs 1.9) and were also lower in the carvedilol group compared with the carvedilol plus NAC group (all P < 0.0001). Postoperative TOS levels were higher in the metoprolol group as compared with the carvedilol (29.6 vs 24.2; P < 0.0001) or the carvedilol plus NAC groups (P < 0.0001), and were also higher in the carvedilol group as compared with the carvedilol plus NAC group (24.2 vs 19.3; P < 0.0001). Postoperative WBC counts were lower in the carvedilol plus NAC group compared with the metoprolol group (12.9 vs 14.8; P = 0.004), were similar between the carvedilol and the metoprolol groups (13 vs 14.8) and between the carvedilol plus NAC group and the carvedilol group (both P > 0.05). Postoperative TAC, TOS, and WBC were associated with POAF., Conclusions: Carvedilol plus NAC reduced oxidative stress and inflammation compared with metoprolol and decreased oxidative stress compared with carvedilol. Postoperative TAC, TOS, and WBC were associated with POAF., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate the underlying causes and outcomes of neonates who underwent acute peritoneal dialysis (APD)., Study Design: This report describes a 7-year experience with APD in 77 neonates., Results: Underlying causes requiring APD were acute tubular necrosis (ATN; n = 53), inborn error of metabolism (n = 18), bilateral renal vein thrombosis (n = 3), obstructive uropathy (n = 2; posterior urethral valve and neurogenic bladder), and bilateral renal artery thrombosis (n = 1). Fifteen of the 53 patients developed post-cardiac surgery ATN. The mean dialysis duration was 6.2 ± 10.7 days (range 1 to 90 days). Complications of procedure were hyperglycemia (n = 35), leaking of dialysate (n = 13), peritonitis (n = 10), catheter obstruction (n = 3), bleeding when inserting the catheter (n = 3), exit site infection (n = 2), and bowel perforation (n = 1). There were 57 deaths (74%) in this high-risk group due to underling causes. Of the 20 survivors, 16 patients showed a full renal recovery, but mild chronic renal failure developed in 1 patient and proteinuria with/without hypertension in 3 patients., Conclusion: Peritoneal dialysis is an effective means of renal replacement therapy in the neonatal period in the management of metabolic disturbances as well as renal failure. Although major complications of procedure are not so common, these patients have high mortality rates due to the serious nature of the primary causes., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Objective: To assess the histomorphological effects of smoking on the cilia of fallopian tubes in mice and the effect of vitamin E on the negative effects of smoke., Study Design: Eighteen 12-14 week-old Swiss albino type female mice were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of six mice: Group A: control group; Group B: mice exposed to cigarette smoke; Group C: mice exposed to cigarette smoke together with vitamin E. Groups B and C were exposed to cigarette smoke for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, tubal excision was performed in all animals. Histopathologic examination of excised tubal tissue was conducted under light microscopy., Results: The number of cilia was significantly lower in Group B. Although not statistically significant, the median number of cilia in Group C was measured to be higher than in Group B but lower than in Group A., Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that smoking decreases tubal cilia numbers. Supplementation by vitamin E may treat or at least help to slow down the decrease in number of cilia caused by smoking; therefore it could be used therapeutically in the treatment of smoking-related tubal damage., (Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation during cardiac surgery may be associated with acute renal injury (ARI). N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and carvedilol have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties., Hypothesis: A combination of carvedilol and NAC should decrease the incidence of ARI more than metoprolol or carvedilol., Methods: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to metoprolol, carvedilol, or carvedilol plus NAC. End points were occurrence of ARI and change in preoperative to postoperative peak creatinine levels., Results: ARI incidence was lower in the carvedilol plus NAC group compared with the metoprolol (21.0% vs 42.1%; P = 0.002) or carvedilol (21.0% vs 38.6%; P = 0.006) groups, but was similar between the metoprolol and carvedilol groups (P = 0.62). Preoperative and postoperative day 1 creatinine levels were similar among the metoprolol (1.02 [0.9-1.2] and 1.2 [0.92-1.45]) the carvedilol (1.0 [0.88-1.08] and 1.2 [0.9-1.5]) and the carvedilol plus NAC groups (1.06 [0.9-1.18] and 1.1 [1.0-1.21] mg/dL; all P values >0.05). Postoperative day 3, day 5, and peak creatinine levels were lower in the carvedilol plus NAC group (1.11 [1.0-1.23], 1.14 [1.0-1.25] and 1.15 [1.0-1.25]) as compared with the metoprolol (1.4 [1.3-1.49], 1.3 [1.0-1.54] and 1.3 [1.0-1.54]) or carvedilol groups (1.2 [1.0-1.52], 1.25 [1.0-1.52] and 1.25 [1.0-1.55] mg/dL; all P values <0.05), but were similar between the metoprolol and carvedilol groups (all P values >0.05)., Conclusions: Combined carvedilol and NAC decreased ARI incidence as compared with carvedilol or metoprolol. No difference was detected between carvedilol and metoprolol.