Resumen Obietivo: En este estudio, presentamos nuestros resultados de ESWL en pacientes con urolitiasis menores de dos años. Materiales y Métodos: El procedimiento se realizó con pacientes menores de dos años sedados, bajo anestesia con ketamina y Dormicum (midazolam), en posición supina. La fragmentación se evaluó mediante fluoroscopia después del procedimiento. Resultados: Se realizaron total de 74 procedimientos en 65 riñones. Un paciente con cálculos bilaterales tuvo dos sesiones de ESWL en el lado derecho; se realizaron tres sesiones de LEOC en un paciente con litiasis unilateral y dos sesiones en siete pacientes con litiasis unilateral. Todos los demás pacientes se sometieron a una sesión de ESWL. Como complicaciones post-procedimiento se observó hematuria en 14 pacientes (12 leves y 2 significativas) y vómitos en 1 paciente. Se realizó URS en 5 pacientes y NLP en 6 pacientes debido a un procedimiento fallido. Conclusiones: Como resultado, el tratamiento de la ESWL es efectivo y tiene ventajas como un tiempo de hospitalización corto, buena reproducibilidad, costo-efectividad y baja tasa de complicaciones. Por tanto, recomendamos la ESWL como tratamiento de primera línea para cálculos renales y ureterales proximales en bebés < 2 años de edad.

Abstract Objective: In this study, we present our extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) outcomes in urolithiasis patients under the age of two. Materials and Methods: The procedure was performed with patients < 2 years of age sedated, under anesthesia using ketamine and Dormicum (midazolam), in the supine position. Fragmentation was evaluated by fluoroscopy after the procedure. Results: A total of 74 procedures were performed on 65 kidneys. One patient with bilateral stones had two sessions of ESWL on the right side; three sessions of ESWL were performed in one patient with a unilateral stone, and two sessions were performed in seven patients with unilateral stones. All other patients underwent one session of ESWL. As post-procedural complications, hematuria was observed in 14 patients (12 mild and 2 significant), and vomiting occurred in 1 patient. Ureterorenoscopy was performed in 5 patients, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 6 patients due to a failed procedure. Conclusion: As a result, ESWL treatment is effective and has advantages such as a short hospitalization time, good reproducibility, cost-effectiveness, and a low rate of complications. Therefore, we recommend ESWL as the first-line treatment for renal and proximal ureteral stones in infants < 2 years of age.

Resumen Antecedentes: El diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda representa un reto en pacientes pediátricos. Objetivo: Establecer la importancia del índice neutrófilos-linfocitos (INL), índice plaquetas-linfocitos (IPL) y otros parámetros hematológicos ajustados por edad y sexo en la predicción de apendicitis aguda, así como describir un nuevo sistema de calificación. Material y métodos: Se analizaron retrospectivamente expedientes clínicos de 946 niños hospitalizados por apendicitis aguda. Se desarrolló un sistema de calificación basado en INL, IPL, ILM y proteína C reactiva (PCR) ajustados por edad y sexo. Resultados: Los pacientes se dividieron en grupo I de exploración negativa y grupo II de apendicitis aguda; las medias de edad correspondientes fueron 12.20 ± 2.31 y 11.56 ± 3.11. El recuento leucocitario, porcentaje de neutrófilos, INL, IPL, ILM y PCR fueron superiores en el grupo II. La calificación osciló entre 0 y 8 puntos; se determinó que 4.5 fue el mejor punto de corte para apendicitis aguda con mayor área bajo la curva (0.96), sensibilidad (94 %), especificidad (86 %), valor predictivo positivo (97.5 %), valor predictivo negativo (65 %), precisión (92.6 %) y tasa de clasificación errónea (7.4 %). Conclusión: El sistema de calificación que se propone, calculado por edad y sexo de los pacientes, se puede utilizar para evitar cirugías innecesarias.

Abstract Background: Acute appendicitis diagnosis can sometimes be a real challenge in pediatric patients. Objective: To establish the importance of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other hematological parameters adjusted for age and sex in the prediction of acute appendicitis, as well as to describe a new scoring system. Material and methods: Medical records of 946 children hospitalized for acute appendicitis were retrospectively analyzed. A scoring system based on NLR, PLR, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) adjusted for age and sex was developed. Results: Patients were divided into group I, with negative examination, and group II, with acute appendicitis; mean ages were 12.20 ± 2.31 and 11.56 ± 3.11, respectively. Leukocyte count, neutrophil percentage, NLR, PLR, LMR and PCR were higher in group II. The scores ranged from 0 to 8 points; 4.5 was determined to be the best cut-off point for acute appendicitis with the highest area under the curve (0.96), sensitivity (94%), specificity (86%), positive predictive value (97.5%), negative predictive value (65%), accuracy (92.6%) and misclassification rate (7.4%). Conclusion: The proposed scoring system, calculated based on patient age and gender, can be used for unnecessary surgeries to be avoided.

RESUMEN El síndrome del cascanueces es un síndrome que presenta síntomas clínicos como hematuria, proteinuria ortostática, congestión pélvica, varicocele del lado izquierdo, hipertensión y dolor en fosa renal. Estos síntomas se producen por la compresión de la vena renal izquierda entre la aorta y la arteria mesentérica superior. En el síndrome de Wilkie, la tercera porción del duodeno está comprimida entre la arteria mesentérica superior y la aorta abdominal, lo que provoca diversos síntomas gastrointestinales. La coexistencia de estos dos síndromes constituye una afección rara y se incluye como casos clínicos en la bibliografía. En este artículo, se presentan los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de un paciente de 17 años que presentaba dolor abdominal recurrente debido al síndrome de Wilkie, acompañado del síndrome del cascanueces que le provocaba proteinuria, por lo que el paciente fue derivado a los consultorios externos de reumatología pediátrica con un diagnóstico preliminar de fiebre mediterránea familiar.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery, and transfemoral artery, which are vascular access sites for coronary angiography, in terms of pain level using the visual analog scale. METHODS: Between April 2021 and May 2022, consecutive patients from three centers were included in our study. A total of 540 patients, 180 from each of the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery , and transfemoral artery groups, were included. The visual analog scale was applied to the patients as soon as they were taken to bed. RESULTS: When the visual analog scale was compared between the groups, it was found to be significantly different (transfemoral artery: 2.7±1.6, traditional radial artery: 3.9±1.9, and distal radial artery: 4.9±2.1, respectively, p<0.001). When the patients were classified as mild, moderate, and severe based on the visual analog scale score, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body mass index, process time, access time, and number of punctures (p<0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, body mass index>29.8 kg/m2 predicted severe pain with 72.5% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity [(area under the curve: 0.770, 95%CI: 0.724–0.815, p<0.0001)]. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that the femoral approach caused less access site pain and a high body mass index predicts severe pain.

Abstract Objectives: In the past decade, advances in immunological therapy have increased the survival of kidney recipients and their grafts. However, it has not achieved the desired level of improvement. This study aims to reveal the mortality among kidney recipients. Methods: Medical data of the patients, who had undergone kidney transplantation (KT) between November 2010 and December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult kidney recipients, who had died. Exclusion criteria were pediatric recipients, recipients of en bloc and dual KT, recipients with missing data, and recipients with a primary non-functioning graft. The recipients were grouped according to their donor type; Group 1 (from a living donor) and Group 2 (from a deceased donor). Subgroup analyses were done for mortality by time-period post-transplant and for infectious causes of mortality. Results: Of 314 recipients, 35 (11.14%) died. Twenty-nine recipients were included in the study (Group 1: 17 and Group 2: 12). The most common cause of mortality was infection (58.6%), and the second was cardiovascular disease (CVD) (24.1%). Sepsis developed in 29.4% of infection-related deaths, while COVID-19 constituted 23.5% of infection-related deaths. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of infectious and CVD are important to improve survival in kidney recipients.

Resumen Objetivos: En la última década, los avances en la terapia inmunológica han aumentado la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón y sus injertos. Sin embargo, no se pudo lograr el nivel de mejora deseado. Este estudio tiene como objetivo revelar la mortalidad entre los receptores de riñón. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente los datos médicos de los pacientes, que se habían sometido a un trasplante de riñón entre Noviembre de 2010 y Diciembre de 2020. Los criterios de inclusión fueron los receptores de riñón adultos, que habían fallecido. Los criterios de exclusión fueron los receptores pediátricos, los receptores de trasplantes de riñón dual y en bloque, los receptores con datos faltantes y los receptores con un injerto primario no funcionante. Los receptores se agruparon según su tipo de donante; Grupo 1 (de un donante vivo) y Grupo 2 (de un donante fallecido). Se realizaron análisis de subgrupos para la mortalidad por período de tiempo posterior al trasplante y para las causas infecciosas de mortalidad. Resultados: De 314 beneficiarios, 35 (11,14%) fallecieron. Se incluyeron 29 receptores en el estudio (Grupo 1:17; Grupo 2:12). La causa más común de mortalidad fue la infección (58,6%) y la segunda fue la enfermedad cardiovascular (24,1%). La sepsis se desarrolló en el 29,4% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección, mientras que el COVID-19 constituyó el 23,5% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección. Conclusión: El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos de enfermedades infecciosas y cardiovasculares es importante para mejorar la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón.

RESUMEN Introducción: Nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto de diferentes regímenes inmunosupresores sobre los niveles de SUPAR y ox-LDL, que son marcadores tempranos de inflamación en receptores de trasplante renal. Material y métodos: Un total de 83 pacientes se inscribieron en nuestro estudio. Mientras que cuarenta y ocho de ellos recibieron mTORi, treinta y cinco pacientes recibieron CNI. De acuerdo con el régimen inmunosupresor, los pacientes se dividieron en grupos receptores de CNI y m-TORi y se midieron los niveles séricos de SUPAR y ox-LDL. Resultados: Los valores de Log-SUPAR fueron menores en el grupo que recibió m-TORi (3,40 ± 0,1 vs 3,48 ± 0,4, p = 0,010). Los niveles de OxLDL/LDL fueron mayores (0,0168± 005 vs 0,0132 ±004, p=0,009) en el grupo CNI. En el análisis de regresión lineal, se detectó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el uso de m-TORi y log-SUPAR (β = -0,052, IC del 95% [-0,224, -0,012], p = 0,041). Se encontró una relación negativa e independiente entre HT y log-SUPAR (β = -0.60, 95% IC--0.112, -0.018], p = 0.0024) y ox-LDL (β = -0.169 [-0.330, -0.008], p = 0,040). Se detectó una correlación muy fuerte (r = 1,0, p <0,001) y una relación independiente (β = 0,321 [0,313, 0,330], p <0,001) entre ox-LDL y SUPAR. Conclusión: Como resultado, cuando se comparó la inmunosupresión entre m-TORi y CNI, la primera se asoció con niveles más bajos de SUPAR y oxLDL.

ABSTRACT Introduction: We aimed to investigate the effect of different immunosuppressive regimens on SUPAR and ox-LDL levels which are early markers of inflammation in renal transplant recipients. Methods: A total number of 83 patients were enrolled in our study. While fourty- eight of those were received mTORi, thirty five patients were been receiving CNI. According to the immunosuppressive regimen patients were divided into CNI and m-TORi receving groups and serum SUPAR and ox-LDL levels were measured. Results: Log-SUPAR values were lower in the group receiving m-TORi (3.40 ± 0.1 vs 3.48 ± 0.4, p=0.010). OxLDL / LDL levels were higher (0.0168± 005 vs 0.0132 ±004, p=0.009) in the CNI group. In linear regression analysis, a statistically significant relationship was detected between the use of m-TORi and log-SUPAR (β = -0.052, 95% CI [-0.224, -0.012], p = 0.041) . A negative and independent relationship was found between HT and log-SUPAR (β = -0.60, 95% CI--0.112, -0.018], p=0.0024) and ox-LDL (β = -0.169 [-0.330, -0.008], p=0.040). Very strong correlation (r=1.0, p=<0.001) and independent relationship (β=0.321 [0.313,0.330], p=<0.001) was detected between ox-LDL and SUPAR. Conclusion: As a result, when compared immunsuppression between m-TORi and CNI, the former was associated with lower SUPAR and oxLDL levels.

Abstract Nanoscale biomaterials are commonly used in a wide range of biomedical applications such as bone graft substitutes, gene delivery systems, and biologically active agents. On the other hand, the cytotoxic potential of these particles hasn’t yet been studied comprehensively to understand whether or not they exert any negative impact on the cellular structures. Here, we undertook the synthesis of beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) and biphasic tricalcium phosphate (BCP) nanoparticles (NPs) and determine their concentration-dependent toxic effects in human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB 1.19) cell line. Firstly, BCP and β-TCP were synthesized using a water-based precipitation technique and characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The cytological effects of β-TCP and BCP at different concentrations (0-640 ppm) were evaluated by using 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The total oxidative status (TOS) parameter was used for investigating oxidative stress potentials of the NPs. In addition, the study assessed the DNA damage product 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-Oxo-dG) level in hFOB 1.19 cell cultures. The results indicated that the β-TCP (above 320 ppm) and BCP (above 80 ppm) NPs exhibited cytotoxicity effects on high concentrations. It was also observed that the oxidative stress increased relatively as the concentrations of NPs increased, aligning with the cytotoxicity results. However, the NPs concentrations of 160 ppm and above increased the level of 8-OH-dG. Consequently, there is a need for more systematic in vivo and in vitro approaches to the toxic effects of both nanoparticles.

Resumen Objetivo: Ninguno de los estudios se ha realizado en términos de demostrar el mismo efecto con la dosis baja de cordicepina. En nuestro estudio, analizamos los cambios histopatológicos y bioquímicos de Cordycepin(c) en dosis bajas en un modelo de rata con isquemia-reperfusión (I/R) inducida en el riñón. Materiales y métodos: Veinticuatro ratas macho Wistar Albino se asignaron al azar a tres grupos (n = 8): el grupo de control simulado (Grupo 1), el grupo sin tratamiento I/R renal (Grupo 2) y el grupo tratado con I/R-C (Grupo 3). Cordyceps se administró por vía intraperitoneal a 5 mg/kg dos veces. Se compararon los cambios histológicos renales y se detectaron los parámetros relevantes de estrés oxidativo e inflamación. Resultados: En bioquímica sanguínea y tisular se observó que IL-1 Beta, IL 6, TNF alfa, MDA, TOS y OSI aumentaron en el Grupo 2 y disminuyeron en el Grupo 3. Se determinó que los valores de TAS aumentaron en el Grupo 3, y disminuyó en el Grupo 2. En la evaluación histopatológica, mientras que el Grupo 1 fue evaluado como normal, se detectó daño renal significativo en el Grupo 2. Se determinó que hubo una disminución significativa del daño renal en el grupo 3. Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren que la cordicepina en dosis bajas fue tan efectiva como la dosis normal en la reperfusión isquémica renal y la reducción del daño.

Abstract Objective: None of studies have been conducted in terms of demonstrating the same effect with the low dose in cordycepin. In our study, we analyzed the histopathological and biochemical changes of low-dose Cordycepin(c) on a rat model in the kidney. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 8): the sham-control group (Group 1), the renal I/R-untreated (Group 2) group, and the I/R-C-treated (Group 3) group. Cordyceps was administered intraperitoneally at 5 mg/kg twice. Renal histological changes were compared and the relevant parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation were detected. Results: In blood and tissue biochemistry, it was observed that IL-1 Beta, IL 6, TNF alpha, MDA, TOS, and OSI increased in Group 2 and decreased in Group 3. It was determined that TAS values were increased in Group 3, and decreased in Group 2. In the histopathological evaluation, while Group 1 was evaluated as normal, significant kidney damage was detected in Group 2. It was determined that there was a significant decrease in kidney damage in Group 3. Conclusion: These results suggest that low dose Cordycepin was as effective as normal dose on renal ischemic reperfusion and reduction of damage.

Resumo Fundamento As arritmias ventriculares (AVs) são a principal causa de mortalidade e morbidade hospitalar em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) e sua relação com o tiol é desconhecida. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre os níveis plasmáticos de tióis e os níveis de troponina em pacientes com SCA e estimar o desenvolvimento de AV intra-hospitalar durante a internação. Método O estudo incluiu 231 pacientes consecutivos com SCA com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SCA-SDST) e pacientes com SCA sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SCA-SSDST). Após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 191 pacientes foram incluídos na análise estatística. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos: grupo SCA-SDST (n=94) e grupo SCA-SSDST (n=97). Os níveis plasmáticos de tiol, dissulfeto e troponina foram medidos e a razão de troponina para tiol nativo (RTTN) foi calculada. Considerou-se estatisticamente significativo um valor de p bilateral inferior a 0,05. Resultados Tiol nativo plasmático, tiol total, dissulfeto e suas razões foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A RTTN se mostrou significativamente maior no grupo SCA-SDST em comparação com o grupo SCA-SSDST. Houve correlação negativa significativa entre os níveis de troponina e tiol. Verificou-se que o tiol nativo é preditor independente do desenvolvimento de AV em pacientes com SCA-SDST e em todos os pacientes com SCA. Verificou-se que o RTTN é preditor independente do desenvolvimento de AV em pacientes com SCA-SSDST e em todos os pacientes com SCA. Conclusão Os níveis plasmáticos de tiol podem ser usados para identificar pacientes com alto risco de desenvolvimento de AV intra-hospitalar em pacientes com SCA. A correlação entre os níveis de troponina e tiol pode sugerir que os tióis possam ser marcadores importantes para o diagnóstico e prognóstico da SCA com a ajuda de estudos futuros.

Abstract Background Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are the main cause of in-hospital mortality and morbidity in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and its relationship with thiol is not known. Objective To investigate the relationship between plasma thiol levels and troponin levels in patients with ACS and to estimate in-hospital VA development during hospital stay. Method The study included 231 consecutive ST-segment elevation ACS (STE-ACS) and non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) patients. After application of exclusion criteria, 191 patients were included in the statistical analysis. Patients were classified into two groups: STE-ACS group (n=94) and NSTE-ACS group (n=97). Plasma thiol, disulphide and troponin levels were measured and troponin-to-native thiol ratio (TNTR) was calculated. A two-sided p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Plasma native thiol, total thiol, disulphide and their ratios were similar between the groups. TNTR was significantly higher in the STE-ACS group compared to the NSTE-ACS group. Troponin and thiol levels correlated negatively and significantly. Native thiol was found to be an independent predictor of VA development in STE-ACS patients and in all ACS patients. TNTR was found to be an independent predictor of VA development in NSTE-ACS patients and in all ACS patients. Conclusion Plasma thiol levels can be used to identify ACS patients at high risk for in-hospital VA development. Correlation between troponin and thiol levels may suggest that thiols may be an important marker for diagnosis and prognosis of ACS with the help of future studies.

Resumo: Os processos que se iniciam na identificação e registo de bens do tesouro têm um lugar essencial nos sistemas cadastrais. Estudos de modelagem de dados espaciais foram conduzidos em 2002 para estabelecer uma estrutura padrão comum sobre as semelhanças fundamentais dos sistemas de gestão da terra. Esses estudos foram declarados como um início denominado Core Cadastral Domain Model (CCDM), desde 2006, passou a ser feito com o nome de LADM. Este modelo foi aceito em 2012 como um modelo padrão na área de administração de terras pela International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Neste estudo, uma classe de modelo externo é proposta para as transações do LADM relacionadas a propriedades imobiliárias do Tesouro que estão relacionadas ao Projeto de Automação Imobiliária Nacional (MEOP). Para apurar a deficiência do atual modelo externo, foram examinadas bases de dados contendo registros relativos a dados espaciais e direitos de propriedade e apuradas as deficiências relacionadas a transações com bens do tesouro. A classe externa criada está associada às classes master LA_Party, LA_RRR, LA_SpatialUnit e LA_BAUnit do LADM. Com isso, a padronização do modelo de dados externo é garantida. Se o modelo externo for implementado pelo responsável pela padronização dos processos de arquivamento ficará mais confortável e rápido de se cadastrar.

Abstract: The processes starting with the identification and registration of treasury properties have an essential place in the cadastral systems. Spatial data modelling studies were conducted in 2002 to establish a common standard structure on the fundamental similarities of land management systems. These studies were stated as a beginning named Core Cadastral Domain Model (CCDM), since 2006, it has been started to be made under the name of LADM. This model was accepted in 2012 as a standard model in the field of land administration by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In this study, an external model class is proposed for LADM’s transactions related to Treasury’s real estates properties which are related National Property Automation Project (MEOP). In order to determine the deficiency of this current external model, databases containing records related to spatial data and property rights were examined, and the deficiencies related to transactions on treasury properties were determined. The created external class is associated with the LADM’s LA_Party, LA_RRR, LA_SpatialUnit and LA_BAUnit master classes. Herewith the standardization of the external data model is ensured. If the external model is implemented by the responsible standardization of the archiving processes will be more comfortable and faster to register.

Abstract Objective: To compare immediate postoperative results in patients receiving heparin-albumin-coated and non-coated circuits. Methods: A total of 241 patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery were divided into two groups: those receiving heparin-coated circuits (Bioline®, Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG., Hirrlingen, Germany) and those receiving non-coated circuits (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG., Hirrlingen, Germany). Results: Activated clotting times (ACT) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were significantly shorter in the heparin-albumin-coated group than in the non-coated group (355.64±34.12 vs. 560.38±90.20, respectively, P=0.001). In-hospital mortality and postoperative stroke rates and lengths of intensive care unit stay were similar between the groups; in contrast, in the heparin-albumin-coated group, patients had significantly better outcomes for hospital stay, drainage, and need for erythrocyte transfusion. Conclusion: Heparin-coated circuits and reduced level of systemic heparinization with 300 seconds of target ACT level in cardiac surgery under CPB are safe and result in a very satisfactory clinical course.

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes and follow-up of two different modifications facilitating surgical technique of frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases - zone 0 (fixation with total arch debranching) and zone 3 (fixation with islet-shape arch repair). Methods: From May 2012 to December 2018, data were collected from 139 patients who had been treated with FET procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases. According to Ishimaru arch map, patients with proximal anastomotic site of hybrid graft at zone 0 and zone 3 were grouped as Group A (n=58, 41.7%) and Group B (n=81, 58.3%), respectively. Mean age of study population was 54.7±11.4 years, and 111 patients were male (79.9%). Results: In-hospital mortality was observed in 20 (14.4%) patients (n=12, acute type A aortic dissection, and n=4, previous aortic dissection surgery). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of in-hospital mortality. Four patients from Group A and three patients from Group B had permanent neurological deficit (P=0.32). Three patients from both groups had transient spinal cord ischemia (P=0.334). Although mean total perfusion time was longer in Group A, duration of visceral ischemia, when compared with Group B, was shorter (P<0.001). Five-year survival rate was 82.8% in Group A and 81.5% in Group B (P=0.876). Conclusion: FET procedure is a feasible repair technique in the treatment of complex aortic diseases, providing satisfactory early results. Because of its advantageous aspects, zone 0 fixation with debranching is the preferred technique in our clinic.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo foi investigar a alteração na densidade mineral óssea (DMO) no primeiro ano pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à Artroplastia Total do Joelho (ATJ) por osteoartrite primária do joelho. Métodos: As medidas de absortiometria radiográfica com dupla energia no pré-operatório e no primeiro ano pós-operatório de 76 pacientes com osteoartrite do joelho, operados entre 2016 e 2018 devido à indicação de ATJ, foram avaliadas estatisticamente no estudo. Resultados: Dos 19 pacientes com DMO normal no pré-operatório, 73.7% (n = 14) continuaram com DMO normal no pós-operatório. Dos 34 pacientes com baixa DMO (osteopenia) no pré-operatório, 91.2% (n = 31) não apresentaram alteração, enquanto osteoporose foi observada em dois pacientes (5.9%) no pós-operatório. Dos 23 pacientes com osteoporose no pré-operatório, 95.7% (n = 22) não apresentaram alteração, enquanto osteopenia foi observada em um paciente (4.3%) no pós-operatório. Os escores T e Z da coluna vertebral (L1-L4) e do fêmur proximal mostraram uma tendência levemente positiva, mas a diferença foi estatisticamente insignificante (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusão: Os pacientes submetidos à ATJ apresentaram um ganho ósseo estatisticamente insignificante na coluna vertebral e no fêmur proximal doze meses após a cirurgia. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to investigate the change in bone mineral density (BMD) in the first postoperative year in patients that underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods: Preoperative and first postoperative year dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of 76 patients with knee osteoarthritis, who undergone surgery between 2016 and 2018 due to the recommendation for TKA, were statistically evaluated in the study. Results: Of the 19 patients with a normal BMD in the preoperative period, 73.7% (n = 14) continued to have a normal BMD in the postoperative period. Of the 34 patients with a low BMD (osteopenia) in the preoperative period, 91.2% (n = 31) did not show any change, whereas osteoporosis was observed in two patients (5.9%) in the postoperative period. Of the 23 patients with osteoporosis in the preoperative period, 95.7% (n = 22) did not show any change, whereas osteopenia was observed in one patient (4.3%) in the postoperative period. Both the T and Z scores of the spine (L1-L4) and proximal femur showed a slightly positive trend, however, with an insignificant statistical difference (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Patients that underwent TKA experienced a statistically insignificant bone gain at the spine and proximal femur twelve months after the surgery. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Abstract Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important protein source in arid regions as both human and animal food. Despite its significance, the use of grass pea is limited by the presence of β-N-oxalyl-L-a,b-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) which can cause neurological disorders. Breeding studies in grass pea have therefore focused on developing high-yielding varieties with low β-ODAP content. However, the narrow range of genetic diversity and the restricted genomic tools in grass pea have slowed progress in such breeding. The present investigation was conducted to explore the genetic diversity of low β-ODAP germplasm consisting of 22 accessions with 31 EST-SSR markers. The molecular analyses revealed a total of 133 alleles ranging from 142 to 330 bp with a mean number of alleles per locus of 4.29. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value was calculated as 0.49, and the EST-SSRs in loci S5, S6 and S116 were of the most informative PICs. A dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic distance matrix revealed that breeding lines were grouped in two main clusters. Genetic distances were higher between GP6/GP11, GP4/GP11 and GP5/GP8 accessions which could be further used in crop improvement studies for developing wider genetic diversity.

ABSTRACT Objective: Our aim was to present our experiences related to performing neck surgery using the guided intraoperative scintigraphic tumor targeting (GOSTT) procedure for patients who had locally recurrent or persistent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and who had undergone previous thyroid surgery. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients who had locally recurrent or persistent DTC, who had undergone previous surgery, and for whom reoperation was planned for metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs). We performed the neck surgery using the GOSTT procedure on all patients and at a single academic institution. Results: The 11 patients had a total of 26 LNs, as marked with a radiotracer, and those LNs’ mean size was 14.7 ± 8.2 mm (range: 5-34 mm). Histopathological examinations revealed DTC metastasis in all 26 of the preoperatively marked LNs. Of the 11 patients, only one needed a reoperation in the neck; she had another successful surgery (also using the GOSTT procedure). In the evaluation of the patients’ final status, all were disease-free in their necks. There also were no GOSTT-associated postoperative complications. Conclusion: The GOSTT procedure is a useful, successful, inexpensive, and comfortable procedure for marking and mapping metastatic LNs, especially in DTC patients who have undergone previous surgery.