Abstract The aim of present study, to evaluate the genotoxic potential of 1-(4-(3,3-dimethyl-1,6-dioxo-2,3,4,6,11,13-hexahydro-1H-indazolo[1,2b] phthalazine-13yl)phenyl)-2-phenylazetidine-3-yl-acetate which was synthesised assuming that it may be a pharmaceutical raw material and found to inhibit human carbonic anhydrase I, II isozymes. To determine the genotoxic potential of this phthalazine substituted β-lactam compound, chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests were implemented in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. In these tests, lymphocyte cultures were treated with four concentrations (30, 15, 7.5, 3.75 μg/mL) of test compound and simultaneously with negative control (sterile distilled water), solvent control (DMSO) positive control (MMC). According to our results, CA frequencies were significantly increased in two high applied concentrations (30, 15 μg/mL) compared with negative and solvent control. MN frequencies were significantly increased in three applied concentrations (30, 15, 7.5 μg/mL) except lowest concentration (3.75 μg/mL) compared with solvent control. Mitotic indices were also affected by treatment with test compound. The obtained results provide evidence to demonstrate that new phthalazine substituted β-lactam derivative can exert genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in peripheral human lymphocytes especially at high concentrations.

Abstract Background Misperceptions on the higher rates of peer alcohol use are predictive of increased personal use among university students. Objectives This study aims to assess the prevalence, perceived peers’ social norms and other predictors of alcohol use in a sample of Turkish university students. Methods This study is established upon the baseline Turkish data on alcohol use of the project Social Norms Intervention for the prevention of Polydrug usE (SNIPE). The data was obtained by a self-reported, online questionnaire from 858 students of Marmara University who were registered to the study web page. Results Alcohol use and drunkenness rates were 62.6%, and 40.9%, respectively. Twenty point two percent of students reported drinking alcohol at least once a week in the last two months. Majority of students (70.4%) reported that religion has an important or very important role in their lives. Perceived higher frequency of peer alcohol use (p<0.000) and drunkenness (p<0.000) were significantly associated with personal alcohol use frequency. Tobacco use rate was 60.2% and positively associated with alcohol use frequency (p<0.000). In all participants, male gender (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.07-2.28), giving less importance to religion (OR: 20.91; 95% CI: 10.95-39.95), tobacco use everyday/almost everyday (OR: 17.88; 95% CI: 9.33-34.29), perceived positive peer attitude towards alcohol use (OR: 2.192; 95% CI: 1.25-3.82) and perceived higher frequency of peer alcohol use (OR: 3.487; 95% CI: 1.66-7.31) were found to be associated risk factors for alcohol use. Age (OR: 1.186, CI 95%: 1.03-1.36) and perceived positive peer attitude towards alcohol use (OR: 3.86, CI 95%: 1.84-8.09) were the additional risk factors among female student whereas perceived positive peer alcohol use frequency (OR: 8.08, CI 95%: 2.40-27.10) among male students. Discussion As the first study conducted in Turkey applying social norms theory, our results indicate the noticeable misperceptions of students regarding their peers’ alcohol use. Based on our results, targeting both tobacco and alcohol use, and a gender-sensitive approach employing social norms interventions may enhance the preventive strategies for risky alcohol use among university students.

RESUMO Objetivo: A síndrome de pseudo-exfoliação tem sido associada ao comprometimento da função do coração e dos vasos sanguíneos. Foi realizado um estudo para investigar o papel do sistema renina-angiotensina na etiopatogenia da síndrome de pseudo-exfoliação. Métodos: Os sujeitos foram 14 pacientes com síndrome de pseudo-exfoliação e 14 controles saudáveis submetidos à extração de catarata. Amostras pré-operatórias de 5 ml de sangue venoso periférico e humor aquoso perioperatório foram coletadas dos pacientes em ambos os grupos. Os níveis de renina no plasma e humor aquoso foram analisados pelo método imunorradiométrico e os níveis de angiotensina II foram analisados por radioimunoensaio. O SPSS versão 16.0 foi utilizado para análises estatísticas. Considerou-se o valor de p<0,05 para indicar uma diferença estatisticamente significativa. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes nos grupos pseudo-exfoliação e controle foi de 71,7 ± 7,1 e 67,4 ± 9,3 anos, respectivamente (p=0,140). O nível médio de renina no humor aquoso foi de 7,73 pg / ml (4,15-21) no grupo controle e 11,95 pg/ml (3,75-18,54) no grupo pseudo-exfoliação (p=0,022). Não houve diferenças entre os dois grupos de renina plasmática, angiotensina II plasmática ou nos níveis de angiotensina II em humor aquoso. As correlações entre os níveis de renina no plasma e no humor aquoso e entre os níveis de angiotensina II no plasma e humor foram examinadas separadamente para cada grupo; n]ao foram observadas correlações significativas no grupo pseudo-exfoliação (r=-0,440, p=0,115; r=-0,414, p=0,142) ou no grupo controle (r=-0,232, p=0,425; r=0,482, p=0,081). Conclusão: Os níveis de renina no humor aquoso são mais elevados na síndrome de pseudo-exfoliação. Os resultados indicam um provável papel do sistema renina-angiotensina na síndrome de pseudo-exfoliação. Novos estudos com maior número de casos são necessários para esclarecer a associação precisa do sistema renina-angiotensina com a etiopatogenia da síndrome de pseudo-exfoliação.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome has been linked to impaired function of the heart and blood vessels. We conducted a study to investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Methods: The subjects were 14 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and 14 healthy controls who underwent cataract extraction. Preoperative 5-ml samples of peripheral venous blood and perioperative aqueous humor were collected from the patients in both groups. Plasma and aqueous humor renin levels were analyzed by an immunoradiometric method, and angiotensin II levels were analyzed by radioimmunassay. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analyses. A p-value <0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results: The mean ages of the patients in pseudoexfoliation and control groups were 71.7 ± 7.1 and 67.4 ± 9.3 years, respectively (p=0.140). The median aqueous humor renin level was 7.73 pg/ml (4.15-21) in the control group and 11.95 pg/ml (3.75-18.54) in pseudoexfoliation group (p=0.022). There were no differences between the two groups in the plasma renin, plasma angiotensin II, or aqueous humor angiotensin II levels. The correlations between plasma and aqueous humor renin levels and between plasma and aqueous humor angiotensin II levels were examined separately for each group; no significant correlations were observed in pseudoexfoliation group (r=-0.440, p=0.115; r=-0.414, p=0.142) or the control group (r=-0.232, p=0.425; r=0.482, p=0.081). Conclusion: Aqueous humor renin levels are higher in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The results indicate a probable role of renin-angiotensin system in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Further studies with larger numbers of cases are needed to clarify the precise association of renin-angiotensin system with the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Wolfram syndrome (DIDMOAD: diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Mutations of the WFS1 (wolframin) on chromosome 4 are responsible for the clinical manifestations in majority of patients with Wolfram syndrome. Wolfram syndrome is also accompanied by neurologic and psychiatric disorders, urodynamic abnormalities, restricted joint motility, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy, hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism in males and diabetic microvascular disorders. There are very limited data in the literature regarding cardiac malformations associated in children with Wolfram syndrome. A 5-year-old girl with Wolfram syndrome and tetralogy of Fallot is presented herein.

El síndrome de Wolfram (DIDMAOS: diabetes insípida, diabetes mellitus, atrofia óptica y sordera) esuntrastorno neurodegenerativo raro. Las mutaciones del gen WFS1 (wolframina) en el cromosoma 4 son responsables de las manifestaciones clínicas en la mayoría de los pacientes con síndrome de Wolfram. El síndrome de Wolfram también está acompanado por trastornos psiquiátricos, anomalías urodinámicas, movilidad articular limitada, neuropatía autónoma cardiovascular y gastrointestinal, hipogonadismo hipogonadotrópico en los varones y complicaciones microvasculares de la diabetes. Los datos acerca de las malformaciones cardíacas asociadas en los niños con síndrome de Wolfram disponibles en las publicaciones científicas son muy limitados. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una niña de 5 años con síndrome de Wolfram y tetralogía de Fallot.

A anemia de Fanconi é uma síndrome hereditária autossômica recessiva rara, caracterizada por deficiência da medula óssea e anomalias congênitas e hematológicas. A literatura sobre o manejo anestésico dos pacientes é limitada. O manejo de uma displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril foi descrito em um paciente com anemia de Fanconi. Por causa da natureza heterogênea, um paciente com anemia de Fanconi deve ser submetido à avaliação pré-operatória para diagnosticar as características clínicas. Em conclusão, o bloqueio caudal foi a nossa escolha para esse paciente com anemia de Fanconi, sem trombocitopenia, para evitar o N2O, reduzir a quantidade de anestésico, a microcefalia existente, o hipotireoidismo e o aumento das enzimas hepáticas, proporcionar analgesia pós-operatória e reduzir a quantidade de analgésico usada no pós-operatório.

Fanconi anemia is a rare autosomal recessive inherited bone marrow failure syndrome with congenital and hematological abnormalities. Literature regarding the anesthetic management in these patients is limited. A management of a developmental dislocation of the hip was described in a patient with fanconi anemia. Because of the heterogeneous nature, a patient with fanconi anemia should be established thorough preoperative evaluation in order to diagnose on clinical features. In conclusion, we preferred caudal anesthesia in this patient with fanconi anemia without thrombocytopenia, because of avoiding from N2O, reducing amount of anesthetic, existing microcephaly, hypothyroidism and elevated liver enzymes, providing postoperative analgesia, and reducing amount of analgesic used postoperatively.

La anemia de Fanconi es un síndrome hereditario autosómico recesivo raro, caracterizado por deficiencia de la médula ósea y por anomalías congénitas y hematológicas. La literatura sobre el manejo anestésico de esos pacientes es limitada. El manejo de una displasia del desarrollo de la cadera fue descrito en un paciente con anemia de Fanconi. Debido a la naturaleza heterogénea, un paciente con anemia de Fanconi debe ser sometido a la evaluación preoperatoria para diagnosticar las características clínicas. En conclusión, el bloqueo caudal fue nuestra elección para ese paciente con anemia de Fanconi sin trombocitopenia para evitar el N2O, reducir la cantidad de anestésico, microcefalia existente, hipotiroidismo y aumento de las enzimas hepáticas, proporcionar analgesia postoperatoria y reducir la cantidad de analgésico usado en el postoperatorio.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast arterial calcification detected via mammography in a cohort of postmenopausal subjects. METHODS: Among 837 patients referred to our radiology department for mammographic screening, 310 postmenopausal females (105 patients with and 205 patients without breast arterial calcification) aged 40 to 73 (mean 55.9±8.4) years were included in this study. The groups were compared with respect to clinical characteristics and metabolic syndrome criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the factors related to breast arterial calcification. RESULTS: Age, postmenopausal duration and the frequencies of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were significantly higher in the subjects with breast arterial calcification than in those without (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that age (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1-1.6, p = 0.001) and metabolic syndrome (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.5−10.4, p = 0.005) were independent predictors of breast arterial calcification detected via mammography. The independent predictors among the features of metabolic syndrome were low levels of high-density lipoproteins (OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 1.0−64.0, p = 0.047) and high blood pressure (OR = 8.7, 95% CI = 1.5−49.7, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of mammographic detection of breast arterial calcification increases with age and in the presence of hypertension or metabolic syndrome. For patients undergoing screening mammography who present with breast arterial calcification, the possibility of metabolic syndrome should be considered. These patients should be informed of their cardiovascular risk factors and counseled on appropriate lifestyle changes.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A eletroconvulsoterapia (ECT) é comumente utilizada para o tratamento de depressão, mania e transtornos do humor. Anestésicos para anestesia geral durante a ECT devem ter início e despertar rápidos, não interferir com a atividade da convulsão e não encurtar a duração das crises. O objetivo deste estudo é comparar os efeitos do enflurano, um agente anestésico pró-convulsivo, e o propofol na duração das ocnvulsões, no índice de supressão pós-ictal e nos tempos de recuperação durante a eletroconvulsoterapia. MÉTODO: Pacientes sem uso de medicação pré-anestésica foram alocados em dois grupos de acordo com a indução da anestesia. Os pacientes foram induzidos para a ECT com 5% de enflurano no grupo E e 1,2 mg.kg-1 de propofol no grupo P, até perda de consciência. A duração das crises motora e no eletroencefalograma (EEG), o índice de supressão pós-ictal, o tempo para respiração espontânea, para duração da abertura dos olhos e obedecer aos comandos foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos quanto aos tempos das crises motora e no EEG e índice de supressão pós-ictal nos registros de EEG. Tempos de recuperação (tempo de início de respiração espontânea, de abertura dos olhos e para obedecer aos comandos) foram significativamente menores no grupo E em relação ao grupo P. Não foram observados náuseas ou vômitos e nenhuma anormalidade no ECG, exceto bradicardia sinusal transitória e taquicardia sinusal. CONCLUSÕES: Embora convulsões suficientes para o tratamento tenham ocorrido durante a anestesia com enflurano, nenhum benefício adicional foi observado sobre os tempos de convulsão ou índice de supressão pós-ictal quando comparado à anestesia com propofol. Por outro lado, o tempo de recuperação após anestesia com enflurano foi mais curto que com propofol. No entanto, ainda há necessidade de mais estudos em diferentes níveis de ETCO2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly used for treatment of depression, mania and affective disorders. Anaesthetics for general anaesthesia during ECT should have rapid onset, rapid emerge, not interfere with seizure activity and not shorten seizure duration. The aim of this study is to compare effects of enflurane, a pro-convulsive anaesthetic agent, and propofol on seizure durations, postictal suppression index and recovery times during electroconvulsive therapy. METHODS: Unpremedicated subjects were divided into two groups according to induction of anaesthesia. Patients were induced for ECT with 5% enflurane in group E and 1.2 mg.kg-1 propofol in group P until loss of consciousness. The durations of electroencephalogram (EEG) and motor seizures, postictal suppression index, time to spontaneous breathing, duration of eye opening, and obeying commands were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding motor and EEG seizure times and postictal suppression index on the EEG records. Recovery times (times of starting spontaneous breathing, eye opening, and obeying command) were significantly shorter in group E compared to group P. No nausea or vomiting were observed and no ECG abnormality was noted except transient sinus bradycardia and sinus tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Although sufficient seizure for the treatment was provided during enflurane anaesthesia, any additional benefit was not revealed regarding seizure times or postictal suppression index when compared to propofol anaesthesia. On the other hand, recovery times after enflurane anaesthesia were shorter than propofol anaesthesia. However, there is still a need for further study in different ETCO2 levels.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La electroconvulsoterapia (ECT), se usa a menudo para el tratamiento de la depresión, manía y transtornos del humor. Los anestésicos para la anestesia general durante la ECT deben tener un inicio y un despertar rápidos, no interferir en la actividad de la convulsión y no acortar la duración de las crises. El objetivo de este estudio, es comparar los efectos del enflurano, un agente anestésico pro convulsivo, y el propofol, en la duración de las convulsiones, en el índice de supresión postictal y en los tiempos de recuperación durante la electroconvulsoterapia. MÉTODO: Pacientes sin uso de medicación preanestésica que fueron colocados en dos grupos de acuerdo con la inducción de la anestesia. Los pacientes fueron inducidos para la ECT con 5% de enflurano en el grupo E y 1,2 mg.kg-1 de propofol en el grupo P, hasta la pérdida de la conciencia. También fueron registrados la duración de las crises motora y en el electroencefalograma (EEG), el índice de supresión postictal, el tiempo para la respiración espontánea, para la duración de la abertura de los ojos y obedecer a los comandos. RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos en cuanto a los tiempos de las crises motora y en el EEG e índice de supresión postictal en los registros de EEG. Los tiempos de recuperación (tiempo de inicio de la respiración espontánea, de abertura de los ojos, y para obedecer a los comandos), fueron significativamente menores en el grupo E con relación al grupo P. No se observaron náuseas o vómitos, ni ninguna anormalidad en el ECG tampoco fue notada, excepto bradicardia sinusal transitoria y taquicardia sinusal. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque las convulsiones suficientes para el tratamiento hayan sucedido durante la anestesia con enflurano, ningún beneficio adicional fue observado sobre los tiempos de convulsión o sobre el índice de supresión postictal cuando se le comparó con la anestesia con propofol. Por otro lado, el tiempo de recuperación después de la anestesia con enflurano fue más corto que con el propofol. Sin embargo, todavía se hacen necesarios más estudios en diferentes niveles de ETCO2.

OBJECTIVE: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. Despite increasing knowledge about hemorrhagic fever viruses, little is known about the pathogenesis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. In this study, we measured serum adenosine deaminase and xanthine oxidase levels in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever patients. METHODS: Serum adenosine deaminase levels were measured with a sensitive colorimetric method described by Giusti and xanthine oxidase levels by the method of Worthington in 30 consecutive hospitalized patients (mean age 42.6 ± 21.0). Laboratory tests confirmed their diagnoses of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Thirty-five subjects (mean age 42.9 ± 19.1) served as the control group. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in adenosine deaminase and xanthine oxidase levels between cases and controls (p<0.05). However, neither adenosine deaminase nor xanthine oxidase levels varied with the severity of disease in the cases assessed (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Adenosine deaminase and xanthine oxidase levels were increased in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Elevated serum xanthine oxidase activity in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever may be associated with reactive oxygen species generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system during inflammatory responses. In addition, elevated lipid peroxidation may contribute to cell damage and hemorrhage. The association of cell damage and hemorrhage with xanthine oxidase activity should be further investigated in large-scale studies.