SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the success and complication rates of retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower calyceal renal stones performed with novel tip-bendable suction ureteral access sheaths and standard ureteral access sheaths. METHODS: Between March 2023 and March 2024, a total of 88 patients underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower renal calyceal stones smaller than 20 mm. Based on the access sheath used, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=43) included patients treated with novel tip-bendable suction ureteral access sheaths and Group 2 (n=45) included patients treated with standard ureteral access sheaths. The pre- and postoperative data of the two groups were compared. Complications were assessed by using the Modified Clavine Dindo system, and stone-free rate was assessed after 4 weeks by using non-contrast computed tomography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding demographic data or preoperative laboratory results, and the median stone size was comparable in both groups. The stone-free rate did not show any significant difference between the two groups. However, the median residual stone size was substantially higher in the standard ureteral access sheaths group [4.25- (3.75–5) vs. 6- (5–7), p=0.01] and the surgical duration was less in the novel tip-bendable suction ureteral access sheaths group (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Our current findings demonstrate that the use of a new tip-bendable suction-assisted access sheath during retrograde intrarenal surgery in the management of lower calyceal stones less than 2 cm may shorten the operative duration, limit the rate of complications, and end up with smaller residual stone fragments when compared with the use of standard ureteral access sheath. OBJECTIVE tipbendable tip bendable METHODS 202 2024 8 mm used n=43 n43 n 43 (n=43 n=45 n45 45 (n=45 pre system stonefree free noncontrast non contrast tomography RESULTS results However 4.25 425 25 [4.25 3.75–5 3755 3 75 5 (3.75–5 vs 6 5–7, 57 5–7 , 7 (5–7) p=0.01 p001 p 0 01 p=0.032. p0032 p=0.032 . 032 (p=0.032) CONCLUSION suctionassisted assisted complications n=4 n4 (n=4 4.2 42 [4.2 3.75– 375 (3.75– 5– (5–7 p=0.0 p00 p003 p=0.03 03 (p=0.032 n= (n= 4. [4. 3.75 37 (3.75 (5– p=0. p0 (p=0.03 (n [4 3.7 (3.7 (5 p=0 (p=0.0 [ 3. (3. ( p= (p=0. (3 (p=0 (p= (p

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis, defined as a systemic skeletal disease, is characterized by increased bone fragility and fracture risk. Studies have shown that dysregulation of the functions of miRNAs or the mechanisms they mediate may be an important pathological factor in bone degeneration. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the role of miRNAs, which are thought to play a role in bone metabolism, in osteoporosis. METHODS: The study included 48 patients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis according to the results of a bone mineral density assessment by quantitative computed tomography and 36 healthy individuals. MiRNAs from plasma samples obtained from blood samples taken into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes were isolated with the miRNA isolation kit and converted to cDNA. Expression analysis of miR-21-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-210, miR-122-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-133a, miR-143-3p, miR-146a, miR-155-5p, and miR-223 was performed on the real-time PCR (RT-PCR) device. RESULTS: When miRNA expression levels in the patient group were compared with the control group, all miRNAs were found to be downregulated in the patients. When fold changes in expression levels in the patient group were examined, significant differences were found in miR-21-5p, miR-133a, mir143-3p, miR-210, and miR-223. In the receiver operating curve analysis, area under the curve=0.882 for the combination of miR-34, miR-125, miR-133, and miR-210. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was determined that the combined effects of miRNAs, as well as their single effects, were effective in the development of osteoporosis. Therefore, a miRNA panel to be created can make a significant contribution to the development of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches for this disease. OBJECTIVE Osteoporosis disease risk degeneration Therefore metabolism METHODS 4 3 individuals EDTA (EDTA cDNA miR215p, miR215p miRp miR 21 5p, 5p p miR-21-5p miR34a5p, miR34a5p miRap 34a miR-34a-5p miR210, miR210 210, 210 miR-210 miR1225p, miR1225p 122 miR-122-5p miR125b5p, miR125b5p miRbp 125b b miR-125b-5p miR133a, miR133a miRa 133a, 133a miR-133a miR1433p, miR1433p 143 3p, 3p miR-143-3p miR146a, miR146a 146a, 146a miR-146a miR1555p, miR1555p 155 miR-155-5p miR223 223 miR-22 realtime real time RTPCR RT (RT-PCR device RESULTS examined mir1433p, mir1433p mirp mir143 mir mir143-3p miR223. 223. curve0882 0 882 curve=0.88 miR34, miR34 34, 34 miR-34 miR125, miR125 125, 125 miR-125 miR133, miR133 133, 133 miR-133 miR210. 210. CONCLUSION 2 miR21 miR-21 12 14 15 miR22 22 miR-2 mir14 curve088 88 curve=0.8 miR3 miR-3 miR12 miR-12 miR13 13 miR-13 miR2 1 miR- mir1 curve08 8 curve=0. miR1 miR-1 curve0 curve=0 curve=

RESUMEN Objetivo : Determinar los efectos de la infección Covid-19 asintomática, leve y moderada en el primer y segundo trimestres en los resultados del embarazo. Métodos : El estudio se realizó en las gestantes que acudieron al Departamento de Perinatología de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Izmir entre octubre de 2021 y julio de 2022. Se registraron las mujeres embarazadas que presentaban infección asintomática, leve y moderada por Covid-19 en el 1º y 2º trimestre y se siguió el desarrollo de la gestación. Resultados : Un total de 437 pacientes participaron en el estudio. El número de pacientes asintomáticos, leves y moderados de Covid-19 fue de 142, 157 y 138, respectivamente. Cada grupo se analizó como subgrupo del 1º y 2º trimestre según el momento de la infección por Covid-19. La edad media de las pacientes con Covid-19 moderado era superior a la de las pacientes con Covid-19 leve/asintomático (p=0,021). Se observó que el índice de masa corporal era mayor en las pacientes con Covid-19 moderado que en las pacientes con infección leve/asintomática (p=0,048). El parto pretérmino (entre las semanas 34 y 37) fue significativamente mayor en los casos con infección moderada por Covid-19 (p=0,041). Este aumento ocurrió principalmente en pacientes con infección por Covid-19 en el 2º trimestre. No hubo modificaciones significativas en las tasas de cesárea, trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo, pérdida fetal, retraso del crecimiento intrauterino, colestasis del embarazo y diabetes gestacional. Conclusiones : Los efectos de la infección por Covid-19 al inicio del embarazo (1º y 2º trimestres) siguen siendo objeto de investigación. La infección moderada por Covid-19, especialmente en el 2º trimestre, puede provocar un aumento de la tasa de partos prematuros.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the effects of asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid-19 infection in the 1st and 2nd trimesters on pregnancy outcomes. Material and methods: The study was performed among patients who applied to the Perinatology Department of Izmir University of Health Sciences, between October 2021 and July 2022. Pregnant women who had asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid-19 infection in the 1st and 2nd trimesters were registered and their pregnancy processes were followed. Results: A total of 437 patients participated in the study. The numbers of asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid-19 patients were 142, 157 and 138, respectively. Each group was analyzed as 1st and 2nd trimester subgroups according to the time of Covid-19 infection. The mean age of patients with moderate Covid-19 was higher than with mild/asymptomatic Covid-19 (p=0.021). Body mass index was found to be higher in patients with moderate Covid-19 compared to patients with mild/asymptomatic infection (p=0.048). Preterm labor (between 34th and 37th weeks) was significantly higher with moderate Covid-19 infection (p=0.041). This significant increase was mainly due to the preterm birth rate in patients with previous Covid-19 infection in the 2nd trimester. There was no significant change in the rates of cesarean section, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal loss, intrauterine growth restriction, cholestasis of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Conclusions: The effects of Covid-19 infection in early pregnancy (1st and 2nd trimester) are still the subject of research. Moderate Covid-19 infection, especially in the 2nd trimester, may lead to an increase in the rate of preterm birth.

ABSTRACT Introduction: A clear assessment of the bleeding risk score in patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial because of its impact on prognosis. The Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA score is a validated risk score to predict bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation (AF), but its predictive value in predicting bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients receiving antithrombotic therapy is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the predictive performance of the ATRIA bleeding score in STEMI and NSTEMI patients in comparison to the CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines) and ACUITY-HORIZONS (Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategY-Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction) bleeding scores. Methods: A total of 830 consecutive STEMI and NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI were evaluated retrospectively. The ATRIA, CRUSADE, and ACUITY-HORIZONS risk scores of the patients were calculated. Discrimination of the three risk models was evaluated using C-statistics. Results: Major bleeding occurred in 52 (6.3%) of 830 patients during hospitalization. Bleeding scores were significantly higher in the bleeding patients than in non-bleeding patients (all P<0.001). The discriminatory ability of the ATRIA, CRUSADE, and ACUITY-HORIZONS bleeding scores for bleeding events was similar (C-statistics 0.810, 0.832, and 0.909, respectively). The good predictive value of all three scores for predicting the risk of bleeding was observed in NSTEMI and STEMI patients as well (C-statistics: 0.820, 0.793, and 0.921 and 0.809, 0.854, and 0.905, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the ATRIA bleeding score is a useful risk score for predicting major in-hospital bleeding in MI patients. This good predictive value was also present in STEMI and NSTEMI patient subgroups. Introduction (MI prognosis AF, AF , (AF) (PCI STsegment ST segment (STEMI nonSTEMI non (NSTEMI unknown Can CardiologyAmerican Cardiology Guidelines ACUITYHORIZONS ACUITY HORIZONS strategYHarmonizing strategY Harmonizing Infarction Methods 83 retrospectively calculated Cstatistics. Cstatistics C statistics. statistics C-statistics Results 5 6.3% 63 6 3 (6.3% hospitalization nonbleeding P<0.001. P0001 P P<0.001 . 0 001 P<0.001) 0810 810 0.810 0832 832 0.832 0909 909 0.909 respectively. respectively respectively) 0820 820 0.820 0793 793 0.793 0921 921 0.92 0809 809 0.809 0854 854 0.854 0905 905 0.905 Conclusion inhospital hospital subgroups (AF 8 6.3 (6.3 P000 P<0.00 00 081 81 0.81 083 0.83 090 90 0.90 082 82 0.82 079 79 0.79 092 92 0.9 080 80 0.80 085 85 0.85 6. (6. P00 P<0.0 08 0.8 09 9 07 7 0.7 0. (6 P0 P<0. ( P<0 P<

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube videos about microscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: On November 20, 2022, a YouTube search for “Microscopic Varicocelectomy” was conducted. Non-English videos uploaded by producers for commercial purposes that lacked audio and subtitles were excluded from the study. A total of 50 videos were evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score and the Global Quality Score, both of which are recognized internationally. Additionally, the researcher developed the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score to evaluate the videos’ technical content. The upload source, video length, number of views, likes, dislikes, and video power indexes were evaluated. RESULTS: The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of the academically prepared videos were significantly higher than those of the physician-prepared videos (p<0.05). The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of uploaded videos with audio, audio, and subtitles were significantly higher than those with only subtitles (p<0.05). The video duration was positively correlated with Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, Global Quality Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score. The video power index had a strong positive correlation with the number of likes. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed, indicating that the Global Quality Score and Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score increased as the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score increased. CONCLUSION: YouTube videos regarding microscopic varicocelectomy were of notably low quality. If the video content created by specialist physicians and academic centers is more meticulously organized, more accurate data can be transmitted. Consequently, viewing video content may not be advised based on the available data.

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.

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.

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) has emerged as a potential indicator of inflammation. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of MHR at the time of hospital admission in late cardiac remodeling and subsequent 1-year mortality in an academic training and research hospital. Methods: This prospective multicenter study included 231 patients with acute ST-elevation MI. Left ventricular (LV) functions and volumes were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging at 2 weeks and 6 months post-MI. The definition of adverse cardiac remodeling (AR) was based on the increase of LV end-diastolic volume by ≥ 12% at 6 months post-MI. All patients were followed for survival for 1 year after the second CMR imaging measurements. Results: At 6 months post-MI, 20 patients (23.8%) exhibited AR. The median MHR was higher in the AR group compared to the group without AR (2.2 vs. 1.5, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between MHR and infarct size in the groups with and without AR. High MHR was an independent predictor of AR (OR: 3.21, p = 0.002). The cut-off value of MHR in predicting AR was found to be >1.6 with 92.7% sensitivity and 70.1% specificity (AUC ± SE: 0.839 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). Mortality risk was 5.62-fold higher in the group with MHR of >1.6 (HR: 5.62, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results indicate that admission MHR is a useful tool to predict patients with AR who are at risk of progression to heart failure and mortality after MI.

Resumo Fundamento Os níveis de Proteína 3 relacionada ao fator de necrose tumoral/complemento sérico C1q (CTRP3) e a relação com a fibrilação atrial (FA) na doença arterial coronária estável (DAC) não estão claros atualmente. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a mudança nos níveis séricos de CTRP3 e sua relação com a FA paroxística em DAC estável. Método O estudo incluiu 252 pacientes com DAC e 50 controles saudáveis com idade/sexo compatíveis. Os níveis séricos de CTRP3 foram medidos, além da anamnese de rotina, exame físico, exames laboratoriais e ecocardiograma. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos com e sem DAC e indivíduos com DAC com e sem FA paroxística. Os valores eram estatisticamente significativos quando p<0,05. Resultados Os níveis séricos de CTRP3 foram significativamente menores em pacientes com DAC do que no grupo controle (p<0,001). A FA foi detectada em 28 pacientes (15,08%) no grupo DAC. A frequência de hipertensão e do sexo feminino, a proteína C reativa de alta sensibilidade (PCR-as), o nitrogênio ureico no sangue, os níveis de creatinina e o diâmetro diastólico do átrio esquerdo foram maiores (p<0,05 para cada um), e os níveis de CTRP3 foram mais baixos em pacientes com FA (p<0,001). Na análise de regressão logística, os níveis séricos de CTRP3 e os diâmetros diastólicos do átrio esquerdo foram independentemente determinados pelos pacientes com FA (p<0,01 para cada um). Nesta análise, observamos que cada 1 ng/mL de redução nos níveis de CTRP3 aumentou o risco de FA em 10,7%. Na análise ROC dos valores de CTRP3 para detectar pacientes com FA, a área da curva ROC para CTRP3 foi 0,971 (0,951–991) e considerada estatisticamente significativa (p<0,001). Quando o ponto de corte de CTRP3 foi considerado em 300 ng/mL, demonstrava a presença de FA com 87,9% de sensibilidade e 86,8% de especificidade. Conclusão Os níveis séricos de CTRP3 caíram significativamente em pacientes com DAC estável, e níveis reduzidos de CTRP3 estiveram relacionados à presença de FA paroxística nesses pacientes.

Abstract Background Serum Complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) levels and the relationship with atrial fibrillation (AF) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are not clearly known. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the change in serum CTRP3 levels and its relationship with paroxysmal AF in stable CAD. Method The study included 252 patients with CAD and 50 age-sex matched healthy control subjects. Serum CTRP3 levels were measured in addition to routine anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory and echocardiography examinations. The patients were divided into groups with and without CAD and CAD patients with and without paroxysmal AF. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results Serum CTRP3 levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with CAD than in the control group (p<0.001). AF was detected in 38 patients (15.08%) in the CAD group. The frequency of hypertension and female gender, hs-CRP, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and left atrial end-diastolic (LAd) diameter were higher (p<0.05 for each one), and CTRP3 levels were lower in patients with AF (p <0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, serum CTRP3 levels and LAd diameters were independently determined the patients with AF (p<0.01 for each one). In this analysis, we found that every 1 ng/mL reduction in CTRP3 levels increased the risk of AF by 10.7%. In the ROC analysis of CTRP3 values for detecting patients with AF, the area under the ROC curve for CTRP3 was 0.971 (0.951–991) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). When the CTRP3 cut-off value was taken as 300 ng/mL, it was found to predict the presence of AF with 87.9% sensitivity and 86.8% specificity. Conclusion Serum CTRP3 levels were significantly reduced in patients with stable CAD and decreased CTRP3 levels were closely related to the presence of paroxysmal AF in these patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a eficiência e as taxas de correção da hemiepifisiodese usando placa-8 no tratamento da deformidade de geno valgo em crianças com displasia esquelética. Métodos: Foram avaliadas retrospectivamente 11 crianças com displasia esquelética (três meninas e oito meninos; idade média = 10,5 anos; faixa etária = 7-13) que foram submetidas à hemiepifisiodese temporária com placa-8 devido à deformidade do geno valgo. Havia nove casos bilaterais e dois casos unilaterais. O acompanhamento médio desde a cirurgia de implante até o acompanhamento final foi de 45 (variação de 24 a 72) meses. Foi feita avaliação radiográfica incluindo medidas de acompanhamento pré e pós-operatórias dos ângulos de orientação da articulação e desvio mecânico do eixo (MAD). Resultados: As deformidades foram completamente corrigidas em nove extremidades inferiores (45%) e parcialmente corrigidas em sete (35%). Em quatro extremidades de duas crianças com síndrome de Morquio, o MAD piorou. A taxa de correção do MAD foi de 1,25 ± 1,62 mm/mês. Conclusão: Embora a hemiepifisiodese com placa-8 necessite de um período de tratamento mais longo, a técnica parece ser um tratamento eficaz para a correção do geno valgo em crianças com displasia esquelética. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the efficiency and rates of correction by hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plate to manage genu valgum deformity in children with skeletal dysplasia. Methods: Eleven children with skeletal dysplasia (three female, eight male; mean age = 10.5 years; age range = 7-13) who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plates for genu valgum deformity were retrospectively reviewed. There were nine bilateral cases and two unilateral cases. The mean follow-up time from the index surgery to the final follow-up was 45 (ranging from 24 to 72) months. Radiographical assessment including preoperative and final follow-up measurements of joint orientation angles and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were conducted. Results: Deformities were completely corrected in nine lower extremities (45%) and partially corrected in seven extremities (35%). In four extremities of two children with Morquio syndrome, MAD worsened. The correction rate of MAD was 1.25 ± 1.62 mm/mo. Conclusion: Though hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plate requires a longer treatment period, it seems to be an effective treatment for correction of genu valgum in children with skeletal dysplasia. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

In this study, foaming-agent free novel polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) foams reinforced with bio polymers were manufactured through freeze-drying technique. The physical, morphological and antibacterial properties of foams which were reinforced with different ratio of zinc borate and water-soluble chitosan were investigated according to relevant standards. The PVAc foams showed low densities (0.12 g/cm3 – 0.21 g/cm3) and high porosity rates (87.50% - 79.05%). The results showed that although the foams have no antibacterial character against Escherichia Coli, they have antibacterial character against Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. This study mainly focusses on physical and morphological properties of the foams. However, researchers also performed accelerated weathering tests to determine its usability in different industries. The effects of accelerated weathering on the surface of foams were investigated by measuring surface color. The highest color difference was determined 8.09. This foam can be used as a low-density packaging material and/or medical box with its promising physical and morphological properties with hazardous-chemical free structure.

SUMMARY: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is used for contrast induced acut kidney injury (CI-AKI) prophylaxis because of its antioxidant effects. Paricalcitol, which has reno-protective effects, is likely to provide a more effective prophylaxis when added to NAC treatment. The study was designed based on this hypothesis. The study was organised to include 4 groups each consisting of 7 rats. Group 1 was the control group, and Group 2 included rats with CI-AKI. Rats in Group 3 were administered NAC at a dose of 100 mg/kg via oral gavage once a day for 5 days. Rats in group 4 were administered paricalcitol at a dose of 0.4 mcg/kg once a day for 5 days in addition to NAC. CI-AKI was induced after the treatments in both groups. The study was terminated on the sixth day. Samples were collected from the rats’ sera and kidney tissues to study oxidant and antioxidant parameters; kidney function tests were also studied. There were significant differences between the contrast nephropathy group (Group 2) and NAC and NAC+paricalcitol groups with respect to serum urea and creatinine levels. When the same groups were compared regarding oxidant (TOS-MDA) and antioxidant (TAC-Paraoxonase) parameters, we observed that the oxidant parameters increased in serum and kidney tissue samples with NAC use, and that effect was strengthened by the addition of paricalcitol to NAC treatment. However, despite increased antioxidant effectiveness, we observed no decrease in urea and creatinine levels when paricalcitol was added for CI-AKI in rats. There was no significant difference between Group 3 and Group 4. Paricalcitol provides a more potent antioxidant effect in both serum and kidney tissue samples when added to NAC treatment in rats with CI-AKI. Despite increased antioxidant parameters, however, paricalcitol does not provide a significant decrease in urea and creatinine levels.

RESUMEN: Debido a sus efectos atioxidantes la N- acetilcisteína (NAC) se usa para la profilaxis de la lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste (CI-AKI). Es probable que el paricalcitol, que tiene efectos renoprotectores, proporcione una profilaxis más eficaz cuando se agrega al tratamiento con NAC. En base a esta hipótesis el estudio fue diseñado para incluir cuatro grupos cada uno compuesto por siete ratas. El grupo 1 fue el grupo control y el grupo 2 incluyó ratas con CI-AKI. A las ratas del Grupo 3 se les administró NAC con una dosis de 100 mg/kg por sonda oral una vez al día, durante 5 días. A las ratas del grupo 4 se les administró paricalcitol a una dosis de 0,4 mcg/kg una vez al día durante 5 días, además de NAC. Se indujo CI-AKI después de los tratamientos en ambos grupos. El estudio finalizó el sexto día. Se recolectaron muestras de suero y tejidos renales de ratas para estudiar los parámetros oxidantes y antioxidantes; También se estudiaron las pruebas de función renal. Hubo diferencias significativas entre el grupo de nefropatía por contraste (Grupo 2) y los grupos NAC y NAC+paricalcitol con respecto a los niveles séricos de urea y creatinina. Cuando se compararon los mismos grupos con respecto a los parámetros oxidantes (TOS-MDA) y antioxidantes (TAC-Paraoxonase), observamos que los parámetros oxidantes aumentaron en muestras de suero y tejido renal con el uso de NAC, y ese efecto se vio reforzado por la adición de paricalcitol a tratamiento NAC. Sin embargo, a pesar de una mayor eficacia antioxidante, no observamos una disminución en los niveles de urea y creatinina cuando se agregó paricalcitol para CI-AKI en ratas. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el Grupo 3 y el Grupo 4. El paricalcitol proporciona un efecto antioxidante más potente tanto en muestras de suero como de tejido renal cuando se agrega al tratamiento con NAC en ratas con CI-AKI. Sin embargo, a pesar del aumento de los parámetros antioxidantes, el paricalcitol no proporciona una disminución sig- nificativa en los niveles de urea y creatinina.

Abstract Background and objectives We aimed to compare the analgesic effects of both posterior (type 2) Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) and Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAPB) compared to spinal anesthesia alone for postoperative pain management in inguinal hernia repair. Methods This study enrolled 63 patients scheduled for open inguinal hernia repair. The eligibility criteria were undergoing elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery, having an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III, and not suffering from any chronic pain condition. Group S patients received spinal anesthetics and no additional analgesic treatments. Group T patients received TAPB, and Group Q patients received QLB as analgesic technique in addition to spinal anesthetics. Results The pain scores at 6 hours (VAS 6) and 24 hours (VAS 24) were significantly different between groups (p < 0.01). Additionally, the sensory and motor block levels were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Multiple comparison tests showed that patients in Group Q had significantly higher sensory and motor block levels (p < 0.01 compared with Group S; p < 0.05 compared with Group T). Opioid consumption was significantly different between Groups Q and S (p < 0.01) after surgery. Conclusions Our findings show that both blocks are similarly effective for the management of postoperative pain compared to spinal anesthesia alone for inguinal hernia repair. We found that QLB resulted in a significant cranial spread compared to TAPB. Opioid consumption in QLB was significantly lower than that in controls but similar to that in TAPB.

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on serum apelin levels in patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS). Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients (76.9±7.4 years, n=27 women) who underwent TAVI and 45 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study. Echocardiographic parameters, serum apelin, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP), and troponin I levels were compared between the groups. In addition, the preprocedural and first-month follow-up echocardiographic parameters and serum apelin values of TAVI patients were compared. Results: Serum median troponin I and Pro-BNP levels were significantly higher and serum apelin levels were significantly lower in TAVI patients before TAVI procedure than in the control subjects (P<0.001, for all). Median troponin I and Pro-BNP levels were significantly decreased and apelin levels were significantly increased after TAVI procedure compared to the peri-procedural levels. There was a significant and moderate negative correlation between Pro-BNP and apelin levels measured before and after TAVI procedure. A statistically significant and strong negative correlation was found between aortic valve area and Pro-BNP level before TAVI procedure, while a statistically significant but weak positive correlation was found between valve area and apelin level. Conclusion: In our study, apelin levels were significantly lower and Pro-BNP levels were higher in AS patients compared with the control group. Moreover, after TAVI procedure, a significant increase in apelin levels and a significant decrease in Pro-BNP levels were observed. There was also a negative and moderate correlation between apelin and Pro-BNP levels.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine fibroblast growth factor 23, soluble alpha klotho, osteocalcin, indoxyl sulphate, sclerostin, Procollagen 1 N Terminal Propeptide, and beta-CrossLaps levels in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, and to compare the levels of these markers among hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, as well as healthy individuals. METHODS: The study included 30 hemodialysis and 23 peritoneal dialysis patients who were followed-up for at least six months at the Sakarya University Hospital, besides 30 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The participants were divided into three groups with similar characteristics in terms of age, gender and body mass index. Fibroblast growth factor 23, soluble alpha klotho, indoxyl sulphate, beta-CrossLaps, and Procollagen 1 N Terminal Propeptide levels were significantly higher in patients of both the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups than in the healthy volunteers’ group. There was no difference in levels of these molecules between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroblast growth factor 23, sclerostin, indoxyl sulphate, beta-CrossLaps, and Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain levels were higher in patients of both groups as inflammatory markers. In our study, we found higher soluble alpha klotho levels in patients of both groups than in the healthy volunteers’ group, suggesting that blood soluble alpha klotho levels may not correlate with renal klotho levels.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report a case of successful removal of right staghorn renal calculi in a 3-year-old girl with Arnold-Chiari malformation and multiple urogenital anomalies. Case report: A 3-year-old female child with the diagnosis of Arnold-Chiari type 2 malformation was referred to our clinic due to presence of 9 kidney stones with a total volume of 10743mm3. The total of the longest diameters of all stones was calculated as 11.4cm. The patient had a urogenital septum, bifid bladder, and duplicated collecting system on the right side. An 18F Amplatz sheath was placed and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed successfully by laser and pneumatic lithotripter. Any residual urinary tract stones or urinary tract infection were not detected during the 6th-month follow-up. Conclusion: Urolithiasis requires a thorough understanding of the underlying causes, as well as an effective and minimally invasive treatment. It is important for urologists to understand the complexity of the optimal stone management in pediatric patients in order to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize morbidity. We conclude that it is essential to treat urolithiasis in a single session in children with urogenital anomalies and accompanying congenital anomalies who have past surgical history.