scholarly journals The relationship between digital ultrasonographic image echotexture parameters of the uterus and preovulatory follicle development and ovulation in purebred Arabian mares

2021 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-268
Author(s):  
Ömer Korkmaz ◽  
◽  
Tuğra Akkuş ◽  
Birten Emre ◽  
Abuzer K. Zonturlu

Objective assessment of ultrasonographic images is only possible using computer-assisted echotexture analysis. This study investigated the relationship between cyclic digital echotexture analysis of ultrasonographic uterine images, and preovulatory follicle development and ovulation in 48 cyclic purebred Arabian mares during the breeding season. When the mares’ ovarian follicle diameters exceeded 30 mm, ultrasonographic examinations were performed and ultrasonographic images recorded with uterine endometrial edema degrees following follicle development until ovulation day. Echotexture measurements, including mean grayness value (MGV), heterogeneity (HET) and contrast (CON) parameters, were performed on the days when ovarian follicle diameters reached 30 mm (Group 1, n = 12), 35 mm (Group 2, n = 12), 40 mm (Group 3, n = 12) and 45 mm (Group 4, n = 12) in images recorded the day before ovulation and on the day of ovulation. MGV was the lowest in Group 2 and the difference from the other groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). CON was significantly higher in Group 2 than Groups 3 and 4 (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference compared to Group 1 (P>0.05). Variations in HOM (P<0.05), contrast (P<0.05) and MGV (P<0.01) were statistically significant on the day before ovulation and ovulation day. Thus, uterine ultrasonographic echotexture parameters are associated with preovulatory follicle development in mares, which suggests that these parameters can indicate the day of ovulation in purebred Arabian mares.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Emre Erdem ◽  
Ahmet Karatas ◽  
Tevfik Ecder

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin &#x3c;800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, <i>p</i> = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; <i>p</i> = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; <i>p</i> = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; <i>p</i> = 0.063). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Time-averaged serum ferritin levels &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.


Author(s):  
A H A Baazil ◽  
J G G Dobbe ◽  
E van Spronsen ◽  
F A Ebbens ◽  
F G Dikkers ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare the necessary scutum defect for transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks between an endoscopic and microscopic approach. Method Human cadaveric heads were used. In group 1, middle-ear landmarks were visualised by endoscope (group 1 endoscopic approach) and subsequently by microscope (group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy). In group 2, landmarks were visualised solely microscopically (group 2 microscopic approach). The amount of resected bone was evaluated via computed tomography scans. Results In the group 1 endoscopic approach, a median of 6.84 mm3 bone was resected. No statistically significant difference (Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.163, U = 49.000) was found between the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy (median 17.84 mm3) and the group 2 microscopic approach (median 20.08 mm3), so these were combined. The difference between the group 1 endoscopic approach and the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy plus group 2 microscopic approach (median 18.16 mm3) was statistically significant (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001, U = 18.000). Conclusion This study showed that endoscopic transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks preserves more of the bony scutum than a microscopic transmeatal approach.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gafin Ericson Morgan ◽  
Rhodri Martin ◽  
Lisa Williams ◽  
Owen Pearce ◽  
Keith Morris

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish quantitative values for asymptomatic and symptomatic Achilles tendons.DesignCohort study with a single (cross-sectional) time point of patients diagnosed with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy and an asymptomatic group with comparative homogeneity.MethodsA sample of 50 participants: 25 diagnosed with symptomatic unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (AT group) and 25 with asymptomatic Achilles tendons (control group 2). The asymptomatic side of the AT group was used as a control (control group 1). Measurements at 2 cm intervals on the tendon from its insertion at the calcaneum up to the musculotendinous junction were taken non-weight bearing (NWB) and weight bearing (WB) using the MyotonPRO.ResultsThere was a significant (p<0.005) decrease in natural oscillation frequency (F) at points 2, 3 and 4 of the AT group (NWB condition) and points 2 and 3 for the WB condition. There was a significant (p<0.005) increase in logarithmic decrement (D) at points 2 and 3 signifying a decrease in elasticity. Dynamic stiffness (S) was significantly (p<0.005) reduced in the AT group at points 2 and 3 WB and point 3 WB. There was no significant difference in creep (C) observed between the symptomatic and asymptomatic tendons. There was a significant (p<0.005) increase in mechanical stress relaxation time (R) at point 2 NWB.There was a correlation between body weight and gender on tendon mechanics, with the symptomatic tendons. No significant differences were observed between the control group 1 and control group 2.ConclusionsThe MyotonPRO measured decreased stiffness over a section of the tendon corresponding clinically with Achilles tendinopathy. This may have potential in identifying risk of injury and informing rehabilitation, however further extensive research is required to generate baseline data for specific population groups monitoring variables over time. Age, gender and body mass index appear to have some bearing on the mechanical properties of the tendon but mainly in the tendinopathy group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Ali G. Mohammed Redha ◽  
Adil A. Jaber ◽  
Aqeel M. Nasser

Background: Different methods are found for mesh fixation in inguinal hernioplasty both open and laparoscopic. In open technique, sutures have been the method of choice for their reduced costs and surgeons’ habits. Whether absorbable instead of non-absorbable sutures can be used still a matter of debate in view of hernia recurrence and post-operative complications.Methods: This is a prospective done on 158 male patients with uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernias. Two groups of 69 patients were evaluated after periods up to 1 year after open hernioplasty by using delayed absorbable sutures in one group (group 1) and non-absorbable sutures in the other group (group 2) for fixation of mesh.Results: In spite of a noticeable reduction in complication in the group 1 in term of number and percentage when compared with group 2 mainly chronic pain, there is no significant difference (p value>0.05). However, these results are associated with zero recurrence in both groups during a period of one year follow up.Conclusions: Delayed absorbable sutures are good alternative of non-absorbable sutures in open mesh hernia repair associated with less complications and almost no increase in chance of recurrence.  


Author(s):  
Baris Buke ◽  
Hatice Akkaya ◽  
Cigdem Karakukcu

<p><strong>Objectives:</strong> There is not yet a consensus on the optimal surgical technique for cesarean section. This is the first study comparing two different (Cesarean Section) with respect to the following inflammatory reaction in means of changes in inflammatory marker levels.<br />To evaluate the differences in inflammatory reactions following two different (Cesarean Section) techniques, the modified Misgav-Ladach versus the Pfannenstiel-Kerr technique.</p><p><strong>Study Desıgn:</strong> The study population included 88 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria. These women were randomized into two groups according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines: Group 1 (Misgav-Ladach group) and Group 2 (Pfannenstiel Kerr group). To compare the inflammatory reactions following surgery, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured in venous blood samples drawn from the patients just before (0 hour) and 24 hours (24th hour) after the surgery. In 5 women from Group 1 and 2 women from Group 2, the 24th hour blood samples could not be obtained or were lost. Thus, a total of 81 women, 39 women from Group 1 and 42 women from Group 2, comprised the population of study. The differences in inflammatory reactions between the 0 and 24th hours were analyzed by calculating the percent change in IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and these percentages were then compared between the groups.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> There was a statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding the serum IL-6 level change between 0 and 24th hour (530±653% and 196±168%, respectively, p=0.022. The difference in TNF-α was also higher in Group 2, but the difference was not statistically significant (229±306% vs. 571±824%, p=0.12). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in Group 1 (9.44 min. vs. 16.86 min, p=0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The results of this study indicate that the modified Misgav-Ladach technique has a weaker inflammatory reaction, which indicates fewer short- and long-term surgical complications.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712092793
Author(s):  
Christopher Antonacci ◽  
Thomas R. Atlee ◽  
Peter N. Chalmers ◽  
Christopher Hadley ◽  
Meghan E. Bishop ◽  
...  

Background: Pitching velocity is one of the most important metrics used to evaluate a baseball pitcher’s effectiveness. The relationship between age and pitching velocity after a lighter ball baseball training program has not been determined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age and pitching velocity after a lighter ball baseball training program. We hypothesized that pitching velocity would significantly increase in all adolescent age groups after a lighter baseball training program, without a significant difference in magnitude of increase based on age. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Baseball pitchers aged 10 to 17 years who completed a 15-week training program focused on pitching mechanics and velocity improvement were included in this study. Pitchers were split into 3 groups based on age (group 1, 10-12 years; group 2, 13-14 years; group 3, 15-17 years), and each group trained independently. Pitch velocity was assessed at 4 time points (sessions 3, 10, 17, and 25). Mean, maximum, and mean change in pitch velocity between sessions were compared by age group. Results: A total of 32 male baseball pitchers were included in the analysis. Mean/maximum velocity increased in all 3 age groups: 3.4/4.8 mph in group 1, 5.3/5.5 mph in group 2, and 5.3/5.2 mph in group 3. While mean percentage change in pitch velocity increased in all 3 age groups (group 1, 6.5%; group 2, 8.3%; group 3, 7.6%), the magnitude of change was not significantly different among age groups. Program session number had a significant effect on mean and maximum velocity, with higher mean and maximum velocity seen at later sessions in the training program ( P = .018). There was no interaction between age and program session within either mean or maximum velocity ( P = .316 and .572, respectively). Conclusion: Age had no significant effect on the magnitude of increase in maximum or mean baseball pitch velocity during a velocity and mechanics training program in adolescent males.


Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Cahit Kural ◽  
Serpil Oguztuzun ◽  
Gülçin Güler Şimşek ◽  
Servet Guresci ◽  
Pınar Kaygın ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: The pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children is not well elucidated. An inelastic filum terminale (FT) is the main factor underlying the stretching of the spinal cord in TCS. Our study aimed to investigate the expression of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in children and fetal FT samples in order to understand the relationship between this enzyme expression and the development of TCS. Materials and Methods: FT samples were obtained from ten children with TCS (Group 1) and histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. For comparison, FT samples from fifteen normal human fetuses (Group 2) were also analyzed using the same techniques. Statistical comparison was made using a Chi-square test. Results: Positive GST-sigma expression was detected in eight (80%) of 10 samples in Group 1. The positive GST-sigma expression was less frequent in nine (60%) of 15 samples from Group 2. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups (p = 0.197). Conclusions: Decreased FT elasticity in TCS may be associated with increased GST expression in FT. More prospective studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of the GST–TCS relationship in children.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 93-97
Author(s):  
Kemal Koray Bal

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the mood of the employees of the ear-nose-throat (ENT) department with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and determine the relationship between the mood and the quality and quantity of the work done. METHODS: A total of 62 healthcare workers (24 males, 38 females; mean age: 34.3±1.1 years; range 24 to 52 years) of our ENT clinic, who have been actively managing COVID-19 patients since April 2020, were included in the study. Those in the study were classified into two groups as nurses (Group 1) and doctors (Group 2). Group 1 consisted of 33 (53.2%) nurses, and Group 2 consisted of 29 (46.8%) doctors. The participants were assessed with a questionnaire by a clinical psychologist, and BDI was conducted to evaluate depressive mood in these individuals. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in thinking they have sufficient knowledge on COVID-19, and the employees in Group 2 were more of the opinion that they did not have sufficient information (p=0.002). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of their viewpoint on the precautions against COVID-19 (p=0.001). Group 2 was more inclined to think that the precautions taken were inadequate (p=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of BDI severity, age, and BDI score (p=0.252, p=0.137, p=0.053, respectively). CONCLUSION: Employees of high-risk departments such as ENT may be more prone to a depressed mood. The increased risk of contamination in correlation with the work done can lead to increased BDI scores and depressive mood disorder.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takafumi Hirashima ◽  
Takao Utsumi ◽  
Miou Hirose ◽  
Hideyasu Oh

Purpose. To evaluate the influences of 27-gauge vitrectomy on corneal topographic conditions. Method. Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients undergoing 27-gauge vitrectomy were retrospectively studied. Twenty-three eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM), 23 eyes with macular hole (MH), and 10 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were included. Forty-five of the 56 eyes underwent 27-gauge phacovitrectomy (group 1), and the remaining 11 eyes underwent 27-gauge vitrectomy alone (group 2). Corneal topography was obtained with a wave-front analyzer preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The corneal topographic parameters evaluated were the average corneal power, regular astigmatism, spherical aberration, and higher-order aberration (HOA). Results. In between-group analyses of groups 1 and 2, no significant differences were observed regarding the changes of the 4 parameters from the baseline to 1 and 3 months postoperatively. No significant differences in the changes of all parameters from the baseline to 1 and 3 months postoperatively were also observed between MH group and the other two groups. A significant difference in the change of HOA from the baseline to 1 month postoperatively was observed between ERM and PDR group however, the difference disappeared at 3 months. Conclusion. 27-gauge vitrectomy did not induce substantial changes in the corneal topographic conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
A.K. Prasath ◽  
Senthil Kumar ◽  
Mohanhariraj Angamuthammal ◽  
Agnes Evangleen

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered minimally invasive, but pain following laparoscopy is moderate to severe, leading to increased morbidity and length of hospital stay. Various medications, including opioids, NSAIDs, and techniques like intraperitoneal local anesthetic infiltration, are used. In this study, we investigated interpleural block with bupivacaine for pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. 30 patients received 20 ml of 0.5% interpleural bupivacaine (group 1), and 30 patients recieved 20 ml of 0.9% normal saline (group 2). We recorded visual analog score (VAS), vital signs, and postoperative opioid requirements. Tramadol (2 mg/kg) was rescue medication if VAS ≥ 5. Results: Significant difference between study groups was recorded among VAS scores measured at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 6, 10, and 12 hours (p value < 0.05). The difference in VAS scores at 15 minutes and 14 hours between study groups was insignificant (p value > 0.05). The number of patients who received tramadol was 9 (30%) patients in group 1 and 29 (96.7%) patients in group 2. The difference in proportion for tramadol intake at 6 hours was significant among study groups (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Interpleural bupivacaine 20 ml of 0.5% used as analgesia reduces post-operative opioid requirement following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Hence interpleural block can be safely used as a regional technique for pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.


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