Comparison of gender-specific human embryo development characteristics by time-lapse technology.

Numerous studies indicate that there might be differences in embryo growth dynamics between male and female embryos. However, current data in humans are scarce and the results are inconclusive or conflicting. This study asks whether there exist gender-specific embryo development kinetics or parameters between human male and female embryos that can be observed by time-lapse technology.

The effects of Ramadan fasting on heart rate variability in healthy individuals: a prospective study.

Objective: Ramadan fasting is one of the five fundamental rituals of Islam. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an independent predictor of increased mortality of patients with myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. Although many patients in this region fast once a year, the effects of fasting on the HRV, which has a prognostic significance for patients with myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, are not known.

Severity of periodontitis in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia.

The concept that coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an inflammatory-related disease has been increasingly recognized. Periodontitis induced low-grade chronic systemic inflammation has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and CAE.

Assessment of Mean Platelet Volume in men with vasculogenic and nonvasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

Mean platelet (PLT) activation has an important role in the development of vascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the PLT volume in patients with vasculogenic and nonvasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) and compare it with the control group. Mean PLT volume (MPV) levels were measured in 50 patients with vasculogenic ED, in 30 patients who developed ED after radical prostatectomy (nonvasculogenic) and in 40 healthy controls.

Assessment of atrial conduction time in patients with Behçet's disease.

Objective: Behçet's disease is characterized by increased inflammatory activity, and there there might be an increased risk of atrial arrhythmia in patients with this disease. Our study is aimed to evaluate a novel method of measuring atrial electromechanical features expressed as interatrial and intraatrial electromechanical delay by tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with Behçet's disease.

Methods: We evaluated 57 patients (mean age: 36.

Primary giant cell malignant fibrous histiocytoma-associated with renal calculus.

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH) are the most commonly seen soft tissue sarcomas in adults. It is rarely seen in some visceral organs. Kidneys are the parenchymal organs in which MFHs are most frequently seen.

Coexistence of abdominal cocoon, intestinal perforation and incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum in an inguinal hernia: A troublesome condition.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare disease entity, in which the small intestine becomes encased and mechanically obstructed by a dense, fibrotic membrane. The disorder is characterized as either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other causes. The idiopathic cases of SEP, which lack any identifiable etiology according to clinical, radiological and histopathological findings, are also reported under the designation of abdominal cocoon syndrome.

Giant Meckel's diverticulum: An exceptional cause of intestinal obstruction.

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) results from incomplete involution of the proximal portion of the vitelline (also known as the omphalomesenteric) duct during weeks 5-7 of foetal development. Although MD is the most commonly diagnosed congenital gastrointestinal anomaly, it is estimated to affect only 2% of the population worldwide. Most cases are asymptomatic, and diagnosis is often made following investigation of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, inflammation or obstruction that prompt clinic presentation.

Breast ecchymosis: Unusual complication of an antidepressant agent.

Introduction: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is safely used for treatment of psychosomatic disorders. Despite being associated with a low side effect profile, it has been reported to cause hematological side effects including vaginal bleeding, epistaxis, purpura, hematuria, intracranial bleeding, and rectal bleeding. Isolated breast ecchymosis is one of exceedingly rare SSRI-induced hematological abnormalities.

Can the mean platelet volume be a risk factor for vasculogenic erectile dysfunction?

Purpose: The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of the platelet activity and is reported to increase in vascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between MPV and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

Materials And Methods: MPV and platelet (PLT) levels were measured in 50 cases of ED and 40 healthy controls.

Comparision of pain levels of transradial versus transfemoral coronary catheterization: a prospective and randomized study.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess access site pain levels of patients undergoing coronary catheterization via transradial route.

Methods: We performed a prospective and randomized study in which 408 patients underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via transradial approach (TRA) and 428 patients underwent CAG and/or PCI via transfemoral approach (TFA). Pain levels of patients were assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after catheterization and at 30 days.

High prevalence of Y-box protein-1/p18 fragment in plasma of patients with malignancies of different origin.

Background: Expression of the cold shock protein Y-box protein 1 (YB-1) is associated with deleterious outcome in various malignant diseases. Our group recently showed that the detection of an 18 kDa YB-1 fragment (YB-1/p18) in human plasma identifies patients with malignant diseases. We now tested the prevalence, clinical, and diagnostic value of YB-1/p18 detection in common tumors.

The bilobed flap for popliteal defect reconstruction.

Bilobed flaps were first introduced to close small nasal defects. We reconstructed a defect of the popliteal fossa using a random-pattern bilobed flap. We recommend the use of random-pattern bilobed flaps as a reliable technique for covering defects of the popliteal fossa.

Fetal Aneuploidy Detection by Cell-Free DNA Sequencing for Multiple Pregnancies and Quality Issues with Vanishing Twins.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) by random massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA for multiple pregnancies is a promising new option for prenatal care since conventional non-invasive screening for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 has limitations and invasive diagnostic methods bear a higher risk for procedure related fetal losses in the case of multiple gestations compared to singletons. In this study, in a retrospective blinded analysis of stored twin samples, all 16 samples have been determined correctly, with four trisomy 21 positive and 12 trisomy negative samples. In the prospective part of the study, 40 blood samples from women with multiple pregnancies have been analyzed (two triplets and 38 twins), with two correctly identified trisomy 21 cases, confirmed by karyotyping.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels and their response to exercise in patients with slow coronary flow.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in the aetiopathogenesis of slow coronary flow (SCF) even if there is no obstructive epicardial lesion. Reduced plasma levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are an important indicator of endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to determine plasma levels of eNOS and their relationship with exercise in patients with SCF.

A new species of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae) from south western Turkey.

A new scorpion species, Euscorpius lycius sp. n., is described based on specimens collected from Muğla and Antalya Provinces, in southwestern Turkey.

The synergy between endoscopic assistance and extraoral approach in subcondylar fracture repair: a report of 13 cases.

Background: We aimed to present the primary experience of one surgeon with a new surgical technique performed on the first 13 cases and to evaluate outcomes following an extraoral endoscopic approach to subcondylar fractures.

Methods: Fifteen subcondylar fractures in 13 patients, who were treated at Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital between January 2010 and June 2011, were included in this study. Patients were operated on using either endoscopic or open approach.

Effects of molsidomine against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Purpose: To explore the protective and curative effects of molsidomine (MOL) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac damage in the in vivo rat heart.

Methods: Forty rats were randomized into five groups (n = 8): (1) the control group; (2) the MOL group (10 mg/kg for 21 days); (3) the DOX group (a single dose of 20 mg/kg); (4) the DOX + MOL group (3 days after the single dose of DOX, 10 mg/kg MOL continued for 21 days), and (5) the MOL + DOX group (24 h after a 21-day regimen of 10 mg/kg MOL, a single dose of DOX). The rats were monitored for mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation, and electrocardiography.

Giant left atrial thrombus formation in patient with a previous coronary artery bypass grafting.

Free-floating left atrial ball thrombus is a rare condition. We report a giant left atrial ball thrombus which was removed under surgery uneventfully, in a 48-year-old male patient with the presence of sinus rhythm and no valvular disease with previous off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Non-contact lens use-related Acanthamoeba keratitis in southern Turkey: evaluation of risk factors and clinical features.

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic methods, risk factors, and clinical features of Acanthamoeba keratitis cases in patients who do not wear contact lenses.

Methods: Medical records of 26 consecutive patients with non-contact lens-related Acanthamoeba keratitis, who were followed up at the tertiary eye care center between May 2010 and May 2012, were analyzed. Laboratory, demographic, and clinical findings were evaluated pertaining to the patients.

A new species of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae) from Marmara Region of Turkey.

A new species of the genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 is described based on specimens collected from Bursa Province, in Marmara Region of Turkey. It is characterized by a mesotrichous trichobothrial pattern (Pv= 8, et= 6, em=4, eb= 4), medium size and light coloration. Euscorpius (Euscorpius) rahsenae sp.

Platelet Hyperaggregability is Highly Prevalent in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: An Underestimated Risk Indicator of Thromboembolic Events.

Background: Platelet hyperaggregation is known to be associated with arterial and venous thromboembolic events. The prevalence of platelet hyperaggregation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been described to date.

Methods: Platelet hyperaggregation in patients with renal disease was defined by comparison of platelet aggregation patterns to non-CKD patients without thromboembolic disorders and healthy controls.