GATA transcription factor in common bean: A comprehensive genome-wide functional characterization, identification, and abiotic stress response evaluation

The GATA transcription factors (TFs) have been extensively studied for its regulatory role in various biological processes in many plant species. The functional and molecular mechanism of GATA TFs in regulating tolerance to abiotic stress has not yet been studied in the common bean. This study analyzed the functional identity of the GATA gene family in the P. vulgaris genome under different abiotic and phytohormonal stress. The GATA gene family was systematically investigated in the P. vulgaris genome, and 31 PvGATA TFs were identified. The study found that 18 out of 31 PvGATA genes had undergone duplication events, emphasizing the role of gene duplication in GATA gene expansion. All the PvGATA genes were classified into four significant subfamilies, with 8, 3, 6, and 13 members in each subfamily (subfamilies I, II, III, and IV), respectively. All PvGATA protein sequences contained a single GATA domain, but subfamily II members had additional domains such as CCT and tify. A total of 799 promoter cis-regulatory elements (CREs) were predicted in the PvGATAs. Additionally, we used qRT-PCR to investigate the expression profiles of five PvGATA genes in the common bean roots under abiotic conditions. The results suggest that PvGATA01/10/25/28 may play crucial roles in regulating plant resistance against salt and drought stress and may be involved in phytohormone-mediated stress signaling pathways. PvGATA28 was selected for overexpression and cloned into N. benthamiana using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic lines were subjected to abiotic stress, and results showed a significant tolerance of transgenic lines to stress conditions compared to wild-type counterparts. The seed germination assay suggested an extended dormancy of transgenic lines compared to wild-type lines. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the PvGATA gene family, which can serve as a foundation for future research on the function of GATA TFs in abiotic stress tolerance in common bean plants.

The Status of Spermatogenesis in Germ Cell Tumor Bearing Testis and Its Association with Metastatic Disease

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to evaluate the status of spermatogenesis detected by histological examination of non-tumoral testicular tissues in tumor bearing testis and its association with advanced stage disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) that undergone radical orchiectomy. All non-tumoral areas of the orchiectomy specimens were examined for the status of spermatogenesis. Patients were divided into two groups as localized (stage I) and metastatic (stage II-III) disease and analyzed separately for seminomatous (SGCT) and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT).

RESULTS

Four hundred fifty-four patients were included in our final analysis. Of those, 195 patients had SGCT, and 259 patients had NSGCT. Three hundred and six patients had localized disease at the time of diagnosis. Median (Q1-Q3) age was 31 (26 - 38) years and 102 (22.5%) patients had normal spermatogenesis, 177 (39.0%) patients had hypospermatogenesis and 175 (38.5%) patients had no mature spermatozoa. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, embryonal carcinoma >50% (1.944, 95 %CI 1.054-3.585, P = .033) and spermatogenesis status (2.796 95% CI 1.251-6.250, P = .012 for hypospermatogenesis, and 3.907, 95% CI 1.692-9.021, P = .001 for absence of mature spermatozoa) were independently associated with metastatic NSGCT. However, there was not any variables significantly associated with metastatic SGCT on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that only 22.5% of patients with TGCTs had normal spermatogenesis in tumor bearing testis. Impaired spermatogenesis (hypospermatogenesis or no mature spermatozoa) and predominant embryonal carcinoma are associated with advanced stage NSGCT.

Virulence properties of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from meat and meat contact surfaces in a slaughterhouse

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous microorganism that is isolated from a variety of sources such as soil, water, decaying vegetation, sewage, animal feeds, silage, farm environments and food-processing environments. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, serogroups, biofilm formation, virulence factor genes, and genetic relationships of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from beef meat and meat contact surfaces obtained from a slaughterhouse in Burdur, Turkey. In this study, a total of 179 beef meat and meat contact surface samples were analyzed for the presence of L. monocytogenes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of a total of 179 beef meat and meat contact surface samples, 83 (46.37%) were found to be contaminated with L. monocytogenes, with the highest incidence (53.01%) occurring in beef meat. In the present study, most of the isolated strains belonged to serogroups IIB and IVB (lineage I). The L. monocytogenes strain also contained monoA-B, prfA, plcA, plcB, mpl, hlyA, actA, gtcA, dltA, Fri, flaA, InlA, InlC, InlJ, and iap genes. Biofilm formation was not determined in the tested samples at pH 5.5 and different temperatures (4°C, 10°C, 25°C, and 37°C). However, strong biofilm formation was observed in 6.45% (2/31) of the strains at pH 7.0 after 48 h incubation at 37°C, and in 3.22% (1/31) of the strains at pH 7.0 after 48 h incubation at 4°C and 10°C. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) results showed that L. monocytogenes isolates were clonally related, and cross-contamination was present. In addition, PFGE results also revealed that AscI had more distinguishing power than the ApaI restriction enzyme. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes detected from meat and meat contact surfaces in the slaughterhouse pose a potential risk to public health.

Genome-wide analysis of PvMADS in common bean and functional characterization of PvMADS31 in Arabidopsis thaliana as a player in abiotic stress responses

Changing climatic conditions with rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, particularly for common bean crops. Transcription factors (TFs) are crucial regulators that can mitigate the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses on crop production. The MADS-box TFs family has been implicated in various plant physiological processes, including stress-responsive mechanisms. However, their role in common bean and their response to stressful conditions remain poorly understood. Here, we identified 35 MADS-box gene family members in common bean, with conserved MADS-box domains and other functional domains. Gene duplication events were observed, suggesting the significance of duplication in the evolutionary development of gene families. The analysis of promoter regions revealed diverse elements, including stress-responsive elements, indicating their potential involvement in stress responses. Notably, PvMADS31, a member of the PvMADS-box gene family, demonstrated rapid upregulation under various abiotic stress conditions, including NaCl, polyethylene glycol, drought, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. Transgenic plants overexpressing PvMADS31 displayed enhanced lateral root development, root elongation, and seed germination under stress conditions. Furthermore, PvMADS31 overexpression in Arabidopsis resulted in improved drought tolerance, likely attributed to the enhanced scavenging of ROS and increased proline accumulation. These findings suggest that PvMADS31 might play a crucial role in modulating seed germination, root development, and stress responses, potentially through its involvement in auxin and ABA signaling pathways. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential roles of PvMADS-box genes in abiotic stress responses in common bean, offering prospects for crop improvement strategies to enhance resilience under changing environmental conditions.

A quantitative sonoelastography evaluation of ocular and periocular elasticity after intravitreal ranibizumab injection

PURPOSE

We evaluated changes in ocular and periocular elasticity by ultrasound (US) elastography in intravitreal ranibizumab-treated eyes and the healthy fellow eyes of patients with neovascular AMD.

METHODS

The study was performed on 52 eyes of 26 volunteers who ranged in age from 59 to 89 (mean 72±7.78) years old. The study group consisted of the patients with neovascular AMD treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. The fellow eyes (without choroidal neovascularization) of the study group were selected as the control group. All patients were examined with sonoelastography before intravitreal injection and at 1day, 1week, and 1month after intravitreal injection. All images were acquired with a Toshiba Aplio 500 ultrasound system (Tokyo, Japan) including software with a combined autocorrelation method and a multifrequency linear probe. The elastography values of the anterior vitreous (AV), posterior vitreous (PV), retina-choroid-sclera complex (RCS), retrobulbar fat tissue (RF), optic nerve head (ONH) and retrobulbar optic nerve (RON) were measured in each eye.

RESULTS

There were 13 male (50%) and 13 female (50%) participants in our study. Anterior vitreous, posterior vitreous, RCS, retrobulbar fat tissue, ONH, and RON US elastography values were similar in both groups (P˃0.05 for all). On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between the difference between baseline and 1-month PV sonoelastography values and age (r=0.47, P=0.035).

CONCLUSION

A single dose intravitreal Ranibizumab (Lucentis®, Genentech, USA) injection does not alter the elasticity of ocular and periocular structures.

364 Systematic Review of Simulation-Based Training Tools in Plastic Surgery

Aim

The recent shift from traditional surgical teaching to the incorporation of simulation training in plastic surgery has resulted in the development of a variety of simulation models and tools. We aim to identify all currently available simulators and tools for plastic surgery, assess their validity and establish their effectiveness.

Method

MEDLINE and Embase were searched for articles which validate simulation models in plastic surgery. Each study was screened in accordance with the Messick validity framework, and a rating was given for each section. In order to determine the effectiveness of each study, the McGaghie model of translational outcomes was used.

Results

On screening 2104 articles, 71 were identified to discuss validity and effectiveness. Only one study was found to achieve a high score in all validity parameters and no studies achieved an effectiveness level >2.

Conclusions

With the increasing amount of simulation training tools, there must be more validity studies conducted using updated validity frameworks. In addition, there should be an increased emphasis of the relationship between these simulators and patient outcomes/surgical technique in the operating theatre in order to determine translational outcomes. More training tools evaluating both technical and nontechnical surgical skills are recommended.

PD-L1 Expression in Mismatch Repair-deficient Endometrial Carcinoma and Tumor-associated Immune Cells: Differences Between MLH1 Methylated and Nonmethylated Subgroups

Mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient endometrial carcinomas show increased programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression compared with MMR-intact endometrial carcinomas, but there are limited data regarding PD-L1 expression between sporadic and inherited carcinomas exhibiting MMR loss. Most of the studies investigating PD-L1 expression in endometrial carcinoma have used tissue microarrays and did not examine all tumor blocks. In this study, we analyzed the expression of PD-L1 in resection specimens of 176 consecutive endometrial carcinomas using all tumor blocks; we compared PD-L1 expression in MMR-deficient endometrial carcinomas, including the MLH1 and PMS2-loss subgroup, and the other MMR-loss subgroups (MSH2 and MSH6, isolated PMS2, and isolated MSH6), with the MMR-intact subgroup. MLH1 methylation was performed in tumors with MLH1 and PMS2 loss. Tumor cell (TC) and tumor-associated immune cell (IC) PD-L1 positivity with a 1% cutoff was observed in 21% (n=37) and 66.5% (n=117) of cases, respectively, and with a 5% cutoff in 5.1% (n=9) and 39.8% (n=70) of cases, respectively. MMR protein deficiency was a statistically significant parameter associated with IC PD-L1 positivity, with 1% and 5% cutoffs on multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR)=5.236, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.075-13.211, P=0.001, and OR=3.702, 95% CI=1.759-7.791, P=0.001, respectively]. The multivariate analysis showed that IC PD-L1 positivity, using both 1% and 5% cutoffs, was significantly associated with the MLH1 and PMS2 loss compared with the MMR protein-intact subgroup (MLH1 and PMS2 loss for 1% cutoff: OR=5.104, 95% CI=1.876-13.881, P=0.001, and for 5% cutoff: OR=3.322, 95% CI=1.540-7.166, P=0.002). Squamous differentiation was an independent predictor for TC PD-L1 positivity, with a 5% cutoff (OR=6.102, 95% CI=1.280-10.096, P=0.026). Larger tumor size was an independent predictive factor for IC PD-L1 positivity with a 1% cutoff (OR=6.757, 95% CI=1.569-29.109, P=0.010). Overall, 48 (92.3%) of 52 MLH1 methylated tumors showed IC PD-L1 positivity with 1% cutoff, and 34 (65.4%) of 52 MLH1 methylated tumors showed IC PD-L1 positivity with 5% cutoff. Our results show a higher rate of IC PD-L1 positivity than in previous studies. This is likely due in part to the use of all tumor blocks. MLH1 and PMS2 loss was an independent predictive factor for IC PD-L1 positivity, with both 1% and 5% cutoffs. Using univariate analysis, we observed decreased disease-free survival for IC PD-L1 positivity ≥5%. Our study results should now be tested and proven in larger cohorts, with longer follow-up data.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-5-methyl-3-{4-[(2-methyl-phen-yl)meth-oxy]phen-yl}-1,2-oxazole

In the title compound, C24H20ClNO2, the mean planes of 4-chloro-phenyl, 2-methyl-phenyl and phenyl-ene rings make dihedral angles of 62.8 (2), 65.1 (3) and 15.1 (2)°, respectively, with the 5-methyl-1,2-oxazole ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯N, C-H⋯Cl, C-H⋯π contacts and π-π stacking inter-actions between the phenyl-ene groups. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H⋯H (48.7%), H⋯C/C⋯H (22.2%), Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl (8.8%), H⋯O/O⋯H (8.2%) and H⋯N/N⋯H (5.1%) inter-actions.

Heavy metal and essential elements in beers from turkey market: A risk assessment study

In this study, the level of arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and also essential elements in beer samples consumed in Turkey were investigated using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The heavy metal-induced non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were calculated. For essential elements, the calculated estimated daily intake of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co) from beer consumption were compared with their toxicity reference values. Tukey post-hoc test showed that As was found at a significantly higher level when compared to Pb. Also, a significant correlation was found between As level and alcohol by volume percent. All samples had a hazard quotient and hazard index <1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to single or multiple heavy metals. Some samples exceeded the threshold limit of acceptable cancer risk for As in the high beer consumer group. This assessment showed that in addition to health implications based on the alcohol content of beer, there might be a carcinogenic risk associated with the heavy metals content of these beverages.

Investigation of gamma-ray attenuation coefficients for solid boronized 304L stainless steel

In this study, mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) and half value layer (HVL) at Eu-152 and Co-60 energies were used in measuring attenuation coefficients of the solid boronized AISI 304L stainless steel at 950 °C for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. The experimental mass attenuation coefficients, μ/ρ, and HVL for these materials were compared to theoretical values obtained with WinXCOM. At the same time a new boriding agent (Baybora®-1) also developed for solid boriding method was used. The effects of boron layer size on radiation attenuation of boronized composites were evaluated in relation with gamma-ray transmission and the results of the experiments were interpreted. It could be understood that increased of boron layer in AISI 304L causes of increases in the attenuation coefficient values. The measured values agree with the theoretical values. The interaction parameters for selected samples have been computed and provided in the extended energy range 10^-3-10⁴ MeV. The shielding properties prepared stainless steel have also been compared with standard concretes as well as with the standard shielding stainless steel. It is found that the prepared stainless steel is the better shielding substitute to the conventional concretes as well as other standard shielding stainless steel. So, submicron size boron layer used composite materials are more convenient than micron size boron used composite materials as radiation shielding materials for nuclear applications.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-[(1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)sulfan-yl]-N-(2-meth-oxy-phen-yl)acetamide

In the title compound, C16H14N2O3S, the 1,3-benzoxazole ring system is essentially planar (r.m.s deviation = 0.004 Å) and makes a dihedral angle of 66.16 (17)° with the benzene ring of the meth-oxy-phenyl group. Two intra-molecular N-H⋯O and N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds occur, forming S(5) and S(7) ring motifs, respectively. In the crystal, pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into inversion dimers with R 2 2(14) ring motifs, stacked along the b-axis direction. The inversion dimers are linked by C-H⋯π and π-π-stacking inter-actions [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.631 (2) and 3.631 (2) Å], forming a three-dimensional network. Two-dimensional fingerprint plots associated with the Hirshfeld surface show that the largest contributions to the crystal packing come from H⋯H (39.3%), C⋯H/H⋯C (18.0%), O⋯H/H⋯O (15.6) and S⋯H/H⋯S (10.2%) inter-actions.

Comparison of the effect of ranibizumab and dexamethasone implant in diabetic macular edema with concurrent epiretinal membrane

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab (RZB) injections and intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant in diabetic macular edema (DME) with concurrent epiretinal membrane (ERM).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational, comparative study. Medical records of DME patients with concurrent ERM were retrospectively reviewed. Seventeen eyes of 16 patients treated with 3 consecutive monthly RZB injections (RZB group) and 22 eyes of 18 patients treated with a DEX implant (DEX group) were included. The groups were compared at baseline, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th months in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP).

RESULTS

Eighteen of the 39 eyes (46.1%) were phakic at baseline, 9 (52.9%) of which were treated with RZB, whereas 9 (40.9%) were treated with DEX implant (P=0.528). Although CMT improved significantly in both the RZB and DEX groups (P<0.001); the trend was different (P=0.003). The mean change in CMT at 1month in the DEX group was greater (DEX: 188.2±142.7μm; RZB: 95.7±110.7μm; P=0.034); it was in favor of RZB group at the 3rd and 4th months (DEX: -52.7±86.9μm; RZB: 1.4±31.4μm; P=0.012. DEX: -63±67.3μm; RZB: -5.8±43.9μm; P=0.004, respectively). BCVA improved significantly in both groups (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference between the groups with regard to gain in BCVA or IOP change throughout the study period (P=0.572, P=0.064, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both RZB and DEX are effective in improving anatomical and visual outcomes in DME with concurrent ERM. The DEX group was associated with a prompt anatomic response, but with a gradual decrease from 3rd month.

Holistic nursing competence scale: Turkish translation and psychometric testing

AIM

This study aimed to culturally adapt and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale for application in the Turkish context.

BACKGROUND

Nurses are expected to assess well-being of individuals by considering physical, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual dimensions to enhance adaptation to diseases. In Turkey, no tools have been developed to date for the evaluation of competencies in holistic nursing in the country.

METHODS

The study was conducted with 288 nurses working in two hospitals in Ankara equipped with over 500 beds. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed in order to identify whether the items and the sub-dimensions of the adapted scale complied with the original structure comprising 36 items and five sub-scales, namely 'general aptitude', 'staff education and management', 'ethically oriented practice', 'nursing care in a team' and 'professional development'. Cronbach's alpha value was used as an estimate for reliability analysis.

RESULTS

Opinions of 11 experts were obtained for content validation of the scale, and the content validity index was 0.90. The adaptation was observed to be acceptable on the basis of structural equation model fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha value was estimated to be 0.97 and 0.90, respectively, for the complete scale.

CONCLUSION

The study identified the Turkish version of Holistic Nursing Competence Scale as a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of competence in holistic nursing among nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND NURSING POLICY

The instrument may now be utilized as a tool of measurement in nursing practice, as well as in education and research, for identifying the level of competence in the holistic nursing practices among the nurses in Turkey.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of using monocular, binocular and panoramic night vision goggles in successful venous access in darkness

INTRODUCTION

The use of night vision goggles (NVGs) by medical staff operating in active combat areas may present a tactical advantage in maintaining unit concealment. This study seeks to assess the degree to which NVG use improves speed and ease of intravenous access in comparison to no NVG use, and which NVG system (monocular, binocular or panoramic) provides the best conditions for the clinician.

METHODS

Cannulation was carried out using both eyes open (BEO) and one eye open (OEO) in well-lit conditions to establish a baseline measurement. The same procedure was then performed with a variety of NVGs, with and without infrared (IR) light sources in a dark room, and the degree of difficulty, time to procedural completion and success rate were compared.

RESULTS

NVG use improved procedure speed in comparison to the BEO method in the dark. Among the NVG methods trialled, binocular NVG (BNVG) methods outperformed panoramic NVG (PNVG) and monocular NVG in terms of success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of BNVG resulted with a better success rate in our study. We would like to emphasise that although combatant units prefer PNVGs for the wider temporal vision they provide, it must be kept in mind that this may pose a disadvantage in peripheral vascular access procedures while providing first aid to the casualty at close distances.

Effect of aflibercept on persistent macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of switching treatment from intravitreal ranibizumab to intravitreal aflibercept on the treatment of refractory macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

METHODS

In this retrospective study; 12 eyes with refractory macular edema secondary to CRVO after multiple monthly repeated intravitreal 0.5mg/0.05mL ranibizumab injections prior to switching therapy to intravitreal 2mg/0.05mL aflibercept, between March 2012 and April 2016 were reviewed. The follow-up time was 12 months. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central retinal volume (CRV) and injection interval between baseline and month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after switching therapy to aflibercept were reviewed and evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean baseline CRT decreased from 516±101 mic. to 252±114 mic. at month 12 (P=0.008). Mean baseline CRV decreased from 8.74±2.13 mm³ to 6.82±1.64 mm³ at month 12 (P=0.005). Baseline BCVA improved from 0.73±0.21 to 0.53±0.17 logMAR at month 12 (P=0.004). Mean BCVA gain was two logMar lines (10 letters) at month 12. After switching therapy to aflibercept; the mean injection interval increased significantly from 1.34 months at baseline to 1.86 months at month 12, by an increase of 0.52 months (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal aflibercept is evaluated to be presenting significant visual and anatomical improvements in patients with persistent macular edema due to CRVO despite previous intravitreal ranibizumab.

Crystal structure and theoretical study of (2E)-1-[4-hy-droxy-3-(morpholin-4-ylmeth-yl)phen-yl]-3-(thio-phen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one

In the title compound, C18H19NO3S, the morpholine ring adopts a chair conformation. The thio-phene ring forms dihedral angles of 26.04 (9) and 74.07 (10)° with the benzene ring and the mean plane of the morpholine ring, respectively. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an O-H⋯N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected through C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming wave-like layers parallel to the ab plane, which are further linked into a three-dimensional network by C-H⋯π inter-actions involving the benzene rings and the methyl-ene H atoms of the morpholine rings.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-(2,4-di-chloro-benz-yl)-5-methyl-N-(thio-phene-2-sulfon-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide

In the title compound, C16H13Cl2N3O3S2, the thio-phene ring is disordered in a 0.762 (3):0.238 (3) ratio by an approximate 180° rotation of the ring around the S-C bond linking the ring to the sulfonyl unit. The di-chloro-benzene group is also disordered over two sets of sites with the same occupancy ratio. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by intra-molecular C-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming rings with graph-set notation S(5). In the crystal, pairs of mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with graph-set notation R22(8) and R12(11), which are connected by C-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions into ribbons parallel to (100). The ribbons are further connected into a three-dimensional network by C-H⋯π inter-actions and π-π stacking inter-actions between benzene and thio-phene rings, with centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.865 (2), 3.867 (7) and 3.853 (2) Å. Hirshfeld surface analysis has been used to confirm and qu-antify the supra-molecular inter-actions.

The role of cognitive training in endourology: a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive training is an important training modality which allows the user to rehearse a procedure without physically carrying it out. This has led to recent interests to incorporate cognitive training within surgical education but research is currently limited. The use of cognitive training in surgery is not clear-cut and so this study aimed to determine whether, relative to a control condition, the use of cognitive training improves technical surgical skills on a ureteroscopy simulator, and if so whether one cognitive training method is superior.

METHODS

This prospective, comparative study recruited 59 medical students and randomised them to one of three groups: control- simulation training only (n=20), flashcards cognitive training group (n=20) or mental imagery cognitive training group (n=19). All participants completed three tasks at baseline on the URO Mentor simulator followed by the cognitive intervention if randomised to receive it. Participants then returned to perform an assessment task on the simulator. Outcome measures from the URO Mentor performance report was used for analysis and a quantitative survey was given to all participants to assess usefulness of training received.

RESULTS

This study showed cognitive training to have minimal effects on technical skills of participants. The mental imagery group had fewer laser misfires in the assessment task when compared to both control and flashcards group (P=.017, P=.036, respectively). The flashcards group rated their preparation to be most useful when compared to control (P=.0125). Other parameters analysed between the groups did not reach statistical significance. Cognitive training was found to be feasible and cost effective when carried out in addition to simulation training.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the role of cognitive training within acquisition of surgical skills is minimal and that no form of cognitive training was superior to another. Further research needs to be done to evaluate other ways of performing cognitive training.

What does the Data of 354,725 Patients from Turkey Tell Us About Cervical Smear Epithelial Cell Abnormalities? - The Epithelial Cell Abnormality Rate is Increasing - Quality Control Studies and Corrective Activity are Musts

OBJECTIVE

There is no other screening program close to the success rate of PAP test. Cervical cytology constitutes a large workload so that quality control in cervical cytology is important for the quality assurance of pathology laboratories.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In this study, we collected the cervical cytology results from all over Turkey and discussed the parameters influencing the quality of the PAP test. The study was conducted with Turkish gynaecopathology working group and 38 centers (totally 45 hospitals) agreed to contribute from 24 different cities. The study was designed to cover the cervical cytology results during 2013. The results were evaluated from the data based on an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

The total number of Epithelial Cell Abnormality was 18,020 and the global Epithelial Cell Abnormality rate was 5.08% in the total 354,725 smears and ranging between 0.3% to 16.64% among centers. The Atypical squamous cells /Squamous intraepithelial lesion ratios changed within the range of 0.21-13.94 with an average of 2.61. When the centers were asked whether they performed quality assurance studies, only 14 out of 28 centers, which shared the information, had such a control study and some quality parameters were better in these centers.

CONCLUSION

There is an increase in the global Epithelial Cell Abnormality rate and there are great differences among centers. Quality control studies including the Atypical squamous cells/Squamous intraepithelial lesion ratio are important. Corrective and preventive action according to quality control parameters is a must. A cervical cytology subspecialist in every center can be utopic but a dedicated pathologist in the center is certainly needed.

Gastric Adenocarcinoma Biomarker Expression Profiles and their Prognostic Value

Expression levels of several molecules implicated in carcinogenesis were examined by immunohistochemical staining, and the prognostic significance of their expression levels in gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) was evaluated. A total of 115 GA and 20 control gastric tissue samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using 33 antibodies targeting molecules known to play a part in the development of various tumors. Overexpression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and loss of AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), and CD44 expression in GA patients were significantly correlated with lymph node (LN) metastasis, advanced tumor stage, and poor prognosis. The results demonstrated that ALDH1A and ARID1A may be strong independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival and recurrence-free survival (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Our results demonstrated that ALDH1, CD44, ARID1A, and CAIX in immunoreactive GA tumor cells exhibit different expression profiles compared with control cells and that these differences are associated with patient survival. The molecules with differential expression profiles were associated with some common functions, including hypoxia, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and SW1/SNF-mediated chromatin remodeling. In addition, the loss of ALDH1, ARID1A, and CD44 and the overexpression of CAIX are important for tumor invasion and metastasis; therefore, they may serve as useful prognostic indicators of long-term survival in patients with GA. In conclusion, our study found that abnormal expression of some of the proteins evaluated in GA tumor cells might have an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression and thus may influence the prognosis of patients with GA.

Crystal structure of (E)-2-({4-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]phenyl} methylidene)-1-indanone, C23H26N2O3

C23H26N2O3, triclinic, P1̅ (No. 2), a = 10.6646(19) Å, b = 10.7784(17) Å, c = 11.150(2) Å, α = 67.787(7)°, β = 64.309(7)°, γ = 64.271(7)°, V = 1011.6(3) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0502, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1481, T = 293 K.

Detrimental Effects of N-Acetylcysteine Plus Desferoxamine Combination in an Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome Model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and desferoxamine (DFO) administered alone or in combination together in rats with doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotic syndrome, by monitoring oxidative stress parameters and trace elements in renal tissue and erythrocytes. Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were included the study. Equal volume of isotonic saline was injected to control rats. After DOX administration, the animals were divided into four experimental groups: (a) rats given only DOX; (b) rats treated with NAC; (c) rats treated with DFO; (d) rats treated with NAC plus DFO. The combination of N-acetylcysteine and DFO has no beneficial effect on reducing proteinuria in experimentally nephrotic rats, although both of these agents ameliorate the condition when administered separately. It seems likely that detrimental effects of NAC plus DFO could be secondary to its effects on erythrocyte selenium levels demonstrated here. Consequently, the results may propose caution to the use of antioxidant therapeutic strategies such as NAC plus DFO against nephropathy.

Extravasation of Calcium Solution Leading to Calcinosis Cutis Surrounding the Dorsal Cutaneous Branch of the Ulnar Nerve

A case of calcinosis cutis caused by calcium extravasation around the wrist is presented. During excision, the lesion was seen to be surrounding the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. The possibility of peripheral nerve involvement in extravasation injuries is emphasized.

Comfort and learnability assessment of a new soft robotic manipulator for minimally invasive surgery

Laparoscopic surgeons perform precise and time consuming procedures while holding awkward poses in their upper body and arms. There is an ongoing effort to produce robotic tools for laparoscopic surgery that will simplify these tasks and reduce risk of errors to help both the surgeon and the patient. STIFF-FLOP is an ongoing EU FP7 project focusing on this by creating a stiffness controllable soft robotic manipulator. This paper reports on a study to test the soft manipulator's learnability and the effort associated with its use. The tests involved a limited prototype of the manipulator with a custom built test rig and EMG acquisition system. Task times and video recordings along with EMG waveforms from the forearm muscles of participants (n=25) were measured for objective assessment. A questionnaire was also provided to the participants for subjective assessment. The data shows that in average EMG levels were 25.9% less in RMS when using the STIFF-FLOP arm than when conventional laparoscopic tools were used. In terms of learnability, from the first to the second attempt on the STIFF-FLOP manipulator, elapsed time was reduced by an average of 32.1%. Further details and analysis of the EMG signals as well as time and questionnaire results is presented in the paper.

Immediate risk of HSIL presence in women who have both ASC-US cytology and negative high-risk HPV test

PURPOSE

The authors aimed to detect immediate risk of having high grade squamous lesions (HSIL) in atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance(AS-CUS) and concomitant high-risk human papillomavirus (HrHPV) testing as negative [HrHPV(negative)AS-CUS].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors performed immediate/baseline colposcopy on concomitant HrHPV (negative)AS-CUS cases. Pap tests were evaluated with liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HrHPV detection was performed in LBC material with PCR. Colposcopic diagnoses and biopsy results were compared with Pap test and HrHPV test results.

RESULTS

There were 104 patients over a one-year period. In all, 84 cases were included. Colposcopic biopsies revealed low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in 19 cases (23%) and HSIL in three cases (4%). Intrauterine device use and smoking were significantly correlated with presence of HSIL (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Similar data in literature, 4% of ASC-US-HrHPV (negative) cases are expected to have HSIL in follow-up periods less than six months. The present authors believe clinicians should be more open with their patients about limitations of Pap-HPV testing.