Experimental Biomedical Research (E-Journal)
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Alcoholic neuropathy-associated changes in K+ conductance of primary dorsal root ganglion neurons
No full textAim: Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy (AIN) is a prevalent and debilitating condition, yet current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms is limited. In this study, we aimed to analyze the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on macroscopic K⁺ currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, providing insight into potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain.
Methods: An AIN model was established in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by administering 35% ethanol (10 g/kg, twice daily) for 10 weeks. Whole-cell patch-clamp methodology was applied to measure macroscopic outward K⁺ currents in the DRG. Depolarizing voltage steps (−60 to +100 mV, 10 mV increments) were applied to elicit K⁺ currents. Data were analyzed for current–voltage relationships, conductance–voltage curves, and steady-state activation parameters (maximum conductance, half-activation voltage V₁/₂, and slope factor k).
Results: Electrophysiological recordings revealed that peak K⁺ current amplitudes in DRG neurons were significantly reduced in AIN rats (7.6 ± 0.7 nA) compared to controls (10.2 ± 0.7 nA, p < 0.05) at voltages between + 80 and + 100 mV. Maximum K⁺ conductance was also decreased in the AIN group (42.2 ± 3.9) versus controls (56.1 ± 4.1, p < 0.05). Additionally, V₁/₂ shifted leftward in AIN neurons (1.6 ± 1.9 mV) compared to controls (9.4 ± 2.1 mV), and the slope factor (k) modestly changed from 17.7 ± 1.2 to 20.7 ± 1.1.
Conclusion: By elucidating a key ionic mechanism underlying alcohol-induced neuropathy, this study provides a strong foundation for the development of targeted pharmacotherapies aimed at restoring K⁺ channel function for AIN
Evaluation of the effects of intermittent fasting on clinical and laboratory parameters in metabolic syndrome
No full textAim: Metabolic syndrome is associated with serious conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to study the effects of intermittent fasting on metabolic syndrome.
Methods: Patients with metabolic syndrome were enrolled in the study. Before the intervention, anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index [BMI], waist and hip circumferences) and laboratory parameters (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], fasting insulin) were recorded. All participants were instructed to fast for 14–16 hours per day for three months, consuming two meals during the remaining 8–10 hours. After three months, anthropometric measurements were taken again, and laboratory parameters were reassessed. Data collected before the intervention and at the third month of intermittent fasting were compared.
Results: Twenty patients with metabolic syndrome completed the study protocol (7 men and 13 women). The mean age of the participants was 56±12 years. There was a statistically significant reduction in weight (from 94.4±16.7 kg to 89.1±15.9 kg), BMI (from 34.9±5.6 kg/m² to 33±5.5 kg/m²), waist circumference (from 113±13 cm to 105±11.3 cm), and hip circumference (from 118±11 cm to 113±10.4 cm) (p-values: <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Moreover, fasting blood glucose (p=0.024), fasting insulin (p=0.001), and HbA1c (p=0.008) levels significantly decreased after three months of intermittent fasting.
Conclusion: Intermittent fasting should be considered a nutritional strategy to reduce BMI, waist circumference, and body weight and to improve metabolic parameters
ABO incomplete antibodies for COVID-19
No full textAim: To investigate whether the infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was affected by covering and hiding blood group antigens with incomplete ABO antibodies.
Methods: Incomplete antibodies were produced with using animal and human monoclonal/polyclonal antiA and AntiB antibodies. The aforementioned antibodies were converted to incomplete ABO antibodies through the utilization our patented method. The aforementioned incomplete antibodies were then incubated with the coronavirus in cell cultures. Moreover toxicity and effect of these two type incomplete antibodies were calculated.
Results: Incomplete antibodies obtained from animals was highly toxic when encountered with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in cell culture, the cells could not divide and the process could not be performed. However, the incomplete form of antibodies obtained from humans exhibited markedly reduced or even no toxicity when encountered with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Even so, the study could be done with human originated incomplete antibodies, these incomplete antibodies were not effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, meaning they could not be used for treatment and prevention purposes for COVID-19.
Conclusion: Human-derived incomplete antibodies did not completely eliminate the COVID-19 virus from infecting the cell, but slightly reduced it. Incomplete antibodies of animal origin are toxic to the cell. This study has shown that human-derived incomplete antibodies cannot currently be used as a treatment option for COVID-19, but since they are not toxic to the cell, and further studies can be carried out. The results of this study need to be supported by immunosuppressed animal studies
Comparison of acute ischemic stroke patients receiving thrombolytic therapy: Patients admitted to the emergency department direct and after telestroke thrombolytic therapy and those referred to thrombolytic therapy
No full textAim: To evaluate treatment times and outcomes in patients receiving intravenous thrombolytic therapy via different protocols. This analysis focused on three distinct patient groups: those directly admitted to a central emergency department with suspected acute ischemic stroke, those brought to the stroke center by emergency services from other centers for thrombolytic therapy, and those receiving telestroke consultation-supported thrombolytic therapy before transfer.
Method: This retrospective study reviewed medical records of 198 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to a tertiary hospital emergency department between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. Demographic data, admission and treatment times, clinical outcomes (modified Rankin and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)), and three-month mortality rates were assessed.
Results: Common risk factors were hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Stroke etiology included large artery atherosclerosis and small vessel occlusion in 26.3% of cases, and cardioembolic stroke in 17.2%. Patients with higher modified Rankin scores also had significantly higher NIHSS. A significant reduction in modified Rankin scores was observed at the third month across patient groups, though no significant differences were found in recanalization times or third-month scores between groups.
Conclusion: The “drip and send” method for rapid transfer to stroke centers was shown to be critical in improving clinical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in stroke prognosis. This study supports adopting the “drip and send” model as a standard stroke treatment approach
Malposition in central venous catheterization and the use of ultrasonography: Is the presence of turbulent flow an alternative to chest radiography?
No full textAim: To evaluate the rate of malposition in central venous catheterization (CVC) procedures performed by expert physicians in our intensive care units using ultrasound (US). Additionally, we investigated whether the assessment of turbulent flow via USG could eliminate the need for chest radiography and whether USG could serve as a viable alternative to radiographic confirmation.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between June 2024 and January 2025 in the intensive care units of Mardin Training and Research Hospital. A total of 162 adult patients who underwent CVC placement were included. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) Conventional CVC placement (n = 53), (2) US-guided CVC placement (n = 51), and (3) US-guided CVC placement with turbulent flow assessment (n = 58). The presence of turbulent flow in the right atrium was evaluated using a rapid injection of saline. The malposition rate and complications were compared among groups.
Results: The malposition rate was significantly lower in the US + Turbulent Flow Group (1.5%, n = 1/58) compared to the Conventional CVC Group (7.5%, n = 4/53) and the USG-Guided Group (4.3%, n = 2/51) (p = 0.022). Additionally, no complications were observed in the US-Guided and US + Turbulent Flow Groups, whereas the complication rate in the Conventional CVC Group was 6.67% (n = 4/53) (p = 0.010). Regression analysis showed that turbulent flow detection was significantly associated with correct catheter positioning (p = 0.018, Beta = 2.361).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that US, particularly with turbulent flow assessment, is a highly effective method for confirming CVC placement and may reduce the need for routine chest radiography. The use of US-guided techniques significantly lowers the malposition rate and enhances patient safety. Incorporating turbulent flow assessment into clinical protocols may improve the accuracy of catheter placement and minimize complications
The impact of commonly administered ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam, and imipenem-cilastatin on human candida colonization
No full textAim: Contrary to common belief, current literature lacks data comparing the individual effects of different antibiotic agents on candidal colonization across multiple body sites. We investigated the impact of ceftriaxone (CRO), piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP), and imipenem-cilastatin (IMP) on human candidal colonization.
Methods: Patients who received CRO, TZP, or IMP for 7–14 days between February 26 and October 26, 2011, were included. A control group was also enrolled. Cultures for Candida species were obtained from the mouth, rectum, urine, and skin. The candida colonization index (CCI) was recorded on days 0, 7, and 14 for each group. We examined whether there was a notable increase in the initial CCI values across the three drug groups, analyzed differences between these groups, and evaluated the impact of antibiotics on Candida colonization at the species level.
Results: CRO (n=23), TZP (n=14) and IMP (n=14) caused significant increases in CCI by day 7 primarily due to oral and rectal colonization (p=0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), with further increases observed by day 14 compared to the control group (n=48). The increase in CCI induced by IMP was significantly greater than that caused by CRO on both days 7 and 14, with no significant difference observed between IMP and TZP. The clinical CCI threshold value of 0.5 was reached around day 7 in the IMP group and by day 14 in the TZP group. Although not statistically significant, both CRO and IMP were associated with increased colonization by C. albicans and C. glabrata at the species level.
Conclusion: CRO, TZP and IMP increased CCI initially through oral and rectal colonization during the first week, followed by urinary colonization in the second week. IMP led to the most rapid and the strongest rise
Comparison of intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation in tibial shaft fractures: A retrospective clinical and radiological analysis
No full textAim: Treatment for tibial shaft fractures typically involves plate fixation or intramedullary nailing (IMN). Our objective in this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of plate fixation with IMN for tibial shaft fractures
Method: Fifty-two patients (33 males, 19 females; mean age 36.9±13.8 years; range, 16 to 68 years) who underwent surgery for tibial shaft fracture) between 2003-2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were compared in terms of union time, radiological healing time, weight-bearing time, infection, malunion, and malalignment. Final clinical evaluations of the patients was performed according to the R. Johner and O. Wrush criteria.
Results: The average time to weight-bearing was significantly longer in the plate fixation group (7.63±2.27 weeks) compared to the intramedullary nailing group (4.04±1.06 weeks, p=0.000). Similarly, the radiological healing time was longer with plate fixation (12.37 months) by 4.30 months (p=0.000). There were no significant differences in pain between the groups (p=0.535), walking ability (p=0.431), joint range of motion (p=0.243), or strenuous activities (p=0.449). According to the R. Johner and O. Wrush criteria, 68% of patients in both groups achieved excellent outcomes, with the remaining patients having a similar distribution between good and fair categories.
Conclusions: The study's findings demonstrated that, in terms of clinical and functional results, both treatment approaches are comparable. Aligning seems to be easier with plates, while the healing period appears to be shorter with IMN. To shed further light on these matters, Randomized Prospective evaluation may be recommended and it may provide detailed information on the costs/expenses associated with these fractures
Choroidal characteristics in HIV infection and their association with disease severity
No full textAim: To evaluate choroidal characteristics in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and assess their correlation with disease severity.
Method: Fifty-eight eyes from 29 HIV-positive patients and 62 eyes from 31 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Measurements of choroidal thickness (CT), total choroidal area (TCA), stromal area (SA), and luminal area (LA) were obtained via SD-OCT (Maestro, Topcon Co., Tokyo, Japan). The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated using the binarization method. Disease duration, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) duration, HIV-RNA, and CD4 T cell count at diagnosis and at the time of examination, and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test results were recorded. Correlations between SD-OCT results and HIV parameters were analyzed.
Results: No significant differences in age or sex were observed between groups (p=0.988 and p=0.355, respectively). Although the HIV group had lower mean values for CT, TCA, LA, SA, and CVI than controls, these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.344, p=0.054, p=0.075, p=0.865, p=0.313, respectively). SA was inversely correlated with CD4 T cell counts (r = -0.477, p = 0.014). HAART duration was inversely correlated with CT (r=-0.376, p=0.044). VDRL positivity did not affect OCT parameters (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Choroidal structures were thinner in patients who had been on HAART for a longer duration compared to those who were newly diagnosed. Changes in choroidal substructures may be more closely associated with long-term HIV infection or HAART duration rather than HIV-RNA or CD4 T cell counts
Comparison of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet lymphocyte ratio with Ranson criteria in acute biliary pancreatitis
No full textAim: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting the severity of acute biliary pancreatitis, in comparison with the Ranson scoring system.
Methods: A total of 353 patients diagnosed with acute biliary pancreatitis between January 2019 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, laboratory findings, NLR, PLR, and Ranson scores were recorded. Patients were grouped as mild and severe according to clinical severity. The diagnostic performances of NLR, PLR, and Ranson score were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results: NLR, PLR, and Ranson scores were significantly higher in the severe pancreatitis group compared to the mild group (p<0.001 for all). ROC analysis revealed that Ranson score had the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.85), followed by NLR (AUC = 0.82) and PLR (AUC = 0.75). Sensitivity and specificity values were acceptable for all three parameters in distinguishing severe disease.
Conclusion: NLR and PLR are simple, cost-effective, and accessible inflammatory markers that may assist in predicting disease severity in acute biliary pancreatitis. Their diagnostic power is comparable to the Ranson scoring system and may support early risk stratification in clinical practice
Evaluation of factors affecting the clinical course of neonates born in Bolu province: Implications for further precautions
No full textAim: To examine the maternal and other factors affecting the clinical course of newborn infants in Bolu province and to reveal the possible relationships between them.
Methods: A total of 1592 newborns and their mothers were retrospectively included in the study between 2022-2023 at the Maternity and Child Unit of Bolu İzzet Baysal State Hospital. Clinical data of neonates and their mothers' pregnancy data were retrieved from the hospital data system. The categorical data were analyzed by chi-square test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two independent groups. Spearman's rank correlation was employed to test if there was correlation between the variables.
Results: The rate of intensive care unit admission for caesarean deliveries (21.8%) was significantly higher than for normal deliveries (15%, p<0.01). The rate of ventilator requirement was significantly higher in early-term (27%), late-preterm (49%) and moderately-preterm (100%) neonates compared to term ones (12%), respectively (p<0.01). The most common risk factor for expectant mothers was thyroid disorder (27.7%). The rate of hospitalization for infection was higher than that due to congenital pneumonia in both caesarean section (45.6% vs 23.5%) and normal births (46.8% vs 18.3%, p< 0.05). The rate of cesarean delivery was significantly higher in those with late preterm (67.3%) than in those with term (49.7%, p<0.01).
Conclusions: Expectant mothers should be encouraged to have a normal birth unless medically necessary. Factors that may cause prematurity should be kept under control as it causes many health problems after birth. More health precautions need to be taken for newborns under 1 year of the health of expectant mother should be closely monitored for the mother and her newborn. Awareness about the common causes of infant disorders is important in forward health planning and precautions to be taken