High mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB-1) as a new diagnostic marker in patients with acute appendicitis

<p/> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this prospective study was therefore to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative serum High Mobility Group Box Protein-1 (HMGB-1) levels in patients with Acute Appendicitis (AA) who show normal white blood cell count (WBC) counts.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Our study was carried out from October 2010 through November 2010 and included 20 healthy control group participants and 60 patients who presented at the emergency department of Erzurum Training and Research Hospital in Turkey with acute abdominal pain complaints, who were pathologically diagnosed with AA after laparotomy, and who agreed to participate in the study.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 60 patients who underwent appendectomies, 36 were male and 24 were female, and of the healthy group, 12 were male and 8 female. The age averages of the patients in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were, respectively, 31.3+15.4, 34.0+16.3 and 31.0+13.1 years. The WBC averages of Groups 1, 2 and 3 were, respectively, 7.41+2.02 (x10⁹/L), 15.71+2.85 (x10⁹/L) and 8.51+1.84 (x10⁹/L). The HMGB-1 levels for Groups 1 (healthy persons), 2 (AA patients with high WBC counts ) and 3 (AA patients with normal WBC counts) were, respectively, 21.71 ± 11.36, 37.28+13.37 and 36.5 ± 17.73 ng/ml. The average HMGB-1 level of the patients with AA was 36.92 ± 15.43 ng/ml while the average HMGB-1 value of the healthy group was 21.71 ± 11.36 ng/ml.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The significantly higher levels of HMGB-1 in AA patients compared to healthy persons infer that HMGB-1 might be useful in the diagnosis of AA. Use of HMGB-1, especially in patients with normal WBC counts, will reduce the number of unnecessary explorations.</p

DUYGU DÜZENLEME PSİKO-EĞİTİM PROGRAMI UYGULAMASININ ERGENLERDE KENDİNE ZARAR VERME VE DUYGU DÜZENLEME STRATEJİLERİ ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ

ÖZ: Kendine zarar verme ergenlik döneminde en sık görülen risk faktörleri arasında yer aldığı ve kendine zarar vermenin duyguları işlevsel olarak düzenleyememe ile yakından ilişkili olduğu bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı; duygu düzenleme psiko-eğitim programının ergenlerde kendine zarar verme davranışı ve duygu düzenleme stratejileri üzerindeki etkililiğini sınamaktır. Bu araştırma 2X2'lik (deney ve kontrol x ön test-son test) yarı deneysel modele dayalıdır. Bu araştırma 2021-2022 eğitim öğretim yılında Şanlıurfa ilinde bir meslek lisesinde okuyan 204 öğrenci ile yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmada Ergenler İçin Duygu Düzenleme Ölçeği ve Kendine Zarar Verme Envanteri kullanılmıştır. Çalışmaya 12'si deney 12'si kontrol grubunda olmak üzere toplam 24 kişi katılmıştır. Deney ve kontrol grubunun ön test ölçümleri alındıktan sonra deney grubu üyelerine araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen, duygu odaklı terapi ve diyalektik davranışçı terapi temelli sekiz oturumluk Duygu Düzenleme Psiko-eğitim programı uygulanmıştır. Kontrol grubuna herhangi bir işlem yapılmamıştır. Duygu Düzenleme Psikoeğitim programı tamamlandıktan bir hafta sonra deney ve kontrol grubunun son test ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Psiko-eğitim programının etkililiği karışık desenler için çift yönlü ANOVA ile test edilmiştir. Analizler sonucunda uygulanan psiko-eğitim programına katılan deney grubunun kendine zarar verme ve içsel işlevsel olmayan duygu düzenleme puan ortalamalarının kontrol grubuna göre manidar düzeyde azaldığı görülmüştür. Elde edilen bulgular Duygu Düzenleme Psiko-eğitim programının kendine zarar verme ve içsel işlevsel olmayan duygu düzenleme stratejileri üzerinde etkili olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. ABSTRACT: Self-injury is among the most common risk factors in adolescence, and it is known that self- injury is closely associated with not being able to regulate emotions functionally. The aim of this study; To test the effectiveness of the emotion regulation psychoeducational program on self- injury behavior and emotion regulation strategies in adolescents. This research is based on a 2X2 (experiment and control x pretest-posttest) quasi-experimental model. This research was conducted with 204 students studying at a vocational high school in Şanlıurfa in the 2021-2022 academic year. Emotion Regulation Scale for Adolescents and Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury were used as data collection tools in the study. A total of 24 people, 12 in the experimental group and 12 in the control group, participated in the study. After the pre-test measurements of the experimental and control groups were taken, an eight-session Emotion Regulation Psychoeducation program based on emotion-focused therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, developed by the researchers, was applied to the members of the experimental group. No action was taken in the control group. One week after the Emotion Regulation Psychoeducation program was completed, post-test measurements of the experimental and control groups were made. The effectiveness of the psychoeducational program was tested with a two-way ANOVA for mixed designs. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that the mean scores of self-injury and internal dysfunctional emotion regulation of the experimental group participating in the psycho-education program were significantly lower than the control group. The findings reveal that the Emotion Regulation Psychoeducation program is effective on self-injury and internal dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies

Corpus callosum in schizophrenia with deficit and non-deficit syndrome: a statistical shape analysis

Background The corpus callosum (CC) is the most targeted region in the cerebrum that integrates cognitive data between homologous areas in the right and left hemispheres. Aims Our study used statistical analysis to determine whether there was a correlation between shape changes in the CC in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) (deficit syndrome (DS) and non-deficit syndrome (NDS)) and healthy control (HC) subjects. Methods This study consisted of 27 HC subjects and 50 schizophrenic patients (20 with DS and 30 with NDS). 3 patients with DS and 4 patients with NDS were excluded. Three-dimensional, sagittal, T1-spoiled, gradient-echo imaging was used. Standard anatomical landmarks were selected and marked on each image using specific software. Results As to comparing the Procrustes mean shapes of the CC, statistically significant differences were observed between HC and SZ (DS+NDS) (p=0.017, James's F-j=73.732), HC and DS (p<0.001, James's F-j=140.843), HC and NDS (p=0.006, James's F-j=89.178) and also DS and NDS (p<0.001, James's F-j=152.967). Shape variability in the form of CC was 0.131, 0.085, 0.082 and 0.086 in the HC, SZ (DS+NDS), DS and NDS groups, respectively. Conclusions This study reveals callosal shape variations in patients with SZ and their DS and NDS subgroups that take into account the CC's topographic distribution

Evaluation of the clinical efficiency of transforaminal epidural steroid injection in the treatment of sciatica

Objective: Evaluation of clinical efficiancy of fluoroscopy-accompanied transforaminal epidural steroid injection in patients with symptomatic lumbar foraminal intervertebral disc herniation and foraminal stenosis. Methods: Fifty patients, who underwent fluoroscopic-guided epidural steroid injection between 19.12.2013 - 28.02.2014, were evaluated retrospectively. Pain levels of patients before the procedure, after 3 weeks and after 6 months were compared using visuel analog scale (VAS). Fifty percent or more decrease, less than 50% decrease and no change in VAS were evaluated as sufficient response, insufficient response and unresponsiveness, respectively. The patients were asked whether they would undergo this process again and “Yes”, “Maybe” and “No” answers were evaluated for patient satisfaction score. Results: In 50 patients (32 female, 18 male), average pain levels were found to be 8.4 (VAS 7-9), 4.3 (VAS 1-9) and 4.4 (VAS 0-9) before the procedure, 3 weeks after the procedure and 6 months after the procedure, respectively. While thirty-seven (74%) of the patients were found to have sufficient response to treatment 3 weeks after the procedure, 10 (20%) patients were found to have insufficient response. There was no response to treatment in 3 (6%) patients. While thirty-five (70%) of the patients were found to have sufficient response to treatment 6 months after the procedure, 10 (20%) patients were found to have insufficient response. Six months after the procedure, there was no response to treatment in 5 patients (%10). Statistically significant improvement was observed when the pre and post-procedure VAS scores were compared. Forty (80%) patients gave the answer “Yes” to the question whether they would undergo this procedure again. Conclusion: We found that fluoroscopic guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection is effective in pain relief in patients with lumbar foraminal intervertebral disc herniation and foraminal stenosis that are resistant to pharmacological and physical therapy and have no absolute indication for surgery

Wyniki leczenia uszkodzenia nerwu strzałkowego na wysokości kolana: doświadczenie oddziału szpitala wo¡skowego

Background and purpose We investigated the management outcome of common peroneal nerve decompression at the knee level between the years 2005 and 2009. Material and methods Thirty consecutive patients with knee-level peroneal nerve injury who underwent decompression surgery and external neurolysis at our institution were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by electrophysiological studies and motor examination (Medical Research Council grading). Results Twenty-eight of the cases were male and 2 were female. Mean age was 31.1 for males and 57.5 for females. Physical activity during military training (overstretch/contusion) was the cause of nerve lesion in the majority of the patients (n = 28, 93%). Mean time interval between the diagnosis and the surgery was 5 months. Follow-up time ranged from 3 to 48 months (mean: 14 months). Twenty-nine of 30 (97%) patients recovered totally or near totally in foot/toe dorsiflexion. Conclusions Early decompression and neurolysis of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) at knee level after strenuous physical activity offers excellent functional recovery. Additionally, for knee-level CPN injuries, in order to minimize the postoperative scar, pain and delay in wound healing, we strictly advocate short ‘lazy S-shaped incision’ around the fibular head in supine position unlike the classical extensive opening up to the superior border of the popliteal fossa in prone position.Wstęp i cel pracy Autorzy ocenili wyniki chirurgicznego odbarczenia nerwu strzałkowego wspólnego na wysokości kolana, wykonywanego w latach 2005–2009. Materiał i metody Przedoperacyjnej i pooperacyjnej ocenie klinicznej (w skali Medical Research Council) oraz elektrofizjologicznej poddano 30 kolejnych pacjentów z uszkodzeniem nerwu strzałkowego na wysokości kolana, u których wykonano odbarczenie chirurgiczne z zewnętrzną neurolizą. Wyniki Wśród leczonych było 28 mężczyzn (średnia wieku: 31,1 roku) i dwie kobiety (średnia wieku: 57,5 roku). U zdecydowanej większości pacjentów (n = 28, 93%) przyczyną uszkodzenia nerwu była aktywność fizyczna w czasie szkolenia wojskowego (nadmierne rozciągnięcie/stłuczenie). Średnia czasu od rozpoznania do operacji wyniosła 5 miesięcy. Obserwacja po zabiegu trwała od 3 do 48 miesięcy (średnia: 14 miesięcy). U 29 na 30 chorych (97%) uzyskano pełny lub prawie pełny powrót zgięcia grzbietowego stopy/palców. Wnioski Wczesne chirurgiczne odbarczenie i neuroliza nerwu strzałkowego wspólnego na wysokości kolana w leczeniu urazu powstałego wskutek nadmiernej aktywności fizycznej daje możliwość znakomitej poprawy czynnościowej. Ponadto w przypadku uszkodzeń nerwu strzałkowego wspólnego na wysokości kolana w celu zminimalizowania blizny pooperacyjnej, nasilenia bólu i opóźnienia w gojeniu się rany pooperacyjnej autorzy usilnie zalecają krótkie cięcie w kształcie wydłużonej litery „S” wokół głowy strzałki u chorego w pozycji leżącej na plecach zamiast klasycznego otwarcia aż do górnej granicy dołu podkolanowego w pozycji leżącej na brzuchu

Expanding the clinical and immunological phenotypes of PAX1-deficient SCID and CID patients

Paired box 1 (PAX1) deficiency has been reported in a small number of patients diagnosed with otofaciocervical syndrome type 2 (OFCS2). We described six new patients who demonstrated variable clinical penetrance. Reduced transcriptional activity of pathogenic variants confirmed partial or complete PAX1 deficiency. Thymic aplasia and hypoplasia were associated with impaired T cell immunity. Corrective treatment was required in 4/6 patients. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation resulted in poor immune reconstitution with absent naïve T cells, contrasting with the superior recovery of T cell immunity after thymus transplantation. Normal ex vivo differentiation of PAX1-deficient CD34+ cells into mature T cells demonstrated the absence of a hematopoietic cell-intrinsic defect. New overlapping features with DiGeorge syndrome included primary hypoparathyroidism (n = 5) and congenital heart defects (n = 2), in line with PAX1 expression during early embryogenesis. Our results highlight new features of PAX1 deficiency, which are relevant to improving early diagnosis and identifying patients requiring corrective treatment

Search for a low-mass pseudoscalar Higgs boson produced in association with a bb⁻ pair in pp collisions at √s=8 TeV

A search is reported for a light pseudoscalar Higgs boson decaying to a pair of tau leptons, produced in association with a b (b) over bar pair, in the context of two-Higgs-doublet models. The results are based on pp collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb(-1). Pseudoscalar boson masses between 25 and 80 GeV are probed. No evidence for a pseudoscalar boson is found and upper limits are set on the product of cross section and branching fraction to tau pairs between 7 and 39 pb at the 95% confidence level. This excludes pseudoscalar A bosons with masses between 25 and 80 GeV, with SM-like Higgs boson negative couplings to down-type fermions, produced in association with bb pairs, in Type II, two-Higgs-doublet models. (C) 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommonnorg/licensesiby/4.01)

Observation of top quark pairs produced in association with a vector boson in pp collisions at s=8 √s=8TeV

Measurements of the cross sections for top quark pairs produced in association with a W or Z boson are presented, using 8 TeV pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.5 fb −1 , collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. Final states are selected in which the associated W boson decays to a charged lepton and a neutrino or the Z boson decays to two charged leptons. Signal events are identified by matching reconstructed objects in the detector to specific final state particles from t t ¯ W tt¯W or t t ¯ Z tt¯Z decays. The t t ¯ W tt¯W cross section is measured to be 382 − 102 + 117 fb with a significance of 4.8 standard deviations from the background-only hypothesis. The t t ¯ Z tt¯Z cross section is measured to be 242 − 55 + 65 fb with a significance of 6.4 standard deviations from the background-only hypothesis. These measurements are used to set bounds on five anomalous dimension-six operators that would affect the t t ¯ W tt¯W and t t ¯ Z tt¯Z cross sections