Treatment of an amniotic band syndrome with fetoscopic surgery: A case report

Objective: This study aimed to present an amniotic band syndrome case who underwent intrauterine fetoscopic surgery. Case: On ultrasound examination, edema was detected at the distal of the right upper extremity. The constrictive amniotic band tangling around the extremity at the upper part of the right elbow and around the umbilical cord was detected during the fetoscopic examination. The amniotic band was released by using endoscopic scissors and grasper. It was observed that the right hand was at the flexion position and was able to return to the neutral position on neonatal examination. Conclusion: Releasing amniotic band with fetoscopic surgery in amniotic band syndrome cases is an efficient method to prevent progressive destruction in the extremities and the procedure-related complications seem to be acceptable

Laterality Does Not Affect the Depth Perception, but Interpupillary Distance

In this study, which investigates the relationship between the levels of stereopsis with eye and hand dominance or interpupillary distance, 120 healthy young volunteers were investigated. Eye dominance was determined by modified Miles technique following a complete eye examination. Handedness was assessed with the Edinburgh handedness inventory. Interpupillary distance was measured with millimetric ruler. Stereoacuity was measured in both contour (Titmus test) and random dot (TNO test) stereograms. The stereopsis scores were evaluated in terms of hand or eye dominance. The correlation between stereopsis score and interpupillary distance was assessed. Main outcome measures were stereopsis scores according to hand and eye dominance. As a result, right- and left-handed individuals showed no differences in terms of stereopsis. No differences were found in stereopsis scores between right- and left-eye dominant people. There was a correlation between interpupillary distance and the depth of stereopsis (r=-0.248,P<0.05). Contrary to the expectation, the left and right dominant individuals did not differ in levels of stereopsis. Interpupillary distance has a positive effect on stereopsis

Collagen cross-linking therapy in patients with keratoconus

Keratoconus affecting young population is a progressiveeye disease. This disease may remain silent untilcomplain of visual impairment is appeared. By using thehigh-quality imaging techniques disease now can be diagnosedearlier. The goal of keratoconus treatment is toimprove visual acuity and to prevent the progression ofthe disease. Although the previous treatment methods initiallyprovided slightly improvement of visual acuity, couldnot prevent keratoconus progression. However, collagencross-link (CCL) treatment both halts the progression ofthe disease and provides an increased vision. Since theside effect of the treatment is less and implementation iseasier, CCL provides an important advantage for thesepatients and this technique becomes common day by day.Key words: Keratoconus, cross-linking, cornea

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin serum level: A potential noninvasive biomarker of endometriosis?

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL, also known as lipocalin-2) is an acute-phase protein expressed in many tissues and plays a role in cell proliferation, regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate serum NGAL levels and endometrioma tissue expression in women with endometriosis. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital. The endometrioma group included 36 women who underwent ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma, which was compared with a control group (n = 36) of women who underwent ovarian cystectomy due to benign persistent cysts (follicle cyst, theca lutein cyst, and serous cystadenoma). NGAL levels were analyzed using both serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis and immunohistochemical tissue staining. Serum C-reactive protein and CA-125 levels were also evaluated. NGAL serum levels were significantly higher in the endometrioma group than in the control group (P &lt; .05). C-reactive protein and CA-125 levels were also significantly higher in the endometrioma group (P &lt; .05) and were correlated with NGAL levels. Immunohistochemical staining for NGAL was also higher in the endometrioma group (P &lt; .001). NGAL may be considered a potential noninvasive biomarker of endometriosis

Clinical Study Comparison of Wide Conjunctival Flap and Conjunctival Autografting Techniques in Pterygium Surgery

Pterygium is an abnormal fibrovascular tissue extending on the cornea which is a degenerative and hyperplastic disorder. A stromal overgrowth of fibroblast and blood vessels is accompanied by an inflammatory cell infiltrate and abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation. The surgical excision is the main treatment method of pterygium, but recurrence is the most common postoperative complication. In the present study, we aimed to compare the wide conjunctival flap and the conjunctival autografting techniques in pterygium surgery according to time of operation, safety, and effectiveness. Results showed that the effect of wide conjunctival flap techniques on primary pterygium surgery was found close to the conjunctival autograft techniques. In addition, the flap technique has a shorter surgical time, the surgery does not require extreme experience, feeding of the flap is provided with own vessels since the vascular structure is protected on the upper temporal conjunctival area, reverse placement of the flap is not seen, it needs fewer sutures, so that suture disturbances may reduce, and it is less traumatic than autograft technique during conjunctival transport. Therefore, this technique may be preferred in suitable cases

Evaluating National Innovation System of Malaysia Based on University-industry Research Collaboration: A System Thinking Approach

National innovation system (NIS) is an essential, effective and dynamic factor for the development of the nation. Despite the enormous research activities on NIS, there have been certain issues still remaining in this domain specially, in developing countries. Several articles have been published to deal with the factors affecting NIS of Malaysia but the role of research collaboration between university and industry (UIRC) on NIS is totally unattended in mainstream literature. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the influence of UIRC on the NIS of Malaysia. Additionally, this study aims to indicate the current innovation performance and to identify the existing constraints of NIS. For the purpose of system modeling, system thinking approach is used to conceptualize and analyze the effect of UIRC on NIS. The result of this research shows that constraints of UIRC in Malaysia negatively influence on the success of NIS

A Modern Strategy for the Development of Academic Staff Based on University-Industry Knowledge Transfer Effectiveness & Collaborative Research

University and industry has substantially contributed to enhancing the quality of life. As a result, trans-disciplinary scientific communities have come to play a vital role to produce new knowledge with effective applications for rapid technological change and innovation to be a competitive globally. For this purpose study provide a framework for the development of academic staff of higher education. We used University-Industry collaboration as the channel to develop and encourage teachers, doctors, professors and researchers with the help of research relationship. The paper contributes to the literature on university-industry interactions to improve applied knowledge, skills and practices of academic staff and enhancement on technology innovation and commercialization. Secondly, our aim to provide an efficient mechanism of knowledge transfer effectiveness (KTE) and collaborative research (CR) those are available to transfer and share knowledge and information from university to industry effectively and to eliminate major obstacles of knowledge transfer by using productive knowledge transfer indicators (KTIs). Research findings indicates the question is, how the process of university-industry interaction will be managed at different stages for the success of knowledge transfer and how knowledge gap is reduced through effective interactions. By adopting this framework any university or industry can easily cross the threshold in the grown-up academic and research collaborational community

Cryptosporidium spp. in Dogs - Prevalence and Genotype Distribution

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. The disease can cause acute and chronic diarrhoea and even death in both humans and animals. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of Cryptosporidiosis in shelter dogs in Diyarbakır province located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The animal material of the study consisted of 100 dogs of different breeds and sexes. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum with disposable latex gloves and placed in individual sample containers.  All of the samples were examined for Cryptosporidium  spp. by Kinyoun Acid Fast and Nested PCR methods. In the Kinyoun Acid Fast staining method, firstly, smear preparations were prepared from fresh faecal samples, fixed in pure methanol for 1 min and allowed to dry. The slides were kept in Kinyoun Carbol-Fuxin for 5 min, dipped in 50% ethyl alcohol, shaken, washed in tap water, kept in 1% sulphuric acid for 2 min and washed in tap water.  The slides were kept in methylene blue for 1 min, washed in tap water and allowed to dry. After drying, immersion oil was dripped and examined under a microscope at 100 magnification. DNA extraction was performed from all samples using GeneMATRIX Stool DNA Purification Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol. After Nested PCR analysis was performed. In the PCR step, primers 5'-TTCTAGAGCTAATACATGCG-3' and 5'- CCCATTTCCTTCCTTCGAAACAGGA-3' were used to amplify the 1325 bp gene region. In the nested PCR step, primers 5'- GGAAGGGTTGTATTTATTTATTAGATAAAG-3' and 5'-AAGGAGTAAGGAACAACCTCCA-3' were used to amplify the 826-864 bp gene region. As a result of both methods, a prevalence of 3% was determined. The infection rate was higher in males (3.57%) than females (2.27%) and in younger than 1 year (5.56%) than in older than 1 year (1.56%). The DNA sequences obtained from the sequence analysis of 3 positive PCR samples were analysed in BioEdit software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the data set created by using the 18s rRNA gene sequences obtained from the NCBI genbank database and the DNA sequences obtained as a result of the study, and it was shown which Cryptosporidium species the study samples were related to. Today, many Cryptosporidium species have been identified and most of these species have host adaptation. Although C. canis is the most common species in dogs, C. muris, C. meleagridis, and C. parvum have also been detected. Among these species, C. parvum is recognized as a zoonotic species infecting a wide range of mammals. In this study, DNA sequencing of nested PCR positive samples revealed that 3 samples were zoonotic C. parvum. Discussion: This suggests that dogs may be a reservoir for zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium.  Consequently, it is recommended that people should be informed about the potential for transmission of this protozoan to humans and animals and that control programmes should be implemented, including the prevention of free entry of stray dogs into public places and homes. Keywords: Cryptosporidium  parvum, molecular analysis, canine, Diyarbakır, Turkey

Blended system thinking approach to strengthen the education and training in university-industry research collaboration

University-industry research collaboration (UIRC) is a major source for research and innovations and economic growth. Despite the extensive evidence on the importance of such collaboration in developed and developing countries, the literature related to strengthen such collaboration along with its innovation performance is still scarce. Scholars believed that the impact of education and training on researchers haa a vigorous influence on research and innovations. Moreover, to enhance the competencies of education and training on researchers, it is mandatory to refurbish education and skills system in conjunction with technological infrastructure system along with their reinforcing factors i.e. knowledge sharing and research and development cooperation, respectively. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of education and skills and technological infrastructure system along with their corresponding reinforcing factors in the blended system thinking method to strengthen education and training. Evidence from UIRC in Malaysia provides empirical corroboration that the role of education and skills system and technological infrastructure system along with their reinforcing factors have a positive influence on education and training. Thus, the findings of this research suggest that intensifying the quality of education and skills system and technological infrastructure system with the reinforcing effect can enhance the effectiveness of education and training