THE VALIDATION OF THE PEDIATRIC INCONTINENCE QUESTIONNAIRE (PINQ): A QUALITY OF LIFE MEASUREMENT SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN WITH BLADDER DISFUNCTION IN TURKEY

WOS: 000443998400156

A GIS-based novel active monitoring system for fiber networks

In this study, a geographic information system (GIS)-based novel fiber network monitoring system has been developed to improve the operation and maintenance of fiber optic networks (FONs). The main aim of the developed system is to provide the required capabilities for both detailed digital modeling and central monitoring of FONs. The system can perform scheduled measurements and dispatch alarms if any fault or degradation is detected in the concerned FON. It also indicates the alarm locations on a map as a considerable contribution to decreasing mean time to repair. The developed monitoring system has more security features than others

Comparison of electrophysiological characteristics of right- and left-sided Mahaim-type accessory pathways

Aims: Mahaim-type accessory pathways (MAPs) are generally right-sided due to the embryological differentiation, but left-sided localization is also possible. This study aims to compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of right- and left-sided MAPs

Artykuł oryginalnyZwiązek pomiędzy aktywnością paraoksonazy a późną niedrożnością pomostów żylnych u chorych poddawanych chirurgicznej rewaskularyzacji wieńcowej

Background: Coronary vein graft disease is an important contributor to the morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Late occlusion of the graft is a serious complication that limits the use of the saphenous vein as a coronary bypass conduit. It is frequently encountered in old, degenerated vein grafts with advanced atherosclerotic plaque formation. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an HDL-bound enzyme which has anti-atherogenic properties and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative modification. Aim: To examine the association between PON-1 activity and late saphenous vein graft occlusion. Methods: Thirty-eight patients who had at least one occluded saphenous vein graft (group 1; 12 females, 26 males) and 41 patients who had a patent saphenous vein graft (group 2; 7 females, 34 males) were enrolled in this study. Paraoxonase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Results: The mean PON-1 activity in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2 (74.1 ± 52.1 vs. 114.4 ± 90.9 U/l, p = 0.02). The mean platelet volume was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (8.8 ± 1.6 vs. 8.2 ± 1.1 fl, p = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only PON-1 activity (beta = 0.011, p = 0.042) was an independent predictor of late occlusion of a saphenous vein graft. Conclusions: Our results show that PON-1 activity is lower in patients with late saphenous vein graft occlusion. Reduced PON-1 activity may lead to acceleration of saphenous vein graft occlusion.Wstęp: Zwężenie żylnego pomostu aortalno-wieńcowego jest istotnym powikłaniem chirurgicznej rewaskularyzacji wieńcowej (CABG). Późne zamknięcie pomostu jest poważnym powikłaniem, ograniczającym szerokie stosowanie żylnych pomostów u wszystkich chorych. Najczęściej dochodzi do niego w żylnych pomostach wszczepionych wiele lat temu, w których rozwijają się blaszki miażdżycowe. Paraoksonaza 1 (PON-1) jest enzymem wiążącym HDL, który działa przeciwmiażdżycowo, ochraniając LDL-cholesterol przed utlenianiem. Cel: Zbadanie związku pomiędzy aktywnością PON-1 a późnym zamknięciem pomostu żylnego. Metody: Do badania włączono 38 chorych z co najmniej jednym zamkniętym pomostem żylnym (grupa 1 – 12 kobiet, 26 mężczyzn) i 41 chorych z drożnym pomostem żylnym (grupa 2 – 7 kobiet, 34 mężczyzn). Aktywność PON-1 mierzono metodą spektrofotometryczną. Wyniki: Średnia aktywność PON-1 w grupie 1 była istotnie niższa niż w grupie 2 (74,1 ± 52,1 vs 114,4 ± 90,9 U/l, p = 0,02), natomiast średnia objętość płytek krwi była istotnie wyższa w grupie 1 niż 2 (8,8 ± 1,6 vs 8,2 ± 1,1 fl, p = 0,04). Wieloczynnikowa analiza regresji wykazała, że aktywność PON-1 była jedynym niezależnym czynnikiem związanym z późnym zamknięciem żylnego pomostu aortalno- -wieńcowego (b = 0,011, p = 0,042). Wnioski: Aktywność PON-1 jest mniejsza u chorych z zamkniętym pomostem żylnym, co może wskazywać, że zmniejszona aktywność tego enzymu przyspiesza zamknięcie żylnych pomostów aortalno-wieńcowych

Evaluation of metallothionein-1, metallothionein-2, lipid peroxidation and trace elements status in the progression of the spontaneous mitral chordae tendineae rupture patients

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether copper, zinc and iron levels and copper/zinc, iron/zinc, iron/copper ratios in serum and erythrocytes are associated with lipid oxidation levels, metallothionein-1 (MT-1), and metallothionein-2 (MT-2) levels in plasma in the context of pathogenesis of the mitral chordae tendineae rupture (MCTR). Methods: 65 subjects who were identical in demographic characteristics' were selected for the study; 33 with MCTR patients, and 32 healthy control subjects. The levels of MT-1, MT-2, and malondialdehyde as measure of lipid oxidation, and trace elements were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, spectrophotometric method, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, respectively. Results: Serum zinc levels were found to be lower in the patients' group when compared to control group. The copper and iron levels in serum, MT-1, MT-2; malondialdehyde levels in plasma, iron and malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes; serum copper/zinc and iron/zinc ratios were found to be higher in the patients' group when compared to controls. Conclusions: We conclude that the changes of oxidant antioxidant system balance and trace element status may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of MCTR