Plasma YKL-40 Elevation on Admission and Follow-Up Is Associated with Diastolic Dysfunction and Mortality in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective. The aim of the study was to determine an association between the plasma YKL-40 level and echocardiographic left ventricle systolic and diastolic function parameters in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Subjects and Methods. The study included 46 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Serum brain natriuretic protein (BNP) and YKL-40 levels were analyzed on admission and after one month. Left ventricle systolic and diastolic functions and Tei index were computed by transthoracic echocardiography. Results. Plasma YKL-40 was significantly higher in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (101.7 μg/L versus 34 μg/L, resp., p<0.001) and remained higher than in healthy subjects after one month. The levels of YKL-40 on admission were correlated with log BNP on admission (r=0.41,p=0.004), Tei index (r=0.44,p=0.002), left atrium volume index (r=0.32,p=0.02), and mitral septal annular E/e′ (r=0.44,p=0.003). Death was more frequently observed in patients with plasma YKL-40 above the median value than in those with plasma YKL-40 below the median value (p=0.001; OR = 13.6 (2.5–72.3)). Conclusion. YKL-40 elevations in patients with AMI remain at least one month and are associated with serum BNP elevations, diastolic dysfunction, and long-term increased overall mortality. It has prognostic importance in patients with AMI

Fundamental Elements of Drone Management Systems in Air Traffic Planning

Drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAS – UnmannedAerial Systems) are vehicles that can fly without the need for a pilot or passengers. Drones can be controlled remotely through radio waves or independently (with a previously determined route). The amount of documented accidents involving the hazardous use of drones has risensignificantly due to the increased usage of drones. To perform and increase the use of drones in air traffic management (ATM), especially in smart city planning, a variety of regulations andmanagement procedures will be implemented. This paper aims to propose management rules or regulations for drones in smart city transportation management and some approaches related to drone management and drone control. To present controlling approaches through the parameters in mathematical modelling for drones, we need a control rule, data gathering from the surroundings (usage of GIS), and a dynamic model of drones, and to present controlling and managing it with the help of a drone-following model based on a dynamic model of drones

Three Neuroacanthocytosis Cases Representing Different Psychiatric Aspects

WOS: 000285883500019The definition of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes is used to describe a group of diseases, which is characterized by acanthocytosis and neurological abnormalities. Neuroacanthocytosis syndromes are progressive, degenerative and genetically heterogeneous diseases that generally begin at the 3rd or 4(th) decade of life. Age at onset, clinical and laboratory findings, family history, neurological and systemic involvement, and treatment options differ according to the subtypes. The treatment of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes is totally symptomatic and pharmacotherapy and surgery are used. In the literature, half of the neuroacanthocytosis cases are accompanied by vague psychiatric symptoms as beginning signs or full-blown psychiatric symptoms during the course of the disease. In this case series, we present three patients who displayed different psychiatric aspects in a short period of 6 months and were diagnosed with neuroacanthocytosis after thorough investigations in our psychiatry clinic. Common features and differential characteristics of the cases are discussed in the light of relevant literature. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2010; 47: 356-9

An observational, prospective, multicenter study on rescue high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in neonates failing with conventional ventilation

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Incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in Turkey

Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the current incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the need for treatment in preterm infants in Turkey. Methods: The study included preterm infants who had been screened for ROP between 2011 and 2013 in 49 neonatal intensive care units. Infants with birth weight (BW) ≤1500 g or ≤32 weeks' gestational age and those with BW >1500 g or >32 weeks' GA with an unstable clinical course were included. The incidence of any ROP or severe ROP and treatment modalities were determined. Results: The study population included 15 745 preterm infants: 11 803 (75%) with GA ≤32 weeks, and 3942 (25%) with GA >32 weeks. Overall, 30% were found to have any stage of ROP, and 5% had severe ROP. Severe ROP was diagnosed in 8.2% of infants with BW ≤1500 g and 0.6% of infants with BW >1500 g. Of all infants diagnosed with ROP, 16.5% needed laser photocoagulation, and 20 patients born at >32 weeks' GA required this treatment modality. Vitroretinal surgery was performed in 28 infants with severe ROP: 23 with GA ≤28 weeks and 5 with GA 29-32 weeks. Conclusions: The findings of our study have the important implication that more mature babies are at risk of severe ROP requiring treatment. An effective programme for detecting and treating ROP should be established in Turkey