Abstract Objective It was aimed to compare visceral adiposity index (VAI) levels in patients with normal bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Methods One hundred twenty postmenopausal women (40 with normal BMD, 40 with osteopenia, and 40 with osteoporosis) between the ages of 50 to 70 years were included in the study. For females, the VAI was calculated using the formula (waist circumference [WC]/[36.58 + (1.89 x body mass index (BMI))]) x (1.52/High-density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol [mmol/L]) x (triglyceride [TG]/0.81 [mmol/L]). Results The time of menopause from the beginning was similar in all groups. Waist circumference was found to be higher in those with normal BMD than in the osteopenic and osteoporotic groups (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001, respectively), and it was also higher in the osteopenic group than in the osteoporotic group (p = 0.003). Height and body weight, BMI, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were similar in all groups. Triglyceride levels were found to be higher in the normal BMD group, compared with the osteoporotic group (p = 0.005). The level of VAI was detected as higher in those with normal BMD, compared with the women with osteoporosis (p = 0.002). Additionally, the correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) spine T-scores, WC, VAI, and a negative correlation between DXA spine T-scores and age. Conclusion In our study, we found higher VAI levels in those with normal BMD, compared with women with osteoporosis. We consider that further studies with a larger sample size will be beneficial in elucidating the entity.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo foi comparar os níveis de índice de adiposidade visceral (IVA) em pacientes com densidade mineral óssea (DMO) normal osteopenia e osteoporose. Métodos Cento e vinte mulheres na pós-menopausa (40 com DMO normal 40 com osteopenia e 40 com osteoporose) com idades entre 50 e 70 anos foram incluídas no estudo. Para o sexo feminino o VAI foi calculado pela fórmula (circunferência da cintura [CC]/[36 58 + (1 89 x índice de massa corporal (IMC))]) x (1 52/lipoproteína de alta densidade [HDL]-colesterol [mmol/L]) x (triglicerídeo [TG]/0 81 [mmol/L]). Resultados O tempo de menopausa desde o início foi semelhante em todos os grupos. A circunferência da cintura foi maior naqueles com DMO normal do que nos grupos osteopênicos e osteoporóticos (p = 0 018 e p < 0 001 respectivamente) e também foi maior no grupo osteopênico do que no grupo osteoporótico (p = 0 003) . Altura e peso corporal IMC pressão arterial insulina glicose HDL-colesterol e os níveis de avaliação do modelo de homeostase-resistência à insulina (HOMA-IR) foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. Os níveis de triglicerídeos foram maiores no grupo DMO normal em comparação com o grupo osteoporótico (p = 0 005). O nível de VAI foi detectado como maior naquelas com DMO normal em comparação com as mulheres com osteoporose (p = 0 002). Além disso a análise de correlação mostrou uma correlação positiva entre a absorciometria de raios-X de dupla energia (DXA) nas pontuações T da coluna CC VAI e uma correlação negativa entre as pontuações T da coluna DXA e a idade. Conclusão Em nosso estudo encontramos níveis mais elevados de VAI naquelas com DMO normal em comparação com mulheres com osteoporose. Consideramos que novos estudos com maior tamanho amostral serão benéficos na elucidação da entidade.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: According to recent studies, the rate of atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacing in patients following transcatheter aortic valve implantation varied between 5.7% and 42.5%. Fragmented QRS is a useful marker of myocardial scar and can predict adverse cardiac events. In this study, we examined association between f ragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances and the need for permanent pacing in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined association between fragmented QRS and postprocedural rhythm disturbances and the need for permanent pacing in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation’ sentence is enough for it. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed standard 12-lead electrocardiographic recordings of 124 consecutive patients in whom a CoreValve prosthesis was implanted. We examined 12-lead electrocardiogram before and after procedure along with one- and six-month follow-up. We documented QRS fragmentation and postprocedural rhythm disturbances. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the frequency of left bundle branch block, (21.1 versus 0%, p<0.05) and the incidence of atrioventricular blocks requiring permanent pacing (21.1 versus 0%, p<0.05) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients whose preprocedural electrocardiogram recordings revealed fragmented QRS compared to those without fragmented QRS. Based our collected data, the presence of QRS fragmentation in anterior derivations was the only independent factor associated with postprocedural rhythm disturbances (B-value 0.217; OR 0.805; 95%CI 0.136–4.78; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Our data showed an increased risk for the development of new-onset left bundle branch block and atrioventricular blocks following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients whose baseline electrocardiogram recordings demonstrated QRS fragmentation.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a well-established treatment modality for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Syntax II Score has been established as novel scoring system with better prediction of postprocedural outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score for predicting late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: The records of 1,875 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG with at least one SVG were investigated. Those who underwent coronary angiography and SVGs angiography at least 1 year after the CABG were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of SVG failure. For each group, predictors of late SVG failure and subsequent clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: According to this study, the presence of hypertension, higher rates of repeat revascularization, and higher SYNTAX II Scores were found to be independent predictors of late SVG failure. In addition, the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score was found to be significantly higher than anatomical SYNTAX Score in terms of predicting late SVG failure and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong association between SYNTAX II Score and late SVG failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Abstract Chronic inflammation is a common indication of several diseases, e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis, etc. Benzimidazole derivatives are preferable compounds to design new analgesic and anti-inflammatory substances due to their unique biological features. We aimed to investigate the effect of a newly synthesized benzimidazole derivative, ORT-83, on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. ORT-83 was synthesized, and a non-cytotoxic concentration of ORT-83 on A549 cells was detected with MTT assay. To analyze the anti-inflammatory effect of ORT-83, an inflammatory cell culture model was established by stimulating A549 cell line with IL1-β (10 ng/ml). After 2 hours of treatment with IL1-β to induce inflammation, A549 cells were exposed to ORT-83 (0.78 µg/ml) for 24 hours. Thereafter gene expression analyses were performed with qRT-PCR. We found that ORT-83 significantly suppressed the gene expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines; IL-6, NFkB, and TNF-α. However, the increased levels of IL-10 (2.8 folds) by IL-1β induction did not change after ORT-83 and/or dexamethasone (Dex: positive control) treatments. While Dex; a COX-2 inhibitor, reduced the COX-2 expression level in inflammatory cells from 10.03 folds to 0.71 folds, ORT-83 reduced its level to 4.37 folds. iNOS expression levels did not change in any experimental groups. In conclusion, we showed that ORT-83 exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by repressing the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the inflammation-induced A549 cell line. Although ORT-83 had a weaker COX-2 inhibitory effect compared to Dex, it was shown to be still a strong anti-inflammatory compound.

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-betalacatamase (MBL) and AmpC beta-lactamase enzymes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa) strains which were isolated from clinical samples were investigated. AmpC gene was also detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Methods: A hundred strains of P aeruginosa were included in the study. The presence of ESBL was investigated with combined disk confirmation test, MBL was investigated with E-test method and AmpC beta-lactamase was investigated with disk induction test. In order to detect the production of AmpC betalactamase genotypically, the PCR method was used. Results: Only one strain was found to be MBL positive. Four per cent of strains were found to be ESBL positive. AmpC beta-lactamase production was positive in 73% of the strains with disk induction test. AmpC gene was detected in 96% of the studied strains with the PCR method. Conclusion: While ESBL and MBL rates in this study were significantly lower than those found in other studies, the rate of AmpC beta-lactamase was higher. Although AmpC gene was detected in some strains (23%), they were not found to produce AmpC beta-lactamase with disk induction test

RESUMEN Objetivos: En este estudio, se investigó la producción de enzimas beta-lactamasa de espectro extendido (BLEE), metalo-beta-lactamasa (MBL), y beta-lactamasa tipo AmpC de cepas de la Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa), que fueron aisladas en muestras clínicas. El gen AmpC también fue detectado mediante análisis de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP). Métodos: Un centenar de cepas de P aeruginosa se incluyeron en el estudio. La presencia de BLEE fue investigada y confirmada mediante la prueba de discos combinados. La MBL fue investigada mediante el método E-test, y la beta-lactamasa tipo AmpC fue investigada mediante la prueba de inducción de disco. Para detectar la producción de beta-lactamasa tipo AmpC genotípicamente, se utilizó el método RCP. Resultados: Sólo una cepa resultó ser MBL positiva. El cuatro por ciento de las cepas resultaron ser BLEE positivas. La producción de beta-lactamasa tipo AmpC fue positiva en el 73% de las cepas con la prueba de inducción de disco. El gen AmpC fue detectado en el 96% de las cepas estudiadas con el método RCP. Conclusión: Si bien las tasas de BLEE y MBL en este estudio fueron significativamente inferiores a las encontradas en otros estudios, la tasa de beta-lactamasa tipo AmpC fue más alta. Aunque se detectó el gen AmpC en algunas cepas (23%), no se encontró que estas produjeran beta-lactamasa tipo AmpC con la prueba de inducción de disco.

RESUMOObjetivo:Relatar e comparar as abordagens cirúrgicas e os resultados visuais e anatômicos no tratamento de lentes intraoculares (IOL) deslocadas.Métodos:Foram avaliados os registros médicos de 28 olhos de 28 pacientes. Idade, sexo, melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré e pós-operatória, abordagens cirúrgicas e complicações foram registrados.Resultados:Melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré e pós-operatória variou de conta dedos a 20/32 e de conta dedos a 20/25, respectivamente. Os deslocamentos tardios foram os mais frequentemente encontrados. A cirurgia mais frequente foi o reposicionamento da IOL em 15 dos 28 pacientes, em seguida, o troca da IOL em 11 pacientes, e a remoção da IOL em dois pacientes. Apenas um caso de necessitou de reintervenção devido à captura da IOL.Conclusões:A acuidade visual melhorou em ambas as abordagens, reposicionamento e troca de IOL. Não houve superioridade de um método sobre o outro. Na presente série de casos retrospectiva, o tratamento do deslocamento de IOL com reposição ou troca do implante primário gerou resultados cirúrgicos e visuais comparáveis.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To report and compare the surgical, visual, and anatomical outcomes following treatment of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs).Methods:The medical records of 28 eyes of 28 patients were evaluated. Age, gender, pre-and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical methods, and complications were recorded.Results:Pre-and postoperative BCVA ranged from counting fingers to 20/32 and from counting fingers to 20/25, respectively. Late-onset dislocations were the most frequently observed complication. The most frequent surgical method was IOL repositioning in 15 of 28 patients, followed by IOL exchange in 11 patients, and IOL removal in 2 patients. Only 1 patient required surgical re-intervention with IOL capture.Conclusions:Visual acuity improved following the use of either IOL repositioning or IOL exchange. No superiority of one method over the other was observed. In the present retrospective case series, management of dislocated IOLs with repositioning or exchange of the primary implant conferred comparable surgical and visual outcomes.

Background & aim: plasma amino acid levels may show differences in regard to physiological changes, diet and diseases. The aim of the study is to measure the amino acid levels in children with celiac disease and compare them with the controls. Material and methods: sixty-two children with classic celiac disease and 62 age and sex matched healthy control were enrolled in this study. Plasma amino acid levels of the children were measured by using tandem mass spectrometry. Results: celiac children had significant lower plasma levels of citrülline, glutamine and cystine than control (p<0.05). The alanine, asparagine, glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine and valine were significantly higher in celiac children than in controls (p<0.05). On the other hand there were no significant difference in levels of arginine, argininosuccinate, aspartic acid, glycine, homocysteine, hydroxylysine lysine, methionine, ornithine, tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine levels between celiac children and healthy controls (p>0.05). Conclusions: this study indicated that plasma amino acid levels can be variable in the celiac disease. Further studies with a large number size are needed whether plasma amino acids assays help to reflect of the intestinal mucosal damage and for following compatibility of gluten free diet in the celiac patients.

Antecedentes y objetivo: los niveles de aminoácidos en plasma pueden mostrar diferencias en lo que se refiere a los cambios fisiológicos, la dieta y las enfermedades. El objetivo del estudio es medir los niveles de aminoácidos en los niños con enfermedad celíaca y compararlos con los controles. Materiales y metodos: en este estudio se inscribieron 62 niños con enfermedad celíaca clásica emparejados por edad y sexo con 62 controles sanos. Los niveles de aminoácidos en plasma de los niños se midieron utilizando la espectrometría de masas. Resultados: los niños celíacos tenían niveles significativamente inferiores plasmáticos de citrulina, glutamina y cistina que el grupo control (p < 0,05). Alanina, asparagina, ácido glutámico, hidroxiprolina, isoleucina, leucina, fenilalanina, prolina, serina, treonina y valina fueron significativamente mayores en los niños celíacos que en los controles (p < 0,05). Por otro lado, no hubo ninguna diferencia significativa en los niveles de arginina, argininosuccinato, ácido aspártico, glicina, homocisteína, lisina, hidroxilisina, metionina, ornitina, triptófano, tirosina, histidina entre los niños celíacos y los controles sanos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: este estudio mostró que los niveles de aminoácidos en plasma pueden ser variables en la enfermedad celíaca. Se necesitan estudios con un tamaño mayor para conocer si los ensayos de aminoácidos en plasma ayudan a reflejar la lesión de la mucosa intestinal y para el seguimiento de la compatibilidad de la dieta libre de gluten en los pacientes celíacos.

OBJECTIVES: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients presenting persistent no-flow after wire insertion have a lower survival rate despite successful mechanical intervention. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has been associated with increased mortality and worse clinical outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio would also be associated with a persistent Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade of 0 after wire insertion in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: A total of 644 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 12 hours of symptom onset were included in our study. Blood samples were drawn immediately upon hospital admission. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade: Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0 after wire insertion, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 1-3 after wire insertion and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 1-3 at baseline. RESULTS: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in the group with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0 after wire insertion compared with the group with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 1-3 after wire insertion and the group with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 1-3 at baseline. The group with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0 after wire insertion also had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate. Persistent coronary no-flow after wire insertion was independently associated with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. CONCLUSIONS: An increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on admission is significantly associated with persistent coronary no-flow after wire insertion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Justificativa e objetivos: A traqueotomia percutânea tornou-se uma boa alternativa para os pacientes com previsão de intubação prolongada em unidades de terapia intensiva. Os benefícios mais importantes da traqueotomia são alta precoce da unidade de terapia intensiva e menos tempo de permanência no hospital. As complicações da intubação intratraqueal prolongada são: lesão da laringe, paralisia das pregas vocais, estenose glótica e subglótica, infecção e lesão traqueal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as potenciais vantagens da traqueotomia percutânea precoce versus traqueotomia percutânea tardia em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Traqueotomias percutâneas foram realizadas em 158 pacientes em unidade de terapia intensiva para adultos e analisadas retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos para traqueotomia precoce e tardia, de acordo com o tempo de intubação intratraqueal antes da traqueotomia percutânea. As traqueotomias consideradas precoces foram realizadas nos dias 0-7 de intubação intratraqueal e as tardias realizadas após o sétimo dia de intubação intratraqueal. Os pacientes com infecção no local da traqueotomia, intubação difícil ou potencialmente difícil, idade inferior a 18 anos, pressão positiva ao final da expiração acima de 10 cmH2O e aqueles com diátese hemorrágica ou contagem de plaquetas em 50.000 dL−1 foram excluídos do estudo. Os tempos de ventilação mecânica e internação em UTI foram registrados. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre os dados demográficos dos pacientes. Os tempos de ventilação mecânica e de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva do grupo traqueotomia precoce foram menores e a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Traqueotomia precoce reduz o tempo de ventilação mecânica e de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva. Portanto, sugerimos a traqueotomia precoce em pacientes com suspeita de intubação prolongada.

Background and objectives: Percutaneous tracheotomy has become a good alternative for patients thought to have prolonged intubation in intensive care units. The most important benefits of tracheotomy are early discharge of the patient from the intensive care unit and shortening of the time spent in the hospital. Prolonged endotracheal intubation has complications such as laryngeal damage, vocal cord paralysis, glottic and subglottic stenosis, infection and tracheal damage. The objective of our study was to evaluate potential advantages of early percutaneous tracheotomy over late percutaneous tracheotomy in intensive care unit. Methods: Percutaneous tracheotomies applied to 158 patients in adult intensive care unit have been analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as early and late tracheotomy according to their endotracheal intubation time before percutaneous tracheotomy. Tracheotomies at the 0–7th days of endotracheal intubation were grouped as early and after the 7th day of endotracheal intubation as late tracheotomies. Patients having infection at the site of tracheotomy, patients with difficult or potential difficult intubation, those under 18 years old, patients with positive end-expiratory pressure above 10 cmH2O and those with bleeding diathesis or platelet count under 50,000 dL−1 were not included in the study. Durations of mechanical ventilation and intensive care stay were noted. Results: There was no statistical difference among the demographic data of the patients. Mechanical ventilation time and time spent in intensive care unit in the group with early tracheotomy was shorter and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Early tracheotomy shortens mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit stay. For that reason we suggest early tracheotomy in patients thought to have prolonged intubation.

Introducción y objetivos: La traqueotomía percutánea se ha convertido en una buena alternativa para los pacientes con previsión de intubación prolongada en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Los beneficios más importantes de la traqueotomía son el alta precoz de la UCI y menos tiempo de permanencia en el hospital. Las complicaciones de la intubación endotraqueal prolongada son: lesión de la laringe, parálisis de las cuerdas vocales, estenosis glótica y subglótica, infección y lesión traqueal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las potenciales ventajas de la traqueotomía percutánea precoz versus traqueotomía percutánea tardía en la UCI. Métodos: Se realizaron traqueotomías percutáneas en 158 pacientes en la UCI para adultos, siendo analizadas retrospectivamente. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos para traqueotomía precoz y tardía, de acuerdo con el tiempo de intubación endotraqueal antes de la traqueotomía percutánea. Las traqueotomías consideradas precoces fueron realizadas en los días 0-7 de intubación endotraqueal, y las tardías, después del séptimo día de intubación endotraqueal. Los pacientes con infección en la región de la traqueotomía, intubación difícil o potencialmente difícil, con una edad inferior a 18 años, presión positiva al final de la espiración por encima de 10 cmH2O y los que tenían diátesis hemorrágica o conteo de plaquetas en 50.000 dl−1 fueron excluidos del estudio. Se registraron los tiempos de ventilación mecánica y de ingreso en la UCI. Resultados: No hubo diferencia estadística entre los datos demográficos de los pacientes. Los tiempos de ventilación mecánica y de ingreso en la UCI del grupo traqueotomía precoz fueron menores, y la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Conclusión: La traqueotomía precoz reduce el tiempo de ventilación mecánica y de ingreso en la UCI. Por tanto, sugerimos la traqueotomía precoz en pacientes con sospecha de intubación prolongada.

Justificativa e objetivos: a síndrome de Guillain-Barré é uma das causas mais comuns de polineuropatia aguda em adultos. Recentemente, a ocorrência após grandes e pequenas intervenções cirúrgicas tem sido cada vez mais debatida. Na Guillain-Barré, a síndrome da secreção inapropriada do hormônio antidiurético e a disautonomia são geralmente observadas após déficit motor máximo. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo masculino, 44 anos, submetido a colecistectomia videolaparoscópica para colecistite aguda. Após desenvolver uma forte dor de cabeça, náusea, diplopia e ataques de hipertensão no período pós-operatório imediato, uma tomografia computadorizada do cérebro revelou-se normal. Os exames laboratoriais revelaram hiponatremia associada à síndrome de secreção inadequada de hormônio antidiurético; os líquidos foram restritos e tratamento com furosemida e NaCl a 3% foi iniciado. No segundo dia pós-operatório, o paciente desenvolveu dormência que se propagava a partir das mãos e dos pés, perda de força, dificuldade para engolir e respirar. Suspeitou-se de síndrome de Guillain-Barré e o paciente foi transferido para a unidade de tratamento intensivo. Exame do líquido cefalorraquidiano revelou 320 mg/dL de proteína e neuropatia axonal sensório-motora aguda foi identificada por eletromiografia. Síndrome de Guillain-Barré foi diagnosticada e tratamento intravenoso com imunoglobuliva (0,4 g/kg/dia, cinco dias) foi iniciado. Após 10 dias na unidade de terapia intensiva, durante os quais os parâmetros respiratório, hemodinâmico, neurológicos e laboratoriais voltaram ao normal, o paciente foi transferido para o serviço de neurologia. Conclusões: nosso relato de caso indica que, embora a síndrome de secreção inapropriada do hormônio antidiurético e a disfunção autonômica raramente sejam características iniciais da síndrome de Guillain-Barré, a possibilidade de ocorrência pós-operatória da síndrome de secreção inadequada do hormônio antidiurético deve ser considerada. A presença de hiponatremia secundária nesse tipo de apresentação clínica pode retardar o diagnóstico.

Background and objectives: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is one of the most common causes of acute polyneuropathy in adults. Recently, the occurrence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome after major and minor surgical operations has been increasingly debated. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and dysautonomy are generally observed after maximal motor deficit. Case report: A 44-year-old male patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. After the development of a severe headache, nausea, diplopia, and attacks of hypertension in the early postoperative period, a computer tomography of the brain was normal. Laboratory tests revealed hyponatremia linked to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, the patient's fluids were restricted, and furosemide and 3% NaCl treatment was initiated. On the second day postoperative, the patient developed numbness moving upward from the hands and feet, loss of strength, difficulty swallowing and respiratory distress. Guillain-Barré syndrome was suspected, and the patient was moved to intensive care. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed 320 mg/dL protein, and acute motor-sensorial axonal neuropathy was identified by electromyelography. Guillain-Barré syndrome was diagnosed, and intravenous immune globulin treatment (0.4 g/kg/day, 5 days) was initiated. After 10 days in the intensive care unit, at which the respiratory, hemodynamic, neurologic and laboratory results returned to normal, the patient was transferred to the neurology service. Conclusions: Our case report indicates that although syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and autonomic dysfunction are rarely the initial characteristics of Guillain-Barré syndrome, the possibility of postoperative syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion should be kept in mind. The presence of secondary hyponatremia in this type of clinical presentation may delay diagnosis.

Justificación y objetivos: el síndrome de Guillain-Barré es una de las causas más comunes de polineuropatía aguda en adultos. Recientemente, la aparición del síndrome de Guillain-Barré después de cirugías mayores o menores se ha convertido en objeto de debate cada vez mayor. En el síndrome de Guillain-Barré, generalmente se observan síndrome de secreción inapropiada de hormona antidiurética y disautonomía después de un déficit motor máximo. Relato de caso: paciente de sexo masculino, 44 años, sometido a colecistectomía laparoscópica por colecistitis aguda. Después de comenzar con un fuerte dolor de cabeza, náuseas, diplopía y ataques de hipertensión en el período postoperatorio inmediato, una tomografía computadorizada del cerebro del paciente se reveló normal. Las pruebas de laboratorio revelaron hiponatremia asociada con el síndrome de secreción inadecuada de hormona antidiurética; los líquidos se restringieron y se inició tratamiento con furosemida y NaCl al 3%. En el segundo día del postoperatorio, el paciente presentó adormecimiento que se propagaba desde las manos y los pies, pérdida de fuerza, dificultad para tragar y para respirar. Se sospechó síndrome de Guillain-Barré y el paciente fue derivado a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. El examen del líquido cefalorraquídeo reveló 320 mg/dL de proteína y mediante electromiografía se identificó neuropatía axonal sensorial y motora aguda. Se diagnosticó síndrome de Guillain-Barré y se inició el tratamiento intravenoso con inmunoglobulina (0,4 g/kg/día, durante 5 días). Después de 10 días en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, durante los cuales los parámetros respiratorio, hemodinámico, neurológico y de laboratorio volvieron a la normalidad, el paciente fue derivado al servicio de neurología. Conclusiones: nuestro relato de caso indica que, aunque el síndrome de secreción inapropiada de hormona antidiurética y la disfunción autonómica rara vez son características iniciales del síndrome de Guillain-Barré, debe tenerse en cuenta la posibilidad de que en el postoperatorio aparezca el síndrome de secreción inadecuada de hormona antidiurética. La presencia de hiponatremia secundaria en ese tipo de presentación clínica puede retrasar el diagnóstico.

Um procedimento de extração em fase sólida (SPE) altamente sensível, seletivo e de baixo custo foi desenvolvido para separação e enriquecimento de íons Au(III) em amostras ambientais previamente a sua detecção por espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama (FAAS). O complexo Au(III)-2-piridina-5-(4-toluil)-1,3,4-oxadiazol (PYTOX) foi quantitativamente adsorvido em resina Amberlite XAD-4 na condição de HNO3 0,5 mol L-1 e a eluição foi realizada com 7,5 mL de HCl 1,0 mol L-1 em acetona. Alguns parâmetros analíticos afetam as recuperações de íons Au(III), tais como concentração de HNO3 da solução da amostra, quantidade de PYTOX, tipo, concentração e volume do eluente, volume de amostra e concomitantes. Sob condições experimentais ideais, o limite de detecção para Au(III) foi 1,03 µg L-1, com fator de pré-concentração de 50 e desvio padrão relativo (RSD) de 3,7%. A determinação de íons Au(III) em resíduo anódico, minério de ouro, solo e águas de mar e de rio foi efetuada após verificação da exatidão do método por testes de adição e recuperação.

A highly sensitive, selective and low cost solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure was developed for separation and enrichment of Au(III) ions in environmental samples prior to its flame atomic absorption spectrometric detection. Au(III)-2-pyridin-5-(4-tolyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PYTOX) complex was adsorbed quantitatively on Amberlite XAD-4 resin in 0.5 mol L-1 HNO3 condition and the elution was carried out with 7.5 mL of 1.0 mol L-1 HCl in acetone. Some analytical parameters, affect the recoveries of Au(III) ions, such as HNO3 concentration of sample solution, amount of PYTOX, type, concentration and volume of eluent, sample volume and concomitants were examined. Adopting optimized experimental conditions, the limit of detection for Au(III) ions was 1.03 µg L-1 with preconcentration factor of 50 and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.7%. The determination of Au(III) ions in anodic slime, gold ore, soil and sea and stream waters was performed after checking the accuracy of the method by addition-recovery tests.

A callus induction and plant regeneration protocol was developed from leaf and petiole explants of the endemic Astragalus nezaketae. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) [?-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), benzyladenine (BA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin (Kin), thidiazuron (TDZ)]. The combinations and concentrations of PGRs were shown significant variations for the frequency of callus formation, appearence of callus and the potential of callus differentiation. NAA x BA have been found highly affective in callusing and plant regeneration. Other PGRs have not resulted in callus differentiation for shoot formation. The highest number of shoots (6/explants) was obtained from leaf explants cultured on MS with 0.5 mg/l NAA and 4 mg/l BA. The regenerated shoots transferred to rooting medium (MS with 0.5 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid) were successfully rooted (100%) and showed rapid elongation. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized in pots containing 1:1 mixture of peat and perlite.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of maintenance hemodialysis on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with end-stage renal disease. METHODS: Study population consisted of 42 patients with end-stage renal disease. Before an arteriovenous fistula was surgically created, the patients were evaluated by conventional and Doppler echocardiography and Doppler tissue imaging. Then, the patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment when the arteriovenous fistula was compleated. After the first hemodialysis session (mean 76.14 ± 11.37 days) the second echocardiographic evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Mean age was 58 ± 13 years and 21 (%50) of the patients were female. After maintenance hemodialysis treatment; peak early (E) and peak late (A) diastolic mitral inflow velocities and E/A ratio were not significantly change however the deceleration time of E wave and left atrial diameter were significantly increased. Also there was no change in the early (Em) and late (Am) diastolic myocardial velocities and Em/Am ratios of lateral and septal walls of left ventricular. E/Em ratio was decreased insignificantly. Pulmonary vein velocities and right ventricular functions are remained almost unchanged after hemodialysis treatment. DISCUSSION: The acute and long-term effect of hemodialysis on left ventricular diastolic function is unclearly. Patients with end-stage renal disease treatment with hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistula experience a variety of hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities that predispose to alterations in left and right ventricular functions. The present study showed that left ventricular diastolic function except left atrial diameter and right ventricular functions were not significantly change, however left ventricular systolic functions were impaired after maintenance hemodialysis treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease. CONCLUSION: It has been suggested that echocardiographic parameters are useful markers for evaluation of left ventricular and right ventricular functions in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, in patients with endstage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, repeated assessment of echocardiographic examinations to observe serial changes in left and right ventricular functions are not yet well established. In this study, we showed that acute changes of volume status and electrolytes and autonomic regulation by hemodialysis session did not affect left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular functions in a relatively long term.