DSpace Collection: 1 - 59

Management of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citrate-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia in the laboratory

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Management of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citrate-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia in the laboratory Authors: Hurmeydan, Ozlem; Madenci, Ozlem Cakir; Yildiz, Zeynep Abstract: This report describes the case of a patient with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid- (EDTA) and citrate-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP). An EDTA tube (BD Vacutainer K2 EDTA; Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) platelet count indicated thrombocytopenia (15x109/L and 8x109/L), which was inconsistent with his clinical condition, and prompted further investigation. A repeat sample was drawn into both EDTA tubes and tubes containing 3.2% sodium citrate 9NC coagulation sodium citrate 3.2%, 3.5 mL, Vacuette®, (Greiner Bio-One International GmbH, Kremsmunster, Austria) and immediately measured in the laboratory. The platelet count was 157x109/L and 171x109/L in the EDTA and citrated samples, respectively. Simultaneous peripheral blood smear examinations were performed with capillary, EDTA, and citrated samples. Platelet clumps were observed only in the EDTA sample. The tubes were kept at 25°C and measurements were repeated at 10, 15, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. The platelet counts had decreased by 63% and 76% at the end of 120 minutes in the EDTA and citrated samples, respectively. After 20 minutes at 37°C, the number of platelets had increased by 76% and 87% in the EDTA and citrated samples, respectively. In cases of this kind of a contradiction between laboratory results and clinical status, laboratory specialists should suspect PTCP and be prepared to manage these findings. Close communication between the clinician and the laboratory helps to avoid unnecessary investigation and inappropriate treatment.

Vascular responses disrupted by fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia improved with delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Vascular responses disrupted by fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia improved with delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol Authors: Seven, Zeynep Gizem Todurga; Kose, Cagla; Coskun, Zeynep Mine; dkk. Abstract: Objectives: In recent years, cannabinoids have been shown to have beneficial effects on diabetic vascular complications. Vascular complications due to fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia (HI) and diabetic vascular complications have similar mechanisms. The aim of this experimental study was to observe whether the cannabinoid agonist delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has an ameliorating effect on fructose-induced HI and vascular responses in the aortic ring of rats with HI. Methods: A total of 24 rats were categorized into 4 groups: control (standard food pellets and water), HI (water containing 10% fructose provided for 12 weeks), THC (1.5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal administration for 4 weeks), and THC+HI. Body weight was measured again on the last day of the study and the serum insulin level was measured with an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. The acetylcholine (ACh) maximum relaxant effect in aortic rings pre-contracted with noradrenaline (NA) was evaluated. Results: The body weight of THC and THC+HI groups was lower compared with that of the controls (p<0.01). Increased insulin level as a result of fructose consumption decreased with THC administration (p<0.01) while the glucose level increased in all other groups compared with the control group (p<0.01, p<0.05). The NA Emax value decreased in the group receiving THC treatment (p<0.01). The increased ACh pD2 value in the HI groups also decreased in the THC treatment group (p<0.0001). The decreased maximum inhibition value in the HI group increased significantly with THC administration (p<0.001). Conclusion: THC demonstrated beneficial effects on fructose-induced HI. THC improved ACh-induced endothelialdependent relaxation in HI rat aortic rings.

A histological and biochemical study of cumulus cells and the oocyte microenviroment in in vitro fertilization patients

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A histological and biochemical study of cumulus cells and the oocyte microenviroment in in vitro fertilization patients Authors: Erkaya, Nurhan; Demirci, Tuba; Abuc, Ozlem Ozgul; dkk. Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical changes in the follicular fluid and histological changes in the cumulus cells of the oocyte microenvironment on the number of oocytes in infertile patients. Methods: A total of 50 female patients aged 18-35 who presented at the Atatürk University Research Hospital Infertility Clinic and for infertility treatment were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups: Patients with fewer than 5 oocytes were classified as Group 1, patients with 5-20 oocytes comprised Group 2, and Group 3 was made up of patients with >20 oocytes. During the oocyte collection process, follicular fluid was aspirated from the follicles and the cumulus cells were collected. The follicular fluid was stored at -80°C for use in biochemical analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine caspase-3 and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) immunoreactivity at the stereological level. Results: The MDA level and total oxidant capacity (TOC) in the follicular fluid were higher in Group 1 patients than in the other 2 groups, while the SOD was lower (p<0.05). In Group 2 patients, the MDA level and TOS were higher than those of Group 3, while the SOD level was lower (p<0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and GSH levels did not vary significantly according to the number of oocytes (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that mTOR and caspase-3 immunoreactivity were more intense in Group 1 than in the other groups. Conclusion: The increase in mTOR expression may activate the caspase-3 pathway, which could lead to oxidative stress. The mTOR pathway may affect the oocyte count.

Serum level of vitamin D in obstructive sleep apnea patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Serum level of vitamin D in obstructive sleep apnea patients with fibromyalgia syndrome Authors: Dumur, Seyma; Yildirim, Tulay; Alp, Recep; dkk. Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum concentration of vitamin D in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) alone and with coexisting fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to assess the relationship to pain. Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with OSAS and 40 healthy individuals whose age and sex were analogous to the patient group were included in this study. The OSAS patients were examined for FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, and 27 cases were identified. Group 1 consisted of patients with OSAS alone (n=33) and Group 2 comprised patients with FMS+OSAS (n=27). Serum samples were analyzed using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography analyzer (Thermo Dionex Ultimate 3000; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Results: A comparison of the OSAS and FMS+OSAS groups with the healthy individuals revealed that the vitamin D level was significantly lower in the patient groups (Group 1: p=0.001, Group 2: p=0.038). No statistically significant difference was found in the vitamin D level between the subgroups of OSAS and FMS+OSAS. A weak negative correlation was determined between the number of the tender points (r=-0.428) and the vitamin D level in the subjects with FMS (p=0.013). In addition, the oxygen desaturation values of the FMS+OSAS and OSAS patient groups were significantly different (p=0.001). Conclusion: Patients with OSAS and FMS+OSAS had a low vitamin D level, which should be considered when planning treatment strategies.