24th Hour Research Articles

Transfer and persistence of microbiota markers from the human hand to the knife: A preliminary study

New scientific techniques and methods are always needed to link the perpetrators to the incident or the crime scene. Recent microbiota studies based on NGS (Next-generation sequencing) show that various biological samples from crime scenes have the potential to be used in forensic investigations. Especially when DNA traces belonging to more than one person are insufficient to fully determine the genetic profile, a secret sample, such as a microbiota sample created by the suspect's touch, can be used. In this preliminary study, a fictionalized experimental model was designed to investigate the transfer and persistence of the hand microbiome on the knife handle, which has a high potential to be used in criminal incidents, by metagenomic analysis methods. In addition, it was aimed to determine the transfer of specific bacterial species identified only to the person among the five participants onto the knife handle and their persistence over time. In the first stage of the research, samples were collected from the hands of 5 volunteer participants using the swap method, including their palms. Then, after each participant held a different knife, samples were collected from the knife handles via swabs from different angles of the knives at 4 and 24 h and analyzed by metagenomic methods. The findings of this preliminary study showed that the heatmap graphs generated after UniFrac distance analysis were not successful in establishing any similarity between the hand samples and the post-transfer knife handle samples. Nonetheless, it was observed that the transfer of bacterial species detected in the hand samples to knives differed according to the individuals and some bacterial species were transferred to the knife samples held by the participants. The number of bacterial species detected that are specific to each participant's hand sample was 302 in total, and it was determined that a total of 8.28 % of these bacterial species were transferred to the knife handle samples of the 4th hour and 6.95 % to the knife samples of the 24th hour. In the presented study, considering the transfer of some bacterial species in the hand microbiome, which are effective in the variation between individuals, onto the knife; It has been evaluated that some rare bacterial species can be important potential markers to associate the object with the perpetrator.

Changes in hematopoietic stem cell numbers following acute exercise in non-athlete marathon runners

PurposeHematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant is one of the curative methods for some patients with hematological malignancies. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is the most common drug used to mobilize CD34+ cells, generally found in small numbers. Recent evidence showed that exercise causes transient mobilization in HSC. However, the type and intensity of exercise have not been fully revealed. We aimed to detect a significant increase in stem cell levels following 60 ​min of running at a personalized running pace. Materials/methodsEighteen runners, 48.2 ​± ​1.9 years with peak oxygen consumption of 46.2 ​± ​1.4 ​ml/kg/min, were enrolled in the study. The cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed to determine the individual running pace, and the participants ran 60-min on a treadmill at an intensity close to their ventilatory threshold (VT). The blood sampling for HSC count was performed before, immediately after, at the 1st, 4th and 24th hour after the 60-min running. ResultsThe CD34+ HSCs were 13.9 ​± ​2.3 ​cells/μl before and significantly increased immediately after to 19.5 ​± ​3.6 ​cells/μl (p ​< ​0.05). The consecutive HSC counts were 15.3 ​± ​2.2, 19.5 ​± ​4.8 and 15.1 ​± ​3.4 ​cells/μl at the 1st, 4th, and 24th hour, respectively. ConclusionThe individual data showed that some runners had higher HSC levels than the transplantation limit before and after the 60-min running trail, which was maintained for 24 ​h. Pre-running high CD34+ HSCs may reflect an adaptive response to regular exercise, with a 60-min run near the VT further elevating HSCs. Individualized exercise may be a valuable tool to mobilize the CD34+ HSCs in peripheral blood for donors.

VNOTES scarless and painless endometrial cancer staging surgery.

Sentinel lymph node dissection is performed in endometrial cancer surgery instead of staging surgery, particularly when the disease is advanced and confined to the uterus. The aim of this study is to share our sentinel lymph node detection rates via the vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery method with the literature and to demonstrate a safer and more comfortable surgical treatment process. The analysis includes the patients who underwent surgery sentinel lymph node dissection for endometrial cancer utilizing indociyanin green in our center between January 2022 and June 2024. In all, of 24 endometrial cancer patients underwent surgery sentinel lymph node dissection, nonendometrioid (serous) pathology was observed in only 1 (4%) patient, our other patients (96%) had endometrioid adenocarcinoma pathology. The rates of our sentinel lymph node dissection bilateral and symmetric are 96% (23/24), 94% (22/24), and 79% (19/24), respectively. We would like to emphasize that we successfully used vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery approach on four of our patients who were unsuitable for laparoscopic and robotic surgery due to pain scores of 2 at the 12th hour after surgery and low lung capacity. Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and sentinel lymph node dissection will be considered as surgical options in other gynecological cancers due to the comfort it brings to the patient in endometrial cancer.

Effect of Tetrapropylammonium Chloride Quaternary Ammonium Salt on Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Properties of PLA/PEG Electrospun Mat.

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-tetrapropylammonium chloride (TCL)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nonwoven networks were produced using PLA, PEG with different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%), and TCL. PEG is included as a plasticizer in PLA polymer, which has high biocompatibility but a brittle structure. The importance of this study is to investigate the effect of TCL salt on the characterization of PLA-PEG nanofibers. For this research, the cytotoxicity test system responsible for the fibroblast cell line (L929) was evaluated with the liquid absorption capacity (LAC) and drying time tests for its use in wound dressings. The addition of TCL salt reduced bead formation in PLA-PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion. The smoothest and most homogeneous nonwoven networks were obtained as PLA-5TCL-PEG. It was also reported that this nonwoven network exhibited liquid absorption behavior with a maximum increase of 150% compared to the PLA-PEG nonwoven network and had the highest Young's modulus value of 12.97 MPa. In addition to these tests, evaluations were made with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), drying time test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical tests. In addition, high cell viability was observed in L292 mouse fibroblast cells at the end of the 24th hour, again with the effect of TCL salt. In addition, antibacterial activity was tested against gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus bacteria, and it was observed that there was no antibacterial activity. Since PLA-TCL-PEG nonwoven webs have a maximum cell viability of 133.27%, they are recommended as a potential dermal wound dressing.

Comparative Analysis of Epidural Dexamethasone and Epidural Morphine (EM) for Postoperative Pain Control After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Epidural anesthesia is commonly utilized for pain management following lower abdominal surgeries; however, the search for an optimal analgesic additive continues. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of epidural dexamethasone versus epidural morphine (EM) in managing postoperative pain after total abdominal hysterectomy. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy (TBAH) and assigned them to two groups: Group D (Dexamethasone), which received epidural dexamethasone (8 mg) with bupivacaine, and Group M (Morphine), which received epidural morphine (10 mg) with bupivacaine. Marcaine (bupivacaine) 0.25% was used in both groups. Baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes, physiological parameters, pain management, adverse effects, and blood sugar levels were analyzed and compared between the groups. Results: The groups exhibited similar initial characteristics and surgical outcomes. Vital signs, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, remained consistent before and after surgery. The Dexamethasone group (Group D) demonstrated superior pain control compared to the Morphine group (Group M). Patients in Group D required pain medication for a significantly shorter duration (24 hours vs. 36 hours, P &lt; 0.05), representing a 50% reduction in medication duration. Additionally, Group D patients required fewer rescue analgesics (1.2 doses vs. 2.1 doses, P &lt; 0.05), indicating a 43% decrease in the need for additional medication. The time to a visual analog scale (VAS) score exceeding 4 was significantly longer in Group D, indicating less intense pain for an extended period. Although no significant differences were observed in common postoperative side effects, Group D exhibited a lower incidence of these effects, albeit not statistically significant. Furthermore, Group D showed a significantly lower incidence of hyperglycemia at the 8th hour post-surgery compared to Group M (P &lt; 0.05), suggesting a potential benefit of epidural dexamethasone in mitigating hyperglycemia risk. Conclusions: Epidural dexamethasone appears to offer superior analgesic efficacy compared to epidural morphine in postoperative pain management after total abdominal hysterectomy. The findings suggest that Group D (Dexamethasone) experienced improved pain management, reduced medication requirements, and a lower incidence of hyperglycemia. Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is warranted to validate these findings and guide clinical practice.

The Effect of a Combination of Ethanol Extract from Leaves and Flowers of Plumeria acuminate L. Against Aedes aegypti Larvae

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector that causes dengue virus (DENV) infection. Ae. aegypti resistance to abate (Temephos) has occurred in Indonesia and several other countries. Innovations are needed to develop alternative ingredients that can be used as natural larvacides. The Plumeria acuminate L. is an Indonesian plant with metabolites that have the potential to act as larvicides. This study aims to determine the potential combination of ethanol extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers as a larvicide for A. aegypti. A laboratory experimental study with a post-test-only control group design was carried out on Ae. aegypti larvae instar III. The larvicide test was carried out according to WHO standards in 2005 with concentrations of 10000, 7500, 5000, and 2500 ppm, as well as control (water and 1% DMSO), with 20 larvae for each concentration. The observation was carried out at the 24th and 48th hours with 3 repetitions. Larval mortality data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical tests to determine significant differences and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated using probit analysis using SPSS software. The mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae due to the administration of a combined ethanolic extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers was the highest at doses of 10000 and 7500 ppm, which was 100% with lethal concentrations of LC50 and LC90 of 3364.715 and 6293.759 ppm at the 24th hour observation, whereas at the 48th-hour observation, lethal concentrations were detected at 1767.998 and 2941.138 ppm, respectively. One-way ANOVA analysis test showed a significant difference in Ae. aegypti larval mortality due to the administration of a combined ethanol extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers at 24th-hour observation (p = 0.000) and (p = 0.013) at 48th hour observation. The combination of ethanol extract of P. acuminate L. leaves and flowers showed larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti larvae as evidenced by larvae mortality which were influenced by concentration and observation time.

Does Monopolar Electrocautery Affect the Fetus during Cesarean Section?

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of monopolar electrocautery on the fetus during cesarean section. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted with 552 patients delivered by cesarean section. Patients were grouped based on usage of monopolar electrocautery. In 272 patients, monopolar electrocautery was used to separate the tissues before the delivery. In 280 patients, no electrocautery was used. Newborn vital signs, Apgar scores, umbilical cord blood parameters, newborn serum parameters collected within 6th postpartum hour, and rate of newborn intensive care unit admission were compared. Results: The 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores were significantly higher in the electrocautery group; however, this difference lost its significance at the 10th minute. The median newborn pulse rate (148 (7) vs. 146 (6) beats per minute, p = 0.026), umbilical cord blood pH, and partial oxygen pressure were significantly higher in the electrocautery group compared to the no-electrocautery group (7.34 ± 0.06 vs. 7.31 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, and 25.5 (14.77) vs. 23 (16.08) mmHg, p = 0.025, respectively). The median umbilical cord blood serum calcium level was 1.51 (0.64) mmol/L in the electrocautery group, which was significantly lower than 1.9 (0.82) mmol/L in the no-electrocautery group (p = 0.002). The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly lower in the electrocautery group than in the no-electrocautery group (2.2% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Monopolar electrocautery during cesarean section affects the fetus, but it is safe to use it. Electrocautery is independently associated with umbilical cord blood pH and calcium level. Electrocautery may be associated with a lower incidence of hypoglycemia.

Is a two-hour monitoring period sufficient and safe for patients undergoing ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver mass biopsy?: A prospective and multicenter experience.

To investigate whether patients undergoing percutaneous liver mass biopsy (PLMB) can be safely discharged following a two-hour monitoring period. A multi-center prospective analysis was conducted for 375 patients (196 males and 179 females), mean age 63 ± 12.45 years (range 37-89) who underwent PLMB between August 2023 and March 2024. Patients were monitored for 24 h, and complications were classified as minor or major. The timing of complications was categorized into three groups: within the first two hours, between the 2nd and 24th hours, and within 1 week after 24 hours. Minor complications occurred in 18.93% (71/375) and major complications in 2.13% (8/375). Most minor complications (80.2%, 57/71) appeared within the first two hours, 12.7% (9/71) between 2 and 24 h, and 7.1% (5/71) after 24 h. All major complications (62.5%, 5/8) except late-onset cases, occurred within the first two hours. No major complications occurred between 2 and 24 h. Late-onset major complications occurred in 37.5% (3/8) after 24 h. The two-hour monitoring period did not adversely impact patient management regarding minor complications and is safe for identifying all major complications except for late-onset ones. Extending the post-biopsy recovery period does not significantly improve patient care.

Effect of aflatoxin B1 and sterigmatocystin on DNA repair genes in common carp

The present study aimed to investigate the short-time (24 h) effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and sterigmatocystin (STC) on the expression of hsp70, p53, gadd45, and ogg1 genes in common carp hepatopancreas. Our results showed that aflatoxin B1 and sterigmatocystin can stimulate the expression of DNA repair genes, mainly by hour 24. This significant finding contributes to our understanding of the short-term effects of these mycotoxins on ogg1 genes in common carp hepatopancreas. One-year-old common carp juveniles were randomly distributed into five groups (Control, AFB1 0.4 mg kg−1 feed, STC1 1 mg kg−1 feed, STC2 2 mg kg−1 feed, and STC3 3 mg kg−1 feed). Hepatopancreas samples were collected three times (8, 16, and 24 h) in each group. No significant ogg1 and p53 expression changes were observed at 8 and 16 h after exposure. All measured genes were upregulated by the 24th hour in aflatoxin and STC3 groups. An increase in hsp70 gene expression was detected in all groups and all sampling. A significant decrease in gadd45aa gene expression was observed in the aflatoxin B1 group at hour 8. At hour 16, there was no significant change, while at hour 24, all treated groups were significantly different from the control. In summary, our results suggest that aflatoxin B1 and sterigmatocystin can stimulate the expression of DNA repair genes, mainly by hour 24. Further investigations are needed to get information about DNA damage parallel to the DNA repair mechanisms.

Effect of non-invasive bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block on postoperative pain in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery: a randomized controlled study.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of preoperative sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) on postoperative pain and assess intraoperative and postoperative analgesic consumption in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. In this prospective, randomized controlled study, 72 patients were included and divided into two groups: group 1 (36 patients) received the sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB), while group 2 (36 patients) served as the control group. Patient assessments, using the numerical rating scale (NRS), were conducted at the postoperative first hour, fourth hour, and 24th hour. Additionally, intraoperative hemodynamics, analgesic requirements, and postoperative analgesic requirements were documented. The patients in group 1 exhibited significantly lower NRS scores at postoperative first, fourth, and 24th hour than those in group 2 (P<0.001 for all three time points). Additionally, the mean Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS) scores were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P=0.006). Both intraoperative remifentanil use and postoperative analgesic consumption were significantly higher in patients in group 2 (P<0.001 and 0.004, respectively) than those in group 1. Analysis of intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) revealed that patients in group 1 had lower postoperative heart rates (P=0.040) than those in group 2, and MAP values after intraoperative block, at 30 min, and postoperatively were significantly lower (P=0.005, P=0.001, and P=0.034, respectively) than those in group 2. We advocate for the adoption of the noninvasive SPGB method in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery. This approach significantly reduces the need for intraoperative analgesics, alleviates postoperative pain, and reduces the demand for postoperative analgesics. Moreover, it improves the overall surgical experience because of its ease of application, contributing to a more comfortable surgical process.

Effect of different patient positions on endotracheal tube cuff pressure in patients undergoing urological procedures: a prospective study.

The endotracheal tube (ETT) contains a cuff that is placed in the trachea to prevent gas leakage and aspiration of secretions and gastric contents. However, patient positioning after intubation may cause ETT displacement and changes in cuff pressure. Evaluate the effect of different patient positions on ETT cuff pressure in patients undergoing urological procedures in supine, prone, lateral flank, and lithotomy positions. Prospective and observational study. A university hospital in Turkey. Patients who underwent surgeries under general anesthesia in different patient positions were involved. After intubation (T0), the cuff pressure was checked with a manometer and adjusted to 25 cmH2O and continuously monitored. The cuff pressure was checked before (T1) and after achieving the final position (T2) and then at 5, (T3), 10, (T4), 15 minutes (T5) of the position, at the end of the procedure (T6) and before extubation (T7). At postoperative 2nd and 12th hours, the patients were interviewed for sore throat, hoarseness, and cough. The effect of different patient positions on the ETT cuff pressure. 200 patients. The cuff pressure increased significantly at T2 in the lithotomy, lateral flank, and prone groups (P<.001 each). The highest increase in cuff pressure occurred in the prone group (34.3 [7.5] cmH2O). Over time, the cuff pressure decreased in all groups during surgery. Postoperative complications at the 2nd postoperative hour were similar in all groups; however, the mean cuff pressure was significantly higher in the patients with postoperative sore throat or cough (sore throat: P=.003; cough: P=.047). ETT cuff pressures are affected by different patient positioning; therefore, regular recording and adjustment of cuff pressure are necessary for patient safety. We used ETT of a single manufacturer. Therefore, our findings may not be applicable to other types of ETT.

Microbial Protein Synthesis by Cellulolytic Bacterial Isolates from Feces of Indonesian Endemic Herbivores

Cellulolytic bacterial play an important role in the synthesis of microbial protein in the small intestine as high-quality protein. This research aimed to observe the growth patterns of cellulolytic bacterial isolates from the feces of endemic herbivorous animals in Indonesia, and to evaluate the effect of the addition of cellulolytic bacterial isolates on the synthesis of microbial proteins in vitro. The study used a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments included T0 = Concentrate mix 40%: elephant grass 30%: palm leaves 30% (control), T1 = T0 + 105 CFU mL-1 cellulolytic bacterial isolate, T2 = T0 + 106 CFU mL-1 cellulolytic bacterial isolate, and T3 = T0 + 107 CFU mL-1 cellulolytic bacterial isolate. Variables measured were the growth pattern of bacterial isolates, bacterial population at the optimal growth point, and microbial protein synthesis. The results showed growth pattern of cellulolytic bacterial isolates from Muntjac, Deer and Anoa feces have similar pattern, and was different from the growth pattern of bacterial isolates from bison feces. The optimal growth point of cellulolytic bacterial isolates from the feces of Muntjac, Deer, and Anoa at the 8th hour of incubation with bacterial populations of 1.3 x 109 CFU mL-1, 1.7 x 109 CFU mL-1, and 1.4 x 109 CFU mL-1. The growth pattern and optimal point of cellulolytic bacterial isolates from the feces of Bison at the 12th hour after incubation with bacterial populations of 1,1 x 1010 CFU mL-1. The addition of cellulolytic bacterial isolates did not affect microbial protein synthesis.

Comparison of Amiodarone Loading Dosage in the Treatment of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: High Versus Standard Dose Treatment.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poor outcomes, including hemodynamic instability, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. In hemodynamic stable patients, the rhythm-control strategy is more advantageous than rate control. Current standard intravenous amiodarone administration has limited success and a delayed effect; the acute success rate is 44% (8-12 h to several days). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of higher amiodarone loading dosage to restore sinus rhythm in patients with POAF after noncardiac surgery. This is a prospective, randomized, controlled single-center study. The study included 39 patients with POAF, divided into group I (n=27) (intravenous 600 mg amiodarone loading dosage over 2 h and infusion of 50 mg/h over a 24-h period) and group II (n=12) (standard protocol; 300 mg of bolus intravenously in 30 min and infusion of 50 mg/h over a 24-h period). The primary endpoint of the study was a restoration of sinus rhythm at the 24th hour. Baseline clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics of both groups were similar. The patients with higher loading amiodarone dosage had earlier restoration of sinus rhythm (2.38±1.41 vs 8.66±2.87 h, respectively; p=0.015). There was no significant difference in achieving sinus rhythm at the 24th hour between both groups. Higher loading amiodarone dosage increased early conversions to sinus rhythm compared with standard amiodarone protocol in patients with POAF.

Diagnostic value of serum Clara cell secretory protein level in an experimental blunt chest trauma model

Objective: Blunt chest trauma is a significant clinical problem leading to injury of the lungs that may be fatal. Experimental blunt chest trauma is well established in animal models. This study aimed to investigate whether Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) can be a biomarker in an experimentally created blunt chest trauma model. Material and Methods: A total of 30 rabbits were used in our study. A modified bilateral blunt thoracic trauma model was used to produce different levels of lung contusion. We divided the rabbits into four groups according to the energy level at which blunt thoracic trauma was applied. Blood samples were taken from the control and trauma groups to evaluate CC16 levels at 0, 12, and 24 hours. Results: The CC16 levels measured at the start of the experiment were significantly lower in the control and low-energy groups compared to the medium- and high-energy groups (p =.002). While there was a significant difference in CC16 levels measured at the 12th hour (p =.004), no significant difference was found among the groups at the 24th hour. Upon analyzing the change in CC16 levels over time within the groups, we observed that CC16 levels decreased from 0–12 hours and subsequently increased after the 12th hour. Histopathologically, we observed that the level of contusion increased in proportion to the severity of trauma across the different groups. Conclusion: With the designed platform, we created a reproducible experimental model of pulmonary contusion from blunt thoracic trauma in rabbits. Increased levels of CC16 following a lung contusion could serve as a foundation for clinical decision-making. Thus, CC16 has the potential to serve as a rapid and simple biochemical indicator for acute traumatic lung injury.

Investigation of the Diagnostic Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum sTREM-1 Levels in Neonatal Meningitis.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum levels of the soluble form of triggering receptor-1 expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) in neonatal meningitis. Methods: Serum sTREM-1 levels were measured in all neonatal sepsis patients at the start of antibiotic therapy and the 48th hour of treatment. At the beginning of antibiotic therapy, CSF samples were collected for sTREM-1 measurements. Control CSF samples were also collected from the patients with meningitis at the 48th hour of treatment. Results: A total of 77 preterm (50) and term (27) patients with neonatal sepsis were included in the study. There was no significant difference between the CSF sTREM-1 levels of patients with and without meningitis. The CSF sTREM-1 levels of preterm infants with meningitis decreased significantly after treatment (p = 0.038). Although the CSF/serum sTREM-1 ratios tended to increase in babies with meningitis, no significant difference was found between the groups. CSF/serum sTREM-1 ratios (mean ± SD) were 1.42 ± 0.91 and 1.14 ± 0.85 in preterm babies with and without meningitis and 1.15 ± 0.97 and 0.97 ± 0.55 in term babies with and without meningitis, respectively. Conclusions: Serum and CSF sTREM-1 levels increase in patients with neonatal sepsis. CSF s-TREM-1 levels decrease after treatment in preterm infants with meningitis.

Antimicrobial effects of ropivacaine, levobupivacaine and bupivacaine at different temperatures

Objective: Various prior studies have shown a possible antimicrobial activity of different local anesthetic (LA) drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial (antibacterial or antifungal) activity of commonly used commercially available LA drugs used in regional anesthesia practice such as; ropivacaine, levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on S.aureus ATCC 6538, S. epidermidis, E.coli and Candida albicans at different temperatures. Materials and Methods: Possible antimicrobial effects of ropivacaine (1% and 0.125%), levobupivacaine (0.75% and 0.125%) and bupivacaine (0.5% and 0.125%) on S.aureus ATCC 6538, S.epidermidis, E.coli and C.albicans ATCC 10231, which were isolated from patients in the microbiology laboratory were investigated at 240C and 37C. Results: All three LA drugs showed antifungal activity at 37°C and 24°C in 3rd and 12th hours. Levobupivacaine’s (0.75%) antibacterial effect was observed at the 12th hour. Ropivacaine (1%) had relatively more antibacterial effect at the 3rd and 12th hour at 37°C rather than 24°C whereas bupivacaine had less. Conclusion: Potential clinical implications of antibacterial or antifungal effects of local anesthetics might be promising.

Fabrication of tetra‐n‐butylammonium hydrogen sulfate‐based poly(lactic acid)‐poly(ethylene glycol) composite electrospun wound dressing

AbstractIn this study, poly(lactic acid)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐tetra‐n‐butylammonium hydrogen sulfate (PLA‐PEG‐HS) electrospun mats were fabricated by electrospinning as effective wound dressings against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are the most prevalent species of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, respectively. PLA is a polymer with high biocompatibility and biodegradability, but its structure is fragile. Therefore, we aimed to improve its structural properties using PEG as a plasticizer and to provide antibacterial properties with HS salt. The nanofibers characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and drying time tests. The addition of HS eliminated the beads in the PLA‐PEG nanofiber and improved the homogeneity of the fiber distribution. Concerning this result, when the liquid absorption capacity (LAC) test was evaluated, PLA‐PEG‐HS nanofiber production was achieved with the highest rate of 480.95%. The thermal properties of nanofibers increased with the addition of HS. Cytotoxicity test results of PLA‐PEG‐HS wound dressings showed high cell viability of 129.05% in L292 mouse fibroblast cells at the end of the 24th hour. PLA‐PEG‐HS nanofibers with 99.99% antibacterial activity against tow bacteria. Considering the modern wound dressing requirements, antibacterial wound dressing production has been successfully achieved.

A case of MERS presenting with acute motor aphasia and tetraparesis and literature review

BackgroundMild encephalopathy wıth reversible splenial lesions (MERS) are a clinical–radiological diagnosis that can be diagnosed with radiological imaging and can be accompanied by impaired consciousness, aphasia, headache, and paralysis. MERS can be divided into two different types based on radiological findings; Involvement of the splenium is seen in type 1, and involvement of the splenium and deep white matter is seen in type 2. MERS Type 2 is very rare in adults. Here, we describe a patient diagnosed with MERS Type 2 and our therapeutic intervention.Case presentationA 22-year-old woman presented with slurred speech, weakness in the extremities and headache that started 14 h ago. The patient had sore throat and fever of 37.6 °C for 2 days, and medical history or family history were unremarkable. Neurological examination revealed that she was conscious, cooperative, with no signs of meningeal irritation. Speech comprehension, naming, and repetition were preserved, motor examination revealed 5/5 left upper extremity strength, 4/5 right upper extremity strength, and 2/5 bilateral lower extremity strength. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-DWI) revealed bilateral deep white matter and splenium symmetrical diffusion restriction. Blood tests showed high C-reactive protein (CRP) and no leukocytosis. No cells were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), protein was 151 mg/dl, glucose was within normal limits. The patient, who developed quadriparesis during follow-up, was started on pulse dose steroids. Neurological examination improved to patient’s baseline at the 12th hour of treatment. In the 72nd hour control MRI-DWI, it was seen that the lesions had regressed. Culture/Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial/viral infection agents came back negative. After steroids were given for 5 days, patient was discharged at her baseline.ConclusionsMERS is a rare diagnosis in adults and can be radiologically confused with acute toxic leukoencephalopathy. It can be distinguished clinically by the absence of prior infection, fever, and toxic agent exposure. Although there is no consensus in the literature regarding the treatment, the clinical picture improved rapidly after steroid in our case. Despite being rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with deep white matter lesions in adults.

Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery during wastewater treatment

Wastewater containing lanthanum (La) is a significant global environmental concern, prompting the development of various treatment technologies. Existing methods are often costly, generate secondary waste streams, and prioritize removal over recovery. This study investigated La recovery in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) using diverse substrates (acetate, lactate, methanol, and glucose) with anaerobic sludge as the inoculum. The results showed that acetate-fueled BESs achieved the highest power density (439.29 mW/m2), a chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction efficiency of 96.52 ± 1.56 %, and a coulombic efficiency of 35.18 ± 1.86 %. Acetate and lactate-fed biofilms achieved high La recovery rates (98.96 ± 1.64 % and 98.24 ± 2.16 %, respectively) by the 36th hour. After 48 h, La was undetectable in these systems, surpassing the environmental guidelines. In contrast, methanol and glucose-fed systems yielded lower recoveries (80 ± 0.04 % and 32.8 ± 1.4 %, respectively) after 48 h, with final La concentrations remaining above the guideline levels. Acetate also enhanced the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Microbial community analysis revealed that Desulfovibrio and Geobacter predominated in acetate-fed microbial fuel cells (MFCs), while Klebsiella and Simplicispira were dominant in glucose and methanol-fed MFCs, respectively. Recovered La deposits, identified as La2O3 and La(OH)3, on the cathodic surfaces were confirmed via SEM-EDX, XRD, and XPS analyses. This study demonstrates the potential of BESs for efficient La recovery from wastewater.

Pollen Characteristics of Diploid and Tetraploid Grape Cultivars

For a successful grapevine breeding program, pollen viability, germination ability, and cultivar compatibility information are of vital importance. In this study, pollen viability, germination rates, pollen tube lengths, and pollen tube diameters of three grape cultivars [Kyoho (4n), Ekşi Kara (2n), and Gök Üzüm (2n)] were investigated. Pollen viability rates were determined using the IKI (iodine potassium iodide) staining test. In vitro, pollen germination rates were determined using a semi-solid medium containing 20% ​​sucrose and 1% agar. As a result, significant differences were detected in pollen viability, germination rates, and pollen tube lengths of the examined grape cultivars. The first germination started at the 48th hour in all three grape cultivars. In cv. Ekşi Kara had the highest pollen viability while the lowest (3.05%) value in terms of pollen germination was determined. Pollen tube length and pollen tube diameter of the cv. Kyoho had higher values ​​than the other two diploid cultivars. Pollen tube formation started in the first 48th hours, while pollen tube growth continued to increase until the 96th hours. As a result, it was confirmed that the flower structure of the cv. Ekşi Kara was functionally female. In suitable ecologies, diploid cv. Gök Üzüm and tetraploid cv. Kyoho were found to be usable as pollinators.