Age, tacrolimus, and HCV are independent risk factors for PTDM. PTDM has a negative impact on both patient and graft survival, irrespective of the time of onset and duration of diabetes.

There was no effect of epidural volume extension on the profile of spinal anaesthesia with the combined spinal-epidural technique for Caesarean section using hyperbaric or plain bupivacaine.

Purpose The purpose of the present study is to conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS). Design and methods This methodological study was conducted in an infertility polyclinic in Turkey. The sample consisted of 178 infertile women. Findings The validity of the four‐factor structure of the scale and the appropriateness of its fit indices were confirmed. The analyses of internal consistency indicated that the total score correlations of items were sufficient; test‐retest, r = 0.948;P < 0.001; Cronbach's α = 0.93. Practice implications ISS could be used as a useful assessment instrument in investigating the stigma concerning infertility and making efficient related interventions.

A b s t r a c tBackground: Platelets play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In atherosclerotic plaques, the risk of plaque rupture is more crucial than the severity of the stenosis they cause. Non-calcified carotid artery plaques are more unstable than calcified plaques, and they are associated with a higher risk of rupture, thromboembolism, and consequently, stroke. Aim:The purpose of the present study is to compare calcified and non-calcified plaques that cause intermediate carotid artery stenosis, with respect to mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW).Methods: A total of 139 asymptomatic patients with 50-70% stenosis of the carotid artery were included in this study. Carotid Doppler ultrasound imaging and computed tomography angiography were performed to divide the carotid artery plaques into two groups as calcified and non-calcified. Patients included in the calcified (n = 73) and non-calcified (n = 66) plaque groups were compared with respect to MPV and PDW.Results: Mean platelet volume was statistically significantly higher in the non-calcified plaque group compared to the calcified plaque group (MPV in non-calcified/calcified plaque groups [fL]: 10.0/9.0, respectively) (p < 0.01). PDW was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.09). Platelet count was statistically significantly higher in the calcified plaque group compared to the non-calcified plaque group (platelet count in calcified/non-calcified plaque groups [10 3 /mm 3 ]: 250 ± 63/226 ± 56, respectively) (p = 0.019). Multivariate regression analysis showed that MPV was independently associated with non-calcified carotid artery plaque (odds ratio 5.95, 95% confidence interval 2.63-13.45, p < 0.001). Conclusions:Mean platelet volume is increased in the presence of non-calcified carotid artery plaques that cause asymptomatic intermediate stenosis. Increased MPV can be used as a marker to predict the risk of rupture of the non-calcified carotid artery plaques.