Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Analysis Of The Local And Systemic Cytokine Response Profiles In Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Relationship With Disease Severity And Outcomes., Rafael Fernandez-Botran, Timothy Lee Wiemken, Robert R. Kelley, Paula Peyrani, Jose Bordon, Rodrigo Cavallazzi, Julio A. Ramirez

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

The goals of this study were to investigate the relationship of systemic and local cytokine responses with time to clinical stability (TCS) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to develop a model to integrate multiple cytokine data into “cytokine response profiles” based on local vs. systemic and pro- vs. anti-inflammatory cytokine patterns in order to better understand their relationships with measures of CAP severity and outcomes. Forty hospitalized patients enrolled through the Community Acquired Pneumonia Inflammatory Study Group (CAPISG) were analyzed. Based on the ranked distribution of the levels of eight different pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, …

Ethical Concerns For Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Olga Najera

Dialogue & Nexus

The development of assisted reproductive technologies has provided new options for infertile couples in their pursuit of parenthood. As a result of the successful implementation of in vitro fertilization (IVF), gestational surrogacy is now an alternative. Other technology, such as genetic enhancement, could potentially become available for human beings soon; however, numerous ethical concerns have been raised by the fact that it requires germline engineering. The concerns brought about by these new reproductive technologies will be addressed in light of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and of the following ethical theories: Kantian, evolutionary, utilitarian, and virtue ethics.

An Unusual Pulmonary Complication Of Statin Medication, Milliejoan Mongalo, Madhvi Shah, Lynne J. Goebel

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Statins or hydroxyl-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors have proven efficacy at decreasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although statins have been prescribed safely, there should be more awareness of the possible adverse effects. Recently, we encountered a patient who had unexplained dyspnea, weakness, and immobility. The patient’s symptoms were alleviated after discontinuing the statin medication. Although we have no concrete evidence that her symptoms were due to the medication, the temporal relationship of symptom improvement upon discontinuation of the statin, led us to the conclusion that it could potentially have been the cause. Unexplained dyspnea is not listed as an …

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Antitumor Activity Of Selected Derivatives Of Pyrazole- Benzenesulfonamides From Dilithiated C(Α), N-Phenylhydrazones And Lithiated Methyl 2-(Aminosulfonyl)Benzoate, N. Dwight Camper [Deceased], James M. Gum, Darby E. Lyles, William T. Pennington, Charles F. Beam, Clyde R. Metz

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Several pyrazole-benzenesulfonamides were subjected to biological evaluation involving tumor formation on potato discs caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This assay led to some excellent and promising initial results with three of the pyrazole compounds showing increased tumor inhibition when compared to a recognized standard, camptothecin. The select pyrazole-benzenesulfonamides were prepared by condensation-cyclization of several dilithiated C(α),N-phenylhydrazones with lithiated methyl 2-aminosulfonyl-benzoate.

Melatonin Modulates Inflammatory Response And Suppresses Burn-Induced Apoptotic Injury, Ganka Bekyarova, Milena Atanasova, Maria Tzaneva, Anelia Dimitrova

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction: Melatonin, the principal secretory product of the pineal gland, has antioxidant functions as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of melatonin against inflammatory response, burn-induced oxidative damage and apoptotic changes of rat liver. Methods: Melatonin (10 mg /kg, i.p.) was applied immediately after 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) burns on male Wistar rats. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of an oxidative stress was quantified by thiobarbituric method. Hepatic TNFα and IL-10 as inflammatory markers were assayed by ELISA. Using light immunоchistochemistry …

Natural Killer (Nk) Cells And Their Involvement In Different Types Of Cancer. Current Status Of Clinical Research, Isadora Zaharescu, Adina D. Moldovan, Cristiana Tanase

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Natural killer cells are the main agents of innate immunity. Since 1970, various studies have repeatedly confirmed their involvement in decreasing local tumor growth and also decreasing the risk of metastasis, due to their cytotoxic effects and also through the release of immunostimulatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma. In the 1990s, several studies demonstrated the existence of certain inhibiting and stimulating receptors of these cells, leading to the concept of “induced self”, thus explaining why tumors with MHC-1 are destroyed and autologous cells without it are saved out. Recognition and destruction of tumor cells by the NK cells are the result …

Informational Dichotomy Of The Mind; The Role Of Sexual Neuromodulators, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Many basic physiological mechanisms of sexuality were initially studied on animal subjects and conclusions regarding human subjects extrapolated afterward. These ancestral reflexes are assumed to have ascended during human evolution to the cerebral level, where cognition would intermediate (being an environmental operator) both sexual and mental processes. Accordingly, the study of human sexuality suggests an additional/ particular documentation regarding mental existence and its implication, phenomena that are not characteristic of animals.

In a previously published paper we presented ideas regarding the structural dichotomy of the mind and its subsequent implications to sexuality. In this paper we present a general perspective …

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation For Cardiogenic Shock: A Retrospective Analysis Based On The Etiology Of Shock, Andrew Burchett, Thomas Tribble, Richard Charnigo, Susan Smyth, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

Abstract:

Background: We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy of VA-ECMO support in cardiogenic shock based on various etiologies.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 99 patients supported with VA-ECMO from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015. Outcomes included survival to discontinuation of VA-ECMO support and survival to hospital discharge. The etiologies of cardiogenic shock included cardiac arrest (CPR), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary embolism (PE), right ventricular failure (RVF) not secondary to an acute pulmonary embolism, and post-cardiotomy syndrome (PCS). The PCS group was used as a reference group; odds ratios were estimated …

The Battle Against Malaria: A Teachable Moment, Randy K. Schwartz

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Malaria has been humanity’s worst public health problem throughout recorded history. Mathematical methods are needed to understand which factors are relevant to the disease and to develop counter-measures against it. This article and the accompanying exercises provide examples of those methods for use in lower- or upper-level courses dealing with probability, statistics, or population modeling. These can be used to illustrate such concepts as correlation, causation, conditional probability, and independence. The article explains how the apparent link between sickle cell trait and resistance to malaria was first verified in Uganda using the chi-squared probability distribution. It goes on to explain …

Freshwater Fungal Infections, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Fungal infections as a result of freshwater exposure or trauma are fortunately rare. Etiologic agents are varied, but commonly include filamentous fungi and Candida. This narrative review describes various sources of potential freshwater fungal exposure and the diseases that may result, including fungal keratitis, acute otitis externa and tinea pedis, as well as rare deep soft tissue or bone infections and pulmonary or central nervous system infections following traumatic freshwater exposure during natural disasters or near-drowning episodes. Fungal etiology should be suspected in appropriate scenarios when bacterial cultures or molecular tests are normal or when the infection worsens or …

We Have No Real Evidence Related To Anticoagulation Plus Aspirin For Stroke Prevention In Atrial Fibrillation, Yuxiang Wang

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Flaker GC, Gruber M, Connolly SJ, et al. Risks and benefits of combining aspirin with anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: an exploratory analysis of stroke prevention using an oral thrombin inhibitor in atrial fibrillation (SPORTIF) trials. Am Heart J. 2006;152:967-973. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2006.06.024

Parts Of The Whole: Error Estimation For Science Students, Dorothy Wallace

Numeracy

It is important for science students to understand not only how to estimate error sizes in measurement data, but also to see how these errors contribute to errors in conclusions they may make about the data. Relatively small errors in measurement, errors in assumptions, and roundoff errors in computation may result in large error bounds on computed quantities of interest. In this column, we look closely at a standard method for measuring the volume of cancer tumor xenografts to see how small errors in each of these three factors may contribute to relatively large observed errors in recorded tumor volumes.

The Importance Of Routine Bedside Biliary Ultrasonography In The Management Of Patients Admitted To The Emergency Department With Isolated Acute Epigastric Pain, Vermi̇ Değerli̇, Tanzer Korkmaz, Hülya Mollamehmetoğlu, Cem Ertan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of our study was to emphasize the importance of routine bedside biliary ultrasonography (USG) for the differential diagnosis of biliary tract disorders in patients admitted with acute isolated epigastric pain. Materials and methods: Adult patients who were admitted to the emergency department with acute isolated epigastric pain were included in the study. Emergency residents (ERs) were asked whether they planned to perform biliary USG during the initial evaluation and following diagnosis/treatment (secondary evaluation) of these patients. Bedside biliary USG examinations were performed by a sonologist and a radiologist evaluated the video recordings. Results: A total of 103 …

Is There Any Difference In Tetanus Igg Levels Of Diabetic Patientswith Respect To The Presence Of Foot Ulcers?, Fati̇h Teki̇n, Mehmet Sürmeli̇, Zeynep Çi̇zmeci̇, Özlem Teki̇n, Ergi̇n Işik, Ömer Faruk Taner, Derun Taner Ertuğrul

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to reveal the tetanus immunization status of diabetic patients and to determine whether diabetic patients with foot ulcers have different TIG levels. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was designed that included diabetic patients with foot ulcers (n = 30) and diabetic patients without ulcers (n = 30). The groups were compared for serum TIG levels along with total serum protein, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and total immunoglobulin G (Ig G). Results: For diabetic patients without foot ulcers, 17 of 30 (56.6%) patients were found to have nonprotective TIG levels whereas for diabetic …

Intracranial Intraventricular Tumors: Long-Term Surgical Outcome Of 25 Patients, Si̇ma Sayyahmelli̇, Oğuz Baran, Doğa Uğurlar, Rahşan Kemerdere, Veysel Antar, Taner Tanriverdi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this paper is to provide the long-term surgical outcome of patients with intracranial intraventricular tumors. Materials and methods: Twenty-five patients operated on for intraventricular tumors between June 1999 and June 2014 are reviewed. Data from before, during, and after surgery were obtained from the patients' files and patients were followed regularly after surgery. Results: The group of patients comprised 15 females and 10 males with a mean age of 31.6 ± 16 years. The majority were adults and only 3 children were included. Three, 4, and 18 patients had tumors in the 4th, 3rd, and frontal …

Endometriosis-Associated Changes In Serum Levels Of Interferons And Chemokines, Andrei Mihai Malutan, Tudor Drugan, Razvan Ciortea, Carmen Bucuri, Maria Patricia Rada, Dan Mihu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum concentration of main chemokines and interferons in patients with diagnosed endometriosis. Materials and methods: A total of 160 women were divided in two study groups (group 1 - endometriosis; group 2 - healthy women). Serum levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, eotaxin, IL-8, MIG, IP-10, and IL-17A were measured with Human Multiplex Cytokine Panels. Results. Serum levels of IFN-γ, MCP-1, and IL-8 were significantly higher (mean 14.03, 57.24, and 534.24, respectively, compared to 0.58, 20.51, and 259.82, respectively), and serum levels of IP-10 and eotaxin were significantly …

Hpv Types And E6/E7 Mrna Expression In Cervical Samples From Turkish Women With Abnormal Cytology In Ankara, Turkey, İpek Tüney, Ayli̇n Altay, Koray Ergünay, Sevgen Çeli̇k Önder, Alp Usubütün, Mehmet Coşkun Salman, Gülendam Bozdayi, Erdem Karabulut, Osman Seli̇m Badur, Kunter Yüce, Ahmet Pinar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Human papillomaviruses have been established as a risk factor for invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix. HPV E6/E7 oncogene expression has recently emerged as a promising biomarker to determine the risk for progression to high-grade cervical lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate HPV mRNA and DNA detection in samples with abnormal cytology. Materials and methods: Cervical specimens were obtained at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology via cervical brushes during January-October 2011. Liquid-based cytology slides were evaluated according to the 2001 Bethesda System. Cytology specimens from a total of 81 women with abnormal cytology were included. …

Significant Association Between Scgb1d4 Gene Polymorphisms And Susceptibility To Adenoid Hypertrophy In A Pediatric Population, Tali̇h Özdaş, Si̇bel Özdaş, Mehmet Ali̇ Babademez, Sami̇ Engi̇n Muz, Mahmut Huntürk Ati̇lla, Si̇bel Başti̇mur, Afi̇fe İzbirak, Kenan Kurt, Işilay Öz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is chronic enlargement of the adenoid tissue. The pathophysiology of the disease is unclear. We analyzed SCGB1D4 gene polymorphisms in order to determine the effect of the variants or their genetic combinations on AH. Materials and methods: We genotyped the SCGB1D4 (IIS) gene in 167 participants (95 children with AH and 72 controls) by performing DNA sequencing in blood samples. Results: We genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the analysis, we found that in the presence of those SNPs and the minor alleles of individual SNPs four haplotypes were associated with an increased risk of …

Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Elevated In Recurringnonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Emrah Yürük, Theodore Robert Saitz, Serkan Gönültaş, Ege Can Şerefoğlu, Ahmet Yaser Müslümanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Although it has been shown that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may predict the progression of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), its association with the recurrence of NMIBC has been poorly studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between NLR and disease recurrence in patients with NMIBC. Materials and methods: The medical records of 428 consecutive initially diagnosed NMIBC patients who underwent transurethral resection between January 2010 and July 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients without a preoperative NLR (n = 6), without a minimum of 6 months of follow-up (n = 56), who were lost to …

The Genicular Nerve: Radiofrequency Lesion Application For Chronic Knee Pain, Paki̇ze Kirdemi̇r, Serdar Çatav, Fi̇li̇z Alkaya Solmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We investigated the short- and medium-term effectiveness of genicular nerve radiofrequency (RF) applied in patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: Radiofrequency was performed in 49 patients with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. VAS and WOMAC were measured at baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks postprocedure. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the cannula was advanced percutaneously towards the area connecting the shaft to the epicondyle. The RF electrode was inserted through the cannula and the electrode tip temperature was raised to 80 °C for 90 s. One RF lesion was made for each genicular nerve. …

Analysis Of Meiotic Spindle And Zona Pellucida Birefringenceof Ivm Oocytes In Pcos Patients, Fereshteh Safian, Mohammad Ali Khalili, Sareh Ashourzadeh, Marjan Omidi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility. One of the best therapeutic options for PCOS patients is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In vitro maturation (IVM) can also be a useful technique for these women. The goal of this study was to evaluate both the zona pellucida (ZP) birefringence and meiotic spindle (MS) of in vivo- and in vitro-matured oocytes from PCOS patients using the PolScope system. Materials and methods: Immature oocytes undergoing IVM and MII oocytes were obtained from PCOS patients in an ICSI program. Using PolScope, the presence of MS and ZP …

The Effect Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation On Mean Platelet Volume, Mehmet Burak Özen, Hüseyi̇n Ayhan, Haci Ahmet Kasapkara, Telat Keleş, Tahi̇r Durmaz, Kemal Eşref Erdoğan, Bi̇lge Duran Karaduman, Serdal Baştuğ, Cenk Sari, Abdullah Nabi̇ Aslan, Engi̇n Bozkurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an innovative approach to the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) as an alternative to surgery in high-risk patients. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is considered an indicator of endothelial dysfunction, platelet function, and activation. In this study, we aimed to investigate MPV changes in patients undergoing TAVI. Materials and methods: This study included 100 patients diagnosed with symptomatic severe AS and treated with TAVI between July 2011 and August 2013. Hematological parameters of the patients were examined prior to the procedure and 24 h, 1 month, and 6 months after TAVI. Results: A statistically …

The Assessment Of Work Productivity And Activity Impairment In Behçet's Disease, Gonca Mumcu, Fadi̇me Lehi̇mci̇, Özlem Fi̇dan, Hülya Gük, Uğur Alpar, Ali̇ Uğur Ünal, Zeynep Ertürk, Fatma Ali̇baz Öner, Güzi̇de Nevsun İnanç, Safi̇ye Atlas Tüli̇n Ergun, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the course of Behçet's disease (BD), disease-specific fears, and work productivity and activity impairment. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 110 consecutive BD patients were included. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire was used. Results: In the group of employed patients, 30.41% had missed work during the previous week. The mean percentages of daily activity impairment were higher in patients with musculoskeletal involvement (39.81 ± 33.61%) compared to those without (23.48 ± 32.45%) (P = 0.008). A greater decrease in working hours was observed in patients …

Effects Of Ankaferd Bloodstopper On Dermal Healing In Diabetic Rats, Sertaç Aktop, Burcu Çevreli̇, Deni̇z Genç, Emel Serdaroğlu Kaşikçi, Ni̇l Çomunoğlu Üstündağ, Noushi̇n Zi̇bandeh, Eli̇f Merve Özcan, Gökhan Göçmen, Mehmet Kami̇l Göker, İsmai̇l Tayfun Uzbay, Tunç Akkoç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diabetes mellitus inhibits wound-induced angiogenesis, impairs the wound healing process, and leads to the development of chronic wounds. Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS) is a new and promising local haemostatic agent. Although the mechanism of ABS-mediated haemostasis is well established, little is known about the associated histological and biochemical tissue reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this new-generation local haemostatic agent on short-term soft-tissue healing in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Materials and methods: The 24 Wistar albino rats used in this study were divided into STZ-treated (STZ, n = 12) and nontreated groups (control, n = …

The Influence Of Intraabdominal Pressure On The Mortalityrate Of Patients With Acute Pancreatitis, Petar Svorcan, Maja Stojanovic, Predrag Stevanovic, Aleksandar Karamarkovic, Radmilo Jankovic, Nebojsa Ladjevic

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) is a common clinical finding in patients with acute pancreatitis and is associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine the impact of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) on the mortality rate in patients with acute pancreatitis in an intensive care unit. Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients with acute pancreatitis were included in this prospective cohort study. Based on the obtained values of IAP, the patients were divided into two groups: those with normal IAP (n = 14) and increased IAP (n = 36). Mean values of IAP were compared with examined variables. Results: …

Epidemiology Of Under-Five Mortality In İstanbul: Changes From 1988 To 2011, Fahri̇ye Aysun Buzcu, Ayli̇n Yeti̇m Şahi̇n, Esra Karapinar, Özge Erol, Emi̇ne Gülbi̇n Gökçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Understanding the causes of under-five deaths is key to realizing sustainable developmental goals. The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the causes of under-five mortality in İstanbul during 2011 and compare the findings to those of 1988 and 2000. Materials and methods: All burial records of İstanbul were evaluated, and cemetery records of 1494 children, who died at under five years of age and were buried in İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Cemeteries between 1 January and 31 December 2011, were analyzed. Several sociodemographic characteristics and causes of death were compared with the results of studies carried out in …

Groin And Thigh Reconstructions With Pedicled Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps, Hakan Uzun, Ozan Bi̇ti̇k, Yahya Baltu, Mehmet Dadaci, Aycan Uğur Kayikçioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Resection of tumors from the groin and thigh regions with safe margins often results in significant soft tissue defects, which preclude primary closure. This study presents a series of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps for irradiated thigh and groin wounds with the purpose of evaluating the efficacy and outcomes of these flaps in this population. Materials and methods: From 2008 to 2015, all patients who underwent resection of thigh or groin region tumors and reconstruction with an inferiorly based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap were retrospectively identified. Medical records of the patients were reviewed. Results: A total of 27 patients, aged …

Serum Ischemic Modified Albumin (Ima) Concentration And Ima/Albumin Ratio In Patients With Hepatitis B-Related Chronic Liver Diseases, Fatma Yavuz, Murat Biyik, Mehmet Asil, Ramazan Dertli̇, Ali̇ Demi̇r, Hakki Polat, Sali̇ha Uysal, Hüseyi̇n Ataseven

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Albumin is the most important protein synthesized by the liver. Posttranscriptional changes occur in the molecular structure of albumin due to various factors and isoforms arise. Ischemic modified albumin (IMA) is one such isoform. This study was conducted to evaluate serum IMA concentrations in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related chronic liver diseases. Materials and methods: This study included 74 treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients, 25 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, and 49 healthy controls. Serum IMA concentration was measured spectrophotometrically using the albumin cobalt binding test. Results: The mean IMA concentrations in the chronic hepatitis B group and healthy …

Frequency Of Human Parvovirus 4 (Parv4) Viremia Among Hbv-Infected Patients And Healthy Donors In Shiraz, Iran, Fereshte Amirahmadi, Jamal Sarvari, Seyed Younes Hosseini, Neda Pirbonyeh, Ali Akbar Gorzin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: PARV4, a small DNA virus belonging to the family Parvoviridae, was first isolated in an HBV injecting drug user. Several studies have investigated PARV4 co-infection with HBV and HCV and its effect on the progression of liver disease. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of PARV4 among HBV-infected patients and healthy individuals. Materials and methods: A group of 90 HBV patients and a group of 90 healthy subjects were included in this study. Samples were selected after screening tests such as HBsAg ELISA, anti-HCV ELISA, and anti-HIV ELISA. Nested-PCRs were conducted to detect the PARV4 …