Digital Commons Network^™

Age May Be Hazardous To Outcome Following Traumatic Brain Injury: The Mitochondrial Connection, Lesley Knight Gilmer

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Older individuals sustaining traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience a much higher incidence of morbidity and mortality. This age-related exacerbated response to neurological insult has been demonstrated experimentally in aged animals, which can serve as a model to combat this devastating clinical problem. The reasons for this worse initial response are unknown but may be related to age-related changes in mitochondrial respiration.

Evidence is shown that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs early following traumatic brain injury (TBI), persists long after the initial insult, and is severitydependent. Synaptic and extrasynaptic mitochondrial fractions display distinct respiration capacities, stressing the importance to analyze these fractions separately. …

Stat5 Regulation Of Bcl10 Parallels Constitutive Nfkappab Activation In Lymphoid Tumor Cells., Zsuzsanna S Nagy, Matthew J Lebaron, Jeremy A Ross, Abhisek Mitra, Hallgeir Rui, Robert A Kirken

Department of Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 A and B (STAT5) are key survival factors in cells of the lymphoid lineage. Identification of novel, tissue-specific STAT5 regulated genes would advance the ability to combat diseases due to aberrant STAT5 signaling. In the present work a library of human STAT5 bound genomic elements was created and validated. RESULTS: Of several STAT5 responsive genomic regulatory elements identified, one was located within the first intron of the human BCL10 gene. Chromatin immuno-precipitation reactions confirmed constitutive in vivo STAT5 binding to this intronic fragment in various human lymphoid tumor cell lines. Interestingly, non-phosphorylated …

Are Morphological Specializations Of The Hyolingual System In Chameleons And Salamanders Tuned To Demands On Performance?, Anthony Herrel, Stephen M. Deban, Vicky Schaerlaeken, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, D. Adriaens

Integrative Biology Faculty and Staff Publications

Extremely specialized and long tongues used for prey capture have evolved independently in plethodontid salamanders and chameleons. In both systems, the demands on tongue projection are probably similar: to maximize projection velocity and distance. Consequently, many of the design features of the projection system in these two groups have converged to an astonishing degree. Both involve the use of power amplification systems based on helically wound muscle fibers that load internal connective tissue sheets as illustrated in previous studies. Demands imposed on tongue retraction, however, are different to some degree. Although in both groups there is a clear demand for …

Trichostatin A Inhibits Corneal Haze In Vitro And In Vivo, Ajay Sharma, Maneesh M. Mehan, Sunilima Sinha, John W. Cowden, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

PURPOSE. Trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been shown to suppress TGF- –induced fibrogenesis in many nonocular tissues. The authors evaluated TSA cytotoxicity and its antifibrogenic activity on TGF- –driven fibrosis in the cornea with the use of in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS. Human corneal fibroblasts (HSFs) were used for in vitro studies, and New Zealand White rabbits were used for in vivo studies. Haze in the rabbit cornea was produced with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using excimer laser. Trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays evaluated TSA cytotoxicity to the cornea. Density of haze in the rabbit …

X4 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gp120 Down-Modulates Expression And Immunogenicity Of Codelivered Antigens, Avi-Hai Hovav, Michael Santosuosso, Maytal Bivas-Benita, Andre Plair, Alex Cheng, Mazal Elnekave, Elda Righi, Tao Chen, Satoshi Kashiwagi, Michael W. Panas, Shi-Hua Xiang, Karina Furmanov, Norman L. Letvin, Mark C. Poznansky

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

In order to increase the immune breadth of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines, strategies such

as immunization with several HIV antigens or centralized immunogens have been examined. HIV-1 gp120

protein is a major immunogen of HIV and has been routinely considered for inclusion in both present and

future AIDS vaccines. However, recent studies proposed that gp120 interferes with the generation of immune

response to codelivered antigens. Here, we investigate whether coimmunization with plasmid-encoded gp120

alters the immune response to other coadministered plasmid encoded antigens such as luciferase or ovalbumin

in a mouse model. We found that the presence of gp120 …

Comparison Of Replication-Competent, First Generation, And Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vaccines, Eric A. Weaver, Pramod N. Nehete, Stephanie S. Buchl, Julien S. Senac, Donna Palmer, Philip Ng, K. Jagannadha Sastry, Michael A. Barry

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

All studies using human serotype 5 Adenovirus (Ad) vectors must address two major obstacles: safety and the presence of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies. Helper-Dependent (HD) Ads have been proposed as alternative vectors for gene therapy and vaccine development because they have an improved safety profile. To evaluate the potential of HD-Ad vaccines, we compared replication-competent (RC), first-generation (FG) and HD vectors for their ability to induce immune responses in mice. We show that RC-Ad5 and HD-Ad5 vectors generate stronger immune responses than FG-Ad5 vectors. HD-Ad5 vectors gave lower side effects than RC or FG-Ad, producing lower levels of tissue damage and …

Impact Of The Short-Term Consumption Of A Moderately High Fat Diet On Nitric Oxide Production And Bioavailibility, Kan Huang

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the regulation of numerous biological processes. Its bioavailability is assured by a well regulated balance between NO generation and NO removal. Disruptions in this balance contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus and arthritis. Many factors contribute to the maintenance of NO bioavailability by controlling nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, NOS activity, the availability of substrates and cofactors involved in the generation of NO by NOS, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the formation and mobilization of NO reservoirs. Dietary factors have a significant impact …

Habitat Variation Among Aquatic Gastropod Assemblages Of Indiana, U.S.A., Mark Pyron, Jayson Beugly, Matthew Spielman, Jennifer Pritchett, Stephen J. Jacquemin

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

We collected aquatic gastropods at 137 sites in lakes and streams of Indiana and tested for patterns of assemblages with environmental variables. The survey resulted in 32 species with a mean of 2.8 species at each site, and a mean abundance at each site of 144 individuals. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) multivariate analyses resulted in watershed drainage area, water conductivity, substrate category frequency, and dissolved oxygen as significant correlates of gastropod assemblage structure. Gastropod assemblages of lakes were not significantly different than assemblages of streams in the ordination. Prosobranch taxa occurred in higher abundances than pulmonate taxa at sites with …

Differential Effects Of Th1, Monocyte/Macrophage And Th2 Cytokine Mixtures On Early Gene Expression For Molecules Associated With Metabolism, Signaling And Regulation In Central Nervous System Mixed Glial Cell Cultures, Robert P. Lisak, Joyce A. Benjamins, Beverly Bealmear, Liljana Nedelkoska, Diane Studzinski, Ernest Retland, Bin Yao, Susan Land

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Cytokines secreted by immune cells and activated glia play central roles in both the pathogenesis of and protection from damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We have used gene array analysis to identify the initial direct effects of cytokines on CNS glia by comparing changes in early gene expression in CNS glial cultures treated for 6 hours with cytokines typical of those secreted by Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages (M/M).

Results

In two previous papers, we summarized effects of these cytokines on immune-related molecules, and on neural and glial related proteins, …

Regulation Of Alpha- And Beta-Actin Isoforms In The Contracting A7r5 Smooth Muscle Cell, Dawn Leah Brown-Turner

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Two isoforms of actin have been found to be present in A7r5 smooth muscle cells, α- and β-actin. This body of work sets out to examine the different regulatory factors of the two actin isoforms during smooth muscle contraction. The response of the actin isoforms to phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) is markedly different. α-Actin remodels to podosomes around the periphery of the cell, while β-actin merely shortens. One protein involved in smooth muscle contraction induced by PDBu is protein kinase C (PKC). Two inhibitors of PKC, staurosporine and bisindolymaleimide, were used prior to PDBu stimulation and after PDBu stimulation to …

Aromatase Inhibitors In Infertile Patients: Effects On Seminal Parameters, Serum And Seminal Plasma Testosterone Levels, And Estradiol Levels During Short-Term Follow-Up, M. Murad Başar, Devri̇m Tuğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To evaluate the effects of an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole) on seminal parameters, and on serum and seminal plasma testosterone/estradiol ratios in infertile patients, as well as to clarify its place among empirical infertility treatment modalities. Patients and Methods: The study included 32 patients with spermatozoa numbering > 5 million/mL in ejaculate and a serum testosterone/estradiol ratio < 0.14. Anastrozole, an aromatase-inhibiting agent, was given (1 mg b.i.d.) and patients were re-evaluated 2 months later based on semen analysis, and measurements of serum and seminal plasma testosterone and estradiol levels. Results: Semen analysis parameters before and after treatment, respectively, were as follows: number of spermatozoa: 12.4 ± 4.1 million/mL and 22.3 ± 5.7 million/mL; motility: 33.4 ± 4.2% and 47.6 ± 7.4%; normal morphology: 5.4 ± 1.3% and 8.9 ± 2.7%. Differences between the values before and after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Serum testosterone level was 4.1 ± 1.2 ng/mL, estradiol level was 52.1 ± 9.4 pg/mL, and testosterone/estradiol ratio was 0.13 ± 0.03 at the beginning of treatment. These values were 3.2 ± 0.6 ng/mL, 68.4 ± 7.3 pg/mL, and 0.05 ± 0.001, respectively, in seminal plasma. Following 2 months of anastrozole treatment, testosterone and estradiol levels, and the testosterone/estradiol ratio showed statistically significant changes in serum and seminal plasma. While testosterone levels significantly increased, estradiol levels decreased (serum P_T = 0.001, P_{E2} = 0.001; seminal plasma P_T = 0.001, P_{E2} = 0.001). Conclusion: Aromatase inhibitors are a potential treatment method for infertile male patients with increased plasma estradiol levels and decreased plasma testosterone/estradiol ratios.

The Effects Of Nitric Oxide On Rat Stomach Injury Induced By Acetylsalicylic Acid, Murat Yağmurca, Muharrem Uçar, Ersi̇n Fadillioğlu, Hasan Erdoğan, Feral Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin), which is one of the most frequently used drugs in the world, causes severe gastric mucosal injury. Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NOS can be inhibited by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and stimulated by supplementing the diet with L-arginine (L-Arg). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NO on gastric mucosal injury induced by ASA. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: control, ASA, ASA+L-NAME, ASA+L-Arg, ASA+L-Arg+L-NAME, only L-NAME, and only L-Arg groups. After administration of the drugs, the rats …

Correlation Between Calprotectin And Oxidized Ldl In Preeclampsia, Bünyami̇n Börekçi̇, Hülya Aksoy, Nuri̇nni̇sa Öztürk, Sedat Kadanali

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between serum calprotectin and oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) in preeclamptic patients. Additionally, we aimed to measure serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an oxidative stress marker. Materials and Methods: Serum calprotectin, oxidized LDL, and MDA levels were measured in a cross-sectional study of 61 preeclamptic patients (39 severe preeclampsia and 22 mild preeclampsia cases) and 20 healthy pregnant subjects. Serum MDA concentration was measured with spectrophotometric methods, and oxidized LDL and calprotectin were measured via enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Results: Serum calprotectin (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.014) and MDA (P = 0.001 and P = 0.028) levels were significantly higher in the severe and mild preeclampsia groups than in the healthy control group. Serum oxidized LDL concentration was slightly higher, but not did reach a statistically significant level, in the severe preeclampsia group than in the healthy pregnant group (P = 0.2). There was a significant negative correlation between the levels of calprotectin and oxidized LDL (r = -0.34, P = 0.006) in the mild and severe preeclampsia groups. The correlation between calprotectin and MDA was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Conclusions: The findings suggest that increased calprotectin is associated with preeclampsia. Further study is necessary in order to determine whether or not high calprotectin levels prevent oxidation of circulating LDL in preeclampsia cases.

Necrosis In Human Cystic Echinococcosis: An Underrecognized Tissue Reaction Possibly Related To Host Response, Özlem Mi̇man, Meti̇n Atambay, Nasuhi̇ Engi̇n Aydin, Ni̇lgün Daldal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: As Echinococcosis stands out worldwide as an important zoonotic cestode infection caused by various Echinococcus species, histopathological features of the disease are worthy of in-depth study. Materials and Methods: Histopathological changes in adjacent parenchymal tissue in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) were evaluated. The study included 91 patients 4-80 years of age (mean age: 36.24 years). Results: The histopathological findings of 83 specimens were as follows: fibrosis: 77.11%; mono-nucleated cells: 71.08%; necrosis: 67.47%; eosinophils: 51.80%; giant cells: 31.33%; neutrophils: 8.43%. Fibrosis, eosinophils, neutrophils, and giant cell infiltration were observed significantly more often than mono-nucleated cell infiltration, germinal membranes, and …

Epidemiology Of Human Rabies In Turkey: 1992-2007, Turan Buzgan, Hasan Irmak, Gül R. Yilmaz, Mehmet Ali̇ Torunoğlu, Ahmet Safran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Rabies continues to be a public health problem in Turkey; however, the number of reported cases has decreased in recent years and 1-2 cases of human rabies are reported annually to the Ministry of Health (MoH). Epidemiological and demographic features, clinical findings, and prophylaxis of human rabies reported to the MoH between 1992 and 2007 were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Rabies has been reported in Turkey since 1930. Data on human rabies have been available from the MoH since 1992. In this study, data on human rabies were analyzed retrospectively. The provinces, rabies risk exposure date, age, gender, type …

Prevalence Of Echinococcus Granulosus Detected Using Enzyme Immunoassay And Abdominal Ultrasonography In A Group Of Students Staying In A State Dormitory In Turkey, Bi̇lgi̇n Arda, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Tansu Yamazhan, Oğuz Reşat Si̇pahi̇, Sadik Tamsel, Gülgün Demi̇rpolat, Meti̇n Korkmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study our aim was to analyse the seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis and prevalence of lesions (with abdominal ultrasonography) in a group of young adult university students staying in a state dormitory in Bornova, İzmir, Turkey. Materials and methods: The study group was consisted of 750 students (360 women, 390 men, mean age 20.92 ± 1.82 years, min 17, max 29). Informed written consent was obtained from each student and they were requested to fill a questionnaire form (sociocultural and economic condition, area of living, and demographic data). Blood sampling was performed by intravenous puncture and sera were …

Progression Of Binocular Vision Following Cataract Surgery*, İlknur Akyol Salman, Murat Arslankurt, Osman Dursun, Ahmet Yazici, Orhan Baykal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To investigate the progression of binocular vision of patients after cataract surgery in the early postoperative period. Materials and methods: Eighty four cataract patients were evaluated at postoperative 1 and 3 months after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber monofocal lens implantation. For the evaluation of the grades of binocular vision, synoptophore was used. Stereoscopic acuity was measured with the Titmus Stereotest. Results: Evaluation at postoperative 3 months was associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients with stereopsis (P = 0.004), better levels of stereoacuities (P < 0.001) than the evaluation at postoperative 1 month. Significantly higher visual acuities (P = 0.001) and lower interocular difference in refraction values (P = 0.023) were also noted at postoperative 3 months. The level of stereoscopic acuity was not significantly correlated with the level of visual acuity, interocular visual acuity difference, interocular difference in refraction, and the age of patients (P > 0.05). In patients without fusion, suppression was found in the operated eyes with favorable …

Effects Of Long-Term Passive Smoking On Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor And Apoptosis Markers Expression In Lens And Corneal Epithelial Cells: An Experimental Study*, Fati̇h Özcura, Sema Oruç Dündar, İbrahi̇m Meteoğlu, Mehmet Erkut Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To determine the effects of smoking on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and apoptosis in lens and corneal epithelial cells. Materials and methods: This experimental study included 38 Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Groups 1 (males) and 2 (females) were exposed to smoke beginning on the 21st day after birth, whereas groups 3 (males) and 4 (females) were not exposed to smoke. At the end of the fourth month, right eyes of all rats were enucleated. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in enucleated eyes in terms of VEGF and apoptosis markers, namely caspase-3, Bcl-X, and …

Cytotoxic Effects Of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (Cape) On The Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line, Özgür Koru, Feri̇t Avcu, Mehmet Tanyüksel, Ali̇ Uğur Ural, Remzi̇ Engi̇n Araz, Kenan Şener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiproliferative effects on various tumor cells, and is the most active component of propolis. This study aimed to examine the in vitro effects of CAPE on the human multiple myeloma cell line. Materials and methods: CAPE was added to the ARH-77 multiple myeloma cell line and the percentage of dead cells was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-SH-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The percentage of live cells and growth inhibition were determined using the Trypan blue test. The percentage of IL-6 cells was determined using ELISA. Results: ARH-77 cells treated with CAPE for …

Does L-Carnitine Increase Serum Tnf -Α And Igf-1 During Liver Regeneration In The Rat?, Mevlüt Pehli̇van, Abdurrahman Coşkun, Ahmet Zengi̇n, Ari̇f Aslaner, Tevfi̇k Yavuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We sought to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine administration on the levels of IGF-1, TNF-\alpha, and lipid peroxidation during hepatic regeneration for up to 72 h in an experimental partial hepatic resection rat model. Materials and methods: Sixty rats were divided into 3 groups: control and low-dose (100 mg/kg) and high-dose (200 mg/kg) L-carnitine. Each group was divided into 2 sub groups (24 and 72 h after partial hepatectomy). Partial (70%) hepatectomy was performed after 7 days of intra-peritoneal administration of L-carnitine. After partial hepatectomy, L-carnitine was also administered to rats until sacrifice. Serum IGF-1, TNF-\alpha, and tissue malondialdehyde …

A Comparison Of Different Management Techniques For Myocardial Protection In Acyanotic Congenital Cardiac Patients, İbrahi̇m Duvan, Bariş Durukan, Alper Gürbüz, Cem Yorgancioğlu, Meti̇n Demi̇rci̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: It has already been shown that terminal warm blood cardioplegia (TWBC) supports myocardial protection in pediatric patients when it is administered after cold blood cardioplegia. However, the myocardial protective effects of TWBC applied after cold crystalloid cardioplegia (CCC) is still a subject of debate. Materials and methods: Twenty acyanotic congenital cardiac patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10. In the control group (CG), moderate hypothermia, topical cooling, and cold crystalloid cardioplegia were performed for the protection of the myocardium. In the other group (TWBCG), the same procedure was supported using TWBC just before the unclamping of the …

Primate Phylogenomics: Developing Numerous Nuclear Non-Coding, Non-Repetitive Markers For Ecological And Phylogenetic Applications And Analysis Of Evolutionary Rate Variation, Zuogang Peng, Navin Elango, Derek E. Wildman, Soojin V. Yi

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Genetic analyses are often limited by the availability of appropriate molecular markers. Markers from neutrally evolving genomic regions may be particularly useful for inferring evolutionary histories because they escape the constraints of natural selection. For the majority of taxa however, obtaining such markers is challenging. Advances in genomics have the potential to alleviate the shortage of neutral markers. Here we present a method to develop numerous markers from putatively neutral regions of primate genomes.

Results

We began with the available whole genome sequences of human, chimpanzee and macaque. Using computational methods, we identified a total of 280 potential …

Incorporation Of Membrane-Bound, Mammalian-Derived Immunomodulatory Proteins Into Influenza Whole Virus Vaccines Boosts Immunogenicity And Protection Against Lethal Challenge, Andrew S. Herbert, Lynn Heffron, Roy Sundick, Paul C. Roberts

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Influenza epidemics continue to cause morbidity and mortality within the human population despite widespread vaccination efforts. This, along with the ominous threat of an avian influenza pandemic (H5N1), demonstrates the need for a much improved, more sophisticated influenza vaccine. We have developed an in vitro model system for producing a membrane-bound Cytokine-bearing Influenza Vaccine (CYT-IVAC). Numerous cytokines are involved in directing both innate and adaptive immunity and it is our goal to utilize the properties of individual cytokines and other immunomodulatory proteins to create a more immunogenic vaccine.

Results

We have evaluated the immunogenicity of inactivated cytokine-bearing influenza …

Iron-Induced Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Loss Is Ameliorated By Flunarizine, Ramazan Kozan, M. Ömer Bostanci, Tuncer Nacar, Ali̇ Aslan, Faruk Bağirici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular-injected iron neurotoxicity on the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in rats and the possible neuroprotective effect of flunarizine, a piperazine-derived calcium channel blocker. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control, flunarizine, iron, and iron + flunarizine groups. Rats in the iron and iron + flunarizine groups received intracerebro-ventricular iron (FeCl_36H_2O, 200 mM, 2.5 µl), while those in flunarizine and iron + flunarizine groups were intraperitoneally injected with flunarizine (10 mg/kg/day) once a day after the operation for 10 days. After 10 days, all rats were perfused …

Impact Of Socioeconomic Conditions And Parasitic Infection On Hemoglobin Level Among Children In Um-Unnasser Village, Gaza Strip, Bassam F. Al-Zain

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the impact of socioeconomic conditions and intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) on hemoglobin level among children aged 2-15 years in Um-Unnasser village, North Gaza, Palestine. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis of blood and fecal samples. Results: Of 256 children, 25% were anemic and prevalence was higher in children aged below six years. Overall prevalence of IPI was 46.9%. Ascaris lumbricoides (11.3%), Giardia lamblia (8.2%), Hymenolepis nana (6.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.0%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.7%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%) were the most frequently found, …

The Effect Of Dust-Mites On Nitric Oxide Production, Süleyman Yazar, Eser Kiliç, Meti̇n Atambay, Aysun Bay Karabulut, Özlem Makbule Aycan, Gülden Sönmez Tamer, Ni̇lgün Daldal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effect of house dust mite on the level of nitric oxide in patients who had dust mite in their houses and suffering from rhinitis and/or asthma and/or eczema-like allergic symptoms and were positive for skin tests (Prick). Materials and Methods: The effect of dust-mites on nitric oxide concentration was investigated using Griess method in patients who had allergic symptoms and were positive for skin tests. Results: The plasma nitric oxide level was found to be statistically higher in patients who had dust mite in their houses and suffering from allergic symptoms and were positive …

Recurrent Breast Abscess Caused By Corynebacterium Amycolatum And Rewiev Of The Literature, İsmet Özaydin, Mustafa Yildirim, İdri̇s Şahi̇n, Sami̇ Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Corynebacterium species are an uncommon cause of breast abscess, and Corynebacterium amycolatum is rarely described in the literature. In the present case, we report recurrent breast abscess caused by C. amycolatum in a 39-year-old patient with normal immune function. Pathological diagnosis was granulomatous mastitis. The patient was treated with incision and drainage and ampicillin-sulbactam treatment. To our knowledge, this is the second report of breast abscess caused by C. amycolatum.

The Effect Of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor 7-Nitroindazole On The Cell Death Induced By Zinc Administration In The Brain Of Rats, M. Fati̇h Gökçe, Faruk Bağirici, Şeri̇f Demi̇r, M. Ömer Bostanci, Aysel Güven

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) on hippocampal cell loss induced by zinc hemisulfate salt (ZnSO4·7H2O) treatment. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 21; 7 rats in each group): Control, Zinc, and Zinc+7-NI. In the Zinc and Zinc+7-NI (pretreatment) groups, ZnSO4·7H2O was applied intracortically to the left sensory motor cortex. The 7-NI (50 mg/kg) was injected into the third group (Zinc+7-NI) intraperitoneally 20 min prior to zinc application and daily for the next 7 days. Cell loss in the left and right hippocampal hemispheres was quantified …

The Epidemiology Of Microsporidias In Humans (Malatya Sample), Ülkü Karaman, Ni̇lgün Daldal, Meti̇n Atambay, Cemi̇l Çolak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Microsporidias, first isolated and defined in 1857, are obligate intracellular parasites observed in animal groups and especially invertebrates. Generally homosexual patients and patients who are HIV positive and immune suppressed constitute the participants of international studies about the epidemiology of microsporidias. No previous studies about the prevalence of the parasite in Turkey have been found in the literature. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of microsporidias in and around Malatya. Materials and Methods: Feces samples (n: 2665) from patients who presented at İnönü University Medical Faculty policlinics in 2006 with some digestive system complaints and were referred to …

Effect Of Isoflavone On Plasma Nitrite/Nitrate, Homocysteine, And Lipid Levels In Turkish Women In The Early Postmenopausal Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ni̇lgün Öztürk Turhan, Candan İltemi̇r Duvan, Fatma Bolkan, Yüksel Onaran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of isoflavones on cardiovascular risk markers including plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels in Turkish women in the early postmenopausal period. Materials and Methods: Ninety participants between 42 and 59 years of age were randomly assigned to receive twice a day either isoflavone tablet (n:45) or placebo tablets (n = 45). Plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels were measured at baseline and after the 6 months of treatment. Results: After 6 months, isoflavone resulted in a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglyceride levels, serum homocysteine and …