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Mean Platelet Volume As A Fibrosis Marker In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C, Hati̇ce Karaman, Çi̇ğdem Karakükcü, Ahmet Karaman, Tuba Kayman, Samet Yalçin, Erdem Arzu Taşdemi̇r, Gökmen Zararsiz, Orhan Kürşat Poyrazoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We designed this study to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) as a fibrosis marker in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Materials and methods: The study was designed at Kayseri Education and Research Hospital. Ninety-five patients with CHC were enrolled retrospectively into the study. The control group comprised 33 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Hepatitis C virus-RNA level, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, prothrombin time (PT), platelet count (PC), serum albumin, histological activity index (HAI), liver fibrosis score (LFS), and MPV were obtained from the patients' files and a computerized database. Results: Statistically significant differences …

Investigation Of The Protective Effects Of L-Carnitine And L-Arginine On Cardiovascular Changes Induced By Acth And Dexamethasone In Rabbits, Bi̇rkan Topçu, Metehan Uzun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the protective effects of L-carnitine on cardiovascular changes that may occur in rabbits treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and dexamethasone (DEX). Materials and methods: Rabbits of equal weight were divided into 7 groups with 6 animals in each. Blood samples were collected from all groups on days 1, 7, and 14, and blood pressure values and ECG monitoring were recorded. Nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and troponin I (TnI) levels were determined in blood samples. Heart rate, QT, and corrected QT (QTc) values were calculated from ECG records. Results: The QT and QTc times were prolonged …

Incidental Findings On Electron Beam Tomography Renal Angiography In Hypertensive Patients, Baki̇ Heki̇moğlu, Begüm Demi̇rler Şi̇mşi̇r, Mustafa Şeki̇p Altunkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the prevalence, spectrum, and significance of incidental lesions identified on electron beam tomography (EBT) renal angiography performed to investigate renovascular hypertension. Materials and methods: EBT renal angiography images of 148 cases were evaluated in terms of renal artery variations and renal artery stenosis. Extravascular renal findings, abdominal aorta, iliac artery, liver and gallbladder findings, vertebral lesions, and other intraabdominal organ findings were assessed during the examination. Results: No incidental finding was found in 30 cases (20.2%) in total. The most frequent incidental findings were benign ones without any clinical significance. A total of 13 (8.7%) clinically significant findings …

Occurrence Of Depression During The Postpartum Period And Risk Factors That Affect The Development Of The Depression, Demet Aktaş, Füsun Terzi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the occurrences of depression experienced by women during the postpartum period and the risk factors that affect the development of this depression. Materials and methods: The study involved 330 women who had recently given birth in a hospital in 2007. The women were contacted 3 times in total: on postpartum day 1 (face to face) and in weeks 2 and 6 (by phone). The Edinburgh Scale of Postpartum Depression (EPDS) was used as the form for collecting data. According to the EPDS, women who have scored 13 points or above are sensitive to depression. Results: The EPDS scores …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Desflurane And Sevoflurane Anesthesia On Alveolar Epithelial Permeability By Tc-99m Dtpa Inhalation Scintigraphy, Abdulkadi̇r İskender, Meli̇h Engi̇n Erkan, Mesut Erbaş, Damla Güçlü Güven, Gülbi̇n Sezen, Muhammet Aşik, Yavuz Demi̇raran, Mustafa Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Recently studies showed that volatile anesthetics affect the ciliary beat frequency in vitro. We know that impairment of ciliary beat frequency is related to a risk of pulmonary complications with general anesthesia. Other studies have also shown that exposure to a volatile anesthetic can increase the permeability of the alveolar–capillary barrier. The present study aimed to determine the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia on the technetium-labeled diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Tc-99m DTPA) clearance rate of the alveolar epithelium. Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent elective tympanoplasty with general anesthesia were included in this study. Patients …

Significant Features Of Basal And Maximal Energy Expenditure Parameters In Obese Adults, Emi̇ne Uygur, Kağan Üçok, Abdurrahman Genç, Ümi̇t Şener, Ramazan Uygur, Ahmet Songur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare body composition, resting metabolic rate, and maximal aerobic capacity parameters in obese adults and healthy controls, as well as to investigate the associations among these parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 120 participants, 60 obese participants (30 male, 30 female) with body mass indexes (BMIs) over 30 kg/m^2 and 60 healthy controls (30 male, 30 female) with BMIs of 18-25 kg/m^2, were included in the study. BMI was calculated as body weight divided by the square of the height (kg/m^2). Body fat percentage, total body fat, and lean body mass were established with bioelectric impedance analysis. Resting …

Aβ Alters The Dna Methylation Status Of Cell-Fate Genes In An Alzheimer’S Disease Model, Gary D. Isaacs, Noor Taher, Courtney Mckenzie, Rebecca Garrett, Matthew Baker, Nena Fox

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid-β plaques (Aβ). Despite ongoing research, some ambiguity remains surrounding the role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. While several studies have focused on the mutations associated with AD, our understanding of the epigenetic contributions to the disease remains less clear. To that end, we determined the changes in DNA methylation in differentiated human neurons with and without Aβ treatment. We isolated the DNA from neurons treated with Aβ or vehicle, and digested the two samples with either a methylation-sensitive (HpaII) or a methylation-insensitive (MspI) restriction endonuclease. …

The Mr Imaging Features And The Analyses Of Quantitative Parameters In Cases With Surgically Repaired Tetralogy Of Fallot, Sali̇h Hamcan, Bülent Karaman, Bi̇lal Battal, Veysel Akgün, Kemal Kara, Tuncay Hazirolan, Uğur Bozlar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To present postoperative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging features of cases of surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and to evaluate the relationship among data used in follow-up procedures, such as right ventricular ejection fraction (RV-EF), pulmonary regurgitation fraction (PRF), and the degree of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Materials and methods: Fourteen patients (9 males and 5 females; mean age 11.9 ± 3.6 years) with surgically repaired TOF who were admitted to our clinic for follow-up CMR imaging between July 2008 and September 2011 were included in the study. A protocol that consisted of cine steady-state free precession (SSFP) and …

Effectiveness Of Hp-Hmg Versus R-Fsh In Patients Undergoing Ivf/Icsi Cycles With Moderate Male-Factor Infertility, Ni̇lgün Turhan, Aslihan Pekel, Ayli̇n Ayrim, Burcu Kasap, Ömer Bayrak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this case-control study was to compare the efficacy of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) versus recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH) treatments following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist suppression in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with moderate male-factor infertility in terms of oocyte and embryo quality and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods: A total of 240 infertile women were treated with HP-hMG (HP-hMG group, n = 120 patients) or r-FSH (r-FSH group, n = 120 patients) following GnRH agonist suppression (long regimen). Inclusion criteria for the study groups were infertility due to moderate oligoasthenoteratospermia with no …

Preliminary Data From A Surveillance Study On Surgical Site Infections And Assessment Of Risk Factors In A University Hospital, Mustafa Namiduru, İlkay Karaoğlan, Riza Çam, Vuslat Boşnak, Ayşe Özlem Mete

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Surgical site infections (SSIs) lead to substantial mortality, morbidity, and socioeconomic loss. To explore the rate of infections and risk factors for the development of infection in surgical units. Materials and methods: All patients (n = 1397) who underwent a surgical intervention and were hospitalized for >48 h in surgical units (except the ophthalmology unit) of Gaziantep University Medical Faculty Hospital between 17 March 2008 and 15 July 2008 were included in the study. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used for identifying and diagnosing SSIs. Rate of SSI was calculated as the number of SSIs observed …

The Role Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Parathyroid Hormone Levels, Alpaslan Kiliçarslan, Alma Cenoli̇ Aslan, Gamze Gezgen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Vitamin D deficiency is an important cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D levels on parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Materials and methods: We retrospectively chose 2226 patients who were admitted to our hospital’s general internal medicine department for various reasons and had both PTH and vitamin D tests on the same day. Results: It was found that 22.3% of the patients had high levels of PTH and 92% of them had secondary hyperparathyroidism. The average vitamin D level was 16.4 ng/mL. The vitamin D levels of 64% of the patients were below 20 ng/mL …

Effect Of The Presence Of Pneumonia On Noninvasive Ventilation Success In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cases With Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure, Serdar Akpinar, Kazim Rollas, Evri̇m Eylem Akpinar, Ali̇ Alagöz, Nazi̇re Uçar, Yusuf Tuğrul Şi̇pi̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of the presence of pneumonia on the success of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases with acute respiratory failure. Materials and methods: Sixty patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to COPD exacerbation were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups as those with pneumonia (Group 1) and without pneumonia (Group 2). According to initial pH values, cases were also divided into 3 subgroups based on pH values. C-reactive protein (CRP), APACHE II scores, requirement of endotracheal intubation, mortality, and duration of ICU and hospital stay were also …

Measurement Of The In-Air Output Ratio For High-Energy Photon Beams Used In Radiotherapy, Murugan Appasamy, Sidonia Valas Xavier, Thayalan Kuppusamy, Ramasubrmanian Velayudham

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To measure the in-air output ratio of a 15-MV photon beam using locally designed miniphantoms. Materials and methods: Columnar and brass miniphantoms were designed locally to accommodate 0.6 cc and 0.13 cc ionization chambers. The in-air output ratio (S_C) was measured for square, rectangular, and wedged fields for 15 MV. The influences of the orientation of the miniphantom, miniphantom material, and chamber volume on S_C and the collimator exchange effect were also studied. Results: The S_C measurements ranged from 0.944 to 1.0321 for the studied field sizes. The orientation of the miniphantom had no influence on S_C for the range …

Stereological Evaluation Of Ganglion Cells In The Sigmoid Colon In Primary And Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus, Sabri̇ Selçuk Atamanalp, Cemal Gündoğdu, Deni̇z Ünal, Zekai̇ Halici, Abdullah Kisaoğlu, Bünyami̇ Özoğul

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To clarify the role of ganglion cells in Auerbach’s plexus of the sigmoid colon in the development and recurrence of sigmoid volvulus (SV). Materials and methods: Pathological block samples of colonic resection materials of 28 patients who underwent sigmoidectomy for SV and, for comparison, samples of 28 patients who underwent sigmoidectomy or low anterior resection for rectosigmoid cancer (RSC) were analyzed using stereological methods. Results: The mean numerical density of ganglion cells was significantly lower in the SV group than in the RSC group (140.70 mm^{-2} and 669.42 mm^{-2}, respectively, P = 0.005), whereas there was no significant difference between …

Effects Of Green Tea On Ace Gene Expression In Rat Liver In Ccl_4-Induced Cirrhosis, Syed Muhammad Shahid, Rozeena Shaikh, Sana Shamim, Muhammad Ismail, Tabassum Mahboob

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

This study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of green tea administration on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in CCl_4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups as: Group 1, normal untreated rats; Group 2, CCl_4-induced cirrhotic rats; Group 3: CCl_4-induced cirrhotic + green tea treated rats. The beneficial effects of green tea were measured by alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin level, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The genomic DNA was isolated from excised tissue to …

Comparison Of The Protective Effects Of Desflurane And Propofol Anesthesia In Rats: A Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model, Ayça Taş Tuna, Cengi̇z Beki̇r Demi̇rel, Yusuf Ünal, Aslihan Çavunt Bayraktar, Demet Yilmazer, Mustafa Kavutçu, Murat Alper, Mustafa Kerem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

It is known that desflurane and propofol protect liver tissue via different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of these 2 agents against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Materials and methods: Rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups: ketamine, desflurane, and propofol. Thirty minutes after anesthetics were administered, the rats were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 4 h of reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in order to assess serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-\alpha), interleukin-1\beta (IL-1\beta), and malondialdehyde levels …

Diagnostic Value Of Cytokeratin 19, Hbme-1, And Galectin-3 Immunostaining Of Cell Block From Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens In Papillary Carcinoma Of The Thyroid, Hacer Haltaş, Reyhan Bayrak, Si̇bel Yeni̇dünya, Ümran Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the utility of immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin 19 (CK19), HBME-1, and galectin-3 in cell block preparations of fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens as ancillary techniques for the differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical detection of CK19, HBME-1, and galectin-3 was completed in 45 thyroid aspiration cytology specimens fixed in paraffin-embedded blocks consisting of the following cytologic diagnoses: 1) 16 cases of papillary carcinoma, 2) 16 cases suspicious for papillary carcinoma, and 3) 13 cases involving nonneoplastic lesions. Results: The follicular cells in the cytologically unequivocal papillary carcinoma diagnosis group expressed diffusely positive (+++) CK19, HBME-1, …

Pre-Versus Postoperative Tramadol Instillation: Both Are Effective For Decreasing Pain And/Or Agitation In Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy, Gülçi̇n Aydin, Alparslan Apan, Emi̇ne Arzu Köse, Gökşen Öz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The present study aimed to investigate the possible influence of nasopharyngeal preoperative or postoperative tramadol instillation on postoperative pain and agitation in pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy, with or without tonsillectomy and tube placement. Materials and methods: Ninety pediatric patients were included in the study. Induction of anesthesia was achieved with 2.5 mg kg^{-1} propofol and 0.6 mg kg^{-1} rocuronium bromide. To maintain the anesthesia, 2%-2.5% sevoflurane in an oxygen-N2O mixture (FiO_2 = 35%) was administered. In Group I (n = 30), 1 mg kg^{-1} tramadol was given 10 min before adenoidectomy, and in Group II (n = 30) it was …

Effect Of Mental Stress On Cardiovascular Function At Rest And After Ingestion Of Fructose Or Sucralose In Healthy, White European Males, Muhammad Memon, Ian Macdonald, Terence Bennett

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Ingestion of fructose and mental arithmetic can increase blood pressure (BP); the present study assessed the effect of fructose ingestion on cardiovascular (CV) response to mental stress. Effects were compared with sucralose used as a control. Materials and methods: Ten healthy, white European males were studied twice. A Finometer recorded CV parameters, noninvasively, throughout the study period. After the 30-min baseline, a mental arithmetic task (MAT), a series of arithmetic questions displayed as PowerPoint slides, was presented. Subjects, while resting on a bed, answered 20 questions in 2 min; 15 min after MAT-1, volunteers consumed 500 mL of lemon-flavoured drink …

Satisfaction And Anxiety In An Initiative With Local Anesthesia, Mert Zeyti̇noğlu, Sevgi̇ Türkmen, Çağatay Üstün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the levels of satisfaction and anxiety of patients in surgery under local anesthesia. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed at the Ege University Faculty of Dentistry between December 2011 and January 2012. The study sample consisted of 350 patients. A sociodemographic information form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used in obtaining the data. Figure-percentage distributions, mean, Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis within SPSS 15.0 for Windows were used in data analysis. Results: The mean patient age was 31.58 ± 14.58 years, consisting of 64.9% females, 36.6% high school graduates, and 72.9% who were …

Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (Bhv-1) And Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (Hsv-1) Promote Survival Of Latently Infected Sensory Neurons, In Part By Inhibiting Apoptosis, Clinton Jones

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

α-Herpesvirinae subfamily members, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), initiate infection in mucosal surfaces. BHV-1 and HSV-1 enter sensory neurons by cell-cell spread where a burst of viral gene expression occurs. When compared to non-neuronal cells, viral gene expression is quickly extinguished in sensory neurons resulting in neuronal survival and latency. The HSV-1 latency associated transcript (LAT), which is abundantly expressed in latently infected neurons, inhibits apoptosis, viral transcription, and productive infection, and directly or indirectly enhances reactivation from latency in small animal models. Three anti-apoptosis genes can be substituted for LAT, which …

Endometriosis Of The Lung: Report Of A Case And Literature Review, Haidong Huang, Chen Li, Paul Zarogoulidis, Kaid Darwiche, Nikolaos Machairiotis, Lixin Yang, Michael Simoff, Eduardo Celis, Tiejun Zhao, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis, Nikolaos Katsikogiannis, Wolfgang Hohenforst-Schmidt, Qiang Li

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

This paper reports a case of endometriosis of the lung in a 29-year-old woman with long-term periodic catamenial hemoptysis. A chest computed tomography image obtained during menstruation revealed a radiographic opaque lesion in the lingular segment of the left superior lobe. During bronchoscopy, bleeding in the mucosa of the distal bronchus of the lingular segment of the left superior lobe was observed. Histopathology subsequent to an exploratory thoracotomy confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis of the left lung. The 2-year follow-up after lingular lobectomy of the left superior lobe showed no recurrence or complications.

Studies Of Regulated Exocytosis From Neuroendocrine Cells, Madhurima Das

Wayne State University Theses

In this thesis we study cargo release and fusion pore dilation during calcium triggered exocytosis and the co-localization of calcium sensing proteins essential for exocytosis, in neuroendocrine cells.

Pancreatic beta cells secrete several hormones, the most studied one being insulin. C-peptide is a protein which is co-stored with and secreted from the same vesicles as insulin. It is found in the soluble phase unlike insulin, which is found in the dense core. The pancreatic beta cells also secrete the Chromogranin B (CgB) which is mostly found in the dense cores of secretory vesicles. In chapter 1, we found that CgB, …

A Genome-Wide Methylation Study On Essential Hypertension In Young African American Males., Xiaoling Wang, Bonita Falkner, Haidong Zhu, Huidong Shi, Shaoyong Su, Xiaojing Xu, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Yanbin Dong, Frank Treiber, Bernard Gutin, Gregory Harshfield, Harold Snieder

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: There is emerging evidence from animal studies suggesting a key role for methylation in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. However, to date, very few studies have investigated the role of methylation in the development of human hypertension, and none has taken a genome-wide approach. Based on the recent studies that highlight the involvement of inflammation in the development of hypertension, we hypothesize that changes in DNA methylation of leukocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

METHOD & RESULTS: We conducted a genome-wide methylation analysis on 8 hypertensive cases and 8 normotensive age-matched controls aged 14-23 years and performed …

Early Diagnosis Saves Lives In Esophageal Perforations, Ayşen Taslak Şengül, Yasemi̇n Bi̇lgi̇n Büyükkarabacak, Tüli̇n Durgun Yeti̇m, Mehmet Gökhan Pi̇rzi̇renli̇, Burçi̇n Çeli̇k, Ahmet Başoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Esophageal perforations are rare but highly fatal pathologies. This study aims to discuss the treatment methods for esophageal perforations. Materials and methods: Twenty-two patients who were diagnosed with esophageal perforation in the Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine’s thoracic surgery clinics between 2000 and 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The cause of perforation was foreign body in 17 patients, dilatation with bougie in 2, balloon dilatation in 2, and spontaneous rupture in 1. Eight patients had cervical, 12 had thoracal, and 2 had thoracoabdominal esophagus perforations. The period between perforation occurrence and treatment was longer than 24 h in 10 …

Tissue Doppler Evaluation Of The Right Ventricle In Major Pulmonary Resections, Ulaş Kumbasar, Hasan Şevket Kavukçu, Nezi̇h Özdemi̇r, Adem Güngör, Rifat Murat Akal, Hakan Kutlay, Ayten Cangir, Sevi̇lay Karahan, İlker Ökten

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To analyze the consequences of major pulmonary resections on right ventricle (RV) function by using the tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) technique. Materials and methods: Twenty patients (16 males and 4 females) who received pulmonary resection for primary non-small cell lung cancer underwent echocardiographic examinations before surgery on the 2nd and 7th postoperative days. Results: Tricuspid E wave significantly decreased from the postoperative 2nd day to the 7th day (45.93 ± 8.0 to 35.77 ± 7.4 cm/s; P = 0.02). On the postoperative 2nd and 7th days, tricuspid A wave values (58.27 ± 9.6 and 58.94 ± 8.4 cm/s) were significantly …

The Value Of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Measurements In The Differential Diagnosis Of Vertebral Bone Marrow Lesions, Gülten Taşkin, Lütfi̇ İncesu, Keri̇m Aslan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To be able to differentiate benign vertebral bone marrow lesions from malign lesions according to apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, enabling quantitative assessment, and to determine the sensitivity and the specificity in differentiating benign and malign lesions according to the optimal cutoff ADC value. Materials and methods: In 99 patients, 133 lesions in total were included in the study, 59 of which were benign (acute vertebral compression fracture depending on osteoporosis or trauma, spondylitis, atypical hemangioma), and 74 malign (malign compression fracture, metastasis). Each of the benign lesions was compared to the malign lesions. In the statistical analysis, normality tests, …

Rapid Identification Of Aeromonas Species In Stool Samples With Chromogenic Media And Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry: An Institutional Experience, Işin Akyar, Si̇mge Can

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the routine use of chromogenic media together with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) in gastrointestinal infections caused by Aeromonas spp. as rapid, practical, cost-effective and reliable methods. Materials and methods: Between August 2007 and March 2012, a total of 13,194 stool specimens of patients were included in the study. The stool samples and the reference strains were inoculated onto Cefsulodin-Irgasan-Novobiocin agar, sheep blood agar, eosin-methylene blue agar, and Hektoen enteric agar media together with CHROMagar Salmonella Plus. All the Salmonella and Aeromonas suspected colonies were identified with an automated system (Phoenix) and MALDI-TOF. Results: …

Effect Of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure On Global Right Ventricular Myocardial Performance In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Funda Öztuna, Hati̇ce Gözaçan, Gülhanim Kiriş, Tuba Esen, Kayihan Karaman, Süleyman Caner Karahan, Savaş Özsu, Tevfi̇k Özlü, Meri̇h Kutlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The myocardial performance index (Tei index), plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were used to investigate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on right ventricular function. Materials and methods: Twenty-three patients diagnosed with OSAS (moderate or severe AHI > 15) by polysomnography at Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Chest Disease Clinic between September 2009 and September 2010 were included. The Tei index, Nt-proBNP, and IMA were measured in all patients before CPAP treatment and 3 months after the diagnosis. Results: Patients with OSAS had statistically significantly higher right ventricular Tei indices than the control …

No Major Impact Of Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism Of The Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene On Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy, Seydi̇ Okumuş, Şeni̇z Demi̇ryürek, Mehtap Özkur, Erol Coşkun, Mehmet Gürkan Tatar, İbrahi̇m Erbağci, Ersi̇n Akarsu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TO) in the Turkish population. Materials and methods: A total of 105 patients with TO and 102 healthy control subjects were enrolled in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene (ACE) was determined using a polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were no marked changes in allelic frequencies and genotype distribution of ACE I/D polymorphism between patients and control subjects. The distribution of I/D polymorphism and allele frequencies of TO patients were not significantly different from those of …