Digital Commons Network^™

Influence Of Age On The Usage Of Family Planning Methods By Turkish Married Men Living In Southeastern Turkey, Sezer Kisa, Si̇mge Zeyneloğlu, Leyla Deli̇baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Unintended pregnancy rates are still high in Turkey and family planning services have been directed mostly at women. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of age on the usage of family planning methods by Turkish married men. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey research design was used, including 1352 men aged 20-52 years who lived in the southeast of Turkey and whose wives were fertile, not menopausal, and had at least 1 child. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multidimensional cross-tabs were used. Results: Men 40 years old and over used family …

Orthophenylphenol In Healthcare Environments: A Trial Related To A New Administration Method And A Review Of The Literature, Ali̇cem Teki̇n, Tuba Dal, Caferi̇ Tayyar Selçuk, Özcan Deveci̇, Recep Teki̇n, Mahmut Mete, Sai̇m Dayan, Sali̇h Hoşoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate antibacterial and antifungal effectiveness of orthophenylphenol (Fumispore, LCB, La Salle, France) with a new administration method in healthcare environments. Materials and methods: This study was performed in 3 units of the Dicle University Hospital. Surface swab and ambient air samples were collected just before the application of Fumispore and 6 h later. All samples were inoculated onto plate count agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar. The total aerobic colony count (ACC) was determined by using the standard method based on quantitative bacterial measurement. Results: In total, 30 surface swabs and 6 ambient air samples were collected. The mean values …

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. …

Molecular Staging Of Node Negative Patients With Colorectal Cancer., Terry Hyslop, Scott A Waldman

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

Metastatic disease is the principle cause of death from colorectal cancer. In that context, the most significant indicator of overall survival and therapeutic response to adjuvant chemotherapy is the presence of metastatic tumor cells in regional lymph nodes. Although histopathologic analysis of lymph nodes is central to all colorectal cancer staging paradigms, its prognostic and predictive value is limited. Indeed, about 30% of patients with histopathology-negative lymph nodes (pN0) die from metastatic disease, reflected by microscopic lymph node metastases that are overlooked by standard techniques. These unrecognized tumor cells are especially important when considering racial disparities in outcomes in colorectal …

Discovering Protein Functions And Career Goals: The Suppressor Sike, Rebekah Rifareal

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Discovering IMSD was accidental. I was having a routine advising appointment and discussing future careers when the topic surfaced. At the time, I had no clue about what I wanted to do, so my advisor suggested that I explore research and encouraged me to apply for the program.

Examining The Relationship Between Particulate Matter, Nitrogen Oxide, Carbon Oxides, Sulfur Dioxide And Hypertension In Urban Areas In India: A Review, Hiren Kolli

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

While blood pressure may be decreasing around the world, it has been on the rise in India (Kounteya, 2012). According to the World Health Organization, the average blood pressure went down by 2.7mm Hg among women globally, while increasing by 2.4mm Hg in India. In men, blood pressure decreased by 2.3mm Hg globally in the past three decades but increased by 2.2mm Hg in India (Kounteya, 2012). Almost three-quarters of people with hypertension live in developing countries with limited health resources where there is very low awareness of hypertension, and India is one of these countries. Hypertension is the leading …

Toward A Network Model Of Mhc Class Ii-Restricted Antigen Processing., Michael A Miller, Asha Purnima V Ganesan, Laurence C. Eisenlohr

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

The standard model of Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHCII)-restricted antigen processing depicts a straightforward, linear pathway: internalized antigens are converted into peptides that load in a chaperone dependent manner onto nascent MHCII in the late endosome, the complexes subsequently trafficking to the cell surface for recognition by CD4(+) T cells (TCD4+). Several variations on this theme, both moderate and radical, have come to light but these alternatives have remained peripheral, the conventional pathway generally presumed to be the primary driver of TCD4+ responses. Here we continue to press for the conceptual repositioning of these alternatives toward the center while …

The Effects Of Hydrostatic Pressure On Early Endothelial Tubulogenic Processes, Ryan M. Underwood

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

The effects of mechanical forces on endothelial cell function and behavior are well documented, but have not been fully characterized. Specifically, fluid pressure has been shown to elicit physical and chemical responses known to be involved in the initiation and progression of endothelial cell-mediated vascularization. Central to the process of vascularization is the formation of tube-like structures. This process—tubulogenesis—is essential to both the physiological and pathological growth of tissues. Given the known effects of pressure on endothelial cells and its ubiquitous presence in the vasculature, we investigated pressure as a magnitude-dependent parameter for the regulation of endothelial tubulogenic activity. To …

Redox-Regulated Relb-Ar Axis Mediates Prostate Specific Antigen Expression: Insight In Prostate Cancer Response To Radiation Therapy, Lu Miao

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Although the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is widely used in clinical settings for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and post-treatment follow-up monitoring, false positive PSA test results, which contribute to over-diagnosis of PCa, and false negative results, which miss some patients with aggressive PCa, remain problems of clinical importance.

Our study demonstrates that radiation therapy, which is widely used for treatment of localized PCa, generates TNF-α in tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts, redox dependently. Interestingly, TNF-α rapidly and transiently triggers the RelA-mediated NF-κB canonical pathway, but its effect on RelB expression is more robust and long lasting, which leads to …

Effects Of Cellular Heterogeneity And Immune Cells In Angiotensin Ii-Infused Hemorrhaged Ascending Aortas, Kyung Sik Jung

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

A previous thoracic aortic aneurysm time course study from our laboratory determined that ascending aortic dilation was significantly increased by day 5, and reached a plateau by day 28 of angiotensin II (AngII) infusion. We also found that mice had hemorrhage localized to the ascending aortas by day 5 of AngII infusion. The purpose of these studies was to provide mechanistic insight into the development of AngII-induced ascending aortic hemorrhage.

Male C57BL/6 mice fed normal diet were subcutaneously infused with either AngII (1000 ng/kg/min) or saline for 5 days. To examine cellular heterogeneity, hemorrhaged ascending aortas were collected and sectioned …

Cofilin Navigates Cellular Cytoskeleton And Invasion Responses To Tgf-Β Towards Prostate Cancer Metastasis, Joanne Collazo Santiago

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Cofilin’s activity to nucleate actin filament assembly, is regulated by phosphorylation at a single site on the amino terminus, Serine 3. Phosphorylation at this site abolishes the ability of ADF/cofilin to bind to F-actin and inhibits its severing function. This work characterizes the ability of dephosphorylated cofilin (mutation at Serine 3 site) to navigate prostate cancer actin cytoskeleton and metastatic properties in response to TGF-β. TGF-β increased Lim Domain Kinase 2 (LIMK-2) activity leading to cofilin phosphorylation and decrease actin filament severing in wild type cofilin (WTCFL) PC-3 cells. Constitutively active cofilin in Serine 3 cofilin mutants (S3ACFL) promoted prostate …

Aeg-1 Expression In Invasive Ductal And Lobular Breast Cancers And Its Relationship With Prognostic Parameters, Havva Erdem, Murat Oktay, Ali̇ Kemal Uzunlar, Ümran Yildirim, Handan Ankarali, Mehmet Yaşar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1, also known as metadherin) is associated with various aspects of tumour malignancy; however, little knowledge is available related to the role of AEG-1 in ductal and lobular carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of AEG-1 with the prognostic parameters in invasive ductal and lobular carcinomas. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on a total of 72 paraffin-embedded breast tumour samples. They consisted of 61 ductal and 11 lobular carcinomas. Breast tumour samples were stained for AEG-1. The prognostic parameters were compared with the results of AEG-1 stains. Results: We observed …

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 Effect Of Preemptive Thoracic Epidural Analgesia On Long-Term Wound Pain Following Major Thoracotomy, Abdullah Can, Ali̇ Fuat Erdem, Yener Aydin, Ali̇ Ahiskalioğlu, Hüsnü Kürşad

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of the performance of preemptive epidural analgesia in major thoracotomies on chronic postthoracotomy pain. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients with ASA I-II status between the ages of 18 and 75 years who planned to have elective thoracotomy were randomized into 3 groups. In all cases, an epidural catheter was placed at the 6th–7th or 7th–8th thoracic intervals, preoperatively. Patients in the control group (n = 20) did not receive epidural analgesics before and during the operation, and preoperative analgesia was provided by remifentanil infusion. In the incision-sensitized group (n = 20), patients had …

Assessment Of Immune Responses To Hepatitis A Vaccination In Children Aged 1 And 2 Years, Solmaz Çelebi̇, Mustafa Kemal Hacimustafaoğlu, Yücehan Albayrak, Ayşe Melda Sinirtaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination. The aim of this study was to determine seropositivity for hepatitis A before vaccination in healthy children 12 and 24 months of age and compare seroconversion rates after vaccination between these 2 groups. Materials and methods: Forty-nine children aged 1 year (Group 1) and 51 children aged 2 years (Group 2) were included in the study. Inactive hepatitis A vaccine (Avaxim, 80 antigenic subtypes, 0.5 mL) were administered to every child in 2 doses, 6 months apart. Anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by Architect HAVAb-IgG and HAVAb-IgM (Abbott, …

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, …

Investigation Of The Frequency Of The Mutant Ccr5-Δ32 Allele Related To Hiv Resistance In Turkey, Gamze Karakaya, Fatma Azi̇ze Budak Yildiran, Şükran Çakir Arica

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the frequency with which the CCR5-\Delta32 mutant allele caused resistance to HIV, which is main agent of AIDS in all geographic regions of Turkey. Materials and methods: Randomly selected human blood samples from 400 healthy individuals were collected. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to determine the CCR5-\Delta32 polymorphism and samples were screened using 2 primers. Results: The frequency of wild alleles was found to be 0.9738 and the frequency of mutant alleles was found to be 0.0262. The highest frequency of the CCR5-\Delta32 allele was found to be 0.0726 in the Central Anatolia region. The lowest …

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 …

The Importance Of Lumbar Dynamometric Examination In Patients With Low-Back Pain, Mustafa Güler, Teoman Aydin, Şenol Erdolu, Emi̇ne Poyraz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate whether the Isostation B-200 Lumbar Dynamometer can be used to differentiate patients with low-back pain (LBP) from healthy subjects. Materials and methods: In this study, range of motion (ROM), maximal isometric torque, maximal velocity, and secondary axle maximal isometric torque values were obtained from 79 patients with mechanical LBP and compared with the values of the control group, which consisted of 62 people. For this purpose, the Isostation B-200 Lumbar Dynamometer was used. Results: In the group with mechanical LBP the flexion, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion ROM values were significantly lower than …

Headache In Multiple Sclerosis, Mi̇ne Hayri̇ye Sorgun, Canan Yücesan, Yasemi̇n Genç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause almost any neurological symptom, headaches are considered unusual. Studies investigating the relationship between the 2 conditions have produced conflicting results. The primary aim of this study was to test whether there was a difference between patients with MS (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2, patients with psoriasis and myasthenia gravis, diseases not affecting the central nervous system) in terms of the prevalence and types of primary headache. Materials and methods: A total of 139 patients with MS and 59 patients in the control group were included. The patients underwent a complete neurological …

Amount Of Lateral Cortex Loss In The Femur While Inserting A Dhs-Plate, Mahmut Nedi̇m Ayteki̇n, Fati̇h Küçükdurmaz, Ali̇ Firat Esmer, Necdet Sağlam, Fuat Akpinar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although many anatomic, morphologic, and radiologic studies have been carried out for the femur as for all other bones of the skeletal system, we could not find any morphometric study to guide orthopedic surgeons on dynamic hip screw-plate (DHS-plate) applications of the proximal femur. Materials and methods: The lateral cortex width of 125 adult, dry, and grossly intact right and left cadaver femora was measured for the region of the femur in which the DHS-plate was applied, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results: The mean value of the proximal lateral cortex width of the femora was 27.63 mm. While …

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump In Upper Extremity Impairments Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Hülya Uzkeser, Sali̇ha Karatay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pumps on upper extremity impairments in breast cancer-related lymphedema. Materials and methods: Twenty-five patients with lymphedema were randomized into 2 groups. For 3 weeks, the pneumatic compression group (n = 12) underwent a treatment program including skin care, compression bandage, exercise therapy, manual lymph drainage (MLD), and IPC. The control group (n = 13) participated in the same program, but without IPC. The range of motion (ROM) of the upper extremities was measured with goniometry, and dysfunction of the shoulder was assessed with the Constant-Murley scale. Results: Significant improvements were observed …

Investigations Of Als1 And Hwp1 Genes In Clinical Isolates Of Candida Albicans, Melek İnci̇, Mustafa Altay Atalay, Burçi̇n Özer, Ömer Evi̇rgen, Ni̇zami̇ Duran, Vi̇cdan Köksaldi Motor, Ayşe Nedret Koç, Yüsüf Önlen, Çeti̇n Kilinç, Süleyman Durmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To explore the presence of ALS1 and HWP1 genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Candida albicans strains. Materials and methods: By using the multiplex PCR method, the presence of agglutinin-like sequence 1 (ALS1) and hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) genes were investigated in 206 C. albicans strains that were isolated from various clinical samples. Phenotypic identification of slime formation by microplate and tube adherence tests was performed. Results: The presence of the ALS1 gene was detected in 53.9% of all strains, while the HWP1 gene was present in 5.3%. Slime formation was phenotypically detected in the 62.2% of …

The Effects Of Antioxidants On Testicular Apoptosis And Oxidative Stress Produced By Cell Phones, Aki̇f Koç, Doğan Ünal, Ersi̇n Çi̇mentepe, Ömer Bayrak, Ömer Faruk Karataş, Mehmet Erol Yildirim, Reyhan Bayrak, Murat Aydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to determine the probable effects of cellular phone usage on apoptosis and oxidative/antioxidative balance in testicular tissue, and the probable protective role of vitamin C and E on these processes. Materials and methods: Forty-two male rats were divided into 6 groups: control, antioxidant, calling, stand-by, calling plus antioxidant, and stand-by plus antioxidant. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters and apoptotic indexes were studied. Two identical cell phones were used in the calling and stand-by groups. Results: Cell phone usage significantly increased apoptosis in call, but not in the stand-by position, in testicular tissue. Apoptosis produced in …

Jak2 V617f Mutation In Iranian Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Clinical And Laboratory Findings, Behzad Poopak, Majid Farshdousti Hagh, Najmaldin Saki, Fazel Elahi, Hamid Rezvani, Gelareh Khosravipour, Mohammad Ali Jahangirpour, Shirin Bolouri, Tolou Golkar, Parviz Falah

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The JAK2 V617F mutation has been described as a frequent genetic event among a majority of patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis. In this research, we evaluated the prevalence of the JAK2 mutation and its clinical and laboratory correlation in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Materials and methods: A total of 615 patients with suspected myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) were analyzed for the JAK2 V617F mutation. After DNA extraction, detection of the mutation was done using allele-specific PCR. Positive samples were subsequently analyzed with PCR-RFLP by the restriction endonuclease BsaXI. The patients were also analyzed for hematological indices. Results: Of …

Effects Of Ethyl Pyruvate Administration On Female Rats’ Pyramidal Cells Of Cornu Ammonis After Brain Ischemia: A Stereological And Histopathological Study, Ayşe İki̇nci̇, Ersan Odaci, Orhan Baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Since ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a known neuroprotective agent, this study was intended to investigate the effects of EP on pyramidal cell numbers and morphology in the hippocampus cornu ammonis after brain ischemia. Materials and methods: Female rats were divided into 5 groups: control, ischemia, ischemia + EP, incision + EP, and incision + Ringer's lactate (groups I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively). No intervention was performed in group I. Ischemia was established in groups II and III, and neck incisions were performed in groups IV and V. EP was intraperitoneally injected in groups III and IV. Ringer's lactate …

A Multicenter Study Of The Application Of Six Sigma Management In Clinical Rational Drug Use Via Pharmacist Intervention, Lidao Bao, Nan Chen, Tao Shang, Puyan Fang, Zhanping Xu, Wenchang Guo, Yi Wang

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The status of outpatient irrational prescription drug use before and after pharmacist interventions in 6 large scale hospitals was investigated to determine the underlying reasons and to promote rational clinical drug use. Materials and methods: The 5-step DMAIC method (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) in Six Sigma management was utilized to investigate irrational drug use in prescriptions. The statistical software package SAS9.1.3 was adopted to analyze the results, determine possible reasons that could lead to irrational drug use, and then intervene accordingly. Statistics before and after the intervention were compared to analyze the function and effect of Six Sigma management …

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 …

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, …