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Leptospira Interrogans Induces Apoptosis In Macrophages Via Caspase-8- And -3-Dependent Pathways, Dandan Jin, David M. Ojcius, Dexter Sun, Haiyan Dong, Yihui Luo, Yafei Mao, Jie Yan

All Dugoni School of Dentistry Faculty Articles

Apoptosis of host cells plays an important role in modulating the pathogenesis of many infectious diseases. It has been reported that Leptospira interrogans, the causal agent of leptospirosis, induces apoptosis in macrophages and hepatocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for host cell death remained largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that L. interrogans induced apoptosis in a macrophage-like cell line, J774A.1, and primary murine macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was associated with the activation of cysteine aspartic acid-specific proteases (caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-8), the increased expression of Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and the cleavage of the caspase substrates …

Light-Induced Fos Expression In Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells In Melanopsin Knockout (Opn4-/-) Mice, Gary E. Pickard, Scott B. Baver, Malcolm D. Ogilvie, Patricia J. Sollars

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Retinal ganglion cells that express the photopigment melanopsin are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs) and exhibit robust synaptically driven ON-responses to light, yet they will continue to depolarize in response to light when all synaptic input from rod and cone photoreceptors is removed. The light-evoked increase in firing of classical ganglion cells is determined by synaptic input from ON-bipolar cells in the proximal sublamina of the inner plexiform layer. OFF-bipolar cells synapse with ganglion cell dendrites in the distal sublamina of the inner plexiform layer. Of the several types of ipRGC that have been described, M1 ipRGCs send dendrites exclusively into the …

Regulation Of Alginate Production Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Fredrick Heath Damron

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.a.) is a major threat to the health and well being of a person living with cystic fibrosis (CF). P.a. is capable of conversion to mucoidy or alginate overproducing phenotype. Mucoidy facilitates the chronic infection of P.a. infection in the CF lung. Mutations in the anti-sigma factor mucA, result in activation of the sigma factor AlgU which promotes expression of alginate through the alginate biosynthetic operon. However, P.a. can produce alginate independent of mucA mutation via a mechanism known as regulated proteolysis. Proteases AlgW and MucP can degrade MucA to liberate and activate AlgU. In this dissertation, two …

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 …

Identification And Characterization Of A New Kaposi’S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Replication And Transcription Activator (Rta)- Responsive Element Involved In Rta-Mediated Transactivation, Hui-Ju Wen, Veenu Minhas, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) replication and transcription activator (RTA) is well established as a key transcriptional activator that regulates the KSHV life cycle from latency to lytic replication. It is expressed immediately after infection and activates a number of viral genes leading to virus replication. The RTA-responsive element (RRE) in the RTA target gene promoters is critical for RTA to mediate this transactivation. A number of non-conserved RREs have been identified in various RTA-responsive promoters, and AT-rich sequences have been proposed to serve as RTA targets, but no consensus RRE sequence has been identified so far. Two nonconserved RREs (RRE1 …

Use Of Average Mutual Information For Studying Changes In Hiv Populations, Khalid Sayood, Federico Hoffman, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Average mutual information (AMI) has been used in a number of applications in bioinformatics. In this paper we present its use to study genetic changes in populations; in particular populations of HIV viruses. Disease progression of HIV-1 infection in infants can be rapid resulting in death within the the first year, or slow, allowing the infant to survive beyond the first year. We study the development of rapid and slow progressing HIV population using AMI charts based on average mutual information among amino acids in the env gene from a population of 1142 clones derived from seven infants with slow …

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 …

Evaluation Of The Knowledge Of Hospital Cleaning Staff About Prevention Of Nosocomial Infections, Tansu Yamazhan, Meltem Işikgöz Taşbakan, Şebnem Çalik, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Oğuz Reşat Si̇pahi̇, Sercan Ulusoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: Detection of risk groups and infection sources and awareness of the routes of transmission of infections are important for prevention of hospital infections. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge level and the behavior models of hospital cleaning staff about nosocomial infections. Materials and Methods: A 21-item questionnaire about nosocomial infections was administered to the hospital cleaning staff. Results: Out of 290 hospital cleaning staff, 240 (82.7%, 122 male, 118 female, aged 36.2±8.7) were included in the study. When evaluated according to their educational status, 55.4% had graduated from primary school. Fifty-four percent of the staff had …

Viral Etiology And Symptoms Of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections In Children, Emi̇n Ünüvar, İsmai̇l Yildiz, Ayşe Kiliç, Seyhan Selvi̇ Aslan, Bülent Çakal, Sadik Toprak, Seli̇m Badur, Fatma Oğuz, Müjgan Sidal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: To determine viral causes of acute upper respiratory tract infections and clinical findings in children living in Istanbul, Turkey. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 234 outpatient children (age range: 1-180 months) with acute upper respiratory tract infections, seen in the outpatient clinic at Istanbul Medical School Children´s Hospital. After clinical findings were recorded, nasal swab specimens were taken. In 201 specimens collected, influenza-A and -B, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza viruses were studied using direct fluorescence antibody, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cell culture techniques. Results: Rate of virus isolation was 29.8% (60/201). …

Screening For Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Using Direct Fluorescein Antibody Method In Female Sex Workers Registered In Ankara, Turkey: Pros And Cons, Pinar Zarakolu, Server Yağci, Banu Çakir, Serhat Ünal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: This study aimed to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis infection by direct fluorescein antibody (DFA) method in a high-risk population, registered female sex workers (FSWs) in Ankara, Turkey, to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using this method in a routine screening program of the FSW population. Materials and Methods: All registered FSWs (n = 152) in Ankara were enrolled in the study. None of them were showing any genital signs or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Endocervical swabs were collected and examined for C. trachomatis by DFA method (Fluorotect Chlamydia, Omega Diagnostics, UK). Cellular adequacy of the specimens …

Examining Antibiotic Use At An Education And Research Hospital In Turkey: Point Prevalence Results, Gül R. Yilmaz, Cemal Bulut, Fati̇h Yildiz, Selcan Arslan, M. Arzu Yetki̇n, Ali̇ Pekcan Demi̇röz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: Antimicrobial drugs are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in hospitals. Inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to development of antimicrobial resistance. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of antibiotic usage in hospitalized patients, the reasons for antibiotic therapy, irrational uses, and the rates of irrational use in patients hospitalized in Ankara Education and Research Hospital. Materials and Methods: A point prevalence surveillance study was performed on 27 April 2006 at Ankara Education and Research Hospital. Data of all hospitalized patients were collected. Results: On the day of the study, 153 patients (36.2%) out of 422 …

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 …

Survival Of Certain Nosocomial Infectious Agents On The Surfaces Of Various Covering Materials, Hali̇l Yazgi, M. Hami̇dullah Uyanik, Mustafa Ertek, Ayşe Esi̇n Aktaş, Hakan İgan, Ahmet Ayyildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the survival time of some nosocomial infectious agents on the surface of various covering materials. Materials and Methods: Four kinds of flooring materials (vinyl and ceramic tile as floor covering material; and laminate and inox sheet as bench covering material) were experimentally contaminated with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant (VR) Enterococcus faecalis, which were frequently encountered in nosocomial infections. The survival periods of representative agents on the tested flooring materials were detected by culturing from the surfaces. Results: It was found that the survival periods were shorter …

Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Inducible Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B, And Clonal Diversity Patterns Of Nosocomial Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Strains Isolated In Hacettepe University Adult Hospital, Pinar Zarakolu, Gökhan Metan, Belgi̇n Altun, Gülşen Hasçeli̇k, Serhat Ünal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Nosocomial infections due to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are an important problem with limited therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to determine the vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, tigecycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and clindamycin susceptibility, inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (iMLS_B) resistance, and clonal diversity patterns of 109 mecA positive Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from patients with nosocomial infections in Hacettepe University Adult Hospital between 2002 and 2004. Materials and methods: The nosocomial isolates of S. aureus from various clinical samples (58 blood, 45 pus, 6 catheter) were identified by Sceptor (Becton Dickinson, USA) automated system. Polymerase chain …

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 …

Anti-Hav Seroprevalence In Turkish Military Personnel And Its Relation With Demographic Properties, Hanefi̇ Cem Gül, İsmai̇l Yaşar Avci, Ömer Coşkun, Recai̇ Oğur, Yakup Hakan Başaran, Çakir Güney, Bülent A. Beşi̇rbelli̇oğlu, Cengi̇z Han Açikel, Can Polat Eyi̇gün, Alaaddi̇n Pahsa

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Turkey is a middle endemic area in terms of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infection. Previous studies in Turkey showed that most residents had been infected with HAV by the second decade of life. In this study we aimed to detect the anti-HAV seroprevalence rate in Turkish military personnel and its relation with demographic properties. Materials and methods: Randomly selected 1049 military personnel were enrolled in the study. All were male and their average age was 24.97 ± 6.48 (Range: 20-50) years. A questionnaire about their demographic properties was administered to and informed consent forms were obtained from each subject. …

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 …

Comparison Of Clinical And Histopathologic Findings Of Pathergy Test With Disposable/Sharp And Nondisposable/Blunt Needles In Behcet´S Disease, Ayşe Serap Karadağ, Gülfer Akbay, Mehtap Aydin, Hesna Müzeyyen Astarci, Meral Ekşi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether using blunt instead of sharp needles presented any advantage and whether the histopathological interpretation prevailed over the clinical interpretation. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 60 Behçet´s disease (BD) patients and 20 control subjects. The pathergy test was applied to all subjects intradermally with sharp and blunt needles and the histopathology of each test result was studied. Results: In the active period of BD (40 patients), positive test results were obtained in 34 (85.0%) patients using blunt needles and in 13 (32.5%) using sharp needles (P = 0.0001). …

Comparison Of Gliclazide Treatment With Diet Therapy On Acute Phase Protein Levels In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Ramazan Memi̇şoğullari, Fati̇h Akçay, Abdurrahman Coşkun, Uğur Korkmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aims: It is known that there is a relationship between diabetic complications and chronic inflammation characterized by alterations in circulating acute phase proteins. It has been emphasized that inflammation contributes to diabetic complications and that gliclazide -an antidiabetic sulfonylurea - decreases the development of such complications. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether gliclazide or diet treatment has an effect on serum levels of acute phase reactants, markers of inflammation. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 clinically healthy subjects were evaluated prospectively. Twenty-six patients were treated with proper diet and daily gliclazide …

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.

Investigation (In Vivo And In Vitro) Of Booster Dose Vaccine Requirement For Long-Term Protection Against Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Onur Saygun, Can Polat Eyi̇gün, İsmai̇l Yaşar Avci, Üçler Kisa, Alaaddi̇n Pahsa

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Studies have shown that no booster dose was required at least 10 to 15 years after a primary vaccination for individuals who developed protective anti-hepatitis B surface (anti-HBs) antibodies. In this study, booster dose requirement for HBV after primary immunization was investigated. Materials and Methods: Seventeen individuals vaccinated previously were enrolled in the study. They had once developed a protective level of anti-HBs antibody after immunization and their anti-HBs titer had declined to an underprotective level. Twenty uninfected and unvaccinated healthy people were chosen as controls. Lymphoproliferative response to in-vitro stimulation with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs …

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 …

The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Nosocomial Medical And Surgical Intensive Care Units Infections In A University Hospital; A Two-Year Prospective Study, Şaban İnceci̇k, Neşe Saltoğlu, Akgün Yaman, İbrahi̇m Karayaylali, Mehmet Özalevli̇, Murat Gündüz, Refi̇k Burgut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To determine the frequency of nosocomial infections (NIs) and the antimicrobial resistance of pathogens isolated from patients admitted to 4 intensive care units (ICUs) at a university hospital. Materials and Methods: The patients were prospectively followed over 2 years in medical, surgical, and reanimation ICUs. The isolates were collected from patients with NI determined by the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention criteria. The identification was performed and susceptibility to antibiotics was determined in an automated system Sceptor (Becton Dickinson) as described by the CCLS. Results: Among the 3962 patients in the ICUs, total NI incidence was 6.9%, with …

Disseminated Herpes Zoster Infection In A Patient With Lymphoma, Behi̇ce Kurtaran, Semra Paydaş, Aslihan Candevi̇r, Süheyla Kömür, Hasan Sali̇h Zeki̇ Aksu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Immunosuppression facilitates varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in immunocompromised patients. Atypical presentation such as disseminated disease of herpes zoster infection has been described in immunosuppressed patients. One of the best choices of therapy in herpes zoster infection is acyclovir, but long-term therapy may cause resistance to it. In this report a disseminated herpes zoster infection is described in a patient with T cell lymphoma after acyclovir/valacyclovir therapy. The infection was irresponsive to acyclovir and valacyclovir and we were unable to control the infection because it was not possible to obtain foscarnet and the patient died due to Staphylococcus epidermis sepsis.

Cefoperazone-Sulbactam Plus Amikacin Empirical Therapy For Febrile Neutropenia In Children With Cancer, İbrahi̇m Bayram, Fati̇h Erbey, Derya Alabaz, Sema Yilmaz, Ati̇la Tanyeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of cefoperazone-sulbactam combined with amikacin in the treatment of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer. Materials and Methods: The study included 20 cancer cases with 26 febrile neutropenia (FEN) episodes. Patient selection criteria were defined according to the guidelines issued by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). Results: Patients diagnosed with acute leukemia (58%) and solid tumors (42%) were recorded. Twelve (46.2%) of the primary disease cases were refractory. The number of infection episodes identified microbiologically and clinically was 10 (38.5%) and 12 (46.1%), respectively. Fever of unknown origin was observed in …

An Analysis Of Adult Patients With Pulmonary And Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis*, Aygün Öztop, İpek Ünsal, Türkan Günay, Vi̇ldan Avkan Oğuz, Riza Çakmak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, it was planned to compare the features of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis patients over age 15 years. Materials and methods: We compared 360 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients who were treated and followed up in Kahramanlar Tuberculosis Dispensary between 2000 and 2003, and were older than 15 years of age. The medical records of both patient groups were investigated in terms of age, sex, accompanying diseases, contact history and means of diagnosis. Results: The data were compared statistically between the 2 groups. Of these patients 78.1% were diagnosed with PTB while …

Epidemiological Risk Factors For Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Patients, Ayten Kadanali, Serpi̇l Erol, Zülal Özkurt, Kemaletti̇n Özden

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological risk factors for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) patients admitted to our hospitals between January 2004- December 2006. Materials and methods: This was a study of 63 CCHF patients whose definitive diagnosis was based on the detection of CCHF virus-specific IgM by ELISA and/or of genomic segments of the CCHF virus by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 50 healthy controls. Related data were collected prospectively. Results: Twenty-two (50.8%) of the patients were female, and 31 of them (49.2%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 46 …

The Predictive Role Of Ast Level, Prothrombin Time, And Platelet Count In The Detection Of Liver Fibrosis In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C, Özlem Kandemi̇r, Gürbüz Polat, Güli̇z Saraçoğlu, Bahar Taşdelen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We aimed to assess the predictive value of a combination some of basic serum biochemical markers for the diagnosis of clinically significant fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. Materials and methods: Blood samples from 68 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection were analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase, prothrombin INR, and platelet count. The liver histopathology was evaluated using the Knodell protocol. The relationship between the serum biochemical markers and severity of the stages were examined. Results: A strong association was found between the fibrosis stage and platelet count and GUCI (P < 0.001, P = 0.035 respectively) but not APRI ([AST/ULN] / Platelet count [ ×109 /L]) × 100) (P = 0.052). The relationship between the platelet count

Evaluation Of Ribavirin Genotoxicity With Sister Chromatid Exchange And Micronuclei Assays In Humans, Abdulgani̇ Tatar, Zülal Özkurt, Ahmet Hacimüftüoğlu, Ahmet Yeşi̇lyurt, Serhat Vançeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The main objective of this study was to assess the genotoxicity of ribavirin in 15 patients who were suffering from Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and treated with the therapy dose of the antiviral agent. Materials and Methods: Genotoxicity was evaluated using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays in lymphocyte cultures that were prepared from blood samples collected from the 15 patients. The blood samples were taken on day 9 of a 10-day therapeutic regimen of ribavirin and 1 month after the cessation of therapy. Results: In all patients, the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and the …