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Geometroneurodynamics And Neuroscience, Keun-Hang Susan Yang, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The Orthodox Interpretation of quantum mechanics, as developed by many physicists, particularly John von Neumann, addresses the role of measurement, available choices and response of the quantum system to questions posed by an observer in specific quantum laboratory experiments. As such, it is, more consistent and clearer than other interpretations of quantum mechanics and it provides an account of the interactions of observers with the external world. However, in order to explore whether quantum mechanics plays a role in the brain, which is the primary issue, one has to examine the applicability of Hilbert space structure as a valid geometric …

Gene Regulation In The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Of The Green Anole Lizard (Anolis Carolinensis)., Joshua N. Peters

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Studies examining the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG) in Anolis carolinensis provide insight into the regulation of this axis under extremely different reproductive conditions. Molecular studies indicate that kisspeptin proteins, transcribed from kiss1 and kiss2 genes, are produced in the hypothalamus where they bind G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), activating the HPG axis. Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and its receptors, G protein-coupled receptor 147 and 74 (GPR147 and GPR74), down regulate HPG axis function. In this experiment we examined HPG axis gene expression in the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis), a seasonally breeding species with higher steroid hormone levels in the breeding …

Down Syndrome, Beta-Amyloid And Neuroimaging, Elizabeth Head, Alex M. Helman, David K. Powell, Frederick A. Schmitt

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

This review focuses on the role of Aβ in AD pathogenesis in Down syndrome and current approaches for imaging Aβ in vivo. We will describe how Aβ deposits with age, the posttranslational modifications that can occur, and detection in biofluids. Three unique case studies describing partial trisomy 21 cases without APP triplication, and the occurrences of low level mosaic trisomy 21 in an early onset AD patient are presented. Brain imaging for Aβ includes those by positron emission tomography and ligands (Pittsburgh Compound B, Florbetapir, and FDDNP) that bind Aβ have been published and are summarized here. In combination, we …

Overcoming Obesity-Induced Immunotherapeutic Impairment, Shannon Boi

All ETDs from UAB

Obesity affects ~40% of United States adults and is linked to the development of multiple health-related complications. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of renal cancer. Metastatic RCC has poor five-year survivals, therefore, new, efficacious therapeutics are needed. One avenue is immunomodulation to generate tumor-specific, systemic anti-tumor responses that are long-lasting against local, metastatic, and recurrent tumors. Despite encouraging results, immunotherapeutic treatment of RCC is underwhelming. Cytokine therapies are largely toxic, while newly FDA-approved ‘checkpoint blockade’ (CB) antibodies have responses <50%. Here, we present a strategy employing a T cell priming therapy (AdTR/CpG) upstream of CB administration. Combinatorial use resulted in improved anti-tumoral immune responses, significantly reduced tumor burdens, and extended overall survival in pre-clinical RCC. Importantly, this approach was more efficacious than either single agent(s). Pre-clinical therapy development is often accomplished using lean, healthy animals–thus, to improve translatability we examined immune responses in the context of obesity as a major patient comorbidity. Subsequently, we investigated AdTR/CpG/CB in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Tumor/treatment-naïve DIO mice exhibited obesity-associated features; i.e., increased leptin/insulin and serum cytokines. These effects were not dependent on high-fat diet administration as mice resistant to weight gain had minimal alterations in these factors, and were similar to mice maintained on standard chow. As previously identified, 80% of DIO mice bearing renal tumors failed to respond to AdTR/CpG. AdTR/CpG/CB-treatment dramatically improved response rates against DIO tumors, however, decreased obese responder percentages were observed in both combinatorial therapies and was independent of high fat diet administration alone. Impaired response rates were not model or immunotherapy-specific as similar reductions in tumor clearance were seen in models of melanoma and sarcoma. Furthermore, responses were not due to initial T cell priming or unequal precursor CD8+ T cell frequencies. Detrimental changes in the tumor microenvironment underscored failure in obese mice and revealed therapeutic success was defined by a T cell-myeloid cell-inversion profile, supported by immunogenetic and flow cytometric analyses. Thus, we demonstrate a novel combinatorial approach for improving checkpoint-based outcomes, and identify the ability of host obesity to impede therapy-induced anti-tumor immunity.

St6gal-I Sialyltransferase Regulates The Activity Of Surface Receptors To Control Cell Signaling In Cancer And Immune Cells, Andrew Holdbrooks

All ETDs from UAB

Among the four classes of biological macromolecules, glycans are essential for proper cellular functioning. However, our knowledge of the contribution of these sugars, including the glycosyltransferases that add them, to cell signaling is limited. This dissertation focuses on the role of the ST6Gal-I sialyltransferase in modulating receptor-mediated signal transduction in cancer and inflammation. ST6Gal-I is a Golgi enzyme that conjugates α2-6-linked sialic acids to N-linked glycans on select glycoproteins. Through its sialylation of surface receptors, ST6Gal-I activity can significantly modify their function. The first section of this dissertation concentrates on the ST6Gal-I-mediated regulation of the signaling pathway of TNFR1, which …

Novel Mediators Of The Blood Pressure Response To Acute Psychosocial Stress In Health And Disease, Brandon Fox

All ETDs from UAB

Psychosocial stress occurs in response to threatening or uncertainty-provoking stimuli and triggers a complex physiological reaction that facilitates survival and adaptation. In the cardiovascular system, acute psychosocial stress elicits a rapid increase in blood pressure, and importantly, cumulative exposure to psychosocial stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The present studies examined the impact of psychosocial stress on the cardiovascular system in both health and disease. Circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels are induced by psychosocial stress. We hypothesized that endothelium-derived ET-1 contributes to the pressor response to stress via activation of the endothelin A (ETA) receptor. Vascular endothelium-specific ET-1 knockout …

Plasma Medicine: A Brief Introduction, Mounir Laroussi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This mini review is to introduce the readers of Plasma to the field of plasma medicine. This is a multidisciplinary field of research at the intersection of physics, engineering, biology and medicine. Plasma medicine is only about two decades old, but the research community active in this emerging field has grown tremendously in the last few years. Today, research is being conducted on a number of applications including wound healing and cancer treatment. Although a lot of knowledge has been created and our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that play important roles in the interaction between low temperature plasma and …

Mechanotransduction Signaling In Podocytes From Fluid Flow Shear Stress., Tarak Srivastava, Hongying Dai, Daniel P. Heruth, Uri S. Alon, Robert E. Garola, Jianping Zhou, R Scott Duncan, Ashraf El-Meanawy, Ellen T. Mccarthy, Ram Sharma, Mark L. Johnson, Virginia J. Savin, Mukut Sharma

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Recently, we and others have found that hyperfiltration-associated increase in biomechanical forces, namely, tensile stress and fluid flow shear stress (FFSS), can directly and distinctly alter podocyte structure and function. The ultrafiltrate flow over the major processes and cell body generates FFSS to podocytes. Our previous work suggests that the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-PGE2-PGE2 receptor 2 (EP2) axis plays an important role in mechanoperception of FFSS in podocytes. To address mechanotransduction of the perceived stimulus through EP2, cultured podocytes were exposed to FFSS (2 dyn/cm2) for 2 h. Total RNA from cells at the end of FFSS treatment, 2-h post-FFSS, and 24-h …

Cellular Senescence Is Induced By The Environmental Neurotoxin Paraquat And Contributes To Neuropathology Linked To Parkinson’S Disease, Shankar J. Chinta, Georgia Woods, Marco Demaria, Anand Rane, Ying Zou, Amanda Mcquade, David T. Madden

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Exposure to the herbicide paraquat (PQ) is associated with an increased risk of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therapies based on PQ’s presumed mechanisms of action have not, however, yielded effective disease therapies. Cellular senescence is an anticancer mechanism that arrests proliferation of replication-competent cells and results in a pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) capable of damaging neighboring tissues. Here, we demonstrate that senescent cell markers are preferentially present within astrocytes in PD brain tissues. Additionally, PQ was found to induce astrocytic senescence and an SASP in vitro and in vivo, and senescent cell depletion in the latter protects against …

Low-Level Cadmium Exposure And Cardiovascular Outcomes In Elderly Australian Women: A Cohort Study, Kane Deering, Anna C. Callan, Richard Prince, Wai Lim, Peter Thompson, Joshua Lewis, Andrea Hinwood, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Cadmium has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in observational studies, however there has been a limited focus on this relationship in women.

Objectives

This study investigated the association of urinary cadmium (UCd) concentrations with CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality in elderly Western Australian (WA) women.

Methods

UCd excretion was measured at baseline in 1359 women, mean age 75.2 ± 2.7 years and 14.5 years of atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) hospitalisations and deaths, including both the principle cause of death and all associated causes of death. Health outcome data were retrieved from the Western Australian Data …

Investigating The Relationship Between Sulcogyral Patterns And Structural And Functional Connectivity Metrics In The Orbitofrontal Cortex, Bethany M. Blass

Honors Theses

Located within the frontal lobe, the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is widely known for its roles in sensory integration, emotion processing, decision-making, and goal-directed behaviors. Atypical structural organization of the OFC may explain atypical social or motivational behaviors displayed by individuals with brain disorders, such as bipolar disorder patients (BP).

The human brain can be imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reveal interesting aspects of the underlying brain architecture. This brain is composed of different tissue types, including gray and white matter, as well as various morphological features, including sulci & gyri. Within the OFC, the sulci can be …

The Effect Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome On The Central Auditory System, Ayşe İri̇z, Mehmet Düzlü, Oğuz Köktürk, Yusuf Kemal Kemaloğlu, Faki̇h Ci̇hat Eravci, Işik Si̇bel Küçükünal, Recep Karamert

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disease characterized by repeated hypoxia attacks during sleep. The effect of hypoxia on the central nervous system is a well-known entity. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of OSAS on the central auditory system. Materials and methods: Twenty-one OSAS patients diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) and 10 control subjects were included in the study. After a thorough otorhinolaryngology examination, all subjects underwent pure tone audiometry (250 to 8000 Hz frequency). The subjects with normal otoscopic examination and hearing threshold were included in the study. All participants underwent speech discrimination analyses …

Prognostic Value Of Interferon-Gamma, Interleukin-6, And Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha In The Radiation Response Of Patients Diagnosed With Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer And Glioblastoma Multiforme, Çi̇ğdem Damla Deni̇z, Mehmet Gürbi̇lek, Mehmet Koç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which are critical markers of the clinical radiation response of patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Materials and methods: Thirty patients who were treated with CRT and 20 healthy controls were prospectively evaluated. Circulating levels of cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedure. Post-CRT and pre-CRT levels were compared. Results: Post-CRT, TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were significantly lower than pre-CRT levels in the NSCLC and GBM groups, respectively. The statistical analysis did …

Biofilm Formation In Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli: Association With Adhesion Factor Genes, Hojjatolah Zamani, Ali Salehzadeh

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Biofilm formation is a major determinant factor in the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Several adhesion factors are involved in attachment of bacterial cells to the urinary tract and biofilm development. Materials and methods: The possible relationship between different adhesion factor genes (AFGs) and biofilm formation among UPEC isolates was investigated. Prevalence of different AFGs including fimA, fimH, papAH, papC, papEF, sfa-S, foc/G, and bmaE and their association to biofilm formation were investigated. Phenotypic expression of type 1 and P fimbriae was also investigated. Results: Our results showed that 84% of UPEC were …

The Association Of Neuropathic Pain And Disease Activity, Functional Level, And Quality Of Life In Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Duygu Geler Külcü, Sevi̇lay Batibay, Gülcan Öztürk Chatip Chousein Achmet, Ni̇lgün Mesci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Increased neuropathic pain (NP) symptoms are seen in rheumatologic diseases such as bromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, but no studies have demonstrated a relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and NP except for a brain imaging study. e aim of this study was to estimate the presence of NP in patients with AS and to investigate how NP was related to disease activity, functional status, and quality of life. Materials and methods: A total of 100 AS patients (71 males and 29 females; median age: 37 years, range: 18?71 years) were included in the study. Pain (visual analog scale (VAS) …

Changes Of Serum Spd-1 Levels In Hbeag-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Entecavir Treatment And Correlation With Curative Effect, Chunhua Bi, Deyu Huang, Jing Jiang, Yueping Jiang, Hui Wang, Cheng Bian, Zibin Tian

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to assess expression changes of serum sPD-1 levels in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with entecavir treatment and explore the correlation with the curative effect. Materials and methods: A total of 220 HBeAg-positive CHB patients and 207 healthy individuals were included. sPD-1 levels and virological and biochemical responses were assessed at baseline and at 12, 24, and 48 weeks in CHB patients a er antiviral therapy. Results: sPD-1 levels in HBeAg-positive CHB patients before treatment were signi cantly lower than those of healthy controls. After entecavir treatment, sPD-1 levels increased gradually over time. At 48 weeks …

Risk Factor Assessment For Breast Cancer In North Cyprus: A Comprehensive Case-Control Study Of Turkish Cypriot Women, Ruqiya Pervaiz, Özgür Tosun, Hasan Besim, Nedi̇me Serakinci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This case-control study aims to assess the strength of associations between reproductive, lifestyle, sociodemographic, and dietary factors as well as other potential breast cancer risks and breast cancer (BC) in a North Cyprus population. Materials and methods: The study includes 408 BC patients and 412 age-matched controls recruited from Near East Hospital and Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital in North Cyprus. Information regarding clinical and epidemiological characteristics was collected through a standardized interview. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% con dence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression before and a er adjusting for the potential confounders. Results: In …

Increased Micronucleus Count Predicts Malignant Behavior In Pleural Effusion Fluid, Tuba Di̇lay Kökenek Ünal, İpek Çoban

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Micronucleus (MN) frequency is used as a biomarker of chromosomal damage, genome instability, and cancer risk. e aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of MN frequency to di erentiate between malignant and benign pleural e usion samples. Materials and methods: Retrospectively, 78 pleural uid cytology samples (including 20 cases of benign reactive mesothelial cells, 22 cases of suspicious cytology, and 36 cases of malignant cytology) were examined. e number of micronucleated cells in 1000 well- preserved cells was counted. Statistical tests were performed to compare the study groups. Recover operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was …

Microbiological And Clinical Data Analysis Of 32 Patients With Nocardia Infections In Yantai, Hong-Xia Yu, Ming Liu, Zeng-Hui Pu, Yan Liu, Mao-Mao Zhao

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nocardia is an opportunistic pathogen that mostly a ects hosts with immune de ciencies. Recently, the widespread use of immunosuppressive agents and antitumor drugs has led to an increasing number of Nocardia infections being reported. However, it is di cult to con rm this diagnosis owing to the slow growth of the bacterium and its complex resultant clinical manifestations, potentially delaying treatment and increasing mortality. us, further knowledge on the clinical characteristics of Nocardia infection is required. Hence, this study aimed to review the demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, microbiology, treatment, and outcomes of Nocardia infections in Yantai. Materials and …

Increased Concentrations Of Serum Nesfatin-1 Levels In Childhood With Idiopathic Chronic Malnutrition, Sezer Acar, Gönül Çatli, Tuncay Küme, Hale Ünver Tuhan, Özlem Gürsoy Çalan, Korcan Demi̇r, Ece Böber, Ayhan Abaci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic molecule, seems to play a role in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. e goal of this study was to evaluate the relation of nesfatin-1 with anthropometric and metabolic (ghrelin, leptin) parameters in children with idiopathic chronic malnutrition. Materials and methods: The study included 37 underweight and 38 healthy children who were similar regarding age, sex, and pubertal status. Anthropometric and biochemical (nesfatin-1, ghrelin, and leptin levels) variables were assessed. Results: A total of 37 underweight subjects (mean age 10.5 ± 2.6 years) and 38 heathy subjects (mean age 10.3 ± 2.3 years) were recruited. Underweight children …

The Relation Between Isolated Micropenis In Childhood With Cag And Ggn Repeat Polymorphisms In The Androgen Receptor Gene, Esra Tuğ, Sezen Günteki̇n Ergün, Mehmet Ali̇ Ergün, Fatma Ni̇hal Di̇lek, Ferda Emri̇ye Perçi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In micropenis cases accompanied by external genital abnormalities such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, infertility and spermatogenic failures have been reported to correlate with androgen receptor (AR) gene CAG and GGN repeat polymorphisms. While there is one study on isolated micropenis and CAG repeats, no study related to GGN repeats has been reported. We investigated the relation between CAG and GGN repeats in the AR gene with development of penis length in boys with isolated micropenis. Materials and methods: A total of 24 Turkish boys with isolated micropenis (

Effects Of Di Erent Drug Treatments On The Proliferation Of Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Line Mdah-2774, Şule Ayla, Ayhan Bi̇li̇r, Ahmet Şenol Ertürkoğlu, Gamze Tanriverdi̇, Burak Cem Soner, Kenan Sofuoğlu, Laura Ghisolfi, Gülperi̇ Öktem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In this study, the e ects of resveratrol as a natural polyphenol compound, gemcitabine as an antimetabolite that has nucleoside structure analogous to deoxycytidine, and para-aminophenol-derived paracetamol were investigated with single and combined applications in monolayers of the MDAH-2774 human ovarian cancer cell line. Materials and methods: Drugs were evaluated in cell culture with respect to cell proliferation, cell cytotoxicity (trypan blue dye exclusion test), synthesis phase of cell cycle, and cell structure in 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Result: Resveratrol and gemcitabine diminished both cell proliferation and cell cycle synthesis phase indication in monolayer cell cultures (P < 0.05). All combination groups showed similar e ects that were mainly more e ective in respect to single usage of resveratrol and gemcitabine in monolayer cell cultures. Conclusion: The effects of gemcitabine, resveratrol, and paracetamol were investigated in monolayers of the MDAH-2774 human ovarian cancer cell line and a decrease in cell number in cell cycle synthesis phase, prevention of cell proliferation, and destruction of cell structure were observed.

The Impact Of Plasma Socs3 Levels And Endometrialleukocytes On Unexplained Infertility, Zehra Sema Özkan, Şükri̇ye Derya Deveci̇, Nusret Akpolat, Nafi̇ye Fulya İlhan, Mehmet Şi̇mşek, Hüseyi̇n Ti̇murkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the possible differences in endometrial leukocyte subtype distribution between women with unexplained infertility and normal fertile women and to determine whether there is a correlation between endometrial leukocyte counts and plasma cytokine levels in unexplained infertility. Materials and methods: This case-control study involved 79 infertile and 40 fertile women. Peripheral venous blood samples and endometrial samples were obtained on day 21 of the menstrual cycle. Plasma interleukin-4 (IL4), IL6, IL10, IL17, IL35, interferongamma (IFN-g), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endometrial CD8, …

Visfatin Levels In Hormonally Inactive Adrenal Adenoma And Their Association Withmetabolic Parameters, Alp Atasoy, Evri̇m Çakir, Süleyman Ahbab, Yasemi̇n Erdoğan Döventaş, Maci̇t Koldaş, Hayri̇ye Esra Ataoğlu, Mustafa Yeni̇gün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In parallel with increased frequency and higher quality of imaging techniques, the prevalence of adrenal adenoma has gradually increased. However, despite the growing incidence, the metabolic and tumorigenesis processes involved in its etiology are still unclear. Although visfatin has been reported to be associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis, its role in adrenal adenoma has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study was performed with an aim to evaluate visfatin levels and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with adrenal adenoma. Materials and methods: Thirty patients recently diagnosed with adrenal adenoma along with 30 healthy participants were studied in a …

Early Postoperative Follow-Up After Craniosynostosis Surgery, Ebru Ati̇ke Ongun, Oğuz Dursun, Mehmet Sai̇m Kazan, Banu Nur, Ercan Mihçi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Declined morbidity rates after craniosynostosis surgery indicate bypassing the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) course to minimize treatment costs and bed usage. The aim of this study is to examine the incident rates of PICU admission and assess its necessity. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 41 patients (operated on by open surgical techniques) between July 2011 and December 2015 was carried out. Intraoperative/postoperative vital signs, hemodynamic and metabolic parameters, estimated blood loss (EBVloss), blood transfusions, length of PICU, and hospitalizations were recorded. Results: Major and minor events reached 51.2% and 82.9%, respectively. EBVloss within 24 h was …

Ankaferd Blood Stopper With Antibiofilm Potential Successfully Inhibits The Extracellularmatrix Degradation Enzymes And Promotes Wound Healing Of 3t3 Fibroblasts In Vitro, Ruki̇ye Boran, Tuba Baygar, Nurdan Saraç, Aysel Uğur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The potential inhibitory effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) against biofilm formation of oral microorganisms and its capacity for collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase inhibitions that have important roles in wound healing have been investigated. Materials and methods: The wound healing potential was determined by its inhibition ability on collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase enzyme activities and was evaluated via scratch wound healing assay on murine 3T3 fibroblasts. The antibiofilm activity was tested against eight oral microorganisms using the crystal violet staining method. Results: At 10% ABS successfully inhibited the biofilm formation of the tested microorganisms. Enzyme inhibition analysis revealed that …

Tuberculin Skin Test Response In Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Onanti-Tnf Therapy, Kenan Barut, Sezgi̇n Şahi̇n, Amra Adrovi̇c, Muhammet Köşker, Ömer Kiliç, Yildiz Camcioğlu, Haluk Cezmi̇ Çokuğraş, Necla Akçakaya, Betül Sözeri̇, Özgür Kasapçopur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of biologic drugs on the tuberculin skin test in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Materials and methods: A total of 234 biologic drug-using juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients and 45 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The tuberculin skin test results of the patients, which had been routinely provided during follow-up, were obtained from the patient files. Tuberculin skin test values of ≥ 5 mm were considered to be positive. Results: The mean diameter of tuberculin skin test induration was 4.99 ± 6.84 mm (IQR: 0-10 mm) and 7.83 …

Pulmonary Valve Replacement In Patients With Repaired Tetralogy Of Fallot: Early Results For Recovery Of Right Ventricular Dilatation And Qrs Duration, Ahmet Arnaz, Ayla Oktay, Serdar Akansel, Di̇lek Altun, Abdullah Doğan, Piotr Serban, Arda Saygili, Yusuf Kenan Yalçinbaş, Ayşe Sarioğlu, Cafer Tayyar Sarioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Although pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) improves ventricular function and symptoms, the benefit and optimal timing of PVR are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate early response to PVR for right ventricle (RV) dilatation and QRS duration. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis was performed for 32 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) between March 2005 and October 2017. The differences between preoperative and postoperative changes in echocardiographic parameters, clinical symptoms, and QRS duration were evaluated. Results: There were no in-hospital or late deaths. Mean age at the time of PVR was 16.57 ± 7.97 years. The interval between TOF …

Is 72 H Of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Better Than 24 H In Elective Gastric Cancer Surgery?, Xiang Zia, Gang Zhao, Wei Ling, Fengrong Yu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The optimum duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in elective gastric cancer surgery is still not yet established. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 24 h or 72 h of antimicrobial prophylaxis for preventing postoperative infection. Materials and methods: Between July 2016 and January 2018, 990 gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery with D2 lymphadenectomy in Ren Ji Hospital were classified into 24-h or 72-h antimicrobial prophylaxis groups. The incidence of postoperative infection complications was compared. Results: A total of 990 patients (24-h antimicrobial prophylaxis, 708 cases; 72-h antimicrobial prophylaxis, 282 cases) were analyzed. Surgical site infection …

The Role Of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (Supar) As An Indicator Of The Severity Of Acute Pancreatitis, Kadi̇r Küçükceran, Mehmet Ergi̇n, İbrahi̇m Kilinç, Adnan Karai̇brahi̇moğlu, Tamer Çolak, Alpay Tuncar, Zerri̇n Defne Dündar, Sedat Koçak, Abdullah Sadik Gi̇ri̇şgi̇n, Mehmet Gül, Başar Cander

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been reported to have a positive correlation with the activation degree of the immune system. This study's aim is to investigate the efficiency of SuPAR serum levels in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients in determining the severity of disease. Materials and methods: This prospective research involves patients who arrived at the emergency service, were over 18 years old, had nontraumatic abdominal pain and diagnosis of AP, and agreed to join the study. Demographic characteristics, contact information, laboratory and imaging test parameters, Ranson's criteria, the Balthazar Severity Index, the Rapid Acute Physiologic Score (RAPS), …