Digital Commons Network^™

Therapeutic Effects Of Mycobacterium Phlei Cell Wall Extracts, Bağnu Orhan, Esra Büber, Mehmet Selçuk Keski̇n, Ömür Çeli̇kbiçak, Beki̇r Sali̇h, Alpaslan Alp, Zeynep Saribaş, Abdurrahi̇m Haluk Özen, Naci̇ye Leyla Açan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the cytokine-stimulating activity of several Mycobacterium phlei cell wall extracts. The bacillus Calmette-Guérin application is the gold standard treatment for some types of superficial bladder carcinoma. However, its usage is limited due to its harmful side effects. Intensive research has been carried out to find less toxic and more potent therapeutic agents for treatment. Researchers focus on M. phlei for this purpose. The cell wall extract of M. phlei is sufficient for antitumoral activity. Materials and methods: In this study, M. phlei cells were cultured and several different cell wall extracts were prepared by physicochemical procedures. Human monocytic …

Effects Of Royal Jelly On Liver Paraoxonase Activity In Rats Treated With Cisplatin, Serap Yildirim, Ali̇ Karadeni̇z, Akar Karakoç, Abdulkadi̇r Yildirim, Yildiray Kalkan, Nejdet Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) on the changes caused by cisplatin in paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and arylesterase (ARE) activities. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 6: control, royal jelly (300 mg kg^{-1} day^{-1}, cisplatin (7 mg kg^{-1} body weight), and royal jelly (300 mg kg^{-1} day^{-1} plus a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg kg^{-1} body weight). After the experimental procedures, blood and liver tissue samples were taken from each animal. The effects of RJ and cisplatin were evaluated by PON-1, ARE (in liver homogenates), and serum alanine aminotransferase measurements. The …

Epidural Tramadol Infiltration Decreases Postoperative Analgesic Consumption After Lumbar Microdiscectomy, Yasemi̇n Şahi̇n, Alparslan Apan, Gökşen Öz, Çeti̇n Ayhan Evli̇yaoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the postoperative analgesic effects of epidural tramadol infiltration. Tramadol is a weak opioid that has local anesthetic and antiinflammatory properties. Materials and methods: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy with general anesthesia were included in the study. The induction of anesthesia was performed with propofol (2-2.5 mg kg^{-1}, rocuronium bromide (0.5 mg kg^{-1}), and fentanyl (1 µg kg^{-1}). A sevoflurane and N_2O/O_2 (FiO_2 = 35%) mixture was used for maintenance. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Tramadol (1 mg kg^{-1}) in a 5-mL saline epidural infiltration was given in …

The Seroprevalence Of Rickettsia Conorii In Humans Living In Villages Of Tokat Province In Turkey, Where Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Is Endemic, And Epidemiological Similarities Of Both Infectious Agents, Turabi̇ Güneş, Ömer Poyraz, Mehmet Ataş, Nergi̇z Hacer Turgut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Tokat Province is an epicenter for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Rickettsia conorii and to clarify the epidemiological similarities between CCHFV and R. conorii in Tokat Province. Materials and methods: The prevalence of antibodies reactive with R. conorii was examined by ELISA in 364 sera, 151 of which were seropositive for CCHFV. Results: The overall prevalence of antibodies reactive with R. conorii was 36.81%. The prevalence of antibodies to R. conorii infection was higher in humans who showed CCHFV seropositivity than seronegativity, 52.32% and 25.82%, respectively (P …

Oxidative Stress Status Of Individuals Involved In Traffic Accidents*, Bora Özdemi̇r, Atilhan Kaya, Özgür Söğüt, Hali̇l Kaya, Mehmet Tahi̇r Gökdemi̇r, Osman Celbi̇ş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the role of the oxidative stress status of drivers involved in traffic accidents as a risk factor. Materials and methods: Twenty-six drivers and 28 passengers involved in traffic accidents and 31 healthy control drivers and 30 healthy control pedestrians were enrolled in the present study. The total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in blood samples. Results: The mean value of the TOS level in drivers involved in traffic accidents was significantly higher than that of the control pedestrians (P =< 0.05). The mean value of the TAS level in passengers involved in traffic accidents was significantly lower than that of the control drivers and pedestrians (P =< 0.001 and P =< 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: This is the first study assessing the oxidative markers of individuals involved in a traffic accident compared with a control group. The results reveal that involvement in a traffic accident has an effect on oxidative markers. However, further studies are required in order to use the oxidative stress status of drivers involved in traffic accidents as a marker for estimating the accident risk.

Clinical Appearance Of Brucellosis In Adults: Fourteen Years Of Experience, Behi̇ce Kurtaran, Aslihan Candevi̇r, Ayşe Seza İnal, Süheyla Kömür, Özay Akyildiz, Neşe Saltoğlu, Hasan Sali̇h Zeki̇ Aksu, Yeşi̇m Taşova

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To indicate the clinical course and results of brucellosis in our region during the recent years, and to compare these findings to the literature. Materials and methods: This study was based on a review of the medical records of adult patients older than 14 years who were followed with the diagnosis of brucellosis from March 1997 to October 2010. Results: Included in this analysis were 317 patients, including 136 males (43%), with an average age of 40 ± 17 years. In 66 patients (21%), reproduction of Brucella was identified in the blood. Of the patients, 61% were identified as having …

The Effects Of Experimentally Induced Intraabdominal Hypertension On Adrenal Glands, İlyas Başkonuş, Ahmet Abdulhali̇k Balik, Göktürk Maralcan, Fati̇h Göksel Seçki̇n, Ersi̇n Borazan, Meti̇n Karakök, Yasemi̇n Baltaci, Cahi̇t Bağci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To investigate the effects of intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) on adrenal glands. Materials and methods: Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: the control group, sham control group, and 2 study groups. In the study groups, the animals were subjected to IAH of up to 20-25 mmHg for 3 h. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for cortisol analysis and adrenal gland samples were extracted via laparatomy for histopathological examination. Results: Cortisol levels were decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences demonstrated among the other groups (P > 0.05). Upon examination of the adrenal gland, no pathological alterations were found …

Contribution Of Phospholipase C And Protein Kinase C But Not Endothelin-Converting Enzyme To Contractile Responses Of Ethanol, Naci̇ye Döndaş, Hali̇l Mahi̇r Kaplan, Derya Kaya, Erği̇n Şi̇ngi̇ri̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To evaluate the possible roles of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and endothelin-converting enzyme on contractions induced by ethanol (164 mM) in isolated gastric fundal strips of mice. Materials and methods: After the mice were killed, the stomach of each was removed and longitudinal muscle strips were prepared from the gastric fundus. The strips were mounted in organ baths and their responses were recorded isometrically. Ethanol (164 mM) was added to the organ baths and a steady-state contraction was obtained. After the first ethanol response was recorded, the preparations were incubated separately with lidocaine (1-100 µM), neomycin (10-500 µM), …

The Effect Of N-Acetylcysteine On Growth And Biofilm Formation In Staphylococcus Epidermidis Strains, Sahra Kirmusaoğlu, Seyhun Yurdugül, Mücahi̇de Esra Koçoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To examine the possible preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, which cause very important problems such as implant-associated infections in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients worldwide. Materials and methods: The effects of varying concentrations of NAC on the formation of biofilm by 28 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated spectrophotometrically by micro-ELISA assay. Results: Significant differences in biofilm formation in the presence of various NAC concentrations were found in 15 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and 13 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus epidermidis strains (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that slime formation was decreased due to the increased concentrations of the NAC treatments. Based on these findings, it is possible to use NAC as an antibiofilm agent on medical devices or in catheter lock solutions to prevent colonization and implant-associated infections.

In Vitro Efficacy Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Against Leishmania Tropica Promastigotes And Amastigotes, Özgür Koru, Soykan Özkoç, Kemal Şi̇mşek, Gürkan Mert, Hakan Ay, Seray Töz, Mehmet Tanyüksel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To assess the efficiency of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on L. tropica, which is the major causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Turkey. Materials and methods: The effects of HBO on Leishmania tropica promastigote and amastigote forms were studied at a pressure of 2.5 atmosphere absolute (ata). We examined the cytotoxic effect of HBO on promastigotes using the trypan blue exclusion test and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye-reduction assay. To investigate the effects of HBO treatment on the growth of the promastigotes, HBO-treated and non-HBO-treated cell culture flasks were incubated at 26 °C for 3 days, while the effects …

Effects Of Ankaferd Hemostat On The Synovial Fluid Of Patients With Osteoarthritis, Mehmet Aki̇f Öztürk, Zeli̇ha Koçak Tufan, Mehmet Derya Demi̇rağ, İbrahi̇m Celaletti̇n Haznedaroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a novel topical hemostatic agent with antiinfective, wound healing, and antineoplastic properties. In this study, we evaluated the macroscopic and biochemical effects of ABS in the joint fluid of patients with osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: Synovial fluid samples were obtained from 10 patients with osteoarthritis (5 women, 5 men; mean age 57.6 ± 11.2 years). From each patient, 4 mL of synovial fluid was drawn and put into 2 different serum separator tubes, and 1 mL of ABS was added to the first sample and 1 mL of 0.9% saline was added to the second …

Dysregulation Of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity And Bcl-2 And Caspase-3 Gene Expressions In Renal Tissue Of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Hüseyi̇n Aktuğ, Vi̇ldan Bozok Çeti̇ntaş, Buket Kosova, Fati̇h Oltulu, Şi̇ri̇n Bakti Demi̇ray, Türker Çavuşoğlu, Saadet Özen Akarca, Altuğ Yavaşoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of diabetes on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and on gene expressions of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) and caspase-3 in the renal tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rats. Materials and methods: Twenty rats were analyzed in 2 equally distributed groups of healthy controls and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Rats with blood glucose levels of >=250 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Renal tissue sections were analyzed histomorphologically and immunohistochemically. Gene expressions of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Bcl-2 expression significantly decreased in the diabetic group, both at the gene and protein level. …

The Effects Of Stobadine On Purine Metabolism In Rats Treated With Carbon Tetrachloride, Ni̇lüfer Bayrakdar, Seda Duygulu Devay, Mi̇ne Yavuz Taşlipinar, Suna Ömeroğlu, Seyhan Gümüşlü, Mustafa Kavutçu, Orhan Canbolat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), 5'-nucleotidase (5'NT), xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The effect of stobadine on purine metabolism was also evaluated. Materials and methods: This study measured the effect of CCl_4 on ADA, 5'NT, XO enzyme activities, and MDA levels, and measured the histopathologic changes in liver cells. Results: Our research found that ADA, XO activities, and MDA levels increased in the CCl_4 group when compared with the control group. This was also supported by the histopathological …

Effects Of L-2-Oxоthiazolidine-4-Carboxylic Acid On The Lung Antioxidant Defense System In An Asthma Mouse Model, Lyudmil Georgiev Terziev, Veneta Lyubenova Shopova, Violeta Yordanova Dancheva, Galya Tzvetanova Stavreva, Angelina Milcheva Stoyanova

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We aim ed to study the effect of a glutathione precursor, L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTCA), on the lung antioxidant defense system in an animal asthma model. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 24 female C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into 4 treatment groups: group 1 - control group; group 2 - injected with ovalbumin (OVA) and given an OVA inhalant; group 3 - treated with OTCA and phosphate-buffered saline inhalant; and group 4 -injected with OVA and OTCA and given an OVA inhalant. Under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia the animals were killed by exsanguination 48 h after the …

Limb Remote Ischemic Postconditioning Is Effective But Also Time-Course-Limited In Protecting The Brain From I/R Injury, Ce Xu, Chengju Yi, Haidong Guo, Qiangqiang Liu, Li Wang, Hongxia Li

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the effect of limb remote ischemic postconditioning (LIPoC) against cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats and the relationship between cycle number or remote postconditioning episode duration and the protective function of LIPoC. Materials and methods: Transient focal ischemia/reperfusion was induced by 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with nylon monofilament and 22 h of reperfusion in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals underwent LIPoC consisting of 1, 2, or 3 cycles, with each occlusion or release lasting for 5 min (5/5), 10 min (10/10), or 15 min (15/15) of bilateral femoral artery occlusion/release. Neurological score, infarct volume, water …

Tularemia As A Result Of Outdoor Activities For Children In The Countryside, Şaban Gürcan, Gamze Varol Saraçoğlu, Aynur Karadeni̇zli̇, Emi̇ne Neşe Özkayin, Şemsi̇ Zafer Öztürk, Cemal Çi̇çek, Bi̇nay Vatansever

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the features of a new tularemia outbreak that occurred in the Thrace region. Materials and methods: The research team visited the village after the identification of the index case. Serum and throat samples were taken from 41 villagers who were examined, and environmental samples were taken in order to identify the source of the outbreak. Culture, serology, and molecular methods were used to search for Francisella tularensis in these samples. Results: A total of 8 children were diagnosed with tularemia. The adults and all of the other children were seronegative for tularemia. All of the patients had a …

Histopathological Effects Of The Food Contaminant Furan On Some Endocrine Glands Of Prepubertal Male Rats, Eli̇f Karacaoğlu, Güldeni̇z Selmanoğlu, Aysun Kiliç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the toxicity of furan on the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas of prepubertal male rats. Materials and methods: Furan was administered orally to 3-4-week-old male rats at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg kg^{-1} day^{-1} by dissolving in corn oil for 90 days. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at the end of the experiment. Their endocrine glands including the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas were removed and weighed. Tissues were examined morphologically and histopathologically under a light microscope. Results: Organ and relative organ weights of rats did not change with furan administration. Histopathological …

Genotyping Of Giardia Intestinalis Isolated From People Living In Sivas, Turkey, Serpi̇l Değerli̇, Naci̇ Değerli̇, Ali̇ Çeli̇ksöz, Semra Özçeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The technique of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotyping was used to characterise morphologically identical isolates of Giardia intestinalis from human stool samples. Materials and methods: In this study a total of 17 trophozoite samples, obtained either directly from stool samples or after excystation, or by duodenal aspiration, were used. A set of primers was chosen to amplify the different regions of triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) and a segment of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. A single-stranded conformational polymorphism technique was also used in an attempt to discriminate among some subgroups. Results: Only primers of the 683-bp segment …

Characterization Of Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Strains Obtained From Urology Outpatient Clinic Of Ege Medical Faculty In İzmir, Betül Gi̇ray, Füsun Bahri̇ye Uçar, Sabi̇re Şöhret Aydemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To identify the papG gene and its allelic variation in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from patients with acute pyelonephritis and cystitis. Materials and methods: Seventy-five E. coli strains isolated from patients admitted to the University of Ege Medical Faculty urology outpatient clinic were isolated and identified phenotypically. All of these strains were examined for the papG gene and allelic distribution of this gene with the multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: papG genes were found in 24 of 75 E. coli strains. Of these 24 strains, 7 (29%) had papG class II only, 8 (33%) had class III …

Minimum Inhibitory And Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations Of Boron Compounds Against Several Bacterial Strains, Murat Tolga Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Boron compounds are essential micronutrients for many organisms. However, they negatively affect plant, soil, and water microflora if excessive amounts exist in irrigation water. Therefore, this study aimed to define the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of boric acid and borax by selecting the bacteria that can survive in all environments. Materials and methods: The antibacterial efficacy of boric acid and borax against several bacterial strains was evaluated 3 times with the macrodilution broth method. Results: The MICs and MBCs of boric acid were obtained as 3.80 mg/mL, 3.80 mg/mL, 7.60 mg/mL, and 7.60 mg/mL against …

Circulating Levels Of Igf-I And Igfbp-3 In Gastric Cancer, Konca Altinkaynak, Mehmet Bi̇li̇ci̇, Nuri̇ Bakan, Fati̇h Akçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To explore the causative mechanism of gastric carcinoma and to investigate the roles of circulating IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in gastric cancer. Materials and methods: Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured using a 2-site coated tube immunoradiometric assay. Results: Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 values in gastric cancer patients were significantly lower compared to those in the control group. The difference between serum IGF-I/IGFBP-3 in patients and the control group was not significant. Conclusion: The low serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels detected in patients with gastric cancer could be due to decreased synthesis or increased catabolism of IGF-I or both. It …

The Effect Of Intermittent Fasting And Water Restriction On Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Arrhythmia In Rats, Sali̇h Tunç Kaya, Ömer Bozdoğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of intermittent fasting and water restriction on ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Materials and methods: Six minutes of ischemia followed by 6 min of reperfusion was produced by the ligation and then releasing of the left coronary artery. Intermittent fasting and water restriction were applied during 1 month for 12 h/day. The duration, type, and incidence of arrhythmias during reperfusion and the survival rate at the end of reperfusion were determined and compared. Results: The score of arrhythmia that was determined using the type and duration of arrhythmia did not show significant differences among groups. The arrhythmic period was …

Effects Of Combined Oral Contraceptives On The Skin Of Mice, Nibras Hatim Khamees, Insaf Jasim Mahmoud, Amal Al Khateeb

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To find the effects of a combination of 2 widely used contraceptives, ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate (ECPA), on skin and sebaceous gland morphology and dermal vascularity of mice. Materials and methods: Female mice were divided into groups: treatment with ECPA for 1 month (T) and its control (C); and cessation of treatment for an additional month (recovery, R) and its control (CR). Body weight, skin histology and morphometry, and vaginal smears were performed and analyzed. Results: In the T and R groups, there was a significant increase in epidermal and dermal thickness and dermal vascularity. In group T, the …

The Role Of Endolysosomes In Models Of Neurodegenerative Disorders And In Regulating Levels Of Intracellular Calcium, Liang Hui

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative disorders are affecting increasingly numbers of humans, especially in our ever increasingly aged population. Here, I attempt to better understand how endolysosomes contribute to pathological features in two neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and to the regulation of intracellular calcium levels in cultured neurons.

According to our previous in vivo studies that elevated circulating ApoB cholesterol per se contributed to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD by affecting endolysosomes, we tested the hypothesis that; ApoB containing cholesterol altered endolysosome structure & function and contributed to AD-like pathological development in primary cultured neurons. Besides, …

Introducing Astronomy Into High School Physics Curriculum Through The Use Of The University Of North Dakota Observatory, Caitlin Marie Nolby

Theses and Dissertations

Astronomy education is currently lacking in the secondary level classroom. Many programs have been created to remedy this, including research opportunities for students and training workshops for educators. These reach only a small fraction of the population however, while remaining students still lack the opportunity to learn astronomy at the secondary level. This research addresses the creation of a program that will make astronomy education a recurring option for students across North Dakota through implementation of a two-week astronomy course at Grand Forks Central High School (GFCHS) in a class of 19 physics students. During ten class periods from April …

A Piece Of The Afternoon, Maryam Hajouni

School of Art Graduate Exhibitions, Portfolios, and Theses

No abstract provided.

Disease-Branding And Drug-Mongering: Could Pharmaceutical Industry Promotional Practices Result In Tort Liability?, Jason S. Cetel

Seton Hall Law Review

No abstract provided.

Eiu 4118g : The Biological Origins Of Social Practices, Biological Sciences

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Economics, Innovations, Technology, And Engineering Education: The Connections, John M. Ritz, P. Scott Bevins

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Throughout history the success of economies around the world has in large part been influenced by technological growth and innovations. Along with such growth and innovations came higher living standards and an improved quality of life for citizens residing and participating in those economies. However, not all countries were able to grow and develop at the same rate, resulting in considerable differences in economic welfare across populations. As nations around the world address the 21st century, economic growth and prosperity for some nations will depend upon how well their citizens are equipped and motivated to seek new technological discoveries and …

Eiu 4171g : Comics, Manga, And Graphic Novels: A History Of Graphic Narratives, Eiu

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.