Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Novel Insights Into The Function And Regulation Of Group X Secretory Phospholipase A2, Joseph D. Layne Jr

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Group X secretory phospholipase A₂ (GX sPLA₂) hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids producing free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Previous studies from our lab suggest that mice with targeted deletion of GX sPLA₂ (GX KO) have increased age-related weight gain due to an increase in overall adiposity. Paradoxically, this increased adiposity is associated with improved age-related glucose intolerance. GX KO mice also demonstrate a reduced inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide injection. In vitro studies indicate this phenotype may be attributable to blunted macrophage mediated inflammatory responses. Given the role of macrophages in promoting adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and metabolic dysfunction …

Preparation Of Phosphonoterephthalic Acids Via Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling Of Aromatic Iodoesters, Nathaniel Ivan, Vladimir Benin, Alexander Morgan

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The current article reports in detail the preparation of two phosphonoterephthalic acids: 2-phosphonoterephthalic acid (1) and 2,5-diphosphonoterephthalic acid (2). Efficient, scalable syntheses have been developed for both compounds based on Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions of iodinated terephthalate esters. Phosphonoterephthalic acids are potentially useful as flame-retardant additives or as monomers for the construction of acid-pendant polymer chains.

A Small Outbreak Of Tularemia In A Rural Area, İbak Gönen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To assess clinically and epidemiologically an outbreak of tularemia detected in a small village in Tokat Province in Turkey. Materials and methods: Recorded clinical and laboratory data of 15 serologically confirmed patients, who either presented to hospital or were diagnosed during family medicine visits to the village during the outbreak, were assessed. Forms including a questionnaire about the symptomatology and previously given treatments were filled out by the patients. In addition, the entire village was investigated to establish the origin of the outbreak. Results: Ages of the 15 individuals (9 females) ranged between 10 and 75, and the mean was …

Protective Effect Of Vardenafil On Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury In Rat Ovary, Hati̇ce Baş, Özlem Kara, Mustafa Kara, Di̇lek Pandir

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of vardenafil on ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovary. Materials and methods: A total of 21 Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. In group 1, ovary torsion was not performed and no drug was administered. In group 2, 1 h of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion were performed and no drug was given. In group 3, 1 h of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion were performed and 1 mg/kg vardenafil was administered after 30 min of ischemia. Right ovaries were surgically removed in all groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase …

Helicobacter Pylori Infection And Relationship With Gastric Epithelial Cell Proliferation And Apoptosis, Zühal Güci̇n, Tuğba Çakmak, Ni̇zametti̇n Bayyurt, Bari̇k Sali̇h

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of Helicobacter pylori on cell proliferation and apoptosis in gastric cancer (GC) both at tumoral and nontumoral sites and in gastritis. Materials and methods: Biopsies from 96 patients (gastric cancer = 52, gastritis = 44) were examined immunohistochemically and histopathologically. Results: In H. pylori-positive GC patients the average proliferative index (PI) in tumor and nontumor sites was 40.7% and 24.8%, while in H. pylori-negative patients it was 32.9% and 17.8%, respectively. The PI was significantly higher in the tumor than in the nontumor sites, regardless of H. pylori infection. Cell proliferation was also significantly associated with …

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 …

Two Coiled-Coil Domains Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Inca Affect Membrane Fusion Events During Infection., Erik Ronzone, Fabienne Paumet

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Chlamydia trachomatis replicates in a parasitophorous membrane-bound compartment called an inclusion. The inclusions corrupt host vesicle trafficking networks to avoid the degradative endolysosomal pathway but promote fusion with each other in order to sustain higher bacterial loads in a process known as homotypic fusion. The Chlamydia protein IncA (Inclusion protein A) appears to play central roles in both these processes as it participates to homotypic fusion and inhibits endocytic SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. How IncA selectively inhibits or activates membrane fusion remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and molecular determinants of IncA's fusogenic and inhibitory functions. Using …

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 …

A Comparison Of Tramadol, Sufentanil, Meperidine, And Lidocaine In Prevention Of Pain Due To Rocuronium Injection, Mehtap Honca, Belkiz Berna Külah, Tarik Purtuloğlu, Tevfi̇k Honca, Nuray Camgöz Eryilmaz, Uğur Özkan, Eyüp Horasanli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Alleviation of the pain resulting from injection of rocuronium during anesthesia is still an unsolved problem. We aimed to compare the analgesic effects of sufentanil, tramadol, meperidine, and lidocaine on the pain from injection of rocuronium. Materials and methods: This prospective randomized double-blind study included 200 patients with ASA I-II. After a tourniquet was applied to the forearm, patients received 50 mg of tramadol (group T), 10 µg of sufentanil (group S), 40 mg of meperidine (group M), or 30 mg of lidocaine (group L). The tourniquet was released after 20 s and rocuronium was injected over 10 to 15 …

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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 …

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 …

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

Do Characteristics Of Seriously Injured Older Adults Differ From Those Of Their Younger Counterparts In The Emergency Department?, Ayhan Aköz, Memet Işik, Hüseyi̇n Şahi̇n, Mücahi̇t Emet

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To analyze the injury characteristics of younger and older adult trauma victims. Materials and methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational, and single-center study including both younger adult and geriatric trauma patients. The relationships between the age groups and the number of consultations in the emergency department (ED) were compared with analysis of covariance after adjusting for Injury Severity Score (ISS). Results: The data consisted of 779 patients, 131 (16.8%) of whom were elderly. The intensive care unit admission rate was 7.2%. Our results showed a significantly higher incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, fracture and/or dislocation of the femur, and fracture …

Comparing Extracorporeal Shock Wave And Hyaluronic Acid In A Rabbit Cartilage Defect Model: The Effects Of Esw On Cartilage Defect, Zekeri̇ya Öztemür, Hati̇ce Özer, Umut Hatay Gölge, Emi̇ne Eli̇f Altuntaş, Okay Bulut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplementation in an experimental rabbit cartilage defect model. Materials and methods: A total of 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: HA, ESW, ESW + HA, and control. Chondral defects were created in the left knees of the rabbits. HA viscosupplementation was performed on the HA and ESW + HA groups, and after 24 h, 0.16 mJ/mm2 ESW was performed on the ESW and ESW + HA groups. After an 8-week follow-up, the rabbits were sacrificed and histopathological examination of the defects was …

The Effect Of Addition Of Lidocaine To Bupivacaine On Anesthesia Beginning Time, Block Time, And Block Quality In Lateral Sagittal Infraclavicular Block, Özgür Özmen, Haci Ahmet Alici, Mi̇ne Çeli̇k, Ayşenur Dostbi̇l, Mehmet Cesur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate whether a 2% lidocaine addition to 0.5% bupivacaine that is used in a lateral sagittal infraclavicular block, when administered in an upper extremity surgery, decreases the block onset time, drug effect time, and drug activity when compared with bupivacaine alone. Materials and methods: This study was performed on 120 American Society of Anesthesiology classification I-II patients who were 18–65 years old and scheduled to undergo an upper extremity surgery. The group testing in the study was as follows: 20 mL (5 mg/mL) bupivacaine, 10 mL (5 mg/mL) bupivacaine + 10 mL (20 mg/mL) lidocaine, and 20 mL (20 …