Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Comparison Of Outcomes Of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy On Patients With Normal And Malformed Kidneys, Ali̇ Fuat Atmaca, Abdullah Erdem Canda, Ahmet Tunç Özdemi̇r, Ege Can Şerefoğlu, Bayram Doğan, M. Derya Balbay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To compare outcomes (stone-free rates, complications) of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with kidney malformations and normal subjects having similar stone characteristics(surface area, configuration). Materials and Methods: Data of 170 patients who underwent PCNL were analyzed. Stone burden was 100-1564 mm2, stone configuration was pure pelvic, pure caliceal or complex (pelvic + caliceal) in Group 1 with renal anomalies (n = 18, 19 renal units, 20 sessions). Patients with similar stone characteristics without any renal anomaly comprised Group 2 (n = 152, 158 renal units, 161 sessions). Groups were compared regarding therapy success, outcomes, and complications. Stones 0.05). Although …

Associations Between Low Back Pain, Disability, Functional Status, And Serum Interleukin-1 \Beta Level, Ali̇ Aydeni̇z, Teki̇n Karsligi̇l, Savaş Gürsoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In the past the role of biochemical mediators of inflammation in back pain received little attention. The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between serum IL-1 \beta level in patients with low back pain (LBP) and its effect on their functional status. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 88 LBP patients with symptom duration of 6 months or longer and 65 healthy controls. Serum analysis was performed using ELISA. The LBP group completed the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index in order to evaluate their functional status. Results: Mean IL-1 \beta level was significantly higher …

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 …

Abnormal Growing Of The Abdomen Due To Mesenteric Lipodystrophy, Nazan Karaoğlu, Mehmet Ali̇ Karaoğlu, Mehmet Noyan Zenger, Seda Zenger

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Mesenteric lipodystrophy is a rare and benign disease characterized by non-specific inflammation of mesenteric fat. Nomenclature of the disease changes according to the histological features and clinical presentation. The etiology is still obscure, and the clinical presentation and laboratory tests are non-specific. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis is primarily based on computerized tomography (CT) features. There is no specific treatment available for mesenteric lipodystrophy. Radical surgical treatment is not advised. We report a case of distended abdomen caused by mesenteric lipodystrophy along with ultrasonography (US), CT and magnetic resonance (MR) findings and a review of the literature.

Management Of Thyroid Cancer Associated With Elevated Serum Thyroglobulin And Negative Radioiodine Scanning, Si̇nan Çağlayan, Muammer Urhan, Onur Sildiroğlu, Yavuz Kurt, Mehmet Emi̇n Önde, Yavuz Nari̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma has a favorable prognosis, even in the presence of distant metastases, if the tumor cells are able to concentrate radioiodine. Nonetheless, up to 30% of thyroid cancer patients with elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and negative radioiodine whole-body scan findings represent a diagnostic dilemma. In this study we assessed the diagnostic contribution of anatomical and functional imaging procedures, including US of the thyroid bed and neck, CT scanning of the chest and mediastinum, and FDG PET whole-body scanning, in iodine-negative/Tg-positive thyroid cancer patients. Materials and methods: The study included 28 patients (20 female, 8 male; age range: …

An Algorithm For The Treatment Of The Biliary Complications Of Hepatic Hydatid Disease, Gürkan Öztürk, M. İlhan Yildirgan, S. Selçuk Atamanalp, Mahmut Başoğlu, Bülent Aydinli, K. Yalçin Polat, Durkaya Ören, Abdullah Kisaoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: The treatment of hepatic hydatid disease (HHD) is currently standardized. Biliary complications of HHD complicate both the treatment and course of the disease. Several investigations have been performed on the biliary complications of HHD and their treatment. We propose an algorithm for the treatment of the biliary complications of HHD based on our experience. Materials and methods: We investigated 148 patients that underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to complicated HHD between January 2000 and December 2006 at the endoscopy unit of the Department of Surgery of Atatürk University Medical School. Age, sex, indications for ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy …

A Nationwide Survey Of Prophylaxis Against Ophthalmia Neonatorum In Turkey, İlker Eser, Meltem Bozaci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To analyze the current practice of neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum) prophylaxis in Turkey. Materials and methods: A standard questionnaire that collected information regarding the name and location of the clinical setting, the name and dosage of the medication used to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (if there was any), and the department and preference concerning which health workers should administer the agent (gynecologist, pediatrician, or midwife) was prepared and administered to 24 university hospitals as well as to 24 registered community hospitals that had both pediatric and obstetric units. Results: Neonatal conjunctivitis prophylaxis was administered by 58.3% of the respondents (university …

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. …

Progression Of Binocular Vision Following Cataract Surgery*, İlknur Akyol Salman, Murat Arslankurt, Osman Dursun, Ahmet Yazici, Orhan Baykal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To investigate the progression of binocular vision of patients after cataract surgery in the early postoperative period. Materials and methods: Eighty four cataract patients were evaluated at postoperative 1 and 3 months after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber monofocal lens implantation. For the evaluation of the grades of binocular vision, synoptophore was used. Stereoscopic acuity was measured with the Titmus Stereotest. Results: Evaluation at postoperative 3 months was associated with a significantly higher proportion of patients with stereopsis (P = 0.004), better levels of stereoacuities (P < 0.001) than the evaluation at postoperative 1 month. Significantly higher visual acuities (P = 0.001) and lower interocular difference in refraction values (P = 0.023) were also noted at postoperative 3 months. The level of stereoscopic acuity was not significantly correlated with the level of visual acuity, interocular visual acuity difference, interocular difference in refraction, and the age of patients (P > 0.05). In patients without fusion, suppression was found in the operated eyes with favorable …

Fetal Malnutrition In Infants Of Smokers And Passive Smokers Assessed By Clinical Assessment Of Nutritional Status Scoring, Ayşen Kutan Fenerci̇oğlu, Güner Karateki̇n, Asi̇ye Nuhoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Studies have shown that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, height and head circumference in newborns. In the present study, along with these anthropometric measures we aimed to determine fetal malnutrition (FM), which is a less known outcome of antenatal tobacco exposure. Materials and methods: Two hundred and sixty-six term singletons without anomalies were evaluated for their birth weight, height, and head circumference and for FM using the Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status (CANS) scoring. A CANS score equal to or less than 24 is accepted as FM. Results: Smokers' (n = 84) and passive …

Effects Of Long-Term Passive Smoking On Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor And Apoptosis Markers Expression In Lens And Corneal Epithelial Cells: An Experimental Study*, Fati̇h Özcura, Sema Oruç Dündar, İbrahi̇m Meteoğlu, Mehmet Erkut Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To determine the effects of smoking on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and apoptosis in lens and corneal epithelial cells. Materials and methods: This experimental study included 38 Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Groups 1 (males) and 2 (females) were exposed to smoke beginning on the 21st day after birth, whereas groups 3 (males) and 4 (females) were not exposed to smoke. At the end of the fourth month, right eyes of all rats were enucleated. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in enucleated eyes in terms of VEGF and apoptosis markers, namely caspase-3, Bcl-X, and …

Cytotoxic Effects Of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (Cape) On The Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line, Özgür Koru, Feri̇t Avcu, Mehmet Tanyüksel, Ali̇ Uğur Ural, Remzi̇ Engi̇n Araz, Kenan Şener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antiproliferative effects on various tumor cells, and is the most active component of propolis. This study aimed to examine the in vitro effects of CAPE on the human multiple myeloma cell line. Materials and methods: CAPE was added to the ARH-77 multiple myeloma cell line and the percentage of dead cells was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-SH-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The percentage of live cells and growth inhibition were determined using the Trypan blue test. The percentage of IL-6 cells was determined using ELISA. Results: ARH-77 cells treated with CAPE for …

Athletes Have Faster Eye-Hand Visual Reaction Times And Higher Scores On Visuospatial Intelligence Than Nonathletes, Sedi̇ Akarsu, Erkan Çalişkan, Şenol Dane

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: To compare sports-related visual abilities such as hand-eye reaction time and visuospatial intelligence of athletes to nonathletes. Materials and methods: Differences in sports-related visual abilities such as hand-eye reaction time and visuospatial intelligence between athletes and nonathletes were studied in 157 male (M age = 13.9 years, SD = 1.8) and 126 female (M age = 13.9 years, SD = 1.7) high school students. Visuospatial intelligence was assessed with Cattel's Culture Fair Intelligence Test. A software package of random stimulus presentation and response recording was used for eye-hand reaction time. Results: Athletes had lower eye-hand visual reaction time (the …

Does L-Carnitine Increase Serum Tnf -Α And Igf-1 During Liver Regeneration In The Rat?, Mevlüt Pehli̇van, Abdurrahman Coşkun, Ahmet Zengi̇n, Ari̇f Aslaner, Tevfi̇k Yavuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: We sought to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine administration on the levels of IGF-1, TNF-\alpha, and lipid peroxidation during hepatic regeneration for up to 72 h in an experimental partial hepatic resection rat model. Materials and methods: Sixty rats were divided into 3 groups: control and low-dose (100 mg/kg) and high-dose (200 mg/kg) L-carnitine. Each group was divided into 2 sub groups (24 and 72 h after partial hepatectomy). Partial (70%) hepatectomy was performed after 7 days of intra-peritoneal administration of L-carnitine. After partial hepatectomy, L-carnitine was also administered to rats until sacrifice. Serum IGF-1, TNF-\alpha, and tissue malondialdehyde …

A Comparison Of Different Management Techniques For Myocardial Protection In Acyanotic Congenital Cardiac Patients, İbrahi̇m Duvan, Bariş Durukan, Alper Gürbüz, Cem Yorgancioğlu, Meti̇n Demi̇rci̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: It has already been shown that terminal warm blood cardioplegia (TWBC) supports myocardial protection in pediatric patients when it is administered after cold blood cardioplegia. However, the myocardial protective effects of TWBC applied after cold crystalloid cardioplegia (CCC) is still a subject of debate. Materials and methods: Twenty acyanotic congenital cardiac patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10. In the control group (CG), moderate hypothermia, topical cooling, and cold crystalloid cardioplegia were performed for the protection of the myocardium. In the other group (TWBCG), the same procedure was supported using TWBC just before the unclamping of the …

Erythrocyte Tao And Tbars Levels In Patients Who Suffered Missed Miscarriage, Ayşe Nur Aksoy, Hülya Aksoy, Nuri̇nni̇sa Öztürk, Çağlar Bulut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Missed miscarriage is a pregnancy-related condition, and lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant levels may be of importance in the pathogenesis of this disorder. The aim of the study was to assess whether erythrocyte total antioxidant activity (TAO) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels altered in patients who suffered missed miscarriage. Materials and methods: We measured levels of TAO and TBARS, as a lipid peroxidation marker, in erythrocytes of women with a diagnosed missed miscarriage (n = 36) during 7-16 weeks of pregnancy. The control group consisted of women (n = 34) with uncomplicated pregnancy similarly matched for …

Molecular Typing Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Bloodstream Infections In A University Hospital, Gülay Yetki̇n, Çi̇gdem Kuzucu, Bengül Durmaz, Riza Durmaz, Zeynep Çi̇zmeci̇, Lati̇fe İşeri̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Bloodstream infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphyococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are one of the major problems in many hospitals. Molecular typing provides very useful information about the origin and the spreading ways of strains. The aim of the present study is to assess the clonal relationship amongst MRSA strains isolated from bloodstream infections of patients in Turgut Özal Medical Center, İnönü University in Turkey. Materials and methods: A total of 37 consecutive MRSA strains were identified from the blood cultures from January to December 2003. Methicillin resistance was confirmed with amplification of the mecA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). …

Burnout At A Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit In Turkey: Effects Of Interactive Psychoeducational Seminars, Ayşegül Yilmaz, Ati̇lla Soykan, Tuğba Ayaz, Elmas İnce Kale, Günhan Gürman, Hakan Kumbasar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Health staff working at bone marrow transplantation units (BMTUs) is found to be at a higher risk for suffering from burnout. This paper reports a critical assessment of how burnout level of the health staff working at a bone marrow transplantation unit changes after psychoeducational seminars. Materials and methods: The study was conducted by the Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Division at the BMTU of the Department of Hematology at Ankara University, School of Medicine. Sixty-one health staff members (67%) working at the BMTU filled out socio-demographic and occupational data form, and validated Turkish versions of Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Hospital …

Evaluation And Follow-Up Of Cases Diagnosed As Child Abuse And Neglect At A Tertiary Hospital In Turkey, Ülkü Tiraş, Di̇lek Di̇lli̇, Yildiz Dallar, Resmi̇ye Oral

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: Data on child maltreatment in Turkey would appear to be scarce. This manuscript aims to address the prevalence and severity of child maltreatment in Turkey. Materials and methods: We report on 215 cases at the Ministry of Health’s Ankara Training and Research Hospital that were followed-up by the multidisciplinary Child Protection Team (CPT) between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2005. The data collected on subjects included characteristics of the victims and the perpetrators, family demographics, maltreatment types, medical findings, mortality rate, and outcomes for the victim and the perpetrator. Results: Age and gender distribution of the victims were …

Primate Phylogenomics: Developing Numerous Nuclear Non-Coding, Non-Repetitive Markers For Ecological And Phylogenetic Applications And Analysis Of Evolutionary Rate Variation, Zuogang Peng, Navin Elango, Derek E. Wildman, Soojin V. Yi

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Genetic analyses are often limited by the availability of appropriate molecular markers. Markers from neutrally evolving genomic regions may be particularly useful for inferring evolutionary histories because they escape the constraints of natural selection. For the majority of taxa however, obtaining such markers is challenging. Advances in genomics have the potential to alleviate the shortage of neutral markers. Here we present a method to develop numerous markers from putatively neutral regions of primate genomes.

Results

We began with the available whole genome sequences of human, chimpanzee and macaque. Using computational methods, we identified a total of 280 potential …

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 …

Control Of Myosin Motor Activity And Actin Filament Translation By Alteration Of Assay Reducing Potential, Siva Krishna Nalabotu

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The use of biomolecular motors for nanotechnological applications has been impaired by an inability to control biomolecular motor activity in a temporal fashion. Previous data has suggested that myosin activity can be modulated by inducing changes in the degree of myosin oxidation. The hypothesis of this study is that myosin motor activity can be regulated by altering the amount of antioxidants and reducing agents present in assay solution. To test this hypothesis we systematically altered the concentration of reducing agents and examined the effects of these changes on myosin-dependent actin filament translation. Our findings indicate that myosin activity can be …

Roles Of Emx2 In Odorant Receptor Gene Expression And Olfactory Sensory Neuron Axon Growth, Jeremy Colin Mcintyre

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

The sense of smell relies upon the detection of odorants by neurons located in the nasal cavity. These neurons, referred to as olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), line the olfactory epithelium and extend axons that make synaptic connections with mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb. The mechanisms by which these synaptic connections form remain largely unknown. The development of these synaptic connections relies on the axons of immature OSNs innervating the olfactory bulb. The primary goal of this dissertation was to identify components of the mechanisms used by immature OSN axons to innervate the olfactory bulb. To accomplish this goal, a …

Role Of Oxidative Stress And T Cell Homing In The Development Of Murine Syngeneic Graft-Versus-Host Disease, Jacqueline Perez-Rodriguez

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Syngeneic graft-versus-host disease (SGVHD) is induced by reconstituting lethally irradiated mice with syngeneic BM cells followed by a 21 day treatment with the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine A (CsA). Clinical symptoms of the disease appear 2-3 weeks following cessation of CsA therapy and disease-associated inflammation occurs primarily in the colon and liver.

The development of SGVHD is a complex process resulting from the cooperative interaction of multiple effector cell populations including NK cells, T cells and macrophages. T_H1 cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN- γ), produced by these effector cells, serve as inflammatory mediators contributing to the pathogenesis of SGVHD. The …

Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Toxin Resistance For Endoplasmic Reticulum Translocating Toxins, Christopher Massey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the site of co- and post-translational modification for secretory proteins. In order to prevent vesicular transport and secretion of misfolded or misassembled proteins, a highly regulated mechanism called ER-associated degradation (ERAD) is employed. This pathway recognizes misfolded proteins in the ER lumen and targets them to the cytosol for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation via the 26S proteasome. Sec61 and Derlin-1 are ER pores through which export occurs. AB-type protein toxins such as cholera toxin (CT), Shiga toxin (ST), exotoxin A (ETA), and ricin have evolved means of exploiting the ERAD pathway in order to reach …

Bacterial Selenoproteins: A Role In Pathogenesis And Targets For Antimicrobial Development, Sarah Rosario

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Selenoproteins are unique proteins in which selenocysteine is inserted into the polypeptide chain by highly specialized translational machinery. They exist within all three kingdoms of life. The functions of these proteins in biology are still being defined. In particular, the importance of selenoproteins in pathogenic microorganisms has received little attention. We first established that a nosocomial pathogen, Clostridium difficile, utilizes a selenoenzyme dependent pathway for energy metabolism. Following this initial characterization, we demonstrate that this pathway is linked to production of toxins by this organism. Finally, we show that interruption of selenium metabolism is a viable pathway for development of …

Iron-Induced Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Loss Is Ameliorated By Flunarizine, Ramazan Kozan, M. Ömer Bostanci, Tuncer Nacar, Ali̇ Aslan, Faruk Bağirici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Aim: In this study, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular-injected iron neurotoxicity on the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in rats and the possible neuroprotective effect of flunarizine, a piperazine-derived calcium channel blocker. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control, flunarizine, iron, and iron + flunarizine groups. Rats in the iron and iron + flunarizine groups received intracerebro-ventricular iron (FeCl_36H_2O, 200 mM, 2.5 µl), while those in flunarizine and iron + flunarizine groups were intraperitoneally injected with flunarizine (10 mg/kg/day) once a day after the operation for 10 days. After 10 days, all rats were perfused …