Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mean Platelet Volume As A Fibrosis Marker In Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C, Hati̇ce Karaman, Çi̇ğdem Karakükcü, Ahmet Karaman, Tuba Kayman, Samet Yalçin, Erdem Arzu Taşdemi̇r, Gökmen Zararsiz, Orhan Kürşat Poyrazoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We designed this study to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) as a fibrosis marker in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Materials and methods: The study was designed at Kayseri Education and Research Hospital. Ninety-five patients with CHC were enrolled retrospectively into the study. The control group comprised 33 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Hepatitis C virus-RNA level, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, prothrombin time (PT), platelet count (PC), serum albumin, histological activity index (HAI), liver fibrosis score (LFS), and MPV were obtained from the patients' files and a computerized database. Results: Statistically significant differences …

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 …

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump In Upper Extremity Impairments Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Hülya Uzkeser, Sali̇ha Karatay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pumps on upper extremity impairments in breast cancer-related lymphedema. Materials and methods: Twenty-five patients with lymphedema were randomized into 2 groups. For 3 weeks, the pneumatic compression group (n = 12) underwent a treatment program including skin care, compression bandage, exercise therapy, manual lymph drainage (MLD), and IPC. The control group (n = 13) participated in the same program, but without IPC. The range of motion (ROM) of the upper extremities was measured with goniometry, and dysfunction of the shoulder was assessed with the Constant-Murley scale. Results: Significant improvements were observed …

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 …

Investigation Of The Protective Effects Of L-Carnitine And L-Arginine On Cardiovascular Changes Induced By Acth And Dexamethasone In Rabbits, Bi̇rkan Topçu, Metehan Uzun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the protective effects of L-carnitine on cardiovascular changes that may occur in rabbits treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and dexamethasone (DEX). Materials and methods: Rabbits of equal weight were divided into 7 groups with 6 animals in each. Blood samples were collected from all groups on days 1, 7, and 14, and blood pressure values and ECG monitoring were recorded. Nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and troponin I (TnI) levels were determined in blood samples. Heart rate, QT, and corrected QT (QTc) values were calculated from ECG records. Results: The QT and QTc times were prolonged …

What Would Happen If Neurovascular Bundles Were Left Behind In Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy?, Zi̇ya Akbulut, Olçay Kandemi̇r, Ali̇ Fuat Atmaca, Durmuş Alparslan Demi̇rci̇, Bayram Doğan, Abdullah Erdem Canda, Mevlana Derya Balbay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate whether nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) results in a residual tumor in the remaining neurovascular bundle (NVB). Materials and methods: A total of 88 patients underwent bilateral NSRP. The ipsilateral NVB was excised uni-/bilaterally on the tumor side, separately. Factors affecting NVB involvement were evaluated. Results: The mean patient age and preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) were 63.8 ± 6.2 years (49-76) and 12.9 ± 9.4 ng/mL (2.4-45.5), respectively. Digital rectal examination (DRE) suggested nodules in 34 patients (38.6%). Uni- and bilateral NVB resections were performed on 40 (45.5%) and 48 patients (54.5%), respectively, according to transrectal ultrasound-guided …

Urease Inhibitory Potential Of Zizyphus Oxyphylla Edgew. Extracts And Isolated Compounds, Waqar Ahmad Kaleem, Muhammad Nisar, Mughal Qayum, Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq, Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Sezai̇ Erci̇şli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the urease inhibitory potential of extracts and isolated compounds from Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew. Materials and methods: Methanolic extracts and subsequent fractions of Z. oxyphylla stem and 3 isolated compounds from the roots of Z. oxyphylla were obtained through column chromatography and subjected to in vitro urease inhibition. Results: Three fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions) showed good to excellent activity, while the chloroform fraction showed nonsignificant activity. Amongst the isolated compounds, oxyphylline D (1) was the most active of the 3 isolated cyclopeptide alkaloids, followed by nummularin R (3) and nummularin C (2). Conclusion: Z. oxyphylla has …

Do Dynamic Condylar Screw-Plates Lead To Iatrogenic Fracture?, Mahmut Nedi̇m Ayteki̇n, Fati̇h Küçükdurmaz, İsmai̇l Çeli̇k, Ali̇ Firat Esmer, Fuat Akpinar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although many anatomic, morphologic, and radiologic studies have been carried out for the femur, as for all other bones of the skeletal system, we could not find any morphometric studies useful for orthopedic surgeons who want to understand the effects of dynamic condylar screw-plates (DCS-Plates) on the distal femur. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of cortex loss in the distal femur when inserting a DCS-Plate. Materials and methods: The lateral cortex width of 125 adult, dry, and grossly intact right and left cadaver femora was measured for the region of the femur in which the …

Incidental Findings On Electron Beam Tomography Renal Angiography In Hypertensive Patients, Baki̇ Heki̇moğlu, Begüm Demi̇rler Şi̇mşi̇r, Mustafa Şeki̇p Altunkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the prevalence, spectrum, and significance of incidental lesions identified on electron beam tomography (EBT) renal angiography performed to investigate renovascular hypertension. Materials and methods: EBT renal angiography images of 148 cases were evaluated in terms of renal artery variations and renal artery stenosis. Extravascular renal findings, abdominal aorta, iliac artery, liver and gallbladder findings, vertebral lesions, and other intraabdominal organ findings were assessed during the examination. Results: No incidental finding was found in 30 cases (20.2%) in total. The most frequent incidental findings were benign ones without any clinical significance. A total of 13 (8.7%) clinically significant findings …

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 …

The Safety And Efficacy Of Remifentanil Compared To Fentanyl In Pediatric Endoscopy, Rauf Gül, Şami̇l Hizli, Betül Kocamer, Senem Koruk, Levent Şahi̇n, Hüseyi̇n Kilinçaslan, Vahap Sariçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare propofol combinations with low induction doses of remifentanil and fentanyl in respect to the complication frequency and efficiency in ease of procedure in children undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Materials and methods: Sixty-four patients, aged 3-14 years and undergoing elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy, were included in the study. The patients received an induction dose of 0.25 µg kg^{-1} remifentanil and 2 mg kg^{-1} propofol (group R), or 0.5 µg kg^{-1} fentanyl and 2 mg kg^{-1} propofol (group F) before the procedure. The procedure began with a sedation score of >=5. Hemodynamic values, movement, ease and duration of the procedure, the time to awakening, …

Double-J Stent Placement With Grasping Forceps Through Ureteroscope Working Channel: A Novel Technique, Aki̇f Koç, Ömer Bayrak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To report a new technique for the retrograde placement of a double-J stent with grasping forceps through the ureteroscope working channel. Materials and methods: In our technique, the ureteroscope is advanced to the renal pelvis or proximal location of the obstruction in the ureteral lumen; a double-J stent is then introduced into the ureteroscope working channel. The double-J stent is pushed forward until its proximal tip is seen; then the clamp over the distal tip of the pusher is opened and the guide-wire and pusher are removed from the channel, respectively. The grasping forceps is inserted into the working channel …

A Potential Association Between The Number Of Ca Repeats In The Promoter Region Of The Adamts9 Gene With Lymphatic Metastasis Of Breast Cancer, Mi̇kdat Bozer, Fatma Aşik, Muradi̇ye Acar, Hacer Haltaş, Si̇bel Yeni̇dünya, Meti̇n Canbal, Vehap Topçu, Muhammet Ramazan Yi̇ği̇toğlu, Mehmet Gündüz, Esra Gündüz, Satoshi Hirohata, Kadi̇r Demi̇rcan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We investigated the effect of the number of cytosine-adenine (CA) repeats in the ADAMTS9 promoter region on breast cancer lymphatic metastasis. Materials and methods: Thirty-one postoperative breast cancer patients were selected and examined retrospectively. The patients were classified into 2 groups: metastatic or nonmetastatic. Thirty healthy women were selected as the control group, and their peripheral blood was obtained. Following DNA isolation from the cancer tissue specimens and peripheral blood, the promoter region of the ADAMTS9 gene was directly sequenced and the number of CA repeats was determined. Results: The number of CA repeats ranged between 19 and 21 in …

Contribution Of Spirometry To Early Diagnosis Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In Primary Health Care Centers, Aysel Erdoğan, Eli̇f Yilmazel Uçar, Ömer Araz, Leyla Sağlam, Ni̇hal Arzu Mi̇ri̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease with increasing prevalence and mortality. We aimed to determine COPD prevalence in primary health care centers. Materials and methods: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and face-to-face interviews were administered to 500 patients older than 40 years of age and attending a primary health care center with any symptoms. An early reversibility test was performed on patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio below 70%. The survey results, PFTs, and early reversibility test results were evaluated according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) …

Occurrence Of Depression During The Postpartum Period And Risk Factors That Affect The Development Of The Depression, Demet Aktaş, Füsun Terzi̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the occurrences of depression experienced by women during the postpartum period and the risk factors that affect the development of this depression. Materials and methods: The study involved 330 women who had recently given birth in a hospital in 2007. The women were contacted 3 times in total: on postpartum day 1 (face to face) and in weeks 2 and 6 (by phone). The Edinburgh Scale of Postpartum Depression (EPDS) was used as the form for collecting data. According to the EPDS, women who have scored 13 points or above are sensitive to depression. Results: The EPDS scores …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Desflurane And Sevoflurane Anesthesia On Alveolar Epithelial Permeability By Tc-99m Dtpa Inhalation Scintigraphy, Abdulkadi̇r İskender, Meli̇h Engi̇n Erkan, Mesut Erbaş, Damla Güçlü Güven, Gülbi̇n Sezen, Muhammet Aşik, Yavuz Demi̇raran, Mustafa Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Recently studies showed that volatile anesthetics affect the ciliary beat frequency in vitro. We know that impairment of ciliary beat frequency is related to a risk of pulmonary complications with general anesthesia. Other studies have also shown that exposure to a volatile anesthetic can increase the permeability of the alveolar–capillary barrier. The present study aimed to determine the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia on the technetium-labeled diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Tc-99m DTPA) clearance rate of the alveolar epithelium. Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent elective tympanoplasty with general anesthesia were included in this study. Patients …

Significant Features Of Basal And Maximal Energy Expenditure Parameters In Obese Adults, Emi̇ne Uygur, Kağan Üçok, Abdurrahman Genç, Ümi̇t Şener, Ramazan Uygur, Ahmet Songur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare body composition, resting metabolic rate, and maximal aerobic capacity parameters in obese adults and healthy controls, as well as to investigate the associations among these parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 120 participants, 60 obese participants (30 male, 30 female) with body mass indexes (BMIs) over 30 kg/m^2 and 60 healthy controls (30 male, 30 female) with BMIs of 18-25 kg/m^2, were included in the study. BMI was calculated as body weight divided by the square of the height (kg/m^2). Body fat percentage, total body fat, and lean body mass were established with bioelectric impedance analysis. Resting …

Comparison Of 2 Different Flap Techniques In The Surgical Removal Of Bilateral Impacted Mandibular Third Molars, Banu Özveri̇ Koyuncu, Mert Zeyti̇noğlu, Erdoğan Çeti̇ngül

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To estimate the effects of flap design on wound dehiscence and the postoperative side effects after the extraction of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and methods: This study was designed as a randomized, clinical trial composed of a sample of subjects =>18 years of age who required surgical extraction of the mandibular third molars. The predictor variable was flap type. A 3-cornered flap was used on one side and a modified triangular flap was used on the other. The primary outcome variable was wound dehiscence. The secondary outcome variables were pain, swelling, and trismus. Other variables were demographic …

Effect Of Mental Stress On Cardiovascular Function At Rest And After Ingestion Of Fructose Or Sucralose In Healthy, White European Males, Muhammad Memon, Ian Macdonald, Terence Bennett

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Ingestion of fructose and mental arithmetic can increase blood pressure (BP); the present study assessed the effect of fructose ingestion on cardiovascular (CV) response to mental stress. Effects were compared with sucralose used as a control. Materials and methods: Ten healthy, white European males were studied twice. A Finometer recorded CV parameters, noninvasively, throughout the study period. After the 30-min baseline, a mental arithmetic task (MAT), a series of arithmetic questions displayed as PowerPoint slides, was presented. Subjects, while resting on a bed, answered 20 questions in 2 min; 15 min after MAT-1, volunteers consumed 500 mL of lemon-flavoured drink …

The Correlation Between Cardiovascular Risk And Functional Disability And Disease Activity In The Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mustafa Güler, Saadet Yazgan Umut, Teoman Aydin, Ayli̇n Rezvani̇, Emi̇ne Poyraz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the cardiovascular risk (CVR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with disease activity and functional ability by using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and to compare the CVR of the RA patients with the control group with the help of the FRS. Materials and methods: Seventy-four RA patients, who were in conformity with the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, were included in this study at Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital. A total of 39 subjects without inflammatory arthritis were included as the control group. The FRS was calculated by evaluating age, smoking habits, diabetes, …

Retrospective Evaluation Of 104 Tinea Capitis Cases, Ömer Çalka, Serap Güneş Bi̇lgi̇li̇, Ayşe Serap Karadağ, Sevda Önder

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Tinea capitis is a superficial scalp dermatophyte infection. Tinea capitis is particularly seen during childhood and is not usually seen after puberty. In untreated cases, it can be contagious and can progress to cicatricial alopecia. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate cases of tinea capitis. Materials and methods: We evaluated 104 tinea capitis patients presenting to our dermatology clinic between 2007 and 2011. Results: Of these patients, 38 (36.5%) were female and 66 (63.5%) were male. The median age was 6.41 ± 3.4 years (range: 1-18 years old). The clinical types appearing in descending order were tinea capitis profunda (88.5%), …

Lobectomy For Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst, Erdal Yekeler, Kerem Karaarslan, Alkin Yazicioğlu, Sadi̇ Kaya, Nuretti̇n Karaoğlanoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although parenchymal sparing surgery is the most appropriate for the treatment of hydatid cysts, rarely lobectomy is needed. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the cases in which we had to perform lobectomy due to hydatid cyst. Materials and methods: A total of 36 (1.88%) patients that underwent lobectomy (n = 35) and pneumonectomy (n = 1) from among 1909 patients operated on for hydatid cyst in our hospital between 1992 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Among the patients, 35 underwent lobectomy and 1 right pneumonectomy. The mean age of the patients was 11.1 ± 3.4 years (6-16 years) among …

Satisfaction And Anxiety In An Initiative With Local Anesthesia, Mert Zeyti̇noğlu, Sevgi̇ Türkmen, Çağatay Üstün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the levels of satisfaction and anxiety of patients in surgery under local anesthesia. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed at the Ege University Faculty of Dentistry between December 2011 and January 2012. The study sample consisted of 350 patients. A sociodemographic information form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used in obtaining the data. Figure-percentage distributions, mean, Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis within SPSS 15.0 for Windows were used in data analysis. Results: The mean patient age was 31.58 ± 14.58 years, consisting of 64.9% females, 36.6% high school graduates, and 72.9% who were …

Turning Stealth Liposomes Into Cationic Liposomes For Anticancer Drug Delivery, Vijay Gyanani

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Targeting the anticancer agents selectively to cancer cells is desirable to improve the efficacy and to reduce the side effects of anticancer therapy. Previously reported passive tumor targeting by PEGylated liposomes (stealth liposomes) have resulted in their higher tumor accumulation. However their interaction with cancer cells has been minimal due to the steric hindrance of the PEG coating. This dissertation reports two approaches to enhance the interaction of stealth liposomes with cancer cells. First, we designed a lipid-hydrazone-PEG conjugate that removes the PEG coating at acidic pH as in the tumor interstitium. However, such a conjugate was highly unstable on …

News Media Influence On Perceptions Of Veteran Mental Health, Elizabeth Faye Weber

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study investigated how news media communications affect public awareness and perceptions of the mental health concerns of post-deployed military of the recent Iraq war. Focus group research included 22 adult participants from the same geographic location with discussions on news media consumption behaviors and their perceptions of the mental health issues of veterans. Results revealed that news media consumption is preferred at a national level versus a local level, and that online news sources are utilized more frequently than television or print news sources. Participants with the least news media exposure admitted to the lowest awareness of veteran mental …

The Impact Of Domestic Violence Upon Default From Colposcopy Services, Rachael R. Collier

Theses

This thesis explores a possible mechanism by which the presence of domestic violence may lead to poorer health outcomes in women. Whilst the cost and impact of domestic violence in the literature has been well documented, it is less clear exactly ‘how’ domestic violence leads to the reported variety of adverse health outcomes. The key hypothesis in this thesis is that the health impact of domestic violence is partly mediated through failure of affected women to attend for treatment and follow up. This then results in their poorer health outcomes.

The Art Of Clinical Supervision Program For Registered Nurses, Kylie P. Russell

Theses

Nursing students’ clinical placements should provide an environment in which they can apply their nursing education in the fast-paced world of health care and develop a framework for practice. Students rely on effective teaching and supportive clinical supervisors to provide a placement in which they are not only encouraged to practice, but also to learn from this practice. This is achieved through welcoming students into the health care team by valuing their input and contributions, and consolidating their clinical practice through activities such as critical thinking and reflection.

The role of the clinical supervisor is therefore complex and often constrained …

Knowledge Translation Intervention To Improve Evidence-Based Practice Behaviour Of Allied Health Professionals: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial And 2-Year Follow-Up Study, Lanie Campbell

Theses

Background:

It is difficult to foster the use of research findings among allied health professionals (AHPs). Tailored, multifaceted knowledge translation (KT) strategies are now recommended but are resource intensive to implement. Employers need effective KT solutions, but little is known about: (a) the impact and viability of multifaceted KT strategies using an online KT tool, (b) their immediate and longer-term effectiveness with AHPs, and (c) their effect on evidence-based practice (EBP) decision-making behaviour. The aim of this project was to measure the effectiveness of a multifaceted KT intervention including a customised KT tool, to change EBP behaviour, knowledge and attitudes …

The Psychology Of Competition: A Social Comparison Perspective, Stephen M. Garcia, Avishalom Tor, Tyrone M. Schiff

Journal Articles

Social comparison—the tendency to self-evaluate by comparing ourselves to others—is an important source of competitive behavior. We propose a new model that distinguishes between individual and situational factors that increase social comparison and thus lead to a range of competitive attitudes and behavior. Individual factors are those that vary from person to person: the relevance of the performance dimension, the similarity of rivals, and their relationship closeness to the individual, as well as the various individual differences variables relating to social comparison more generally. Situational factors, conversely, are those factors on the social comparison landscape that affect similarly situated individuals: …

It Doesn't Pass The Sell Test: Focusing On "The Facts Of The Individual Case" In Involuntary Medication Inquiries, Susan A. Mcmahon

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Criminal defendants who are incompetent to stand trial have a significant liberty interest in refusing the antipsychotic medication that could restore their competency. The Supreme Court cautioned that instances of intrusion upon that right “may be rare,” and, in Sell v. United States, it laid out what it believed to be stringent criteria for when a defendant could be medicated against his will. Yet, since Sell, trial courts have ordered over sixty-three percent of defendants involuntarily medicated. These individuals did not pose a danger to themselves or others, and they were rarely accused of crimes that involved damage …