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In vitro and in vivo bacterial antifouling properties of phosphite plasma-Treated silicone
Get PDFIn order to improve their bacterial antifouling property, silicone surfaces were functionalized through the plasma polymerization (PP) technique using diethyl phosphite as the precursor. The functionalized surfaces were characterized using contact angle measurements, contact angle titration, Fourier transform infrared-Attenuated total reflection spectroscopy and in vitro cytotoxicity assay. The amount of non-specific protein adsorption and the conformational changes of surface-Adsorbed proteins were investigated. Antifouling properties of the surfaces were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. PP functionalization generated a hydrophilic and amphoteric surface with a very good protein and bacterial antifouling property and caused less conformational changes on the secondary structure of surface-Adsorbed proteins. In in vivo conditions, no slime layer was formed around bacteria that adhered on the PP-functionalized surface. It is concluded that the amphoteric nature of the PP-functionalized surface is the reason for the good antifouling property. © 2019 ICE Publishing: All rights reserved
Development of Antibiotic Resistance Against Ureaplasma urealyticum Strains Isolated from Urogenital Samples
Get PDFObjective: To assess any change in the antibiotic sensitivity of Ureaplasma urealyticum strains isolated from urogenital samples in the course of time.
Materials and Methods: Hospital records were retrospectively examined and cases with growth of U. urealyticum in urogenital samples in the years 2008 and 2013 were identified. Furthermore, the change in the course of time was examined by taking into consideration the cases we reported in 2001.
Results: Higher rates of sensitivity against tetracycline and doxycycline were observed in 60 patients with isolated U. urealyticum. Higher rates of resistance against ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were observed. A significant difference was found in resistance against antibiotics when the records of 2008 and 2013 were compared. A statistically significant increase was found in resistance against ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin when the records of 2001 were compared with the records of 2008 and 2013 (p< 0.0005).
Conclusion: U. urealyticum strains demonstrated high levels of resistance to quinolones. Resistance development is increasing in the course of time. Sensitivity against tetracycline and doxycycline has continued at high rates. It would be beneficial to consider these results during empirical treatment to be applied in cases ineligible for culturing
Clear Cell Acanthoma in an Unexpected Location
No full textClear cell acanthoma (CCA) is an uncommon, benign, and slow progressing lesion originating from epidermal keratinocytes. Lesions are not gender specific and usually diagnosed at 50-60 years of age. It is generally represented in the lower extremities. CCA was first described by Degos et al. as "Degos acanthoma" for a lesion presented in the lower extremity. Clinically, it is hard to distinguish whether the lesion is benign or malignant. Final diagnosis can be made histopathologically. Biopsy material is periodic acid-Schiff positive. While CAA commonly presents itself in the lower extremities, our patient had a CAA in his abdominal region
Prognostic Value of Metabolic Response Measured by FDG-PET-CT in Patients with Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis Treated with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
No full textOBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of metabolic response measured by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) in patients with breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
METHODS
The medical records of 17 patients with BCLM treated with SBRT between March 2013 and October 2017 were investigated retrospectively. Patients received SBRT for their liver metastasis, and thereafter, a second FDG-PET-CT was performed for response assessment in a median of 4.1 (2.2-8.2) months. A total of 54 Gy in three fractions were delivered to liver metastatic lesions. The standardized uptake value (SUV) and survival rates were evaluated.
RESULTS
After a median follow-up time of 11.5 (3.2-48.9) months, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-SBRT SUVs (p<0.001). Complete metabolic response was observed in 14 (82%) patients, partial metabolic response was observed in 2 (12%) patients, and stable metabolic disease/progressive metabolic disease was observed in 1 (6%) patient at post-treatment PET-CT. The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 68% and 57%, respectively, and the 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 38% and 25%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
PET-CT is an effective tool for response monitoring in patients with BCLM treated with SBRT
No Association between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D and Oxytocin Receptor Genes and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in a Sample of Turkish Children
No full textObjective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social skills and communication with repetitive behaviors. Etiology is still unclear although it is thought to develop with interaction of genes and environmental factors. Oxytocin has extensive effects on intrauterine brain development. Vitamin D, affects neural development and differentiation and contributes to the regulation of around 900 genes including oxytocin receptor gene. In the present study, the contribution of D vitamin receptor and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms in the development of ASD in Turkish community was investigated. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining these two associated genes together in the literature.
Methods: Eighty-five patients diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 who were referred to outpatient clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Baskent University and Mersin University and 52 healthy, age and gender-matched controls were included in the present study. Vitamin D receptor gene rs731236 (Taq1), rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm1), rs7975232 (Apa1) polymorphisms and oxytocin receptor gene rs1042778 and rs2268493 polymorphisms were investigated using real time polymerase chain reaction method.
Results: No significant difference between groups in terms of distribution of genotype and alleles in each of polymorphisms for these genes could be found.
Conclusion: Knowledge of genes and polymorphisms associated with the development of ASD may be beneficial for early diagnosis and future treatment. Further studies with larger populations are required to demonstrate molecular pathways which may play part in the development of ASD in Turkey
Endovascular Management of Surgically Uncontrolled Hemorrhage Following Post-Radical Nephrectomy: A Case Report
No full textWe present an isolated right lumbar arterial hemorrhage following right radical nephrectomy. Surgical re-exploration was unsuccessful therefore active bleeding was diagnosed and treated with endovascular approach
Frequency and duration of smoking scenes in Turkish movies
No full textBACKGROUND: Comprehensive tobacco control law in Turkey bans advertisement, promotion of tobacco products and sponsorship by the tobacco industry. Advertisement of tobacco products was banned on television, billboards and press media, but not on movie films. METHODS: To evaluate the frequency and duration of smoking in the movies, 60 most watched Turkish films which were on the vision during the second half of 2016 were determined for this descriptive study. Two young males having a university degree were trained on the aim and methodology of the study. Then the two observers viewed the films independently and recorded smoking scenes or direct appearance of tobacco products on a standard form. RESULTS: There were tobacco products or smoking views in 36 (60%) out of total 60 movies. In these movies there were 4.75 times tobacco occurrences as an average (median 3). Average duration of smoking occurrences was almost 3.5 min (198 s). Smokers were mostly main characters and smoking occurrences were mostly in exciting or romantic atmosphere, which are attractive for young people. DISCUSSION: In the light of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (Article 13), smoking scenes in movies are considered as kind of tobacco advertisement and promotion, which influences smoking behavior particularly the young people. Therefore, control and prevention of smoking occurrences in movies are important for the protection of children and young people to start smoking. Some health warnings and anti-tobacco messages may be placed in the movies, to reduce tobacco views in the movies
Obese patients require higher, but not high pneumatic tourniquet inflation pressures using a novel technique during total knee arthroplasty
No full textObjectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of obesity on pneumatic tourniquet inflation pressures determined with a novel formula during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Patients and methods: Data of 208 patients (19 males, 199 females; mean age 69.8 years; range, 53 to 84 years) who were performed TKA between January 2013 and December 2016 were evaluated prospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as non-obese (body mass index [BMI] 30.0 kg/m(2)) according to BMI. Tourniquet inflation pressures were set using arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) estimation method and adding 20 mmHg of safety margin to AOP value. All patients were assessed intra-and postoperatively with outcome measures such as systolic blood pressure, AOP, tourniquet pressure and its effectiveness. The quality of the surgical field and complications were assessed by the surgical team in a blinded fashion.
Results: The study included 118 and 90 lower extremity operations in obese and non-obese groups, respectively. Compared to non-obese group; extremity circumference, initial and maximal systolic blood pressures, AOP values, initial and maximal tourniquet pressures were higher in obese group. The performance of the tourniquet was assessed as "excellent" and "good" at almost all stages of the surgical procedure in all patients in both groups. No complication occurred intra-or postoperatively.
Conclusion: Compared to non-obese patients, higher tourniquet inflation pressure is required in obese patients during TKA due to their wider extremity circumference and higher systolic blood pressure profile
Effects of significant weight loss following bariatric surgery on red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume
No full textAim: Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels which are closely associated with chronic inflammation and platelet aggregation are suggested as independent predictors of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. However influence of significant weight loss following bariatric surgery on these parameters is unknown. Therefore we aimed to find out the effect of significant weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on RDW and MPV levels. Methods: The medical data of 98 morbid obese subjects (25 male, 73 female) who were operated between February 2015 and June 2017 according to indications of bariatric surgery in current guidelines including body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m 2 or BMI= 35-40 kg/ m 2 with additional comorbidities were recorded. The difference between baseline and values at one year was expressed as a delta (Δ). Results: The mean age of our study population was 41.89±11.99 years and mean weight loss in one year after LSG was 45.41±13.13 kg (36.5%). BMI decreased from 46.60±7.11 kg/m 2 to 29.58±4.63 kg/m 2 . Compared to the baseline, significant decreases in RDW (14.61±1.69 % vs. 13.71±2.10 %; p<0.01) and MPV (8.63±1.45 vs. 7.92±1.24 fL, p<0.001) levels were found in the postoperative one-year values. In addition; ΔVKI was positively correlated with ΔRDW (r=0.343, p<0.01) and ΔMPV (r=0.322, p<0.01). Conclusion: We found that morbid obese subjects have significantly decreased RDW and MPV levels which are correlated to their weight loss in one-year follow-up after LSG. If we think that several factors may affect these parameters, conduction of further prospective large-scale studies are needed. © 2018, Logos Medical Publishing. All rights reserved
Iatrogenic vascular injuries due to spinal surgeries: Endovascular perspective
Get PDFAIM: Iatrogenic vascular injuries due to spinal surgeries are rare but serious complications. Surgical management of these injuries is challenging with high morbidity rates. In this study we aim to present the results of endovascular management of iatrogenic vascular injuries due to spinal surgeries. MATERIAL and METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients (5 male, 6 female) who had vascular injuries due to cervical and lumbar spinal surgeries. Clinical findings were bleeding (n=5), leg edema (n=6) and right heart failure with severe dyspnea (n=1). The age range of the patients were between 42-67 (mean: 57.1). Six patients were reviewed with imaging before the procedures and the rest of the patients (n=5) were directly referred to the angiography unit for diagnosis and possible endovascular treatment. RESULTS: The types of surgeries were; cervical surgery (n=5) and lumbar disc operation (n=6). The type of vascular injuries were; vertebral artery stenosis (n=1), vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm (n=3), vertebral artery occlusion (n=1) and iliac arteriovenous fistula (n=6). The type of endovascular treatments were; parent artery occlusion (PAO) (n=2), covered stent graft implantation (n=6) and intrasaccular coil embolization of pseudoaneurysm (n=1). The remaining 2 patients were managed conservatively. No major complications or mortality occured during endovascular interventions. No bleeding or ischemia occured in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic vascular injuries due to spinal surgeries are rare but serious complications. Endovascular interventions are safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of such vascular injuries. © 2017, Turkish Neurosurgical Society