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Biomedical subjects

H Arslan

Publications and source records attributed to H Arslan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Value of automatized blood culture systems in the diagnosis of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis.

Peritonitis is a common clinical problem that occurs in patients with end-stage renal disease treated by peritoneal dialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of blood culture systems for the diagnosis of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis among 26 samples of peritoneal fluid obtained from patients with the suspicion of CAPD peritonitis. Significant growth was detected in 12 (70.5%) of 17 bacteria-positive samples. The most striking finding was that 8 (66.6%) of these 12 results were obtained only from blood culture bottles. The identified pathogens were methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 5), alpha-hemolytic streptococci (n = 2), Corynebacterium spp. (n = 2), Escherichia coli (n = 2), and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 1). Using blood culture bottles inoculated with peritoneal fluid at the bedside, rather than submitting the specimen to the laboratory for later processing, is advocated in the prompt diagnosis of CAPD peritonitis.

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed2006

Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging signal and contrast-enhancement characteristics on post-embolization volume reduction of uterine fibroids.

PURPOSE: To assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal and contrast-enhancement features of uterine fibroids before and after embolization, and to determine whether or not there are pre-embolization MRI characteristics that predict the volume reduction of fibroids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) was carried out in 28 fibroids of 20 patients, all of whom were symptomatic. The patients were prospectively evaluated with T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gadolinium-enhanced T1 MRI sequences before and 6 months after embolization. The relationship between the characteristics of MRI signal and contrast-enhancement features of fibroids before the procedure and the change in size of the lesions after treatment was investigated. RESULTS: Before embolization, the mean volume of fibroids was 123 cm3 (8-560 cm3). The decrease rate in fibroid volumes was 44.6% (range 7-70%) 6 months after embolization. Volume reduction was more prominent in fibroids that had a high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and a marked contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images (P < 0.001). However, the volume reduction was insufficient in fibroids with high signal characteristics on pre-contrast T1-weighted images (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MRI is an effective method for revealing size and signal changes of fibroids after embolization. MRI signal characteristics and the contrast-enhancement pattern of fibroids before embolization can predict tumor volume reduction after embolization.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Our experience in eight cases with urinary hydatid disease: a series of 372 cases held in nine different clinics.

OBJECTIVES: Hydatid disease, a parasitic infestation caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is diagnosed commonly in the east and south-east regions of Turkey. The aim of this study is to emphasize the relatively frequent occurrences of echinococcosis in our region, and to discuss therapeutic options and treatment results according to current literature. METHODS: A retrospective 10-year review of nine different clinics' records of the Research Hospital of the Medical School of Yüzüncü Yil University revealed 372 hydatid disease cases that were localized in various organs and treated surgically (271 cases) or drained percutaneously (99 cases). Hydatid disease was diagnosed by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography scans (CT) and confirmed histopathologically. RESULTS: The involved organ was lung in 203 cases (131 adults, 72 children), liver in 150, spleen in 9, brain in 2, kidneys in 7 cases and the retrovesical area in 1 case. The urogenital system is involved at a rate of 2.15%. Two hundred and seventy-one cases were treated surgically and 99 percutaneously. Two cases with renal hydatid cyst refused the surgical procedure (one had a solitary kidney with hydatid cyst). Albendazole was administered to 192 patients; 93 patients had open surgical procedure and 99 patients underwent percutaneous procedure. Cysts were excised totally in the open surgical procedure; however, involved kidneys were removed totally (four cases) except one. Cystectomy and omentoplasty was performed in one case. Complications were as follows: in six cases, cystic material was spilled into the bronchial cavity during the dissection and a renal hydatid cyst ruptured and spilled retroperitoneally. CONCLUSION: Hydatid disease is a serious health problem in Turkey. The mainly affected organs are liver and lung. It can be treated surgical or by percutaneous aspiration.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The role of early colonoscopy in CMV colitis of transplant recipients.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated diseases remain a major problem in transplant recipients. Early diagnosis is critical. Presentation of early CMV colitis can be mild and nonspecific in transplant recipients. Although serology is helpful in the diagnosis, sometimes it is inadequate. Because the endoscopic features of CMV colitis are specific, colonoscopy facilitates the histopathologic examination. We present the clinical properties and advantages of early colonoscopy in transplant recipients with CMV colitis. The study group included seven patients (six men, one woman of mean age, 36.7 years (range, 22 to 64 years) whose mean transplant duration was 12.3 months (range, 1 to 72 months). Six of the seven patients experienced an acute graft rejection treated with high doses of steroids; one patient had a herpes simplex virus infection. All patients were on steroid treatment with a various combinations of immunosuppressive agents, including cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. All patients presented with mild diarrhea without any blood or mucous discharge. Four patients had fever exceeding 38 degrees C; two had abdominal pain. Stool examinations revealed normal findings in six patients, while one patient had white blood cells and amoebic cysts. Serum CMV IgM and CMV pp65 antigenemia were negative in five of seven patients and two had positive results. All patients showed typical colonoscopic and histopathologic findings compatible with CMV colitis. Standard ganciclovir treatment was successful in all patients. Early and rapid colonoscopy is beneficial for the early diagnosis and management of CMV colitis in transplant recipients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Incidence of inducible clindamycin resistance in staphylococci: first results from Turkey.

In total, 408 staphylococcal isolates were tested for inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR) by the disk-diffusion induction test (D-test). ICR was detected in 5.7% of 105 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates, 3.6% of 111 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates, 30.8% of 94 methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CoNS) isolates, and 11.2% of 98 methicillin-sensitive CoNS isolates. All MRSA isolates that were erythromycin-resistant and clindamycin-susceptible were positive by the D-test. The same results were obtained with an azithromycin instead of an erythromycin disk. All isolates were susceptible to quinupristin-dalfopristin. The cost-benefit of the d-test should be evaluated locally after determining the incidence of the different resistance phenotypes.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Abdominal hydatid disease: long-term results of percutaneous treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous treatment under sonographic guidance in abdominal hydatid cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-two hydatid cysts in 33 patients were treated using a percutaneous approach under sonographic guidance. Forty-five cysts were located in the liver, 6 in the spleen, and 1 in the pancreas. Forty-nine cysts were type I, and 3 were type II. Thirty-one cysts in 15 patients were treated with puncture and aspiration of the contents, injection of hypertonic saline solution, and respiration (PAIR); 15 cysts in 14 patients were treated with puncture, aspiration of cyst contents, injection of hypertonic saline solution, drainage, and injection of sclerosing agent (PAIDS); and 6 cysts in 4 patients were treated with puncture, aspiration of cyst contents, injection of sclerosing agent, and re-aspiration (mPAIDS). Hypertonic saline or alcohol was used as a scolicidal agent. The follow-up period was between 17 and 53 months. RESULTS: A decrease in the dimensions of the cysts, solidification of the contents, and irregularity in the walls of cysts, all of which were considered signs of cure, were found in all patients. Recurrence was observed in one case and anaphylaxis in one. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous treatment of abdominal hydatid cysts is a safe, easily applicable, well-tolerated, and effective method.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2004

Bone mineral density in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and effect of chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in HD patients at our center; to investigate whether HCV infection affects BMD in hemodialysis patients; to test for correlations between bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical and laboratory parameters in this population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study involved 76 end-stage renal disease patients. Forty-three (56.6%) patients were tested negative for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA. Thirty-three (43.4%) of them had positivity of anti-HCV antibodies and permanent or intermittent HCV-RNA positivity at least for two years. Mean HD duration was 86.4 months. Patients completed a standard questionnaire that listed age, sex, occupation, education level; cause of renal failure, smoking history, dialysis duration, and sports activities engaged in during life, and pathologic bone fractures. The women answered additional items about age at menarche, number of pregnancies and menopausal status. Each subject underwent a baseline physical examination, including measurement of body weight and height for calculation of body mass index. The results of laboratory tests that had been done at monthly visits in the previous year were retrospectively evaluated, and mean levels for the year were used for correlation testing. Bone mineral density was measured in the spine, femoral neck and forearm. Relationships between BMD values and chronic HCV infection, laboratory results and clinical parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: In the 43 patients who were negative for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA, spine BMD testing showed osteopenia in 16 (37.2%) cases and osteoporosis in 7 (16.3%) cases. The corresponding values for the neck of the femur were 14 (32.6%) and 6 (14.0%), and for the forearm were 19 (44.2%) and 15 (34.9%). In the 33 anti-HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA positive patients; spine BMD testing showed osteopenia in 10 (30.3%) cases and osteoporosis in 7 (21.2%) cases. The corresponding values for the neck of the femur were 17 (51.5%) and 4 (12.1%), and for the forearm were 4 (12.1%) and 25 (75.8%). Bone mineral density decreased as dialysis duration increased (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference between BMD measurements of chronic HCV infection positive and negative group. CONCLUSION: However the mean BMD values for all three sites in the 76 HD patients were low HCV infection may not be a risk factor for low BMD in this population.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2003

Distraction osteotomy for malunion of the distal end of the radius with radial shortening.

The treatment and outcomes of distraction osteotomy in 9 patients with malunion of the distal radius with radial shortening are presented. The patients had an average age of 32 years (range: 14 to 36 years) and comprised 7 males and 2 females. Ulnar inclination was below normal in all patients, volar inclination was below normal in 8 patients, and the average radial length discrepancy was 7.6 mm (range: 4 to 16 mm). Angulations in the distal radius were corrected by manipulation after osteotomy, and shortening by callus distraction. In order to achieve normal radial length, distraction was performed for an average of 10.2 days (range: 7 to 19 days), and union occurred in an average of 10.7 weeks (range: 9 to 13 weeks). During the waiting period between distraction and consolidation, impairment of ulnar and volar inclination recurred in 3 patients, and translation of the distal fragment necessitating correction occurred in 3 patients. No cases of nonunion or malunion were observed. In all patients, there was a decrease in cosmetic and pain-related complaints, and improvement in wrist movements. Distraction osteotomy is a simple and effective treatment for malunion of the distal radius with concurrent radial shortening. However, the position of the distal fragment should be followed up until consolidation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

The effects of osteoporosis on distraction osteogenesis: an experimental study in an ovariectomised rabbit model.

The effects of oestrogen deficiency-associated osteoporosis on callus distraction were investigated in rabbits. Twenty-four female New Zealand rabbits 5 to 6 months old were used. Ovariectomy was performed on 12 rabbits, which composed the osteoporotic model group. Six weeks later, osteotomy was carried out and Ilizarov external fixators were applied to the right proximal tibial metaphyses in both the osteoporotic model group and the control group. Beginning one week postosteotomy, the metaphyses were distracted 0.35 mm twice daily for 3 weeks, and the average length increase obtained for both groups was 17.2 mm (minimum: 16.8, maximum: 19 mm). Following a postdistraction waiting period of 6 weeks for newbone formation, the subjects were sacrified and specimens were examined histopathologically. Radiography was carried out at one-week intervals during the distraction period and at 2-week intervals during the waiting period, and scintigraphy was performed at the end of each period. On histopathologic examination, a significant difference in callus remodeling was observed between the control and osteoporotic model groups. On radiologic evaluation it was observed that, while both groups had inadequate callus tissue at the end of the waiting period, callus formation and remodeling occurred later in the model group than in the control group, and the new bone was more osteoporotic. Osteoporosis associated with estrogen deficiency adversely affects the outcome of callus distraction. Nonetheless, radiographic findings in rabbits indicate that the effects may not be so great as to preclude clinical procedures. It was concluded that these results should be supported with clinical studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Investigation of influence of tungsten mine wastes on the elemental composition of some alpine and subalpine plants on Mount Uludağ, Bursa, Turkey.

In this study, the effect of mine work wastes on elemental composition (N, P, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) of some alpine and subalpine plant species and in soils were investigated in the surroundings of the Etibank Wolfram Mine Work in Uludag mountain. Soils and plant parts belonging to Thymus praecox Opiz., Acinos alpinus (L.) Moench, Plantago holosteum Scop and Festuca punctoria Sm species collected from three directions around Wolfram Mine Work were used for our investigations. All samples were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) for Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu. The significant differences among sample sites were in terms of pH, % CaCO3, % C, % N and % P contents of soil. The changes of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu contents in soil were determined to be due to mining activity. Of the four species examined, an important change was determined in concentrations of Mg, Mn, Fe and Zn although P. holosteum and F. punctoria were different in above- and below-ground parts, showing that plant element content is specific to species.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed2002

Disseminated Nocardia asteroides and coinfection with Trichophyton rubrum in a renal transplant recipient.

Disseminated Nocardia infection has a high mortality and morbidity rate in solid organ transplant recipients, even when appropriate antibiotics are given. In this report a renal transplant recipient is described, who developed disseminated Nocardia asteroides infection with lung, eye, and brain involvement, in addition to coinfection with Trichophyton rubrum.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗
PubMed2002

Paraplegia associated with combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia caused by preoperatively unrecognized spinal vertebral metastasis.

We describe a case of paraplegia following combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia. It was postoperatively determined that a tumour of the vertebrae which was compressing the spinal cord was responsible for this complication. We suggest that the pre-existing pathology of the spine must be borne in mind as a differential diagnosis of acute postoperative paraplegia.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Fate of pesticides in soil in a coastal lagoon area and associated water quality impacts.

Pesticides used on agricultural lands are among the significant diffuse sources of pollutants. They are poisons and can be particularly dangerous when misused and/or applied without care. Although certain characteristics of pesticides are well known, their final characteristics after they reach a waterbody are extremely difficult to estimate. Regarding the soil and water environment, it is necessary to conduct both a field study and laboratory analysis. Such a study has been performed in the catchment area of Dalyan Lagoon, Turkey, joining the Mediterranean Sea, that was selected as the pilot region. The input of pesticides, transport in soil and transfer to the water environment together with their probable impacts on water quality are determined by conducting detailed field surveys and water residue analyses. Within the scope of the study, the behavior and fate of pesticides both in soil and water are investigated in detail. Water residue experiments are conducted on four sets of water samples representing the seasons of the year 1999-2000 for the pre-selected 6 pesticides. Two sets of water samples (surface and bottom) are taken from the 16 stations along the lagoon channel and two lakes within the catchment area. The results and findings show the significance of the use of pesticides as they exist in the water environment around and/or slightly above the limits stated in the national current regulations except dichlorvos which presents very high values compared to its tolerance limit. Of particular interest, the results are used to enlighten the farmers and the public and increase awareness of pesticides as contaminants in valuable coastal waters.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2002

Treatment of humeral diaphyseal nonunions by interlocked nailing and autologous bone grafting.

Twenty seven patients with humeral diaphyseal nonunion treated with interlocked nailing and autogenous bone grafting were retrospectively assessed. The mean age was 37 years (28 to 59 years). There were 16 women and 11 men. An average of 11 months (8 to 36 months) had elapsed between the initial trauma or treatment and presentation in our clinic. The nonunion site was in the distal third of the humerus in 18 patients (66%) and in the middle third in 9 (34%). Seventeen (73%) had hypertrophic and 10 (37%) atrophic nonunion. Patients were treated with locked intramedullary nailing and autogenous cancellous bone grafting. The mean follow-up was 42 months (28 to 62 months), and the mean time to union was 4.8 months (2.5 to 11 months). Three patients developed superficial infection. Union was achieved in all cases but one, in which there was multiple nerve injury. According to Steward and Hundley's scoring, results were good in 24 patients, fair in 2, and poor in one. Interlocked nailing and autologous bone grafting has a good rate of union provided nails of appropriate diameter are used and distal and proximal locking is performed correctly. We think that its low rate of infection, low risk of injury to the radial nerve, and low requirement for soft tissue dissection make it a suitable choice in the treatment of nonunions of the humeral diaphysis.

Adult↗