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Biomedical subjects

M Akin

Publications and source records attributed to M Akin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Intradermal methylene blue injection for the treatment of intractable idiopathic pruritus ani: results of 30 cases.

Some cases of idiopathic pruritus anu may be refractory to treatment with dietary and hygienic instructions and short-term topical medications. In this study, we documented our technique and results with methylene blue injection in a large series of patients with intractable idiopathic pruritus ani. The results of 30 adult patients with well-documented intractable idiopathic pruritus ani who were treated with intradermal methylene blue injection are reported. No antibiotic prophylaxis, anesthesia or sedation was used. A total of 15 ml of a 1% methylene blue solution was injected intracutaneously and subcutaneously in the affected perianal area. A second injection (rescue treatment) was offered one month later to patients who declared partial response, and follow-up was restarted. One month after injection, 24 patients (80%) were symptom-free, 5 declared partial remissions, and one patient still had the same degree of pruritus ani. Five patients with partial remission underwent a second methylene blue injection, which provided complete relief in four. Therefore, the early response rate was 80% with single injection and 93.3% (28 of 30) with the rescue treatment. At six months, three recurrences were noted, indicating to a success rate of 83.3% (25 of 30). At 12 months after treatment, 23 patients (76.7%) were symptom free. This study has shown that intradermal methylene blue injection is a safe, simple, fast and efficient method of treating intractable idiopathic pruritus ani.

Adult↗

Comparison of wavelet transform and FFT methods in the analysis of EEG signals.

In this study, whether the wavelet transform method is better for spectral analysis of the brain signals is investigated. For this purpose, as a spectral analysis tool, wavelet transform is compared with fast Fourier transform (FFT) applied to the electroencephalograms (EEG), which have been used in the previous studies. In addition, the time-domain characteristics of the wavelet transform are also detected. The comparison results show that the wavelet transform method is better in detecting brain diseases.

Brain Diseases↗

Postpartum maternal levels of hemoglobin A1c and cord C-peptide in macrosomic infants of non-diabetic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that macrosomia in infants born to non-diabetic mothers is associated with an increased incidence of hyperinsulinemia and normal maternal glucose regulation in late pregnancy. METHODS: Twenty mothers and their macrosomic infants were chosen as the study group, and 20 mothers with their appropriate-for-gestational-age infants were chosen as the control group. RESULTS: No difference in postpartum mean hemoglobin A1c levels was observed between the mothers of macrosomic infants and those of control infants. Cord plasma C-peptide levels were significantly higher in macrosomic than in control infants. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that macrosomic infants of non-diabetic mothers were significantly more likely to have hyperinsulinemia than were normal-sized infants, and this hyperinsulinemia was not caused by dysregulation in glucose metabolism.

Blood Glucose↗

Acute infantile haemorrhagic oedema associated with hepatitis A.

Acute infantile haemorrhagic oedema (AIHO) is characterised by purpura, ecchymosis and inflammatory oedema of the face and extremities. It is seen in children aged 4-24 months. The atiology is not known. We report a case of AIHO diagnosed by skin biopsy demonstrating leukocyte-elastic vasculitis. Laboratory studies showed positive hepatitis A IgM and IgG antibodies. The liver function tests were normal, indicating subclinical hepatitis. Cryoglobulinaemia was detected, suggesting that the disease was related to hepatitis A.

Acute Disease↗

Gastrointestinal quality of life in patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic cholelithiasis before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing need, from both the medical and the economic perspective, for a more accurate definition of the influence of symptomatic or asymptomatic gallstone disease on gastrointestinal symptomatology, as well as on the health of the individual in general. METHODS: Using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), 37 symptomatic and 30 asymptomatic gallstone patients were evaluated at admission to the hospital and again 4 months after undergoing an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). RESULTS: Postoperatively, significant increases in the total GIQLI score were noted in both the symptomatic group (113.42 +/- 21.9 vs 80.32 +/- 19.1 preoperatively; p < 0.05) and the asymptomatic group (96.37 +/- 14.26 vs 113.30 +/- 15.22; p < 0.05). For the subgroups of items, the core symptoms and the physical, psychological, and disease-specific items improved significantly in both groups in the postoperative period (p < 0.05 for all comparisons), but only the symptomatic group achieved a significant improvement in the subgroup of social items (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found in both the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups between the preoperative GIQLI scores and the improvement seen after LC (r = -0.70 and r = -0.49, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gallstone disease has a profoundly negative impact on quality of life, especially in symptomatic patients with a history of biliary colic attacks and/or the complications of the disease. Although the condition is not equally distressing for the asymptomatic group of patients without such a history, uncomplicated LC improves the quality of life significantly in both groups. Gallstone patients with lower GIQLI scores are more likely to benefit from LC.

Adult↗

AR spectral analysis of EEG signals by using maximum likelihood estimation.

In this study, EEG signals were analyzed using autoregressive (AR) method. Parameters in AR method were realized by using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Results were compared with fast Fourier transform (FFT) method. It is observed that AR method gives better results in the analysis of EEG signals. On the other hand, the results have also showed that AR method can also be used for some other researches and diagnosis of diseases.

Brain Diseases↗

Primary spontaneous coronary artery dissections in atherosclerotic patients. Report of nine cases with review of the pertinent literature.

Primary spontaneous coronary artery dissection is one of the rare causes of acute myocardial infarction. Previous studies reports that it is mostly seen in middle aged women in the last trimester of pregnancy and early postpartum period. Clinical presentation of the disease is variable in pattern and severity related to extent and development rate of dissection. In the last 2 years, nine non-pregnant primary spontaneous coronary artery dissection cases were found in coronary angiography among 3750 patients prediagnosed as coronary artery disease. The cases were presented and discussed with review of the pertinent literature.

Aged↗

Ruptured aneurysm of sinus of valsalva with ventricular septal defect: the role of transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis.

We present a case of ruptured aneurysm of sinus of valsalva (ASV) along with subaortic ventricular septal defect (VSD). Transesophageal echocardiographic examination in addition to transthoracic echocardiography provides more powerful information about ASVs and coexistent cardiac malformations. This may be additional value for the cardiac surgeon planning resection of the lesion.

Adolescent↗

Application of periodogram and AR spectral analysis to EEG signals.

In this study, in order to analyze the EEG signal, the conventional and modern spectral methods were investigated. Interpretation and performance of these methods were detected for clinical applications. For this purpose EEG data obtained from different persons were processed by PC computer using periodogram and AR model algorithms. Periodogram and AR modeling approaches were compared for their resolution and interpretation performance. It was determined that the AR approach is better for the use in clinical and research areas, because of the clear spectra that are obtained by it.

Algorithms↗

Investigation of the relationship between low Apgar scores and early neonatal thyroid function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of low Apgar scores on perinatal thyroid function. METHODS: Forty full-term infants delivered by the normal spontaneous vaginal route were enrolled into the study. All babies had 1 and 5 min Apgar scores below 4. The control group consisted of 26 full-term healthy neonates. Cord blood and serum tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) determinations were performed by an enzyme immunoassay method. RESULTS: The mean values of FT4 and T4 observed in the cord blood of the study group were significantly lower compared with matched controls, whereas the mean TSH values were significantly higher. There were no differences in concentrations of T3, rT3 and TBG between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the existence of transient hypothyroidism at birth in babies with Apgar scores below 4 delivered by the spontaneous vaginal route.

Apgar Score↗

Papillomatous pastern dermatitis with spirochetes and Pelodera strongyloides in a Tennessee Walking Horse.

Papillomatous digital dermatitis is a common disease in cattle. The pastern dermatitis observed in a horse shared many of the gross characteristics of papillomatous digital dermatitis in cattle. Lesions included a mixture of proliferative and erosive changes, with a verrucose appearance in some areas. Microscopic similarities included pseudoepitheliomatous and papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, spongiosis of the epidermis, and intraepidermal spirochetes. The horse was also concurrently infected with Pelodera strongyloides. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in cattle is associated with poor husbandry practices. The environment of the affected horse was heavily contaminated with urine, manure, and other organic debris. Verrucous pododermatitis of horses may be the same as or similar to bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis, and these conditions have similar etiologies.

Animals↗

Comparison of microsuturing to the use of tissue adhesives in anastomosing sciatic nerve cuts in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and to compare the effects of microsuturing to that of tissue adhesives (Tisseel) on the healing of anastomosing peripheral nerve incisions. Forty-five Wistar-Albino rats were placed in special cages and separated into three groups (n = 15). In the control group, biliteral sciatic nerves were explored but no incision was made. In the first experimental group, bilateral sciatic nerves were incised and end-to-end anastomosing was performed by microsuturing the epineurium. In the second experimental group, tissue adhesive (Tisseel) was used alone in anastomosing the sciatic nerve cuts. Assessments of the healing processes were demonstrated by 1.electromyography (EMG), 2. measuring the electrical responses of the anastomosed nerves after electrical stimuli, 3. histopathological examination. Statistical analysis of the EMG findings showed that the Tisseel group was the closest in the healing process to the control group. After applying electrical stimuli to the dissected nerves, the resistance value of the Tisseel group was nearest to those of the control group. The histopathological examinations showed highly degenerative nerve bundles and prominent foreign body granuloma at the anastomosed sites of the microsutured group. The granulomatous inflammation was observed to be much less in the Tisseel group. We conclude that the healing effect of Tisseel was found to be superior to that of microsuturing as demonstrated by the findings of EMG, electrical responses of the anastomosed nerves, and histopathological examination.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

A rare indication for stenting: persistent coronary artery spasm.

A 34-year-old man presenting with angina both at rest and on exertion was investigated. He developed severe ST segment elevation and a brief period of ventricular tachycardia during an exercise tolerance test. On coronary angiography, 60% fixed luminal narrowing was observed in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and a severe spasm developed at this site, leading to temporary total occlusion of the vessel. Successful coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed on this lesion, with a residual 15% narrowing. However, the patient had a recurrence of angina 3 weeks later, despite being administered high doses of nitrate and calcium antagonist. During control angiography, the lesion severity was unchanged, but spasm developed again following contrast injection. At this time, a Palmaz-Schatz stent was implanted. Calcium antagonist, nitrate, Ticlopidine and low molecular weight heparin therapy was started. There was no recurrence of symptoms during a 3-month follow-up. The exercise tolerance test, and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy findings were normal and the stent was patent without restenosis at the end of the 3-month follow-up. Intracoronary stent implantation for persistent coronary spasm refractory to conventional medical therapy can be considered a feasible and attractive treatment modality for the control of symptoms.

Adult↗

Takayasu arteritis in Turkey.

Takayasu arteritis is a non-specific inflammatory process of unknown etiology affecting the aorta and its branches. A retrospective study was done in 14 patients diagnosed as Takayasu arteritis. Eleven patients were female and three were male. Ages ranged from 12 to 30 years. Seven patients had type I arteritis, three patients type II arteritis, and four patients type III Takayasu arteritis. Successful angioplasty was performed in five cases.

Adolescent↗

The diagnostic value of tuberculostearic acid in tuberculous pleural effusions.

Tuberculostearic acid (TBSA) (10-methyloctadecanoic acid) is a structural component of mycobacteria and is not normally present in human tissues. The detection of this fatty acid in various clinical specimens, such as sputum, bronchial aspirate, pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, is a rapid, sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. As rapid diagnostic methods are also needed in tuberculous pleurisy, this study was planned on 21 patients with pleurisy. The methods of gas chromatography, mass spectrophotometry combined with selected ion monitoring were used. The patients were divided into two groups: 11 with tuberculous effusion and 10 with nontuberculous patients. In the tuberculous group, TBSA was detected in 6 of the 11 patients, whereas in the nontuberculous group it was detected in 12 of the 10 patients. The sensitivity of the test was 54%, the specificity was 80%, the positive predictive value was 75%, the negative predictive value was 61%, and the efficacy was 66%. Therefore, tuberculostearic acid cannot be considered to be more useful than conventional methods in the diagnosis of tuberculous effusions, due to low sensitivity and high cost.

Adolescent↗