Biomedical subjects

M Vural

Publications and source records attributed to M Vural.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Natural radioactivity measurement in pumice samples used raw materials in Turkey.

The activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K in different pumice samples have been determined by high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry using a 110% HpGe detector. The radium equivalent activities (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), and internal hazard index (Hin) associated with the natural radionuclides and representative level index (Igamma r) are calculated to assess the radiation hazard of the natural radioactivity in the pumice samples. The mean values of the measured radioactivity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K for pumice samples from the region of lakes (ROL) are 232.4+/-8.0, 196.9+/-7.8, and 1325.8+/-20.4 Bqkg(-1) and for pumice samples from Cukurova region (CR) 16.3+/-4.0, 16.1+/-4.9, and 479.7+/-170.4 Bqkg(-1), respectively. The calculated Raeq values vary from 435.9+/-12.5 to 883.6+/-41.5 Bqkg(-1) with a mean of 630.9+/-20.2 Bqkg(-1) for the ROL samples and from 49.7+/-3.3 to 101.9+/-7.2 Bqkg(-1) with a mean of 76.3+/-23.7 Bqkg(-1) for the CR samples. For the ROL samples, Raeq are above the limit of 370 Bqkg(-1), equivalent to external gamma dose of 1.5 mSv yr(-1), recommended for the safe use of construction materials by NEA-OECD, while for the CR samples, Raeq values are lower than the limit.

Environmental Pollutants↗

PubMed2006

Preliminary results on correlation between neural response imaging and 'most comfortable levels' in cochlear implantation.

During cochlear implantation, precise placement of the cochlear electrodes against the cochlear nerve is one of the most important steps, necessary to enable the patient to be aware of the stimulus from the implanted device. Neural response imaging (NRI) is a new tool which measures the evoked compound action potential generated as a result of electrical stimulation of the cochlea by properly placed electrodes during surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between intra-operative NRI recordings and 'most comfortable levels' (M levels) measured during standard fitting with the SoundWave fitting software, in cochlear implantation patients. Seven adult subjects were included in the study. The average duration of profound bilateral deafness was seven years (range = 19 years) and the mean age at implantation was 24 years (range = 17-34 years). All subjects underwent implantation and reached the one-month fitting session; one patient reached the two-month fitting session. The intra-operative NRI threshold (tNRI) was observed to be much higher than the first fitting M levels. The tNRI was 203 per cent of the sequential M value and 246 per cent of the paired M value. All but one intra-operative tNRI values were greater than 150 clinical units (CU), and all first fitting M levels were on average below 100 CU. No obvious correlation was found between individual intra-operative tNRI and first fitting M levels. The M levels at one month were much higher than the first fitting M levels, with much more dispersion.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Cardiac effects of a single course of antenatal betamethasone in preterm infants.

AIM: To show the effects of a single course of antenatal betamethasone on cardiac measurements and systolic functions in premature newborn infants. METHODS: Seventy six newborn infants with a gestational age of 25-33 weeks were included in the study. They were first classified according to their gestational age: 25-29 weeks (n = 28) and 30-33 weeks (n = 48). They were then reclassified as betamethasone positive (mother received one course of betamethasone) or betamethasone negative (mother did not receive any antenatal glucocorticoid treatment). Cross sectional M mode echocardiographic scans were performed during the first three postnatal days and at the end of the first and third weeks. Left interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), left ventricular end diastolic (LVED), and left ventricular end systolic (LVES) dimensions, aortic root (AO), and left atrial diameters (LAs) were measured. The IVS to LVPW ratio was calculated to identify asymmetrical septal hypertrophy. RESULTS: In neither group was any statistically significant difference noted in IVS, LVED, LVES, LVPW, LA, and AO measurements during the three cardiac ultrasonography scans. Systolic function, as assessed by fractional shortening, was not significantly different in infants who received betamethasone antenatally, in either age group. There was no difference in the IVS/LVPW ratios between those who received antenatal steroid and those who did not for the 25-29 week and 30-33 week groups during these three consecutive scans. CONCLUSION: One course of antenatal betamethasone did not affect the cardiac wall thicknesses and systolic function in premature infants.

Aging↗

PubMed2005

Spinal subdural Staphylococcus aureus abscess: case report and review of the literature.

Spinal subdural abscesses (SSA) are rare and to date only 57 cases have been reported. The exact incidence of the SSA is unknown. The most affected region is the thoraco-lumbar spine and the most common bacterial source is Staphylococcus aureus. The timing for magnetic resonance imaging is very important in these patients. Because early diagnosis and emergent treatment is vital to prevent the formation or progression of neurologic deficits.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Effectiveness of functional magnetic versus electrical stimulation in women with urinary incontinence.

AIM: Urinary incontinence is one of the most common medical complaints in women. We here propose to evaluate and compare the effects of 2 conservative treatment modalities, functional electrical stimulation (FES) and functional magnetic stimulation (FMS). METHODS: We studied 22 female patients with urinary incontinence and divided them into 2 treatment groups (14 patients in the FES and 8 in the FMS group). The mean age of the patients in the FES group was 51.14+/-11.9 and in the FMS group 42.25+/-6.9 years. Functional electrical stimulation was applied continuously at 10 Hz and 30-50 Hz in urge and stress urinary incontinence respectively. In mixed urinary incontinence stimulation was applied at 10 Hz for 15 min and at 50 Hz for 15 min. The treatment sessions were for 20 min, 3 times a week for 6-8 weeks (12 with mixed, 2 with stress incontinence). FMS was applied by a magnetic chair, twice weekly for 6 weeks (6 with mixed, 1 with stress urinary and 1 with urge urinary incontinence). The efficacy of the treatment was judged from patient impressions, records in urinary diaries, results of 1 h pad test, perineometry value and digital palpation score. RESULTS: The perineometry value, digital palpation score increased significantly during stimulation compared with prestimulation levels in both groups (P<0.05). For the pad test significant improvement was also noted in both groups (P<0.05). The urinary diaries and frequency of micturition were significantly more cured or improved in the FES group (P<0.05). However, reduction of the frequency of nocturnal micturition wasn't significant in either group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both FES and FMS treatments were effective. FMS does not involve intravaginal stimulation and it is twice a week. Although FMS is not often used it is more cost effective than FES. In order to have exact knowledge of this issue; more research than has been done in a greater number of subjects is required.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Antimycobacterial screening of some Turkish plants.

Extracts of 44 plant species distributed among 17 families from Turkey were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Ra using microplate Alamar blue assay test. Six plants inhibited growth of M. tuberculosis H(37)Ra at 50 microg/ml concentrations.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2004

Central nervous system infection due to Penicillium chrysogenum.

Penicillium chrysogenum was isolated from three subsequent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of a 73-year-old male patient without immunological compromise. The isolated was tested against five antifungal agents according to the NCCLS M38-P macrodilution method. MICs were determined as follows: amphotericin B (AMB), 2 microg ml(-1); fluconazole (FLZ), 8 microg ml(-1); itraconazole (ITZ), 1 microg ml(-1); flucytosine (5FC), 0.125 microg ml(-1); and terbinafine (TRB), 0.06 microg ml(-1). The patient has been cured with FLZ.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Cochlear implantation in chronic otitis media.

Patients with chronic otitis media (COM) may have profound sensorineural hearing loss either due to the disease process or secondary to a surgical procedure. Some patients who are candidates for cochlear implantation may have COM coincidentally. The patients in this group need special attention when cochlear implantation is applied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential risks and complications in patients with COM. Cochlear implantation was performed in six patients with COM or an infected radical cavity and profound hearing loss. Five of them underwent a two-stage operation, and one had a single-stage operation. Cochlear implantation was performed in all patients without complications. The follow-up period was uneventful. Although such patients have some potential risks, when certain surgical rules are followed very strictly cochlear implantation can be successfully performed in patients with COM.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Children with cochlear implants: parental perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the parental perspective regarding cochlear implants and the child's progress after a minimum of 1 year after cochlear implantation. STUDY DESIGN: A closed-set questionnaire was used to assess the parental point of view. The questionnaire that was mailed to families included the following sections: decision to implant, process of implantation, positive effect of the implant, communication, supporting the child, self-reliance, well-being and happiness, social relationships, education, and pre- and postoperative services provided by the implant center. SETTING: The study was conducted at SSK Ankara Hospital, which is a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Parents of 28 children with congenital deafness or who became deaf before the age of 3 years and received cochlear implantation were included in the study. To obtain reliable information, selected patients had a minimum of 1 year experience after implantation. The subjects were the parents of a group of children including 19 boys and 9 girls with ages ranging from 2 to 13 years (mean, 5.07 years; standard deviation, 2.33 years). The period of cochlear implant usage ranged from 12 to 30 months (mean, 19.5 months; standard deviation, 15.95 months). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Assessment of parental view about cochlear implantation. RESULTS: Of 28 questionnaires sent, 27 were returned. Making decision for cochlear implantation was one of the most stressful steps for the parents. Although speech and language development was the major concern, parents reported outstanding improvement in communication skills, social relationships, and self-confidence for their child. All the families were anxious about a possible device failure, and maintenance of the cochlear implant equipment was another major concern. CONCLUSIONS: During pre- and postimplantation processes, parents provide an important link between the child and professional staff and have a vital role in the child's life and rehabilitation. The parental perspective presented in this study can be useful to the implant centers to revise their practice accordingly and improve the information given to candidate families.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed2001

Indications of Philadelphia collar in the treatment of upper cervical injuries.

The principles of the management of upper cervical injuries remain controversial. The specific anatomical conditions render upper cervical injuries more problematic than lower cervical injuries. Here we present and discuss our experiences with upper cervical injury, comparing them with other treatment modalities. The 24 patients admitted to our department with upper cervical injury were treated surgically or conservatively according to their neurological and radiological status. Five patients were treated surgically due to neurological abnormality associated with compression to neural structures observed in computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI). Patients with no neural compression were managed conservatively, with the Philadelphia collar. All patients showed stable fracture healing and experienced no additional clinical disability on follow-up after a minimum of 3 months, except one who died due to cardiac and respiratory failure. Regardless of the type of injury, indication for surgery in many cases of upper cervical injury is neurological abnormality associated with radiologically observed neural compression. It is our belief that, in the absence of both neurological abnormality and compression to neural structures observed in CT/MRI, treatment with the Philadelphia collar alone is safe, cost-effective and easily applicable for many cases of upper cervical injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Injury caused by deeply penetrating knife blade lodged in infratemporal fossa.

Knife-inflicted, deeply penetrating head and neck trauma is an uncommon life-threatening injury and a challenging problem. An examination of the neurovascular and systemic physical status is a first requirement and the decision as to which approach to adopt for the removal of the blade is of critical importance. Here we report a rare case of a pre-auricular stab wound with the knife blade deeply lodged in the extracranial infratemporal fossa. Radiological investigations showed that the knife blade had entered from the temporomandibular joint and become lodged through the anterior margin of foremen magnum below the petrosal bone. Minimal left vocal cord paresis, left palatal weakness and a slight deviation of the tongue towards the left side were observed. The other neurological and systemic physical evaluations were normal. Simple withdrawal of the blade in the operating room did not cause serious neurovascular injury. Here we discuss and compare the expanded exposure of anatomical structures for blade removal and simple withdrawal in similar injuries.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Cerebral blood flow alterations in progressive communicating hydrocephalus: transcranial Doppler ultrasonography assessment in an experimental model.

OBJECT: In many cases communicating hydrocephalus is the result of impairments in cerebrospinal fluid absorption in the arachnoid villi at the cranial convexity. Reported methods of creating experimental hydrocephalus have not sought to produce an arachnoidal adhesion in the cranial convexity. In this study the authors investigate alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in experimental communicating hydrocephalus induced by the injection of kaolin into the subarachnoid space at the convexity in neonatal rats. METHODS: In neonatal rats, kaolin was injected into the subarachnoid space at the cranial convexity. Assessment of CBF alterations was performed using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography preinjection and at 10 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks postinjection. Light microscopy examination was also performed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks postinjection. Conspicuous lateral ventricle enlargements of different dimensions were observed in kaolin-injected rats at 4 to 8 weeks postinjection. The third and fourth ventricles were dilated to a lesser extent. Resistance to CBF and increased mean CBF velocity were apparent 8 weeks after kaolin injection. Further, destruction and even loss of ependymal layers were more prominent at the chronic stage. CONCLUSIONS: The present model may be considered a progressive communicating hydrocephalus because of marked changes in blood flow dynamics and destruction of the ependymal layer at the chronic stage.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Passive immunity of premature infants against measles during early infancy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of transferred measles antibodies and seronegativity rates during early infancy in premature newborns whose mothers had infection-induced immunity. The premature group was composed of 22 and 35 newborns of gestational ages < 32 wk and > 32 wk, respectively, and the control group consisted of 28 term newborns. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to measles virus. Mean cord blood relative values were significantly lower in both premature groups, < or = 32 wk (p < 0.0001) and > 32 wk (p < 0.001), when compared with term infants. No seronegative infant was found in the premature group at 2 mo of age. At 4 mo, the seronegativity rate was 27% for premature infants < or = 32 wk and 35% for those > 32 wk. At 6 mo, seronegativity increased to 86% and 74% for premature infants born at gestational ages < or = 32 wk and > 32 wk, respectively. Forty-six percent of the term infants became seronegative at that age. The differences between term infants and those in the two premature groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005). Premature infants, regardless of their prematurity degree, were thought to be more susceptible to measles infection than term ones at the age of 6 mo. Policies for their protection from measles infection are still to be investigated.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1999

Peripheral arterial involvement in neurofibromatosis type 1--a case report.

Neurofibromatosis is a dominantly inherited, progressive, generalized dysplasia of mesodermal and neuroectodermal tissues. Vascular lesions associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) are mainly characterized by stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and rupture or fistula formation of small, medium, and large-sized arteries. The authors hereby present a rare case of NF-1 with bilateral aneurysms and large pseudoaneurysms of the femoral and popliteal arteries and occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery.

Aneurysm↗

PubMed1998

Meckel-Gruber syndrome.

Meckel-Gruber syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by occipital encephalocele, polydactyly and polycystic kidneys. This rare syndrome has been reported in the literature as incompatible with life. We present the case of a newborn afflicted with the clinical triad of Meckel-Gruber syndrome. Appropriate treatment instituted in our case led to a good early outcome.

Encephalocele↗

PubMed1996

[Malnutrition and immunodeficiency in children].

Our knowledge on relationships between nutrition, immunity and infection has much progressed. Malnutrition affects all three defence mechanisms: unspecific immunity, cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Any kind of nutriment is concerned: nitrogen-caloric nutriments, trace elements, vitamins. Restoration and maintenance of a good nutritional status have become imperative in order to stop the vicious cercle of malnutrition-infection in infants and children.

Antibody Formation↗

PubMed1996

[Evolution of the result of respiratory function studies in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia].

BACKGROUND: Reports of short- and medium-term evolution of Lung Function Tests (LFT) in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are still scarce. POPULATION AND METHODS: The results of the first (before 3 months of corrected age) and the second (between 3 and 9 months of corrected age) LFT in 22 premature infants with BPD (gestational age 31 +/- 2.5 weeks; birth weight: 1570 +/- 440 g; duration of mechanical ventilation: 46 +/- 24 days, total duration of oxygen therapy: 88 +/- 47 days) were compared to those obtained in 27 normal infants for the first LEF and 10 normal infants for the second LFT, similar to the patients for birth weight and corporeal index (CI). RESULTS: In the first LFT, major abnormalities were an increased thoracic gaz volume (TGV) (16.5 +/- 42 vs 122 +/- 24 mL; P < 0.001) and TGV CI ratio (1.25 +/- 0.31 vs 0.89 +/- 0.17 ml/kg/m2; P < 0.0001) a decreased pulmonary compliance (2.49 +/- 1.46 vs 11.60 +/- 4.50 mL/cmH2O; P < 0.0001) and specific pulmonary compliance (0.015 +/- 0.10 vs 0.100 +/- 0.042 mL/cmH2O/mL de TGV; P < 0.0001), an increased total pulmonary resistance (20.4 +/- 12.1 vs 10.5 +/- 5.3 cmH2O/L/s; P < 0.001). In the second LFT, an increased TGV (235 +/- 62 vs 166 +/- 28 mL; P < 0.01) and TGV CI ratio (1.64 +/- 0.65 vs 0.98 +/- 0.11 ml/kg/m2; P < 0.05), a decreased pulmonary compliance (2.68 +/- 2.0 vs 15.2 +/- 5.7 mL/cmH2O; P < 0.0001) and specific pulmonary compliance (0.013 +/- 0.010 vs 0.106 +/- 0.050 mL/cmH2O/mL de TGV; P < 0.0001), an increased total pulmonary resistance (17.1 +/- 9.6 vs 8.6 +/- 4.9 cmH2O/L/s; P < 0.05) were noted when compared with the control group results. Major abnormalities of the blood gases were hypoxemia (63 +/- 10 vs 85 +/- 20 mmHg; P < 0.05), hypercapnia (38.5 vs 31 +/- 4 mmHg; P < 0.0001) during the first LFT. Hypoxemia (77 +/- 14 vs 90 +/- 14 mmHg and hypercapnia (37 +/- 4 vs 29 +/- 5 mmHg) continued in the second LFT. Thoracic distention and total pulmonary resistances in infants with BPD did not improve but their pulmonary compliance (P < 0.0001) and PaO2 (P < 0.01) between the first and second LFT did it. Infants who had been ventilated for a hyaline membrane disease (HMD) were more hypoxic on the second LFT (P < 0.05) than those who had been ventilated for other causes. Statistically significant relationships were found between thoracic distention and duration of positive inspiratory pressure (P < 0.05; r = 0.43), duration of positive expiratory pressure (P < 0.05, r = 0.45) total oxygen therapy duration; between total pulmonary resistance and duration of mechanical ventilation with high frequency (P < 0.05; r = 0.52); between hypoxemia and duration of oxygen therapy with FiO2 > or = 60% (P < 0.05; r = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows prolonged clinical and functional abnormalities of the respiratory functions requiring longer follow-up.

Blood Gas Analysis↗

PubMed1994

Age-related changes of scleral hydration and sulfated glycosaminoglycans.

Human scleras were analyzed to determine if tissue hydration changed in an age-related fashion, and whether this change could be related to decreased levels of glycosaminoglycans. The anterior half of normal human scleras were examined with donor ages ranging from newborn to 99 years (n = 40). Tissue hydration was found to decrease by 1.06% per decade (P = 0.0012). Glycosaminoglycans were extracted from scleras with guanidine hydrochloride, purified by anion exchange chromatography and quantitated using dimethylene blue and selective enzymatic digestion. The glycosaminoglycans of the sclera were primarily dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate with small quantities of hyaluronic acid. While no loss of chondroitin sulfate with age was detected, a significant age-related loss of dermatan sulfate was found (P = 0.0006, n = 14). An examination of the relationship between glycosaminoglycan concentration and scleral hydration showed that increased levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycans were associated with increased levels of scleral hydration (P < 0.02, n = 14). No improvement in the correlation could be achieved by considering either dermatan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate individually. Our results suggest that, as in other connective tissues, aging is associated with a loss of glycosaminoglycans, and their loss is coincident with decreased tissue hydration.

Adolescent↗