Showing papers by "Başkent University published in 2009"

A Multinational Survey of Risk Factors for Infection with Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Nonhospitalized Patients

Abstract: Infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are increasing in frequency and are associated with high mortality rates. Circulation of CTX-M-type ESBLs in the community is of particular concern, because it may confound standard infection-control measures.

Marketing Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Marriage of Convenience or Shotgun Wedding?

Abstract: This paper aims to examine the role(s) that the various vehicles of marketing communications can play with respect to communicating, publicising and highlighting organisational CSR policies to its various stakeholders. It will further endeavour to evaluate the impact of such communications on an organisation’s corporate reputation and brand image. The proliferation of unsubstantiated ethical claims and so-called ‘green washing’ by some companies has resulted in increasing consumer cynicism and mistrust. This has made the task of communicating with, and more importantly convincing, an organisation’s stakeholders vis-a-vis its CSR credentials even more difficult. This paper argues that marketing communications tools can play a major role in conveying a company’s CSR messages and communicating a more socially responsible image.

A general approach for the exact solution of the schrodinger equation

Abstract: The Schrodinger equation is solved exactly for some well known potentials. Solutions are obtained reducing the Schrodinger equation into a second order differential equation by using an appropriate coordinate transformation. The Nikiforov-Uvarov method is used in the calculations to get energy eigenvalues and the corresponding wave functions.

Low back pain: prevalence and associated risk factors among hospital staff.

Abstract: Title. Low back pain: prevalence and associated risk factors among hospital staff. Aim. This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe the prevalence and risk factors for lower back pain amongst a variety of Turkish hospital workers including nurses, physicians, physical therapists, technicians, secretaries and hospital aides. Background. Hospital workers experience more low back pain than many other groups, the incidence varies among countries. Work activities involving bending, twisting, frequent heavy lifting, awkward static posture and psychological stress are regarded as causal factors for many back injuries. Method. A 44-item questionnaire was completed by 1600 employees in six hospitals associated with one Turkish university using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected over nine months from December 2005 to August 2006 and analysed using Chi square and multivariate logistic regression techniques. Findings. Most respondents (65·8%) had experienced low back pain, with 61·3% reporting an occurrence within the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported by nurses (77·1%) and the lowest amongst secretaries (54·1%) and hospital aides (53·5%). In the majority of cases (78·3%), low back pain began after respondents started working in the hospital, 33·3% of respondents seeking medical care for ‘moderate’ low back pain while 53·8% (n = 143) had been diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. Age, female gender, smoking, occupation, perceived work stress and heavy lifting were statistically significant risk-factors when multivariate logistic regression techniques were conducted (P < 0·05). Conclusion. Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of lower back pain, such as arranging proper rest periods, educational programmes to teach the proper use of body mechanics and smoking cessation programmes.

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness by echocardiography is a marker for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

Abstract: Background and aim Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), which is thought to be a component of visceral adiposity, is associated with the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to test the hypothesis that echocardiographic EAT thickness can be a marker for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Method and results In all, 150 patients (100 patients with CAD and 50 patients with normal coronary arteries by diagnostic coronary angiography; 65 women, 85 men; mean age 55.7±7.4years) were enrolled. EAT thickness was measured using 2-D echocardiographic parasternal long- and short-axis views. EAT thickness measurements were compared with angiographic findings. EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with CAD in comparison to those with normal coronary arteries (6.9±1.5mm vs. 4.4±0.8mm; P P r =0.600, P P Conclusion EAT thickness, which is easily and non-invasively evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography, can be an adjunctive marker to classical risk factors for the prediction of CAD.

Serum total antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde levels in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract: Summary Background Mitochondria are the main production site of free oxygen radicals, which can cause organ dysfunction by oxidation of cellular macromolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Oxidative stress may result from either overproduction of these species or from failure of the antioxidant defence systems. Thyroid hormones have well-known effects on mitochondrial oxygen consumption, but data about how hypothyroidism affects oxidative stress are controversial, and little is known about oxidative stress in subclinical hypothyroidism. Total antioxidant status (TAS) gives information about all of the antioxidants in the organism, while malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation marker used to assess lipid peroxidation due to increased oxidative stress. We aimed to determine how hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism affect serum MDA and TAS. Subjects and methods Serum TAS, MDA, C-reactive protein levels and lipid compositions were studied in 20 hypothyroid, 40 subclinical hypothyroid and 40 healthy subjects. Results MDA was elevated in both hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid patients compared with controls, while TAS levels show no significant differences between groups. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly high in both hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid patients. Triglyceride levels were high only in hypothyroid patients when compared with the controls. MDA showed a correlation with LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride. Conclusions These results suggest an increased oxidative stress in both hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroidism states, which can be explained by both the insufficient increase in the antioxidant status and the altered lipid metabolism in these cases.

Metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with increased thyroid volume and nodule prevalence in a mild-to-moderate iodine deficient area

Abstract: Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities with insulin resistance (IR) as a major component. It has been recently questioned whether MetS and its related components are associated with functional and morphological alterations of the thyroid gland. The aim of our study is to examine thyroid volume and nodule prevalence in a case–control study of patients with MetS in a mild-to-moderate iodine-deficient area. Design: Two hundred and seventy-eight patients with MetS were randomly matched for age, gender, and smoking habits with 261 subjects without MetS. Serum TSH, free tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine, and the level of IR, which was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment for IR, as well as other MetS parameters were evaluated. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed in all subjects. All subjects with thyroid nodules O1 cm were offered to undergo thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy. Results: TSH was significantly positively correlated with the presence of MetS diagnosis. There was no association between free thyroid hormone levels and MetS and its related components. Mean thyroid volume was significantly higher in patients with MetS than in controls (17.5G5.5 vs 12.2G4.2 ml, P!0.0001). Also the percentage of patients with thyroid nodules was significantly higher in patients with MetS (50.4 vs 14.6%, P!0.0001). Subjects were also divided into two groups according to the presence of IR. The group of subjects with IR had increased thyroid volume and nodule formation. The odds ratio for the development of thyroid nodule in the presence of IR was 3.2. TSH as well as all MetS components were found to be independent predictors for thyroid volume increase. IR but not TSH was found to be correlated with thyroid nodule formation. Thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 3 out of 38 patients with MetS who agreed to have a biopsy (7.9%). None of the subjects in the control group was diagnosed to have thyroid cancer. Conclusions: The results suggest that patients with MetS have significantly increased thyroid volume and nodule prevalence. Multivariate regression analysis model demonstrated that the presence of IR contributed substantially to this increased risk. Our data provide the first evidence that IR is an independent risk factor for nodule formation in an iodine-deficient environment.

Pain Control During Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Therapy

Abstract: The control of pain during orthodontic treatment is of great interest to both clinicians and patients. However, there has been limited research into the control of this pain, and there is no standard of care for controlling this discomfort. This prospective study determines the pain sequelae in fixed orthodontic treatment and evaluates comparatively the analgesic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the control of this pain. One hundred and fifty orthodontic patients who were to have teeth bonded in at least one arch were randomly assigned to one of six groups: (1) placebo/placebo, (2) ibuprofen/ibuprofen, (3) flurbiprofen/flurbiprofen, (4) acetaminophen/acetaminophen, (5) naproxen sodium/naproxen sodium, and (6) aspirin/aspirin. The pain evaluations were made during chewing, biting, fitting the front teeth, and fitting the back teeth using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) for seven days. All the analgesics succeeded in decreasing the pain levels compared with the placebo group. However, naproxen sodium and aspirin groups showed the lowest pain values, and the acetaminophen group showed VAS results similar to those of the two analgesics.

Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among Turkish performance artists.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among the performance artists in the State Opera and Ballet and in the Bilkent University Symphony Orchestra. The study population consisted of 39 men and 55 women for a total of 94 artists with mean age of 33 years. The ORTO-15 test was used to determine the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa. Those subjects who scored below 40 in the ORTO-15 test were classified as having orthorexia nervosa. Mean score of the participants in the ORTO-15 test was 37.9±4.46. A total of 56.4% of the artists involved in the research scored below 40 in the ORTO-15 test. While the highest prevalence of orthorexia nervosa was recorded among opera singers (81.8%), it was 32.1% among ballet dancers and 36.4% among symphony orchestra musicians. The differences between the three groups were statistically significant. No difference was noted between mean ORTO-15 score by baseline characteristics as gender, age, educational level, work experience, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption. The research group have a higher socio-economic and education level than the majority of the general public in Turkey. Additionally, being an artist in Turkey means being a role model for the general public both in terms one’s physical appearance and lifestyle. These may be the reason why artists are more sensitive to this issue.

Influence of different drinks on the colour stability of dental resin composites.

Abstract: Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the discolouration effects of artificial saliva, granule lemon juice, coffee (without sugar), coca cola, sour cherry juice, fresh carrot juice and red wine on resin-based composite materials that are commonly used in restorative dentistry.

Effect of resin-removal methods on enamel and shear bond strength of rebonded brackets.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine (1) the effect of different resin-removal methods on shear bond strength (SBS) of rebonded brackets, (2) condition of the enamel surface, (3) time spent to remove resin remnants, and (4) the location of the bond failure. A total of 80 premolars were included in the study. Fifty of them were divided into five groups and bonded using Light Bondtrade mark sealant and Quick Curetrade mark adhesive. Ten of the samples were debonded, and the SBS of the first debonding was calculated. Forty brackets were debonded using pliers and examined by an optical microscope (16x) to determine the location of the bond failure interface, using a modified Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). The remnant adhesives were cleaned with four methods: (1) low-speed tungsten-carbide bur (TCB), (2) high-speed TCB, (3) Sof-Lex finishing disks, and (4) microetcher. The brackets were rebonded, and a second set of SBS and ARI values were calculated and statistically evaluated. Thirty of the premolars were divided into five groups receiving the same resin-removal methods and examined by scanning electron microscope. Rebonded teeth had a greater SBS than the initial bonding, except in group 4. The rebonded SBS values were similar in groups 1-3, and only group 4 showed a statistical difference. Sof-lex discs were the most time-consuming procedures and left much adhesive remnant. The high-speed TCB was found to be the most hazardous to the enamel. The scarring of enamel after the debonding is inevitable but can be reduced.

Maxillary Molar Distalization with a Bone-Anchored Pendulum Appliance

Abstract: To obtain an effective and compliance-free molar distalization without an anchorage loss, we designed the bone-anchored pendulum appliance (BAPA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of the anchoring screw, distalization of the maxillary molars, and the movement of teeth anterior to maxillary first molars. The study group comprised 10 patients (mean age 13.5 +/- 1.8 years) with Class II molar relationship. A conventional pendulum appliance was modified to obtain anchorage from an intraosseous screw instead of the premolars. The screw was placed in the anterior paramedian region of the median palatal suture. Skeletal and dental changes were measured on cephalograms, and dental casts were obtained before and after distalization. A super Class I molar relationship was achieved in a mean period of 7.0 +/- 1.8 months. The maxillary first molars distalized an average of 6.4 +/- 1.3 mm in the region of the dental crown by tipping distally an average of 10.9 degrees +/- 2.8 degrees . Also, the maxillary second premolar and first premolar moved distally an average of 5.4 +/- 1.3 mm and 3.8 +/- 1.1 mm, respectively. The premolars tipped significantly distally. No anterior incisor movement was detected. The BAPA was found to be an effective, minimally invasive, and compliance-free intraoral distalization appliance for achieving both molar and premolar distalization without any anchorage loss.

Prognostic factors in adult granulosa cell tumors of the ovary: a retrospective analysis of 80 cases.

Abstract: Results: Granulosa cell ovarian tumors accounted for 4.3% of malignant ovarian neoplasms. Mean age was 47.6 years. The most common presenting symptom was abnormal uterine bleeding (53.7%). Endometrial pathology was detected in 51.2% of patients preoperatively. Seventy percent of patients were diagnosed at stage I, and 53.8% of patients received adjuvant treatment. Mean follow-up was 67.5 months. Overall 5-year and 10-year survival was 91% and 86%, respectively. Mean survival was 147.1 months. Recurrence rate was 11.2%. In univariate analysis, advanced stage, advanced age, residual disease after surgery, and need for adjuvant treatment were associated with disease-related mortality and advanced stage disease and absence of initial staging surgery were associated with disease recurrence. However, in multivariate analysis, only initial stage was found to be a significant prognostic factor. Conclusion: Initial stage seems to be the single most important prognostic factor in ovarian granulosa cell tumors. Therefore, a comprehensive staging surgery should be attempted to document the real extent of disease and to estimate the oncologic outcome more accurately.

Corporate Environmental Citizenship Variation in Developing Countries: An Institutional Framework

Abstract: This study focuses on why some companies in developing countries go beyond environmental regulations when implementing their corporate environmental social responsibilities or citizenship behavior. Drawing mainly upon the new institutional theory, this study develops a conceptual framework to explain three institutional factors: companies’ market orientations, industrial characteristics, and corporate identities. Accordingly, we suggest that companies from developing countries that are oriented to markets in developed countries, operate in highly concentrated industries, and have missionary identities adopt corporate environmental citizenship behavior by going beyond environmental regulations. The study also discusses the theoretical, policy, and managerial implications of the conceptual framework.

Effects of preoperative ibuprofen and naproxen sodium on orthodontic pain.

Abstract: Three experimental groups of 20 patients each, all of whom were to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment, were enrolled in this prospective study. Group 1 was given a placebo, group 2 was given 400 mg ibuprofen, and group 3 was given 550 mg naproxen sodium. All the patients received only one dose that was given one hour before archwire placement. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning the pain perceived after archwire placement. The questionnaire was in the form of a seven-page booklet that contained 100-mm horizontal Visual Analogue Scale on which the patient marked the degree of discomfort at the indicated time periods. The patients were instructed to make a check on the scale at each time interval to represent the perceived severity of pain during each of four activities, ie, chewing, biting, fitting back teeth together, and fitting front teeth together. Incidence and severity of pain were recorded by the patient at two hours, six hours, nighttime on the day of appointment, 24 hours after the appointment, and two days, three days, and seven days after bonding. The results revealed that patients taking 550 mg naproxen sodium one hour before archwire placement had significantly lower levels of pain at two hours, six hours, and nighttime after adjustment than patients taking placebo or ibuprofen. However, the use of additional postoperative doses was recommended to control orthodontic pain completely.

Representing World History in the 21st Century The Impact of 9/11, the Iraq War, and the Nation-State on Dynamics of Collective Remembering

Abstract: Following open-ended methodology used in an earlier research by Liu et al., social representations of world history were assessed among university student samples in 12 countries: China, India, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, East Timor, Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Spain, and Portugal. Findings confirmed that across cultures, transcending boundaries of political ideology, civilization age, or youthful statehood. (a) World history is represented as a story about politics and warfare, with World War II the most important event in history and Hitler its most influential individual. (b) Recency effects are pervasive in young adults' collective remembering, with events and figures from the past 100 years accounting for 72% and 78% of nominations on average. (c) Representations were primarily Eurocentric, with events and figures in Western societies accounting for 40% of nominations overall, but this is tempered by nationalism, especially in the prevalence of local heroes instrumental to the founding of the cu...

Preoperative therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with thyrotoxicosis.

Abstract: The purpose of this report was to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in preoperative preparation of patients with thyrotoxicosis scheduled for either thyroid or nonthyroid surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with thyrotoxicosis and those who prepared surgery with plasmapheresis between 1999 and 2008 at our institution. Ten patients underwent thyroid surgery and one patient was operated for femur fracture during antithyroid drug treatment. The indications for plasmapheresis in all patients with severe thyrotoxicosis were poor response to medical treatment (seven patients), agronulocytosis due to antithyroid drugs (three patients), iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis (Jodd Basedow effect in one patient), and rapid preparation for urgent orthopedic operation (one patient). After TPE, we observed a marked decrease in free thyroxin (FT3) and free triiodothyronin (FT4) levels; however, the decline in the biochemical values were not statically significant (P > 0.62, P > 0.15). Although both FT3 and FT4 levels remained above the normal limits in two of 11 patients, the signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis improved in all patients and no thyroid storm observed during the perioperative period. TPE can be considered a safe and effective alternative to prepare patients with thyrotoxicosis for surgery when drug treatment fails or is contraindicated and when emergency surgery is required.

Effects of different ceramic and composite materials on stress distribution in inlay and onlay cavities: 3-D finite element analysis.

Abstract: To reduce loss of tooth tissue and to improve esthetic results, inlay and onlay restorations are good treatment choices for extensive cavities in posterior teeth. The aim of this paper was to evaluate, by means of three-dimensional finite element analysis, the effects of restorative material and cavity design on stress distribution in the tooth structures and restorative materials. Two different nanofilled composites and two different all-ceramic materials were used in this study. A permanent molar tooth was modeled with enamel and dentin structures. 3-D inlay and onlay cavity designs were created. Von Mises, compressive, and tensile stresses on the restorative materials, core materials, enamel, and dentin were evaluated separately. On the effect of restorative material, results showed that in the case of materials with low elastic moduli, more stress was transferred to the tooth structures. Therefore, compared to the nanofilled composites, the all-ceramic inlay and onlay materials tested transferred less stress to the tooth structures. On the effect of cavity design, the onlay design was more efficacious in protecting the tooth structures than the inlay design.

Comparison of cephalometric measurements with digital versus conventional cephalometric analysis

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of angular and linear cephalometric measurements using a computerized method of direct digital radiographs This was then compared with the measurements obtained with a computerized method that uses a digitizing pad and hand tracing of printout radiographs Pre-treatment digital cephalometric radiographs of 125 patients were traced using Vistadent 21 AT and Jiffy Orthodontic Evaluation (JOE) software programs and by hand tracing of the printouts Twenty-six anatomical landmarks were defined on each radiograph by a single investigator and 28 variables were calculated Statistical analysis was undertaken using one-way analysis of variance and multiple group comparisons using Duncan's test at a significance level of 005 Low correlation coefficients indicated poor reproducibility for nasolabial angle for each of the three methods (P > 005) Most of the variables showed consistency between the three methods except for nasolabial angle, ANS-Me, APFH, L1-NB, Nperp-Pg, Go-Me, and U1-NA measurements The findings indicated that most of the cephalometric measurements were highly reproducible with direct digital radiographs using Vistadent 21 AT as well as with printouts using both JOE software and hand tracing Despite the low correlation for some measurements between the Vistadent 21 AT, JOE, and hand-tracing methods, most of the commonly used measurements were accurate The user-friendly and time-saving nature of the computerized method using digital radiographs makes it the preferred option

Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and types among Turkish women at a gynecology outpatient unit

Abstract: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known pathogen for lower genital tract neoplasias, yet little is known regarding HPV prevalence in Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV DNA and to determine HPV types distribution among women with normal and abnormal cytology. A total of five hundred seven (n = 507) women were retrospectively evaluated between 2004-2008. Conventional polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of HPV types in cervicovaginal samples obtained from patients during gynecologic examination. One hundred four (n = 104) of the women were excluded from the study because of the incomplete data and a total of 403 women were used for the final analysis. There were, 93 (23%) women with cytologic abnormality and 310 (77%) women with normal cytology. Overall, 23% of the women was HPV positive. The overall prevalence of HPV in women with abnormal Pap smears was 36% (93/403), of which in ASCUS 22%, LSIL 51% and HSIL 60%. Also, HPV DNA was positive in 20% of the women with normal cervical cytology. The most common HPV types in cytologically normal women were as follows; HPV 16 (36%), HPV 6 (22%) and HPV 18 (13%). The rate of other HPV types were as follows; HPV11 4.4%, HPV45 4.4%, HPV90 4.4%, HPV35 2.2%, HPV67 2.2%, HPV81 2.2%, and multiple type HPVs 8.9%. The most common HPV types in cytologically abnormal women were HPV 16 (35%), HPV6 (19%) and HPV18 (8%). The rate of multiple HPV infections in women with normal Pap test was 2.2%. HPV prevalence and type distribution in this study were similar to that reported worldwide at least in our study population. Hovewer, HPV prevalence was more common compared with previous studies reported from Turkey. This might be related with methodology and hospital based patient accrual and high rate of women with abnormal cytology. Further population based prospective studies are needed to eliminate the drawbacks of our study and to determine nonhospital based HPV prevalence in Turkish women.

The effect of metformin on leptin in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract: Insulin resistance is a major feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several studies pointed out the possible role of increased leptin in NAFLD in humans. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of metformin on plasma leptin levels in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and NAFLD compared with lifestyle interventions. Thirty-four obese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus were prospectively followed for 6 months. All patients had ultrasonographic evidence of NAFLD at baseline. The patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 (n = 15) followed lifestyle changes only and group 2 (n = 19) received metformin (1,700 mg/day). At the end of treatment, BMI, WHR, HbA1c, fasting glucose, leptin, HOMA-IR, alanine aminotransferase values decreased in both groups. No significant difference in the end-points was observed between two groups. Only in group 2, LDL decreased and HDL increased significantly. Liver echogenity decreased significantly at the end of study in both groups. The percentage of patients who no longer had evidence of NAFLD was not significantly different between the groups (20% of patients on lifestyle intervention vs. 16% of patients on metformin). The data demonstrate that, metformin and lifestyle interventions equally affected the plasma leptin levels, BMI and degree of NAFLD in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, the effects of metformin on the variables were not found to be mediated by leptin.

Self-medication with antibiotics: questionnaire survey among primary care center attendants.

Abstract: Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and reasons for self-medication with antibiotics within the last 12 months among primary healthcare center attendants aged 18 or over, in Ankara. Methods A questionnaire was applied by face to face interview technique to 2696 subjects attending at five primary healthcare centers. Information on demographic characteristics, intention to self-medication with antibiotics and self-medication within last 12 months were collected. Results It was found that 28% of the subjects were storing antibiotics at home. The percentage of self-administering antibiotics was 19.1% in the last 12 months. The most common reasons for self-administration of antibiotics were sore throat (59.6%), fever (46.2%), and cough (40.0%). Other reasons were dental infection, rheumatism, and fatigue. According to age groups, the most common self-medicating group was those aged 40–49 with 23% while the least self-usage was in the 60–69 age groups with 11.8%. Male sex, being single, educational level of secondary school or higher, being employed and not having social security increased self-administration of antibiotics (p < 0.05). Conclusions The study indicated the need for legal regulations regarding the sale of antibiotics without prescription and, health education is required for the community to decrease the inappropriate use of antibiotics and self-medication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Efficient sleep spindle detection algorithm with decision tree

Abstract: In this study, an efficient sleep spindle detection algorithm based on decision tree is proposed. After analyzing the EEG waveform, the decision algorithm determines the exact location of sleep spindle by evaluating the outputs of three different methods namely: Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm and Teager Energy Operator (TEO).The EEG records collected from patients used in this study have been recorded at the Sleep Research Center in Department of Psychiatry of Gulhane Military Medicine Academy. The obtained results are in agreement with the visual analysis of EEG evaluated by expert physicians. The method is applied to 16 distinct patients, 420,570 minutes long EEG records and the performance of the algorithm was assessed for the sleep spindles detection with 96.17% sensitivity and 95.54% specificity. As a result, it is found that the proposed sleep spindle detection algorithm is an efficient method to detect sleep spindles on EEG records.