Başkent University

About: Başkent University is a education organization based out in Ankara, Turkey. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Transplantation & Population. The organization has 4652 authors who have published 10380 publications receiving 143117 citations. The organization is also known as: Başkent Üniversitesi.

A wavelet and teager energy operator based method for automatic detection of K-Complex in sleep EEG

Abstract: In this study, an efficient algorithm is proposed for the automatic detection of K-complex from EEG recordings. First, the morphology of the K-complex had been examined and the detection features were determined according to visual recognition criterions of human scorer. These features were based on amplitude and duration properties of K-complex waveform. The algorithm is based on wavelet and teager energy operator and includes two main stages. Both results of stages were combined to make robust decision. The EEG recordings obtained from the Sleep Research Laboratory in Department of Psychiatry at Gulhane Military Medical Academy. All night sleep EEG data, total 1045 epochs and 690 of these are NREM 2 stage, from 25 years old healthy female subject were used. Three scorers inspected recording separately to score K-complexes. The detection algorithm was then tested on the same recording. The results show that the agreements between the scorers were fairly different. The results are evaluated with the ROC analysis which proves up to 91% success in detecting the K-complex.

Quality of life and mood in renal transplantation recipients, donors, and controls: preliminary report

Abstract: Currently, living related donors are involved in approximately 85% of all kidney transplantations performed at our institution. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome factor in chronic disease. Quality of life may be diminished by prolonged illness or certain treatment modalities and by negative, disabling effects on mood. We investigated HRQL and mood in renal transplant recipients, donors, and controls using the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Recipient depression scores were significantly higher (indicating more serious depression) than those of donors (P < .05), but similar to those of the controls. There was no significant difference between the donor and the control subjects' depression scores. The anxiety scores of the recipients and donors were similar; and recipient anxiety scores were significantly higher than those of the control subjects (P < .05). The recipient scores indicated significantly poorer physical functioning (P < .001), significantly greater physical limitation on roles (P < .01), and lower levels of general health (P < .01) compared to controls. The recipient scores for vitality, pain, social functioning, and emotional limitations on roles were similar to those of the controls. Our results indicate that most recipients and donors experience anxiety after renal transplantation. This study confirms that recipients have favorable outcomes with respect to social functioning and emotional well-being. Overall, the results of this preliminary study are positive, encouraging us to continue to perform living donor kidney transplantation.

Viral oncogenesis and its role in nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Abstract: In recent years, the contribution of viruses to cutaneous oncogenesis has steadily gained recognition. The archetype is human herpesvirus 8, which is well established as the causative agent in Kaposi sarcoma. Other viruses believed to play a role in nonmelanoma skin cancer include human papillomavirus and the recently described Merkel cell polyomavirus. We review the mechanisms by which these three viruses interact with the host cell, ultraviolet radiation and immunosuppression to result in carcinogenesis.

Hepatitis C infection in hemodialysis patients: A review

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who is treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation (KT). The survival rate for HCV-infected renal transplant recipients is better than that for HCV-infected hemodialysis patients on transplant waiting lists. Early diagnosis and treatment HCV infection prior to KT prevents complications post-transplantation and reduces mortality. In addition to screening for anti-HCV antibodies and detecting HCV RNA, percutaneous liver biopsy is particularly valuable for assessing the stage of liver damage in HCV-infected patients, because the stage of fibrosis is important determining optimal treatment for HCV. Studies have been demonstrated that with conventional interferon (IFN) monotherapy or pegylated IFN monotherapy are similar efficacy and safety in HCV-infected hemodialysis patients. Sustained viral responses (SVRs) with these monotherapies have ranged approximately 30% to 40%. Limited reports support the use of IFN and ribavirin combination therapy as antiviral treatment for ESRD patients or patients on hemodialysis. Ribavirin can be started at low dose and careful monitoring for side effects. Patients that show SVR after treatment are strong candidates for KT. It is also generally accepted that ESRD patients with decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension should be referred to the liver transplant team for consideration of combined liver-KT.

Remedies for recurrent implantation failure.

Abstract: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is expensive, time consuming, and the most successful treatment of fertility; however, in general the cumulative chance of having a live birth with the treatment is still around 40%. Many couples still remain unsuccessful after several IVF attempts, causing deep impact on quality of life, and each failed cycle causing a financial burden. Several adjuvant therapies have been used along with IVF to increase the pregnancy rates for women with repeated implantation failure. Testing of adjuvant therapies in properly conducted randomized controlled trials is rarely done so that potential benefits and risks are unlikely to be clearly presented to patients and clinicians. In this review, we assessed the effects of adjuvants, such as growth hormone, androgens, and glucocorticoids to enhance oocyte number and quality; sildenafil, low-dose aspirin, heparin, corticosteroids, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, endometrial injury, intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin, and intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells to improve poor endometrial response; antioxidants, complementary and alternative medicine modalities, such as Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture; and assisted hatching and preimplantation genetic screening to correct embryonic factors.