Showing papers by "Istanbul University published in 1992"

Low dose cyclosporin A versus pulsed cyclophosphamide in Behçet's syndrome: a single masked trial.

Abstract: A single masked trial of cyclosporin A 5 mg/kg/day versus monthly 1 g intravenous boluses of cyclophosphamide was conducted among 23 patients with Behcet's syndrome and active, potentially reversible uveitis The trial was unmasked after a mean of 12 (SD 2) months for the cyclosporin A group (n = 12) and a mean of 10 (SD 3) months for the cyclophosphamide group (n = 11) During the initial 6 months the visual acuity significantly improved (p < 0001) in the cyclosporin A group whereas this was not observed in the cyclophosphamide group The subsequent follow-up of patients up to 24 months suggested that the initial improvement in visual acuity with cyclosporin A was not sustained More extensive and especially long-term studies of cyclosporin A in the uveitis of Behcet's syndrome are warranted

Pulmonary vasculitis in Behçet's disease.

Abstract: Clinical findings of 12 patients with Behcet's disease and lung involvement are presented. Male to female ratio was 11/1, mean age was 35.3 +/- 8.8 yr. All patients had at least four other organ manifestations of vasculitis, either in their history or during the period of lung involvement. The main complaint was hemoptysis of varying degree in 11 of the 12 patients. The chest X-ray films showed unilateral hilar enlargements in six patients, diaphragm elevation in four, horizontally or obliquely oriented linear opacities in three, diffuse, ill-defined infiltrates in upper and lower zones in three, wedge-shaped peripheral opacities in one, and bilateral pleural effusion in one patient. Computed tomography of the chest performed in nine patients revealed aneurysms, narrowings, and cutoffs of the main, lobar, segmental, or peripheral branches of the pulmonary artery and irregular configuration of other pulmonary vessels. Perfusion scans demonstrated defects of various sizes in all patients. Pulmonary angiography performed in only two patients showed amputation of branches of the pulmonary artery and aneurysmal dilatations. The patients were treated with a combination therapy consisting of corticosteroid, cyclophosphamide, colchicine, and antiaggregants, with very good results in the short term.

Unsymmetrical phthalocyanines with a single macrocyclic substituent

Abstract: Unsymmetrical phthalocanines (5–7) with a single macrocyclic substituent are synthesized by the reaction of the boron complex of phthalonitrile (1) with the iminoisoindoline derivatives 2–4 of macrocyclic compounds, i.e. 15-crown-5, monoaza-15-crown-5, and tetraazacyclotetradecane. The monomacrocycle-substituted phthalocyanines are less soluble than the tetra-substituted one.

Sialic acid levels in various types of cancer.

Abstract: Serum or plasma total sialic acid (TSA) and lipid bound sialic acid (LSA) are useful markers for human cancer. In this study, sialic acid levels have been demonstrated in various types of human cancer including brain, thyroid and Hodgkin's. TSA was found to be significantly elevated in various human brain tumors, especially in the microsomal fraction. Also serum and tissue LSA levels indicated significant increases when compared to the normals in various brain and thyroid tumors. TSA levels were significantly higher in the plasma and leucocyte in patients with Hodgkin's. The results show that sialic acid can be advisable as a beneficial marker for detecting malignancies. But it can not be used as a criteria for identifying tumor types.

Comparison of pressure support ventilation (PSV) and intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) during weaning in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Abstract: Certain groups of mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure are difficult to wean from prolonged ventilation despite advanced respiratory support techniques. The common modes for providing support during weaning are intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV), and spontaneous ventilatory trial (SVT) techniques; such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and T-piece. Weaning is often initiated with IMV, and a series of SVTs are introduced as the patient tolerates decreasing rates of IMV. However, there is some concern that this strategy of weaning may not be optimal for patient comfort, and muscle reconditioning [1].

Globalization of Credit Card Usage: The Case of a Developing Economy

Abstract: The attitudes of Turkish consumers toward credit card usage and the approach of card issuers to penetrate the market are investigated. The better educated, higher income, middle aged members of the upper-middle class seem to be the prime target. The usage and the administration of credit cards appear to be influenced by the infrastructure of the country.

CT and MRI in hydatid disease of cervical vertebrae.

Abstract: Hydatid disease (HD) of the cervical spine is rare. A case investigated by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. While CT shows the bone lesion better, MRI is superior in demonstrating compression of neural structures. The complementary use of CT and MRI in such cases is suggested.

Some properties of glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase from Corynebacterium callunae.

Abstract: Characteristics of the three major ammonia assimilatory enzymes, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GO-GAT) in Corynebacterium callunae (NCIB 10338) were examined. The GDH of C. callunae specifically required NADPH and NADP+ as coenzymes in the amination and deamination reactions, respectively. This enzyme showed a marked specificity for alpha-ketoglutarate and glutamate as substrates. The optimum pH was 7.2 for NADPH-GDH activity (amination) and 9.0 for NADP(+)-GDH activity (deamination). The results showed that NADPH-GDH and NADP(+)-GDH activities were controlled primarily by product inhibition and that the feedback effectors alanine and valine played a minor role in the control of NADPH-GDH activity. The transferase activity of GS was dependent on Mn+2 while the biosynthetic activity of the enzyme was dependent on Mg2+ as essential activators. The pH optima for transferase and biosynthetic activities were 8.0 and 7.0, respectively. In the transfer reaction, the Km values were 15.2 mM for glutamine, 1.46 mM for hydroxylamine, 3.5 x 10(-3) mM for ADP and 1.03 mM for arsenate. Feedback inhibition by alanine, glycine and serine was also found to play an important role in controlling GS activity. In addition, the enzyme activity was sensitive to ATP. The transferase activity of the enzyme was responsive to ionic strength as well as the specific monovalent cation present. GOGAT of C. callunae utilized either NADPH or NADH as coenzymes, although the latter was less effective. The enzyme specifically required alpha-ketoglutarate and glutamine as substrates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The molecular basis of beta-thalassemia in Turkey.

Abstract: By using oligonucleotide hybridization, restriction endonuclease analysis and direct sequencing of amplified genomic DNA, we have been able to characterize 18 different mutations in the beta-globin genes of 161 beta-thalassemia homozygotes and 107 beta-thalassemia heterozygotes from Turkey (429 beta-thalassemia chromosomes). Previous studies dealing with beta-thalassemia in Mediterranean countries have shown that, in most Mediterranean populations, only a few mutations are prevalent. In contrast, beta-thalassemia in Turkey does not seem to be associated with a few predominant mutations. The six most frequent alleles, IVS-I-110 (G----A), IVS-I-6(T----C), FSC-8 (-AA), IVS-I-1(G----A), -30(T----A) and FSC-5 (-CT), account for only 69.3% of the disease genes; indeed, all 26 mutations assayed represent 85.8% of the disease genes, confirming the considerable molecular heterogeneity of beta-thalassemia among Turks, and indicating the possible presence of rare, previously undefined, mutations in the population. Two mutations observed in this study, IVS-I-116 (T----G) and Cd44(-C), have not been reported in the Turkish population to date. Since preventive medical services, such as genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis, are greatly improved by detailed knowledge of the molecular pathology of beta-thalassemia, we strongly believe that the presented data will facilitate the intended establishment of a prenatal diagnosis center, based on DNA analysis, in Turkey.

Indomethacin for prevention of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract: Twenty-four patients (29 hips) undergoing total hip arthroplasty were routinely given 75 mg of indomethacin daily for 4 weeks after operation and reviewed radiographically for heterotopic ossification (HO) for a minimum of 6 months. A comparison group of 25 patients (27 hips) without indomethacin treatment was formed and studied in the same manner. This group of patients received the usual postoperative analgesic treatment, which is diclofenac sodium twice daily parenterally for 5–10 days. The indomethacin group also received the same treatment. In the indomethacin group no patient had grade II, III, and grade IV HO and the incidence of grade I HO was 31% (nine patients). In the comparison group one patient (3%) had grade I, three (11%) grade II, and eight (30%) grade III HO. These findings suggested that indomethacin effectively prevented higher grades of HO following total hip arthroplasty. Two patients not included in the study had gastrointestinal bleeding and recovered after withdrawal of the drug

Polymerization of acrylamide initiated with electrogenerated cerium (IV) in the presence of EDTA

Abstract: Polymerization of acrylamide was carried out with cerium (IV)-EDTA redox initiator system with and without electrolysis. The effect of temperature, time, cerium (IV), and EDTA concentrations on the polymerization yield and molecular weight were studied and compared with electrolytic conditions. At low concentrations of cerium (IV) the electrolytic method continuously supplying Ce (IV) from Ce (III) has an advantage over the nonelectrolytic method for which polymerization did not occur under these conditions. A possible polymerization mechanism is suggested.

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome) associated with Behçet's disease.

Abstract: Case 1: A 46-year-old woman suffered from painful, raised, erythematous plaques, initially located on the volar aspects of her hands, which extended to the extensor surfaces of her arms. A year previously, she had been diagnosed as having the complete type of Behget's disease with oral aphthae, ocular involvement, genital ulceration, and a positive pathergy test.''\" The last time she was admitted to the hospital, she had only the eruptions mentioned but no other symptoms of Behget's disease. Dermatologic examination showed that these were dark, erythematous almost purplish papules, which tended to coalesce, located on the outer surfaces of her arms. She did not have any systemic findings. Her body temperature was 38.5°C. Hematocrit was 42%, RBC count 3.6x10''/mm^, WBC count 12.2x103/mm^ with 76% neutrophils. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 65 mm in the first hour. Cultures from her tonsils and urine were negative. Histopathologic examination of the eruptions showed a moderate papillomatosis and a dense infiltrate composed of mostly neutrophils, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and nuclear dusts. The infiltrate was situated around the vessels in the upper half of the dermis, which is typical for Sweet's syndrome. The epidermis appeared mildly hyperkeratotic in most areas. The pathergy test was positive. She was given 60 mg of prednisolone per day. The body temperature became normal within 24 hours, and considerable Improvement occurred between the second and the fourth days of treatment. The dose was gradually decreased by 10 mg at 10 day intervals. She was symptom free within the first week, and, during the follow-up period of 10 months, no recurrences were observed.

Seleucia Pieria: an ancient harbour submitted to two successive uplifts

Abstract: Historical sources ascribe the foundation of Seleucia (Seleukeia) Pieria to Seleucos I Nikator, shortly before the foundation of Antioch in the late 4th century BC. The Seleucia Pieria site seems however to have been inhabited earlier, perhaps from around 700 BC, possibly by a Greek population under an Assyrian ruler. The city became of considerable military importance during the wars between the Ptolemies and the Seleucids; it was occupied by the Romans in the 1st century BC, but had practically disappeared in the 6th century AD. Geomorphological surveys in the area have revealed the existence of elevated marine notches and rims bioconstructed by vermetids, oysters and calcareous algae, which occasionally erode or intersect the archaeological sites, showing that two rapid land uplift movements, probably of seismic origin, took place during the late Holocene. The first movement, which occurred about 2500 ± 100 years bp, was the strongest one and caused a local vertical displacement of about 1.7 m, which may have severely affected the earlier Greek settlement. Though several earthquakes are reported to have occurred in the area during the following ten centuries, none of them seem to have been strong enough to cause significant vertical displacements. The second movement occurred around 1400 years bp, probably in May 526 AD, when a great earthquake followed by tsunami waves is known to have caused devastating damage in Antioch and Seleucia. According to geomorphological data supported by several radiocarbon dates, the earthquake was accompanied by a 0.7 to 0 8 m upheaval. This seismotectonic event also caused a rapid silting of the Seleucia Pieria closed harbour basin and entrances, thus preventing its further use.

Gliofibroma: immunohistochemical analysis.

Abstract: A case of gliofibroma occurring in an adult patient as a large circumscribed supratentorial tumor is reported. The bimorphic pattern was substantiated and further analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Some evidence in favor of collagen production by mesenchymal and/or inflammatory cells leading to a progressive fibrous replacement of the glial cells in this particular tumor type is presented.

Effects of indoleamines on sperm motility in vitro

Abstract: Indoleamines are products of the pineal gland and are postulated to play an antigonadotrophic role in the reproductive system of mammals. In humans, indoleamines have been localized in tissue fluids such as plasma, serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Because indoleamines exhibit antigonadotrophic properties, the authors examined whether these agents cause inhibitory effects on sperm motility. In this study, time and dose-dependent inhibition of sperm motility by indoleamines was observed. Furthermore, the presence of indoles in incubation medium decreased sperm velocity. These data suggest that the presence of high doses of indoles in reproductive fluids may inhibit sperm motility and velocity.

Serum selenium and gluthathione-peroxidase activities and their interaction with toxic metals in dialysis and renal transplantation patients

Abstract: Selenium, aluminum, cadmium, and magnesium concentrations and gluthathione-peroxidase activities in sera of 35 healthy individuals, 30 renal transplants, and 30 hemodialysis patients were measured. Serum selenium, aluminum, and cadmium concentrations in both groups of patients were higher than the controls (p<0.001), whereas the serum gluthathione-peroxidase levels were lower (p<0.001). According to our results, it can be concluded that the patients receiving hemodialysis are subjected to more toxic elements than the transplantation patients. These findings imply that dietary selenium supplement may be suggested in renal failure for the detoxification of elements, such as cadmium and mercury. The essential trace element selenium takes part not only in the direct protection of endothelial cells against the accumulation of aggressive oxygen species, but also in the preventions of the toxic effects of cadmium or in the modulation of the active calcium transport.

Influence of sex on the blood brain barrier permeability during bicuculline-induced seizures.

Abstract: Sex related differences of the blood brain barrier permeability was investigated during bicuculline-induced seizures in Wistar rats. The rats were anesthetized with diethyl-ether. Evans-blue, which...

Correlations between Entropy and Volume of Melting in Halide Salts

Abstract: Melting parameters and transport coefficients in the melt are collated for halides of monovalent, divalent and trivalent metals A number of systems show a deficit of entropy of melting relative to the linear relations between entropy change and relative volume change on melting that are found to be approximately obeyed by most halides These behaviours are discussed on the basis of structural and transport data The deviating systems are classified into three main classes, namely (i) fast-ion conductors in the high-temperature crystal phase such as AgI, (ii) strongly structured network-like systems such as ZnCl 2 , and (iii) molecular systems melting into associated molecular liquids such as SbCl 3

The use of continuous atropine infusion in the management of severe tetanus

Abstract: Because previous studies assumed that tetanus is an acetylcholine intoxication, atropine as a potent anticholinergic agent has been employed as a continuous infusion in the treatment of 4 severe tetanus cases as a supplement to routine therapy. With this treatment all patients maintained complete cardiovascular stability; clinical symptoms like bronchospasm, bronchial hypersecretion, hypersalivation, hyperperspiration were not encountered at any period of the treatment. All patients were markedly sedated and despite the use of mechanical ventilation, curarisation was not necessary at all. These results suggest that the multiple effects (CNS, cardiovascular respiratory and muscular tone) of atropine might be very useful in the management of severe tetanus.