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Biomedical subjects

A Yücel

Publications and source records attributed to A Yücel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

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↗

[Thalamic pain syndrome].

Central pain is a chronic pain due to various causes, with accompanying neurological symptoms and often unresponsive to medical therapy. Pain management and results in a 31 years old female patient with a diagnosis of thalamic pain syndrome, which is one of the causes of central pain is analysed in this article.

Adult↗

Paecilomyces variotii central nervous system infection in a patient with cancer.

Paecilomyces variotii was isolated from two subsequent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of a cancer patient. Identification was confirmed through beta-tubulin and rDNA ITS sequencing. MICs were determined for seven antifungal agents; the isolate was found to be susceptible to amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITZ), ketaconazole (KTZ) and 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) but resistant to fluconazole (FLZ) and miconazole (MCZ). Despite antimycotic therapy, the infection proved to be fatal.

Antifungal Agents↗

The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is a potentially fatal multisystemic reaction to anticonvulsant medications. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome. RESULTS: A total 32 subjects, aged from 6 to 72 years, diagnosed as having anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome based on clinical and histopathological findings, were included in the study. In 22 of the 32 cases, the anticonvulsants had been administered prophylactically after craniotomy and in 10 cases for epilepsy. When the cases were assessed for skin lesions, maculopapular eruption was registered in 22, Stevens-Johnson syndrome in five, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in five. Treatment included suspension of the offending drug and then, except for the cases with toxic epidermal necrolysis, administration of corticosteroids. The 22 cases that required anticonvulsant therapy were treated with valproic acid. In all cases, we observed rapid clinical improvement corroborated by laboratory findings. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential that due importance be given to the development of an eruption in individuals to whom anticonvulsants are administered after craniotomy because anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is likely to be life-threatening.

Adolescent↗

Phospholipase and protease activities in clinical Candida isolates with reference to the sources of strains.

The present study was aimed at determining in vitro phospholipase and protease activities in 95 clinical isolates of various Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii,C.kefyr, C. krusei, C. lipolytica, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C.rugosa and C. tropicalis). 59 (62.1%) of isolates examined were phospholipase positive and 75 (78.9.9%) were protease positive. 56 (93.3%) of C.albicans isolates tested were phospholipase producers - however only a few strains of C. glabrata and C. kefyr behaved in the same way. Protease activity was detected in 57 (95%) of C. albicans strains tested and in a few strains of C. kefyr, C.lipolytica, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis- the remaining isolates were negative. 56 strains of C.albicans and 2 strains of C. kefyr tested produced both phospholipase and protease.

Blood↗

A flucytosine-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans (serotype D) strain isolated in turkey from cutaneous lesions.

A Cryptococcus neoformans strain from cutaneous lesions of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura was tested for in vitro susceptibility against seven conventional antifungal agents. The strain was susceptible to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole but was resistant to 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values obtained against amphotericin B and terbinafine were 1 and 4 microg ml(-1), respectively. The isolate belonged to serotype D. Few human cases of cryptococcosis have been reported over the last 50 years in Turkey. This is the first C. neoformans isolate in Turkey shown to have primary resistance to 5-FC. Primary resistance to flucytosine is rarely reported in C. neoformans and may be associated with treatment failure in some cases.

Adult↗

Prediction of visual outcome after retinal detachment surgery using the Lotmar visometer.

AIM: To evaluate whether an achromatic interferometer, the Lotmar visometer, is useful in predicting postoperative visual outcome in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) involving the macula. METHODS: This prospective study included 40 eyes of 40 non-consecutive patients with macula-off RD. The eyes were phakic or pseudophakic, had a clear optical media, and had a measurable potential vision on preoperative visometric examination. Preoperative variables included Snellen visual acuity, duration of macular detachment, extent of RD, and visometric potential acuity. Reattachment surgery consisted of radial scleral buckling in 33 patients, circumferential scleral buckling and encircling in seven patients, and subretinal fluid drainage in 10 patients. Retinal breaks were treated with cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months after uncomplicated surgery. Best corrected visual acuity measured at any time during follow up was correlated with the preoperative variables. RESULTS: Preoperative visual acuity was less than 20/200 in 37 (93%) of 40 patients. Potential visual acuity of 20/200 or better was measured using the Lotmar visometer in 37 patients (93%). Postoperative visual acuity was correlated significantly with duration of macular detachment (r=0.55; p<0.001), and extent of RD approached statistical significance (r=0.31; p=0.05). There was a higher correlation between postoperative visual acuity and the visometric measurements (r=0.61; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Lotmar visometer may be a valuable method to estimate visual outcome after uncomplicated scleral buckling surgery in patients with RD involving the macula.

Adult↗

Elective free-tissue transfer in pediatric patients.

Twenty-two elective free-tissue transfers for reconstruction of various defects were performed in 20 pediatric patients over a 7-year period. Patient ages ranged from 5 to 17 years (mean: 12.5 years). There were six open wounds, six unstable scars, five tumor resection defects, three facial gunshot wounds, one facial paralysis, and one penis agenesis. Ten free flaps were transferred to the head and neck region, seven to the lower extremity, four to the upper extremity, and one to the genital area. Ten fasciocutaneous flaps, seven muscle or myocutaneous flaps, and five vascularized bone grafts were transferred. All flaps survived, except for one in an electrical burn patient. The success rate was 95 percent. No vessel spasm was observed. Children tolerated long operation periods better than adults. The recovery time after surgery was considerably shorter than in adults. The mean operative time was 6 hr, and the average hospital stay was 12 days. The mean follow-up period was 27 months. Results of this study indicate that microvascular free-tissue transfer is a safe and reliable method for the reconstruction of various defects in children.

Adolescent↗

Reconstruction of shallow upper buccal sulcus deformity secondary to cleft lip and palate repair.

Shallow upper buccal sulcus deformity, one of the secondary deformities after cleft lip-palate repair, causes both aesthetic and functional problems. This deformity also prevents or makes difficult orthodontic and prosthodontic procedures. An upper buccal sulcus deepening procedure was performed in 14 patients during the last 5 years. In 12 cases, premaxillary-based mucosal flaps were combined with one of the following: lip re-repair, Abbé flap, or bilateral buccal mucosal advancement flaps; in two cases, premaxilla was grafted with buccal mucosal graft together with bilateral buccal mucosal advancement flaps. The follow-up period was 2 to 5 years. Results were satisfactory for the surgeon, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and the patient. Upper buccal sulcus reconstruction with premaxillary thin mucosal flap or full-thickness mucosal graft combined with tissue-sparing techniques provides successful and durable results.

Adolescent↗

An unusual long-term complication of burn injury: malignant fibrous histiocytoma developed in chronic burn scar.

Development of malignant tumors in chronic burn wounds is a well-known complication. These tumors are almost always squamous cell carcinomas, although other types of malignancies such as basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma and sarcomas can be seen rarely. There are only three previously reported cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma developed in chronic burn scar in the literature. Two cases with malignant fibrous histiocytoma developed in chronic, badly treated burn wounds are presented. One of the tumors was multifocal and overexpression of the p53 gene was present. Both tumors were excised widely and skin grafted. Regional lymph node dissection was performed in one case. One of the patients died due to tumor recurrence and lymphatic metastases. These cases represent a very uncommon complication of burn injury and indicate the importance of the appropriate primary treatment of the burn wound.

Adult↗

The efficacy of pre- versus postsurgical axillary block on postoperative pain in paediatric patients.

We compared the effects of pre- and postsurgical axillary block on pain after hand and forearm surgery in 55 children in a double-blind randomized study. The successful blocks are reported here (n=49). Children aged 1-11 years and ASA I or II were allocated randomly to receive axillary block with 2 mg.kg-1 of 0.25% bupivacaine, either after induction but before the surgery (presurgical group, n=25) or immediately after surgery, before the end of anaesthesia (postsurgical, n=24). In all patients, a standard general anaesthesia technique was used. The Faces Pain Scale (FPS) and analgesic requirements were recorded for 24 h at various times after operation. Eight patients (32%) in the presurgical group and 20 patients (83.33%) in the postsurgical group did not require additional analgesic within the first 24 h after operation (P< 0.05). In patients who had pain during the observation period, the pain started 13.66+/-2.61 h in the presurgical group and 13.14+/-2.34 h in the postsurgical group after performing block (P> 0.05). The FPS scores were similar in both groups during the first 8 h in the postoperative period (P> 0.05). There was a significant difference at 10 h after surgery (P< 0.05). Cumulative FPS score was higher in the presurgical group (10.50+/-1.06) than in the postsurgical group (9.45+/-1.28) (P< 0.05), but both groups had effective analgesia overall, the mean FPS score being less than 2. Additional analgesic consumption was similar in these patients in both groups. A lower isoflurane concentration was used in the presurgical group (0.68% vs 1.72%, P< 0.001). We did not demonstrate the superiority of preemptive analgesia, but our results indicate that presurgical axillary block with 0.25% bupivacaine allows the use of inhalational anaesthetics at lower concentrations while providing a reasonably painless postoperative period.

Analgesia↗

Soft-tissue reconstruction of sole and heel defects with free tissue transfers.

Reconstruction of the weight-bearing surface of the foot is a challenging problem for the reconstructive surgeon. Because local tissues are not usually available for reconstruction, distant tissue transfers are often necessary. The authors report 20 patients with sole and heel defects that were reconstructed with free flaps. Two patients had bilateral reconstruction. Three patients were younger than 10 years. Etiological causes were burn scar (N = 7), trauma (N = 7), chronic wound (N = 3), and tumor resection (N = 5). All defects were located at a weight-bearing area. Gracilis muscle (N = 11), neurosensorial radial forearm (N = 7), latissimus dorsi muscle (N = 2), rectus abdominis muscle (N = 1), and posterolateral thigh flaps (N = 1) were used for reconstruction. Muscle flaps were preferred for the deep and irregular defects or chronic, open infected wounds. All flaps survived except for one total and two partial complications of necrosis. Recurrence of ulceration was observed in 1 patient with spinal cord trauma. The mean follow-up period was 33.7 months (range, 1-84 months). Patients were evaluated by direct gait observation, footprints, pedograms, and the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. All patients returned to normal daily activity with individual gait patterns. Functional outcomes of both muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps were satisfactory. Presence of deep sensation, preservation of musculoskeletal integrity, and patient compliance are the main factors for durability of reconstruction.

Adult↗

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment and heparin on the survival of unipedicled venous flaps: an experimental study in rats.

The effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and heparin on the survival of the rat inferior epigastric venous flap were investigated. Preliminary transcutaneous oxygen measurements showed that partial oxygen pressure values of venous flaps increased at 2.5 ATA pressure while inhaling 100% oxygen. During the experiment, 128 venous flaps of two different sizes and 50 composite grafts were prepared bilaterally in 89 rats. Perivenous areolar tissue was removed from the pedicle vein in all flaps. Half of the venous flaps were isolated from the wound bed. Initial flap perfusion was tested by fluorescein injection during flap elevation. Four treatment groups were created: control, heparin, HBO, and HBO+heparin. After 6 days of treatment, the mean surviving flap area was calculated for each group. Surviving flaps were reelevated, final flap perfusion was tested by fluorescein injection, and flaps were harvested for histological examination. The mean survival rates of the HBO (26.56%) and the HBO+heparin (36.87%) groups were significantly higher than the control (0%) and the heparin (0%) groups (p<0.01). None of the composite grafts survived. Smaller flaps and nonisolated flaps survived better, although not significantly (p>0.05). Veins were enlarged both clinically and histologically. Fluorescein uptake was delayed during initial flap elevation but was normal during reelevation. These findings imply that the rat inferior epigastric venous flap may be an ischemic flap with capillary circulation through a single venous pedicle, but it needs HBO treatment to survive, especially during the acute period. Heparin treatment, reducing the flap size, and presence of a vascular wound bed also improve survival rates.

Animals↗

Secondary venous ischemic injury associated with neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation: amelioration of injury by cyclosporin A in a rat inguinal island flap.

Secondary venous ischemia caused by anastomotic failure is one of the major causes of failure after free tissue transfers and replantations. The effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) on secondary ischemic injury associated with neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation were evaluated in a rat inferior epigastric island skin flap model. Primary ischemia was produced by arteriovenous occlusion for 2 hours. Twenty-four hours later, secondary venous ischemia was produced by 5 hours of venous occlusion. Nonischemic (n = 5), primary ischemic (n = 5), and secondary ischemic control groups (n = 10), and four treatment groups (n = 10) were created. Treatment groups received either 15 or 30 mg per kilogram per day oral CsA for 3 days before flap elevation, or 15 or 30 mg per kilogram intravenous CsA at 4 hours of secondary venous ischemia. Flap survival area, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were assayed for each group. The mean flap survival area of the high-dose posttreatment group was significantly higher than the secondary ischemic control group (29% +/- 39% vs. 3% +/- 8%; p < 0.05, Student's t-test). The MDA and MPO levels of each treatment group were significantly lower than the secondary ischemic control group at hours 1 and 24 (p < 0.0001, Student's t-test). The lowest MDA and MPO levels were achieved in the high-dose posttreatment group. Results suggest that CsA may improve flap survival after secondary venous ischemia by attenuating neutrophil infiltration and by reducing lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗

An experimental study of skin flap associated with muscle: is muscle nourishment possible through the musculocutaneous perforators?

An experimental study was planned to examine whether the blood supply of muscle would be maintained by reverse flow from the cutaneous arteriolar microcirculatory system via the musculocutaneous perforators. A flap model containing both muscle and skin based on the inferior superficial epigastric vessels was designed with the blood supplied directly from the cutaneous arteriolar microcirculatory system. A total of 154 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I included the standard vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap based on the superior deep epigastric vessels (N = 48). Group II included the acute cutaneous muscle flap (N = 53). Group III contained the delayed cutaneous muscle flap (N = 53). Skin flap survival area, muscle scintigraphy with technetium-99m-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile, microangiography, and histopathological examination of the flaps were conducted. The mean percentage of surviving skin paddle area was 96.4 +/- 5.2%, 84.9 +/- 21.6%, and 91.0 +/- 16.8% in groups I, II, and III respectively. There was no significant difference between groups. Microangiography revealed the blood flow from skin to muscle through the musculocutaneous perforators. The radioisotope uptake of the muscle flap was expressed as A percentage of the intact contralateral muscle. Mean uptake in group I was 90.1 +/- 4.9% immediately after flap elevation, 62.5 +/- 13.5% on day 2, and 88.3 +/- 12.0% on day 7. These values were 53.7 +/- 7.1%, 63.6 +/- 14.1%, and 89.2 +/- 18.1% in group II, and 64 +/- 7.8%, 75.5 +/- 9.8%, and 92.8 +/- 40.1% in group III. Radioisotope uptake in group I was significantly higher than groups II and III immediately after flap elevation (p < 0.05, analysis of variance), whereas there was no significant difference on days 2 and 7. Histopathological examination revealed surviving muscle tissue without marked atrophy. There was no marked difference between groups histopathologically. These results indicate that muscle tissue may survive by reverse flow through the musculocutaneous perforators when elevated with an axial skin flap.

Animals↗

Temporalis muscle flap for craniofacial reconstruction after tumor resection.

Temporalis muscle flap provides a good solution for the reconstruction of craniofacial defects after tumor resection. Nine patients with complicated defects located at the upper two thirds of the face, anterior cranial base, or mastoid region are presented. Five patients had orbital exenteration, two with total maxillectomy and two with anterior craniofacial resection. Temporalis muscle flap provided profuse well-vascularized tissue for the obliteration of orbital exenteration and total maxillectomy cavities and coverage of surface defects. Cranial, oral, and nasal spaces were separated successfully in all patients. Temporalis muscle flap is a very reliable technique with low complication rates and few donor site problems. This safe and technically easy flap can be preferred for the reconstruction of craniofacial defects after ablative tumor surgery, especially in older and debilitated patients.

Aged↗