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Biomedical subjects

M Gurel

Publications and source records attributed to M Gurel.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Erythrocyte antioxidative enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation levels in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Although cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a local infection, the cellular immune response against the disease is systemic, and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) are an important part of cellular immune response involved in killing the parasite. However, whether these intermediates cause oxidative damage in host is unknown. In this study, the metabolism of ROIs were investigated in patients with CL, and compared with healthy subjects. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation was determined, as an index of oxidative damage, by measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Erythrocyte MDA levels and SOD activities were found to be significantly higher in CL patients than in control subjects (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in the CL group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). There was a tendency to decreased hemoglobin (Hb) levels, but values did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that changes in antioxidant enzyme activities may amplify the leishmanicidal effect in patients with CL. However, these changes may not only cause the killing of parasite but also may cause oxidative damage in the other cells or tissues.

Adolescent↗

99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy in untreated stage III multiple myeloma: comparison with X-ray skeletal survey and bone scintigraphy.

Technetium-99m 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) is a lipophilic agent that has been proposed as a useful tracer for the detection of disease sites in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We performed a prospective study to determine the potential of 99mTc-MIBI imaging for the evaluation of the extent of primary disease in patients with advanced stage MM, compared with skeletal survey and bone scintigraphy. Twenty patients with advanced stage MM at initial diagnosis underwent whole-body 99mTc-MIBI imaging, together with contemporaneous skeletal survey and bone scintigraphy. The findings of 99mTc-MIBI imaging were correlated with the results of skeletal survey and bone scan. All 99mTc-MIBI scans were positive for the presence of active MM, whereas skeletal surveys were positive in 18 patients (90%) with osteolytic lesions. Bone scintigraphy demonstrated MM in only 15 patients (75%). In two patients with no detectable lesions on skeletal survey, 99mTc-MIBI imaging revealed uptake in the spine, corresponding to the abnormalities seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With respect to the localization of bone lesions, 99mTc-MIBI imaging was superior to bone scintigraphy in 15 patients (75%) and had concordant results with bone scintigraphy in four (20%). 99mTc-MIBI imaging is a very sensitive imaging modality for the identification of the extent of disease in patients with advanced MM. It is clearly superior to bone scintigraphy and complements the results of skeletal survey by finding additional disease sites. Hence, in active MM patients, 99mTc-MIBI imaging has the potential to detect bone marrow disease that cannot be detected by skeletal survey and bone scintigraphy.

Adult↗

Fate of pesticides in soil in a coastal lagoon area and associated water quality impacts.

Pesticides used on agricultural lands are among the significant diffuse sources of pollutants. They are poisons and can be particularly dangerous when misused and/or applied without care. Although certain characteristics of pesticides are well known, their final characteristics after they reach a waterbody are extremely difficult to estimate. Regarding the soil and water environment, it is necessary to conduct both a field study and laboratory analysis. Such a study has been performed in the catchment area of Dalyan Lagoon, Turkey, joining the Mediterranean Sea, that was selected as the pilot region. The input of pesticides, transport in soil and transfer to the water environment together with their probable impacts on water quality are determined by conducting detailed field surveys and water residue analyses. Within the scope of the study, the behavior and fate of pesticides both in soil and water are investigated in detail. Water residue experiments are conducted on four sets of water samples representing the seasons of the year 1999-2000 for the pre-selected 6 pesticides. Two sets of water samples (surface and bottom) are taken from the 16 stations along the lagoon channel and two lakes within the catchment area. The results and findings show the significance of the use of pesticides as they exist in the water environment around and/or slightly above the limits stated in the national current regulations except dichlorvos which presents very high values compared to its tolerance limit. Of particular interest, the results are used to enlighten the farmers and the public and increase awareness of pesticides as contaminants in valuable coastal waters.

Agriculture↗

The effects of indomethacin, NDGA, allopurinol and superoxide dismutase on prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 levels after mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury.

In this study, the changes of arachidonic acid metabolites after an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) period are investigated. The cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites were found to be significantly increased after a 45 min period of ischemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)- and leukotriene C4 (LTC4)-like activities did not change in the ischemic period, but they both increased after reperfusion. A cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin and lipoxygenase inhibitor nordehydroguaretic acid (NDGA) decreased PGE2- and LTC4-like activities, respectively, while allopurinol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased both activities. According to our results, it can be assumed that free oxygen radicals are responsible for the elevation of PGE2- and LTC4-like activities and both of these arachidonic acid metabolites and free oxygen radicals are the main necrotizing agents in ischemia-reperfusion induced damage.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Laparoscopic removal of a gallbladder remnant.

We describe a patient who had an incomplete open cholecystectomy 32 years previously and was hospitalized with jaundice due to a stone in the gallbladder remnant encroaching on the common bile duct. Despite extensive adhesions the gallbladder remnant was removed with laparoscopic techniques and the patient had an uneventful recovery. We conclude that previous surgery, even on the gallbladder, does not preclude the successful completion of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗

Unilateral gate flap for reconstruction of the lower lip.

A unilateral gate-flap technique consisting of a nasolabial island flap is presented for the reconstruction of defects in the lower lip after excision of large, laterally located epidermoid tumors. The amount of healthy tissue resected is optimal. The reconstructed lower lip retains sensation and muscle function and is continent with a satisfying appearance. Temporary flap edema and a vermilion notch at the apex of the flap are both avoidable problems. This method may be used in selected patients with large advanced epidermoid cancers of the lower lip.

Aged↗

An alcoholism training program: its effect on trainees and faculty.

Evaluation of the effect of a three-year specialized training program in alcoholism on opinions and attitudes of trainees and faculty members at the University of Washington School of Nursing showed that the program influenced both trainees and faculty in a positive direction. Trainees were found to be more accepting of alcoholism as a disease and an increasing number of faculty believed alcoholism-related courses should be a part of the curriculum.

Alcoholism↗

Solitary pyogenic liver abscess: a statistical analysis of 117 cases.

In this study, we present 117 cases of solitary pyogenic liver abscess. The average age was 30, and the most important clinical findings were pain (81.8%), chills and fever (52.2%) and hepatomegaly (64.1%). The laboratory findings were as follows: leukocytosis (61.4%), elevated sedimentation rate (71.6%), BUN over 50 mgs (15.3%), average SGOT: 20.1, SGPT: 20.3, and alkaline phosphatase: 82.6 mU. X-ray examination revealed pathological findings in the right pleural cavity and diaphragm in 61.5% of cases. Radioisotope scanning of the liver was helpful in 88.5% of cases. The preoperative diagnosis was correct in 72%. The abscess was located in the right lobe in 83.8%, in the left lobe in 14.5%, and in both lobes in 1.7%. The average abscess volume was 500 cc, and the pus was sterile in 77.7%. The overall complication rate was 31.6%, and the mortality rate was 17.9%. The patients were treated by early systematic surgical drainage.

Adolescent↗

Intraoperative laparoscopy by a flexible scope: is it reliable in contralateral childhood hernias?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Negative contralateral groin exploration for childhood hernias raises the question of whether contralateral groin exploration is necessary or not. To find out whether a contralateral processus vaginalis was patent, we performed laparoscopy with a flexible scope. METHODS: After carbon dioxide insufflation, a flexible laparoscope was inserted through the opened hernia sac and the contralateral processus vaginalis orifice was examined. We considered a patent processus vaginalis as a potential hernia. The study involved 20 children: 16 boys and 4 girls. The symptomatic side was explored in a conventional manner and laparoscopy was performed through the opened hernia sac. RESULTS: A contralateral processus vaginalis was found in 6 children: 4 boys and 2 girls. These results were confirmed by exploring the opposite groin. We did not explore if the laparoscopic examination was within normal limits. There was one false-positive result in a female patient. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative non-puncture laparoscopy utilizing a flexible laparoscope through the hernia opening is an uncomplicated, reliable and precise method for identifying a patent contralateral processus vaginalis. It may represent a satisfactory alternative to routine bilateral inguinal exploration. Also, use of the flexible laparoscope may be more beneficial than use of a rigid laparoscope passed through the umbilicus or hernia sac.

Child, Preschool↗