Knowledge, practices, and barriers concerning the use of emergency contraception among women of reproductive age at a university hospital of Aydin, Turkey

Purpose  

This study aimed to investigate the extent of knowledge and use of emergency contraception among women of reproductive age and to identify barriers existing in Turkey in this context. There is limited research regarding the knowledge and use and barriers to emergency contraception use, since the prepackaged form of hormonal emergency contraception has been available over the counter in Turkey.     

Influence of neck rotation and neck lateroflexion on mandibular equilibrium

Summary Neuromuscular interaction between neck and jaw muscles has been reported in several studies. However, the influence of experimentally modified posture of the neck on jaw muscle activity during isometric biting was not investigated so far. The aim of the present study was to test by the aid of simultaneous electromyographic and intraoral bite force measurements whether neck rotation and lateroflexion, in contrast to a straightforward neck position, change the isometric cocontraction patterns of masticatory muscles under identical submaximum bite forces of 50–200 N. Electric muscle activity of all masticatory muscles and changes of the reduction point (RP) of the resultant bite force vectors were examined. An anteroposterior displacement of the RPs could be observed for the rotated and lateroflexed neck position in comparison with the straightforward position. On the other hand, the results revealed no significant differences between bilateral muscle activation under the different test conditions. These findings suggest a force transmission between the neck and the masticatory system, but no essential activity changes in the masticatory muscles under short time posture modification of the neck.     

Effects of yoga on the quality of life in cancer patients

ObjectiveThis study sought to investigate the effects of yoga on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.DesignTwenty patients between 30 and 50 years of age presently under treatment for breast cancer were included in the study. The physical characteristics of the patients were recorded and general physiotherapy assessments performed. Eight sessions of a yoga program including warming and breathing exercises, asanas, relaxation in supine position, and meditation were applied to participants.Main outcome measuresThe pre- and post-yoga quality of life assessments for the patients were conducted using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patients' stress levels were assessed using the STAI-I and STAI-II anxiety inventory. Their satisfaction levels about the yoga program was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsIt was found that patients' quality of life scores after the yoga program were better than scores obtained before the yoga program (p < 0.05). After sessions, there was a statistically significant decrease in their STAI-I (measuring the reactions of anxiety) scores and STAI-II (measuring the permanence of anxiety) scores (p < 0.05). It was found out that the satisfaction score concerning the yoga program was considerably increased after the yoga program (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIt can be concluded that yoga is valuable in helping to achieve relaxation and diminish stress, helps cancer patients perform daily and routine activities, and increases the quality of life in cancer patients. This result was positively reflected in patients satisfaction with the yoga program.     

Percutaneous treatment of hepatic hydatid cyst in pregnancy

A 20 cm hepatic hydatid cyst with daughter cysts, was diagnosed in a primigravida in the fifteenth week of pregnancy and was managed percutaneously. No complications occurred and the patient subsequently gave birth to a healthy baby. Received: 25 February 1998 / Accepted: 28 August 1998     

Medulloblastoma in a patient successfully treated for immature teratoma of the ovary

We report a case of medulloblastoma as a secondary malignancy in a patient treated for immature teratoma of the ovary (ITO). ITO is a rare but curable tumor of the ovary using combination chemotherapy. There is a great deal of interest in the long-term effects of chemotherapy in these patients. Once regarded as fatal not many series of patients with ITO have been reported with the long follow up as in the present case. This case may start a debate on the susceptibility of central nervous system tumors following chemotherapy in patients with ITO.     

Cystic nephroma: A rare clinical entity

We report a rare benign renal tumor, the cystic nephroma (CN) in a 35-year old man. CN should be considered in the differential diagnosis when clinical and radiological examinations reveals a multilocular cystic renal mass, but histopathological examination is the unique diagnostic mean.     

Follow-up problems and changes in obliteration of the residual cystic cavity after treatment for hepatic hydatidosis

Background/Purpose. In this prospective open clinical study, we investigated the problems that might arise during the obliteration of the residual cavity in hepatic hydatidosis. These problems might be related to the duration of the obliteration period and to the effects of omentoplasty on the residual cavity. Methods. We operated on 54 hepatic hydatidosis patients with cystodrainage and omentoplasty. We followed these patients for a period of 8 years after the operation. We used ultrasonography (US) to evaluate the obliteration of the cystic cavity; evaluations were made by serological tests as well (hemagglutination test, IHA, and IgE radioallergosorbent test, RAST). Results. Most of the reductions in the size of the cystic cavity were observed within the first 30 days following the operation (69.7%). At the end of the first postoperative year, cystic cavity obliteration was not complete in 34 patients, and 5 of these cases had positive indirect IHA and IgE RAST tests for Echinococcus granulosus. These patients were treated with extension of albendazol therapy. In 2 of these 5 patients, obliteration of the cystic cavity was complete within 12 months; their serological tests became negative at 15 and 21 months, respectively. In the remaining 3 whose serological tests were still positive at the end of the first year, obliteration of the cystic cavity was complete by 27, 33, and 45 months respectively. Of these 3 patients, the tests became negative at 30 and 52 months for the first 2 patients; the last patient is still serologically positive although we have not determined any findings related to the recurrence of the cyst. Conclusions. Omentoplasty is the preferred method in the surgical treatment of hepatic hydatidosis. However, we should keep the following facts in mind while following these patients with US: the technique can be insufficient, the obliteration of the residual cavity takes time and can be misdiagnosed as a recurrence, and ultrasonographic appearances can mimic some other diseases whether they are benign or malignant. Moreover, follow-up studies should be complemented with the serological tests. Thus, all these steps will minimize a misdiagnosis and unnecessary reoperations for hepatic hydatidosis.     

The reference point to measure the anterior intermeniscal ligament's thickness: an MRI study

The purpose of this study was to identify a reliable reference point for measuring anterior intermeniscal ligament thickness and to investigate the morphological characteristics of the ligament at its attachment site to anterior horns of both menisci by MRI. MRI was performed in 98 knees of randomly chosen patients. The anterior intermeniscal ligament was detected in 61 knees (62.2%). The average ligament length was 29.8 mm. Men had significantly longer anterior intermeniscal ligament than women patients (32.5 vs. 27.8 mm). The thickness of anterior intermeniscal ligaments at their attachment sites to menisci was usually less than 3 mm; a thickness of 3 mm or more at the attachment site to anterior horns of the meniscus was defined as "cordlike." It is suggested that the "cordlike" pattern is a variation of the anterior intermeniscal ligament's attachment characteristics, and that this might have a significant role in meniscal translations during knee motion, and also that the "cordlike" pattern could be clinically important with respect to its relationship to the anterior horn of medial meniscus. The attachment site of the ligament is a reliable reference point for measuring its thickness.     

Theory and Applications of Biotelemetry

In this study, biotelemetry and its evolution is explained in detail. Bioelectric and physiological variables could be measured by biotelemetry systems. The development of a biotelemetry system and its principal operation are presented. The components of a biotelemetry system are explained. Biomedical data has been telemetered through every medium between two sites by using a variety of modulated energy forms. Designing of the link between transmitter and receiver is described. Important factors in designing a backpack or implanted telemeter are explained. The main features of implanted biotelemetry units are determined. Single-channel and multichannel biotelemetry systems are defined. The types of telemetry, and a comparison thereof, are given. The power sources of biotelemetry systems and features of different power sources are explained. A survey of biotelemetry applications on humans and animals is presented and advantages of using biotelemetry systems are determined.