Microalbuminuria is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease independently of other cardiovascular risk factors

The potential early predictive value of microalbuminuria (MA) in the estimation of atherosclerosis and the relation between the degree of urinary albumin excretion and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) were investigated. Patients (n = 159) with stable angina pectoris and angiographically significant stenosis in at least 1 of the major coronary arteries were included. Microalbuminuria was measured by immunoturbidimetry. The extent of coronary artery stenosis was graded using the Gensini score. The Gensini score was significantly greater in patients who had MA. Also, the Gensini increased by 0.15 units with 1 unit increase in MA. In the groups who had diabetes mellitus and hypertension, there was no correlation between MA and Gensini score. The results of the present study suggest that MA is associated with the severity of CAD independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.     

Production of chlorine-containing functional group doped graphene powders using Yucel's method as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

In this study, the one-step electrochemical preparation of chlorine doped and chlorine-oxygen containing functional group doped graphene-based powders was carried out by Yucel''s method, with the resultant materials used as anode materials for lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Cl atoms and ClO_x (x = 2, 3 or 4) groups, confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, were covalently doped into the graphene powder network to increase the defect density in the graphene framework and improve the electrochemical performance of Li-ion batteries. The microscopic properties of the Cl-doped graphene powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. TEM analysis showed that the one-layer thickness of the graphene was approximately 0.33 nm. Raman spectroscopy analysis was carried out to determine the defect density of the graphene structures. The G peak obtained in the Raman spectra is related to the formation of sp² hybridized carbons in the graphene-based powders. The 2D peak seen in the spectra shows that the synthesized graphene-based powders have optically transparent structures. In addition, the number of sp² hybridized carbon rings was calculated to be 22, 19, and 38 for the Cl-GP1, Cl-GP2, and Cl-GOP samples, respectively. As a result of the charge/discharge tests of the electrodes as anodes in Li-ion batteries, Cl-GP2 exhibits the best electrochemical performance of 493 mA h g⁻¹ at a charge/discharge current density of 50 mA g⁻¹.

In this study, the one-step electrochemical preparation of chlorine doped and chlorine-oxygen containing functional group doped graphene-based powders was carried out by Yucel''s method, with the resultant materials used as anode materials for lithium (Li)-ion batteries.     

Coronary lesion type, location, and characteristics of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction in young adults under 35 years of age

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we attempted to analyze the coronary artery lesion characteristics of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in young patients (aged less than 35 years). METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed 25 038 coronary angiography procedures, which were carried out at The Baskent University Adana Hospital from 1998 to present, to discover acute STEMI in young patients. We studied clinical risk factors and angiographic characteristics in 42 consecutive patients who underwent primary coronary angiography for acute STEMI. Control group (n=42) had no history of coronary artery disease and had angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. All patients were under 35 years of age. Angiographic features for STEMI group were collected and both groups were compared for coronary risk factors. RESULTS: Male sex was more prevalent in acute STEMI group when compared with control participants (83 vs. 59%, respectively; P=0.01). A significant difference was found in cigarette smoking (62 vs. 36%, respectively; P=0.007) and family history (33 vs. 16%, respectively; P=0.03) between the two groups. No statistical significance was observed between the groups in terms of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 33+/-8 mg/dl in STEMI group and 39+/-12 mg/dl in control participants (P=0.02). Young patients with acute STEMI showed a preponderance of single-vessel disease (69%) and acute anterior STEMI (60%) owing to occluded left anterior descending artery (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We observed risk factors such as family history, smoking, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in young adults. Acute anterior STEMI owing to occluded left anterior descending artery was more frequent. Coronary atherosclerosis was characterized by higher presence of type B and proximal lesions. The handling selection was percutaneous coronary intervention in more than half of the patients.     

Is Endocan a Novel Diagnostic Marker for the Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants?

IntroductionEndocan levels were found to be associated with severity and mortality of the respiratory system diseases.ObjectiveWe aimed to figure out whether endocan was an important marker for the diagnosis, severity and follow-up of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Materials and methodsInfants with moderate/severe BPD, and who required hydrocortisone treatment were included in the study group. Infants without BPD were allocated in the control group. Endocan levels were compared between the control group and the study group, and before and after the treatment in the study group.ResultsA total of 148 infants, 74 infants in the control group and 74 infants in the BPD group, were included. The endocan level was higher in the BPD group than in the control group (P = .001). Endocan levels before treatment in the BPD group was found to be higher than endocan level after treatment (P = .021).ConclusionOur study found that endocan levels increased in moderate/severe BPD. Serum endocan levels may be a safe and novel indicator for the follow-up of response to treatment and the prognosis of the severity of the disease.     

Tarsal tunnel syndrome - the effect of the associated features on outcome of surgery

Between 1989 and 2000, 16 patients underwent surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome; 12 patients (13 feet) were available for follow-up at a mean of 83 (12-143) months. The symptoms had resolved in six feet, were improved in four, were unchanged in two and recurred after five years in one. Better results are obtained in patients who have space occupying lesions than in those in whom the aetiology is idiopathic or post-traumatic or those with foot deformities.     

Psoas abscess as a complication of pyogenic sacroiliitis: report of a case

A psoas abscess is, either primary or secondary, a rare entity for a general surgeon. Images by ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) can help a general surgeon to make an accurate diagnosis when encountering the patient complaining of unilateral lower abdominal deep pain with fever. A case of pyogenic abscess of the psoas muscle as a result of sacroiliitis in a 22-year-old man is reported herein. The abdominal CT and magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated a large multilocular abscess extending along the iliopsoas muscle, and erosion and a widening of the left sacroiliac joint. The abscess was drained with an open surgical approach and the patient responded well to antibiotic therapy. Aggressive surgical and medical treatment is necessary in patients with psoas abscess to prevent complications. Received: March 5, 2001 / Accepted: November 20, 2001     

Effects of the electromagnetic field of mobile telephones on hearing

The widespread use of mobile telephones has given rise to concern about the potential influences of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human health. Anatomically, the ear is in close proximity to the mobile telephone during use. Hearing loss due to mobile telephone use has not been described in the medical literature; however, if there is a subtle cochlear involvement, it might be detected by means of changes in evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Thirty volunteers with normal hearing were exposed to mobile telephone EMFs for 10 min and evoked OAEs were measured before and after exposure. No measurable change in evoked OAEs was detected and none of the subjects reported a deterioration in hearing level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the effects of EMFs emitted by mobile telephones on hearing. It was concluded that a 10-min exposure to the EMF emitted from a mobile telephone had no effect on hearing, at least at outer ear, middle ear and cochlear levels.