Effect of the menstrual cycle on intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty patients

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of menstrual cycle phase on intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty patients. One hundred seven female patients grouped as G1 (perimenstrual) and G2 (periovulatory) according to menstrual cycle were included in this study. Intraoperative blood loss was compared using the t test. Fifty-two of the patients were in G1 and 49 were in G2 group. Operative surgeons, presence of additional interventions, and operation duration did not differ among the groups. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 69.0 ± 24.6 ml in G1 and 80.4 ± 27.7 ml in G2. The blood loss difference between the two groups was statistically significant. This study demonstrated that perioperative blood loss is higher in patients operated on during the periovulatory phase. This increase does not seem to create difficulty during the operation or to have an impact on the outcome. Nevertheless, this might be reflected in more pronounced ecchymosis in the early postoperative phase.     

Wavelet transform in the time-frequency analysis of patients with articulation disorders.

Spectral analysis of the human voice is a frequently used digital analysis method in the diagnosis, the planning and follow-up of the treatment of speech disorders. In the classical spectral analysis method, the principals of Joseph Fourier are used. This is called "Fourier Transform" and it accepts that all signals are formed of the synthesis of many sinuso?dal formed signals. In recent years a new transform method called "wavelet transform" accepts the complex signals formed of small signal particles called "wavelets" and it is considered that this transform will solve the documented problems of the "Fourier Transform". By using the appropriate wavelet, this transform can be used as an alternative to the Fourier transform. In this study, the patients with an articulation disorder of the "s" sound were evaluated before and after the phoniatric reeducation by using both the transform methods, and the results obtained are discussed.     

A very rare consequence of steroid therapy: ileal perforation in a patient with familial mediterranean fever

Intestinal perforation rarely occurs in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). When this does happen, it is the result of untreated intestinal obstruction caused by compression from peritoneal adhesions. Intestinal perforation is a well-known complication of steroid therapy in all ages. The duodenum is affected most frequently, but perforation may also occur in other parts of the small intestine and, very rarely, the colon. Intestinal wall changes that occur in chronic FMF may promote the harmful effects of steroids. Here we present an unexpected complication, ileal perforation, in an 8-year-old boy who was taking prednisolone for FMF-related arthritis.     

Primary oral cancer in a Turkish population sample: association with sociodemographic features, smoking, alcohol, diet and dentition

The aim of this multicentre case-control study was to investigate the association of a variety of factors with oral cancer in a group of Turkish patients. Questionnaires were used to investigate the sociodemographic features, smoking and alcohol consumptions, dietary habits and dental status of 79 primary oral cancer patients and 61 controls. Data were statistically analysed with Mann–Whitney U-test, Pearson Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses to determine the odds ratios. Low level of education, gender, dietary habits, having poor oral hygiene and denture sores were associated with primary oral cancer in this patient sample; but eating salads and raw vegetables, fish, and drinking red wine were related with healthy status. Determination of the factors associated with oral cancer and of the high-risk groups would be beneficial to provide efficient screening protocols and prevention programmes for oral cavity cancers.     

Hard tissue augmentation of the mandibular region with hydroxyapatite granules

Interventions in the maxillofacial region for either reconstructive or esthetic reasons may sometimes necessitate the augmentation of hard tissues. Although autogenous bone grafts are the first choice, donor site morbidity and difficulties in shaping make alloplastic implants another reliable alternative. Among the alloplastic implants, hydroxyapatite granules, with their high biocompatibility, are a good choice. In a total of 11 patients presenting with mandibular deformities between 1998 and 2002, contour enhancement was performed with the use of hydroxyapatite granules, with a porous structure of 200 microm obtained in prefabricated syringes of 0.8 ml. Follow-up ranging from 3 to 46 months has revealed that the desired contours were established without any significant volume loss. No complications regarding the use of hydroxyapatite granules were encountered. Hydroxyapatite granules heal by allowing fibrovascular tissue ingrowth, do not cause foreign body reactions, and offer ease in use and shaping. These advantages make them a comfortable and reliable choice in maxillofacial hard tissue augmentation procedures in general and in mandibular deformity corrections in particular.     

A tale of two countries: environmental impacts on social participation after spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN: Comparative analysis of survey data produced in two countries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the degree to which environmental barriers impact social participation, and to identify the aspects of participation most affected. SETTING: Community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury in the USA and Turkey. METHODS: Subjects completed the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score, the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF), and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART). Analysis of co-variance was used to analyze CHIEF and CHART differences within and between country. RESULTS: US subjects reported higher participation scores (CHART) and lower barriers (CHIEF), however, when controls for age, gender, time since injury and motor ability (FIM) were applied, country differences in reports of barriers were limited. Motor ability was the major predictor of participation, which was minimally affected by barriers. CONCLUSION: Conceptualization and measurement issues may have been the reason for the minimal support for the hypothesis that environment affects participation. Suggestions for future research are made. SPONSORSHIP: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.