Negative serology: could exclude the diagnosis of brucellosis?

Two cases of brucellar spondylodiscitis of the lumbar area were presented. Although both cases showed typical radiological changes, serological tests could not detect Brucella agglutinating antibodies. One of the patients was bacteremic and Brucella spp. was identified from blood culture. In the second patient needle biopsy was required for definite diagnosis. Although small, serologic tests have a certain rate of false negative results in brucellosis. Thus, a negative serology should not exclude the diagnosis of brucellosis, as it is demonstrated in the current cases.     

David's procedure for pulmonary artery aneurysm

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare entity with fatal complications. Its silent course contributes to large aneurysms with compression symptoms. We present a 39-year-old female idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patient with a giant PAA causing severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and symptomatic left main coronary artery compression (LMCA). Since she had a failed LMCA stenting attempt, she underwent surgery. A valve-sparing David-like pulmonary trunk reconstruction and coronary artery bypass were performed. This case illustrates that David-like reconstruction procedure can be applied to the PAA with severe PR.     

兴趣在大学生学习中的作用与培养

在大学教学和学习中,学习兴趣是引导学生追求知识的最关键非智力因素之一,兴趣在目前的教育教学中受到越来越多的重视。本文主要论述了兴趣在大学生学习生活中的作用、个人应如何对待自身的兴趣以及作为教育工作者该如何引导和培养学生的学习兴趣,从而改善学习效果。     

In Her Own Words: Living with Urinary Incontinence in Sexual Life

Urinary incontinence (UI) is an extremely private, disturbing health issue with negative sexual effects for women. The aim of this study was to identify the feelings and experiences of women with UI effects on their sexual lives through a qualitative research method. Twelve Turkish women participated in this study. The mean age of them was 47.08 ± 6.12. Data was collected using both a demographic data form and a semi-structured interview form. Interview form was performed open-ended items which were designed to gather data on the experiences in sexual life, thoughts and perceptions of the participants about the impacts of UI on their sexual lives. Data was analysed by Colaizzi’s analysis method. The findings that attempt to describe how women with UI live their sexuality were presented under four themes such as experiences of women when the symptoms first occurred, feelings, negative effects on sexual functioning, behavior for coping with UI. Seven of the women described the feeling that the involuntary UI caused during sexual intercourse as “shameful.” The women reported that UI or the feeling of embarrassment during sexual intercourse has led to an inability to enjoy sexual intercourse by causing loss of sexual desire (five women), not having sexual intercourse (three women), and distraction (two women). There should be high degree awareness for UI and its sexual effects, not only by women but also by the healthcare staffs.     

Aphasia: an early uncommon complication of ovarian stimulation without ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Thromboembolic disease associated with assisted reproductive techniques is extremely rare. A 21-year-old woman with primary infertility underwent an ovulation induction cycle with luteal long protocol. Twenty-four hours following oocyte retrieval, the patient complained of difficulty in speaking. On neurological examination, mild disorientation, motor aphasia, and right-sided hypoesthesia were noted. Brain computed tomography scanning without contrast revealed left parietal lob infarct. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI angiography (MRA) and perfusion MRI demonstrated an occlusion of the posterior division of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Physical, ultrasound examinations and laboratory test evaluation failed to reveal ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Except for ovarian stimulation, no additional risk factors for stroke were shown. Following anticoagulation and speech therapy, the patient recovered completely within eight months. One year after the left MCA thrombosis, she conceived spontaneously and had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery of a live male infant weighing 2900 g at 38 weeks gestation. This case supports that ovulation induction and assisted reproductive techniques may be a newly recognized cause of cerebral infarction in otherwise healthy women.     

Women's perceptions of caesarean section: reflections from a Turkish teaching hospital

Caesarean section as a contentious topic has attracted attention world-wide and different dimensions of the issue has been investigated. The primary reason behind these initiatives have been the upsurge of caesarean sections both in the developed and developing world and the realisation that the operation may not always contribute positively to the mother's and baby's health. By contrast, several studies have demonstrated both the short and long term negative effects. Research has also revealed that factors other than medical necessity play an important role in the decision to perform a caesarean section. Turkey, although reliable data does not exist, can be classified among the countries experiencing the caesarean epidemic, at least among highly educated and wealthy mothers. This research, exploring the perceptions of mothers in a teaching hospital with a high caesarean rate, is a rare example of its kind in Turkey. The main finding is the dissatisfaction of the mothers undergoing caesareans during their stay in the hospital.     

Why and how should multiple pregnancies be prevented in assisted reproduction treatment programmes?

Although most professional societies have issued guidelines to diminish the number of embryos to be transferred during assisted reproductive techniques, the incidence of multiple pregnancies remains unacceptably high. The burden of morbidity and mortality seems to increase substantially with each fetus in a multiple gestation. As a result, there has been growing debate on the need to prevent multiple pregnancies. The infertility specialists who can solve the infertility problem are usually shielded from the complications of multiple pregnancies. If they were involved in the delivery and, more particularly in the care of multiple pregnancies (both financially and socially), their attitude would probably change. IVF centres should gradually reduce the mean number of embryos per transfer in terms of the cost:benefit ratio. A further reduction to one single embryo per transfer in good cases would be similarly acceptable. Laboratory expertise is of vital importance, especially in terms of embryo culture, embryo selection, and freezing and thawing techniques in embryo transfer programmes for reducing the number of transferred embryos.