RESUMEN: El foramen magno (FM) es el componente clave de la unión craneovertebral, que conecta el tronco encefálico y el bulbo raquídeo y está estrechamente relacionado con las estructuras vitales. Las dimensiones FM son de gran importancia clínica. Teniendo en cuenta la similitud de forma entre FM y órbitas, consideramos que podría haber una relación entre las longitudes (diámetro sagital) y las anchuras (diámetro transversal) de estas estructuras. Dado que no es posible llegar al FM directamente, establecimos nuestra hipótesis y calculamos las dimensiones del foramen magno a partir de mediciones orbitales antes de proceder a costosas pruebas. También investigamos esta armonía en los cráneos que usamos en el estudio. En el estudio, se utilizaron 21 huesos de cráneo secos de la población turca. Se realizaron mediciones FM y de longitud y anchura orbitales. Para las mediciones se utilizó un calibrador digital de precisión. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos de validez y confiabilidad para probar la concordancia entre las mediciones. Encontramos que la longitud de la órbita y FM en el plano sagital es cercana entre sí, con 34,74±2,11 mm y 34,99±3,0 mm, y el ancho de la órbita en el plano coronal es aproximadamente 1,40 veces el ancho de la FM. Demostramos que la estimación de las dimensiones FM basadas en mediciones orbitales también es estadísticamente válida y segura. Empleando mediciones orbitales, es posible estimar dimensiones FM que son difíciles de alcanzar directamente en humanos vivos.

SUMMARY: The foramen magnum (FM) is the key component of the craniovertebral junction, which connects the brain stem and medulla spinalis and is closely related to vital structures. FM dimensions are of great clinical importance. Considering the similarity in shape between FM and orbita, we thought that there might be a relationship between the lengths (sagittal diameter) and widths (transverse diameter) of these structures. Since it is not possible to reach FM directly, we set up our hypothesis as can we calculate the foramen magnum dimensions from orbital measurements before proceeding to costly tests. We also investigated this harmony in the skulls we used in the study. In the study, 21 dried skull bones from the Turkish population were used. FM and right Orbital length and width measurements were made. Precision digital caliper was used for measurements. Statistical validity and reliability analyzes were performed to prove the agreement between the measurements. We found that the length of the orbit and FM in the sagittal plane is close to each other, with 34.74±2.11 mm and 34.99±3.0 mm, and the width of the orbit in the coronal plane is approximately 1.40 times the width of the FM. We proved that the estimation of FM dimensions based on orbital measurements is also statistically valid and safe. Using orbital measurements, it is possible to estimate FM dimensions which are difficult to reach directly in living humans.

RESUMEN Introducción: Con frecuencia se registran niveles elevados de ácido úrico en receptores de trasplantes renales que pueden estar asociados a disfunción de aloinjerto. El presente estudio tiene por objeto examinar la relación entre los niveles de AU y la función del injerto en pacientes que interrumpieron la terapia con esteroides. Métodos: En este estudio retrospectivo en un solo centro participaron 56 pacientes con interrupción de la terapia con esteroides de un total de 678 pacientes con TR receptores de trasplante de donantes vivos en el período 1999-2020. La edad promedio de la población de estudio fue de 45,8 ± 8,8 años. En el estudio se registraron causas de la interrupción de la terapia con esteroides, niveles de creatinina concurrentes con niveles de ácido úrico antes y después de la interrupción de la terapia con esteroides (promedio de 3,9 ± 2,1 años), números de rechazo agudo, datos demográficos, duraciones del período de diálisis y trasplante, medicación (uso de inmunosupresores, antihipertensivos), datos de laboratorio, números de desajuste del antígeno leucocitario humano (HLA), presión arterial (PA), índice de masa corporal, números de rechazo agudo retardado (DAR) (3 meses después del trasplante). Resultados: Se observó que los niveles de creatinina y ácido úrico aumentaron tras interrumpir la administración de esteroides, con una relación significativa entre ambos (p<0,001). Se identificó una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre el aumento en los niveles de creatinina tras la interrupción de la terapia de esteroides y la supervivencia del injerto con un mayor desajuste de HLA: 39 pacientes (el 69,6%) con desajuste ≥2 y 17 (el 30,4%) pacientes con desajuste <2 (p=0,049). No se encontró una relación significativa entre el número de DAR antes y después de la interrupción del tratamiento con esteroides, así como en los niveles de creatinina tras la interrupción de la terapia con esteroides. Conclusión: De acuerdo con el modelo obtenido como resultado del análisis lineal multivariable, la hiperuricemia y los números de desajuste de HLA (p=0,048 y p=0,044, respectivamente) constituyen factores predictivos independientes para la disfunción del injerto en pacientes que interrumpen la terapia con esteroides. En consecuencia, se deben tener en cuenta los efectos negativos del modelado para la supervivencia del injerto a largo plazo en pacientes que planean proseguir con regímenes con reducción de la administración esteroides.

ABSTRACT Introduction: High uric acid levels are commonly encountered in kidney transplant recipients, and can be associated with allograft dysfunction. Our study aims to examine the relationship between UA levels and graft function in patients discontinuing steroids. Methods: In this single-center-retrospective study, 56 patients discontinued steroid therapy from among 678 RT patients transplanted from living donors between 1999-2020 were included. The mean age of the study group was 45.8±8.8 years. Causes of steroid discontinuation, creatinine levels concurrent with uric acid levels before and after steroid discontinuation (mean 3.9 ± 2.1 years), acute rejection numbers, demographics, durations of dialysis and transplantation, medications, laboratory data, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch numbers, blood-pressure (BP), body mass index, delayed acute rejection (DAR) numbers (3 months post-transplantation) were all recorded. Results: Creatinine and uric acid levels were seen to have increased after steroid discontinuation, there was a significant relationship between them (p<0.001). Statistically significant correlation was found between increased creatinine levels after steroid discontinuation and graft survival with higher HLA mismatch; 39 (69.6%) patients with mismatch ≥2, and 17 patients with mismatch <2 (30.4%) (p=0.049) . No significant relationship was found between DAR numbers before and after steroid discontinuation, and creatinine levels after steroid discontinuation. Conclusion: Per model obtained as a result of multivariate linear analysis, hyperuricemia and HLA mismatch numbers (p= 0.048 and p= 0.044, respectively) are independent predictive factors for graft dysfunction in patients discontinuing steroids. Accordingly, negative effects of modeling should be kept in mind for long-term graft survival in patients who plan to continue with steroid-sparing regimens.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study was conducted at Ataturk University Medical Faculty Hospital, Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, from June 2022 to May 2023. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, quadratus lumborum block, and intrathecal morphine to decrease postoperative pain after cesarean section. METHODS: Sixty-term pregnant women who were scheduled for elective cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia were included. Patients were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 for each group): Group 1: Patients were administered intrathecal morphine during spinal anesthesia; Group 2: Patients performed bilateral erector spinae plane block postoperatively; and Group 3: Patients performed bilateral quadratus lumborum block postoperatively. In the postpartum care unit, patients received intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia. The Patient-Controlled Analgesia devices were set to administer an intravenous bolus of 25 μg fentanyl, with a lockout interval of 10 min. Opioid consumption and maximum pain score in the 24 postoperative hours were recorded. RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 had a longer time to first analgesic requirement compared to Group 2 (p=0.017). Opioid consumption and resting and moving visual analog score scores in the first 24 h postoperatively were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: All three methods, including intrathecal morphine, erector spinae plane block, and quadratus lumborum block, are efficacious and comparable in providing postoperative analgesia after cesarean under spinal anesthesia.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate physical properties such as color changes after weathering and water absorption (WA) levels, and combustion performance of borates-impregnated and LG-coated Oriental beech wood. Results showed that borates impregnated and LG-coated Oriental beech wood showed positive lightness stability after weathering. The best color stabilization was obtained with LG-coated Oriental beech. Except for the 1 h WA period, LG did not show a water repellent effect after the water absorption test. Borates impregnation before LG-coating caused to decrease in weight loss of Oriental beech after the combustion test. Moreover, the lowest weight losses were obtained in borate impregnated Oriental beech wood.

ABSTRACT Background: Thymolipoma is a rare benign tumour of the mediastinum, accounting for 2%–9% of all thymic tumours. Although many case reports have been published in the literature, few studies have analysed the clinical and radiological features and the surgical outcomes of this tumour. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological features and the surgical outcomes of the patients with thymolipoma. Methods: We reviewed the records of the Pathology Department from the beginning of 2005 to the end of 2013. Results: We identified 11 patients with thymolipoma. There were eight male and three female patients. Their ages ranged from 27 to 72 years, with the mean age of 40 years. All patients described pulmonary or extrapulmonary symptoms. Two patients (18.2%) had myasthenia gravis. Chest X-ray was normal in four patients. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed a mass located in the anterior mediastinum in all patients. It showed fat attenuation in 4 of 11 patients (36.4%). Thymectomy was performed in all patients. The surgical approach was thoracotomy in five, sternotomy in four and video-assisted thoracic surgery in two patients. Thymolipomas ranged in size from 4 to 33 cm. One patient died 2 years after surgery. None of the remaining patients had evidence of recurrence on follow-up. Conclusion: Thymolipoma is a rare tumour of the thymus. It may be associated with myasthenia gravis. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice in the patients with thymolipoma. Complete surgical resection is the cure in most patients.

Resumo Justificativa O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os efeitos do tabagismo pré-operatório e o nível de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado sobre complicações respiratórias perioperatórias em pacientes submetidos a colecistectomias laparoscópicas eletivas. Métodos No total, 152 pacientes (Grupo F: fumantes; Grupo NF: não fumantes) submetidos a colecistectomias laparoscópicas sob anestesia geral foram avaliados. Os pacientes completaram o Teste para Dependência de Nicotina de Fagerstrom. Os níveis pré-operatórios de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado foram determinados usando o piCO + Smokerlyzer 12 h antes da cirurgia. As complicações respiratórias foram registradas durante a indução da anestesia, no intraoperatório, durante a extubação e na sala de recuperação. Resultados Aumentos estatisticamente significativos foram observados no Grupo F em relação à incidência de hipóxia durante a indução da anestesia, broncoespasmo intraoperatório, tratamento broncodilatador intraoperatório e broncoespasmo durante a extubação. O nível de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado, o Teste para Dependência de Nicotina de Fagerstrom e o número de cigarros fumados em 12 h no pré-operatório foram designados como covariáveis no modelo de regressão. A análise de regressão logística da indução anestésica mostrou que um aumento de uma unidade no nível de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado foi associado a um aumento de 1,16 vez do risco de hipóxia (OR = 1,16; IC de 95% 1,01–1,34; p = 0,038). A análise de regressão logística do período intraoperatório mostrou que um aumento de uma unidade no número de cigarros fumados em 12 h no pré-operatório foi associado a um aumento de 1,16 vez no risco de broncoespasmo (OR = 1,16; IC de 95% 1,04–1,30, p = 0,007). Enquanto na sala de recuperação, um aumento de uma unidade no escore do Teste para Dependência de Nicotina de Fagerstrom resultou em um aumento de 1,73 vez no risco de broncoespasmo (OR = 1,73; IC de 95% 1,04–2,88; p = 0,036). Conclusões O tabagismo mostrou aumentar a incidência de complicações respiratórias intraoperatórias sob anestesia geral. Além disso, o nível estimado de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado no pré-operatório pode servir como um indicador do risco em potencial de complicações respiratórias perioperatórias.

Abstract Background The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of preoperative cigarette smoking and the carbon monoxide level in the exhaled breath on perioperative respiratory complications in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Methods One hundred and fifty two patients (smokers, Group S and non-smokers, Group NS), who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomies under general anesthesia, were studied. Patients completed the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. The preoperative carbon monoxide level in the exhaled breath levels were determined using the piCO+ Smokerlyzer 12 h before surgery. Respiratory complications were recorded during induction of anesthesia, intraoperatively, during extubation, and in the recovery room. Results Statistically significant increases were noted in group S with respect to the incidence of hypoxia during induction of anesthesia, intraoperative bronchospasm, bronchodilator treatment intraoperatively, and bronchospasm during extubation. The carbon monoxide level in the exhaled breath and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and number of cigarettes smoked 12 h preoperatively were designated as covariates in the regression model. Logistic regression analysis of anesthetic induction showed that a 1 unit increase in the carbon monoxide level in the exhaled breath level was associated with a 1.16 fold increase in the risk of hypoxia (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.01–1.34; p = 0.038). Logistic regression analysis of the intraoperative course showed that a 1 unit increase in the number of cigarettes smoked 12 h preoperatively was associated with a 1.16 fold increase in the risk of bronchospasm (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.04–1.30; p = 0.007). While in the recovery room, a 1 unit increase in the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence score resulted in a 1.73 fold increase in the risk of bronchospasm (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.04–2.88; p = 0.036). Conclusions Cigarette smoking was shown to increase the incidence of intraoperative respiratory complications while under general anesthesia. Moreover, the estimated preoperative carbon monoxide level in the exhaled breath level may serve as an indicator of the potential risk of perioperative respiratory complications.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the place of the transcription factor nuclear kappa B (NF-kB), which is a marker of chronic inflammation, in the etiology of the ovarian carcinoma. Methods: NFkB analysis with the immunohistochemical method has been performed. To evaluate immunohistochemical NF-kB expression in the ovarian tissue, the H-score method. H-score = ∑ Pi (i+1), where ‘‘Pi’’ is the percentage of stained cells in each intensity category (0-100%) and ‘‘i’’ is the intensity indicating weak (i=1), moderate (i=2) or strong staining (i=3). Results: It has been seen that, the mean H score is statistically significantly higher in the patient group with serous and musinous adenocarcinoma diagnosis than the two other patient groups (p<0.005). Conclusions: Factor nuclear kappa B is an important mediator that acts in the chronic inflammation. The highest expression rates are determined by the immunohistochemical method in the ovarian cancer group.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: Comparamos a eficácia da administração de paracetamol versus dipirona em analgesia controlada pelo paciente (PCA) por via intravenosa (IV) para alívio da dor no período pós-operatório em crianças. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi composto por 120 crianças submetidas à tonsilectomia sob anestesia geral. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a dose IV de analgesia controlada pelo paciente no pós-operatório: paracetamol, dipirona ou placebo. A dor foi avaliada com uma escala visual analógica de 0-100 mm e escore de 1-4 para alívio da dor nos tempos de 30 minutos, uma, duas, quatro, seis, 12 e 24 horas de pós-operatório. Petidina (0,25 mg kg-1) foi administrada IV aos pacientes que precisaram de analgesia de resgate. A necessidade de petidina foi registrada durante as primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório e os efeitos adversos relacionados ao tratamento foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Os escores da escala visual analógica no pós-operatório foram significativamente menores no grupo paracetamol em comparação com o grupo placebo em seis horas (p < 0,05) e no grupo dipirona em comparação com o grupo placebo em 30 minutos e seis horas (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa em relação aos valores da escala visual analógica nos tempos avaliados de uma, duas, quatro, 12 e 24 horas. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto ao escore de alívio da dor (p > 0,05). A necessidade de petidina foi significativamente menor nos grupos paracetamol e dipirona em comparação com o grupo placebo (62,5%, 68,4% vs. 90%, p < 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à incidência de náusea, vômito e outros efeitos adversos dos medicamentos (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Paracetamol e dipirona têm um perfil de boa tolerabilidade e propriedades analgésicas eficazes quando administrados IV para ACP no pós-operatório de crianças após tonsilectomia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We compared the efficacy of intravenous (IV) paracetamol versus dipyrone via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for postoperative pain relief in children. METHODS: The study was composed of 120 children who had undergone elective tonsillectomy after receiving general anesthesia. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the dosage of postoperative intravenous-patient-controlled analgesia: paracetamol, dipyrone, or placebo. Pain was evaluated using a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale and 1- to 4-pain relief score at 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. Pethidine (0.25 mg kg-1) was administered intravenously to patients requiring rescue analgesia. Pethidine requirements were recorded during the first 24 h postoperatively, and treatment related adverse effects were noted. RESULTS: Postoperative visual analog scale scores were significantly lower with paracetamol group compared with placebo group at 6 h (p < 0.05), dipyrone group compared with placebo group at 30 min and 6 h (p < 0.05). No significant differences regarding visual analog scale values at 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 h were found. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to pain relief score (p > 0.05). Postoperative pethidine requirements were significantly lower with paracetamol and dipyrone groups compared with placebo group (62.5%, 68.4% vs 90%, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups with respect to nausea, vomiting and the any other adverse effects of the drugs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Paracetamol and dipyrone have well tolerability profile and effective analgesic properties when administered IV-PCA for postoperative analgesia in children after tonsillectomy.

Justificativa e objetivo: os medicamentos administrados por via intravenosa podem ser contaminados durante as várias fases de produção ou preparação. Sugamadex é uma gama-ciclodextrina modificada. Embora muitas pesquisas sobre os efeitos antibacterianos de uma variedade de ciclodextrinas estejam disponíveis, não há estudos dos efeitos antibacterianos de sugamadex. Este estudo investigou a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de sugamadex. Materiais e métodos: a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de sugamadex foi investigada pelo método de microdiluição em meio de cultura. O pH da solução de ensaio foi determinado com o uso de um medidor de pH. Os microrganismos-teste analisados incluíram Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus fecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Na segunda fase do estudo, 100 mg/mL de sugamadex (50 μg) foram contaminados com microrganismos-teste (50 μg), incluindo S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. fecalis ATCC 29212, E. coli ATCC 25922 e P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, incubados por 24 horas e, em seguida, a produção bacteriana foi avaliada. Resultados: o pH das soluções da análise variaram entre 7,25 e 6,97. Com o uso do método de microdiluição, sugamadex não apresentou efeito antibacteriano contra S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli e P. aeruginosa em qualquer concentração. Na segunda fase do estudo, a produção bacteriana foi observada após 24 horas em 100 mg/mL de sugamadex contaminados com os microrganismos-teste S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli e P. aeruginosa.

Background: Drugs administered by intravenous routes may be contaminated during several stages of production or preparation. Sugammadex is a modified gamma cyclodextrin. While research into the antibacterial effects of varieties of cyclodextrin is available, there are no studies focusing on the antibacterial effects of sugammadex. This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sugammadex. Materials and methods: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of sugammadex was investigated using the broth microdilution method. The pH of the test solution was determined using a pH meter. The test microorganisms included Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus fecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. In the second phase of the study 100 mg/mL sugammadex (50 μg) was contaminated with test microorganisms (50 μg), including S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. fecalis ATCC 29212, E. coli ATCC 25922 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, left to incubate for 24 h and then the bacterial production in sugammadex was evaluated. Results: The pH of the test solutions ranged between 7.25 and 6.97. Using the microdilution method, sugammadex had no antibacterial effect on S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa at any concentration. In the second phase of the study bacterial production was observed after 24 h in 100 mg/mL sugammadex contaminated with the test microorganisms S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: Sugammadex had no antimicrobial effect on the test microorganisms, S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Care should be taken that sterile conditions are maintained in the preparation of sugammadex; that the same sugammadex preparation not be used for more than one patient; and that storage conditions are adhered to after sugammadex is put into the injector.

Justificación y objetivo: Los medicamentos administrados por vía intravenosa pueden ser contaminados durante las diversas fases de producción o preparación. El sugammadex es una gamaciclodextrina modificada. Aunque estén disponibles muchas investigaciones sobre los efectos antibacterianos de una variedad de ciclodextrinas, no existen estudios de los efectos antibacterianos del sugammadex. Este estudio investigó la actividad antimicrobiana in vitro del sugammadex. Materiales y métodos: La actividad antimicrobiana in vitro del sugammadex fue investigada por el método de microdilución en medio de cultivo. El pH de la solución de ensayo fue determinado usando un medidor de pH. Los microorganismos testados analizados incluyeron Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 29213), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 25922) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (ATCC 27853). En la segunda fase del estudio, se contaminaron 100 mg/mL de sugammadex (50 µg) con microorganismos testados (50 µg), incluyendo S. aureus (ATCC 29213), E. faecalis (ATCC 29212), E. coli (ATCC 25922) y P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), incubados durante 24 h e inmediatamente se calculóla producción bacteriana. Resultados: El pH de las soluciones del análisis varió entre 7,25 y 6,97. Usando el métodode microdilución, el sugammadex no tuvo ningún efecto antibacteriano contra S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y P. aeruginosa en ninguna concentración. En la segunda fase del estudio, la producción bacteriana fue observada después de 24 h en 100 mg/mL de sugammadex contaminados con los microorganismos testados S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y P. aeruginosa. Conclusiones: El sugammadex no presentó ningún efecto antimicrobiano sobre los microorganismos testados S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y P. aeruginosa. Se debe tener cuidado de que las condiciones estériles se mantengan en la preparación del sugammadex, de que la misma preparación de sugammadex no se use en más de un paciente y de que las condiciones de almacenaje se respeten después de la colocación del sugammadex en un inyector.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy in an intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To assess indicators of improved survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 64 consecutive trauma patients (penetrating and blunt trauma and burns) who underwent haemodialysis (HD) over a period of 5 years. Information on pre-hospital and in-hospital resuscitation, trauma scores and physiological scores and daily ICU records were collected. The majority of the patients were dialysed with continuous venovenous haemofiltration in the early years of the study and later with sustained low-efficiency dialysis. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients 47 died, giving an overall mortality rate of 73%. Mortality was highest in the burns patients (84%). Survival in all patients, irrespective of injury, was unrelated to the Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score or Trauma Injury Severity Score. The duration of HD did not differ significantly between the three trauma groups, and age was not a significant predictor of survival. Patients who were polyuric at the time of the initiation of HD had a lower mortality rate than those who were oliguric, anuric or normouric, although this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Acute renal failure in trauma patients is associated with a low survival rate. Controversial conclusions have been presented in the literature. In this study, none of the parameters previously reported to affect survival proved to be valid, although the number of patients was comparable with those in other studies. Since understanding of the predictors and course of renal failure in trauma patients is still at an early stage, there is a need for multicentre prospective studies.

AIM: To study the correlation of nasal Staphylococcus aureus carrier status in patients on haemodialysis, infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and their sociodemographic features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A survey, including patients ' sociodemographic features, was applied to patients by physicians in face to face interviews. Medical records regarding their serologic data were recorded from haemodialysis centres. Nasal swab samples of 2 cm depth from both nostrils of patients were obtained for nasal culture. Samples were inoculated in 5% sheep blood agar and incubated in an incubator at a temperature of 37ºCfor 24 hours. The results were studied by the same microbiologist. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were enrolled in the study. According to culture results, 14.1% of patients (n = 26) had methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 1.1% (n = 2) had methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Status of viral hepatitis was 3.8% (n = 8), 10.8% (n = 20) for HBV and HCV, respectively. Forty per cent (n = 8) of patients with HBV (+) had MSSA carrier status. Statistically significant positive correlation between MSSA and HCV carrier was detected (r = 0.325, p = 0.001) but not between HBV carrier and MSSA (p = 0.255). CONCLUSION: In the present study, significant positivity was detected between MSSA carrier status and HCV in patients on haemodialysis and who have lived together with < 2 family members at home. Particularly, statistically significant correlation between HCV (+) and MSSA carrier was observed.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la correlación entre el portador del Estafilococo dorado (Staphylococcus aureus) nasal en pacientes de hemodiálisis infectados por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB), y sus caracterÃsticas sociodemográficas. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Una encuesta que incluÃa caracterÃsticas sociodemográficas de los pacientes fue aplicada a pacientes por médicos en entrevistas cara a cara. Historias clÃnicas contentivas de sus datos serológicos, fueron registradas a partir de los centros de hemodiálisis. Muestras defrotis nasales de 2 cm de profundidad de ambas fosas nasales, fueron obtenidas para un cultivo nasal. Se inocularon muestras en agar de sangre de oveja al 5%, e incubadas en una incubadora a una temperatura de 37ºC por 24 horas. Los resultados fueron examinados por el mismo microbiólogo. RESULTADOS: Un total de 185 pacientes fueron enrolados en el estudio. Según los resultados del cultivo, 14.1% pacientes (n = 26) tenÃan estafilococo dorado sensible a la meticilina (MSSA) y 1.1% (n = 2) tenÃan estafilococo dorado resistente a la meticilina (MRSA). El estatus de las hepatitis virales fue 3.8% (n = 8), y 10.8% (n = 20) para HVB y HVC respectivamente. Cuarentapor ciento (n = 8) de los pacientes con HVB (+) eran portadores del MSSA. EstadÃsticamente, se detectó una correlación positiva significativa (r = 0.325, p = 0.001), entre MSSA y el portador de VHC, no asà entre el portador del VHByMSSA (p = 0.255). CONCLUSIÓN: En el estudio presente, se detectó una positividad significativa entre el estatus de; portador de MSSA y los pacientes de VHC en hemodiálisis, que vivÃan junto con [= dos o menos de dos] miembros de la familia en casa. En particular, se observó una correlación estadÃsticamente significativa entre HCV (+) y el portador MSSA.

We aimed to evaluate the relevant methods of stereology to estimate hemicerebellar asymmetry according to sex in both adult right handed vertigo cases and comparing with healthy cases. The study included 14 adult control subjects and 18 patients with vertigo. The volumes of the cerebellar hemispheres were determined by MRI using the point-counting approach of stereological methods. The mean (±SD) of the right cerebellar hemispheres in the patients with vertigo were 52.49±5.42 cm3 in males, 50.11±4.02 cm3 in females. The mean (±SD) of the left cerebellar hemispheres in the patients with vertigo were 53.11±3.70 cm3 in males, 49.73±4.69 cm3 in females. There was not significant quantitative evidence detected in terms of cerebella asymmetry between sagittal plane estimates in the cases with vertigo in both genders (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences according to the genders between both vertigo and control subjects (p>0.05). There was only statistical significance between right and left hemispheres in male control subjects (p=0.039). There was no cerebella asymmetry between control and vertigo cases according to genders. The stereological evaluation of cerebella asymmetry or atrophy in humans correlate with gender is of importance for both clinicians and anatomists. The technique is simple, reliable, inexpensive and unbiased.

Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los métodos relevantes de estereología para estimar la asimetría hemicerebellar según el género, tanto en adultos diestros, casos de vértigo y al compararlos con casos control. El estudio incluyó a 14 sujetos adultos como control y 18 pacientes con vértigo. Los volúmenes de los hemisferios del cerebelo se determinaron en la RM utilizando el recuento de los puntos del método de estereología. La media (± DE) de los hemisferios derecho del cerebelo en los pacientes con vértigo fueron 52,49 ± 5,42 cm3 en los hombres, 50,11 ± 4,02 cm3 en las mujeres. La media (± DE) de los hemisferios izquierdo del cerebelo en los pacientes con vértigo fueron 53,11 ± 3,70 cm3 en los hombres, 49,73 ± 4,69 cm3 en las mujeres. No hubo evidencia cuantitativa importante detectada en cuanto a la asimetría entre las estimaciones del cerebelo entre plano sagital en los casos con vértigo en ambos sexos (p> 0,05). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas según los géneros entre ambos el vértigo y los sujetos control (p> 0,05). Sólo hubo significancia estadística entre los hemisferios derecho e izquierdo en los sujetos control masculino (p = 0,039). No hubo asimetría entre el cerebelo control y de los casos el vértigo de acuerdo a los géneros. La evaluación de la asimetría estereológica o atrofia del cerebelo en el ser humano se correlaciona con el género es de importancia para los clínicos y anatómicos. La técnica es simple, confiable, de bajo costo e imparcial.

This study determined the economic effects of avian influenza on the egg-production sector of Afyon Province, Turkey. Economic indicators were compared before and during the avian influenza outbreak. A questionnaire was conducted with 75 poultry farmers. Farms were divided into three groups according to their size. The profitability of the three farm size groups was compared during two study periods: before and during the avian influenza outbreak. The results indicate that, as compared to previous levels, farms experienced significantly reduced incomes during the avian influenza episode. While net income and profit margin were found to be negative in all three farm groups during the avian influenza period, only group I showed economic loss prior to avian influenza. Average net income per group was -19,576.14, -39,810.11, and -112,035.33 YTL respectively during the avian influenza outbreak, compared with prior incomes of -5,665.51, 8,422.92, and 16,3873.71 YTL (1 USD=1.43 YTL). The profit margin per egg during avian influenza was -0.029, -0.016, -0.010 YTL in group I, II, III, respectively, as compared to -0.007, 0.003, and 0.014 YTL/egg before avian influenza. It was found that, whereas larger farms were more profitable than small farms prior to the avian influenza period, larger farms suffered greater economic losses than small farms during avian influenza outbreak in the participating farms.

It is known that cities are warmer and drier that the surrounding, vegetated areas. In addition to their aesthetic aspects, plants play important roles in urban ecosystems function by providing various favourable effects. The City or Erzurum has extreme continental climatic features and is very hot in summertime, i.e., the period between June and September. There are few tree species capable of growing in the city; it is thought that in such cities, grass may have superior effects to the trees. The present study was carried out to determine temperature differences between asphalt concrete (AC), soil and grass surfaces on and 2m above them and to show the advantages of the use of grass surfaces in this kind of new developing cities. After the study, it was seen a mean temperature difference of 6.5 °C between AC and soil, 5.3 °C between soil and grass, and 11.79 °C between AC and grass surfaces respectively, while temperature differences 2m above the surfaces were 5.22 °C between AC and soil, 2.32 °C between soil and grass, and 7.54 °C between AC and grass surfaces. It was suggested at the end of the study that in the new developing cities having the same features as Erzurum, open spaces between the structures and areas along the roads must be covered with grass surfaces and recreational and aesthetical spaces must be left.

Se sabe que las ciudades son más calientes y secas que sus áreas verdes circundantes. Además de sus aspectos estéticos, las plantas juegan importantes papeles en el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas urbanos al ofrecer distintos efectos favorables. La ciudad de Erzurum presenta características climáticas continentales extremas y es sumamente caliente en verano, es decir, durante el periodo comprendido entre junio y septiembre. Hay pocas especies de árboles capaces de crecer en la ciudad por lo que se piensa que en tales ciudades, el pasto puede tener efectos superiores sobre los árboles. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo a fin de determinar las diferencias de temperatura entre superficies de concreto asfáltico, tierra y pasto y a 2 m sobre ellas y para mostrar las ventajas del uso de superficies de pasto en este tipo de ciudades nuevas en desarrollo. Tras el estudio, se observó una diferencia de la temperatura media de 6.5 °C entre el concreto asfáltico (CA) y la tierra, 5.3 °C entre tierra y pasto y 11.79 °C entre superficies de CA y pasto, mientras las diferencias de temperatura a 2 m de altura de las superficies fue de 5.22 °C entre CA y tierra, 2.32 °C entre tierra y pasto y 7.54 °C entre superficies de CA y pasto. Se ha sugerido al final del estudio que en ciudades nuevas en desarrollo con características similares a Erzurum, los espacios abiertos entre las estructuras y áreas a lo largo de los caminos deben ser cubiertos con superficies de pasto y los espacios recreativos y estéticos deben permanecer.