Motor-Unit Number Estimation Is Sensitive in Detecting Motor Nerve Involvement in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Orhan Yilmaz,Gulin Sunter,Celal Salcini,Pınar Kahraman Koytak,Tulin Tanridag,Onder Us,Kayihan Uluc 대한신경과학회 2016 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.12 No.2

Background and Purpose We compared the motor-unit number estimation (MUNE) findings in patients who presented with signs and/or findings associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and healthy controls, with the aim of determining if motor-unit loss occurs during the clinically silent period and if there is a correlation between clinical and MUNE findings in CTS patients. Methods The study investigated 60 hands of 35 patients with clinical CTS and 60 hands of 34 healthy controls. Routine median and ulnar nerve conduction studies and MUNE analysis according to the multipoint stimulation method were performed. Results The most common electrophysiological abnormality was reduced conduction velocity in the median sensory nerve (100% of the hands). The MUNE value was significantly lower for the patient group than for the control group (p=0.0001). ROC analysis showed that a MUNE value of 121 was the optimal cutoff for differentiating between patients and controls, with a sensitivity of 63.3% and a specificity of 68.3%. MUNE values were lower in patients with complaints of numbness, pain, and weakness in the median nerve territory (p<0.05, for all comparisons), and lower in patients with hypoesthesia than in patients with normal neurological findings (p=0.023). Conclusions The MUNE technique is sensitive in detecting motor nerve involvement in CTS patients who present with sensorial findings, and it may be useful in detecting the loss of motor units during the early stages of CTS. Larger-scale prospective clinical trials assessing the effect of early intervention on the outcome of these patients would help in confirming the possible benefit of detecting subclinical motor-unit loss in CTS.

Turbo Product Codes Based on Convolutional Codes

Orhan Gazi,A. Ozgur Yilmaz 한국전자통신연구원 2006 ETRI Journal Vol.28 No.4

In this article, we introduce a new class of product codes based on convolutional codes, called convolutional product codes. The structure of product codes enables parallel decoding, which can significantly increase decoder speed in practice. The use of convolutional codes in a product code setting makes it possible to use the vast knowledge base for convolutional codes as well as their flexibility in fast parallel decoders. Just as in turbo codes, interleaving turns out to be critical for the performance of convolutional product codes. The practical decoding advantages over serially-concatenated convolutional codes are emphasized.

Effects of Quercetin and Mannitol on Erythropoietin Levels in Rats Following Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Kalemci, Orhan,Aydin, Hasan Emre,Kizmazoglu, Ceren,Kaya, Ismail,Yilmaz, Hulya,Arda, Nuri M The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2017 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.60 No.3

Objective : The aim of this study to investigate the normal values of erythropoietin (EPO) and neuroprotective effects of quercetin and mannitol on EPO and hematocrit levels after acute severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rat model. Methods : A weight-drop impact acceleration model of TBI was used on 40 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into sham (group I), TBI (group II), TBI+quercetin (50 mg/kg intravenously) (group III), and TBI+mannitol (1 mg/kg intravenously) (group IV) groups. The malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, EPO, and hematocrit levels were measured 1 and 4 hour after injury. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis. Results : The malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly after administration of quercetin and mannitol compared with those in group II. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased significantly in groups III and IV. Serum EPO levels decreased significantly after mannitol but not after quercetin administration. Serum hematocrit levels did not change significantly after quercetin and mannitol administration 1 hour after trauma. However, mannitol administration decreased serum hematocrit levels significantly after 4 hour. Conclusion : This study suggests that quercetin may be a good alternative treatment for TBI, as it did not decrease the EPO levels.

Anti-Acetylcholinesterase and Antioxidant Assets of the Major Components (Salicin, Amentoflavone, and Chlorogenic Acid) and the Extracts of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana and Their Total Phenol and Flavonoid Contents

Ilkay Erdogan-Orhan,Mehmet Levent Altun,Betül Sever-Yilmaz,Gülçin Saltan 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.4

Some Viburnum species are used for preparation of the traditional drink called gilaburu in Anatolia. In the current study, our goal was to evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts prepared from the branches, leaves, and fruits of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana along with salicin, amentoflavone, and chlorogenic acid, three major compounds abundantly found in these species. AChE enzyme inhibition was tested in vitro using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay microplate reader at 50, 100, and 200 μL/mL concentrations. Antioxidant activity was examined by ferrous ion chelating capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and β-carotene bleaching assay at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 μg/mL. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were also established by Folin-Ciocalteau and AlCl_3 reagents, respectively. Our data revealed that the leaf methanol extract of V. opulus displayed a significantly high inhibitory effect against AChE (57.63 ± 1.23%, 87.41 ± 0.99%, and 93.19 ± 0.87% at 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL, respectively). The extracts of V. lantana exerted higher antioxidant activity.

Association of Insulin Resistance with Overactive Bladder in Female Patients

Hakki Uzum,Mehmet Kalkan,Adnan Yilmaz,Ahu Kemik,Orhan Unal Zorba 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2012 International Neurourology Journal Vol.16 No.4

Purpose: Metabolic syndrome and obesity have been advocated to be risk factors for the development of overactive bladder (OAB). Additionally, insulin resistance is the underlying mechanism of metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate the association of insulin resistance with overactive bladder in female patients. Methods: We prospectively conducted the study in our urology department. Female patients aged between 30 and 76 years old applied to our policlinics with or without OAB symptoms were enrolled. One hundred and twenty-two patients with OAB and 62 age-matched controls without OAB were included into the study. Fasting serum insulin, glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and triglycerides levels were measured. Insulin resistance value was obtained via the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculator. The chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare differences in variables. Results: Serum insulin level was found higher in female patients with OAB (11.5±6.2 μU/mL) relative to controls (6.4±2.1 μU/mL), statistically significant (P=0.036). In addition, HOMA-IR was significantly found higher in the OAB group, 2.86 (0.76 to 17.04) in comparison to controls, 1.32 (0.67 to 224), P=0.018. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-c) were significantly found lower in females with OAB. Conclusions: Insulin resistance can be associated to overactive bladder and may play significant role in pathogenesis.

Effects of Remote Ischemic Conditioning Methods on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Muscle Flaps: An Experimental Study in Rats

Keskin, Durdane,Unlu, Ramazan Erkin,Orhan, Erkan,Erkilinc, Gamze,Bogdaycioglu, Nihal,Yilmaz, Fatma Meric Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surge 2017 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.44 No.5

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of remote ischemic conditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat muscle flaps histopathologically and biochemically. Methods Thirty albino rats were divided into 5 groups. No procedure was performed in the rats in group 1, and only blood samples were taken. A gracilis muscle flap was elevated in all the other groups. Microclamps were applied to the vascular pedicle for 4 hours in order to achieve tissue ischemia. In group 2, no additional procedure was performed. In groups 3, 4, and 5, the right hind limb was used and 3 cycles of ischemia-reperfusion for 5 minutes each (total, 30 minutes) was applied with a latex tourniquet (remote ischemic conditioning). In group 3, this procedure was performed before flap elevation (remote ischemic preconditoning). In group 4, the procedure was performed 4 hours after flap ischemia (remote ischemic postconditioning). In group 5, the procedure was performed after the flap was elevated, during the muscle flap ischemia episode (remote ischemic perconditioning). Results The histopathological damage score in all remote conditioning ischemia groups was lower than in the ischemic-reperfusion group. The lowest histopathological damage score was observed in group 5 (remote ischemic perconditioning). Conclusions The nitric oxide levels were higher in the blood samples obtained from the remote ischemic perconditioning group. This study showed the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning procedures and compared their usefulness for preventing ischemiareperfusion injury in muscle flaps.

Effects of Remote Ischemic Conditioning Methods on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Muscle Flaps: An Experimental Study in Rats

Durdane Keskin,Ramazan Erkin Unlu,Erkan Orhan,Gamze Erkilinç,Nihal Bogdaycioglu,Fatma Meric Yilmaz 대한성형외과학회 2017 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.44 No.5

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of remote ischemic conditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat muscle flaps histopathologically and biochemically. Methods Thirty albino rats were divided into 5 groups. No procedure was performed in the rats in group 1, and only blood samples were taken. A gracilis muscle flap was elevated in all the other groups. Microclamps were applied to the vascular pedicle for 4 hours in order to achieve tissue ischemia. In group 2, no additional procedure was performed. In groups 3, 4, and 5, the right hind limb was used and 3 cycles of ischemia-reperfusion for 5 minutes each (total, 30 minutes) was applied with a latex tourniquet (remote ischemic conditioning). In group 3, this procedure was performed before flap elevation (remote ischemic preconditoning). In group 4, the procedure was performed 4 hours after flap ischemia (remote ischemic postconditioning). In group 5, the procedure was performed after the flap was elevated, during the muscle flap ischemia episode (remote ischemic perconditioning). Results The histopathological damage score in all remote conditioning ischemia groups was lower than in the ischemic-reperfusion group. The lowest histopathological damage score was observed in group 5 (remote ischemic perconditioning). Conclusions The nitric oxide levels were higher in the blood samples obtained from the remote ischemic perconditioning group. This study showed the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning procedures and compared their usefulness for preventing ischemiareperfusion injury in muscle flaps.

Lycopene Protects Against Spontaneous Ovarian Cancer Formation in Laying Hens

Kazim Sahin,Engin Yenice,Mehmet Tuzcu,Cemal Orhan,Cengizhan Mizrak,Ibrahim H. Ozercan,Nurhan Sahin,Bahiddin Yilmaz,Birdal Bilir,Bulent Ozpolat,Omer Kucuk 대한암예방학회 2018 Journal of cancer prevention Vol.23 No.1

Background: Dietary intake of lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, suggesting its chemopreventive potential against ovarian carcinogenesis. Lycopene’s molecular mechanisms of action in ovarian cancer have not been fully understood. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of lycopene on the ovarian cancer formation using the laying hen model, a biologically relevant animal model of spontaneous ovarian carcinogenesis due to high incidence rates similar to humans. Methods: In this study, a total of 150 laying hens at age of 102 weeks were randomized into groups of 50: a control group (0 mg of lycopene per kg of diet) and two treatment groups (200 mg or 400 mg of lycopene per kg of diet, or ~26 and 52 mg/d/hen, respectively). At the end of 12 months, blood, ovarian tissues and tumors were collected. Results: We observed that lycopene supplementation significantly reduced the overall ovarian tumor incidence (P < 0.01) as well as the number and the size of the tumors (P < 0.004 and P < 0.005, respectively). Lycopene also significantly decreased the rate of adenocarcinoma, including serous and mucinous subtypes (P < 0.006). Moreover, we also found that the serum level of oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde was significantly lower in lycopene-fed hens compared to control birds (P < 0.001). Molecular analysis of the ovarian tumors revealed that lycopene reduced the expression of NF-B while increasing the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 and its major target protein, heme oxygenase 1. In addition, lycopene supplementation decreased the expression of STAT3 by inducing the protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 expression in the ovarian tissues. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings strongly support the potential of lycopene in the chemoprevention of ovarian cancer through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. (J Cancer Prev 2018;23:25-36)