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Objective: This study aimed to determine invasive instrument-related infections in the general intensive care unit by comparative evaluation of the annual infection control measures. Methods: A surveillance study was made based on the data of 1494 patients treated for 48 hours in the general intensive care unit (GICU) between January 2008 and December 2012. Results: The hospital infection (HI) rates of the GICU for each year of the study period were calculated as 29.15%, 28.85%, 16.62%, 18.05% and 8.30% respectively. For each 1000 patient days, the infection rates for each year were calculated as ventilator-related pneumonia (VRP) 2.31, 4.32, 2.77, 11.49 9.62, central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CVCRBI) 1.57, 2.23, 8.58, 0.56, 1.03, and catheter-related urinary system infections (CRUSI) 6.00, 7.09, 4.35, 4.57, 3.17. When the infection agents were isolated and evaluated, the infection rates were determined as 61.92% Gr(-) bacteria infections, 20.89% fungal infections and 17.16% Gr(+) bacteria infections. Conclusions: Although the infection control precautions which were taken improved urinary and central catheter infection rates, no significant fall was obtained in rates of ventilator-related pneumonia. It can be concluded that it is necessary to increase the infection control precautions in this area to reduce infection rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal potential of essential oils of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) was determined. To establish this antifungal potential, two molds related to feed spoilage, namely, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, were selected. The agar dilution method was employed for the determination of antifungal activities. The investigated essential oils exhibited inhibitory effects on both molds tested. Thyme oil showed the highest inhibition of mold growth, followed by rosemary and laurel. Thyme essential oil was a stronger inhibitor against A. parasiticus than against A. flavus.The finding of the present study suggests that thyme essential oil inhibits the growth of fungi attacking stored feed and strengthens the possibility of using it as the alternative to potassium sorbate as effective inhibitor of biodegrading and storage contaminating fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Many unknown risk factors play a role in the etiopathogenesis of stroke. The appearance of inflammatory cells within the damaged tissue after cerebral ischemia suggests that an inflammatory response may play a role in stroke pathogenesis. In our study, we examined whether an association exists between the acute-phase reactants and the levels of cytokines, the volume and diameter of the stroke, and short-term mortality in patients who were diagnosed as acute ischemic a stroke after admission to the Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients who applied to the Emergency Service with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study. Their stroke volume were calculated and serum samples were obtained as soon as they arrived into the Emergency Service. The patients were evaluated according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). RESULTS: There was no significant correlations between stroke volume and levels of cytokine and acute-phase reactants in dead patient group or in living patient group. A correlation and statistical significance was found between stroke volume and hospital stay time in living patient group. In addition, GCS and NIHSS scores were correlated with stroke volume and was found a significant stastistically. CONCLUSIONS: Scales such as GKS and NIHHS, which evaluate the functional state of patients, are the best indicators for defining prognosis in our daily practices. In addition, we found a positive correlation between levels of CRP (C reactive protein) and prognosis. However, we did not observe a statistically significant correlation between prognosis and other acute-phase reactants such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, fibrinogen, and leukocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the effects of inoculant preparation time and doses on fermentation and aerobic stability characteristics of the second crop maize ensiled under laboratory conditions. Maize was harvested at the dough maturity stage. MICROBIOS(Cuprem®, USA) was used as lactic acid bacteri a +enzyme mi×ture silage inoculant. The inoculant was applied at 1.0 × 105 cfu/g (RD1), a recommended dose, and 2.0 × 105 cfu/g (DD1) double the recommended dose, The chopped forages were ensiled i n 1.0-I anaerobic jars (Week, Wher-Oftlingen, Germany) equipped with a lid that enables only gas release. Three jars per treatment were sampled on days 4, 7, 14, 21 and 55. The jars were stored at 20-22°C under laboratory conditions. After 55 days of ensiling, the silages were subjected to an aerobic stabi I ity test for 5 days. The study showed that doubling the rate of inoculant application was not effective than the recommended rate at enhandngthe silage quality or aerobic stability. Moreover, preparation time did not improve the fermentation and aerobic stability of the second crop maize silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The experiment was to study the effects of floor type and probiotic supplementation (Enterococcus faecium) on performance, morphology of erythrocytes and intestinal microbiota of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. 2. The experimental design was a factorial 2 × 2 with 6 replicates. The factors were floor type (wire floor versus wood shaving litter) and the presence or absence of probiotic. 3. Birds housed on wood shavings exhibited significantly improved weight gain and food intake. 4. Addition of E. faecium led to significantly decreased food intake and gizzard weight. Supplementation with E. faecium positively influenced the ileal and caecal microbiota, with a significant decrease in the population of Escherichia coli. 5. Erythrocyte length decreased and erythrocyte width increased in the birds housed on wood shavings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To attain whether the effects of low and high doses of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in acute and chronic administration were related to oxidant and antioxidant parameters in rat uterine tissue as well as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) activity. Materials and Methods: Acute and chronic administration of estrogen (1 and 5 mg/kg), progesterone (1 and 5 mg/kg), LH (20 U/kg), and FSH (250 U/kg). A combination of mifepristone (50 mg/kg) with progesterone (5 mg/kg) and FSH (250 U/kg); and yohimbine (10 mg/kg) with estrogen (5 mg/kg) and LH (20 U/kg). Measurement total glutathione, nitric oxide levels and malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and COX-1 activities. Results: Acute and chronic administration of progesterone 5 mg/kg and FSH 250 U/kg; and chronic administration of estrogen 1 mg/kg decreased antioxidants and increased oxidants. Combined administration of yohimbine with estrogen and LH showed the effect on these parameters. Conclusion: While-LH had a protective effect, low chronic dose estrogen caused oxidative stress. Because low doses could not stimulate alpha-2 receptors and it inhibited LH, an antioxidant hormone. High doses of estrogen that stimulated alpha-2 receptors showed a stable trend in oxidant and antioxidant levels in both acute and chronic administration. High doses of progesterone had an oxidant effect when it stimulated its own receptor in acute and chronic administration. In low acute and chronic doses, though progesterone could not stimulate its receptors but could inhibit FSH, it showed no effect. The oxidant effects of progesterone and FSH were blocked by mifepristone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo investigate the causes of glaucoma in children following removal of cataracts.MethodsIn total, 24 patients (37 eyes) with uncomplicated congenital cataracts who developed glaucoma following cataract removal were studied retrospectively. Cataract morphology, surgical technique, postoperative complications, time to glaucoma onset, gonioscopic findings, the presence of microcornea, and the histopathologic characteristics of the filtration angle in one case were the studied parameters.ResultsWe found a bimodal onset of glaucoma. Early-onset glaucoma occurred at a mean age of 6 months in 15 eyes and delayed-onset glaucoma at a mean age of 12 years in 22 eyes. Early-onset glaucoma was significantly (P=0.018) more likely to be due to angle closure. With delayed-onset glaucoma, the filtration angle is open in 86% of eyes and significantly (P=0.006) more eyes in the delayed-onset group had microcornea.ConclusionsPerforming cataract surgery very early in life in microphthalmic eyes and leaving residual lens material increases the risk for glaucoma. We recommend a prophylactic iridectomy in eyes at risk for pupillary block. Eyes with delayed-onset glaucoma have open filtration angles but with findings consistent with incomplete development of filtration structures. Early age at cataract extraction and microcornea are risk factors for delayed-onset glaucoma.Eye (2006) 20, 1360–1365. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702150; published online 11 November 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate alignment changes in partially accommodative esotropia during occlusion treatment for amblyopia.MethodChanges at the deviation angles of 63 partially accommodative esotropia patients, who had occlusion treatment for amblyopia, were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsMean deviation angle at the start of therapy without glasses was 45 PD (10–90 PD) and became 27 PD (5–70 PD) after at least 2 months with glasses. During 12 (2–36) months of occlusion period, mean manifest deviation angle with glasses decreased to 11 PD (0–50) (P<0.001) and amblyopia resolved in 71.5% of the cases. After termination of amblyopia treatment 24 (38%) cases had surgery for the residual deviation but if we had planned surgery before amblyopia treatment, 81% of the patients would have had surgery.DiscussionShould amblyopia be treated initially or should we operate first in patients with strabismus and amblyopia together? Our research suggests that we should not hurry to operate in high hypermetropic partially accommodative cases, which have amblyopia and a long-term history of strabismus. Initial amblyopia treatment in these cases allows time for resolution of the nonaccomodative component in strabismus and can significantly decrease the necessity for surgery.Eye (2006) 20, 325–328. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701874; published online 3 June 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles types 1 and 3 (CFEOM1/CFEOM3) are autosomal dominant strabismus disorders that appear to result from maldevelopment of ocular nuclei and nerves. We previously reported that most individuals with CFEOM1 and rare individuals with CFEOM3 harbor heterozygous mutations in KIF21A. KIF21A encodes a kinesin motor involved in anterograde axonal transport, and the familial and de novo mutations reported to date predictably alter one of only a few KIF21A amino acids – three within the third coiled-coil region of the stalk and one in the distal motor domain, suggesting they result in altered KIF21A function. To further define the spectrum of KIF21A mutations in CFEOM we have now identified all CFEOM probands newly enrolled in our study and determined if they harbor mutations in KIF21A. Results Sixteen CFEOM1 and 29 CFEOM3 probands were studied. Three previously unreported de novo KIF21A mutations were identified in three CFEOM1 probands, all located in the same coiled-coil region of the stalk that contains all but one of the previously reported mutations. Eight additional CFEOM1 probands harbored three of the mutations previously reported in KIF21A; seven had one of the two most common mutations, while one harbored the mutation in the distal motor domain. No mutation was detected in 5 CFEOM1 or any CFEOM3 probands. Conclusion Analysis of sixteen CFEOM1 probands revealed three novel KIF21A mutations and confirmed three reported mutations, bringing the total number of reported KIF21A mutations in CFEOM1 to 11 mutations among 70 mutation positive probands. All three new mutations alter amino acids in heptad repeats within the third coiled-coil region of the KIF21A stalk, further highlighting the importance of alterations in this domain in the etiology of CFEOM1.

Lateral luxation is the displacement of the tooth in a direction other than axial, which is accompanied by comminution or fracture of the alveolar socket. Lateral luxation is one of the most prevalent dental injuries among the general population, resulting in up to 27% of all dental wounds. All physical activities have an associated risk of orofacial injuries due to falls, collisions, and contact with hard surfaces. Just like any other training activities, military training exercises present a significant risk of dental traumas, which comprise 2% to 8% of all military dental emergencies. The aim of this report was to present a case of a dental lateral luxation caused by the hit of a rifle stock during close combat training. The tooth was extruded from its bony lock, temporarily filled with a calcium hydroxide-based paste, replaced into its original anatomic position, and secured with Ivy loop wirings. The permanent endodontic treatment was performed 4 weeks after repositioning. At the end of the 8-months follow-up, the tooth was asymptomatic and any pathological alterations were absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]