Reconfiguring French Secularism: The Mosque as the New Multicultural Space of Young Muslims

This dissertation explores the ways in which secularism communicates with Islam both as a socio-political concept and as daily practice in the context of France. Most studies examine this process through the uses of the headscarf or within the framework of terrorism. This study suggests a fresh perspective by using an experimental spatial analysis with a focus on the major mosques and the practices of mosque congregants. It poses the question how French Muslims reconcile French secularism (laïcité) with Islam through the use of the mosque space. In this respect, mosques are transformed into alternative multicultural spaces where the secular and Islamic are given new meanings and negotiated by Muslims. I argue that the primary actors of this transformation are young Muslims with a dynamic and innovative approach to contextual interpretations of secular and Islamic practices. In this respect, they differ from their conservative counterparts who are bound to the Islamic teachings in Muslim countries regardless of their relevancy. This study concludes that young French Muslims have been undergoing a change from within, and its effects in the wider society are yet to be observed amidst the escalating negative views against Muslims in the West

Anesthetic Neurotoxicity in Pediatric Patients

In recent years, an increasing number of publications have shown the negative effects of anesthetics on the developing brain and have made inquiries about anesthesia for pediatric patients in practice. Anesthesia is applied to millions of children for surgery, imaging, and other invasive procedures; the issue is very serious and concerns. In this chapter, experimental and clinical studies about the issue have been summarized. As a result, anesthetic drugs except alpha-2 adrenergic agonist anesthetic (NMDA antagonist or a GABA agonist) used in pediatric patients (especially if there is no painful situation) have potential neurotoxicity. Particularly, if anesthesia exposure was applied in the fragile period (the first 4 years) and if used at higher concentrations or repeated anesthesia application, adverse effects of anesthesia exposure on the developing brain have been claimed. But, the issue is not fully clarified yet

The relationship between risk factors for falling and the quality of life in older adults

BACKGROUND: Falls are one of the major health problems that effect the quality of life among older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between quality of life (Short Form-12) and the risk factors of falls (balance, functional mobility, proprioception, muscle strength, flexibility and fear of falling) in older adults. METHODS: One hundred sixteen people aged 65 or older and living in the T.C. Emekli Sandigi Narlidere nursing home participated in the study. Balance (Berg Balance test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), proprioception (joint position sense), muscle strength (back/leg dynamometer), flexibility (sit and reach) and fear of falling (Visual Analogue Scale) were assessed as risk factors for falls. The quality of life was measured by Short Form-12 (SF-12). RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was observed between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and balance, muscle strength. Proprioception and flexibility did not correlated with SF-12 (p > 0.05). There was negative correlation between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and fear of falling, functional mobility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the risk factors for falls (balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, fear of falling) in older adults are associated with quality of life while flexibility and proprioception are not

Porównanie urazu tkanek podczas brzusznej, pochwowej i laparoskopowej histerektomii

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the extent of tissue trauma after abdominal hysterectomy(AH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) using biochemical markers. Material and methods: Seventy-one patients requiring hysterectomy for benign uterine diseases were enrolled in the study and divided into three treatment groups: AH (n=24), VH (n=23), and TLH (n=24). Blood samples for assay of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were collected pre-, intra-operatively, and 2, 6 and 24 h after surgery. Results: Serum levels of IL-6, and CPK were significantly elevated over basal values after surgery in all groups. IL-6 and CPK levels were significantly higher after AH as compared to VH and TLH. IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in the VH group than the TLH group (p=0.001). There were no significant differences in CPK levels between the VH and TLH groups (p=0.824). TLH group had the smallest decrease in blood hemoglobin concentration and the shortest hospital stay. Conclusions: AH causes more tissue trauma as compared to VH and TLH. Owing to the fact that TLH is associated with less tissue trauma and offers significant clinical benefits, including less blood loss and shorter hospital stay, it should be considered in women with benign gynecologic conditions, especially in experienced centers.Cel pracy: Celem badania było porównanie rozległości urazu tkanek podczas brzusznej histerektomii (AH), pochwowej (VH) i laparoskopowej (TLH) przy pomocy biochemicznych markerów. Materiał i metoda: Do badania włączono siedemdziesiąt jeden pacjentek wymagających usunięcia macicy z powodu niezłośliwej patologii, które podzielono na trzy grupy badane: AH (n=24), VH (n=23), i TLH (n=24). Próbki krwi do badania w kierunku interleukiny 6 i kinazy fosfokreatynowej (CPK) pobierano przed-, podczas operacji, I 2,6 oraz 24 godziny po zabiegu. Wyniki: Poziom Il-6 i CPK w surowicy po operacji był istotnie podwyższony w porównaniu do poziomu wyjściowego we wszystkich grupach badanych. Poziom IL-6 i CPK były istotnie wyższe po AH niż po VH i TLH. Stężenie IL-6 było istotnie wyższe w grupie VH niż w grupie TLH (p=0.001). Nie stwierdzono istotnych różnic w poziomie CPK pomiędzy grupą VH i TLH (p=0.824). W grupie TLH odnotowano najmniejszy spadek hemoglobin I najkrótszy pobyt w szpitalu. Wnioski: AH powoduje większy uraz tkanek niż VH i TLH. Dzięki temu, że TLH jest związane z mniejszym urazem tkanek i daje istotne klinicznie korzyści, między innymi mniejszą utratę krwi i krótszy pobyt w szpitalu, powinno być rozważane u kobiet z niezłośliwą patologią, zwłaszcza w doświadczonych ośrodkach

A sustainable method of effluent disposal: case study of Antalya sea outfall, Turkey

Antalya city, located along the Turkish Mediterranean coast, lacked a proper sanitation system till 1996. An integrated water & wastewater project has been implemented to protect groundwater resources used for drinking and seawater quality. The project involved collection, treatment and final disposal of effluents by a deep sea outfall system. A current research project has been realized to evaluate performance of Antalya Sea Outfall. Seasonal in-situ measurements and bacteriological monitoring studies have been realized. The discharged wastewater plume is observed to be submerged in summer and to reach sea surface in winter condition. The results of the monitoring program exhibit considerable spatial and temporal variations. The resultant total and fecal coliform numbers comply well with the Turkish Standards for the use of coastal and sea water for recreation

A Rare Cause of Epistaxis: Nasopharyngeal Leech Infestation

Leeches are rare cause of foreign body in airways. A 23-year-old male, experiencing epistaxis and difficulty in swallowing is presented. During nasopharyngoscopy, a moving leech was observed on the nasopharynx posterior wall in midline location, and removal of the leech was decided under general anaesthesia. The flexible nasopharyngoscopy was inserted, but removal was unsuccessful due to the leech’s movements. Leeches are blood-sucking parasites, so neuromuscular blocking agent was given to prevent the movement. After administration, motion of the leech was lost and easily removed undamaged. In patients presenting with unexplained epistaxis, hemoptysis, dyspnea, and foreign body sensation in the airway, leech infestation should be included as the differential diagnosis and history of contact with stream water should be questioned. We concluded that use of low dose neuromuscular blocking agents facilitates the gentle removal, and could be necessary for successful management of removal of leech under general anaesthesia

Coronary artery fistula: Review of 54 cases from single center experience

Background: Demographic and clinical characteristics and angiographic findings of Turkish patients with coronary artery fistula have been investigated in this study and diagnostic tests and treatment methods used in these patients have also been evaluated in detail. Methods: We have examined the cardiac catheterization laboratory database retrospectively between March 2006 and July 2010. Among 49,567 patients, we have noted 60 patients diagnosed as coronary artery fistula. After coronary angiographic images were evaluated by two invasive cardiologists, 54 patients who had clear evidence of vessel of origin and drainage were included in the study. Results: A total of 54 (0.1%) patients with coronary artery fistula were noted. Mean age was 56.7 &#177; 10.7 years; 42 out of 54 patients had accompanying cardiac disorders. Patients&#8217; complaints were directly associated with the presence of the fistula. Chest pain was the admission symptom in all of the patients with isolated coronary artery fistula. Six patients had coexistent congenital anomalies. Myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation occurred in 11 of the patients. In contrast to the previous reports, the most common artery of origin of the fistula was left anterior descending artery (50.8%) and pulmonary artery was found to be the most frequent region of the fistula drainage by 53.7%. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that large fistulas originating from the proximal segments of coronary arteries may increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction even in asymptomatic patients with no evidence of ischemia in noninvasive tests and no dilatation of cardiac chambers, and should therefore be closed

The relationship between risk factors for falling and the quality of life in older adults

BACKGROUND: Falls are one of the major health problems that effect the quality of life among older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between quality of life (Short Form-12) and the risk factors of falls (balance, functional mobility, proprioception, muscle strength, flexibility and fear of falling) in older adults. METHODS: One hundred sixteen people aged 65 or older and living in the T.C. Emekli Sandigi Narlidere nursing home participated in the study. Balance (Berg Balance test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), proprioception (joint position sense), muscle strength (back/leg dynamometer), flexibility (sit and reach) and fear of falling (Visual Analogue Scale) were assessed as risk factors for falls. The quality of life was measured by Short Form-12 (SF-12). RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was observed between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and balance, muscle strength. Proprioception and flexibility did not correlated with SF-12 (p > 0.05). There was negative correlation between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and fear of falling, functional mobility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the risk factors for falls (balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, fear of falling) in older adults are associated with quality of life while flexibility and proprioception are not