A Gis-Based Campus Information System: Izmir Institute of Technology

In the 21st century, GIS based Campus Information Systems (CIS) have been used by many universities for different aims and become an effective tool. CIS is a wholeness and integrity that is formed by hardware, software, data and users in order to collect spatial and non-spatial data about the university and its sub-units (both academic and administrative), transfer them to computer, store, query, analyze and present the result reports as graphics or non-graphics. In general, the goal of this study is to prepare a GIS-based Izmir Institute of Technology (IIT) CIS. Moreover, after preparing maps of campus area in desired formats, the objectives of the project are to store the maps to plan or update, to provide rapid and easy access to personal and sharable information about campus, to prepare the databases about each department, and to use them for administrative purposes. Therefore, it would have been achieved two main objectives in terms of planning and interactive access for students and staff. At first, by this system, it has been achieved more scientific spatial analyses about land use decisions depending on the natural capacities of the campus site. Then, some negative sides and impacts have been determined relating to the physical developments proposed by the existing campus plan. Thus, it has been achieved crucial results about these defects supporting our initial observations about campus. Secondly, to achieve all information about campus referring spatial or non-spatial by students, academic & administrative staff, and inter-active information access would be created. In order to create CIS for IIT, the spatial and non-spatial data about campus including maps, attribute data were collected; maps, databases, spatial analyses and queries were produced via ArcGIS. At the end of the study, site location of IIT, 1/50000 environmental plan, 1/5000 IIT Master Plan, existing map of campus area, proposed implementation plan of campus area, thematic maps & spatial analyses about topography, geology, soil capability and vegetation and other natural features and suitability analysis for campus site were produced as result productions.

The effect of myocardial fibrosis on left ventricular torsion and twist in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background: Left ventricular (LV) rotation, twist, and torsion are important aspects of thecardiac performance. Myocardial fibrosis can be identified as the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). In this study, we investigated the associationbetween myocardial fibrosis and LV rotational parameters in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NDC).Methods: Twenty-two NDC patients were enrolled. LV dimensions, volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were measured, conventional tissue Doppler imaging data was acquired. Speckletracking imaging was performed to measure LV deformation, LV rotational parameters. Bloodsamples were obtained for NT-proBNP. Late gadolinium enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) was used to assess cardiac fibrosis index.Results: Myocardial deformation was similar between LGE+ and LGE– groups. LGE+patients have significantly higher basal and lower apical systolic rotation, lower twist andtorsion when compared to LGE– patients. However, untwisting rate was similar between thegroups. Torsion was significantly correlated with LVEF and MR-index. Patients with reversedapical systolic rotation had significantly greater NT-proBNP values, basal systolic rotation andsignificantly lower apical systolic rotation, torsion, and MR-index.Conclusions: Cardiac fibrosis index is closely related with myocardial torsion and LV systolicfunction and may be used for the evaluation of cardiac condition. Reversed apical systolicrotation indicated more extensive cardiac fibrosis as it may reflect severe LV dyssynchrony andpoor LV performance

The association of functional mitral regurgitation and anemia in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background: We investigated the association between anemia and functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with sinus rhythm and normal renal function. Methods: Sixty non-ischemic DCM patients with sinus rhythm and left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% were recruited. Functional MR was quantified with the proximal isovelocity surface area method. MR was graded according to the mitral regurgitant volume (Reg Vol) or effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) area. The clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic correlates of functional MR severity were investigated in patients with DCM. Results: Hemoglobin degrees were significantly different between various MR levels (mild MR 13.9 &#177; 1.7 mg/dL, moderate MR 12.3 &#177; 1.5 mg/dL, moderate to severe MR 10.8 &#177; 0.9 mg/dL). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the utility of hemoglobin levels to predict moderate or severe functional MR. A hemoglobin level less than 12.5 mg/dL predicted moderate or high MR with 80% sensitivity and 58% specificity (AUC: 0.789, 95% CI: 0.676&#8211;0.901, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of moderate or severe levels of MR. The left atrium diameter (OR: 19.3, 95% CI: 1.4-27.1, p = 0.028) and presence of anemia (OR: 11.9, 95% CI: 1.22-42.5, p = 0.0045) were independent predictors of moderate or severe functional MR. Conclusions: The presence of anemia and enlarged left atrium are independent predictors of moderate or severe functional MR in non-ischemic DCM patients with normal renal function. Hemoglobin levels less than 12.5 mg/dL should alert the physician for the presence of moderate or severe MR in patients with DCM. (Cardiol J 2010; 17, 3: 274-280

Ventricular pre-excitation and cardiac hypertrophy mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Turkish family with a novel PRKAG2 mutation.

Background: Mutations in PRKAG2, the gene for the gamma 2 regulatory subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase, cause cardiac hypertrophy and electrophysiological abnormalities. We identified a novel mutation in PRKAG2 causing familial ventricular pre-excitation and severe cardiac hypertrophy

Właściwości elastyczne aorty w prognozowaniu bezobjawowej choroby wieńcowej: badanie z zastosowaniem wielodetektorowej tomografii komputerowej

Background: Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is an attractive noninvasive imaging modality to detect coronary atherosclerotic plaques which may be underestimated by conventional angiography. However, its routine clinical use is limited due to contrast-associated problems, high cost, inapplicability at bedside and exposure to radiation. Thus, exploring safer and more practical measurements to predict occult coronary artery disease (CAD) is required. Aim: To demonstrate the predictive value of aortic elastic properties for occult CAD diagnosed by MDCT. Methods: Forty subjects with angiographically normal coronary arteries were consecutively included in our study. They underwent MDCT including indications and were divided into a no CAD group (23 subjects, 11 males, 46 ± 8 years) and an occult CAD group (17 subjects, 12 males, 48 ± 10 years), with respect to the presence of coronary plaque. As a control group, 19 consecutive patients with angiographically proven CAD (16 males, 52 ± 6 years) were included. Aortic stiffness index (ASI), aortic distensibility and aortic strain were calculated from the aortic diameters measured by echocardiography and blood pressure obtained by sphygmomanometry. Results: It was found that ASI, aortic distensibility and aortic strain were significantly different in the occult CAD group compared to the no CAD group (p = 0.008, p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively) and to the evident CAD group (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.02). They also differed significantly between the no CAD and the evident CAD groups. Receiver operating characteristics analysis for ASI, to distinguish between the occult CAD group and the no CAD group, revealed an area under the curve of 0.80 (confidence interval 0.68–0.94, p = 0.004) and that the cut-off value of 3.42 could significantly predict patients with occult CAD (sensitivity: 78%; specificity: 63%). Conclusions: Measurement of ASI is an easily applicable and safe method with its non-radiographic ability for the assessment of aortic stiffness, and it may be useful to predict subclinical atherosclerosis in clinical practice. A cut-off value of 3.42 for ASI may guide to refer individuals to preventive strategies to reduce atherosclerosis progression. Wstęp: Wielodetektorowa tomografia komputerowa (MDCT) jest atrakcyjną nieinwazyjną techniką obrazowania stosowaną w celu wykrycia w naczyniach wieńcowych zmian miażdżycowych, które mogą być niedoszacowane w konwencjonalnej koronarografii. Jednak rutynowe stosowanie tej metody w praktyce klinicznej jest ograniczone z powodu problemów związanych z kontrastem, wysokich kosztów, niemożności zastosowania przyłóżkowego i ekspozycji na promieniowanie. Konieczne są więc badania nad tańszymi i praktyczniejszymi technikami umożliwiającymi prognozowanie bezobjawowej choroby wieńcowej (CAD). Cel: Badanie przeprowadzono w celu wykazania wartości prognostycznej własności elastycznych aorty w odniesieniu do bezobjawowej CAD rozpoznawanej na podstawie MDCT. Metody: Do badania włączono 40 kolejnych pacjentów z prawidłowym obrazem tętnic wieńcowych w badaniu angiograficznym. Poddano ich MDCT i podzielono na dwie grupy: bez CAD (23 osoby, 11 mężczyzn, 46 ± 8 lat) i z bezobjawową CAD (17 osób, 12 mężczyzn, 48 ± 10 lat) w zależności od obecności blaszek miażdżycowych w tętnicach wieńcowych. Grupę kontrolną stanowiło 19 kolejnych pacjentów z potwierdzoną w badaniu angiograficznym CAD (16 mężczyzn, 52 ± 6 lat). Wskaźnik sztywności aorty (ASI), rozciągliwość i odkształcenie ściany aorty obliczono na podstawie wymiaru aorty (zmierzonego echokardiograficznie) i ciśnienia krwi (zmierzonego sfigmomanometrem). Wyniki: Stwierdzono, że ASI, rozciągliwość i odkształcenie ściany aorty były istotnie różne w grupie z bezobjawową CAD w porównaniu z grupią bez CAD (odpowiednio p = 0,008; p = 0,01; p = 0,03) i z potwierdzoną CAD (p = 0,01; p = 0,02; p = 0,02). Parametry te różniły się również istotnie między grupą bez CAD i grupą z potwierdzoną CAD. W analizie krzywych ROC dla ASI, mającej na celu wykazanie różnic między grupą z bezobjawową CAD a grupą bez CAD, stwierdzono, że pole pod krzywą wynosi 0,80 (CI 0,68–0,94; p = 0,004) i że wartość progowa równa 3,42 umożliwia prognozowanie występowanie u pacjentów bezobjawowej CAD (czułość: 78%; swoistość: 63%). Wnioski: Pomiar ASI jest łatwą i bezpieczną metodą nieradiograficznej oceny sztywności aorty, która może być przydatna do prognozowania podklinicznej miażdżycy w praktyce klinicznej. Wartość progowa ASI może stanowić wskazówkę, że należy zastosować u danego pacjenta strategie prewencyjne w celu ograniczenia progresji miażdżycy.

Pediatric Behcet'S Disease With Sinus Venous Thrombosis: Three Center Experience From Turkey

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Short and Long Term Mortality Predictors in Octogenarians with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Purpose: Octogenarians with acute coronary syndromes have higher mortality and morbidity due to higher prevalence of comorbidities and frailty. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of short and long term mortality in octogenarians with ACS. Methods: Ninety-eight consecutive octogenarians presenting with acute coronary syndrome (mean age:84±3 years, 56 male) were included. All patients underwent coronary angiography and were given optimal medical treatment. The primary end point was cardiovascular mortality in hospital and at one year. Results: Fifteen patients died during hospitalization and 20 patients died after discharge within the first year. ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and hypotension were significantly more prevalent in the in-hospital mortality group while atrial fibrillation and hyponatremia were more prevalent in the long-term mortality group. All deceased patients had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate. Cox analysis revealed ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, hypotension and left ventricular ejection fraction as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality while hyponatremia, atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction as independent predictors of long term mortality. Conclusion: It would be reasonable to pay further attention to octogenarians with acute coronary syndrome if they are presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and have hypotension, impaired left ventricular function, hyponatremia, atrial fibrillation or renal dysfunction, which are associated with increased mortality