Evaluation of patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease: Preliminary results from the Turk-UIP study

OBJECTIVE: Differential diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is important among fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD). This study aimed to evaluate the rate of IPF in patients with fibrotic ILD and to determine the clinical-laboratory features of patients with and without IPF that would provide the differential diagnosis of IPF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included the patients with the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern or possible UIP pattern on thorax high-resolution computed tomography, and/or UIP pattern, probable UIP or possible UIP pattern at lung biopsy according to the 2011 ATS/ERSARS/ALAT guidelines. Demographics and clinical and radiological data of the patients were recorded. All data recorded by researchers was evaluated by radiology and the clinical decision board. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients (253 men, 83 women, age 65.8 +/- 9.0 years) were evaluated. Of the patients with sufficient data for diag-nosis (n=300), the diagnosis was IPF in 121 (40.3%), unclassified idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 50 (16.7%), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) in 40 (13.3%), and lung involvement of connective tissue disease (CTD) in 16 (5.3%). When 29 patients with definite IPF features were added to the patients with CPFE, the total number of IPF patients reached 150 (50%). Rate of male sex (p<0.001), smoking history (p<0.001), and the presence of clubbing (p=0.001) were significantly high in patients with IPE None of the women <50 years and none of the men <50 years of age without a smoking history were diagnosed with IPE Presence of at least 1 of the symptoms suggestive of CTD, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and antinuclear antibody (FANA) positivity rates were significantly higher in the non-IPF group (p<0.001, p=0.029, p=0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rate of IPF among patients with fibrotic ILD was 50%. In the differential diagnosis of IPF, sex, smoking habits, and the presence of clubbing are important. The presence of symptoms related to CTD, ESR elevation, and EANA positivity reduce the likelihood of IPF

The application of polycarbazole, polycarbazole/nanoclay and polycarbazole/Zn-nanoparticles as a corrosion inhibition for SS304 in saltwater

Polycarbazole (PCz), polycarbazole/nanoclay and polycarbazole/Zn-nanocomposites were chemically and electrochemically synthesized on a stainless steel (SS304) electrode. The modified electrodes were characterized by electrochemical methods (CV and chronoamperometry), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)-attenuated transmission reflectance (ATR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), four point probe, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and equivalent circuit model of R-s(Q(c)(R-c(Q(p)R(ct)))). The electrochemical behavior of the modified films on SS304 was assessed by open circuit potential monitoring, potentiodynamic polarization and EIS measurements to test the corrosion protection efficiency against 3.5% NaCl solution. PCz, PCz/nanoclay and PCz/nanoZn films obtained by chemical method coated on SS304 electrode exhibited better corrosion protection performance compared to the films obtained by the electrochemical method. This result may be attributed to the effective formation of a thin and protective layer. The highest protection efficiency (PE=99.81%) was obtained for chemically synthesized PCz films. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Scientific & Technological Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [112T680]Authors wish to thank Serhat Tikiz (Afyon Kocatepe Univ., TUAM, Afyon, Turkey) for conducting the SEM-EDX measurements and Dr. Argun Gokceoren (ITU, Istanbul, Turkey) for the FTIR-ATR measurements. The financial support from The Scientific & Technological Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), project number: 112T680, is gratefully acknowledged

Afaki ve Aniridisi Olan Tedavisi Güç Bir Glokom Olgusunda Transpupiller Argon Lazer Siklofotokoagülasyon

We present a case of transpupillary argon laser cyclophotocoagulation (TALC) in a patient with traumatic aniridia and aphakia secondary to blunt trauma who had previous bilateral trabeculectomy. Four months after the trauma the patient's intraocular pressure (IOP) rose to 35 mmHg despite topical antiglaucomatous medication. Inferior 180 degrees cyclophotocoagulation was performed with transpupillary argon laser in the first session and his IOP fell to values of 12-17 mmHg. Twelve weeks after TALC, his IOP rose to 22 mmHg and we had to apply TALC to the residual ciliary processes. Seven months later his IOP was 13 mmHg with topical dorzolamide-timolol and latanoprost administration. TALC may be an effective treatment alternative for lowering IOP in patients with visible ciliary processes who do not respond to conventional medical or laser treatmentBiz çalışmamızda, daha önce her iki gözden trabekülektomi geçirmiş, künt travmaya sekonder travmatik aniridi ve afakili bir hastada transpupiller argon lazer siklofotokoagülasyonun (TALS) sonucunu göstermeyi amaçladık. Travmadan 4 ay sonra topikal antiglokomatöz tedaviye rağmen göz içi basıncı (GİB) 35 mmHg'ye yükselen olguya ilk seansta transpupiller argon lazer ile alt 180 dereceye siklofotokoagülasyon uygulandı ve GİB 12-17 mmHg arasında seyretti. TALS'den 12 hafta sonra GİB 22 mmHg'ye yükseldi ve geri kalan siliyer uzantılara da TALS uygulandı. Yedi ay sonra GİB, topikal dorzolamid-timolol ve latanoprost damla ile 13 mmHg idi. TALS, konvansiyonel tıbbi tedaviye veya lazer tedavisine cevap vermeyen, görülebilir siliyer prosesleri olan hastalarda GİB'yi düşürmede etkili bir alternatif tedavi metodu olabili

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome Associated with Epidermoid Tumour and Arachnoid Cyst: A Case Report

Background: Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome (DDMS) is a rarely seen clinical entity which is characterised by cerebral hemiatrophy, contralateral hemiparesis and epilepsy. Radiological features are typical, such as unilateral atrophy of the cerebral hemisphere and associated compensatory bone changes in the skull, like thickening, enlargement of the paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells. Case Report: In this article, we report the first case of DDMS associated with epidermoid tumour and arachnoid cyst, who underwent operation for an epidermoid tumour in the inter-hemispheric region. To our knowledge, this is the first report of DDMS associated with multiple intracranial pathologies and this association has not been previously described in the literature. Conclusion: Any patient who receives DDMS in the light of clinical and radiological findings should be investigated for concomitant pathologies. Different sequences of MRI may be useful in the diagnosis of other intracranial lesions

Hydatid Cyst Disease of the Spine: Evaluation of Seven Cases

Introduction: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic infectious disease, and generally affects the liver and lungs. Spinal involvement is a very rare condition. In this study, we aimed to evaluate patients with spinal hydatid disease. Materials and Methods: Seven patients with spinal hydatid disease treated between 2009 and 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, symptoms and findings, spinal involvement levels, and treatment modalities of the patients were recorded. Results: Four (57%) of the patients were male and 3 (43%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 43 ± 18.2 years. Four (57%) cysts were in the thoracic region, 2 (29%) in the sacral region and 1 (14%) in the lumbar region. Cysts were secondary to spread from other organ systems in four patients due, and were primary in three patients. Conclusion: Hydatid cyst is an infectious disease that may affect various organs. Patients with hydatid cyst in the liver or lung should be checked carefully regarding other system involvement, including the spinal region

Electrophysiological evaluation of alterations in penile sensation due to penile prosthesis implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction

Objective: The present study was aimed to determine the effect of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) surgery on penile sensation by evaluating the penile electromyography (EMG) variables. Methods: The research was designed as a prospective study. Thirty patients who were diagnosed with organic erectile dysfunction and had underwent PPI surgery between January 2017 and January 2018 in the Urology Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. Penile sensory EMG was performed on each patient 1 day prior to the surgery by the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation clinic. Additionally, the control EMG study was also performed in the 3rd and 6th postoperative months. Results: We included 27 patients in this study who attended regular follow-ups and had complete EMG results. Out of the 27 patients, 23 (85.2%) patients had received malleable (ProMedon) penile prosthesis, one (3.7%) patient had received a two-piece inflatable (Ambicor) penile prosthesis, and three (11.1%) patients had received a three-piece inflatable (AMS 700 CXR) penile prosthesis. The mean nerve conduction value (NCV) of the patients was 29.85 (standard derivation: 22.54; range: 0–78.4) m/s during the preoperative period, whereas it was 27.64 (standard derivation: 24.72; range: 0–83.3) m/s in the 3rd postoperative month and 24.80 (standard derivation: 22.31; range: 0–88.4) m/s in the 6th postoperative month. There was no significant difference between preoperative NCV and 3rd postoperative month NCV (p=0.607). Similarly, no significant difference was observed between preoperative NCV and 6th postoperative month NCV (p=0.276). Additionally, the change between NCV values at postoperative 3rd and 6th months was not statistically significant (p=0.553). Conclusion: Significant loss of penile sensation does not occur in patients who undergo PPI surgery

The Outcomes of Late Term Surgical Treatment of Penetrating Peripheral Nerve Injuries

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the follow-up results of patients who received late-term surgical treatment for peripheral nerve lesions caused by penetrating injuries. MATERIAl and METhODS: The study included 25 patients who underwent surgery for peripheral nerve injuries in our clinic between 2007 and 2013. The patients were evaluated with respect to age, gender, etiology of the trauma, the affected nerve, clinical examinations, electrophysiological findings, surgical techniques and functional outcomes.RESulTS: The study included 30 nerves of 25 patients (19 male, 6 female; mean age 30.1 years). The mean time between the initial injury and admission to our clinic was 11.5 months (range, 3 to 30 months). Cuts caused by glass were the most common cause of injury (68.5%). The most commonly injured nerves in our patients were the median nerve (43.4%) and ulnar nerve (26.6%). External neurolysis and decompression were performed in eleven patients, epineurotomy and internal neurolysis were performed in eight patients, epineural repair was performed in fourteen patients, fascicular repair was performed in three patients, and interfascicular anastomosis using sural nerve grafting was performed in five patients. Postoperative motor strength and electrophysiological analyses showed significant improvements. Better outcomes were obtained in cases with median nerve injuries rather than other nerve injuries. Additionally, patients undergoing external neurolysis and decompression exhibited better outcomes than those undergoing other surgical approaches. COnCluSIOn: Although surgical treatment is recommended as early as possible for peripheral nerve injuries, late-term surgical treatments may provide positive outcomesAIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the follow-up results of patients who received late-term surgical treatment for peripheral nerve lesions caused by penetrating injuries. MATERIAl and METhODS: The study included 25 patients who underwent surgery for peripheral nerve injuries in our clinic between 2007 and 2013. The patients were evaluated with respect to age, gender, etiology of the trauma, the affected nerve, clinical examinations, electrophysiological findings, surgical techniques and functional outcomes.RESulTS: The study included 30 nerves of 25 patients (19 male, 6 female; mean age 30.1 years). The mean time between the initial injury and admission to our clinic was 11.5 months (range, 3 to 30 months). Cuts caused by glass were the most common cause of injury (68.5%). The most commonly injured nerves in our patients were the median nerve (43.4%) and ulnar nerve (26.6%). External neurolysis and decompression were performed in eleven patients, epineurotomy and internal neurolysis were performed in eight patients, epineural repair was performed in fourteen patients, fascicular repair was performed in three patients, and interfascicular anastomosis using sural nerve grafting was performed in five patients. Postoperative motor strength and electrophysiological analyses showed significant improvements. Better outcomes were obtained in cases with median nerve injuries rather than other nerve injuries. Additionally, patients undergoing external neurolysis and decompression exhibited better outcomes than those undergoing other surgical approaches. COnCluSIOn: Although surgical treatment is recommended as early as possible for peripheral nerve injuries, late-term surgical treatments may provide positive outcome