In vitro antimicrobial studies of new benzimidazolium salts and silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes.

A series of new benzimidazolium salts (1a-g) were synthesized from the reaction of 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)benzimidazole with various alkyl halides. These salts were used to synthesize silver N-heterocyclic carbene (Ag-NHC) complexes (2a-f). The thirteen compounds were characterized by FT-IR, NMR ((1)H and (13)C) spectroscopic methods and an elemental analysis technique. These selected candidates were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activities. Antibacterial and antifungal results indicated that the new salts, and particularly their silver complexes, were found to be strongly effective against seven Gram (-) bacterial strains, three Gram (+) bacterial strains and one yeast (Candida albicans).

Treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone monthly for five years: 10-Year follow up.

OBJECTIVE: Although various modalities of treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP) there are not any treatment protocol agreed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the 20 CIDP patients (14 male, 6 female). Five patients were excluded from the study because they could not continue their treatments due to various problems during the treatment. The remaining 15 patients treated with monthly high dose intravenous methyl prednisolone for five years (IVMP) and followed up for 10 years. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 48.1±14.6 years. The mean duration of disease was 6.8±3.1 years. We were found statistically significant difference between the pre-treatment and sixth month modified Rankin scores (p<0.001). Similarly, significant improvement was observed at the end of first, fourth and fifth years of treatment. Statistically significant difference was found between baseline and tenth year modified Rankin scores of 12 patients who were treated with only IVMP during 10 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Long-term monthly IVMP pulse therapy seems to be very effective in the treatment of CIDP.

Epidemiology of restless legs syndrome in Turkish adults on the western Black Sea coast of Turkey: A door-to-door study in a rural area.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical presentation of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Turkish population living in Kandira, a town located on the Black Sea coast of Istanbul. METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional, door-to-door field study. A total of 2111 people aged 18 years and over were selected for the study. The criteria suggested by the IRLSSG (International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group) were used in the assessment of RLS. All the suspected subjects underwent neurological examination. RESULTS: The prevalence of RLS was found to be 3.4% of Turkish population aged over 18. Female:male ratio was 3.5:1. The prevalence reached peak point (8.3%) in the 58- to 67-year-old group. Prevalence of DM, anemia and polyneuropathy in RLS patients was 13.9%, 8.3% and 4.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RLS prevalence is relatively low, but increases with age in both genders in this Turkish population. Although it has negative effects on daily life, it is not well recognized by the population.

Is there an advantage in using low-dose intrathecal bupivacaine for cesarean section?

PURPOSE: Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with a high incidence of maternal hypotension. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of low-dose bupivacaine with fentanyl to reduce the incidence of hypotension in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. METHODS: Forty pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section were randomly allocated to two groups; those receiving 10 mg bupivacaine to group B (n = 20) and those receiving 4 mg bupivacaine plus 25 microg fentanyl to group BF (n = 20); the agents were given intrathecally with patients in the sitting position, with a combined spinal-epidural technique. RESULTS: Sensory block was adequate for surgery in all patients. Hypotension occurred in all patients in group B (100%) and in 15 patients in group BF (75%). The incidence of hypotension, number of ephedrine treatments, and need for ephedrine were significantly greater in group B than group BF. Three patients in group BF required i.v. fentanyl supplementation after delivery. In 1 of these patients, i.v. fentanyl was not adequate, and epidural supplementation of 1% lidocaine was required. CONCLUSION: The development of hypotension after spinal block in subjects undergoing cesarean section was not prevented despite low-dose (4 mg) bupivacaine plus 25 microg fentanyl, but the severity of maternal hypotension, and the number of ephedrine treatments and the total dose of ephedrine were decreased.

Prevalence of essential tremor: a door-to-door survey in Sile, Istanbul, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of essential tremor (ET) in a Turkish population living in Sile, a rural town located on Black Sea coast of Istanbul. This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional field study. People aged 18 years and over were selected for the study. Tremor surveillance questionnaire was applied by door-to-door visits. Subsequently, all subjects who answered the questionnaire had a standard tremor examination. Diagnosis was made based on Washington Heights-Inwood Genetic Study of Essential Tremor (WHIGET) diagnosis and clinical evaluation scale. A total of 2227 people was screened. The prevalence of ET was found to be 3.09% (95% Cl=2.42-3.91%) in Turkish population aged over 18 years. The prevalence of ET increased by age in both genders.