Did Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) Postulate Before Vesalius That Liquid Collects in Ventricles in the Hydrocephalus?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present and evaluate the part of Avenzoar's Liber Teisir that pertains to hydrocephalus. Avenzoar was an Andalusian physician prominent in the history of medicine because of the broadness of his observations and original methods. His most important work is recognized to be the Al-Taysir fi al-Mudawat wa al-Tadbir (On Preventive Regimen and Treatment), and its Latin version, Alteisir scilicet regiminis et medelae, which was in use for centuries in Europe. METHODS: The Arabic (Rabat, Morocco, in 1991) and Latin (Venice, Italy, in 1530) versions of Avenzoar's work were perused, relevant sections were separately translated into English, and both translations were then compared. An English version was prepared and is given in our results. RESULTS: The location of liquid collection was described as the anterior ventricles of the brain and around the brain. CONCLUSIONS: Avenzoar might have noted one of the earliest records on the clinical state called idiopathic adult hydrocephalus and postulated liquid collection in the ventricles of the brain in hydrocephalus before Vesalius.

FORENSIC DNA BANKING LEGISLATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY CONCERNS REGARDING A DRAFT FROM TURKISH LEGISLATION.

This paper presents and analyses, in terms of privacy and confidentiality, the Turkish Draft Law on National DNA Database prepared in 2004, and concerning the use of DNA analysis for forensic objectives and identity verification in Turkey. After a short introduction including related concepts, we evaluate the draft law and provide articles about confidentiality. The evaluation reminded us of some important topics at international level for the developing countries. As a result, the need for sophisticated legislations about DNA databases, for solutions to issues related to the education of employees, and the technological dependency to other countries emerged as main challenges in terms of confidentiality for the developing countries. As seen in the Turkish Draft Law on National DNA Database, the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms requires more care during the legislative efforts.

ETHICS IN GERIATRIC MEDICINE RESEARCH.

This article aims to evaluate the research process in geriatrics from the ethical point of view. The elderly population is increasing rapidly, but there is no parallel in the amount of research concerning this demographic. On the other hand, in the light of research ethics, this group mainly represents vulnerable people and requires more sensitivity. Taking into account all these features, fundamental principles in research ethics are first considered: the soundness of the scientific project, qualifications of the investigators, ethics committee approval, informed consent, confidentiality and privacy, beneficence/nonmaleficence, and justice are evaluated. Special ethical issues in geriatric research such as ageism and research inclusion, paucity of research involving elderly people, vulnerability of elderly subjects, and cognitive impairments are discussed separately.

ANALYSIS OF THE NEW REGULATORY BIOETHICAL REVIEW FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICAL TRIALS IN TURKEY.

We conducted a descriptive study of the existing research ethics committee (REC) review structure in Turkey with respect to clinical trials and discuss what can be expected in the future under the new regulation that came into effect in April 2013. We identified 78 RECs in Turkey under the Ministry of Health (MOH) as of September 2012, categorised under geographic location, type and institution. We identified REC member lists from the MOH in the same month and further characterize them under: membership number, gender, and speciality. MOH, universities, national nongovernmental organizations such as the Turkish Medical Association and the Turkish Bioethics Association, as well as clinical research and pharmaceutical bodies are intensively interested in the enhancement of the current system of research ethics review in the country. The European Union and Council directives have been important sources that have guided new developments. Proper evaluation of the existing system and introduction of new regulatory framework are expected to further clarify the obstacles and offer opportunities for institutions, researchers, REC members and administrators.