Determination of periodic deformation from InSAR results using the FFT time series analysis method in Gediz Graben.

Permanent Scatterers (PS) point velocities obtained by the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) method are generally determined using the linear regression model, which ignores periodic and seasonal effects. In this study, software was developed that can detect periodic effects by applying fast Fourier transformation (FFT) time series analysis to InSAR results. Using the FFT time series analysis, the periodic components of the surface movements at the PS points were determined, and then the annual velocity values free from periodic effects were obtained. The study area was chosen as the Gediz Graben, a tectonically active region where aseismic surface deformations have been observed in recent years. As a result, using the developed method, seasonal effects were successfully determined with the InSAR method at the PS points in the study area with a period of 384 days and an average amplitude of 19 mm. In addition, groundwater level changes of a water well in the region were modeled, and 0.93 correlation coefficient values were calculated between seasonal InSAR displacement values and water level changes. Thus, using the developed methodology, the relationship between the tectonic movement in the Gediz Graben in Turkey and the seasonal movements and the change in the groundwater level was determined.

Using human brain imaging studies as a guide toward animal models of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous and poorly understood mental disorder that is presently defined solely by its behavioral symptoms. Advances in genetic, epidemiological and brain imaging techniques in the past half century, however, have significantly advanced our understanding of the underlying biology of the disorder. In spite of these advances clinical research remains limited in its power to establish the causal relationships that link etiology with pathophysiology and symptoms. In this context, animal models provide an important tool for causally testing hypotheses about biological processes postulated to be disrupted in the disorder. While animal models can exploit a variety of entry points toward the study of schizophrenia, here we describe an approach that seeks to closely approximate functional alterations observed with brain imaging techniques in patients. By modeling these intermediate pathophysiological alterations in animals, this approach offers an opportunity to (1) tightly link a single functional brain abnormality with its behavioral consequences, and (2) to determine whether a single pathophysiology can causally produce alterations in other brain areas that have been described in patients. In this review we first summarize a selection of well-replicated biological abnormalities described in the schizophrenia literature. We then provide examples of animal models that were studied in the context of patient imaging findings describing enhanced striatal dopamine D2 receptor function, alterations in thalamo-prefrontal circuit function, and metabolic hyperfunction of the hippocampus. Lastly, we discuss the implications of findings from these animal models for our present understanding of schizophrenia, and consider key unanswered questions for future research in animal models and human patients.

Coronary arterial anomalies in a large group of patients undergoing coronary angiography in southeast Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of coronary artery anomalies (CAA) are reported between 0.6-1.3% in the literature. CAA are usually asymptomatic incidental findings, but they may deteriorate coronary circulation, cause symptoms and lead to sudden cardiac death; especially in young athletes. Since interventional procedures are increasing rapidly for treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the modern era, comprehensive understanding of CAA is becoming progressively critical element in dealing with CAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the database of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory of Sani Konukoglu University Hospital in Gaziantep, Turkey. All patients who were subjected to coronary angiography from 1998 to 2006 were included. RESULTS: Among 53,655 coronary angiographies performed, CAA were found in 653 patients (incidence of 1.21%); 590 (90.3%) patients had anomalies of origin and distribution and 63 (11.7%) had coronary fistulae. Separate origins of left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva was the most common anomaly (64.1%). Coronary arteries branching from anomalous aortic origin was the second most common anomaly(16.5%). Right coronary artery (RCA) originating from left sinus of Valsalva or left main coronary artery (LMCA) was observed in 55 (8.4%) patients, LCX arising from RCA or right sinus of Valsalva (RSV) was seen in 52 (7.9%) patients and LMCA orLAD originating from RSV was seen in 14 (0.2%) patients. There were 16 (2.45%) patients with single coronary artery and 1 (0.15%) patient with LMCA originating from pulmonary artery. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and the pattern of CAA in our patient population were similar with previous studies. Angiographic recognition of these vessels is important because of their clinical significance and importance in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty or cardiac surgery.

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its impact on the left ventricular systolic function in the patients with non-diabetic first ST elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common among the patients with myocardial infarction. The degree of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction is shown to be associated with poor prognosis after myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MS and its impact on the left ventricular systolic function in non-diabetic patients suffering first ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted prospectively in three centers. We included patients presenting with non-diabetic first acute STEMI. The systolic functions of the left ventricle were assessed through the ejection fraction, the wall motion score index (WMSI) and tissue Doppler myocardial S wave velocities. The diagnosis of MS was done based on the Adult Treatment Panel III clinical definition of the MS. RESULTS: Among the 240 patients, 90 patients (37.5%) had MS but 150 patients (62.5%) were free of the MS. The patients in the MS group were older and the prevalence was higher among the females. Mean myocardial S wave velocities were significantly lower in the patients with the MS in comparison to the patients without the MS (6.70 +/- 1.68 vs. 7.39 +/- 1.64; p < 0.01). LVEF and WMSI were similar in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: MS was highly common in nondiabetic patients with acute STEMI and left ventricular systolic function were more severely impaired in these patients. Our observations suggest that more severely impaired left ventricular systolic function after acute STEMI may contribute to the higher morbidity and mortality seen in the patients with MS after acute STEMI.

[Antistreptolysin--O titers in normal persons]. / Günümüz toplumunda antistreptolysin--O (aso) nun normal degeri.

ASO titers were determined 120 normal persons from different age groups. The mean titer was estimated as 160,37 +/- 14.08 Todd units. Only % 20 of normal individuals have had a titers over 200 units.