In this editorial,we respond to a review article by Nabi et al,in which the authors discussed gastroesophageal reflux(GER)following peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM is presently the primary therapeutic option for...In this editorial,we respond to a review article by Nabi et al,in which the authors discussed gastroesophageal reflux(GER)following peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM is presently the primary therapeutic option for achalasia,which is both safe and effective.A few adverse effects were documented after POEM,including GER.The diagnostic criteria were not clear enough because approximately 60%of patients have a long acid exposure time,while only 10%experience reflux symptoms.Multiple predictors of high disease incidence have been identified,including old age,female sex,obesity,and a baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure of less than 45 mmHg.Some technical steps during the procedure,such as a lengthy or full-thickness myotomy,may further enhance the risk.Proton pump inhibitors are currently the first line of treatment.Emerging voices are increasingly advocating for the routine combining of POEM with an endoscopic fundoplication method,such as peroral endoscopic fundoplication or transoral incisionless fundoplication.However,more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of these procedures in the long term for patients who have undergone them.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vag...Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vagina.The collected semen was pooled at 38℃ and divided into four equal volumes.They were diluted with 0,50,100 and 200μM taxifolin-containing Tris+egg yolk extender at 38℃ and their temperatures were lowered to 4℃.Following equilibration,semen drawn into 0.25 mL straws were frozen in an automatic semen freezing device and stored in liquid nitrogen container at-196℃.Samples were thawed in 38℃ water for 25 s and the analyses of motility,kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,changes in membrane integrity,mitochondrial membrane potential,dead-live ratio,acrosomal damages and as well as oxidative stress analyses were performed in semen.Results:Addition of 50μM taxifolin significantly improved motility(total,progressive,rapid and static),high mitochondrial membrane potential and the ratios of spermatozoa with acrosomal damage compared to the control group.Compared to the control group,malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 50 and 100μM taxifolin groups were significantly lower,while the MDA level was high and viable spermatozoa ratio was low in the 200μM taxifolin group.There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,membrane integrity and antioxidant levels.Conclusions:The low dose of taxifolin(50μM)has a positive effect and the high dose(200μM)has a negative effect.Therefore,it is concluded that the addition of low-dose(50μM)taxifolin to the extenders would be a useful additive in reducing cold-shock damage that occurs during freezing of rabbit semen.展开更多
The analytical solution of the multi-dimensional,time-fractional model of Navier-Stokes equation using the triple and quadruple Elzaki transformdecompositionmethod is presented in this article.The aforesaidmodel is an...The analytical solution of the multi-dimensional,time-fractional model of Navier-Stokes equation using the triple and quadruple Elzaki transformdecompositionmethod is presented in this article.The aforesaidmodel is analyzed by employing Caputo fractional derivative.We deliberated three stimulating examples that correspond to the triple and quadruple Elzaki transform decomposition methods,respectively.The findings illustrate that the established approaches are extremely helpful in obtaining exact and approximate solutions to the problems.The exact and estimated solutions are delineated via numerical simulation.The proposed analysis indicates that the projected configuration is extremely meticulous,highly efficient,and precise in understanding the behavior of complex evolutionary problems of both fractional and integer order that classify affiliated scientific fields and technology.展开更多
In this article,we developed sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of an approximate solution to a nonlinear system of Lorenz equations under Caputo-Fabrizio fractional order derivative(CFFD).The requ...In this article,we developed sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of an approximate solution to a nonlinear system of Lorenz equations under Caputo-Fabrizio fractional order derivative(CFFD).The required results about the existence and uniqueness of a solution are derived via the fixed point approach due to Banach and Krassnoselskii.Also,we enriched our work by establishing a stable result based on the Ulam-Hyers(U-H)concept.Also,the approximate solution is computed by using a hybrid method due to the Laplace transform and the Adomian decomposition method.We computed a few terms of the required solution through the mentioned method and presented some graphical presentation of the considered problem corresponding to various fractional orders.The results of the existence and uniqueness tests for the Lorenz system under CFFD have not been studied earlier.Also,the suggested method results for the proposed system under the mentioned derivative are new.Furthermore,the adopted technique has some useful features,such as the lack of prior discrimination required by wavelet methods.our proposed method does not depend on auxiliary parameters like the homotopy method,which controls the method.Our proposed method is rapidly convergent and,in most cases,it has been used as a powerful technique to compute approximate solutions for various nonlinear problems.展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether there was a relationship between the liver functions and fibrosis scores of hepatitis B patients and their TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and TGF-β1 serum levels based on the studies of liver biops...AIM: To investigate whether there was a relationship between the liver functions and fibrosis scores of hepatitis B patients and their TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and TGF-β1 serum levels based on the studies of liver biopsies. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)receiving no treatment and 30 healthy individuals with negative hepatitis serology and normal values of liver biochemistry were studied. After serum samples of the patients were collected, liver needle biopsy was performed on each patient. Cytokine levels were studied by ELISA.The biopsy materials were scored based on Knodell's histological activity index.RESULTS: In comparison of cytokine levels between CHB patients and control group, TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-β1 levels of the patients were higher in CHB patients than in the controls, while IFN-γ level was lower in the patients than in the controls. There were significant differences between the groups in TNF-α, IL-4, TGF-β1, and IFN-γ (P<0.005,0.03, 0.002, 0.0001, respectively). There was a negativecorrelation between TGF-β1 and IL-4 and IFN-γ (P<0.05),TNF-α and the other cytokines and IFN-γ and IL-4 were not correlated (P>0.05). TGF-β1 was correlated with fibrosis (P<0.05). Liver necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis and TNF-α, IL-4, and IFN-γ were not correlated (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: In the course of HBV infection and its chronic progress, cytokines play an important role. IL-4and IFN-γ are effective in the chronic progression, whileTGF-β1 is effective in the development of fibrosis. Serum cytokine levels may be effective tools in the estimation of chronic progression and fibrosis development.展开更多
The current study was to determine the serum/plasmalevels of VEGF, IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide(NO), PCT and CRP in gastric carcinoma and correlation withthe stages of the disease and accompanying infection.
AIM: To evaluate the impact of liver steatosis upon response to given therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS: 84 consecutive CHB patients treated with 48-wk PEGylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy were ...AIM: To evaluate the impact of liver steatosis upon response to given therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS: 84 consecutive CHB patients treated with 48-wk PEGylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy were enrolled. Baseline characteristics and sustained viral response (SVR) to PEG-IFN therapy were evaluated. RESULTS:Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.36 ± 4.4 kg/m 2 . Six (7.1%) had hypertension and three (3.5%) had diabetes mellitus. Steatosis was present in 22.6% (19/84) of liver biopsy samples. Age, BMI, and triglyceride levels of the patients with hepatic steatosis were significantly higher than those without hepatic steatosis (P < 0.05). SVR to PEG-IFN therapy was 21.4% (18/84). Sixteen of these 18 CHB patients with SVR (88.9%) did not have any histopathologically determined steatosis. On the other hand, only two of the 19 CHB patients with hepatic steatosis had SVR (10.5%). Although the SVR rate observed in patients without steatosis (16/65, 24.6%) was higher compared to those with steatosis (2/19, 10.5%), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Occurrence of hepatic steatosis is significantly high in CHB patients and this association leads to a trend of decreased, but statistically insignificant, SVR rates to PEG-IFN treatment.展开更多
A comment on the article by He et al, "Idiopathic neonatal pneumoperitoneum with favorable outcome:A case report and review", published on World Journal of Gastroenterology that reported a case of idiopathic...A comment on the article by He et al, "Idiopathic neonatal pneumoperitoneum with favorable outcome:A case report and review", published on World Journal of Gastroenterology that reported a case of idiopathic neonatal pneumoperitoneum, possibly due to gastric perforation, with a favorable outcome without surgical intervention.展开更多
AIM:To share our experience of the management and outcomes of patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI).METHODS:The charts of seven patients who underwent surgery for PCI between 2001 and 2009 were review...AIM:To share our experience of the management and outcomes of patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI).METHODS:The charts of seven patients who underwent surgery for PCI between 2001 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively.Clinical features,diagnoses and surgical interventions of patients with PCI are discussed.RESULTS:Seven patients with PCI (3 males,4 females;mean age,50 ± 16.1 years;range,29-74 years) were analyzed.In three of the patients,abdominal pain was the only complaint,whereas additional vomiting and/or constipation occurred in four.Leukocytosis was detected in four patients,whereas it was within normal limits in three.Subdiaphragmatic free air was observed radiologically in four patients but not in three.Six of the patients underwent an applied laparotomy,whereas one underwent an applied explorative laparoscopy.PCI localized to the small intestine only was detected in four patients,whereas it was localized to the small intestine and the colon in three.Three patients underwent a partial small intestine resection and four did not after PCI was diagnosed.Five patients were diagnosed with secondary PCI and two with primary PCI when the surgical findings and medical history were assessed together.Gastric atony developed in one case only,as a complication during a postoperative follow-up of 5-14 d.CONCLUSION:Although rare,PCI should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.Diagnostic laparoscopy and preoperative radiological tests,including computed tomography,play an important role in confirming the diagnosis.展开更多
Eleven plant species were collected from the vicinity of lead-battery plant in the city of Gaziantep,Turkey.Lead,cadmium and copper concentrations in the soil and leaves of plants were determined by atomic absorption ...Eleven plant species were collected from the vicinity of lead-battery plant in the city of Gaziantep,Turkey.Lead,cadmium and copper concentrations in the soil and leaves of plants were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.Lead,Cd and Cu concentrations in the soil samples taken from battery area were found to be in the ranges of 304~602,0.4~0.44 and 31~37 mg·kg-1,respectively.Significantly increased lead concentration up to 2 750 mg·kg-1 was found in the leaves of Eleagnus angustifolia L.plant.The lead concentrations in the other plant leaves taken from 50 m around battery factory followed the order Ailanthus altissima>Morus sp.>Juglans regia L.>Ficus carica L.>Cydonia oblonga Miller>Prunus x domestica L.The plants,Populus nigra L.,Eleagnus angustifolia L.and Salix sp.were found useful for Cd,and the plant,Eleagnus angustifolia L.for Pb,to be considered as potential biomonitor.Especially,leaves of trees and plants taken from the distance of 50 m from battery plant have relatively higher Pb concentrations.Therefore,people who and animals which live in this area and benefit from these soil and plants have vital risks.展开更多
The leaching behavior of a copper flotation concentrate was investigated using ammonium persulfate (APS) in an autoclave systee. The decomposition products of APS, active oxygen, and acidic medium were used to extra...The leaching behavior of a copper flotation concentrate was investigated using ammonium persulfate (APS) in an autoclave systee. The decomposition products of APS, active oxygen, and acidic medium were used to extract metals from the concentrate. Leaching experiments were performed to compare the availability of APS as an oxidizing agent for leaching of the concentrate under atmospheric conditions and in an autoclave system. Leaching temperature and APS concentration were found to be important parameters in both leaching systems. Atmospheric leaching studies showed that the metal extractions increased with the increase in APS concentration and temperature (up to 333 K). A similar tendency was determined in the autoclave studies up to 423 K. It was also determined that the metal extractions decreased at temperatures above 423 K due to the passivation of the particle surface by molten elemental sulfur. The results showed that higher copper extractions could be achieved using an autoclave system.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum paraoxonase (PON1), AST, ALT, GGT, and arylesterase (AE) activity alterations and the degree of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis.METHODS: We studied 34...AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum paraoxonase (PON1), AST, ALT, GGT, and arylesterase (AE) activity alterations and the degree of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis.METHODS: We studied 34 chronic hepatitis patients and 32 control subjects, aged between 35 and 65 years,in the Department of Infection and Clinical Microbiology at the Firat University School of Medicine. Blood samples were collected from subjects between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. following a 12-h fast. Baseline and salt-stimulated PON1 activities were measured by the hydrolysis of paraoxon. Phenyl acetate was used as the substrate and formed phenol was measured spectrophotometrically at 270 nm after the addition of a 10-fold diluted serum sample in AE activity measurements.RESULTS: The results of this investigation revealed that the levels of AE activity decreased from 132±52 to 94±36 (29%), baseline PON1 activity from 452±112 to 164±67 (64%), salt-stimulated PON1 activity from 746±394 to 294±220 (61%), HDL from 58.4±5.1 to 47.2±5.6(20%), triglyceride from 133±51.2 to 86±34.0 (35%),while a slight increase in the level of LDL (from 163±54.1 to 177.3±56.0; 9%) and significant increases in the levels of AST (from 29±9.3 to 98±44), ALP (from 57.2±13.1 to 91±38.1), ALT (from 27.9±3.32 to 89±19.1), GGT (from 24.3±2.10 to 94±48.2), total bilirubin (from 0.74±0.02 to 1.36±0.06; 84%) and direct bilirubin (from 0.18±0.01 to 0.42±0.04; 133%) were detected.However, the levels of albumin, total protein, cholesterol,and uric acid were almost the same in chronic hepatitis and the control subjects.CONCLUSION: Low PON1 and AE activity may contribute to the increased liver dysfunction in chronic hepatitis patients by reducing the ability of HDL to retard LDL oxidation and might be clinically useful for monitoring the disease of chronic hepatitis.展开更多
The goal of this study was to optimize the constitutive parameters of foundation soils using a k-means algorithm with clustering analysis. A database was collected from unconfined compression tests, Proctor tests and ...The goal of this study was to optimize the constitutive parameters of foundation soils using a k-means algorithm with clustering analysis. A database was collected from unconfined compression tests, Proctor tests and grain distribution tests of soils taken from three different types of foundation pits: raft foundations, partial raft foundations and strip foundations. k-means algorithm with clustering analysis was applied to determine the most appropriate foundation type given the un- confined compression strengths and other parameters of the different soils.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate plasma and aqueous levels of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.METHODS: The study included three age and gendermatched groups of 20 cataract patients with no...AIM: To evaluate plasma and aqueous levels of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.METHODS: The study included three age and gendermatched groups of 20 cataract patients with no diabetes or additional disease(Group C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and no retinopathy(Group DM+C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy(Group DR+C).All the patients were examined with respect to body mass index(BMI), fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c), and lipid profile.Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens(Phaco+IOL) implantation were performed to all patients in all the groups, and aqueous samples were taken during the operation.The plasma and aqueous adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to BMI, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c levels(P<0.05 for all parameters tested).The plasma adiponutrin levels of Group DR+C were statistically significantly lower than those of Group C and Group DM+C(P<0.001, P=0.004).No statistically significant difference was determined in the aqueous adiponutrin levels in three groups.The plasma pannexin 1 levels of Groups DM+C and DR+C were statistically significantly lower than those of Group C(both P=0.001).The aqueous pannexin 1 levels of Group DR+C were statistically significantly higher than those of Group C and Group DM+C(P=0.001, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: Adiponutrin and pannexin 1, which play an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity, and have a regulatory role in hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.The measurement of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels may support clinicians in determining the risk of DR development.展开更多
Middle ear surgery is usually performed using a surgical microscope. Initially, in otorhinolaryngology practice, endoscopes were used for paranasal sinus surgeries. It was only later that they were applied in the area...Middle ear surgery is usually performed using a surgical microscope. Initially, in otorhinolaryngology practice, endoscopes were used for paranasal sinus surgeries. It was only later that they were applied in the area of otology. In otologic surgeries, endoscopes were first used to visualize the middle ear, before being used to assist with visualization of instruments during cholesteatoma surgeries, although they are still not used alone in various otologic surgeries. As in other surgical fields, there is also a trend towards minimally invasive intervention in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Smaller incisions performed under the guidance of endoscopes are preferred over conventional large incisions. Using this approach, improved outcomes can be achieved and postoperative morbidities can be reduced. In addition, the outcomes of grafts performed using the endoscopic approach are similar to that achieved by the microscopic approach. Therefore, endoscopic ear surgery implementations are becoming increasingly popular.展开更多
Dual-phase (DP) steels with different martensite contents were obtained by appropriate heat treatment of an SAE1010 structural carbon steel, which was cheap and widely used in the construction industry. The corrosio...Dual-phase (DP) steels with different martensite contents were obtained by appropriate heat treatment of an SAE1010 structural carbon steel, which was cheap and widely used in the construction industry. The corrosion behavior of DP steels in concrete was investigated under various tempering conditions. Intercritical annealing heat treatment was applied to the reinforcing steel to obtain DP steels with different contents of martensite. These DP steels were tempered at 200, 300, and 400℃ for 45 min and then cooled to room temperature. Corrosion experiments were conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the corrosion potential of DP steels embedded in concrete was measured every day for a period of 30 d based on the ASTM C 876 standard. In the second stage, the anodic and cathodic polarization values of these steels were obtained and subsequently the corrosion currents were determined with the aid of cathodic polarization curves. It was observed that the amount of second phase had a definite effect on the corrosion behavior of the DP steel embedded in concrete. As a result of this study, it is found that the corrosion rate of the DP steel increases with an increase in the amount of martensite.展开更多
This paper presents a comparison among Adomian decomposition method (ADM), Wavelet-Galerkin method (WGM), the fully explicit (1,7) finite difference technique (FTCS), the fully implicit (7,1) finite difference method ...This paper presents a comparison among Adomian decomposition method (ADM), Wavelet-Galerkin method (WGM), the fully explicit (1,7) finite difference technique (FTCS), the fully implicit (7,1) finite difference method (BTCS), (7,7) Crank-Nicholson type finite difference formula (C-N), the fully explicit method (1,13) and 9-point finite difference method, for solving parabolic differential equations with arbitrary boundary conditions and based on weak form functionals in finite domains. The problem is solved rapidly, easily and elegantly by ADM. The numerical results on a 2D transient heat conducting problem and 3D diffusion problem are used to validate the proposed ADM as an effective numerical method for solving finite domain parabolic equations. The numerical results showed that our present method is less time consuming and is easier to use than other methods. In addition, we prove the convergence of this method when it is applied to the nonlinear parabolic equation.展开更多
文摘In this editorial,we respond to a review article by Nabi et al,in which the authors discussed gastroesophageal reflux(GER)following peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM is presently the primary therapeutic option for achalasia,which is both safe and effective.A few adverse effects were documented after POEM,including GER.The diagnostic criteria were not clear enough because approximately 60%of patients have a long acid exposure time,while only 10%experience reflux symptoms.Multiple predictors of high disease incidence have been identified,including old age,female sex,obesity,and a baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure of less than 45 mmHg.Some technical steps during the procedure,such as a lengthy or full-thickness myotomy,may further enhance the risk.Proton pump inhibitors are currently the first line of treatment.Emerging voices are increasingly advocating for the routine combining of POEM with an endoscopic fundoplication method,such as peroral endoscopic fundoplication or transoral incisionless fundoplication.However,more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of these procedures in the long term for patients who have undergone them.
基金financially supported by Fırat University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit(Grant No:VF.21.02).
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vagina.The collected semen was pooled at 38℃ and divided into four equal volumes.They were diluted with 0,50,100 and 200μM taxifolin-containing Tris+egg yolk extender at 38℃ and their temperatures were lowered to 4℃.Following equilibration,semen drawn into 0.25 mL straws were frozen in an automatic semen freezing device and stored in liquid nitrogen container at-196℃.Samples were thawed in 38℃ water for 25 s and the analyses of motility,kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,changes in membrane integrity,mitochondrial membrane potential,dead-live ratio,acrosomal damages and as well as oxidative stress analyses were performed in semen.Results:Addition of 50μM taxifolin significantly improved motility(total,progressive,rapid and static),high mitochondrial membrane potential and the ratios of spermatozoa with acrosomal damage compared to the control group.Compared to the control group,malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 50 and 100μM taxifolin groups were significantly lower,while the MDA level was high and viable spermatozoa ratio was low in the 200μM taxifolin group.There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,membrane integrity and antioxidant levels.Conclusions:The low dose of taxifolin(50μM)has a positive effect and the high dose(200μM)has a negative effect.Therefore,it is concluded that the addition of low-dose(50μM)taxifolin to the extenders would be a useful additive in reducing cold-shock damage that occurs during freezing of rabbit semen.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(GrantNos.61673169,11301127,11701176,11626101,11601485).
文摘The analytical solution of the multi-dimensional,time-fractional model of Navier-Stokes equation using the triple and quadruple Elzaki transformdecompositionmethod is presented in this article.The aforesaidmodel is analyzed by employing Caputo fractional derivative.We deliberated three stimulating examples that correspond to the triple and quadruple Elzaki transform decomposition methods,respectively.The findings illustrate that the established approaches are extremely helpful in obtaining exact and approximate solutions to the problems.The exact and estimated solutions are delineated via numerical simulation.The proposed analysis indicates that the projected configuration is extremely meticulous,highly efficient,and precise in understanding the behavior of complex evolutionary problems of both fractional and integer order that classify affiliated scientific fields and technology.
基金support of Taif University Researchers Supporting Project No. (TURSP-2020/162),Taif University,Taif,Saudi Arabiafunding this work through research groups program under Grant No.R.G.P.1/195/42.
文摘In this article,we developed sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of an approximate solution to a nonlinear system of Lorenz equations under Caputo-Fabrizio fractional order derivative(CFFD).The required results about the existence and uniqueness of a solution are derived via the fixed point approach due to Banach and Krassnoselskii.Also,we enriched our work by establishing a stable result based on the Ulam-Hyers(U-H)concept.Also,the approximate solution is computed by using a hybrid method due to the Laplace transform and the Adomian decomposition method.We computed a few terms of the required solution through the mentioned method and presented some graphical presentation of the considered problem corresponding to various fractional orders.The results of the existence and uniqueness tests for the Lorenz system under CFFD have not been studied earlier.Also,the suggested method results for the proposed system under the mentioned derivative are new.Furthermore,the adopted technique has some useful features,such as the lack of prior discrimination required by wavelet methods.our proposed method does not depend on auxiliary parameters like the homotopy method,which controls the method.Our proposed method is rapidly convergent and,in most cases,it has been used as a powerful technique to compute approximate solutions for various nonlinear problems.
文摘AIM: To investigate whether there was a relationship between the liver functions and fibrosis scores of hepatitis B patients and their TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and TGF-β1 serum levels based on the studies of liver biopsies. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)receiving no treatment and 30 healthy individuals with negative hepatitis serology and normal values of liver biochemistry were studied. After serum samples of the patients were collected, liver needle biopsy was performed on each patient. Cytokine levels were studied by ELISA.The biopsy materials were scored based on Knodell's histological activity index.RESULTS: In comparison of cytokine levels between CHB patients and control group, TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-β1 levels of the patients were higher in CHB patients than in the controls, while IFN-γ level was lower in the patients than in the controls. There were significant differences between the groups in TNF-α, IL-4, TGF-β1, and IFN-γ (P<0.005,0.03, 0.002, 0.0001, respectively). There was a negativecorrelation between TGF-β1 and IL-4 and IFN-γ (P<0.05),TNF-α and the other cytokines and IFN-γ and IL-4 were not correlated (P>0.05). TGF-β1 was correlated with fibrosis (P<0.05). Liver necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis and TNF-α, IL-4, and IFN-γ were not correlated (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: In the course of HBV infection and its chronic progress, cytokines play an important role. IL-4and IFN-γ are effective in the chronic progression, whileTGF-β1 is effective in the development of fibrosis. Serum cytokine levels may be effective tools in the estimation of chronic progression and fibrosis development.
文摘The current study was to determine the serum/plasmalevels of VEGF, IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide(NO), PCT and CRP in gastric carcinoma and correlation withthe stages of the disease and accompanying infection.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the impact of liver steatosis upon response to given therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS: 84 consecutive CHB patients treated with 48-wk PEGylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy were enrolled. Baseline characteristics and sustained viral response (SVR) to PEG-IFN therapy were evaluated. RESULTS:Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.36 ± 4.4 kg/m 2 . Six (7.1%) had hypertension and three (3.5%) had diabetes mellitus. Steatosis was present in 22.6% (19/84) of liver biopsy samples. Age, BMI, and triglyceride levels of the patients with hepatic steatosis were significantly higher than those without hepatic steatosis (P < 0.05). SVR to PEG-IFN therapy was 21.4% (18/84). Sixteen of these 18 CHB patients with SVR (88.9%) did not have any histopathologically determined steatosis. On the other hand, only two of the 19 CHB patients with hepatic steatosis had SVR (10.5%). Although the SVR rate observed in patients without steatosis (16/65, 24.6%) was higher compared to those with steatosis (2/19, 10.5%), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Occurrence of hepatic steatosis is significantly high in CHB patients and this association leads to a trend of decreased, but statistically insignificant, SVR rates to PEG-IFN treatment.
文摘A comment on the article by He et al, "Idiopathic neonatal pneumoperitoneum with favorable outcome:A case report and review", published on World Journal of Gastroenterology that reported a case of idiopathic neonatal pneumoperitoneum, possibly due to gastric perforation, with a favorable outcome without surgical intervention.
文摘AIM:To share our experience of the management and outcomes of patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI).METHODS:The charts of seven patients who underwent surgery for PCI between 2001 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively.Clinical features,diagnoses and surgical interventions of patients with PCI are discussed.RESULTS:Seven patients with PCI (3 males,4 females;mean age,50 ± 16.1 years;range,29-74 years) were analyzed.In three of the patients,abdominal pain was the only complaint,whereas additional vomiting and/or constipation occurred in four.Leukocytosis was detected in four patients,whereas it was within normal limits in three.Subdiaphragmatic free air was observed radiologically in four patients but not in three.Six of the patients underwent an applied laparotomy,whereas one underwent an applied explorative laparoscopy.PCI localized to the small intestine only was detected in four patients,whereas it was localized to the small intestine and the colon in three.Three patients underwent a partial small intestine resection and four did not after PCI was diagnosed.Five patients were diagnosed with secondary PCI and two with primary PCI when the surgical findings and medical history were assessed together.Gastric atony developed in one case only,as a complication during a postoperative follow-up of 5-14 d.CONCLUSION:Although rare,PCI should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.Diagnostic laparoscopy and preoperative radiological tests,including computed tomography,play an important role in confirming the diagnosis.
文摘Eleven plant species were collected from the vicinity of lead-battery plant in the city of Gaziantep,Turkey.Lead,cadmium and copper concentrations in the soil and leaves of plants were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.Lead,Cd and Cu concentrations in the soil samples taken from battery area were found to be in the ranges of 304~602,0.4~0.44 and 31~37 mg·kg-1,respectively.Significantly increased lead concentration up to 2 750 mg·kg-1 was found in the leaves of Eleagnus angustifolia L.plant.The lead concentrations in the other plant leaves taken from 50 m around battery factory followed the order Ailanthus altissima>Morus sp.>Juglans regia L.>Ficus carica L.>Cydonia oblonga Miller>Prunus x domestica L.The plants,Populus nigra L.,Eleagnus angustifolia L.and Salix sp.were found useful for Cd,and the plant,Eleagnus angustifolia L.for Pb,to be considered as potential biomonitor.Especially,leaves of trees and plants taken from the distance of 50 m from battery plant have relatively higher Pb concentrations.Therefore,people who and animals which live in this area and benefit from these soil and plants have vital risks.
基金financially supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK,No.106M177)
文摘The leaching behavior of a copper flotation concentrate was investigated using ammonium persulfate (APS) in an autoclave systee. The decomposition products of APS, active oxygen, and acidic medium were used to extract metals from the concentrate. Leaching experiments were performed to compare the availability of APS as an oxidizing agent for leaching of the concentrate under atmospheric conditions and in an autoclave system. Leaching temperature and APS concentration were found to be important parameters in both leaching systems. Atmospheric leaching studies showed that the metal extractions increased with the increase in APS concentration and temperature (up to 333 K). A similar tendency was determined in the autoclave studies up to 423 K. It was also determined that the metal extractions decreased at temperatures above 423 K due to the passivation of the particle surface by molten elemental sulfur. The results showed that higher copper extractions could be achieved using an autoclave system.
文摘AIM: To investigate the relationship between serum paraoxonase (PON1), AST, ALT, GGT, and arylesterase (AE) activity alterations and the degree of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis.METHODS: We studied 34 chronic hepatitis patients and 32 control subjects, aged between 35 and 65 years,in the Department of Infection and Clinical Microbiology at the Firat University School of Medicine. Blood samples were collected from subjects between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. following a 12-h fast. Baseline and salt-stimulated PON1 activities were measured by the hydrolysis of paraoxon. Phenyl acetate was used as the substrate and formed phenol was measured spectrophotometrically at 270 nm after the addition of a 10-fold diluted serum sample in AE activity measurements.RESULTS: The results of this investigation revealed that the levels of AE activity decreased from 132±52 to 94±36 (29%), baseline PON1 activity from 452±112 to 164±67 (64%), salt-stimulated PON1 activity from 746±394 to 294±220 (61%), HDL from 58.4±5.1 to 47.2±5.6(20%), triglyceride from 133±51.2 to 86±34.0 (35%),while a slight increase in the level of LDL (from 163±54.1 to 177.3±56.0; 9%) and significant increases in the levels of AST (from 29±9.3 to 98±44), ALP (from 57.2±13.1 to 91±38.1), ALT (from 27.9±3.32 to 89±19.1), GGT (from 24.3±2.10 to 94±48.2), total bilirubin (from 0.74±0.02 to 1.36±0.06; 84%) and direct bilirubin (from 0.18±0.01 to 0.42±0.04; 133%) were detected.However, the levels of albumin, total protein, cholesterol,and uric acid were almost the same in chronic hepatitis and the control subjects.CONCLUSION: Low PON1 and AE activity may contribute to the increased liver dysfunction in chronic hepatitis patients by reducing the ability of HDL to retard LDL oxidation and might be clinically useful for monitoring the disease of chronic hepatitis.
文摘The goal of this study was to optimize the constitutive parameters of foundation soils using a k-means algorithm with clustering analysis. A database was collected from unconfined compression tests, Proctor tests and grain distribution tests of soils taken from three different types of foundation pits: raft foundations, partial raft foundations and strip foundations. k-means algorithm with clustering analysis was applied to determine the most appropriate foundation type given the un- confined compression strengths and other parameters of the different soils.
文摘AIM: To evaluate plasma and aqueous levels of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.METHODS: The study included three age and gendermatched groups of 20 cataract patients with no diabetes or additional disease(Group C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and no retinopathy(Group DM+C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy(Group DR+C).All the patients were examined with respect to body mass index(BMI), fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c), and lipid profile.Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens(Phaco+IOL) implantation were performed to all patients in all the groups, and aqueous samples were taken during the operation.The plasma and aqueous adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to BMI, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c levels(P<0.05 for all parameters tested).The plasma adiponutrin levels of Group DR+C were statistically significantly lower than those of Group C and Group DM+C(P<0.001, P=0.004).No statistically significant difference was determined in the aqueous adiponutrin levels in three groups.The plasma pannexin 1 levels of Groups DM+C and DR+C were statistically significantly lower than those of Group C(both P=0.001).The aqueous pannexin 1 levels of Group DR+C were statistically significantly higher than those of Group C and Group DM+C(P=0.001, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: Adiponutrin and pannexin 1, which play an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity, and have a regulatory role in hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.The measurement of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels may support clinicians in determining the risk of DR development.
文摘Middle ear surgery is usually performed using a surgical microscope. Initially, in otorhinolaryngology practice, endoscopes were used for paranasal sinus surgeries. It was only later that they were applied in the area of otology. In otologic surgeries, endoscopes were first used to visualize the middle ear, before being used to assist with visualization of instruments during cholesteatoma surgeries, although they are still not used alone in various otologic surgeries. As in other surgical fields, there is also a trend towards minimally invasive intervention in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Smaller incisions performed under the guidance of endoscopes are preferred over conventional large incisions. Using this approach, improved outcomes can be achieved and postoperative morbidities can be reduced. In addition, the outcomes of grafts performed using the endoscopic approach are similar to that achieved by the microscopic approach. Therefore, endoscopic ear surgery implementations are becoming increasingly popular.
基金supported by the Scientific Research Projects Management Council of the Firat University (No.2005/1119)
文摘Dual-phase (DP) steels with different martensite contents were obtained by appropriate heat treatment of an SAE1010 structural carbon steel, which was cheap and widely used in the construction industry. The corrosion behavior of DP steels in concrete was investigated under various tempering conditions. Intercritical annealing heat treatment was applied to the reinforcing steel to obtain DP steels with different contents of martensite. These DP steels were tempered at 200, 300, and 400℃ for 45 min and then cooled to room temperature. Corrosion experiments were conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the corrosion potential of DP steels embedded in concrete was measured every day for a period of 30 d based on the ASTM C 876 standard. In the second stage, the anodic and cathodic polarization values of these steels were obtained and subsequently the corrosion currents were determined with the aid of cathodic polarization curves. It was observed that the amount of second phase had a definite effect on the corrosion behavior of the DP steel embedded in concrete. As a result of this study, it is found that the corrosion rate of the DP steel increases with an increase in the amount of martensite.
文摘This paper presents a comparison among Adomian decomposition method (ADM), Wavelet-Galerkin method (WGM), the fully explicit (1,7) finite difference technique (FTCS), the fully implicit (7,1) finite difference method (BTCS), (7,7) Crank-Nicholson type finite difference formula (C-N), the fully explicit method (1,13) and 9-point finite difference method, for solving parabolic differential equations with arbitrary boundary conditions and based on weak form functionals in finite domains. The problem is solved rapidly, easily and elegantly by ADM. The numerical results on a 2D transient heat conducting problem and 3D diffusion problem are used to validate the proposed ADM as an effective numerical method for solving finite domain parabolic equations. The numerical results showed that our present method is less time consuming and is easier to use than other methods. In addition, we prove the convergence of this method when it is applied to the nonlinear parabolic equation.