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Copyright of Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences is the property of Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences (TUJNS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A novel POEGMA-b-(PMEEU-co-PMAA) (poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)-b-poly((methacrylamidoethyl) ethylene urea)-co-poly(methacrylic acid) block copolymer has been synthesized by RAFT polymerization as a corrosion inhibitor. Structural characterization of the block copolymer was done by FTIR, 13C NMR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The carboxylic acid and cyclic urea units on the block copolymer exert a synergistic effect on corrosion inhibition through chelating of the metal ions or adsorption to the metal surface. Corrosion inhibition of SAE 1012 carbon steel in a 1 M HCl medium has been investigated in the presence of 5 mM polymer using both experimental (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarization (TP), weight loss) and theoretical approaches. Also, SAE 1012 carbon steel surface morphology changes were followed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical techniques indicated that the presence of PMEEU-co-PMAA segments of the polymer in the acid solution inhibits corrosion of SAE 1012 carbon steel. The inhibition efficiency of the polymer was found to be about 85%. According to TP studies, PMEEU-co-PMAA segment acts as a mixed type corrosion inhibitor. The adsorption of PMEEU-co-PMAA molecules onto the metal surface follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Kads value calculated from the equilibrium constant of the adsorption process reflects a strong interaction. SEM and EDAX studies provide evidence of PMEEU-co-PMAA adsorption on the metal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on methods for monitoring sheet metal stamping is benefiting from the increased availability of enabling technologies such as sensors, data mining software, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The predictive maintenance policies of tools (punches and dies) can be targeted at monitoring progressive wear or at the detection of sudden failures or anomalies. Early detection of tool failure is the method preferred by the recent literature on data management in sheet metal stamping. However, the stamping of small parts poses challenges due to multiple tools and signals and limited visibility of die wear, requiring management of multiple sensors and data sources. This paper proposes a failure prevention approach for progressive die stamping using global and local force sensors with upper bounds for maximum values to indicate unhealthy conditions. The methodology was tested on millions of small washers made of carbon steel. The stamping process was implemented using a servo-press with a high rate. The press was equipped with eight in-process sensors, including strain gauges, thin foil force sensors, and acoustic sensors. The data of material properties, maintenance reports, statistical process control data, and in-process sensors were collected and stored in a data lake. By combining the in-process sensor acquisition with the corresponding log events and maintenance data in the same time span, it is possible to look for correlations among the variables and build an effective tool health prevention policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bilecik Seyh Edebali University Journal of Science / Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Bilecik Seyh Edebali University Journal of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A recent collection of Lepiota spiculata from the Dominican Republic is presented here. Macro- and micromorphological features of L. spiculata are described in detail, and its evolutionary (phylogenetic) position within Lepiota sect. Ovisporae , in the subincarnata/brunneoincarnata clade, is assessed on the basis of a combined nrLSU + nrITS + rpb2 + tef1 analysis. Additionally, high levels of deadly amatoxins were detected and quantified in L. spiculata for the first time by HPLC analysis; in particular, α-amanitin was found at concentrations up to approximately 4 mg/g dry weight, which render L. spiculata a potentially lethal mushroom, if ingested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom poisoning, also known as misetism, can lead to death, even in the present day, where medical facilities are highly developed. Of the 100 fungal species that cause poisoning, about 10 can cause fatal poisoning. Early detection of these fungal toxins is vital rdin case of poisoning. In this review, the methods by which fungal toxins are detected are collected in a single source. The main toxins; Amatoxins, Fallotoxins, Virotoxins, Coprin, Giromitrin, Ibotenic acid and Muskimol, Muscarin, Orellanin, Psilocin and Psilocybin. In the analysis methods; Thin layer chromatography, Eliza method, LC-MS/MS, HPLC, Gas Chromatography, LC-QTOF. The purpose of this review; The aim of this study is to provide a reliable source for researchers by combining the analysis methods of the main mushroom toxins which cause fatal poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteosarcoma; is one of the most common malignant tumors. Nowadays, because of the many side effects of cancer drugs, the usage of herbal medicine which can inhibit or eliminate cancer cells by their antioxidant compounds is increased. Objectives: In the present study anticancer effect of Tilia dasystyla and Polygonatum orientale Desf different extracts on osteogenic sarcoma (Saos-2) cancer cell line was investigated and their polyphenolic compounds were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The cytotoxic effect of these extracts on Saos-2 cell line and identification of their phenolic compounds have not been reported so far. Methods: Cancer cell lines were provided from Department of Biological Sciences, Bursa University, Turkey. Different concentrations of the methanol, ethanol, and diluted water extracts (0.5 - 5 mg/mL) were tested on Saos-2 cell line. After 24, 48, and 72 hours, the cell viability was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. For the investigation of total phenolic compounds of T. dasystyla and P. orientale Desf extracts LC-MS method was applied. Results: According to the results diluted water extracts on the Saos-2 cancer cell line showed more cytotoxic effect than other solvents. The lowest IC50 value was 0.58 ± 0.01 mg/mL within 72 hours belonged to T. dasystyla water extract. Conclusions: Tilia dasystyla and Polygonatum orientale Desf extracts contain some polyphenolic compounds which showed cytotoxic effect on Saos-2 cancer cell line. The full potential of these herbal extracts is yet to be realized by further studies on animal models and subsequent trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Intensive Care is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The efficacy of 1-butyl-1-methylpiperidinium tetrafluoroborate (BMPTFB) in retarding St37 steel corrosion in HCl environment has been examined using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), dynamic-EIS (DEIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Results from all applied methods reveal that BMPTFB is effective in suppressing St37 dissolution in the studied corrosive medium. Inhibition efficiency of 88% has been achieved by 4 mM BMPTFB. From DEIS results, BMPTFB is found to perform better as corrosion inhibitor at longer immersion time. The charge transfer resistance of the metal is raised in the presence of 4 mM BMPTFB from 378 to 744 Ω cm2 at 1 h and further increased to 867 Ω cm2 at 4 h. BMPTFB, according to PDP result behaves as mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. Corrosion inhibition by BMPTFB is via adsorption which can best be explained using El-Awady kinetic/thermodynamic adsorption isotherm. Kads and values indicate that physisorption is the mechanism of adsorption of BMPTFB molecules onto St37 surface. The presence of BMPTFB molecules on St37 surface has been verified by SEM and FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The mad honey poisonings are commonly seen in our country. The source of the toxin in mad honey is plants of Rhododendron species. Grayanotoxin-III type toxin is commonly found in these plants. Clinical effects of this toxin are bradycardia, atrioventricular block, asystole, hypotension and symptoms such as salivation. In this study; different doses of grayanotoxin-III were intravenously administered to rats (i.v) and the effect of grayanotoxin on cardiovascular system was evaluated. Methods: This study was performed on 42 Wistar albino rats and the animals were divided into six groups. Control, Group 1 (5 μg/kg), Group 2 (10 μg/kg), Group 3 (20 μg/kg), Group 4 (50 μg/kg) and Group 5 (100 μg/kg) groups were formed. Baseline values for electrocardiography (ECG), arterial blood pressure and respiratory rate were obtained and recorded for 60 minutes after administration of i.v. grayanotoxin-III. Results: Group1 (5 μg/kg) was not significantly changed in all time periods. In 10 and 20 μg/kg groups, respiratory rates, peak heart rates decreased significantly and drop in arterial blood pressures was observed after 2nd and 5th minutes. While 25 minutes after administration of i.v. grayanotoxin-III all parameters returned to baseline values again. In 50 and 100 μg/kg grayanotoxin-III groups all parameters fell sharply from 2 minutes on, and rats died within 5-10 minutes. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was found that the lethal dose of grayanotoxin-III for rats is 50 μg/kg. In addition the death was developed due to cardiac arrest. In case of the lower level of 5 μg/kg grayanotoxin-III, any toxic effect was not seen. The effects of toxin apparently lasted nearly 25 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of International Social Research is the property of Journal of International Social Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mushroom poisoning is still a serious health problem for Turkey. The mushroom species which cause fatal mushroom poisoning have been reported to contain at least 98% alpha-amanitin. The knowledge of the poisonous mushroom species including alpha- amanitin is important for the treatment and prevention of these poisonings. In this review, the mushrooms containig alpha-amanitin and causing deadly mushroom poisinings were listed and given information about their poisonus effects. According to literature, nine poisonous mushroom species which include alpha-amanitin have so far been reported from Turkey. These are Lepiota brunneoincarnata; Lepiota castanea; Lepiota helveola; Lepiota subincarnata; Amanita phalloides; Amanita verna; Amanita virosa; Conocybe filaris and Galerina marginata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the Western male population. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) modulate the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs may lead to an emergence of pathological processes such as cancer. In this study, the association between TIMP-2 (-418 G/C) and MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) polymorphisms and prostate cancer in the Turkish population was investigated. Materials and methods: Sixty-one prostate cancer patients and 46 healthy subjects were included in the study. DNA was isolated from 2 mL of peripheral blood taken from subjects, and genotypes were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: The TIMP-2 -418 (GC) genotype was found in 15 cases (32.6%) in the control group and in 9 cases (14.8%) in the patients group, and statistical significance was determined (P = 0.037, OR = 0.346). The MMP-2 -1306 (CT) genotype was found 2.17 times more in the patient group than in the control group (P = 0.149, OR = 2.17). Conclusion: Our results show that the TIMP-2 -418 (GC) genotype had a putative protective effect against prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lateral flow immunoassays have low cost, long shelf life, high precision and selectivity, a low detection limit. These tests can give quick results and are used all over the world. Lateral flow immunoassays can be used in wide area such as pregnancy test, drug screening tests, microbiological diagnostic tests and food safety tests. A person can see the results of these tests clearly with eyes so there is no need for any other analysis machine in order to see the results. These tests are usually used as a qualitative method but if we add most test lines that have different detection limits at the same test, we can obtain half quantitative tests. Antigen-antibody reactions that have a specificity are used mainly at these tests so their accuracy rates are over %98. There are two types as sandwich model and competitive model. A person that read this article can answer questions that “how a pregnancy test works?” or “how can we make a new lateral flow immunoassay?”. In addition we hope that this article can help people who try to do new lateral flow immunoassays. For our researches, this article is the first article about card tests in Turkish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most important morbidity and mortality disease in the world. It is also one of the leading causes of death in Turkey. Omentin, a recently found adipocytokine, is reported to regulate insulin sensitivity. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is inversely associated with CAD. Omentin gene polymorphism in patients with CAD has not been studied yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between omentin Val109Asp polymorphism and CAD. Methods: This is an observational study on genetic association. 157 consecutive patients who had undergone coronary angiography were included in the study. Seventy-five of them had CAD and the rest serves the control group. Val109Asp polymorphism was analyzed and compared. Chi-square test was used in comparison of genotype frequencies, whereas ANOVA and chi-square tests were used in comparison of clinical characteristics according to the genotypes. Results: There was no significant difference between CAD patients and control subjects regarding omentin Val109Asp polymorphism. However, a 2.5 fold increase in Val/Val (homozygous mutant) genotype was detected in patients with CAD. The OR (80% Cl) for Val/Val genotype was 3.46 (1.14-10.49). Conclusion: Although no significant difference was detected regarding omentin Val109Asp polymorphism, Val/Val genotype frequency was found to be more in patient group than control group. In conclusion, it may be speculated that Val/Val genotype increases the tendency for CAD, but this experiment should done with larger population to clarify this issue. (Anadolu Kardiyol Derg 2014; 14: 511-4) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nilvadipine is a dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker with emanating neuroprotective properties in various models of neuronal diseases. This study aimed at investigating the prophylactic effect of nilvadipine on memory impairment and hippocampal malodialdehyde (MDA) levels in global brain ischemia model induced by 4-vessel occlusion ischemia (4-VO) in rat. Materials and methods: The 4-VO ischemia was induced in Wistar rats by occluding the vertebral arteries permanently by cauterization. The common carotid arteries were twice occluded bilaterally for 10 minute at 60 minute interval. One week after 4-VO the memory was evaluated measuring the correct and error choices in 8-armed radial maze. The ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage was evaluated measuring level of MDA in the hippocampus using thiobarbituric acid method. The study involved three groups: sham, ischemia-control and ischemia nilvadipin. Nilvadipine (3.2 mg/kg/day) was administered for 7 days prior to 4-VO Results: The 4-VO impaired memory performance by decreasing the correct choices (long term-reference memory) and increasing the error choices (short term-working memory) (p<0,001). Nilvadipine improved the performance by increasing the correct choices (p<0.002) and decreasing the error choices (p<0.05). Nilvadipine decreased (p<0.001) the elevated MDA induced by 4-VO. Conclusion: The prophylactic treatment with nilvadipine improved memory impairment and reduced the elevated hippocampal MDA induced by 4-VO. The prophylactic use of nilvadipine could be beneficial for inhibiting the ischemia related memory impairment in risky patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Alpha-amanitin is purified only around 90% purity using existing methods. In this study, it was aimed to describe the method in order to obtain high-purity alpha-amanitin using preparative HPLC. Methods: Amanita phalloides mushroom was collected, extracted and purified 2 times using preparative HPLC. Validation of the toxin was performed by comparison of retention time and ultraviolet spectrum at HPLC. Results: Alpha-amanitin was obtained with 93% (±1.24) purity after first purification process. Alpha-amanitin was obtained with 99,8% (±0.26) purity after second purification process. It was seemed that purified toxin and standard were given maximum absorbance at 303 nm and minimum absorbance at 263 nm, and the structure of the spectrums for both was similar. Conclusion: Alpha-amanitin with >99% purity can be obtained by this method at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Beta amanitin has been used in experiment and has been purified only around 90% purity using existing methods. In this study, it has been aimed to describe the method in order to produce high-purity beta amanitin using preparative HPLC. Methods: Amanita phalloides mushrooms hve been collected, extracted and purified 2 times using preparative HPLC. Validation of the toxin has been performed by comparison of retention time at HPLC and ultraviolet spectrum. Results: Beta amanitin was obtained with 91% (±2.36) purity after first purification process. Beta amanitin was obtained with 99,2% (±0.38) purity after second purification process. It seemed that purified toxin and standard were given maximum absorbance at 303 nm and minumum absorbans at 263 nm, and the structure of the spectrums for both was similar. Conclusion: Beta amanitin with >%99 purity can be produced by this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Beta amanitin has been used in experiment and has been purified only around 90% purity using existing methods. In this study, it has been aimed to describe the method in order to produce high-purity beta amanitin using preparative HPLC. Methods: Amanita phalloides mushrooms hve been collected, extracted and purified 2 times using preparative HPLC. Validation of the toxin has been performed by comparison of retention time at HPLC and ultraviolet spectrum. Results: Beta amanitin was obtained with 91% (±2.36) purity after first purification process. Beta amanitin was obtained with 99,2% (±0.38) purity after second purification process. It seemed that purified toxin and standard were given maximum absorbance at 303 nm and minumum absorbans at 263 nm, and the structure of the spectrums for both was similar. Conclusion: Beta amanitin with >%99 purity can be produced by this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to measure the level of alpha amanitin toxin using HPLC method from Amanita phalloides mushroom collected in the province of Düzce in 2010. Method: One of the mushrooms as a whole body. The other one was extracted after seperated into parts. The measurement was done by HPLC using 303 nm UV wavelength and 250x4,6 mm C18 5 μm particle included column. Ammonium acetate+methanol+acetonitrile (80+10+10, v/v/v) was used as a mobile phase, and the flow rate was set 1 ml/min. The results were given as a toxin quantity in 1 g dry mushroom. Results: The amount of alpha amanitin was measured as 4,806 mg (±0,033) in the whole body, 3,522 mg (±0,024) in the cap, 5,318 mg (±0,056) in the lamellar, 0,903 mg (±0,004) in the ring, 2,577 mg (±0,037) in the stipe, 0,698 mg (±0,008) in the volva. Conclusion: The level of alpha amanitin in Amanita phalloides from Duzce Province is differ from different countries. Higher and lower levels of toxin than our data obtained investigations are present in the literature. The reason of this differences might be several factors like extraction methods, analysis methods and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to measure the level of alpha amanitin toxin using HPLC method from Amanita phalloides mushroom collected in the province of Düzce in 2010. Method: One of the mushrooms as a whole body. The other one was extracted after seperated into parts. The measurement was done by HPLC using 303 nm UV wavelength and 250x4,6 mm C18 5 μm particle included column. Ammonium acetate+methanol+acetonitrile (80+10+10, v/v/v) was used as a mobile phase, and the flow rate was set 1 ml/min. The results were given as a toxin quantity in 1 g dry mushroom. Results: The amount of alpha amanitin was measured as 4,806 mg (±0,033) in the whole body, 3,522 mg (±0,024) in the cap, 5,318 mg (±0,056) in the lamellar, 0,903 mg (±0,004) in the ring, 2,577 mg (±0,037) in the stipe, 0,698 mg (±0,008) in the volva. Conclusion: The level of alpha amanitin in Amanita phalloides from Duzce Province is differ from different countries. Higher and lower levels of toxin than our data obtained investigations are present in the literature. The reason of this differences might be several factors like extraction methods, analysis methods and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne is a multifactorial and inflamatuary desease of pilosebaseus unit. Although it is a common and cosmatic desease, it could cause social and psycological restrictions for the patient. Omentin a newly discovered adipokines secreted mainly by adipose tissue increases insulin sensitivity. In this study; the serum omentin levels and omentin gene Val109Asp polymorphism were investigated in acne patients and control groups. Therefore it is investigated that omentin whether or not a marker for acne disease and has any effect on its pathophisyology 65 acne patients attempted Düzce University dermatology clinic and 44 healthy controls included in this study. Omentin levels measured by ELISA and gene polymorphism researched by PCR-RFLP. The comparison of values between groups was conducted by student T-test and P values under 0,05 evaluated as significant . Mean omentin levels was 657,54±203,69 for patiensts and 611,17±241,30 for controls. There was no statistical difference determined between groups in serum levels (p=0,308). and in Val109Asp polymorphism (p=0,349). However, it is found that the number of acne patients with Val/Val genotype were approximately three times more than the control group. Recently studies have stated adipokin is anti-inflamatory protein. For these reasons the levels of omentin was hoped as decreased in inflamatory acne disease, but significant difference was not observed between groups. As a result omentin is not an ethiological factor for acne disease with its serum levels and genetic polymorphism. So it cannot be a marker. However Val/Val genotype may create predisposition to acne . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Biochemistry / Turk Biyokimya Dergisi is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To evaluate teriparatide and alendronate sodium on bone mineral density of postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: Thirty-three postmenopausal women who had been treated with teriparatide and alendronate sodium were evaluated, retrospectively. Patients with a secondary osteoporosis cause were excluded from the study. Pretreatment and one year after regular treatment bone mineral density results of lomber vertebra and femur were compared. Results: There wasn’t any statistically difference in femur bone mineral density results between each treatment group. There wasn’t a statistically difference between pretreatment and posttreatment results in both groups, either (p>0,05). There was a statistically difference on lomber vertebra bone mineral density results of patients who were treated with teriparatide (p<0,05). Recovery rate of lomber bone mineral density results were found to be statistically higher in teriparatide group when compared to alendronate group (p<0,05). Conclusion: In order to clarify the role of teriparatide in the treatment of osteoporosis; larger group of patients with randomized clinical trials on longer follow up periods are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetics, proposed by Condrad Hal Waddington at the beginning of the 1940 describes heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing DNA sequencing. After researches, it has been found that the epigenetics modifications perform important task in many biological processes and diseases like cancer. In this review we summarize the information in literature related with epigenetic mechanisms and their relationship with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system functions and are included naturally in beverages such as tea and coffee while it is added later some beverages such as cola. Different amounts of caffeine are consumed with these drinks in many countries. In particular, the amount of caffeine in Turkish coffee is not clear. In our study, caffeine levels were measured at beverages and Turkish coffee from different markets in Turkey. Method: Three samples were collected from each of teas, coffees, Turkish coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks at beverages sold different brands and forms. After maintaining standardization in the preparation of beverages, the amounts of caffeine were analyzed with ultraviolet determination method by HPLC. Results:The highest concentration of caffeine in drinks in the measurement was found to be the Turkish coffee (858mg/L). Caffeine levels were measured in normal tea 840 mg/L ,in soluble coffee 509 mg/L, in tea bags 218 mg/L, in coke 148 mg/L and in energy drinks 169 mg/L. Discussion and Conclusion: Caffeine containing drinks are consumed through the entire life from childhood to senescence. Received moderate amounts of caffeine provide positive benefits such as increased motivation, alertness, self-feeling energetic. Furthermore gradually with the increase of amount consumed caffeine cause unwanted symptoms such as headache, nervousness. Therefore the knowledge of amount caffeine at daily use drinks in a country is important for health of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite decreasing incidence of gastric cancer in worldwide, it is still a major health problem. Every year, 30.000 new gastric cancer cases emerging, and it is the second most common cancer in Turkey. Gastric cancer is a complex multifactorial disease, emerging by interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Survivin, apoptosis inhibitory protein is over-expressed in cancer tissue. In this study, association between Survivin -31G/C polymorphism and gastric carcinoma was investigated. Materials and Methods: 46 gastric carcinoma patients who had been admitted at Düzce University Research and Practice Hospital, Laboratory of Pathology and 42 healthy individuals have been included in the study. Samples have been subjected to genetic analysis by PCRRFLP method in Medical Genetics Department laboratory at Düzce University. Results: GG genotype was found in 16 (34.8%), GC genotype in 21 (45.7%), CC genotype in 9 (19.6%) in patient group. In control group, genotype distribution were found 13 (31%), 26 (61.9%) and 3 (7.1%) respectively. The statistically significant difference was not found when compared between patient and control groups. However, we observed the increased occurrence of gastric cancer associated with CC genotype (OR=1.52). Conclusions: In our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the relationship between gastric carcinoma and Survivin -31G/C polymorphism in Turkish population. Our results show that there is no any association between gastric carcinoma and Survivin -31G/C polymorphism in the community which is represented by our study and control groups. However, it was concluded that CC genotype may create the susceptibility to gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized with arrhythmic attacks, repeating syncopes, seizures, and ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden death. Arrhythmias with a potential of mortal course develop due to elongation of ventricular repolarization, either acquired or inborn. Herein the present paper, a case of congenital LQTS, admitted after a sudden cardiac arrest and totally recovered with implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD), was focused on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Paraplegia due to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the spinal cord is a devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. Cysteinyl leukotrienes are potent mediators of inflammation that are associated with I/R injury. The present study was designed to investigate the role of montelukast, a selective reversible CysLT1 receptor antagonist, on spinal cord I/R injury in an experimental model., Material and Methods: Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=7 per group) as G1 (no aortic occlusion and montelukast administration), G2 (45 min. aortic occlusion; no montelukast administration) and G3 (45 min. aortic occlusion, 10 mg/kg montelukast administration). After neurologic evaluation using the Motor Deficit Index (MDI) score at the 48th hour of reperfusion, lumbar spinal cords were removed for histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical staining for HSP70, interleukin-6 and myeloperoxidase (MPO)., Results: All rats in the G1 group had a normal neurological status and their MDI score was 0 (p < 0.05). The MDI score of G3 was significantly lower than G2 group (2.8 vs. 5.5; p < 0.05). Vacuolar congestion was found to be significantly lower in G1 than the other groups (p=0.0001). The interleukin-6 receptor level was found to be significantly lower in G3 group than the control group (p=0.013). There was no statistically significant difference found among the groups in terms of the degree of HSP70 and MPO staining., Conclusion: Increased generation of leukotrienes in postischemic organs play an important role in I/R injury. The findings of the current study demonstrated that montelukast improved motor recovery and decreased IL-6 levels in spinal cord I/R injury.

Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most important morbidity and mortality disease in the world. It is also one of the leading causes of death in Turkey. Omentin, a recently found adipocytokine, is reported to regulate insulin sensitivity. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is inversely associated with CAD. Omentin gene polymorphism in patients with CAD has not been studied yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between omentin Val109Asp polymorphism and CAD., Methods: This is an observational study on genetic association. 157 consecutive patients who had undergone coronary angiography were included in the study. Seventy-five of them had CAD and the rest serves the control group. Val109Asp polymorphism was analyzed and compared. Chi-square test was used in comparison of genotype frequencies, whereas ANOVA and chi-square tests were used in comparison of clinical characteristics according to the genotypes., Results: There was no significant difference between CAD patients and control subjects regarding omentin Val109Asp polymorphism. However, a 2.5 fold increase in Val/Val (homozygous mutant) genotype was detected in patients with CAD. The OR (80% Cl) for Val/Val genotype was 3.46 (1.14-10.49)., Conclusion: Although no significant difference was detected regarding omentin Val109Asp polymorphism, Val/Val genotype frequency was found to be more in patient group than control group. In conclusion, it may be speculated that Val/Val genotype increases the tendency for CAD, but this experiment should done with larger population to clarify this issue.

Background/aim: Alpha- and beta-amanitins are the main toxins of the poisonous Amanita phalloides mushroom. Although there are many studies available concerning alpha-amanitin, there are limited data about beta-amanitin in the literature. Therefore, this study is aimed at comparing the toxic effects of alpha- and beta-amanitin on the MCF-7 cell line., Materials and Methods: The alpha- and beta-amanitins used for this research were purified from Amanita phalloides by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was used, and specific concentrations of the toxins (100, 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 μg/mL) were applied to the cells. The MTT test was performed to determine the level of toxicity, and the quantity of protein in the cell was measured using the biuret test., Results: The aLpha-amanitin showed a higher toxicity at 36 h, while the highest inhibition of protein synthesis by the beta-amanitin was observed at 24 h., Conclusion: It was shown that the beta-amanitin may be responsible for toxicity, like alpha-amanitin, in Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning. The early inhibition of protein synthesis for beta-amanitin might be useful for future experiments and research.