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The effect of recycle on gaseous pollutant emissions from fluidized-bed combustion of high-quality coals has extensively been investigated and is well documented. However, the effect of recycle on gaseous emissions from combustion of Turkish lignites with high ash, volatile matter, and sulfur contents has not been investigated to date. Recent trends in the utilization of indigenous lignites in fluidized-bed boilers necessitated investigation of pollutant emissions and adaptation of fluidized-bed combustion technology to these lignites. In this study, experimental results of various runs pertaining to gaseous emissions from the Middle East Technical University 0.3 MWt atmospheric bubbling fluidized-bed combustor test rig burning a typical indigenous lignite, Beypazari, at various recycle ratios, with and without limestone addition, are presented. Measurements show that the effect of recycle on already high combustion efficiency in once-through operation is not pronounced. As for the gaseous emissions, introduction of recycle reduces NOx and SO2 emissions but enhances CO emission.

A comprehensive model for continuous combustion of lignite with wide size distribution burning in its own ash in an atmospheric bubbling fluidized bed combustor (ABFBC) has been presented and used to correlate the data from a 0.3 MW ABFBC test rig. The model consists of submodels for hydrodynamics, volatiles release and combustion, char combustion, particle size distribution, entrainment and elutriation and is based on conservation equations for energy and chemical species. The volatiles release model is based on a particle movement model for estimation of portion of volatiles released in bed and a devolatilization kinetics model described by the distributed activation energy model for determination of time-resolved devolatilization profile of lignite particles. Uniform in-bed volatiles release is assumed. The overall model was applied to a 0.3 MW ABFBC test rig fired with lignite with VCM/FC ratio of 2.16. The fuel was fed 0.22 m above the distributor plate and the expanded bed height was 1 m. Predictions of the model were compared with measured concentration and temperature profiles and good agreement was obtained. Bed/freeboard combustion split predicted by the model was found to be 80/20 as opposed to the value 84/16 determined from measured species profiles.

AlYNi amorphous alloys with high mechanical strength and good bending ductility have been produced by rapid solidification technique. Vickers hardness (Hv), Young’s modulus (E) and tensile fracture strength (σf) for the amorphous single phase are in the range 365–385 DPN, 71.5–82.2 GPa and 920–1150 MPA, respectively. The crystallized structure of the amorphous alloys consists of coexistent amorphous and fcc-Al phase with a particle size of 5–25 nm. The hardness and tensile fracture strength of these amorphous alloys containing the nanoscale Al particles increase to 550 DPN and 1450 MPA respectively, annealed at 400–550 K for 30 min. This increase in (Hv) and σf is considered because the defect-free nanoscale fcc-Al particles homogeneously dispersed in the amorphous matrix effectively resist against shear deformation of the amorphous matrix. This paper describes in detail the effects of annealing temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of AlYNi amorphous alloys.

Thymoquinone, one of the essential oil in the structure of cumin, is used for alternative therapy for many diseases from past to present. It was shown to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as positive effects on fibrosis. However, there is no study on the effect of thymoquinone on cancer and fibrosis mechanism in bronchial epithelium cell line BEAS-2B. In our study, the effect of thymoquinone on cell viability and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) level, which has an important role in the regulation of many biological processes including cancer and fibrosis-associated signal transduction, was evaluated. BEAS-2B cells were exposed to thymoquinone at 0–80 μmol/L concentrations for 24-, 48- and 72-hour durations. Cell viability was evaluated with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. TGF-β1 level was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method from the collected supernatant. Cell viability was found to be increased at all concentrations and durations (10–80 μmol/L; 24, 48 and 72 h) according to the control group (0 μmol/L; thymoquinone in ethanol) (p < 0.0001). Moreover, thymoquinone was found to increase the level of TGF-β1 only at 80 μmol/L concentration and 24-hour exposure period (0 μmol/L, 53.41 ± 18.44 pgr/ml TGF-β1; 80 μmol/L, 174.5 ± 80.03 pgr/ml TGF-β1). As a result, thymoquinone was found to increase cell proliferation and encourage TGF-β1 release.

This study presents the results from investigation of ash deposition characteristics of a high ash and sulfur content lignite co-fired with three types of biomass (olive residue, 49 wt%; hazelnut shell, 42 wt%; and cotton residue, 41 wt%) in 0.3 MWt Middle East Technical University (METU) Atmospheric Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustion (ABFBC) Test Rig. Deposit samples were collected on all air-cooled probe at a temperature of 500 degrees C. Samples were analyzed by SEM/EDX and XRD methods. The results reveal that co-firing lignite with olive residue, hazelnut shell and cotton residue show low deposition rates. High concentrations of silicon, calcium, sulfur, iron, and aluminum were found in deposit samples. No chlorine was detected in deposits. Calcium sulfate and potassium sulfate were detected as major and minor components of the deposits, respectively. High sulfur and alumina-silicate content of lignite resulted in formation of alkali sulfates instead of alkali chlorides. Therefore, fuel blends under consideration can be denoted to have low-fouling propensity. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Autophagy is the catabolic mechanism that involves cell degradation of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components through the actions of lysosomes. It helps to keep the cells alive in such cases like oxidative stress, lack of nutrients and growth factors providing recycling of intracellular molecules. However, it works as a part of metabolism regulation, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, senescence, cell death and immune system. As a result of impairment of this mechanism, pathological situations arise including cancer, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. Consequently, researches about autophagy mechanism are important for the development of novel diagnosis, follow-up and treatment modalities in health problems., Otofaji, gereksiz ya da disfonksiyonel hücresel komponentlerin lizozomlar aracılığıyla parçalandığı katabolik bir mekanizmadır. Oksidatif stres, besin ve büyüme faktörü yokluğu gibi durumlarda hücre içi moleküllerin geri dönüşümünü sağlayarak hücrenin hayatta kalmasına yardımcı olur. Diğer taraftan, metabolizmanın düzenlenmesi, morfogenezis, hücre farklılaşması, yaşlanma, hücre ölümü ve bağışıklık sisteminin bir parçası olarakta çalışır. Bu mekanizmanın bozulması neticesinde kanser, nörodejeneratif ve enfeksiyon hastalıkları gibi patolojik durumlar ortaya çıkmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, otofajik mekanizması hakkındaki araştırmalar çeşitli sağlık problemleri için yeni tanı, takip ve tedavi yöntemlerine ışık tutma potansiyeli nedeniyle çok büyük önem arz etmektedir.

There is very little work on the expression of TRPM6/7 in ischemia reperfusion models. In previous studies, after ischemia, reperfusion had been kept limited to 24 h, yet in our study, expressions of these channels were elucidated after its modification to 48 h to establish what kind of changes renal tissues undergo. For the current study, 20 Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups equally. Group I: control group, Group II = I/R group (60 min ischemia + 48 h reperfusion). For the mRNA analysis, right kidneys of I/R group was used as a reference in order to eliminate genetic differences. The left renal artery (I/R generated part) of I/R area was removed from all rats in the second group. Likewise, normal tissues of right renal artery were removed from all rats. Histopathologic scoring of the tissue samples were achieved semi-quantitatively according to normal tissue composition. Consequently, both TRPM6 and TRPM7 expression levels were decreased in all groups according to control groups, yet results were not counted as significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis confirmed these results. Also, I/R performed kidneys had more tissue damage compared to control group. To conclude, our study results suggest that TRPM6/7 expressions may be increased and after 48 h of reperfusion expression levels of these two stored to normal levels. At the same time, damages have occurred in renal tissues after ischemia. These damages were considered to be resulted from the oxidative effects as previously reported.

Amaç: Yüksek osteopontin (OPN) seviyelerinin kemik rezorpsiyonu ile ilişkili olduğu bildirilmiştir.Osteoporozda (OP) anabolik etki amacıyla uygulanan parathormonun, OPN düzeylerinde düşmeye nedenolduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı OP tedavisi için antirezorptif tedavi alan hastalarda OPNdüzeylerinin değerlendirilmesidir.Materyal ve metot: Çalışmamıza, 45-70 yaş arası, en az bir yıldır menopoza girmiş, OP tanısı alan 90 kadınhasta ve 80 sağlıklı kadın gönüllü dahil edildi. OPhastaları antirezorptif kullanan (60 hasta;15 bifosfonat, 15kalsitonin, 15 raloksifen, 15 strontium ranelate kullanan hasta) ve kullanmayanlar (30 hasta) olmak üzere ikigruba ayrıldı. Hastalara KMY ölçümü, DEXA (Dual Enerji X-Ray Absorbsiyometri) yöntemi ile yapıldı.Plazma OPN konsantrasyonu enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodu kullanılarak hesaplandı.Bulgular: Antirezorptif kullanan OP grubunda OPN düzeyleri, antirezorptif almayan OP grubuna ve OPolmayan sağlıklı kontrol grubuna göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde daha düşüktü (sırasıyla p0.05).Sonuç: Sonuçlarımızın, antirezorptif tedavinin OPN seviyelerinde düşmeye neden olduğunu göstermesi,bize OPN'nin, antirezorptif tedavinin takibinde bir biomarker olarak kullanılabileceğini düşündürdü., Background: An association between increased OPN levels and lowered bone mineral density (BMD) withincreased bone turnover markers was established. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of OPN in OPpatients who receive antiresorptive treatment (ART).Methods: Ninety female OPpatients in the post-menopausal period for at least a year in the age range of 45 -70 years and 80 healthy female volunteers were included in the study. OP patients were divided into 2subgroups as ART-receiving (60 patients; bisphosphonate (15), calcitonin (15), raloxifene (15), strontiumranelate (15) and ART non-receiving (30 patients). Bone mineral density was analyzed using the dual energyX-ray absorptiometry method. The plasma OPN concentration was calculated using the enzyme-linkimmunosorbent assay method.Results: OPN levels were significantly lower in antiresorptive-receiving OP patients compared to OPpatients who did not receive ART and compared to the control group (p0.05).Conclusions: Lowered OPN levels in ART-receiving OP patients suggest that OPN could be used as abiomarker in ARTfollow-up in OP.&nbsp

Aim: Experimental and clinical studies showed that bikunin, a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, found in urine and amniotic fluid has a role in spread of tumor cells by providing a significant reduction in the levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its specific receptor urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). The aim of this study was to investigate expression of bikunin at the mRNA level and screen for mutations in exon sequence in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues. Materials and Methods: Total RNA and DNA were extracted from paired normal and tumor tissues of total 50 RCC (11 papillary, 8 chromophobe, 26 clear cell, and 5 other types) patients (23 females, mean age: 53.55 ± 14.17; 27 males mean age: 62.1 ± 7.92). Bikunin mRNA levels were detected using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Mutational screening was performed by using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method and nucleotide sequence analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the 25 (50%) of tumor tissues comparing to normal tissues in terms of mRNA levels of bikunin (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p = 0.0337). According to the classification based on subtypes of RCC; clear cell RCC samples displayed a reduced gene expression (p = 0.0148). Additionally, the patients with the age above 50 had low bikunin expression. The SNP rs80057939 spanning 4th exon of bikunin was detected in 13 tumor tissues. However, it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Decreased bikunin mRNA level in renal cells might be associated with poor prognosis of renal carcinoma. Therefore, gene constructs or exogenous administration of bikunin might be a potential adjuvant therapy for RCC treatment. Key Words: Bikunin, nucleotide sequence analysis, prognostic marker, renal cell carcinoma, semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

WOS: 000342449400013, Nanocrystalline Fe - 40at.% Al alloy powders were prepared by using a mechanical alloying (MA) process with a planetary high-energy ball mill. The structural and the morphological properties of the powders were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. A disordered Fe(Al) solid solution with bcc crystal structure was formed after 10 h of MA. Longer MA durations introduced ordering in the alloyed powders. The final crystallite size was found to be as small as 5 nm whereas the internal strain was found to reach a final value of 2.1%. Also, the lattice parameter quickly increased to a maximum value of 0.2926 nm at 30 h of MA, and then decreased to a value of 0.2873 at 80 h of MA. SEM results showed variations in the shapes and the sizes of the particles in the powders at different stages. Furthermore, the microhardness values were found to increase gradually with increasing MA time due to work hardening, grain refinement and solid-solution formation. Magnetic properties such as the saturation magnetization (Ms) and the coercive field (Hc) were calculated from the hysteresis loops, and the results are presented as functions of the MA time., TUBITAK-BIDEPTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [2218], The author (B. Avar) would like to thank the TUBITAK-BIDEP 2218 National Research Fellowship Programme.

An improved version of a combustion-desulfurization model for fluidized bed combustors burning high ash and sulfur content low quality lignite in its own ash with the addition of limestone is presented. The desulfurization model considers sulfur retention by both limestone and ash and is based on first order catalyst deactivation where the kinetics of desulfurization is described by two rate constants; one for the initial surface reaction, the other for the rate of pore plugging or deactivation. The accuracy of the complete model with experimentally determined deactivation rate constants was tested by applying it to a 0.3 MWt AFBC test rig and comparing its predictions with measurements. Comparisons show that (he model produces reasonably accurate predictions of sulfur retention provided that the rate constants are determined experimentally under the fluidized bed combustor operating conditions.

This study describes the partitioning of 20 trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, Zn) and eight major and minor elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Si, Ti) during the combustion of high ash content lignite. The experiments were carried out in the 0.3 MW t Middle East Technical University (METU) atmospheric bubbling fluidized bed combustor (ABFBC) test rig with and without limestone addition. Inert bed material utilized in the experiments was bed ash obtained previously from the combustion of the same lignite without limestone addition in the same test rig. Concentrations of trace elements in coal, limestone, bottom ash, cyclone ash and filter ash were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Partitioning of major and minor elements are influenced by the ash split between the bottom ash and fly ash and that the major proportion of most of the trace elements (As, Ba, Cr, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, Sn, V, Zn) are recovered in fly ash. Limestone addition shifts the partitioning of Ba, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sn, V, Zn from bottom ash to fly ash.

The behavior of 20 trace elements (As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, Zn) and 8 major and minor elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Si, Ti) during the combustion of high ash content lignite with and without limestone addition have been investigated in the 0.3 MWt Middle East Technical University (METU) Atmospheric Bubbling Fluidized Bed Combustor (ABFBC) Test Rig. Experiments were performed without fines recycle. Inert bed material utilized in the experiments was bed ash obtained previously from the combustion of the same lignite without limestone addition in the same test rig. Concentrations of trace elements in coal, limestone, bottom ash, cyclone ash and filter ash were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Measurements show that the distribution of major and minor elements follows the ash split between the bottom ash and fly ash and that the major proportion of most of the trace elements (As, Ba, Cr, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, Sn, V, Zn) are recovered in fly ash. Comparisons between the trace element partitioning of the runs with and without limestone addition reveal that addition of limestone shifts the partitioning of Ba, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Sn, V, Zn from bottom ash to fly ash.Copyright © 2005 by ASME

Microstructural changes during annealing of amorphous Al 85 Y 5 Ni 10 and Al 85 Y 10 Ni 5 alloy ribbons have been studied by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. As-solidified melt spun Al 85 Y 5 Ni 10 consists of some atomic clusters or microcrystals embedded in an amorphous matrix, resulting in a shoulder on the amorphous halo diffraction pattern. The alloy crystallizes by primary crystallization of an fcc α solid solution followed by precipitation of orthorhombic Al 3 Ni. As solidified melt spun Al 85 Y 10 Ni 5 consists of a fully amorphous structure with no shoulder on the amorphous halo diffraction pattern. The alloy crystallizes by primary crystallization of an fcc α solid solution followed by an eutectic reaction to form α and hexagonal A1 3 Y.

Synovial fibrosis is one of the main outcomes of osteoarthritis. Some authors have reported that urotensin-II (U-II) may cause pathologic fibrosis in cardiovascular system, lung and liver. However there are no previous reports available in the literature about its relationship with the synovial fibrosis in osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the U-II levels in knee synovial fluids obtained from osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic patients. Two groups were created, the osteoarthritis group and non-osteoarthritic control group. The control group was consisted of patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for other reasons than cartilage disorders. In the osteoarthritis group all patients had grade 4 primer degenerative osteoarthritis and were treated with total knee arthroplasty. Minimum 1 mL knee synovial fluids were obtained during operation. Levels of U-II were measured by using ELISA kit U-II levels were significantly higher in the osteoarthritic group than that in the control group. No correlation was found between U-II levels and age. In conclusion, the significantly high U-II levels in the knee synovial fluid of osteoarthritic patients supported our hypothesis that “U-II may be associated with the synovial fibrosis in osteoarthritis”.

This study showed the effects of propolis on biochemical and hematological parameters in chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibited rats by Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Rats are given L-NAME for 15 days and the propolis for the last 5 days with L-NAME together. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase in the L-NAME group compared to control group have increased (Plt;0.05). The levels of these parameters in L-NAME+propolis group compared to the L-NAME group have decreased (Plt;0.05). L-NAME caused increase (Plt;0.05) in levels of glucose, albumin, globulin, creatinine, urea, triglyceride and cholesterol. Erythrocyte number, total leukocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil and monocyte decreased (Plt;0.05), platelets and lymphocyte increased (Plt;0.05) in L-NAME+propolis group compared to the L-NAME group. The study concluded that homeostasis is modulated in L-NAME administrated rats by adding propolis which causes increasing generation of vascular nitric oxide.

The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society announced that 1.6 million new cancer cases are projected to occur in the USA in 2016. One of the most innovative approaches against cancer is suicide gene therapy, in which suicide-inducing transgenes are introduced into cancer cells. When cancer treatments target the total elimination of tumor cells, there will be no side effects for normal cells. Cancer tissues are targeted through various targeted transport methods, followed by tissue-specific enzymes converting a systemically suitable prodrug into an active drug in the tumor. Suicidal genes are delivered by transporters, such as viral and non-viral vectors, into cancer cells. Suicide gene therapeutic strategies currently pursued are herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene with prodrug ganciclovir, cytosine deaminase gene, carboxyl esterase/irinotecan, varicella zoster virus thymidine kinase/6-methoxypurine arabinonucleoside, nitroreductase Nfsb/5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide, carboxypeptidase G2/4-[(2-chloroethyl)(2- mesyloxyethyl)amino]benzoyl-L-glutamic acid, cytochrome p450-isofosfamide, and cytochrome p450-cyclophosphamide. The goal of this review is to summarize the different suicide gene systems and gene delivery vectors addressed to cancer cells, with a particular emphasis on recently developed systems. Finally, we briefly describe the advantageous clinical applications and potential side effects of suicide gene therapy.

The crystallization behavior of melt-spun A85Y10Fe5−xNx (x=0, 2.5, 5) amorphous alloys has been investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffractometry (XRD). XRD traces of these alloys consisted of a single broad peak corresponding to fully amorphous structure. Continuous DSC results showed that, the first crystallization peak temperature of Al85Y10Fe5 amorphous alloy was about 60 K higher than that of Al85Y10Ni5. The activation energies for the first crystallization peak increased from 210 kJ/mol for Al85Y10Ni5 to 280 for Al85Y10Fe5. These results indicate that 5 at.% substitutions Ni by Fe increases the stability of the amorphous phase.

Patients with chronic airway diseases may be more susceptible to adverse effects of air pollutants including diesel exhaust particles (DEP). We investigated effects of foetal calf serum (FCS) on DEP-induced changes in airway epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammation. DEP (50-200 μg/ml) increased A549 cell viability in the absence of FCS. In the presence of 3.3%FCS, DEP (50-400 μg/ml) decreased A549 cell viability. N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 33 mM) and the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125, 33 μM) further decreased the viability in the presence of DEP (200 μg/ml) and 3.3% FCS. Under serum-free (SF) condition, DEP (50 μg/ml) reduced apoptotic cells; however, when 3.3% FCS added to the culture medium, this effect was abolished. DEP (200 μg/ml) induced mRNA expression of p21(CIP1/WAF1) both in absence or presence of 3.3% FCS and enhanced JNK2 mRNA expression only in the presence of 3.3% FCS. Under SF condition, DEP (50 μg/ml) induced mRNA expression for p27 and p53, whereas cyclin E mRNA expression was inhibited by DEP (50 and 200 μg/ml). Furthermore, DEP (200 μg/ml) decreased the release of interleukin (IL)-8 in the absence of FCS. In conclusion, FCS modulates effects of DEP on cell death, cell cycle and apoptosis regulating proteins, and IL-8 release by activating oxidant stress pathways, JNK and NF-κB. Extravasation of serum, as occurs in the inflamed airways of patients with chronic airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, may render airway epithelial cells more susceptible to the deleterious effects of DEP.

Behcet's disease (BD) is multisytemic vasculitis or chronic inflammation that may lead to various autoimmune and autoinflammatory syndromes. Exact etiopathogenesis of BD has not been clarified yet. Urotensin II (UTS-II) is predominantly a vasoactive peptide and Thr21Met polymorphism in UTS-II gene was proved to increasing in some autoimmune diseases. Considering these, our objective was to evaluate whether two UTS-II gene polymorphisms (Thr21Met and Ser89Asn) were responsible in genetic susceptibility to BD in a Turkish population. A total of 198 patients with BD and 275 healthy controls were enrolled. We analyzed the genotype and allele frequencies of two UTS-II gene polymorphisms, Thr21Met and Ser89Asn, in BD patients and in controls. We found that Thr21Met but not Ser89Asn polymorphisms of the UTS-II gene were markedly associated with the risk of developing BD (p0.0001), The Met21Met genotype was less common among BD patients (6.1% in patients vs. 17.1% in controls; p0.0001). There was also an increase in the 21Thr allele (54.8% in BD patients vs. 43.8% in controls) and a decrease in 21Met allele frequencies (45.2% in controls vs. 56.2% in patients) in the BD groups (p0.0044). To the best of our knowledge, for the first time in the literature, our study claims that there is an association between Thr21Met, and not between Ser89Asn polymorphisms in the UTS-II gene and BD. These results put a new player to the field of undiscovered pathogenesis of BD and hopefully provide new insights to the treatment options.

Cytokine-induced expression of suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) molecules is important for the negative feedback control of STAT-dependent cytokine signalling. The aim of this study was to investigate possible association between the promoter region polymorphisms of the SOCS3 gene and metastatic colorectal carcinoma in a Turkish population. The DNA samples obtained from 103 patients and 109 healthy individuals were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction/single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), and nucleotide sequence analysis. Five sets of primers designed for the SOCS3 gene were used, and we did not detect significant differences in genotype frequencies for any of these polymorphisms between the study groups. Only the S3P1 region showed polymorphism and displayed three (1,2,4, 2,3,4 and 2,4) genotypes. Interestingly, 2,3,4 genotype was observed in 3 patients, but not in controls. Moreover, the sequence analysis revealed that the nucleotides positioned at -914 and -1031 nt had the polymorphisms. Nucleotide sequence analysis of SSCP band 1 and band 3 revealed C-914A (rs12953258) and T-1031C (rs111033850) polymorphisms, respectively. The T-1031C polymorphism lies in the border of the STAT-binding site. The T-1031C polymorphism (rs111033850) is a newly identified single nucleotide polymorphism with this study, and we submitted this to the NCBI database. However, these results suggested that there is no marked association between SOCS3 gene promoter region polymorphisms and the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a completely non-invasive method for the collection of airway secretions to measure intense inflammation in the airways of asthmatics. It has been shown that the childhood asthma control test (c-ACT) is a good tool for use in the evaluation of asthmatics. Whether the c-ACT score and asthma control level correlate with the airway inflammation is not well known. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between exhaled cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) and 8-isoprostane levels and asthma severity, asthma control level and c-ACT score in asthmatic children.Thirty asthmatic children were evaluated with c-ACT score and pulmonary function tests. Asthma severity and asthma control level were assessed according to GINA. EBC was collected and Cys-LTs and 8-isoprostane concentrations were determined using a specific immunoassay kit.Exhaled 8-isoprostane level in patients with moderate persistent asthma [114 (55-146)pg/ml] was higher than in the mild persistent group [52 (21-91)pg/ml] (p=0.05, Mann-Whitney U [MWU]). EBC 8-isoprostane in children with 1-4 asthma exacerbations/year [52 (16-80)pg/ml] was significantly lower than in children with4 asthma exacerbations/year [114 (57-129)pg/ml] (p0.05, MWU). No significant relation was determined between exhaled 8-isoprostane and Cys-LTs levels and c-ACT score and asthma control level. Exhaled 8-isoprostane correlated negatively with bronchodilator response (p=0.015, r=-0.45).Exhaled 8-isoprostane, as an oxidative stress specifier, was found to be increased in relation with asthma exacerbation frequency and oxidative stress increases with the severity of asthma. In contrast to asthma severity level, c-ACT score and asthma control level may not reflect airway inflammation.

Despite the universality and clinical significance of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), the mechanisms responsible for it are incompletely understood.To investigate the role of exhaled RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) and interleukin (IL) 4 in EIB in children with asthma.Fifty-six children with asthma were evaluated with exercise challenge and exhaled RANTES and IL-4 levels. Exhaled breath condensate was collected before and 30 minutes after exercise challenge. RANTES and IL-4 concentrations were determined using a specific immunoassay kit.A significant increase was found in RANTES levels after exercise challenge in the asthmatic children (P.001). A statistically significant increase in RANTES levels was noted after exercise challenge in both the asthmatic children with EIB (n=25, P=.007) and in the non-EIB asthmatic group (n=31, P=.005). Our study revealed that exhaled RANTES level correlates significantly well with percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), exacerbation frequency, serum IgE, and body mass index. No statistically significant increase was found in IL-4 levels after exercise challenge. The maximal postexercise decrease in FEV1 strongly correlated with total eosinophil count (P.001, r = -0.61) and baseline ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) (P=.002, r=0.40). Results from multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and atopy as covariates showed that eosinophil count and FEV1/FVC ratio were significantly associated with EIB.We found that exercise challenge, leading to hyperosmolar stimulus, may increase exhaled RANTES levels in children with asthma. In addition, exhaled RANTES levels correlate well with serum IgE, severity of asthma, FEV1/FVC ratio, and body mass index. RANTES and IL-4 may not be independent predictors for EIB. Furthermore, eosinophil count and FEV1/FVC ratio may predict the presence and severity of EIB in asthmatic children.

Amac: Son y›llarda, topikal isosorbid dinitrat uygulamas›n›n internal anal sfinkterde gevfleme ile kronik anal fissurde iyileflmeye neden olabileceini bildiren cok say›da cal›flma bildirilmifltir. Ancak uygulanacak ilaclar›n dozlar› ve sureleri hakk›nda fikir bir- lii yoktur. Ayr›ca nitratl› bilefliklerle tedavi edilmifl kronik anal fissurlu hastalar›n uzun donem sonuclar› bilinmemektedir. Bu cal›flmada isosorbid dinitrat›n farkl› dozlar›n›n kronik anal fissur uzerindeki etkilerini ve uzun donem sonuclar›n› incelemeyi amaclad›k. Yontem: Kronik anal fissur tan›s› konulan ard›fl›k 75 hasta 3 gruba bolundu. I. gruba (n=15) sadece semptomatik te- davi verildi. II. ve III. gruplara (n=30) ise s›ras›yla %5 ve %10 topikal isosorbid dinitrat uyguland›. 20 gun aral›klarla 3 kontrol yap›ld›. Tedaviye yan›t al›nan 44 hasta ile 5 y›l sonra telefonda gorufluldu. Bulgular: Tedavinin 20. gununde %10 isosorbid dinit- rat grubunda salanan tam iyileflme oran›, %5 isosorbid dinitrat grubundakinden belirgin olarak daha fazlayd› (%53.3 vs. %26.7, p 0.05). Befl y›l sonra, tedaviden fayda goren hastalar›n %52.3'unde semptomlar›n nuk- settii saptand›. Sonuc: Topikal isosorbid dinitrat uygulamas› kronik anal fissurun tedavisinde internal anal sfinkteri korumaya yonelik iyi bir alternatiftir. Ancak uzun donemde nuks oranlar› yuksektir. Anahtar kelimeler: Kronik anal fissur, isosorbid dinitrat, internal anal sfinkter Background/aims: In recent years, numerous studies have reported that the application of topical isosorbide dinitrate can cause fissure recovery with the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. However, there is no consensus about the dose or duration of the drugs to be applied. In addition, long-term results of the patients with chronic anal fissure treated with nitrate-containing compo- unds are unknown. In this study, the goal was to investigate the effects of various doses of isosorbide dinitrate on chronic anal fis- sure and their long-term effects. Methods: Seventy-five sequential patients with chronic anal fissure were divided into three groups. Only symptomatic treatments were applied to patients in the first group (n=15). The patients in second and third groups (n=30 each) were treated with topical isosorbide dinitrate 5% and 10%, respectively. The patients were examined three times at 20-day intervals. Five years later, 44 patients who were responsive to treatment were contacted by telephone. Results: The rate of full response in the 10% isosorbide dinitrate group was statistically higher than of the 5% isosorbide dinitrate group on the 20 th day (53.3% vs. 26.7%, p 0.05). Five years later, 52.3% of patients who were responsive to treatment had a symptomatic relapse. Conclusions: Topical isosorbide dinitrate is a good alternative therapy to protect internal anal sphincter in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. However, the recurrence rates are high in the long-term.

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels of pancreatic β-cells play a key role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion mechanism. The Kir6.2 protein, forming the K(ATP) channel pore inwardly, and the SUR1 protein that surrounds it forming the outside part of the channel were encoded by ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes, respectively. Recent studies reported that the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) established in these genes are associated with defects in insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to investigate the allele profiles and the risk alleles of the ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes and to highlight the associations with the disease in patients in Konya region of Turkey where T2DM is common.In this study, 169 patients with T2DM and 119 healthy controls were included. A total of 29 SNPs in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes were screened by PCR-SSCP technique and sequenced. Biochemical parameters and genotype-phenotype relationships were analyzed using variance analysis.R1273R silent substitution in exon 31 and 16/-3t→c substitution in noncoding region of exon 16 of ABCC8 gene showed a significant association (OR 4.8 [95% CI 2.41-9.77], p0.001 and OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.64-7.40], p0.001 under dominant and recessive models, respectively). We detected a significant association between E/K heterozygote genotype and reduced plasma insulin level in patients with T2DM (p0.05).ABCC8 exons 16 and 31 variants increase susceptibility to T2DM and KCNJ11 E23K decreases insulin secretion in a Turkish population.

Objective.Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune chronic fibrotic disorder. Urotensin II (U-II) is predominantly a vasoactive peptide with fibrotic and prothrombotic features. Like endothelin-1 (ET-1), U-II could play an important role in SSc pathogenesis. We evaluated the possible role of the U-II gene polymorphisms (Thr21Met and Ser89Asn) in the genetic susceptibility to SSc in a Turkish population.Methods.A total of 189 patients with SSc and 205 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. We analyzed the genotype and allele frequencies of the U-II (UTS2) gene polymorphisms Thr21Met and Ser89Asn in patients with SSc and in controls.Results.We found that the Thr21Met polymorphism of the UTS2 gene was markedly associated with the risk of developing SSc (p < 0.0001), but there was no relationship between the Ser89Asn polymorphism and SSc (p > 0.05). Two haplotypes (MS and TS) were markedly associated with SSc (p < 0.05). There were significant associations between the genotype and allele frequencies of UTS2 gene Thr21Met polymorphism and cases with diffuse or limited SSc, systemic or lung involvement, finger flexion deformity, pitting scars at the fingertips, positive anticentromere, or positive antitopoisomerase 1 antibody groups.Conclusion.Our study shows the association between Thr21Met, but not Ser89Asn, in the UTS2 gene and SSc. The results strongly suggest that this single-nucleotide polymorphism may be an important risk factor in the development of SSc, and a powerful indicator of severe skin and lung involvement in patients with SSc.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is currently the best initial diagnostic test for evaluation of a thyroid nodule. FNA cytology cannot discriminate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules in up to 30% of thyroid nodules. Therefore, an adjunct to FNA is needed to clarify these lesions as benign or malignant. Using differential display-polymerase chain reaction method, the gene expression differences between follicular and classic variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign thyroid nodules were evaluated in a group of 42 patients. Computational gene function analyses via Cytoscape, FuncBASE, and GeneMANIA led us to a functional network of 17 genes in which a core sub-network of five genes coexists. Although the exact mechanisms underlying in thyroid cancer biogenesis are not currently known, our data suggest that the pattern of transformation from healthy cells to cancer cells of PTC is different in follicular variant than in classic variant.

Meningitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses with various clinical symptoms. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels have been shown to be increased in blood or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis, but the association of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms or gene expression with meningitis has not been evaluated. IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms A-592C, T-819C, and A-1082G in 61 patients with meningitis and 64 healthy controls were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. mRNA from blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples was extracted, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for IL-10 gene expression. No statistically significant differences were found in the allele and genotypic frequencies between patients and control subjects. Expression of IL-10 in meningitis at mRNA levels was detected in the infiltrating leukocytes. IL-10 gene expression in blood from patients was significantly higher than the control group. Our results suggest that there was no association between promoter polymorphisms of IL-10 and meningitis, but a significant increase of IL-10 gene expression was present in patients with meningitis.

This study investigates synergistic fire retardancy effect of boron on cotton fabrics. Three types of boron compounds were added to fire retardant solution composed of an organic phosphorus compound and urea based cross-linking agent. Fabrics were treated with fire retardant solution, washed and analyzed by SEM/EDX, TGA and LOI methods. Durability of boron on fabrics was also investigated by boron analysis in washing water. The results revealed that treated fabrics turn out to be nonflammable; LOI>45. The highest LOI for fabrics treated and 5 times washed was achieved when the fire retardant solution composed of 15 % phousporous compound, 12 % cross-linking agent and 1 % borax pentahydrate was used. Above 98 % of boron remained within fabric structure after washing. This is an indicator for boron to be used as fire retardant material in industrial applications of cotton fabrics.

This chapter overviews direct co-firing applications of agricultural and forestry residues with coal in fluidized bed combustion (FBC) systems, which is the most promising technology due to its fuel flexibility and high efficiency. Similarities and differences in characteristics of biomass and coal are summarized. Issues on operational problems and their possible solutions in FBC systems firing biomass only are identified. Among the available solutions to these problems, co-firing biomass with coal is the most effective and simple option. Experiences obtained from several biomass/coal blends in FBC systems, ranging from laboratory rigs to large-scale utility boilers, are presented to emphasize the impact of co-firing on combustion efficiency, emissions and ash-related operational problems. Keywords: ash; biomass; coal; co-firing; fluidized bed combustion

Bikunin is an inhibitor of kidney stone formation synthesized in the liver together with α(1)-microglobulin from the α(1)-microglobulin/bikunin precursor (AMBP) gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between bikunin/AMBP gene polymorphisms and urinary stone formation.To analyse the DNA, blood samples were taken from 75 kidney stone formers who had a familial stone history, 35 sporadic stone formers and 101 healthy individuals. Four exons of bikunin gene and five parts of the promoter region of the AMBP gene were screened using single-strand conformation polymorphism and nucleotide sequence analysis.The Init-2 region of the promoter of AMBP gene had polymorphisms at positions -218 and -189 nt giving three different genotypes having 1,3, 2,4 and 1,2,3,4 alleles with frequencies of 17.06%, 60.19% and 22.75%, respectively, in all groups. Therefore, the Init-2 region appears to be polymorphic. As a result, the 1,3 allele has -218G and -189T complying with the reference database sequence, the 2,4 allele has -218G and T-189C substitution and the allele 1,2,3,4 genotype has substitutions at positions G-218C and T-189C.There were no significant differences in allele distribution between patients and controls. These common alleles exist in the Turkish population independent of stone formation. These results are the first to demonstrate the existence of bikunin and AMBP promoter polymorphism. Although the Init-2 region of the AMBP gene is the binding site for various transcription factors, the results showed no association between these observed genotypes and stone-forming phenotypes.

The family of cell division cycle 25 (CDC25) phosphatase is one of the important regulators of the cell cycle progression. In mammalian cells, three isoforms have been identified: CDC25A, CDC25B, and CDC25C. CDC25A is required to enter S time, and the overexpression of this phosphatase accelerates the entrance to S time. CDC25A overexpression could render tumor cells less sensitive to DNA replication checkpoints, thereby contributing to their genomic instability. We aimed to investigate, for the first time, the frequency of human CDC25A gene SNPs in metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer. Total number of 281 eligible patients with histologically confirmed incident of breast cancer and 137 cancer-free controls were included. The detection of CDC25A gene polymorphisms was achieved with real-time polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. We found that the 263C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with breast cancer and risk of metastasis. The -350C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of CDC25A gene was found to associate with neither breast cancer nor metastasis. The other promoter polymorphism -51C/G in the CDC25A gene associated with breast cancer but not associated with metastasis. These data suggest that 263C/T and -51C/G polymorphisms of CDC25A gene could be candidate markers for earlier diagnosis and targets for breast cancer therapy.

Background and Aims Increased synthesis of several urinary proteins including osteopontin (OPN) has been shown to be associated with stone formation within the urinary tract. The objective of this study was to analyze the genotype distributions and allele frequencies for OPN gene promoter T-593A and C6982T (in exon 7) polymorphisms among patients with kidney stones. Methods In this case-control study, the study group consisted of 121 patients with radiologically confirmed nephrolithiasis. Genomic DNA from patients and control cases ( n = 100) was analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism method and nucleotide sequence analysis. Results Homozygous carriers of the T-593T genotype were more frequent, but carriers of the A-593A genotype were less frequent in patients than in controls. There was also an increase in -593T allele (88% in patients vs. 79% in controls) and decrease in -593A allele frequencies (21% in control vs. 12% in patients) in the nephrolithiasis groups ( p = 0.013). The carriers of C6982C genotype were less frequent, but marked increases in T6982T genotype (25.6% in patients vs. 7% in controls, p = 0.001) and 6982T allele frequency (53.3% in patients vs. 37.5% in controls, p = 0.001) were noted in patients of Turkish ancestry. Conclusions These results are the first to demonstrate the existence of T-593A promoter polymorphism of the OPN gene and significant association with risk of developing nephrolithiasis. Our results showed marked associations between polymorphisms (C6982T and T-593A) of the OPN gene and the stone-forming phenotypes in the Turkish population.

Quasicrystalline phase formation during heat treatment in the mechanically alloyed Al65Cu20Fe15 powders was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The mechanical alloying was performed at speed of 300 rev min(-1) for times up to 70 h. It was found that mechanical alloying of the Al65Cu20Fe15 powders did not result in the quasicrystalline (QC) icosahedral phase (i-phase) formation. The long time milling resulted in the formation of a cubic Al (Cu,Fe) solid solution phase (beta-phase). The cubic Al (Cu,Fe) solid solution identified as beta-phase was observed to be present as one of the major phases in the Al65Cu20Fe15 alloy. The formation of the quasicrystalline icosahedral phase (i-phase) was only observed for short time milled powders after additional annealing at temperature above 500 degrees C. The present investigation also showed that a tetragonal Al2Cu phase (theta-phase) forms with short time milling. The tetragonal Al7Cu2Fe1 phase (w-phase) was observed after heat treatment of the short time milled and unmilled powders. The present investigation indicated that an effective process to prepare the quasicrystalline materials was using a combination of short time milling and subsequent annealing.