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The aim of this study is to investigate the nanocoated textile fabric samples with Al and Zn metal materials in terms of EMI (electromagnetic interference) and UV/IR (ultraviolet/infrared) shielding properties. For this purpose, the thermal vacuum evaporation method has been utilized for coating textile fabric samples with Al and Zn coating materials. The observation of the coverage of coated fabrics is carried out by using SEM analysis. Both Zn and Al coating are found effective to improve the EMI and UV/IR shielding properties of textile samples. In addition, Zn coating is found to be more effective to improve the EMI and UV/IR shielding properties of textile fabric samples. Especially, the Zn-coated fabric samples exhibited high effective UV-A (< 420 nm wavelength) shielding property. In both fabric samples, the strong absorption frequency regions have been observed in EMI absorption analysis. © 2019, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

WOS: 000464627200023, In the present study, Carbon Nanowalls (CNWs) were produced by Pulsed Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc Deposition (PFCVAD) on glass substrates. A high purity graphite rod was used as a cathode target. Growth was performed by varying the distance between the target and substrate, namely 1 cm (1A250), 2 cm (2A250) and 3 cm (3A250). No CNW formation has been observed on the substrate, when the target and substrate distance is 3 cm. Amorphous nature of carbon structures has been shown with the Raman measurements. Raman mapping has been also performed to show the vertical wall structures of the CNWs. Surface morphology of the CNWs was investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurements. It has been found that the wall widths are roughly 1.8 mu m and 1.0 mu m for the samples 1A250 and 2A250, respectively. It has also shown that curvier vertical wall structures have formed for samples 2A250 compared to that of 1A250. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy measurements have shown that 40% sp3 C-C bonding and C-O bonding which indicates the amorphous nature of the structure. Optical studies have shown that CNWs have low reflectance in visible region when the substrate to target distance is 1 cm which makes this thin coating very suitable for dark coating applications., Scientific Research Project Fund of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkey [F-589], This work is supported by Scientific Research Project Fund of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkey under the project number F-589. We are thankful to Dr. Ali Ozer for his support in SEM measurements and to Merve Kucukoflaz for her support in AFM measurements.

There are the smallest structural units (carbon and/or quantum dots) in the structure of living plants. This carbon and/or quantum dots are stem cells of plants.The aim of this study is to obtain graphene quantum dots (GQDs) by using Citrus limonum leaves grown in Adana Province, Mediterranean region. Thus, dried Citrus limonum leaves were subjected to carbonization at temperatures of 200, 275, 350, 425 and 500°C and 90, 180, and 270 min respectively at each temperature. Characterization of the material obtained at the end of the process was determined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), fluorescence spectroscopy, elemental analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV)-visible, UV-A and UV-C lamps. It was determined that the samples obtained in the carbonization process carried out at 350 and 425°C for 3 h made blue colored fluorescence. The results of the experiments completed for characterization analysis verified the GQDs and mosaic crystal structure compared to the literature. It was observed that the GQDs obtained at 350°C for 3 h had maximum fluorescence properties. Radical changes at the sample matrix was observed when carbonization temperature changed from 350°C to 425°C.

Thrombotic microangiopathy(TMA) is a pathological diagnosis characterized by abnormalities of small vessels leading to microvascular thrombosis of arterioles and capillaries. The current prospective, non-interventional, multicenter (n:18) study aimed to define distribution of different TMA forms in adult Turkish patients who were referred for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for a presumptive diagnosis of TMA. Patients with serum ADAMTS13 activity 10 %, normal renal function and no secondary TMA were treated as unclassified TMA. The study included a total of 97 patients (female: 60; male: 30) with a median age of 48 (18?74). Detailed evaluation at 1 month after hospital admission revealed aTTP, secondary TMA, infection/complement-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome and unclassified TMA in 32 (33 %), 33 (34 %), 26 (27 %) and 6 (6%) patients respectively. As subclassification of various TMAs will dictate specific therapy, proper diagnosis in a timely manner is of utmost clinical significance. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd, Alexion Pharmaceuticals: 100064, The present study was designed as an investigator initiated trial (IIT) and sponsored by Alexion Pharmaceuticals (Tracking number: 100064)

To determine whether there is a relationship between maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) value of basal 18-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) that was performed before sunitinib treatment and treatment-related survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).The data of 36 patients (female/male: 1/1, median age 57.36 years, range 31-74) were retrospectively analyzed in whom sunitinib treatment was started due to mRCC between 2008 and 2019 and who underwent basal 18F-FDG PET/CT examination before this treatment. The median SUVmax value was 6.8. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of patients, who had SUVmax value6.8 (group I) (50%, n=18) and ≤ than 6.8 (group II) (50%, n=18), were compared.Both PFS and OS were significantly lower in the group with high SUVmax (SUVmax6.8, group I) before the sunitinib treatment than the group with low SUVmax (SUVmax ≤6.8, group II). When patients with SUVmax value6.8 (group I) (50%, n=18) and ≤6.8 (group II) (50%, n=18) were compared the median PFS of group I patients was 6.83 months (95%CI: 6.14-7.52), while the median PFS of group II patients was 11.24 months (95%CI: 8.4-14.06) (p=0.035). The median OS in group I and II was 12.91 months (95%CI: 10.17-15.65) and 54.54 months (95%CI: 8.51-100), respectively (p=0.042).In this study it was found that PFS and OS were low in patients with high SUVmax value in 18F-FDG PET/CT performed before sunitinib treatment. As a result, 18F-FDG PET/CT SUVmax values measured before sunitinib treatment can be used to predict survival in mRCC patients.

Introduction and aim To demonstrate the real-life data about patients who underwent AHSCT due to GCT. Methods Between November 2016 and April 2020, 64 patients who received CE as high-dose chemotherapy for AHSCT in the Gulhane Education and Research Hospital were included in the study. Sixty-one patients received one AHSCT with CE chemotherapy regimen. Survival data and clinical characteristics were evaluated retrospectively. Results The mean age of the patients were 31.9 ± 9 (min-max:18–55). With a median follow-up of 10.7 ± 8.7 months, the 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 57.8%, and the 1-year overall survival rate was 77.5%. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times were 21.5 ± 1.8 (95% CI: 14.5–33.4) and 20 ± 2 months, respectively. The response rate was 72%. There were three treatment-related deaths. Conclusion This sizeable single-centre study shows that patients with relapsed metastatic GCT are curable by CE as high dose chemotherapy plus AHSCT with reliable toxicity even for a single cycle.

Objectives: To compare the preoperative Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) value in curatively-operated gastric cancer (GC) patients without receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) vs. control group, with the aim of investigating its preoperative prognostic effect. Methods: Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curve of RDW value was plotted for DFS. The area under curve (AUC) of the RDW was 0.714 with 73.5% sensitivity and >5.5 with 71.1% specificity. Patients were divided into 2 groups as RDW ?15.5 and RDW >15.5. Results: The study included 330 GC patients (37.7% female and 62.3% male) and 330 healthy controls (63.9% male and 36.1% female). ROC curves were used to confirm the predictive role of preoperative RDW value in predicting the presence of GC. For GC, the AUC of RDW was 0.665 with 61.3% sensitivity and 14.1 with 64% specificity. There was a positive correlation between disease stage and RDW in GC patients (Rho=0.338, p

Objective:Weaimed to compare the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(NLR), which is a simplemethod, to determine whether the difference between the right colon and theleft colon tumors in our study is related to the inflammatory process betweenthe two regions.Materialand Method: We retrospectivelyreviewed the files of 142 patients who were diagnosed with stage 1-3 colorectalcancer between July 2011 and June 2015 at Medical Oncology Department, DışkapıYıldırım Beyazıt Education and Research Hospital. We examined whether tumorlocalization correlates with neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and disease-freesurvival.Results:Thepatients were divided into right and left colon based on splenic flexure. Therewere 35 patients (24%) defined as right colon and 107 (76%) patients defined asleft colon. 85 (60%) of the patients were male and 57 (40%) were female. Theratio of neutrophil and lymphocytes at diagnosis was compared. The mean NLR valuesof the left and right colon were calculated as 4.43 and 5.05, respectively. Nostatistically significant difference was found between the right and left colon(p = 0.234). The disease-free survival rates were lower in the right colontumors than in the left colon, but not statistically significant (0,88 / 0,8440th and 60th at 20th month) 0.80 / 0.77 and0,80/0,77; p = 0.064)Conclusion:Inour study, we could not find any relation between the NLR and the localizationof the disease in patients with early stage colorectal cancer. Disease-freesurvival rates were calculated to be lower in right colon tumors, although theydid not reach statistical significance with respect to left colon., Amaç:Çalışmamızda sağ kolon ile sol kolon yerleşimli tümörler arasındaki farkın ikibölge arasındaki inflamatuvar süreçle ilişkili olup olmadığını basit bir yöntemolan nötrofil lenfosit oranına bakarak karşılaştırmayı amaçladık.Gereçve Yöntem: Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Eğitim veAraştırma Hastanesi Tıbbi Onkoloji bölümüne Temmuz 2011-Haziran 2015 tarihleriarasında başvuran evre 1-3 kolorektal kanser tanısı almış 142 hastanındosyalarını retrospektif olarak inceledik. Tümör lokalizasyonu ile nötrofil lenfosit oranı (NLO) ve hastalıksız sağkalım arasında ilişki olup olmadığını araştırdık.Bulgular:Hastalar splenik fleksura baz alınarak sağ ve sol kolon şeklinde ikiye ayrıldı.Sağ kolon olarak tanımladığımız 35 (%24), sol kolon olarak tanımladığımız 107(%76) hasta vardı. Hastaların 85’i (%60) erkek, 57’si (%40) kadındı. Tanıanındaki NLO karşılaştırıldı. Sağ ve sol kolonun NLO ortalama değerlerisırasıyla 4,43 ve 5,05 olarak hesaplandı. Sağ ve sol kolon arasında NLOaçısından istatiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık saptanmadı (p=0.234). Hastalıksız sağ kalım oranları sağ kolon tümörlerinde solkolona göre istatiksel anlamlılığa ulaşmasa da daha düşük olarak hesaplandı (20.ayda 0,88/0,84; 40. ve 60. ayda sırasıyla 0,80/0,77 ve 0,80/0,77; p =0,064).Sonuçlar:Yaptığımız çalışmada metastatik olmayan kolorektal kanserli hastalarda tanıanında bakılan NLO ile hastalığın lokalizasyonu arasında ilişki bulamadık. Hastalıksızsağ kalım oranlarını sağ kolon tümörlerinde sol kolona göre istatikselanlamlılığa ulaşmasa da daha düşük olarak hesapladık.

Amaç: Onkolojik hastalıkların erken tanı ve tedavisinde yeni gelişmeler hayatta kalma oranlarının artmasına neden olsa da, artmış sağ kalım oranlarına bağlı olarak gelişen uzun takipler sırasında ikinci primer maligniteler ortaya çıkabilmektedir. İkincil primer tümörlerin gelişimi için birçok faktör vardır. En önemlisi, yaşlı hastalar ın uzun vadede kanserojenlere maruz kalma olasılıkları daha yüksektir. Çoklu primer tümörler, genellikle iki malignite tanısı arasındaki zaman çizelgesine bağlı olarak metakron veya senkron olarak görülür. Senkron hastalıklar sıklıkla benzer karsinojenlere maruz kalma sonucu oluşsa da, metakron olanlar daha çok primer tümörün tedavisine bağlı advers etkilerle ilişkili olabilir. Bu tek merkezli çalışma, Ocak 2007 ile Aralık 2016 arasında multipl primer tümörlü hastaların klinikopatolojik özelliklerini araştırmayı amaçladı ve bunlardan 20'si senkron, 36'sı metakron olarak toplam 56 hasta dahil edildi. En yaygın kanser çiftlerinin erkeklerde kolon-akciğer ve prostat-mesane, kadınlarda meme-kolon ve meme-tiroid olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Yöntemler: Ocak 2007 ile Aralık 2017 tarihleri arasında merkezimizde takip edilen ÇPT’ lü hastaların dosyaları retrospektif olarak incelendi, 56 hastada multiple primer tümör olduğu tespit edildi. Hastaların cinsiyetler, yaşları tespit edildi. Tümörün hangi organlarda oluştuğu, ne zaman geliştiği, bulunabilen etyolojik veriler, sağ kalım oranları araştırıldı. Tüm istatistiksel analizler Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v 15.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) ile yapıldı. Sonuç: Senkron hastalıklar genellikle benzer kanserojenlere maruz kalmanın bir sonucu olarak ortaya çıkarken, metakronöz hastalıkların primer tümörlerin tedavisinin yan etkileri ile ilişkili olması muhtemeldir

The relationship between increased serum enzyme activity of prolidase and increased rate of collagen turnover in the arterial wall has been asserted in previous studies. Collagen reflects much of the strength to the connective tissue involved in the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is very common vessel disease and oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis. Our objective was to examine the serum enzyme activity of prolidase and its possible relationships with oxidative stress parameters in obese subjects.Our present study was conducted 27 obese subjects and 26 age-matched healthy control subjects. The serum enzyme activity of prolidase in all study population was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Oxidative stress levels in obese subjects were analyzed with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) as well as oxidative stress index (OSI).Obese subjects have higher serum TOS and OSI indicators as well as prolidase activity than those in control subjects (for all; p0.001). Moreover, obese subjects have lower levels of TAC than in those in healthy subjects (p0.001). In the Pearson's correlation analysis, enzyme activity of prolidase was positively related with TOS (p0.001, r=0.529) and OSI (p0.001, r=0.519) as well as BMI (p0.001, r=0.692) and inversely related with TAC (p0.05, r=-0.405) in obese subjects.Increased serum prolidase activity and decreased antioxidant levels are likely to be a results of increased of oxidative stress levels in obese subjects. The significantly correlation between increased oxidative stress and increased prolidase activity may play a pivotal role in etiopathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in obese subjects.

WOS: 000407222300050 In present work, the two-step anodization technique was applied for synthesis of TiO2 nanotube (NT). Silver and diamond like carbon (DLC) were coated on the surface of as prepared TiO2-NT using chemical reduction method and MW ECR plasma system. The morphology, composition and structure of the electrodes were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that Ag nanoparticles, having size in the range of 48-115 nm, are evenly distributed on the top, inside and outside surface of TiO2-NT and when DLC was coated on the surface of TiO2-NT and TiO2-NT-Ag, the top of nanotubes were partially open and the pore diameter of hexagonal structure decreased from 165 nm to of 38-80 nm. On the other hand, the microhardness test and contact angle measurements revealed that additions of Ag and diamond like carbon have a positive effect on the mechanical properties of TiO2-NT film. The electro-catalytic properties of the electrodes towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were investigated by the electrochemical measurements recorded in 1 M KOH solution. In addition, long-term durability of electrodes towards HER and the energy consumption of alkaline electrolysis were investigated. The energy requirement showed that while the deposition of silver provides approximately 14.95% savings of the energy consumption, the DLC coating causes increase in energy consumption. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Cukurova University research fundCukurova University; TUBITAKTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) The authors are thankful to the Cukurova University research fund and TUBITAK for their financial support.

In this study, microstructure and electrical properties of Ag-TiO2 powders, which were prepared by a simple sol-gel method, are investigated. The sol was prepared from titanium iso-propoxide, Ti(OC3H7)4 in iso-propanol (CH3CHOHCH3), used as solvent. AgNO3 was used as the precursor for Ag. For the structural studies, the corresponding gels were allowed to dry naturally for about seven days, dried in an oven at 180 °C for 30 min and then calcined at different temperatures (900, 1000 and 1100°C). The Ag-TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized using differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction. The results X-ray diffraction indicate that pure Ag and TiO2 powders are in rutile phase. However, calcination temperature had not significantly affected the crystalline structure of TiO2. Scanning electron microscopy images of powders show an aggregation of small spherical particles of dispersed sizes. Annealing of the Ag-TiO2 sample at high temperature produced more spherical particles, which aggregated to form bigger particles with porous structures. The electrical properties of the samples were measured using HMS-3000 Hall measurement system. The samples were found to be of n-type. The conductivity of TiO2 samples have been explicitly increasing with calcination temperature and with Ag doping.

Aims: Germ cell tumors (GCT) are the most common malignancies, especially in males of 15 to 35 years of age. Tandem autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) with carboplatin and etoposide (CE) has been performed for many years in relapsed and refractory germ cell patients, but information about AHSCT in patients with germ cell tumors is limited. We aimed to demonstrate some real-life data about patients who underwent AHSCT due to germ cell tumors. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of 20 patients who received CE as high-dose chemotherapy for AHSCT betweeen November 2016 and April 2018 were reviewed. Response rates at 12th month and toxicity profiles were evaluated. Results: A complete response was obtained in 15% (n=3) and a partial response was obtained in 20% (n=4) of the cases after AHSCT. The survival rate during AHSCT was calculated as 95%. When the progression-free survival time of the patients was examined, the median recurrence time was 6 months (95% CI: 5.08-6.91). The rate of recurrence was 57% in 6 months. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia were observed during AHSCT in all patients. Conclusions: High dose chemotherapy as CE in AHSCT is a safe and effective treatment option in relapsed refractory GCT with an acceptable PFS and mortality rate. Also, highdose CE was associated with low treatment-related mortality and reasonable side effects in patients with poor prognosis. © Gülhane Faculty of Medicine 2018.

Aims: Testicular tumors are one of the most common malignancies in males, between 15 and 35 years of age. Testicular cancer patients are treated with the combination of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and paclitaxel (GOP) in relapsed and refractory disease, but the literature about the GOP treatment is limited. We aimed to demonstrate the real-life data of progressive testicular cancer patients who received GOP treatment. Methods: Medical records of 17 patients who received GOP treatment at the Gulhane Training and Research Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) rate and progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients were evaluated. Results: Overall response was obtained in 58.8% (n=10), and a complete response was achieved in 11.2% (n=2) of the cases. OS time was 14.2 months and the OS rate in the first year was 73.1%. The PFS time was 7.6 months. In most of the patients, thrombocytopenia, anemia and leukopenia were observed during GOP treatment. Conclusions: GOP is a safe and effective treatment option for relapsed refractory testicular cancer patients with an acceptable ORR, OS and PFS time. Additionally, GOP treatment was associated with cognitive side effects in patients.

Introduction Serum leptin levels have been examined in various cancers, with conflicting results. However, there is limited information regarding serum leptin levels and insulin resistance in gastric cancer patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate serum leptin levels, performance status, insulin levels and insulin resistance in patients with gastric cancer. In addition, we examined the relationship between these measurements and leptin levels. Material and methods Thirty-nine patients with gastric cancer and 30 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum leptin, total protein, albumin, growth hormone, insulin and glucose levels were measured. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to assess insulin resistance. Results Serum levels of insulin, glucose and growth hormone and insulin resistance were significantly lower in gastric cancer patients than controls (p < 0.05 for all). In the Pearson correlation analysis, insulin resistance was found to be significantly correlated with serum leptin levels in gastric cancer patients (r = 0.320, p = 0.047). We observed a significant negative correlation between performance status and insulin resistance in patients with cachexia (r = –0.512, p = 0.030), while no association was found in non-cachectic patients. Conclusions We concluded that serum leptin levels are significantly lower in gastric cancer patients. In addition, gastric cancer patients have decreases in insulin levels, insulin resistance and growth hormone levels. This study found a positive association between serum leptin levels and insulin resistance. Moreover, there is a negative association between serum leptin levels and growth hormone levels. Thus, low insulin and growth hormone levels may suppress the production of leptin in gastric cancer patients.

In this multicenter retrospective analysis, we aimed to present clinical, laboratory and treatment results of 94 patients with Hairy cell leukemia diagnosed in 13 centers between 1990 and 2014. Sixty-six of the patients were males and 28 were females, with a median age of 55. Splenomegaly was present in 93.5% of cases at diagnosis. The laboratory findings that came into prominence were pancytopenia with grade 3 bone marrow fibrosis. Most of the patients with an indication for treatment were treated with cladribine as first-line treatment. Total and complete response of cladribine was 97.3% and 80.7%. The relapse rate after cladribine was 16.6%, and treatment related mortality was 2.5%. Most preferred therapy (95%) was again cladribine at second-line, and third line with CR rate of 68.4% and 66.6%, respectively. The 28-month median OS was 91.7% in all patients and 25-month median OS 96% for patients who were given cladribine as first-line therapy. In conclusion, the first multicenter retrospective Turkish study where patients with HCL were followed up for a long period has revealed demographic characteristics of patients with HCL, and confirmed that cladribine treatment might be safe and effective in a relatively large series of the Turkish study population.

9th Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Conference (NANOTR) -- JUN 24-28, 2013 -- Erzurum, TURKEY, WOS: 000344380500030, ZnO and nitrogen-doped ZnO thin films were prepared onto glass substrate by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition (PFCVAD) system at room temperature. The influence of doping on the structural, electrical and optical properties of thin films was investigated. XRD studies were carried out to analyze and compare the structural quality of undoped and nitrogen-doped ZnO films. Raman measurement was performed to study the doping effects in the ZnO. The optical transmittances of all films are studied as a function of wavelength using UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. The optical band gap values of the films are found using absorbance spectrums. The electrical studies for the films are carried out by using Hall-effect measurements. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University [F-382], This research was supported by Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University under the project number F-382. The Authors thank to Ozge Baglayan from Anadolu University for Raman measurements.

Aims We aimed to investigate whether older age leads to limitations in the starting dose of imatinib in daily treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, and to determine the compliance of elderly patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy. Methods Data including the clinical characteristics, therapeutic outcomes and compliance with TKI therapy of elderly patients with chronic myeloid leukemia aged >65 years were collected from 13 institutions in Turkey, retrospectively. Results A total of 69 patients (27 [39%] men, 42 [61%] women) were evaluated retrospectively. The median age of the patients was 71 years (range 66–85 years). Of the patients, 66 (96%) were in the chronic phase and three (4.3%) were in the accelerated phase when diagnosed. A total of 63 (91.3%) patients were receiving imatinib as the first-line therapy. The initial dose of imatinib was 400 mg/day in 59 patients (93.6%). Imatinib treatment induced 57 (90.5%) complete hematological responses at 3 months, 29 (46%) complete cytogenetic responses at 6 months and 49 (77.7%) major molecular responses at 12 months. As a result, nilotinib and dasatinib were used in 14 patients as second-line therapy. Second-line TKI induced nine complete hematological responses (64.3%) at 3 months, four complete cytogenetic responses (28.6%) at 12 months and seven major molecular responses (50%) at 18 months. A total of 56 of the patients (81.2%) are still alive. The median overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 35 months (range 1–95 months) and 17 months (range 0.8–95 months), respectively. Conclusion Elderly patients should receive TKI according to the same guidelines that apply to younger patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 729–735.

A 28-year-old male with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented to our pulmonary clinic with progressive dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, and fever. Diagnostic bronchoscopy revealed white masses at the entrance of the right middle lobe bronchus and distal to the right main bronchus. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen showed those masses to be hyphae of Aspergillus.

TUBITAK, In this study, ZnO films were prepared on p-Si substrates using the pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition (PFCVAD) method. We report the effect of annealing temperature on structural and optical properties. The crystallographic structure and the size of the crystallites in the films were studied by means of X-ray diffraction. The films had a weak peak (100) orientation at 2? =?32°. X-ray diffraction analysis of the as-deposited ZnO and the film annealed at 850 °C showed a strong ZnO (002) diffraction peak centered at 34.1° and 34.5°, respectively. The (004) peak was seen for film annealed at 850 °C. ZnO film annealed at 850 °C had higher grain size and better crystallinity. Optical properties of the ZnO films were studied using a UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The optical band gap of the films was determined using the re ectance spectra by means of the Kubelka-Munk formula. From the optical properties, the band gap energy estimated for films as-deposited and annealed at 850 °C was 3.00 and 3.28 eV, respectively. The Raman scattering spectra of the films was observed at a laser power of 2 mW.. © TÜBİTAK., Kara, K.; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; email: kamurankara@mynet.com

TUBITAK, A ZnO:Al (10%) thin film was prepared on GaAs(100) substrate by using a pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition (PFCVAD) system. The ZnO:Al thin film was thermally annealed for 1 h at 2 di erent temperatures in air. The film structure was investigated as a function of annealing temperature by X-ray diffraction (XRD). ZnO:Al film annealed at 500 °C by PFCVAD method resulted in an amorphous film. However, after annealing ZnO:Al film at 600 ° C, it showed (100) and (002) peaks at around 32° and 34°, respectively. The chemical state of ZnO:Al (AZO) film on GaAs substrate was investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The dependence of optical properties on annealing was investigated by using a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. We also obtained the energy gap of ZnO:Al thin film by diffused reectance spectra using the Kubelka-Munk function. © TÜBITAK., Şenadim Tüzemen, E.; Nanotechnology Center, Department of Physics, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey; email: esenadim@cumhuriyet.edu.tr

Previous studies have suggested that prolidase and nitric oxide (NO) regulate many processes, such as collagen synthesis and matrix remodeling. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of microvascular complications in diabetic patients. Data on serum prolidase activity in patients with diabetes mellitus or diabetic neuropathy (DN) are limited and conflicting. The aim of this study was to measure serum prolidase activity, NO, total antioxidant status (TAS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients with DN. Forty-five patients with DN and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum prolidase activity, TAS, MDA, and NO levels were determined. Serum MDA and NO levels were significantly higher in DN patients than controls (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively), while prolidase activity and TAS levels were lower (p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). Prolidase activity was negatively correlated with NO and MDA (r = -0.911, p < 0.001; r = -0.905, p < 0.001, respectively), while positively correlated with TAS (r = 0.981, p < 0.001) in DN patients. The current study is the first showing the decreased serum prolidase enzyme activity. Our results suggest that decreased collagen turnover may occur in DN patients, who have increased oxidative stress and increased NO levels. Decreased prolidase activity seems to be associated with increased NO levels and oxidative stress along with decreased antioxidant levels in DN. Therefore, decreased prolidase activity may play a role in pathogenesis of DN. Prospective clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Objectives: The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent miscarriage is elusive. The recommendations for improving pregnancy outcomes in these patients keep changing based on the available evidence. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of low molecular weight heparin on obstetric outcomes of recurrent miscarriage patients complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism. Material and methods: We reviewed medical records of 121 patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage complicated by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms, retrospectively. From among them, 68 patients were treated only with folic acid and iron. The remaining 53 patients were treated with folic acid, iron and prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparin. The subsequent pregnancy outcomes of these patients were noted. Results: The live birth rate was higher in patients with anticoagulant therapy than in patients without anticoagulant therapy (48.5% vs. 69.8%, respectively, p: 0.015) and the congenital anomaly rate was lower in anticoagulant therapy group (17.6% vs. 3.8%, respectively, p: 0.022). The other obstetric outcomes were found to be similar between the two groups. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin improved the live birth rates among unex­plained recurrent miscarriage patients complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms. How­ever, the routine use of low molecular weight heparin did not improve the late pregnancy complications in these selected patients in the eastern region of our country. Further studies are needed to discriminate the effect of anticoagulation on the live birth rate of each of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism type.

Purpose: It is well known that trace elements and heavy metals play a significant role in human health and disease. These elements play an important role in different metabolic pathways of cells and tissues. Trace element deficiency or excess is implicated in the development or progression of some cancers. We present a study which investigates serum/ plasma levels of trace-heavy elements in metastatic colon cancer patients and healthy subjects. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 29 healthy subjects and 40 patients with metastatic colon cancer in Oncology Department of Medical School of Yuzuncu Yil University. In both groups, the serum levels of copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd) were determined. Results: Higher levels of Cu, Mg, Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn and Cd were seen in patients with metastatic colon cancer compared to healthy subjects and these findings were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Se levels were noted to be lower in patients with colon cancer in comparison to healthy subjects and this finding was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to our findings there was significant diffence in trace elements and heavy metals levels between healthy subjects and metastatic colon cancer patients. Therefore heavy metal and trace elements may have prognostic significance in complex disorders including colon cancer. However, further comprehensive studies are needed in order to advance our understanding of the relationship between heavy metal and trace elements and their role in cancers.

Introduction: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) predisposition to bleeding is frequently seen due to disturbances in platelet adhesion and aggregation. Various tests have been utilized to evaluate the disturbance of hemostasis in end-stage renal disease patients. In this trial; we evaluated skin bleeding time in patients admitted to our hospital with uremic symptoms and having hemodialysis (HD) for the first time. We also examined the effects of HD and uremia on this test and investigated its effectiveness in predicting the hemorrhagic complications before implementation of invasive procedures in uremic patients. Material-Method: Twenty nine patients (13 men,16 women; mean age 59.7±18.1) with CKD who presented with symptoms of uremia and treated with HD for the first time were enrolled in this trial. The skin bleeding time were measured before initiation of first hemodialysis and after the second hemodialysis session. Results: The skin bleeding time after the second dialysis was significantly shorter when compared to pre-dialysis values (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis between the skin bleeding time and urea, creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet, and bicarbonate showed no correlation. Conclusions: Skin bleeding time could reveal the uremic platelet dysfunction and beneficial effect of dialysis in the patients who presented with uremic symptoms and treated with HD for the first time. We suggest that skin bleeding time may be an appropriate test for the evaluation of hemostasis disturbance in uremic patients and prediction of the bleeding risk before invasive procedures.

Objectives Prolidase is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family. It plays a major role in collagen turnover, matrix remodeling and cell growth. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates many processes such as collagen synthesis and matrix remodeling. Thus, NO may augment angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels in patients with bladder cancer and to determine their relationship with prolidase activity. Design and methods Thirty-five patients with bladder cancer and 32 controls were enrolled. Serum TAS, MDA, prolidase activity and NO levels were determined. Results Serum prolidase activity, NO levels and MDA levels were significantly higher in bladder cancer than controls (all, P

In this study, N-doped ZnO thin films were fabricated by oxidation of ZnxNy films. The ZnxNy thin films were deposited on glass substrates by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition (PFCVAD) using metallic zinc wire (99.999%) as a cathode target in pure nitrogen plasma. The influence of oxidation temperature, on the electrical, structural and optical properties of N-doped ZnO films was investigated. P-type conduction was achieved for the N-doped ZnO obtained at 450 °C by oxidation of ZnxNy, with a resistivity of 16.1 ? cm, hole concentration of 2.03 × 1016 cm-3 and Hall mobility of 19 cm2/V s. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the incorporation of N into the ZnO films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed that the films as-deposited and oxidized at 350 °C were amorphous. However, the oxidized films in air atmosphere at 450-550 °C were polycrystalline without preferential orientation. In room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra, an ultraviolet (UV) peak was seen for all the samples. In addition, a broad deep level emission was observed. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 106T613 This work is supported by the Research Found of Cukurova University and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Grant No.: 106T613 ).

We investigated the prevalence of antinuclear antibody (ANA), thyroid antimicrosomal (AMA) and antithyroglobulin (ATA), antigliadin (AGA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)-A, anti-endomisium (EMA) IgG-A, and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgG-A in 87 patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (cITP) and in 95 healthy controls. Antinuclear antibody positivity was found in 13 of 87 patients and 3 of 95 controls ( P = .007). Antithyroglobulin positivity was found in 27 of patients and in 7 of the controls (P < .001). AMA positivity was found in 20 of patients and 8 of the controls (P = 0.008). Antigliadin IgG was positive in 17 patients and 1 controls (P < .001) whereas Antigliadin IgA was positive in 9 of patients and in 1 of the controls (P = .007). Anti-endomisium (IgG and IgA were not different between both groups. Tissue transglutaminase IgG was detected in 7 of patients and in 1 of the controls (P = .029). Tissue transglutaminase IgA was detected in 5 of patients and in none of the controls (P = .023). We believe that larger studies are needed to determine the long-term impact and clinical importance of these autoantibodies.

The transparent, conductive n and p -type semiconducting ZnO thin films were prepared by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition (PFCVAD) method. The structural, optical and electrical properties of n and p -type ZnO thin films are investigated after annealing at 450°C. 197 nm thick n -type ZnO thin film was deposited with oxygen pressure of 8.5 × 10-4 Torr . XRD pattern of annealed ZnO thin film exhibits hexagonal structure with (100), (101) and (110) orientations. The crystallite size of semiconductor ZnO thin film is 18 nm, interplanar distance 0.16 nm and lattice constant c is 0.52 nm for (110) orientation. The optical transmittance spectra of n and p -type ZnO films are over 90% in the visible wavelength region with optical energy gap 3.3 eV. p -type ZnO thin films are produced by oxidation of PFCVAD deposited zinc nitride. Zinc nitride is deposited with nitrogen pressure of 8.6 × 10-4 Torr and the thickness of this film is 179 nm. The oxidation of zinc nitride thin films at 450°C results in hexagonal structures p -type ZnO thin films. XRD pattern of this film has the same (100), (101) and (110) orientations with the same crystalline structures as the directly deposited ZnO thin film. Hall measurements indicated that ZnO films were p -type and the highest carrier concentration of 1.08 × 1018 cm -3 and mobility of 93.53 cm2/Vs were obtained.

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients who cannot restrict sodium consumption in their diets sometimes develop significant saline excess and hypertension between dialyses. This study assessed the effect of relatively low sodium dialysate dialysis on changes of echocardiography in hemodialysis patients. Methods and Results. Eighteen patients with end stage renal failure on chronic HD were studied (8 females, 10 males) with a mean age 48.3 +/- 14.6 (24-70) years. The mean time on HD was 30.8 +/- 14.0 (12-60) months. Patients with hematocrit levels under 24% were excluded from the study. In all patients, echocardiography was performed thrice weekly before and after eight-week HD treatment with low sodium dialysate hemodialysis by the same operator (135 mEq/L for patients with sodium levels less than 137, 137 for patients with sodium levels over 137). Left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) volumes and ejection fractions were measured, specifically: LV systolic diameter (LVSD), LV diastolic diameter (LVDD), interventricular septum (IVS), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), mitral regurgitation (MR), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and inferior vein cava diameter (IVCD). Results. In terms of echocardiographic parameters, LVSD, TR, PAP, and IVCD were statistically decreased after low-sodium dialysate treatments (p = 0.002, 0.04, 0.013, and 0.00, respectively). Predialysis systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), post-dialysis systolic blood pressure, and interdialytic weight gain was statistically decreased when compared to basal levels (p = 0.00, p = 0.011, p = 0.022, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion A reduction of the dialysate sodium concentration based on the predialysis sodium levels of the patients could reduce the systolic BP and decrease the volume load on the heart as assessed by echocardiography. Within this short period, postdialysis diastolic BP could not be lowered. The effect of this approach should be studied in broad and lengthy series.

A 35-year-old man presented with a one month history of gingival bleeding. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML-M3). During treatment he developed alveolar hemorrhage for which he was treated with a steroid. After the steroid treatment he developed a nodule, a cavitary lesion and atelectasia in the left lung. He was treated with voriconazole. After therapy with voriconazole his lesion significantly decreased. This case illustrates the efficacy and safety of antifungal therapy with voriconazole for aspergillosis complicated by AML.

Crystalline ?-MnS thin films were deposited by chemical bath deposition method at 27 °C. The MnS thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and optical absorption spectroscopy. XRD measurements show that the films are crystallized in the wurtzite phase and present a preferential orientation along the c-axis. Only one peak, corresponding to the (002) phase (2? = 28.26°), appears on the diffractograms. The X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy calculation of Mn K-edge in MnS is in agreement with the measured result. The deposited MnS thin films on glass substrates consist of nanocrystalline grains. EDAX analysis shows that average ratio of atomic percentage of Mn : S is 1 : 0.82 so one can conclude that the films are in good stoichiometric ratio. The optical band gap of thin film was estimated to be 3.88 eV. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. FEF2004BAP3 This work was supported by Cukurova University under FEF2004BAP3 project number.

A computer program for the structural interpretation of the infrared (IR) spectra is developed and tested. The interpretation of the IR spectra is made by using an hybrid system which includes library search and rule-based interpretation methods together. The computer programs were written in Pascal Codes. The prototype IR library of silicon alloys includes amorphous silicon (a-Si), amorphous silicon dioxide (a- SiO x ), amorphous silicon nitride (a- Si 3 N 4 ) and amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) references. The known spectra of these compounds were fed into the system as an unknown samples. The performance of the developed program was evaluated on a test set of 157 spectra and the percentages of successful identification ranged between 78% and 99% for different alloys.

WOS: 000351564800005, N-doped ZnO and N-Al codoped ZnO films are deposited onto glass substrate at room temperature by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition system. The films are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Hall measurements. Films are textured along the (002) direction. AFM images reveal that surface of N-Al codoped ZnO film grown at RT is smoother than that of the N-doped ZnO (ZnO:N) film. Optical band gap of the N-Al codoped ZnO film is higher than that of N-doped ZnO (ZnO: N) film. When N-Al codoped ZnO film is compared to N-doped ZnO film, it is revealed that N-Al codoped ZnO film has a lower hole mobility of 18 cm(2)/V s, a higher hole concentration of 1.205 x 10(19) cm(-3) and thus a lower electrical resistivity of 2.730 x 10(-2) ohm cm.

DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.1078 Received: 15.05.2012 Accepted: 11.06.2012 Printed: 01.07.2015 J Clin Anal Med 2015;6(4): 504-6 Corresponding Author: Bunyamin Sertogullarindan, Yuzuncu Yil University, Medical Faculty, 65200 Van, Turkiye. E-Mail: bunyaminsert@hotmail.com Ozet Goodpasture sendromu alveolar hemoraji, progresif glomerulonefrit ve antiglomeruler bazal membran antikorlari ile kendini gosterir. Siklikla mortal olabilen bir hastaliktir. 18 yasinda erken tani ile remisyon saglanan bir erkek olguyu bildiriyoruz. Vaka acil servise atipik pnonomi belirti ve bulgulari ve balgaminda kan varligi ile basvurdu. Gogus grafisi yama tarzinda alveolar opasiteler gosterdi (Figur A). Profilaktik makrolid grubu antibiyoterapi ve bronkospazm icin bronkodilator tedavi verildi. Vakada Goodpasture sendromun (GPS)’dan suphelenildi. Anti-glomeruler bazal membran (AGBM) antikor testi gonderildi. Atipik pnomoni rezolusyon doneminde olguda massif alveolar hemoraji gelisti. Laboratuar incelemesi proteinuri 20 mg/dl, Anemi 8 g/dl, Hemotorit %25, mikroskobik hematuri 350/HPF gosterdi. AGBM antikor testi pozitif bulundu. GPS tanisi konuldu. Olguya erken donemde metilprednizolon ve siklofosfamid ile immunsupresif ve plazmaferez tedavisi baslandi. Siddetli hipoksemi icin noninvaziv pozitif basincli ventilasyon (NPBV) uygulandi. Plazmaferez tedavisi surerken hemolitik anemi ve trombositopeni gelisti. Erken baslanan tedavi remisyonla sonuclandi. Sonuc olarak GPS erken tani ve NIPBV ‘u iceren uygun tedavilerle iyi bir prognoza sahip olabilir.

It is well known that paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity may decrease during the course of infection and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate serum PON1 activity, oxidative status, and thiols levels in patients with acute brucellosis. In addition, we investigated the PON1 phenotype in patients with acute brucellosis. Thirty patients with acute brucellosis and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, thiols levels, lipid hydroperoxide levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined. Serum basal and salt-stimulated paraoxonase–arylesterase activities, TAC levels and thiols levels were significantly lower in patients with acute brucellosis than controls (for all, p < 0.05), while LOOH levels, TOS levels, and OSI values were significantly higher (for all, p < 0.05). We concluded that oxidative stress is increased, while serum PON1 activity is decreased in patients with acute brucellosis. These results indicate that lower PON1 activity is associated with oxidant–antioxidant imbalance.

Department of Endocrinology, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, TurkeyYalcinkaya and Celik comment on the issue of theimpact of aspirin esterase on aspirin resistance (1). Itis probable that previous observations regardinghydrolysis of aspirin could be an underlying alterna-tive explanation, which supports the relationshipbetween high total cholesterol levels and aspirin resis-tance in our study.The authors raise concerns about the relationshipbetween inflammation and aspirin resistance. Incontrast to what is claimed, in our study diabeticand non-diabetic subjects were comparable in termsof inflammatory conditions mentioned by Yalcinkayaand Celik such as hypertension (79.6% versus 70.3%,respectively, p = 0.26, data not shown in article),coronary heart disease (34.4% versus 32.4%, respec-tively, p = 0.83), and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology stage C or D chronicheart failure (15.1% versus 16.2%, respectively,p = 0.87, data not shown) (2). Since these conditionsshow collinearity and most previous studies exploringaspirin resistance were performed in patients withischemic heart disease, we just included the presenceof coronary heart disease as a potential predictor ofaspirin resistance (3). Among other suggested inflam-matoryconditionssuggested,noneofourpatientshada previous history of stroke; only one diabetic malesufferedfromaprimaryReynaudphenomenon,whichwas not associated with any connective tissue disease.Serum levels of more sensitive and certain experi-mentalinflammatorymarkers,suchasinterleukin-6orhigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and markers ofoxidative stress may have a relationship with aspirinresistance. However, we presume that the clinicallysignificant effect size of the aforementioned factors onaspirin resistance would be small, if any, due to thepresence of low numbers of patients with so-calledinflammation(i.e.coronaryheartdisease)inourstudy.Yet,YalcinkayaandCelikarerightabouttheimpactofinflammation on aspirin resistance, since the inflam-mation is closely related with platelet activation.Finally, we conducted this study to explore theeffects of overt diabetes mellitus (DM) instead ofinsulin resistance on aspirin resistance. Perhaps thecomparable frequency of insulin resistance resulted ina comparable frequency of aspirin resistance in bothgroups. No matter what, our primary interest was therelationship, not the causality. Demonstration ofsuch an effect of insulin resistance instead of DM onaspirin resistance nevertheless would not change ourconclusion.Declaration of interest: The authors report noconflictsofinterest.Theauthorsaloneareresponsiblefor the content and writing of the paper.References