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Background:Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens that can cause chronic infections in many tissues and organs. Objectives: To investigate serum dermcidin, salusin-alpha, salusin-beta and TNF-alpha levels and their correlation with each other in patients with acute brucellosis. Methods: From 50 patients hospitalized upon diagnosis of acute brucellosis, blood samples were collected and dermcidin, salusin-alpha, salusin-beta and TNF-alpha levels in serum samples were measured using an ELISA assay. The control group included 40 volunteers. Results: Brucellosis group had significantly lower plasma dermcidin, salusin- alpha, salusin-beta levels compared to the healthy control group (respectively p:0.008, p

In this study, we introduce generalized k-order Fibonacci and Lucas (F&L) polynomials that allow the derivation of well-known polynomial and integer sequences such as the sequences of k-order Pell polynomials, k-order Jacobsthal polynomials and k-order Jacobsthal F&L numbers. Within the scope of this research, a generalization of hybrid polynomials is given by moving them to the k-order. Hybrid polynomials defined by this generalization are called k-order F&L hybrinomials. A key aspect of our research is the establishment of the recurrence relations for generalized k-order F&L hybrinomials. After we give the recurrence relations for these hybrinomials, we obtain the generating functions of hybrinomials, shedding light on some of their important properties. Finally, we introduce the matrix representations of the generalized k-order F&L hybrinomials and give some properties of the matrix representations.

Lateral displacement is a vary important parameter that we need to calculate when structures are subjected to lateral loads like earthquake and wind loads. In this study, a method is proposed for lateral displacement calculation of structures with different structural systems in different planes. This method is based on the continuum system calculation model. The method suggested in the literature for only top displacement in the case of uniform loading, is developed in this study for the calculation of displacements at each storey level and also in both uniform and triangular loading conditions. At the end of the study, twenty-eight storey building with shear wall-frame bearing system, which was taken from the literature, was solved with the presented method and Finite Element Method. The shear walls were modelled with three different element types for the analysis with the Finite Element Method with structural engineering program used. The results, obtained from the Continuum Method and Finite Element Method were presented in tables and by figures. Thus, the compatibility of the proposed method with the classical Finite Element Method was investigated. From the compared results of the method and the literature or finite element models it was seen that the method used for the case of uniform or triangular distributed loading gives very close results.

Abstract Aim To examine subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels in plasma and aqueous in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (with and without retinopathy). Material and method Sixty patients, who were similar in terms of age and gender, and were scheduled for operation due to cataract, were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as Group C (20 weeks without diabetes and comorbidity), Group DM (20 patients with DM but no retinopathy) and Group DR (20 patients with diabetic retinopathy). The preoperative body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile levels of all patients in the groups were examined. Blood samples were also taken for plasma subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels. At the beginning of the cataract surgery, 0.1 ml of aqueous fluid was taken from the anterior chamber. Plasma and aqueous subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels were analyzed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) method. Results In our study results, there was a significant difference in BMI, fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels (p

Background and Objectives: In this study, the effects of a six-week training program and various diets on subfatin, asprosin, irisin, leptin, ghrelin and the lipid profile were investigated in overweight women. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 women voluntarily participated in the study. Groups: The study was divided into eight groups: Healthy Control, Obese Control, Obese + Vegetarian, Obese + Ketogenic, Obese + Intermittent Fasting, Obese + Exercise + Vegetarian, Obese + Exercise + Ketogenic and Obese + Exercise + Intermittent Fasting. While there was no intervention in the healthy and obese control groups, the other groups followed predetermined exercise and diet programs for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the participants in the research group twice (before and after the interventions). An autoanalyzer was used to determine the lipid profile in the blood samples taken, and the ELISA method was used to analyze other parameters. Results: Overall, a significant difference was found in the values of weight, BMI, subfatin, ghrelin, leptin, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL as a result of the exercise and diet interventions (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in asprosin and irisin values (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, regular exercise and dietary interventions in obese women can regulate lipid profile, ghrelin, leptin and asprosin levels, and increasing irisin with exercise can activate lipid metabolism and support positive changes in lean mass.

In this study, the coding theory defined for k-order Gaussian Fibonacci polynomials is rearranged by taking $ x = 1 $. We call this coding theory the k-order Gaussian Fibonacci coding theory. This coding method is based on the $ {Q_k}, {R_k} $ and $ E_n^{(k)} $ matrices. In this respect, it differs from the classical encryption method. Unlike classical algebraic coding methods, this method theoretically allows for the correction of matrix elements that can be infinite integers. Error detection criterion is examined for the case of $ k = 2 $ and this method is generalized to $ k $ and error correction method is given. In the simplest case, for $ k = 2 $, the correct capability of the method is essentially equal to 93.33%, exceeding all well-known correction codes. It appears that for a sufficiently large value of $ k $, the probability of decoding error is almost zero.

Abstract Backround Diabetic retinopathy is a disease seen with microvascular complications as a result of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Alarin and Adipsin are molecules with a role in energy and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine plasma and aqueous levels of Alarin and Adipsin in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy to evaluate their potential roles in diabetic retinopathy. Methods The study included one eye from each of 20 cataract patients without diabetes (C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and without diabetic retinopathy (DM + C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR + C). Plasma and aqueous humour samples were taken from all patients during the cataract operation. Alarin and Adipsin levels were examined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results Both plasma and aqueous Alarin levels were significantly higher in the patients with diabetic retinopathy than in the control group (p

AIM: To evaluate plasma and aqueous levels of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: The study included three age and gender-matched groups of 20 cataract patients with no diabetes or additional disease (Group C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and no retinopathy (Group DM+C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy (Group DR+C). All the patients were examined with respect to body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and lipid profile. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (Phaco+IOL) implantation were performed to all patients in all the groups, and aqueous samples were taken during the operation. The plasma and aqueous adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to BMI, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c levels (P

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the function of various inflammation parameters and their interactions in the pathology of Bipolar disorder (BD) and to assess whether they could be biomarkers in the relationship between criminal behavior and BD. Materials and Methods: Overall, 1029 participants, including 343 patients with BD who have committed offenses, 343 nonoffending patients with BD, and 343 healthy controls, were included in this retrospective study. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts; high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels; systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), platelet to high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) were measured. Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of SII, SIRI, NHR, LHR, MHR, PHR, neutrophil, and monocyte values (p < 0.001). The lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the patients with BD who committed offenses (p = 0.04). The platelet counts were significantly lower in the patients with BD who committed offenses compared to nonoffending patients with BD (p = 0.015). The HDL-c levels were significantly lower in the patients with BD who have committed offenses than those of nonoffending patients with BD (p < 0.001). Bipolar disorder, not receiving active psychiatric treatment, having a diagnosis of bipolar manic episodes, and having low platelet and HDL values constitute a risk of involvement in crime. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the role of systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of patients with BD with and without criminal offenses and the relationship between inflammation and criminal behavior.

ABSTRACT Background: Elevated levels of chemerin can predict future ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Although chemerin is thought to play a role in atherosclerotic inflammation, whether circulating chemerin levels are associated with the severity of atherosclerosis remains to be determined. Objectives: Through the use of carotid Doppler ultrasonography, our aim in this study was to investigate the relationships of serum chemerin levels with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as an indicator of generalized atherosclerosis. Methods: This study compared 40 patients with ischemic stroke and 40 healthy subjects. Measurements were made at end-diastole using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) after a 5-min rest interval in a quiet and dark room. CIMT was defined as the distance between the innermost edge of the luminal echo to the innermost edge of the media/adventitia echo. CIMT was measured in the posterior wall of both common carotid arteries within 1 cm proximally to the bulbus. Three measurements were made on both sides and the average measurement was taken as the CIMT. Serum chemerin levels were determined in all patients and healthy subjects. Results: Serum chemerin levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.004). Serum chemerin levels were positively correlated with CIMT (p

In case of torsion in buildings, additional earthquake forces affect the structure and internal forces and displacements increases. For this reason, it is important to place the bearing systems in the plan as much as possible to reduce the torsion effect. To minimize torsion effects, the center of mass and center of rigidity should be as close as possible. Although most of the existing earthquake seismic codes do not require the determination of the center of rigidity in the analysis phase of the structures, it is important to determine the center of rigidity in terms of reducing the torsional effects. In practice, the concepts of center of rigidity and shear center are sometimes confused and found to be incorrect. Particularly in the structural system of wall-frame, due to the different behavior of wall and frame, the center of rigidity varies from the story to story even if the dimensions of the walls and frames are constant throughout the height of the structure. In such buildings, the center of rigidity may even go out of plan on some storey. In this study, firstly the concepts of center of rigidity and shear center in multi-storey buildings are briefly explained. An approach was then proposed to find the center of rigidity and the shear center. The presented approach was applied on two examples taken from the literature and the results were compared with the literature and ETABS software and the suitability of the presented method was demonstrated.

Acne vulgaris is a common disease with multi-factorial etiology that occupies the pilosebaceous unit. Several recent studies demonstrated that insulin and insulin resistance can play a role in acne pathogenesis. In the present study, the roles of preptin and amylin, which are directly associated with insulin secretion and released from pancreas beta cells, in acne vulgaris pathogenesis were investigated. The study was conducted with 40 cases with acne vulgaris and the control group that included 40 healthy subjects with similar body mass index. Serum preptin and amylin levels and fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, HDL, C-peptide, insulin and HbA1c levels were examined in the study group. HOMA-IR values were calculated. Although patient group serum preptin and amylin levels were higher when compared to the control group, however the difference was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). It was determined that there was a positive correlation between severity of the disease and amylin levels. In the patient group, it was found that the glucose level was significantly higher when compared to the control group (p 0.05). It is considered that increased preptin and amylin levels in acne vulgaris patients may be associated with the etiopathogenesis of the disease. We also considered that decreasing the elevated levels of these two peptides to normal levels may be helpful for the treatment of the disease. [Med-Science 2019; 8(2.000): 370-4]

Ionic iron causes damages at the cellular level by forming free radicals. Reactive oxygen species lead to the formation of oxidative base damages in DNA. Among these forms the most common one and the one which has the best known mutagenity is 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). We aimed to determine iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and its different forms of treatments; probable oxidative damage on DNA by looking at the level of 8-OHdG. The patients were divided into 4 subgroups: Oral treatment (p.o.) group; Intramuscular treatment (i.m.) group; Intravenous treatment (i.v.) group; Healthy control group. Blood and urine samples were taken from all patients totally 4 times. 8-OHdG levels detected in blood and urine samples were compared with the control group. IDA and the treatment of it affect the level of 8-OHdG. p.o. therapy should be the top priority on children.

Background: Schizophrenia, particularly the form related to excessive dopamine (DA), is a chronic psychotic disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Renalase metabolizes its catecholamine (CA) substrates, including DA, suggesting that there might be an association between renalase levels and schizophrenia occurrence. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the renalase and CA levels in the serum of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The study was conducted with thirty-three schizophrenia patients and an ageand gender-matched group of thirty-one controls. Renalase and CA levels were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Renalase levels were significantly lower in the schizophrenia patients than in the control group (p

Background: Maresin-1 (MaR1) plays a major role in many inflammatory disorders. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) aside from a hormonal disorder, an inflammation might also contribute to PCOS and its metabolic associations. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective study first time was to find out the blood, saliva and urine levels of MaR1 in PCOS patients and evaluate the correlations with other metabolic and hormonal parameters. Methods: Thirty PCOS patients and 30 matched healthy controls were enrolled to prospective case control study. Blood, urine and saliva samples were simultaneously collected from participants after overnight fasting. MaR1 levels in blood, urine and saliva samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ferriman-Gallwey score, anthropometric, hormonal and some other metabolic parameters were also recorded. Regression analysis was preformed to find out the relationship between MaR1, C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and hormonal and metabolic parameters. Results: Patients with PCOS compared with control women had higher MDA and CRP and decreased MaR1 levels. Blood, urine and saliva MDA and MaR1 levels were similar and indicated parallel decrease or increase in the PCOS and control groups. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that blood CRP and MDA was positively associated with luteinizing hormone (LH) and fasting insulin (FI) in PCOS group (p < 0.05) while blood, urine and saliva MaR1 was negatively associated with CRP and MDA. Conclusions: Present results (MaR1, CRP and MDA together) in case of PCOS suggests that decreased MaR1 and elevated MDA and CRP levels in patients with PCOS and may be considered as a useful early biomarker (especially MaR1) in diagnosis of PCOS disease that has not been previously reported and regular monitoring of their levels could be helpful in clinical decisions.

Abstract Background: Cardiac cachexia is an important predictive factor of the reduction in survival of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Objectives: The aims of the present study were to evaluate adropin and irisin levels in cachectic and non-cachectic subjects and the relationships between the levels of these proteins and clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with HFrEF. Methods: The clinical records of patients who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were screened. Cachectic patients were identified and assigned to the study group (n = 44, mean age, 65.4 ± 11.2 y; 61.4% men). Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients without weight loss were enrolled as the control group (n = 42, mean age, 61.0 ± 16.5 y; 64.3% men). The serum adropin and irisin levels of all patients were measured. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Serum adropin and irisin levels were significantly higher in the cachexia group than in the controls (Adropin (ng/L); 286.1 (231.3-404.0) vs 213.7 (203.1-251.3); p < 0.001, Irisin (µg/mL); 2.6 (2.2-4.4) vs 2.1 (1.8-2.4); p = 0.001). Serum adropin and irisin levels were positively correlated with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin levels (all p values: < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, adropin was the only independent predictor of cachexia in the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients (OR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.004−1.038; p = 0.017). Conclusions: The results suggest that adropin and irisin may be novel markers of cardiac cachexia in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients. Adropin and irisin are related with the severity of heart failure.

Abstract Embryos have evolved a remarkable capacity to find implantation site. The impressive navigation ability of natural blastocysts may rely on highly sensitive signals arising from embryos and specialized signal processing strategies in the endometrium. Navigation capabilities may be compromised in ICSI embryos because of altered biochemical signaling. The design and delivery of artificial blastocyst (AB) carrying strong chemical signals may allow ICSI embryos to more easily locate to and be retained in the implantation zone. ICSI embryos will attach easily to the implantation zone after it is found by the AB. Co-transfer of the AB together with the ICSI embryo may overcome potential difficulties in implantation due to impaired embryo-maternal communication in cases with implantation failure.

Aim of the study : In this study, serum lipokalin 2 (LCN-2) levels and its clinical and radiological significance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was evaluated. Material and methods : The study enrolled 37 patients with RA and 34 healthy controls. Serum LCN-2 level was measured using ELISA method. Patients with DAS 28 scores ≤ 3.2, and > 3.2 were allocated into lower and high/moderate disease activity groups, respectively. Additionally patients were divided into 2 groups as early RA (disease duration ≤ 2 years) and established RA (duration of the disease ≥ 2 years). Functional disability was evaluated using Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Radiographs were scored using the modified Larsen score. Results : Serum LCN-2 (p = 0.029) levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in the controls. Serum LCN-2 level did not correlate with laboratory and clinical parameters of disease activity like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), DAS 28, Health Assessment Questionnaire Score (HAQ) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Similarly, any correlation could not be found between structural joint damage and serum LCN2 levels. Conclusions : These results indicate that serum LCN-2 levels may be used as an indicator for structural damage like erosions in the early stage of the disease but do not able to be used to monitor disease activity.

AIM: To investigate the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and adropin in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. METHODS: Ninety-eight AMD patients were included in the study. Seventy-eight age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. Fundus florescein angiography and optical coherence tomography were performed to assess the posterior segment details. Serum VEGFR-2 and adropin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared between the study groups. RESULTS: AMD group had significantly increased foveal retinal thickness, serum LDL and HDL levels and significantly decreased subfoveal choroidal thickness (P =0.01, 0.047, 0.025 and

Background. The aim was to investigate the amounts of saliva and serum asprosin in order to determine whether it is related to obesity and whether salivary glands synthesize asprosin or not. Methods. A total of 116 underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese (class I, class II, and class III) volunteers participated in the study. Saliva and blood samples were collected simultaneously from the participants. The amounts of asprosin in saliva, salivary gland tissue supernatants, and bloods were determined by ELISA, whereas asprosin synthesis sites of salivary gland tissues were determined immunohistochemically. Results. The amount of asprosin from the lowest to the highest was in the order as follows: underweight, normal weight (control), overweight, and obese classes I and III. The lowest level of asprosin was detected in underweight individuals. It was also found that the interlobular striated ducts and the interlobular ducts of the submandibular and parotid salivary glands produce asprosin. According to these data, the asprosin level is related with obesity as the amount increases in accordance with increasing body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, there is also a relationship between the underweight and asprosin because the amount decreases with BMI decrease. Conclusions. Asprosin, a new adipokine, may be a novel indicator of adipose tissue mass. Therefore, we anticipate that antiasprosin preparations may be an alternative in the treatment of obesity in the future.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting neoplasm that is the cause of hypertension in

Purpose. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an eye disease that develops under the influence of regional population differences, genetic factors, age, and environmental factors and is characterized by visualization of a gray-white fibrogranular substance in the lens anterior capsule and/or pupil margin during anterior segment examination. The underlying biochemical mechanisms of the disease have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to show the changes in aqueous humor and blood serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (decorin and tenascin C), total antioxidants (TAS), and total oxidants (TOS) in both cataract patients who have unilateral PEX material and cataract patients who do not have unilateral PEX material. Methods. Biological samples were simultaneously collected from 22 cataract patients who had unilateral pseudoexfoliation (PEX patients) and 22 cataract patients who did not have unilateral pseudoexfoliation (control patients). From the collected biological samples, decorin (DEC) and tenascin C (TN-C) were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and TAS and TOS were measured with an autoanalyzer. Results. When decorin, tenascin C, and TOS values of PEX patients were compared with those of control patients, there was a statistically significant increase in all three parameters. Conversely, TAS values showed a statistically significant decrease in PEX patients compared to controls. DEC, TN-C, TAS values, and TOS values were significantly higher in aqueous fluid than in blood in both the PEX patient and control groups. Conclusions. We suggest that parameters such as DEC, TN-C, TAS, and TOS play a role in the etiopathology of pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Thus, bringing these increased levels of extracellular proteins and TOS and decreased levels of TAS back to within physiological limits can mediate the reorganization of the blood-aqueous fluid barrier and slow the progression of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Background. Serum ghrelin levels may be related to metabolic and clinical changes in patients with psoriasis. Objective. This study was performed to determine the possible effects of serum ghrelin in patients with psoriasis. Methods. The study population consisted of 25 patients with plaque psoriasis. The patients were questioned with regard to age, gender, age of onset, duration of disease, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). In addition, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, cholesterol levels, insulin, and ghrelin levels were measured. Results. The mean serum ghrelin level was 45.41 ± 22.41 in the psoriasis group and 29.92 ± 14.65 in the healthy control group. Serum ghrelin level was significantly higher in the psoriasis group compared with the controls (P=0.01). The mean ghrelin level in patients with a lower PASI score was significantly higher than in those with a higher PASI score (P=0.02). Conclusion. The present study was performed to determine the effects of ghrelin in psoriasis patients. We found a negative correlation between severity of psoriasis and ghrelin level. Larger and especially experimental studies focusing on correlation of immune system-ghrelin levels and severity of psoriasis may be valuable to clarify the etiopathogenesis of the disease.

This study examines the levels of acylated and desacylated ghrelin, preptin, leptin, and nesfatin-1 peptide changes related to the body mass index (BMI). The subjects were allocated to 5 groups depending on their BMIs as follows: Group I (BMI 40 kg/m2). Serum acylated and desacylated ghrelin, preptin, and leptin levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nesfatin-1 was measured by the enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Desacylated ghrelin levels showed a gradual and statistically significant drop from Group I to Group V, while preptin and leptin levels exhibited a gradual and significant increase from Group I to Group IV. Serum nesfatin-1 levels gradually, but not significantly, increased from Group I to Group III and showed a significant decrease in Groups IV and V. In conclusion, leptin, preptin, and acylated ghrelin (AG) levels increased with higher BMI, whereas desacylated ghrelin (DAG) decreased and nesfatin-1 showed no clear relationship to BMI.