Serum Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Patients and Relationship with Clinical Parameters

( Ali Pekcan Demiröz ),( Reyhan Öztürk ),( Şener Barut ),( Salih Cesur ),( Semanur Ayyıldız ),( Vildan Fidancı ),( Osman Demir ),( Ferdi Güneş ),( Laser Şanal ) 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) are leading causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. Defining of inflammatory activity and severity of disease is important for commencing antiviral treatment and monitoring the patient. Currently noninvasive serological markers to define disease activity are of great interest. In this study we aimed to determine soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels of patients with CHB and CHC, compare its levels with those of controls and to find if suPAR levels correlated with some laboratory parameters, histologic activity index (HAI) and fibrosis stage. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with CHB, 11 patients with CHC and 41 healthy subjects, eighty subjects in total, were included in the study. suPAR levels of all subjects were determined using commercial ELISA kits according to manufacturer’s instructions. Correlation between suPAR levels and parameters including AST, ALT, leukocyte count, thrombocyte count and liver histology scores were statistically analyzed. Results: Fifty percent of CHB patients were on oral antiviral treatment. Serum suPAR levels of both CHB and CHC patients were higher than controls (p< 0,001). Age, suPAR, HAI, AST, ALT, leukocyte and thrombocyte counts of subjects in different groups (CHB, CHC patients and controls) were shown in table 1. When we divided patients into two groups according to HBV DNA, suPAR levels were not different between patients with HBV DNA >1000 IU/ml and those with HBV DNA<1000 IU/ml. suPAR levels were not found to be correlated with AST, ALT levels, thrombocyte and leukocyte counts or histologic findings. Conclusions: In both CHB and CHC patients, suPAR levels were determined to be higher than healthy controls although suPAR was not found to be correlated with diseae activity or severity related parameters. However new wide scale studies are needed to investigate the relation between suPAR and disease activity or fibrosis stage.

Prediction of Hybrid fibre-added concrete strength using artificial neural networks

Ali Demir 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2015 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.15 No.4

Fibre-added concretes are frequently used in large site applications such as slab and airports as well as in bearing system elements or prefabricated elements. It is very difficult to determine the mechanical properties of the fibre-added concretes by experimental methods in situ. The purpose of this study is to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model in order to predict the compressive and bending strengths of hybrid fibre-added and non-added concretes. The strengths have been predicted by means of the data that has been obtained from destructive (DT) and non-destructive tests (NDT) on the samples. NDTs are ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and Rebound Hammer Tests (RH). 105 pieces of cylinder samples with a dimension of 150 × 300 mm, 105 pieces of bending samples with a dimension of 100x100x400 mm have been manufactured. The first set has been manufactured without fibre addition, the second set with the addition of %0.5 polypropylene and %0.5 steel fibre in terms of volume, and the third set with the addition of %0.5 polypropylene, %1 steel fibre. The water/cement (w/c) ratio of samples parametrically varies between 0.3-0.9. The experimentally measured compressive and bending strengths have been compared with predicted results by use of ANN method.

Strengthening of RC beams with prefabricated RC U cross-sectional plates

Demir, Ali,Tekin, Muhammed,Turali, Tezcan,Bagci, Muhiddin Techno-Press 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.49 No.6

The topic of this study is to strengthen cracked beams with prefabricated RC U cross-sectional plates. The damaged beams were repaired by epoxy based glue. The repaired beams were strengthened using prefabricated plates. The strengthening plates were bonded to the bottom and side faces of the beams by anchorage rods and epoxy. The strengthened beams were incrementally loaded up to maximum load capacities. The experimental results were satisfactory since the load carrying capacities of damaged beams were increased approximately 76% due to strengthening. It was observed that strengthening plates had a dominant effect on the performance of beams in terms of both the post-elastic strength enhancement and the ductility. The experimental program was supported by a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. The experimental results were compared with the results obtained from the beam modeled with ANSYS finite element program.

Strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using external steel members

Ali Demir,Emre Ercan,Duygu Dönmez Demir 국제구조공학회 2018 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.27 No.4

The objective of this study is to devise an alternative strengthening method to the ones available in the literature. So, external steel members were used to enhance both flexural and shear capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) beams having insufficient shear capacity. Two types of RC beams, one without stirrups and one with lacking stirrups, were prepared in the study. These beams were strengthened with external steel clamps devised by the authors and with external longitudinal reinforcements. Although the use of clamps alone didn’t have a significant effect on the load carrying capacity of the tested beams, the ductility increased approximately tenfold and the failure behavior changed from brittle to ductile. Although the use of clamps and longitudinal reinforcements together did not significantly increase the ductility of the beams, it approximately doubled their load capacities. The results of the experimental study were compared to the ones obtained from nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) and it was observed that they were compatible. Finally, it can be concluded that the devised method could be applied to structural members as an alternative to methods in application due to lightness, low-cost, easy applicable and reliable.

Effect of model calibration on seismic behaviour of a historical mosque

Ali Demir,Halil Nohutcu,Emre Ercan,Emin Hokelekli,Gokhan Altintas 국제구조공학회 2016 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.60 No.5

The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of model calibration on seismic behaviour of a historical mosque which is one of the most significant Ottomon structures. Seismic analyses of calibrated and noncalibrated numeric models were carried out by using acceleration records of Kocaeli earthquake in 1999. In numerical analysis, existing crack zones on real structure was investigated in detail. As a result of analyses, maximum stresses and displacements of calibrated and noncalibrated numerical models were compared each other. Consequently, seismic behaviour and damage state of historical masonry Hafsa Sultan mosque was determined as more realistic in the event of a severe earthquake.

Strengthening of RC beams with prefabricated RC U cross-sectional plates

Ali Demir,Muhammed Tekin,Tezcan Turalı,Muhiddin Bagci 국제구조공학회 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.49 No.6

The topic of this study is to strengthen cracked beams with prefabricated RC U cross-sectional plates. The damaged beams were repaired by epoxy based glue. The repaired beams were strengthened using prefabricated plates. The strengthening plates were bonded to the bottom and side faces of the beams by anchorage rods and epoxy. The strengthened beams were incrementally loaded up to maximum load capacities. The experimental results were satisfactory since the load carrying capacities of damaged beams were increased approximately 76% due to strengthening. It was observed that strengthening plates had a dominant effect on the performance of beams in terms of both the post-elastic strength enhancement and the ductility. The experimental program was supported by a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. The experimental results were compared with the results obtained from the beam modeled with ANSYS finite element program.

Statistical evaluation of drift demands of rc frames using code-compatible real ground motion record sets

Ali Haydar Kayhan,Ahmet Demir 국제구조공학회 2016 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.60 No.6

Modern performance-based design methods require ways to determine the factual behavior of structures subjected to earthquakes. Drift ratio demands are important measures of structural and/or nonstructural damage of the structures in performance-based design. In this study, global drift ratio and interstory drift ratio demands, obtained by nonlinear time history analysis of three generic RC frames using code-compatible ground motion record sets, are statistically evaluated. Several ground motion record sets compatible with elastic design spectra defined for the local soil classes in Turkish Earthquake Code are used for the analyses. Variation of the drift ratio demands obtained from ground motion records in the sets and difference between the mean of drift ratio demands calculated for ground motion sets are evaluated. The results of the study indicate that i) variation of maximum drift ratio demands in the sets were high; ii) different drift ratio demands are calculated using different ground motion record sets although they are compatible with the same design spectra; iii) the effect of variability due to random causes on the total variability of drift ratio demands is much larger than the effect of variability due to differences between the mean of ground motion record sets; iv) global and interstory drift ratio demands obtained for different ground motion record sets can be accepted as simply random samples of the same population at %95 confidence level. The results are valid for all the generic frames and local soil classes considered in this study.

Cupping Therapy Combined with Rehabilitation for the Treatment of Radial Palsy: a Case Report

Ali Ramazan Benli,Demir Yazici Senay,Mustafa Koroglu,Tansel Mutlu,Selman Erturhan,Muhammet Nur Ogun,Didem Sunay 대한침구의학회 2018 대한침구의학회지 Vol.35 No.1

This case report demonstrates the beneficial effects of cupping therapy (CT) in a 35-year-old man who is diagnosed with a fracture of the radial shaft due to a motorcycle accident. One year after the treatment started, pseudoarthrosis developed in the radius and an autogenous iliac bone graft was performed. However, extension dysfunction in the wrist became evident. After another 6 months of physical therapy and rehabilitation, no improvements were observed. Therefore, CT and adjunctive electrostimulation were performed, after 30 days of treatment, marked recovery of muscle function and full wrist extension were observed, as determined by electromyography and a grade 5/5 on the Medical Research Council power of wrist extension scale. The results in this case study suggest that CT in conjunction with adjunctive electrostimulation, may accelerate functional recovery from postoperative radial palsy, and provide a useful alternative treatment in this situation.

Association of Cadmium but not Arsenic Levels in Lung Cancer Tumor Tissue with Smoking, Histopathological Type and Stage

Demir, Nalan,Enon, Serkan,Turksoy, Vugar Ali,Kayaalti, Zeliha,Kaya, Seda,Cangir, Ayten Kayi,Soylemezoglu, Tulin,Savas, Ismail Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.7

Background: To evaluate association of lung cancer with arsenic and cadmium levels measured in tumor tissue. Materials and Methods: Ninety-five patients with lung cancer tumor tissue obtained surgically were included in this study. Arsenic and cadmium levels were measured and levels of metals were compared among types of lung cancer and with reference to patient data. Results: The histopathologic diagnoses of the 95 cases were SCC, 49, adenocarcinoma, 28, large cell, 11 and SCLC, 1. Mean tumor arsenic and cadmium levels were $149.3{\pm}129.1{\mu}g/kg$ and $276.3{\pm}219.3{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. Cadmium levels were significantly associated with smoking (p=0.02), histopathologic type (p=0.005), and TNM staging (r=0.325; p=0.001), although arsenic was not related to any parameter (p>0.05). There was no relation between metal levels and mortality (p>0.05). Conclusions: We found a significant association between tumor cadmium levels of patients with lung cancer and smoking, histopathologic type and staging, although there was no relation with arsenic levels.

Effects of postoperative parenteral nutrition with different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Seher Demirer,Ali Sapmaz,Ahmet Serdar Karaca,Ilknur Kepenekci,Semih Aydintug,Deniz Balci,Pinar Sonyurek,Kenan Kose 대한외과학회 2016 Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research(ASRT) Vol.91 No.6

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effects of total parenteral nutrition (PN) using different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Methods: Fifty-two patients were randomized to receive soybean oil + medium chain triglycerides (MCT) (group I), soybean oil + olive oil (group II), soybean oil + olive oil + fish oil (group III) as a lipid source. PN was started on postoperative day 1 and patients were maintained on PN for a minimum period of 4 days. Laboratory variables (CRP, prealbumin, transferrin) were measured before surgery and on postoperative days. Results: Three treatment groups were included in the study. Patients in group I received long chain triglycerides (LCT) + LCT/MCT emulsion (%75 LCT + %25 LCT/MCT); Patients in group II received olive oil based emulsion (80% olive oil + 20% soybean oil, ClinOleic); Patients in group III received fish oil in addition to olive oil based emulsion (%85 ClinOleic + %15 Omegaven; Fresenius Kabi). The following 14 parameters were assessed: body weight, CRP, prealbumin, transferrin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidized low density lipoprotein-2, complete blood cell, international normalized ratio, D-dimer, activated partially thromboplastin time, prothrombin time. All other parameters showed no differences among the groups. Conclusion: The results of our trial demonstrate a potential beneficial effect of soybean oil/olive oil based lipid emulsions for use in PN regarding inflammatory response and oxidant capacity in the treatment of patients.