Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation on Antioxidation and Lipid Profiles of Rats on Diets Supplemented with Cholesterol and Olive Oil

Kurtoglu, Firuze,Kurtoglu, Varol,Sivrikaya, Abdullah Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.6

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been identified as an important component of atherosclerosis. In this study, the effects of supplementation with cholesterol (0.5%), olive oil (5%) and vitamin E (0.05%) on erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol, HDL-LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol, brain and liver MDA and GSH concentrations of rats were investigated. A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley male rats aged 6 months, and of equal body weight were used and fed a standard ration ad libitum. Animals were housed in the University of Selcuk, Veterinary Faculty Experimental Animals Unit. The experiment lasted 60 days and there were five experimental groups as follows: 1. Control, 2. Cholesterol (0.5%), 3. Olive oil (5%), 4. Cholesterol plus vitamin E (0.05%), 5. Olive oil plus vitamin E (0.05%). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture and erythrocyte GSH, plasma MDA, cholesterol, HDL-LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol and also GSH and MDA concentrations in brain and liver tissue of rats were spectrophotometrically determined. Supplementation of olive oil and cholesterol into rat diets (groups 2 and 3) caused significant differences in lipid parameters; HDL cholesterol concentrations were increased in the olive oil group and LDL cholesterol was lower than in the cholesterol fed group. Moreover, these decreases in LDL and triacylglycerol concentrations were more significant with vitamin E supplementation. The high plasma MDA concentrations showed that lipid peroxidation occurred in the olive oil group and the highest brain MDA concentrations were determined also in the olive oil group. These findings suggest that vitamin E addition may decrease the sensitivities of several oils to oxidation and that monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil may decrease the incidence of atherosclerosis by regulating blood lipid profiles.

Mechanical and durability properties of fly ash and slag based geopolymer concrete

Kurtoglu, Ahmet Emin,Alzeebaree, Radhwan,Aljumaili, Omar,Nis, Anil,Gulsan, Mehmet Eren,Humur, Ghassan,Cevik, Abdulkadir Techno-Press 2018 Advances in concrete construction Vol.6 No.4

In this paper, mechanical and short-term durability properties of fly ash and slag based geopolymer concretes (FAGPC-SGPC) were investigated. The alkaline solution was prepared with a mixture of sodium silicate solution ($Na_2SiO_3$) and sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) for geopolymer concretes. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete was also produced for comparison. Main objective of the study was to examine the usability of geopolymer concretes instead of the ordinary Portland cement concrete for structural use. In addition to this, this study was aimed to make a contribution to standardization process of the geopolymer concretes in the construction industry. For this purpose; SGPC, FAGPC and OPC specimens were exposed to sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$), magnesium sulfate ($MgSO_4$) and sea water (NaCl) solutions with concentrations of 5%, 5% and 3.5%, respectively. Visual inspection and weight change of the specimens were evaluated in terms of durability aspects. For the mechanical aspects; compression, splitting tensile and flexural strength tests were conducted before and after the chemical attacks to investigate the residual mechanical strengths of geopolymer concretes under chemical attacks. Results indicated that SGPC (100% slag) is stronger and durable than the FAGPC due to more stable and strong cross-linked alumina-silicate polymer structure. In addition, FAGPC specimens (100% fly ash) showed better durability resistance than the OPC specimens. However, FAGPC specimens (100% fly ash) demonstrated lower mechanical performance as compared to OPC specimens due to low reactivity of fly ash particles, low amount of calcium and more porous structure. Among the chemical environments, sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) was most dangerous environment for all concrete types.

Platelet Indices May be Useful in Discrimination of Benign and Malign Endometrial Lesions, and Early and Advanced Stage Endometrial Cancer

Kurtoglu, Emel,Kokcu, Arif,Celik, Handan,Sari, Seher,Tosun, Migraci Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.13

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of white blood cells (WBC), the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit (PCT) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in discrimination between benign and malign endometrial lesions, and early and advanced stage endometrial adenocarcinomas. Materials and Methods: Data for 105 patients undergoing total abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy for benign uterine diseases and 114 patients surgically staged for endometrium adenocarcinoma at Ondokuz Mayis University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, between 2008 and 2014, were collected. Parameters were preoperative and postoperative complete blood counts in the week prior to surgery with differentials including WBC, platelet count, platelet indices (MPV, PCT, PDW), NLR and PLR. Pathologic evaluations for both benign and malign endometrium lesions, grade of endometrium adenocarcinoma, tumor stage, presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVI) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Regarding definitive factors in discriminating patients with endometrium cancer from those with benign diseases, MPV was significantly increased in the malign group whereas there was a significant decrease in the PDW value compared to the benign group. The best cut-off value in differentiation of the benign and malign groups, malign cases were found to increase over the value of 7.54 for MPV, and under 37.8 for PDW. When definitive factors in discrimination of early stage endometrium cancer from advanced stage disease and LVI in the malign group were evaluated according to the ROC analysis, no significant relation was detected between blood parameters and the stage and the LVI of the disease. Conclusions: MPV and PDW may have predictive value in the discrimination of benign and malign endometrium diseases. Nevertheless, since there have been few reports on this topic, further large-scale prospective studies are necessary.

Reliability-based modeling of punching shear capacity of FRP-reinforced two-way slabs

Ahmet Emin Kurtoglu,Abdulkadir Cevik,Hasan M. Albegmprli,Mehmet Eren Gulsan,Mahmut Bilgehan 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2016 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.17 No.1

This paper deals with the reliability analysis of design formulations derived for predicting the punching shear capacity of FRP-reinforced two-way slabs. Firstly, a new design code formulation was derived by means of gene expression programming. This formulation differs from the existing ones as the slab length (L) was introduced in the equation. Next, the proposed formulation was tested for its generalization capability by a parametric study. Then, the stochastic analyses of derived and existing formulations were performed by Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the reliability analyses of these equations were carried out based on the results of stochastic analysis and the ultimate state function of ASCE-7 and ACI-318 (2011). The results indicate that the prediction performance of new formulation is significantly higher as compared to available design equations and its reliability index is within acceptable limits.

Patch load resistance of longitudinally stiffened webs: Modeling via support vector machines

Ahmet Emin Kurtoglu 국제구조공학회 2018 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.29 No.3

Steel girders are the structural members often used for passing long spans. Mostly being subjected to patch loading, or concentrated loading, steel girders are likely to face sudden deformation or damage e.g., web breathing. Horizontal or vertical stiffeners are employed to overcome this phenomenon. This study aims at assessing the feasibility of a machine learning method, namely the support vector machines (SVM) in predicting the patch loading resistance of longitudinally stiffened webs. A database consisting of 162 test data is utilized to develop SVM models and the model with best performance is selected for further inspection. Existing formulations proposed by other researchers are also investigated for comparison. BS5400 and other existing models (model I, model II and model III) appear to yield underestimated predictions with a large scatter; i.e., mean experimental-to-predicted ratios of 1.517, 1.092, 1.155 and 1.256, respectively; whereas the selected SVM model has high prediction accuracy with significantly less scatter. Robust nature and accurate predictions of SVM confirms its feasibility of potential use in solving complex engineering problems.

Mechanical Investigation and Durability of HDPE-confined SCC Columns Exposed to Severe Environment

Ahmet Emin Kurtoglu,Ali Khalid Hussein,Mehmet Eren Gulsan,Mehmet Fatih Altan,Abdulkadir Cevik 대한토목학회 2018 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.22 No.12

This paper aims at investigating the mechanical properties and short term durability performance of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) – filled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tubes with and without steel fibers. A total of 45 cylinder specimens were prepared and subjected to aggressive substances such as sulfate or acid contents. At the end of each exposure, the specimens were instrumented and tested under axial compression. Test variables included the environmental exposure conditions, tube thickness, inside diameter, tube height and steel fiber presence. The load-strain behavior was inspected to evaluate the effect of each exposure. The results indicated that peak load reduction in HDPE-confined specimens is only about 0.3-1% whereas this reduction is around 45 -50% for unconfined specimens. In addition, increasing tube thickness by 30% results in up to 50% higher fracture energy. Results also indicate that steel fiber addition has little contribution (0.3-1%) in load capacity whereas the energy absorption capacity is increased up to 20%.

Fiber reinforced concrete corbels: Modeling shear strength via symbolic regression

Ahmet E Kurtoglu,Mehmet E Gulsan,Hussein A Abdi,Mohammed A Kamil,Abdulkadir Cevik 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2017 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.20 No.1

In this study, a novel application of symbolic regression (SR) is employed for the prediction of ultimate shear strength of steel fiber reinforced (SFRC) and glass fiber reinforced (GFRC) corbels without stirrups, for the first time in the literature. A database is created using the test results (42 tests) conducted by the authors of current paper as well as the previous studies available in the literature. A symbolic regression based empirical formulation is proposed using this database. The formulation is unique in a way that it has the capability to predict the shear strength of both SFRC and GFRC corbels. The performance of proposed model is tested against randomly selected testing set. Additionally, a parametric study with a wide range of variables is carried out to test the effect of each parameter on the shear strength. The results confirm the high prediction capacity of proposed model.

Influence of Crown Margin Design on the Stress Distribution in Maxillary Canine Restored by All-Ceramic Crown: A Finite Element Analysis

Ozer, Zafer,Kurtoglu, Cem,Mamedov, Amirullah M.,Ozbay, Ekmel Korean Academy of Dental Science 2015 Journal of korean dental science Vol.8 No.1

Purpose: To investigate the influence of crown margin design on the stress distribution and to localize critical sites in maxillary canine under functional loading by using three dimensional finite element analysis. Materials and Methods: The bite force of 100 N, 150 N, and 200 N was applied with an angulation of $45^{\circ}$ to the longitudinal axis of tooth. Six models were restored with IPS e.max (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) with a different margin design. With lingual ledge and various thicknesses, three different core ceramics were designed in each model. Result: In the core ceramic, the maximum tensile stresses were found at the labiocervical region. In the veneering ceramic the maximum tensile stresses were found at the area where the force was applied in all models. Conclusion: Shoulder and chamfer margin types are acceptable for all-ceramic rehabilitations. A ledge on the core ceramic at cervical region may affect the strength of all-ceramic crowns.

Is Surgical Staging Necessary for Patients with Low-risk Endometrial Cancer? A Retrospective Clinical Analysis

Kokcu, Arif,Kurtoglu, Emel,Celik, Handan,Kefeli, Mehmet,Tosun, Migraci,Onal, Mesut Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.13

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the tumor-free and overall survival rates between patients with low-risk endometrial cancer who underwent surgical staging and those who did not undergo surgical staging. Materials and Methods: Data, including demographic characteristics, grade of the tumor, myometrial invasion, cervical involvement, peritoneal washing, lymph node involvement, lymphovascular space invasion, postoperative complication, adjuvant treatment, cancer recurrence, and tumor-free and overall survival rates, for patients with low-risk endometrioid endometrial cancer who were treated surgically with and without pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection (LND) were analyzed retrospectively. The patients diagnosed with endometrioid endometrial cancer including the following criteria were considered low-risk: 1) a grade 1 (G1) or grade 2 (G2) endometrioid histology; 2) myometrial invasion of <50% upon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); 3) no stromal glandular or stromal invasion upon MRI; and 4) no evidence of intra-abdominal metastasis. Then the patients at low-risk were divided into two groups; group 1 (n=117): patients treated surgically with pelvic and paraaortic LND and group 2 (n=170): patients treated surgically without pelvic and paraaortic LND. Results: There was no statistical significance when the groups were compared in terms of lymphovascular space invasion, cervical involvement, positive cytology, and recurrence, whereas the administration of an adjuvant therapy was higher in group 2 (p<0.005). The number of patients with positive pelvic nodes and the number of metastatic pelvic nodes were significantly higher in the group with positive LVI than in the group without LVI (p<0.005). No statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in terms of tumor-free survival (p=0.981) and overall survival (p=0.166). Conclusions: Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and stage-adapted postoperative adjuvant therapy without pelvic and/or paraaortic lymphadenectomy may be safe and efficient treatments for low-risk endometrial cancer.

May the Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio be a Prognostic Factor for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer?

Kokcu, Arif,Kurtoglu, Emel,Celik, Handan,Tosun, Migraci,Malatyalıoglu, Erdal,Ozdemir, Ayse Zehra Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: The study aimed to evaluate changes in hematologic parameters, including white blood cell, platelet count, platelet indices, the platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios in patients with early and advanced stages of epithelial ovarian cancers. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent primary staging exploratory laparotomy. Preoperative hematologic parameters, tumor histopathologic type, grade, stage and serum CA-125 levels were retrospectively analyzed. These parameters were compared between the patients with early (stage I-II) and advanced (stage III-IV) ovarian cancer. Results: White blood cell count and platelet indices, including mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width and platelet crit did not show a statistically significant difference between groups with early and advanced ovarian cancer. However, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet count, the platelet to lymphocyte ratio and CA-125 level showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.01 respectively). Conclusions: It was found that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet count and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio increased with the increasing stage of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, it was seen that the platelet to lymphocyte ratio is an independent prognostic factor related to the stage of epithelial ovarian cancer.