Fibrosis Marker Soluble ST2 Predicts Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation of Nonvalvular Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Sefa Okar,Onur Kaypakli,Durmuş Yıldıray Şahin,Mevlüt Koç 대한심장학회 2018 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.48 No.10

Background and Objectives We aimed to investigate the relationship between the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and fibrosis marker soluble ST2 (sST2) in patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF (PAF). Methods We prospectively included 100 consecutive patients with PAF diagnosis and scheduled for cryoballoon catheter ablation for AF (47 males, 53 females; mean age 55.1±10.8 years). sST2 plasma levels were determined using the ASPECT-PLUS assay on ASPECT Reader device (Critical Diagnostics). The measurement range of these measurements was 12.5–250 ng/mL. Patients had regular follow-up visits with 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), medical history, and clinical evaluation. Twenty-four hours Holter ECG monitoring had been recorded 12 months after ablation. Results AF recurrence was detected in 22 patients after 1 year. Age, smoking history, diabetes mellitus,hypertension frequency, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-angiotensin receptor blocker use, CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores, serum sST2 level, left atrium (LA) end-diastolic diameter, LA volume and LA volume index were related to AF recurrence. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, sST2 was found to be only independent parameter for predicting AF recurrence (odds ratio, 1.085; p=0.001). Every 10-unit increase in sST2 was found to be associated with 2.103-fold increase in the risk of AF recurrence. The cut-off value of sST2 obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 30.6 ng/mL for prediction of AF recurrence (sensitivity: 77.3%, specificity: 79.5%). The area under the curve was 0.831 (p<0.001). Conclusionss ST2, which is associated with atrial fibrosis, can be thought to be a useful marker for detection of patients with high-grade fibrosis who will get less benefit from cryoablation.

Experimental evaluation of different spectral methods for damage estimation of an electrical panel bracket mounted on a military wheeled vehicle

Mehmet Sefa Gümüş,Abdullah Erdemir,Veysel Alver,Mete Kalyoncu 대한기계학회 2021 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.35 No.12

This study evaluates different frequency domain vibration fatigue methods by verifying the results of the analyses with the experimental data on the bracket of an electrical panel mounted on a military vehicle. Loadings are defined considering composite wheeled vehicle vibration exposure as stated in the MIL-STD-810G Standard. The electrical panel and the bracket are simulated by FEM. Response PSDs are created on critical points. The experiment is carried out by using a uniaxial electrodynamic shaker. In this study, the Dirlik method proposes the most reliable and accurate fatigue life, while the Wirsching-Light method overestimates. Ortiz-Chen has made a very conservative prediction among other methods in this case study.

EXCLUSIVE OR EXCLUSION? AN EXAMINATION OF STRATEGIC DISCRIMINATION IN MARKETING

Samuelson Appau,Sefa Awaworyi Churchill 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2018 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2018 No.07

Investigation of the effect of pressure on thermodynamic properties and thermoelastic phase transformation of CuAlNi alloys: A molecular dynamics study

Cengiz Tatar,Sefa Kazanc 한국물리학회 2012 Current Applied Physics Vol.12 No.1

Thermoelastic phase transformations and thermodynamic properties of CuAlNi alloys at 0, 1, 2 and 3 GPa pressures were investigated by using MD simulation in this study. The interactions between atoms were modelled by SuttoneChen type of embedded atom method (SCEAM) that is based on many-body interaction. It was observed that thermoelastic phase transformation in the ternary alloy system occurred at the end of thermal process. Radial distribution function (RDF) was used in order to analysis the structures obtained from MD simulation using the simulation techniques’ thermodynamic parameters. The transformation temperatures, enthalpy and entropy of the ternary alloy system have been observed to be changing with the applied pressure. In addition, it was found that the elastic energy has been decreased about 22% by applied pressure whereas Gibbs free energy has been increased about 60% by applied pressure. The values of the thermodynamical parameters obtained in this study were observed to be in close agreement with the experimental study. Thermoelastic phase transformations and thermodynamic properties of CuAlNi alloys at 0, 1, 2 and 3 GPa pressures were investigated by using MD simulation in this study. The interactions between atoms were modelled by SuttoneChen type of embedded atom method (SCEAM) that is based on many-body interaction. It was observed that thermoelastic phase transformation in the ternary alloy system occurred at the end of thermal process. Radial distribution function (RDF) was used in order to analysis the structures obtained from MD simulation using the simulation techniques’ thermodynamic parameters. The transformation temperatures, enthalpy and entropy of the ternary alloy system have been observed to be changing with the applied pressure. In addition, it was found that the elastic energy has been decreased about 22% by applied pressure whereas Gibbs free energy has been increased about 60% by applied pressure. The values of the thermodynamical parameters obtained in this study were observed to be in close agreement with the experimental study.

Anticancer Effects of Thymoquinone, Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Resveratrol on A549 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Exposed to Benzo(a)pyrene

Ulasli, Sevinc Sarinc,Celik, Sefa,Gunay, Ersin,Ozdemir, Mehmet,Hazman, Omer,Ozyurek, Arzu,Koyuncu, Tulay,Unlu, Mehmet Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.10

Background: Phytochemical compounds are emerging as a new generation of anticancer agents with limited toxicity in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effcts of thymoquinone, caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE) and resveratrol on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA expression levels of proteins and survival of lung cancer cells in Vitro. Materials and Methods: The A549 cell line was treated with benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene plus caffeic acid phenylester (CAPE), benzo(a)pyrene plus resveratrol (RES), and benzo(a)pyrene plus thymoquinone (TQ). Inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA expression levels of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins and cell viability were assessed and results were compared among study groups. Results: TQ treatment up-regulated Bax and down-regulated Bcl2 proteins and increased the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. CAPE and TQ also up-regulated Bax expression. RES and TQ down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2. All three agents decreased the expression of cyclin D and increased the expression of p21. However, the most significant up-regulation of p21 expression was observed in TQ treated cells. CAPE, RES and TQ up-regulated TRAIL receptor 1 and 2 expression. RES and TQ down-regulated the expression of NF-kappa B and IKK1. Viability of CAPE, RES and TQ treated cells was found to be significantly decreased when compared with the control group (p=0.004). Conclusions: Our results revealed up-regulation of the key upstream signaling factors, which ultimately cause increase in their regulatory p53 levels affecting the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Overall these results provide mechanistic insights for understanding the molecular basis and utility of the anti-tumor activity of TQ, RES and CAPE.

Fractured needle as an unusual complication of the lingual nerve block: a case report

Aras Erdil,Mustafa Sami Demirsoy,Sefa Çolak 대한치과마취과학회 2022 Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Vol.22 No.4

Although rare, hypodermic needle fractures can occur in the maxillofacial region. In cases of fracture, urgent intervention is required to prevent further complications. We present the case of a 37-year-old female patient with a fractured needle in the left sublingual fossa during a lingual nerve block 6 months before referral. The fragment of a 30-gauge needle was located using cone-beam computed tomography and retrieved under local anesthesia with blunt dissection. The patient recovered uneventfully, except for predictable postoperative inflammatory complications, which resolved within 2 weeks. Precautions should be implemented to prevent needle fractures, which are usually preventable. However, if the retrieval is unsuccessful, the patient should be referred to a well-equipped surgical unit without delay.

Effects on Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Muscle and Skeleton System Used by Taekwondo Athletes

( Hasan Akkus ),( Metin Sahin ),( Ali Sagirkaya ),( Sefa Lok ) 국제태권도학회 2017 International Symposium for Taekwondo Studies Vol.2017 No.-

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Testosterone and AAS are used clinically for the treatment of renal failure, anemia, growing deficiency in children, delayed puberty, and in case of some chronic weakness such as AIDS and cancer. According to surveys and media reports, the illegal use of these drugs to increase muscle size and strength is widespread. There is a growing body of evidence that AAS have positive anabolic actions on the musculoskeletal system, influencing lean body mass, muscle size, strength, protein metabolism, bone metabolism, and collagen synthesis. Skeletal muscle is a primary target tissue for the anabolic effects of AAS. Supraphysiological doses of testosterone administered to healthy young men over periods lasting 10-20 wk increase lean body mass, muscle size, and strength with or without exercise. The anabolic effect of testosterone is dose dependent, and significant increases in muscle size and strength only occur with doses of 300 mg and higher. The testosterone-induced increase in muscle size and strength is due to a dose-dependent hypertrophy that results from an increase in cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and an increase in myonuclear number. Evidence suggests that these morphometric effects are the result of a testosterone-induced increase in muscle protein synthesis. AAS also enhance collagen synthesis and increase bone mineral density. The anabolic effect of AAS is mediated primarily by androgen receptors in skeletal muscle. Testosterone has potent anabolic effects on the musculoskeletal system, including an increase in lean body mass, a dose-related hypertrophy of muscle fibers, and an increase in muscle strength. For Taekwondo athletes requiring speed and strength and men desiring a cosmetic muscle makeover, illegal steroids are a powerful lure, despite the risk of subjective side effects.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of the Essential Oils of Three Phlomis Species as well as Their Fatty Acid Compositions

Cengiz Sarikurkcu,Mehmet Cemil Uren,Mehmet Sefa Kocak,Mustafa Cengiz,Bektas Tepe 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.3

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities of the essential oils of Phlomis armeniaca WILLD., P. nissolii L., and P. pungens WILLD. var. pungens as well as their fatty acid contents. Germacrene D was found as the major compound in the oils (24.7, 15.1, and 7.2%, respectively). Additionally, n-hexadecanoic acid, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, β-caryophyllene, and linalool were the other main compounds in the oils. Among the fatty acids, C18:3 ω3 and C18:2 ω6 were determined in high quantities in P. armeniaca (23.14 and 18.01%, respectively) and P. pungens var. pungens (24.64 and 17.51%, respectively). The essential oils of P. armeniaca and P. pungens var. pungens showed remarkable antioxidant and metal chelating activities as well as great reducing power potentials. These oils also showed a moderate scavenging effect on ABTS radicals. The oils also exhibited various degrees of inhibitory activities on AChE, BChE, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase.

Acquired noncaustic esophageal strictures in children

Sag, Elif,Bahadir, Aysenur,Imamoglu, Mustafa,Sag, Sefa,Reis, Gokce Pinar,Erduran, Erol,Cakir, Murat The Korean Pediatric Society 2020 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.63 No.11

Background: Esophageal stricture (ES) is an uncommon clinic entity in pediatrics that may be congenital or acquired in childhood. Acquired noncaustic ES is very rare, and clinical features of affected patients are unknown. Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the clinical findings, and outcomes of patients with acquired noncaustic ES to aid physicians in the early referral of patients to gastroenterologists. Methods: The medical data of patients with acquired noncaustic ES who were followed in our gastroenterology clinic between January 2009 and December 2019 were reviewed. Results: Acquired noncaustic ES was found in 12 of the 4,950 patients (0.24%) who underwent endoscopy during the study period. The main symptoms were dysphagia (58.3%), vomiting (33.3%), and chronic anemia (8.3%). Chronic malnutrition and underweight were found in 66.6% of the patients. The most common etiological factors were radiotherapy, peptic reflux, and achalasia (16.6%, each), while chemotherapy, squamous-cell carcinoma (SC) of the esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), esophageal web, epidermolysis bullosa, and esophageal diverticulum (8.2%, each) were the other etiological factors. Patients with EoE underwent endoscopic bougie dilation in addition to steroid use and elimination diet. Patients with epidermolysis bullosa and esophageal web underwent bougie dilation. Patients with peptic reflux-related ES were initially put on antireflux therapy, but during follow-up, one patient required esophageal replacement with colonic interposition. Patients with radiotherapy-related ES recovered with medical therapy. The patient with initially underwent surgical gastrostomy and tumoral mass excision. The patient then received chemotherapy and radiotherapy and underwent jejunal interposition. Patients with achalasia underwent surgical esophagomyotomy. Conclusion: The presence of solid dysphagia, malnutrition, and an associated disease may alert physicians to the presence of ES.

Experimental and numerical investigation of walls strengthened with fiber plaster

Hakan Basaran,Ali Demir,Muhiddin Bagcı,Sefa Ergun 국제구조공학회 2015 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.56 No.2

The topic of this study is to investigate behaviors of masonry walls strengthened with reinforced fiber plaster under diagonal tensile loads. Full blend brick 100×50×30 mm in dimensions were used to make masonry walls with dimensions of 400×400×100 mm. Three different samples were manufactured by plastering masonry walls with traditional style, with 3% polypropylene or with 5% steel fiber. All the samples were tested using ASTM 1391- 81 standards. The propagation of damage on samples caused by diagonal tensile load was observed and load-displacement graphs were plotted for each sample. A finite element software (ABAQUS) was used to obtain numerical values for all samples and crack patterns and load-displacement responses were obtained. Experimental and numerical results were compared.