Association Between Interleukin-18 Level and Left Ventricular Mass Index in Hypertensive Patients

Süleyman Özbïçer,Zekiye Melek Uluçam 대한심장학회 2017 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.47 No.2

Background and Objectives: In clinical trials, hypertensive patients tend to have higher interleukin-18 (IL-18) concentrations than normotensive groups, but the relationship between IL-18 and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is a marker of end-organ damage, is not well studied. We aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-18 and LVH in apparently healthy subjects free of clinically significant atherosclerotic disease. Subjects and Methods: We enrolled 198 subjects (102 women and 96 men) between May 2006 and March 2007, who were free of cardiovascular or immune diseases, but were suspected to have hypertension. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and two-dimensional echocardiography were performed. Lipid profiles, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), IL-18, and whole blood cell counts were measured for all subjects. Results: White blood cell count, hs-CRP, left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and IL-18 were higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive group (p=0.045, p=0.004, p<0.0001, p=0.001, and p=0.017 respectively). Twenty-four hour day and night systolic and diastolic blood pressure averages were positively correlated with IL-18 level in the entire study population. In multivariate regression analysis, left ventricular mass index and hs-CRP level were independently associated with IL-18 level in both the hypertensive group and the entire study population (β=0.154, β=0.149 p=0.033, p=0.040 and β=0.151, β=0.155 p=0.036, p=0.032 respectively) Conclusion: We found that IL-18 level independently predicted LVMI in both the general population and in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

Role of Glutamate Receptor-related Biomarkers in the Etiopathogenesis of ADHD

Ebru Ulu,Esra Demirci,Elif Funda Sener,Sevgi Özmen,Melike Kevser Gul,Reyhan Tahtasakal,Fatma Dal 대한정신약물학회 2024 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.22 No.1

Objective: Pathways associated with glutamate receptors are known to play a role in the pathophysiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), guanylate kinase-associated protein (GKAP), and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), all of which are biomarkers involved in neurodevelopmental processes closely related to glutamatergic pathways, have not previously been studied in patients with ADHD. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of CDK5, MAP2, GKAP, and PSD95 in children with ADHD and investigate whether these markers have a role in the etiology of ADHD. Methods: Ninety-six children with ADHD between 6 and 15 years of age and 72 healthy controls were included in the study. Five milliliters of blood samples were taken from all participants. The samples were stored at −80°C until analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Statistically significantly lower CDK5 levels were observed in children with ADHD than in healthy controls(p = 0.037). The MAP2, GKAP, and PSD95 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the ADHD group than in healthy controls (p = 0.012, p = 0.009, and p = 0.024, respectively). According to binary regression analysis, CDK5 and MAP2 levels were found to be predictors of ADHD. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that a close relationship existed between ADHD and glutamatergic pathways, and low levels of CDK5 and high levels of MAP2 and GKAP played a role in the etiopathogenesis of ADHD.

Design and Analysis of A Modular Learning Based Cross-Coupled Control Algorithm for Multi-Axis Precision Positioning Systems

Melih Cakmakci,Nurcan Gecer Ulu,Erva Ulu 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2016 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.14 No.1

Increasing demand for micro/nano-technology related equipment resulted in growing interest for precisionpositioning systems. In this paper a modular controller combining cross-coupled control and iterative learningcontrol approaches to improve contour and tracking accuracy at the same time is presented. Instead of using thestandard error estimation technique, a computationally efficient and modular contour error estimation techniqueis used. The new controller is more suitable for tracking arbitrary nonlinear contours and easier to implement tomulti-axis systems. Stability and convergence analysis for the proposed controller is presented with the necessaryconditions. Effectiveness of the control design is verified with simulations and experiments on a two-axis positioningsystem. The resulting positioning system achieves nanometer level contouring and tracking performance.

Aerobic exercise training in Kartagener’s syndrome : case report

Aslihan Cakmak,Deniz Inal-Ince,Hazal Sonbahar-Ulu,Cemile Bozdemir-Ozel,Haluk Tekerlek,Melda Saglam,Ebru Calik-Kutukcu,Naciye Vardar-Yagli,Elmas Ebru Yalcin,Ugur Ozcelik,Hulya Arikan 한국운동재활학회 2019 JER Vol.15 No.3

The Outcome of Fungal Pneumonia with Hematological Cancer

Eren Esma,Alp Emine,Cevahir Fatma,Tok Tuğba,Kılıç Ayşegül Ulu,Kaynar Leylagül,Yüksel Recep Civan 대한감염학회 2020 Infection and Chemotherapy Vol.52 No.4

Background: Fungal pneumonia is a common infectious complication of hematological cancer (HC) patients. In this retrospective study, the objective was set to identify the risk factors and outcome of fungal pneumonia in adult HC patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted with adult (>16 years) HC patients from January 2017 and December 2018. Results: During the study period, of 181 patients included 76 were diagnosed with fungal pneumonia. The most common HC was identified as acute myeloid leukaemia (40%). Of the participating patients, 52 (29%) were hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. The median age of patients with fungal pneumonia was significantly greater: 57 vs. 48 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08) and they had longer hospitalization durations (OR: 1.14). Overall, 37 patients (20%) died, and 28-day mortality was significantly greater among patients with fungal pneumonia than without fungal pneumonia (33% vs. 11%). The most significant risk factors for mortality in fungal pneumonia were identified as need of intensive care unit (ICU) (OR: 191.2, P <0.001) and the need of vasopressor support (OR:81.6, P <0.012). ICU-mortality was (88%). Conclusion: Fungal pneumonia is a lethal complication in HC patients. Intensive care need is the most important predictive factor for mortality

Synergistic Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment and RGD Peptide Coating on Cell Proliferation over Titanium Surfaces

Ozan Karaman,Seyfi Kelebek,Emine Afra Demirci,Fatma Ibis,Murat Ulu,Utku Kursat Ercan 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2018 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.15 No.1

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment and RGD peptide coating for enhancing cellular attachment and proliferation over titanium (Ti) surfaces. The surface structure of CAP-treated and RGD peptide-coated Ti discs were characterized by contact angle goniometer and atomic force microscopy. The effect of such surface modification on human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adhesion and proliferation was assessed by cell proliferation and DNA content assays. Besides, hMSCs’ adhesion and morphology on surface modified Ti discs were observed via fluorescent and scanning electron microscopy. RGD peptide coating following CAP treatment significantly enhanced cellular adhesion and proliferation among untreated, CAP-treated and RGD peptide-coated Ti discs. The treatment of Ti surfaces with CAP may contribute to improved RGD peptide coating, which enables increased cellular integrations with the Ti surfaces.

Bacteremia in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients Receiving Fluoroquinolone Prophylaxis: Incidence, Resistance, and Risk Factors

Eryilmaz-Eren Esma,Izci Feyza,Ture Zeynep,Sagiroglu Pinar,Kaynar Leylagul,Ulu-Kilic Aysegul 대한감염학회 2022 Infection and Chemotherapy Vol.54 No.3

Background Bacteremia is a common complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Prophylactic fluoroquinolone is recommended and used in these individuals. Breakthrough infections can occur with fluoroquinolone-resistant strains. We aimed to identify the incidence, resistance, and risk factors for bacteremia in HSCT recipients receiving fluoroquinolone prophylaxis. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed on patients who received fluoroquinolone prophylaxis and underwent autologous and allogeneic HSCT between 2015 and 2019. The incidence of bacteremia, comorbidity, treatment, and invasive procedures was compared in these patients with and without bacteremia. Results There were 553 patients included in the study, 68 (12.3%) had bacteremia. The incidence of bacteremia is 8.2% of autologous HSCT recipients and 18.4% of allogeneic HSCT recipients. The significant risk factors associated with bacteremia were steroid-using (odds ratio [OR]:13.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.88 - 66.40), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)-mean (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15 - 2.16), diabetes mellitus (OR: 4.29, 95% CI: 1.11 - 16.48) in autologous HSCT, steroid-using (OR: 6.84, 95% CI: 1.44 - 32.33), longer duration of neutropenia (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.09) using central venous catheter (OR: 7.81, 95% CI: 1.00 - 61.23) in allogeneic HSCT. Seventy-three pathogens were isolated from a total of 68 bacteremia episodes. The most commonly occurring agents were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus spp. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was 87.2%, 70.0% and 60.0% among these strains, respectively. Conclusion High CCI, diabetes mellitus, use of steroids and long-term neutropenia and use of central venous catheters were significantly associated with the breakthrough bacteremia in HSCT recipients receiving fluoroquinolone prophylaxis. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis may reduce the incidence of bacteremia but may select strains resistant to fluoroquinolone. Background Bacteremia is a common complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Prophylactic fluoroquinolone is recommended and used in these individuals. Breakthrough infections can occur with fluoroquinolone-resistant strains. We aimed to identify the incidence, resistance, and risk factors for bacteremia in HSCT recipients receiving fluoroquinolone prophylaxis. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed on patients who received fluoroquinolone prophylaxis and underwent autologous and allogeneic HSCT between 2015 and 2019. The incidence of bacteremia, comorbidity, treatment, and invasive procedures was compared in these patients with and without bacteremia. Results There were 553 patients included in the study, 68 (12.3%) had bacteremia. The incidence of bacteremia is 8.2% of autologous HSCT recipients and 18.4% of allogeneic HSCT recipients. The significant risk factors associated with bacteremia were steroid-using (odds ratio [OR]:13.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.88 - 66.40), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)-mean (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15 - 2.16), diabetes mellitus (OR: 4.29, 95% CI: 1.11 - 16.48) in autologous HSCT, steroid-using (OR: 6.84, 95% CI: 1.44 - 32.33), longer duration of neutropenia (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.09) using central venous catheter (OR: 7.81, 95% CI: 1.00 - 61.23) in allogeneic HSCT. Seventy-three pathogens were isolated from a total of 68 bacteremia episodes. The most commonly occurring agents were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus spp. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was 87.2%, 70.0% and 60.0% among these strains, respectively. Conclusion High CCI, diabetes mellitus, use of steroids and long-term neutropenia and use of central venous catheters were significantly associated with the breakthrough bacteremia in HSCT recipients receiving fluoroquinolone prophylaxis. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis may reduce the incidence of bacteremia but may select strains resistant to fluoroquinolone.

Effi cacy of the Combination of Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, and Lansoprazole in the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Treatment-Naïve Patients and in Patients Who Are Not Responsive to Clarithromycin-Based Regimens: A Pilot Study

Mesut Sezikli,Züleyha Akkan Çetinkaya,Fatih Güzelbulut,Atakan Yeşil,Mustafa Erhan Altınöz,Nuriye Ulu,Ayşe Oya Övünç Kurdaş 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2012 Gut and Liver Vol.6 No.1

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of a triple therapy regimen that included a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and tetracycline instead of clarithromycin in treatment-naïve patients and in patients who did not respond to standard triple therapy. Methods: This study included 110 patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. Patients in groups A and B were treatment-naïve, and those in group C were not responsive to previous standard triple therapy. Patients in group A (n=40) received lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.i.d., and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. for 14 days. Patients in groups B (n=40) and C (n=30) received lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. for 14 days. Results: In group A, eradication was achieved in 18 (45%) of the 40 patients included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and in 18 (47.4%) of the 38 patients included in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. In group B, eradication was achieved in 15 (37.5%) of the 40 patients included in the ITT analysis and in 15 (39.3%) of the 38 patients included in the PP analysis. In group C, eradication was achieved in 14 (46.6%) of the 30 patients included in the ITT analysis and in 14 (43.8%) of the 29 patients included in the PP analysis. There was no statistically signifi cant difference among the 3 groups with regard to eradication rates (p>0.05). Conclusions: Despite the low rate of resistance to tetracycline, the combination of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and tetracycline instead of clarithromycin is not a good option for the eradication of H. pylori.

Effi cacy of the Combination of Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, and Lansoprazole in the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Treatment-Naive Patients and in Patients Who Are Not Responsive to Clarithromycin-Based Regimens: A Pilot Study

( Mesut Sezikli ),( Zuleyha Akkan Cetinkaya ),( Fatih Guzelbulut ),( Atakan Yesil ),( Mustafa Erhan Altınoz ),( Nuriye Ulu ),( Ayse Oya Ovunc Kurdas ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2012 Gut and Liver Vol.6 No.1

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of a triple therapy regimen that included a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and tetracycline instead of clarithromycin in treatment-naive patients and in patients who did not respond to standard triple therapy. Methods: This study included 110 patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. Patients in groups A and B were treatment-naive, and those in group C were not responsive to previous standard triple therapy. Patients in group A (n=40) received lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.i.d., and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. for 14 days. Patients in groups B (n=40) and C (n=30) received lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. for 14 days. Results: In group A, eradication was achieved in 18 (45%) of the 40 patients included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and in 18 (47.4%) of the 38 patients included in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. In group B, eradication was achieved in 15 (37.5%) of the 40 patients included in the ITT analysis and in 15 (39.3%) of the 38 patients included in the PP analysis. In group C, eradication was achieved in 14 (46.6%) of the 30 patients included in the ITT analysis and in 14 (43.8%) of the 29 patients included in the PP analysis. There was no statistically signifi cant difference among the 3 groups with regard to eradication rates (p>0.05). Conclusions: Despite the low rate of resistance to tetracycline, the combination of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and tetracycline instead of clarithromycin is not a good option for the eradication of H. pylori. (Gut Liver 2012;6:41-44)