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.

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 Mentoring Program on Ways of Coping with Stress and Locus of Control for Nursing Students

Satı Demir,Sevil Güler Demir,Hülya Bulut,Filiz Hisar 한국간호과학회 2014 Asian Nursing Research Vol.8 No.4

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 14-week mentoring program for first year nursing students and their ways of coping with stress and locus of control. Methods: The study was designed as a quasi-experimental study. Sixty-six first year students (mentees) and 66 fourth year students (mentors) were eligible to be in the mentoring program. Mentors and mentees contacted each other weekly, as required, to provide information and support. In order to determine the efficiency of the mentoring program, a Locus of Control Scale, the Ways of Coping Inventory and Mentoring Assessment Form were filled out by mentees. Results: In this study the mentoring program increased students' internal locus of control and active coping with stress. The increase in internal locus of control showed parallelism with students' behaviors of seeking social support. Conclusion: It is recommended that in nursing schools, the mentoring program be used as an additional program.

Influence of deposition conditions on nanostructured InSe thin films

Kübra Çınar Demir,Emre Demir,Seniye Yüksel,Cevdet Coşkun 한국물리학회 2019 Current Applied Physics Vol.19 No.12

In this study, nanostructured indium selenide (InSe) thin films were deposited on Indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate using electrochemical deposition (ECD) from aqueous solution containing In(SO4)3.H2O and SeO2. The effects of deposition potential (−0.70 to −1.35 V), time (30-3600 s), temperature (25-80 °C) and pH (2.58 for A samples; 2 for B samples and 1.45 for C samples) on growth of the InSe thin films were examined in terms of their structural, morphological and optical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the InSe thin films are in polycrystalline structure. It was found that the values of grain size decreased and the full width half maximum (FWHM) values increased with the increasing deposition potential. According to the absorption measurements, optical properties of the thin films varied with changes in deposition conditions. Based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, surface morphology of the thin films was influenced by deposition potential and pH of the electrolyte, and nonhomogeneous depositions distributed across the entire surface were observed. In addition, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were used to further examine crystal quality, vibration, chemical binding conditions, In/Se orientation and structure of the prepared InSe thin films. When Raman results are examined, the B12 sample shows a more intensity and narrow peak at 248 cm−1. XPS measurements sowed that A6 sample exhibited more growth in low potential for a long time and better film stoichiometry compared to the other three samples. Also, FT-IR studies prove the presence of InSe. According to the results, the film did not form at low temperatures and short times. However, the film formation began with the increasing deposition temperature and time at the low potential value of −0.730 V. But, it is clear that a high quality film can be obtained in cathodic potential with −1.3 V and shorter deposition time with 300 s at room temperature respectively. Overall results showed that the high quality thin films can be obtained by the ECD technique. However, deposition conditions must be sensitively adjusted to control morphology of the electrodeposited nanoparticles.

Effects of ultrasound coupled with potassium permanganate pre-treatment of sludge on aerobic digestion

Demir, Ozlem Techno-Press 2016 Advances in environmental research Vol.5 No.4

The biodegradability and decomposition efficiencies increase with the pre-treatment of sludge in a digestion process. In this study, the feasibility of ultrasound coupled with potassium permanganate oxidation as a disintegration method and digestibility of aerobic reactor fed with disintegrated sludge with ultrasound coupled potassium permanganate were investigated. The first stage of the study focused on determining the optimum condition for ultrasonic pre-treatment for achieving better destruction efficiency of sludge. The second part of the study, the aerobic digestibility of sludge disintegrated with ultrasound and potassium permanganate oxidation alone and combined were examined comparatively. The results showed that when 20 min of ultrasonic pre-treatment applied, the specific energy output was 49384 kJ/kgTS with disintegration degree of 58.84%. During the operation of aerobic digester, VS/TS ratios of digesters fed with disintegrated sludge decreased indicating that disintegration methods could obviously enhance aerobic digestion performance. The highest reduction in volatile solids was 75% in the digester fed with ultrasound+potassium permanganate disintegrated sludge at the end of the operation compared to digester fed with raw sludge. Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) levels in sludge supernatant increased with this combined method significantly. Besides, it promoted the production of ${\bullet}OH$, thus enhancing the release of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) from the sludge. Disintegration with all methods used in this study could not improve Capillary Suction Time (CST) reduction in disintegrated digesters during the operation. The results demonstrated that the combined ultrasound treatment and potassium permanganate oxidation method improves the biodegradability compared to control reactor or their single application.

Spatial distribution of Türkiye’s local Turkish coffee kinds

Demir Yeliz,Bertan Serkan 한국식품연구원 2023 Journal of Ethnic Foods Vol.10 No.33

This research aims to determine the contents, cooking, and serving styles of local Turkish coffee kinds in Türkiye and to reveal their differences from traditional Turkish coffee. In addition, the distribution of local Turkish coffee kinds determined according to cities and regions was determined. Document analysis was applied to determine the features of local Turkish coffee kinds. In the document analysis, local Turkish coffee kinds are divided into three basic categories according to the codes of “coffee content,” “serving style,” “cooking method,” and “difference from traditional Turkish coffee.” Turkish coffee in the first category is prepared without using coffee powder, and local Turkish coffee kinds in the second category differ from traditional Turkish coffee with their features such as the coffee beans are roasted and ground, the presentation of the coffee, the degree of cooking, and the cooking method of the coffee. Different products (local products) are mixed into the coffees in the last local Turkish coffee category. Additionally, local Turkish coffees specific to cities were collected under the “city/region authenticity” code. Black Cumin Coffee, Mırra Coffee, Menengic Coffee, Kenger Coffee, Turkish coffee cooked in a cup, and Dibek Coffee are common local Turkish coffee kinds in some cities and regions.

Modeling the Catalytic Activity and Kinetics of Lipase(Glycerol-Ester Hydrolase)

Demirer, Goksel N.,Duran, Metin,Tanner, Robert D. The Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengine 1996 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.1 No.1

In order to design industrial scale reactors and proceises for multi-phase biocatalytic reactions, it is essential to understand the mechanisms by which such systems operate. To il-lustrate how such mechanisms can be modeled, the hydrolysis of the primary ester groups of triglycerides to produce fatty acids and monoglycerides by lipased (glycerol-ester hydrolase) catalysis has been selected as an example of multiphase biocatalysis. Lipase is specific in its behavior such that it can act only on the hydrolyzed (or emulsified) part of the substrate. This follows because the active center of the enzyme is catalytically active only when the substrate contacts it in its hydrolyzed form. In other words, lipase acts only when it can shuttleback and forth between the emulsion phase and the water phase, presumably within an interphase or boundary layer between these two phases. In industrial applications lipase is employed as a fat splitting enzyme to remove fat stains from fabrics, in making cheese, to flavor milk products, and to degrade fats in waste products. Effective use of lipase in these processes requires a fundamental understanding of its kinetic behavior and interactions with substrates under various environmental conditions. Therefore, this study focuses on modeling and simulating the enzymatic activity of the lipase as a step towards the basic understanding of multi-phase biocatalysis processes.

Determination of energy resolution for a NaI(Tl) detector modeled with FLUKA code

Demir, Nilgun,Kuluozturk, Zehra Nur Korean Nuclear Society 2021 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.53 No.11

In this study, 3" × 3" NaI(Tl) detector, which is widely used in gamma spectroscopy, was modeled with FLUKA code, and calculations required to determine the detector's energy resolution were reported. Photon beams with isotropic distribution with 59, 81, 302, 356, 511, 662, 835, 1173, 1275, and 1332 keV energy were used as radiation sources. The photon pulse height distribution of the NaI(Tl) without influence of its energy resolution obtained with FLUKA code has been converted into a real NaI(Tl) response function, using the necessary conversion process. The photon pulse height distribution simulated in the conversion process was analyzed using the ROOT data analysis framework. The statistical errors of the simulated data were found in the range of 0.2-1.1%. When the results, obtained with FLUKA and ROOT, are compared with the literature data, it is seen that the results are in good agreement with them. Thus, the applicability of this procedure has been demonstrated for the other energy values mentioned.

Clinical evaluation of efficacy of transcortical anesthesia for the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars: a randomized controlled trial

Demir, Esin,Ataoglu, Hanife The Korean Dental Society of Anesthsiology 2020 Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Vol.20 No.1

Background: This study aimed to compare the pain levels during anesthesia and the efficacy of the QuickSleeper intraosseous (IO) injection system and conventional inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial included 30 patients (16 women, 14 men) with bilateral symmetrical impacted mandibular third molars. Thirty subjects randomly received either the IO injection or conventional IANB at two successive appointments. A split-mouth design was used in which each patient underwent treatment of a tooth with one of the techniques and treatment of the homologous contralateral tooth with the other technique. The subjects received 1.8 mL of 2% articaine. Subjects' demographic data, pain levels during anesthesia induction, tooth extractions, and mouth opening on postoperative first, third, and seventh days were recorded. Pain assessment ratings were recorded using the 100-mm visual analog scale. The latency and duration of the anesthetic effect, complications, and operation duration were also analyzed in this study. The duration of anesthetic effect was considered using an electric pulp test and by probing the soft tissue with an explorer. Results: Thirty patients aged between 18 and 47 years (mean age, 25 years) were included in this study. The IO injection was significantly less painful with lesser soft tissue numbness and quicker onset of anesthesia and lingual mucosa anesthesia with single needle penetration than conventional IANB. Moreover, 19 out of 30 patients (63%) preferred transcortical anesthesia. Mouth opening on postoperative first day was significantly better with intraosseous injection than with conventional IANB (P = 0.013). Conclusion: The IO anesthetic system is a good alternative to IANB for extraction of the third molar with less pain during anesthesia induction and sufficient depth of anesthesia for the surgical procedure.

Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes of Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer Radiotherapy: A Single Center Experience

Demiral, S.,Beyzadeoglu, M.,Sager, O.,Dincoglan, F.,Uysal, B.,Gamsiz, H.,Akin, M.,Turker, T.,Dirican, B. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in the management of early stage endometrial cancer (EC) is still controversial. Here we report our institutional experience with patients who received postoperative RT for stage I-II EC over a period of 35 years and assess potential predictors of local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods: A total of 188 patients undergoing postoperative RT for stage IA-II EC between 1977 and 2012 were evaluated. Some 96 received median 46 Gy whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) (range: 40-60 Gy), 37 were given WPRT with vaginal cuff therapy (VCT), and 55 received only VCT either with brachytherapy (BT) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Chemotherapy was given to 5 patients with uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of clinicopathological factors on LR, DM, and OS. Results: Median follow-up time was 11 years (range: 1-35 years). At the time of analysis, 34 patients were not alive. Of the 15 patients with LR, 7 (46.7%) recurred in the vaginal stump, 5 (33.3%) in the pelvic region, and 3 (20%) in the paraaortic nodal region, while 12 had distant metastasis. UPSC histology (p=0.027), sole VCT (p=0.041), high histologic grade (p=0.034), and age ${\geq}71$ (p=0.04) were poor prognostic factors on univariate analysis. Conclusions: In our patients receiving radiotherapy for early-stage EC, grade III disease and age ${\geq}71$ were associated with shorter OS whereas UPSC histology was an independent predictor for both LR and DM.