Agomelatine versus Sertraline: An Observational, Open-labeled and 12 Weeks Follow-up Study on Efficacy and Tolerability

Esma Akpınar,Cem Cerit,Anıl Talas,Ümit Tural 대한정신약물학회 2016 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.14 No.4

Objective: In this open-labeled, 12 weeks follow-up study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine with sertraline Methods: The outpatients of adult psychiatry clinic who have a new onset of depression and diagnosed as ‘major depressive episode’ by clinician according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition and prescribed agomelatine (25 mg/day) or sertraline (50 mg/day) were included in the study. Results: The decline of mean Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores of agomelatine group was significantly higher than the sertraline group at the end of 2nd week; however, the difference was not significant at the end of 3 months. Mean Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I) scores of agomelatine group was lower than sertraline group at first week. Mean CGI-Severity scale and CGI-I scores were favour to sertraline group at the end of the study. Remission rates were 46.7% for sertraline group and 33.3% for agomelatine group while response rates were 76.7% for both groups. Any patient from agomelatine group dropped-out due to adverse effects. The amount of side effects was also less with agomelatine. Conclusion: Agomelatine has a rapid onset efficacy on depressive symptoms and this can be beneficial for some critical cases. Considering MADRS scores, agomelatine seems to have similar efficacy with sertraline but we also point the need for long term studies since CGI scores were favour to sertraline group at the end of the study. Agomelatine has a favourable tolerability profile both in terms of discontinuation and the amount of side effects compared to sertraline.

Spatio-temporal Changes in Downstream River Bed during a Dam Construction

Murat Can,Emre Çalışır,Adem Akpınar 대한토목학회 2022 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.26 No.5

This study investigates the spatio-temporal changes in the downstream river bed during a dam construction on the Büyükkumla river channel in Bursa's Gemlik district in Turkey. To achieve this goal, an evaluation of the seasonal and annual effectiveness of dam construction activities in the study area, identifying geomorphological effects during dam construction, determining the spatio-temporal changes in the downstream river bed based on the comprehensive field observations, and analyzing the impacts on erosion–accumulation dynamics caused during the establishment of the dam is discussed. Measurements along the river stream were measured for different times, starting from the dam downstream. The two methods, satellite technology Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), also known as Global Positioning System (GPS) and terrestrial methods were used. GNSS was applied to fewer vegetation areas, whereas terrestrial methods were employed for areas with dense vegetation. Using the real point data obtained from the measurements, applying the kriging interpolation method, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was created by the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) programs, with similar resolution (each pixel with a 10−5 × 10−5 degree resolution). The results dividing the downstream side from the dam to the sea into two parts were obtained. In the upper zone of the study area, just downstream of the dam, accumulation in summer and scouring in winter were observed during the dam construction activities. Contrarily, in the lower part of the study area where the river flows into the sea, scouring in summer and accumulation in winter were dominant. One and half years later, after the dam excavation was over, with a little accumulation, the river bed reached an equilibrium condition. In the previous periods, while scours and accumulations higher than 6,000 m3 were observed, the net change was, respectively, 933 m3 erosion and 963 m3 accumulation in the last two semi-annual periods.

Temperature Reduction of Concrete Pavement Using Glass Bead Materials

Erhan Burak Pancar,Muhammet Vefa Akpınar 한국콘크리트학회 2016 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.10 No.1

In this study, different proportions of glass beads used for road marking were added into the concrete samples to reduce the temperature gradient through the concrete pavement thickness. It is well known that decreasing the temperature gradient reduces the risk of thermal cracking and increases the service life of concrete pavement. The extent of alkali–silica reaction (ASR) produced with partial replacement of fine aggregate by glass bead was investigated and compressive strength of concrete samples with different proportion of glass bead in their mix designs were measured in this study. Ideal results were obtained with less than 0.850 mm diameter size glass beads were used (19 % by total weight of aggregate) for C30/37 class concrete. Top and bottom surface temperatures of two different C30/37 strength class concrete slabs with and without glass beads were measured. It was identified that, using glass bead in concrete mix design, reduces the temperature differences between top and bottom surfaces of concrete pavement. The study presented herein provides important results on the necessity of regulating concrete road mix design specifications according to regions and climates to reduce the temperature gradient values which are very important in concrete road design.

The significance of sonographically thickened endometrium in asymptomatic postmenopausal women

Runa Ozelci,Berna Dilbaz,Funda Akpınar,Tugba Kınay,Emre Baser,Oya Aldemir,Sadıman Kıykac Altınbas 대한산부인과학회 2019 Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Vol.62 No.4

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between sonographic, hysteroscopic, and pathological findings in postmenopausalasymptomatic patients with sonographically thickened endometrium. MethodsThe records of postmenopausal patients who attended the Menopause Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary women’shospital in Ankara, Turkey between January 1, 2012 and December 15, 2013 were retrieved. A total of 266postmenopausal women without vaginal bleeding underwent hysteroscopic evaluation and endometrial sampling. Patients whose pathological records indicated an endometrial thickness equal to or greater than 6 mm (double layer)on transvaginal ultrasonography without any symptoms were included in the study. ResultsThe most frequently detected focal intrauterine lesions in asymptomatic women were endometrial polyps, whichwere diagnosed in 168 (63.1%) cases. Twenty-four (9%) patients were diagnosed as having simple hyperplasia, 4(1%) atypical hyperplasia, and 8 (3%) endometrial adenocarcinoma. Two of the patients with adenocarcinomawere diagnosed based on endometrial polyps, and 6 cases showed endometrial hyperplasia on hysteroscopy, whilehistological examination showed endometrial carcinoma. ConclusionWe suggest 10.5 mm as the cutoff value for endometrial thickness and recommend hysteroscopy following dilatationand curettage to increase diagnostic efficacy and provide definitive treatment in asymptomatic postmenopausalwomen with thickened endometrium.

Medium and Long-Term Data from a Series of 96 Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgeries for Cushing Disease

Buruç Erkan,Muhammed Bayındır,Ebubekir Akpınar,Osman Tanrıverdi,Ozan Haşimoğlu,Lütfi Şinasi Postalcı,Didem Acarer Bugün,Dilara Tekin,Sema Çiftçi,İlkay Çakır,Meral Mert,Ömür Günaldı,Esra Hatipoğlu 대한신경외과학회 2024 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.67 No.2

Objective : Postoperative data on Cushing’s disease (CD) are equivocal in the literature. These discrepancies may be attributed to different series with different criteria for remission and variable follow-up durations. Additional data from experienced centers may address these discrepancies. In this study, we present the results obtained from 96 endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries (ETSSs) for CD conducted in a well-experienced center. Methods : Pre- and postoperative data of 96 ETSS in 87 patients with CD were included. All cases were handled by the same neurosurgical team between 2014 and 2022. We obtained data on remission status 3−6 months postoperatively (medium-term) and during the latest follow-up (long-term). Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathology results were obtained for each case. Results : The mean follow-up duration was 39.5±3.2 months. Medium and long-term remission rates were 77% and 82%, respectively. When only first-time operations were considered, the medium- and long-term remission rates were 78% and 82%, respectively. The recurrence rate in this series was 2.5%. Patients who showed remission between 3−6 months had higher longterm remission rates than did those without initial remission. Tumors >2 cm and extended tumor invasion of the cavernous sinus (Knosp 4) were associated with lower postoperative remission rates. Conclusion : Adenoma size and the presence/absence of cavernous sinus invasion on preopera-tive MRI may predict long-term postoperative remission. A tumor size of 2 cm may be a supporting criterion for predicting remission in Knosp 4 tumors. Further studies with larger patient populations are necessary to support this finding.

Foramen Magnum Decompression and Duraplasty is Superior to Only Foramen Magnum Decompression in Chiari Malformation Type 1 Associated with Syringomyelia in Adults

Mehmet Sabri Gürbüz,Mehmet Zafer Berkman,Emre Ünal,Elif Akpınar,Şevki Gök,Metin Orakdöğen,Salih Aydın 대한척추외과학회 2015 Asian Spine Journal Vol.9 No.5

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: To compare surgical results of foramen magnum decompression with and without duraplasty in Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) associated syringomyelia (SM). Overview of Literature: The optimal surgical treatment of CM-1 associated with SM is unclear. Methods: Twenty-five cases of CM-1 with SM were included. There were 12 patients (48%) in the non-duraplasty group and 13 patients (52%) in the duraplasty group. The rate of improvement, state of postoperative SM size, amount of tonsillar herniation, preoperative symptom duration, complications and reoperation rates were analysed. Results: The rate of clinical improvement was significantly higher with duraplasty (84.6%) than without (33.3%, p <0.05). The rate of postoperative syrinx regression was significantly higher in the duraplasty group (84.6%) than in the non-duraplasty group (33.3%, p <0.05). One case in the duraplasty group needed a reoperation compared with five cases in the non-duraplasty group (p =0.059). Conclusions: Duraplasty is superior to non-duraplasty in CM-1 associated with SM despite a slightly higher complication rate.

Are Mannan-binding Lectine Serin Protease-2 and Alpha-1-microglobulin and Bukinin Precursor the Potential Biomarkers of Manic Episode? A Study via Urinary Proetomic Analysis

Cem Cerit,Mehmet Sarıhan,Ö,mer Nart,Murat Kasap,Hilmi Yaş,ar,Gü,rler Akpınar 대한정신약물학회 2021 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.19 No.2

Objective: Investigating the molecular basis of bipolar disorder (BD) is crucial in terms of developing effective treatment strategies as well as objective laboratory-based diagnostic tools for the disease. Methods: We examined the urine samples of BD patients both in manic episode and after remission and compared their urinary protein profiles with the controls. Twelve patients and twelve controls (C group) included to the study. Urinary samples of patients were first collected during manic episode (M group) and then after remission (R group). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled to MALDI-TOF/TOF massspectrometry approach and Western blot analysis were used. Results: Alpha-1-microglobulin and bukinin precursor (AMBP), Mannan-binding lectine serin protease-2 (MASP-2), and Ig gamma-1-chain displayed significant increases in their abundance in the urine protein pool of M group in comparison to the C and R groups. Alpha-1B glycoprotein and prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase (PGD2) levels were significantly higher in the urine protein pool of the M and R groups in comparison to the C group. Annexin A1 was downregulated sig-nificantly in the urine protein pool of the M group in comparison to the C group. Conclusion: Intensities of MASP-2 and AMBP proteins discriminated manic episode from remission period and healthy controls indicating that these proteins may be candidate biomarkers for manic episode. The decrease in Annexin A1 and increase in Ig gamma-1 chain levels appeared to be associated with “Manic Episode” while the increase in PGD2 and alpha-1B glycoprotein levels appeared to be associated with “Bipolar Disorder”.