Assessment of Arsenic Levels in Body Samples and Chronic Exposure in People Using Water with a High Concentration of Arsenic: a Field Study in Kutahya

Arikan, Inci,Namdar, Nazli Dizen,Kahraman, Cuneyt,Dagci, Merve,Ece, Ezgi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of skin lesions, which is a health effect of chronic arsenic (As) exposure, and determine the hair/blood arsenic concentrations of people living in Kutahya villages who are using and drinking tap water with a high concentration of arsenic. Materials and Methods: A total of 303 people were included in the present cross-sectional study. A prepared questionnaire form was used to collect the participants' information and environmental history. Skin examination was performed on all participants. Hair, blood and water samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The cumulative arsenic index (CAI) was calculated for all participants. Results: Villages were divided into two groups according to the arsenic level (<$20{\mu}g/L$, Group I; >$20{\mu}g/L$, Group II) in their water. The prevalence of skin lesions, hair and blood arsenic level, and CAI were found to be higher in the Group II participants. There was a positive association between body arsenic levels and CAI in the participants of each group. Conclusions: The number of skin lesions and arsenic concentrations in body samples were found to increase with the water arsenic level and exposure time. We hope that sharing this study's results with local administrators will help accelerate the rehabilitation of water sources in Kutahya.

Impact of Prognostic Factors on Survival Rates in Patients with Ovarian Carcinoma

Arikan, Sevim Kalsen,Kasap, Burcu,Yetimalar, Hakan,Yildiz, Askin,Sakarya, Derya Kilic,Tatar, Sumeyra Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.15

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to invesitigate the impact of significant clinico-pathological prognostic factors on survival rates and to identify factors predictive of poor outcome in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of 74 women with pathologically proven ovarian carcinoma who were treated between January 2006 and April 2011 was performed. Patients were investigated with respect to survival to find the possible effects of age, gravida, parity, menstruel condition, pre-operative Ca-125, treatment period, cytologic washings, presence of ascites, tumor histology, stage and grade, maximal tumor diameter, adjuvan chemotherapy and cytoreductive success. Also 55 ovarian carcinoma patients were investigated with respect to prognostic factors for early 2-year survival. Results: The two-year survival rate was 69% and the 5-year survival rate was 25.5% for the whole study population. Significant factors for 2-year survival were preoperative CA-125 level, malignant cytology and FIGO clinical stage. Significant factors for 5-year survival were age, preoperative CA-125 level, residual tumor, lymph node metastases, histologic type of tumor, malignant cytology and FIGO clinical stage. Logistic regression revealed that independent prognostic factors of 5-year survival were patient age, lymph node metastasis and malignant cytology. Conclusions: We consider quality registries with prospectively collected data to be one important tool in monitoring treatment effects in population-based cancer research.

A Hierarchical Solution Approach for Occupational Health and Safety Inspectors' Task Assignment Problem

Arikan, Feyzan,Sozen, Songul K. Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2021 Safety and health at work Vol.12 No.2

Background: Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a significant interest of all governments to prevent workplace hazards. Although appropriate legislation and regulations are essentials for the protection of workers, they are solely not enough. Application of them in practice should be secured by an efficient inspection system. Fundamental components of an inspection system are inspectors and their audit tasks. Maintaining the fair balanced task assignment among inspectors strictly enhances the efficiency of the overall system. Methods: This study proposes a two-phased goal programming approach for OHS inspectors' task assignments and presents a case study. Results: The solution approach gives the balanced assignment of inspectors to the workplaces in different cities of the country in the planning period. The obtained schedule takes into account the distances covered by the work places and the number of the workplaces' employees to be audited and pays attention to the human factors by considering the preferences of the inspectors. The comparisons between the obtained optimal schedule and the implemented one that is produced manually show that the approach not only maintains the technical requirements of the problem, but also provides social and physical balance to the task assignment. Conclusion: Both the approach and the application study are expected to offer fruitful inspirations in the area of safety management and policy and they provide a good guide for social policy and organizational aspects in the field of OHS inspectors' task assignment.

Investigation of the Mechanical, Electronic and Phonon Properties of X2ScAl (X = Ir, Os, and Pt) Heusler Compounds

Arikan Nihat,Ocak Hamza Yaşar,Dikici Yıldız Gökçen,Yıldız Yasin Göktürk,Ünal Rahmi 한국물리학회 2020 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.76 No.10

In the present study, the second-order elastic constants and the electronic band structures of the X2ScAl (x = Ir, Os, and Pt) compounds crystallized in the L21 phase were calculated separately by using the ab-initio density functional theory. According to the results for the second-order elastic constants, these compounds met the Born mechanical stability criteria. Also, according to the Pugh criteria, they were found to have a ductile structure and to show anisotropic behavior. The microhardneses of the compounds were between 2 and 14 GPa, and the highest hardness was found in the Ir2ScAl (14.290 GPa) compound. In addition, the energy band structures of these compounds were calculated, and the crystals were found to have a metallic bond structure. All the computed data were compared with previously calculated results obtained with different methods. According to the findings obtained in the present study, in terms of its mechanical and electronic behaviors, Ir2ScAl was found to have better physical properties than Os2ScAl and Pt2ScAl. The phonon dispersion curves and their corresponding total and projected densities of states were investigated for the first time by using a linear-response approach in the context of density functional perturbation theory. The frequencies of the optical phonon modes of all compounds at the Γ point were 4.767, 7.504 and 9.271 THz for Ir2ScAl, 2.761, 7.985 and 9.184 THz for Os2ScAl and 2.012, 5.6952 and 8.118 THz for Pt2ScAl. The heat capacity Cv at constant volume versus temperature was calculated using a quasi-harmonic approach and the results are discussed.

Real-life ruxolitinib experience in intermediate-risk myelofibrosis

Fatma Arikan,Tayfur Toptas,Isik Kaygusuz Atagunduz,Tarik Ercan,Ozen Oruc,Fergun Yilmaz,Tulin Tuglular 대한혈액학회 2021 Blood Research Vol.56 No.4

Background In this retrospective cohort of patients with primary, post-polycythemia vera, or post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis, 57 patients with MF who received ruxolitinib for MF-related symptoms or symptomatic splenomegaly were evaluated. Methods The median age of the patients in this cohort was approximately 58 years. Of these, there were 33 patients (57.9%) in INT-1, 23 patients (40.4%) in INT-2, and 1 patient (1.8%) at high risk. Overall, spleen size reduction of at least 35% (spleen response) was achieved in 56.6% and 63.3% of all cohort and INT-1 risk at any time, respectively. Results Symptom response and clinical improvement were observed in 21.7% and 60.7% of patients, respectively. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were prevalent, but manageable. About 73.7% of patients continued treatment during a median follow-up of 22 months. Two-year OS probability was approximately 84.5% (95% CI, 63.1‒94.0%) and 62.3% (95% CI, 37.5‒79.6%) for the intermediate-1 and -2 risk groups, respectively. Conclusion Real-life experience in a community-based hospital confirms the efficacy and safety profile of ruxolitinib in intermediate-risk myelofibrosis. Treatment discontinuation rates were lower than those in clinical trials.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the masseter muscle in patients with temporomandibular joint degeneration

Busra Arikan,Numan Dedeoglu,Aydin Keskinruzgar Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2023 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.53 No.-

Purpose: Sonographic elastography can be used to evaluate the hardness of muscle tissue through the application of compression. Strain elastography gauges hardness through the comparison of echo sets before and after compression. This study utilized ultrasonography to measure the thickness and hardness of the masseter muscle in individuals with temporomandibular joint(TMJ) osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This study included 40 patients who presented with joint pain and were diagnosed with TMJ osteoarthritis via diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography, along with 40 healthy individuals. The thickness and hardness of each individual's masseter muscle were evaluated both at rest and at maximum bite using ultrasonography. The Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test were employed for statistical analysis, with the significance level set at P<0.05. Results: The mean thickness of the resting masseter muscle was 0.91 cm in patients with osteoarthritis, versus 1.00 cm in healthy individuals. The mean thickness of the masseter muscle at maximum bite was 1.28 cm in osteoarthritis patients and 1.36 cm in healthy individuals. The mean masseter elasticity index ratio at maximum bite was 4.51 in patients with osteoarthritis and 3.16 in healthy controls. Significant differences were observed between patients with osteoarthritis and healthy controls in both the masseter muscle thickness and the masseter elasticity index ratio, at rest and at maximum bite (P<0.05). Conclusion: The thickness of the masseter muscle in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis was less than that in healthy controls. Additionally, the hardness of the masseter muscle was greater in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis.

Liver fibrosis in children: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapy

Ozdogan Elif,Arikan Cigdem 대한소아청소년과학회 2023 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.66 No.3

Chronic liver disease incidence is increasing among children worldwide due to a multitude of epidemiological changes. Most of these chronic insults to the pediatric liver progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis to different degrees. Liver and immune physiology differs significantly in children from adults. Because most of pediatric liver diseases have no definitive therapy, a better understanding of population and disease-specific fibrogenesis is mandatory. Furthermore, fibrosis development has prognostic significance and often guide treatment. Evaluation of liver fibrosis continues to rely on the gold-standard liver biopsy. However, many high-quality studies put forward the high diagnostic accuracy of numerous diagnostic modalities in this setting. Herein, we summarize and discuss the recent literature on fibrogenesis with an emphasis on pediatric physiology along with a detailed outline of disease-specific signatures, noninvasive diagnostic modalities, and the potential for antifibrotic therapies.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Ethylene-<i>graft</i>-Ethylene/Propylene Copolymers

Stadler, Florian J.,Arikan-Conley, Burç,ak,Kaschta, Joachim,Kaminsky, Walter,Mü,nstedt, Helmut American Chemical Society 2011 Macromolecules Vol.44 No.12

<P>A sequential metallocene-catalyzed synthesis of ethylene/propylene macromers, which are subsequently incorporated into growing polyethylene chains, leads to comb-like polymers. After the synthesis, a Soxhlet extraction ensures the purity of the sample. The GPC-MALLS analysis reveals narrowly distributed samples with a non-negligible degree of branching. The comb polymers show a very high viscosity, which significantly differs from conventional long-chain branched metallocene polyethylenes (LCB-mPE) but is in agreement with findings on comb model polymers. The zero shear rate viscosity η<SUB>0</SUB> lies significantly above the relation between <I>M</I><SUB>w</SUB> and η<SUB>0</SUB> for linear and for conventional LCB-mPE. The thermorheological behavior is complex and differs from that observed for LCB-mPE but also does not resemble an LDPE-like thermorheological behavior.</P><P><B>Graphic Abstract</B> <IMG SRC='http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/mamobx/2011/mamobx.2011.44.issue-12/ma200588r/production/images/medium/ma-2011-00588r_0007.gif'></P><P><A href='http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/ma200588r'>ACS Electronic Supporting Info</A></P>

Poster Session : PS 0722 ; Rheumatology ; SystemIc Lupus Erythematosus and Castleman Disease Co-Existence in a Patient with Weight Loss and Lymphadenopathy

( Yusuf Hancerli ),( Veysel Ozalper ),( Abdullah Haholu ),( Ramazan Arikan ),( Emrullah Solmazgul ) 대한내과학회 2014 대한내과학회 추계학술대회 Vol.2014 No.1

Objective: Castleman`s disease (CD) is quite rare and its etiology is not clearly unravelled yet. It is a lymphoproliferative disease with giant lymph node hyperplasia. This report presents newly diagnosed SLE and CD association on a 21 year old male who was transferred to our hospital with weight loss, fatigue and multiple lymphadenopathy (LAP) complaints along with the pre-diagnosis of lymphoma. Case Report: In September 2013, the patient was admitted to our Hematology Clinic with the complaints of weakness, neck and arm pit swelling and weight loss. The patient was at 68 kg in November 2012, while admitted to the hospital in September 2013 he was at 47 kg. On physical examination, bilateral cervical, supraclavicular, inguinal and axillary LAP which reached 3-4 cm in size and hepatomegaly was identifi ed. He had pain in both hand`s mid-interfalengeal joints and was unable to move comfortably. Labarotary fi ndings were hemoglobin:10. 5 g/dl, direct coombs +2 positive, platelet 79100 u/l, sedim 96, C-reactive protein 26. 6, ANA: 2. 672 (cut off<0,896), AntidsDNA:2. 517 (cut off<0,947), nRNP/Sm positive, C3: 0. 675 g/dl, C4 :0. 0871 g/ dl,24- hour urine protein 1481. 24 mg. The patient was diagnosed as SLE with the present fi ndings. The excisional biopsy from the right axillary lymph node area which showed the highest activity in PET CT ( SUVmax : 6. 4) was considered signifi cant inthe terms of CD. Conclusion: Altough LAP`s most common causes are malignancy, autoimmune diseases and infections, it would be appropriate to take into consideration lymphoproliferative diseases such as CD in the stage of diagnosis evaluation in spite of very rare occurence.

Industrial Cultural Heritage Potential of Eskisehir

Hakan YILMAZ,Ece KAYA,Irfan ARIKAN 세계문화관광학회 2011 Conference Proceedings Vol.12 No.-

Cultural heritage tourism has increasingly been recognized worldwide and is well-accepted as a significant new tourism trend. Industrial heritage tourism has rapidly increased in recent years as a new type of cultural heritage tourism. Eskisehir a city located on the banks of the Porsuk River to the west of Ankara the capital of Turkey has almost untouched industrial heritage tourism potential which is in expectation of being used as an attraction of tourist interest. Yet although the city is undergoing rapid transformation as a result of this process and has become a tourism destination with new investments sustainable strategies focusing on loyal tourists are still needed. The city provi des new attractions by way of hotels newly built shopping malls rehabilitation and environmental renewal of the Porsuk River colorful nightlife new museums and various events and festivals. Mo st of these activities and attractions could be considered the result of the transformation of industri al heritage. Eskisehir was the birthplace of brick and tile industry in Turkey. Nowadays huge indu strial areas related to brick and tile production have lost their functions. The adaptive reuse of ind ustrial buildings in Eskisehir significantly differs from their former use and they could be transfor med to a new visitor destination. Because industrial heritage not only offers an advantage to conse rve the region but also plays a vital role of developing new kinds of attractions in a highly com petitive market. The aim of this paper is to analyze the industrial heritage tourism potential of Es kisehir and provide suggestions for re-use and improvements of industrial heritage tourism in the city.