BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are thought to increase the risk of stroke occurrence. But their mechanism has not yet been clarified. We investigated possible relationships between ischemic stroke and weather conditio...BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are thought to increase the risk of stroke occurrence. But their mechanism has not yet been clarified. We investigated possible relationships between ischemic stroke and weather conditions including atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed.METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with ischemic stroke who had been admitted to our hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2010 were enrolled in this study. We investigated the relationship between daily cases and weather conditions the same day or 1, 2, and 3 days before stroke.RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between maximum wind speed and daily cases 3 days before stroke. As the relationship between daily cases and changes of weather conditions in consecutive days was evaluated, a negative correlation was found between daily cases and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours.CONCLUSIONS: The maximum wind speed 3 days before stroke and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours were found to increase the cases of ischemic stroke. We recommend that individuals at risk of ischemic stroke should pay more attention to preventive measures, especially on days with low maximum wind speed, on subsequent 3 days, and on days with low atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours.展开更多
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the clinical and socio-demographic aspects of acute poisoning in 2010 in Duzce City, Northwest Anatolian Region of Turkey.METHODS: Acute poisoning was due to the intentional in...BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the clinical and socio-demographic aspects of acute poisoning in 2010 in Duzce City, Northwest Anatolian Region of Turkey.METHODS: Acute poisoning was due to the intentional ingestion of drugs in young and adult people(≥16), who were treated at the Emergency Service of Duzce University Medical Hospital, Turkey from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. In this retrospective and descriptive study, 95 patients were diagnosed with intoxications and 30 of them intentionally ingested drugs to commit suicide. Records of the patients diagnosed with intoxication were obtained from the Clinical Archive of the hospital. Their diagnoses were established according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Codes X60-X84 of this classification were used to classify self-infringed drug injuries and drug poisoning.RESULTS: In this series, 35(36.8%) patients were male and 60 patients(63.2%) female. The male/female ratio was 1.0/1.7. The mean age of the patients was 33.1±14.2 years; 17(17.9%) patients were below 20 years old and 9(9.5%) were older than 50 years. Of these patients, 29(30.5%) were single, 7(7.4%) divorced or separated, and 59(62.1%) married. Their mean time for admission to the emergency service after the incident was 208±180(15–660) minutes. The mean time for admission to the emergency service for patients with food intoxication after the incident was 142±160 minutes, for those with drug intoxication 173±161 minutes, for those with carbon monoxide(CO) intoxication 315±209 minutes, and for those with undefined intoxication 289±166 minutes(P=0.005). Most of the intoxication cases occurred in winter(41.1%, 39 of 95 patients). Admissions to the emergency service were most common in December and April(21 and 16 of 95 patients, respectively). Sixty-five(68.4%) cases were involved in non-deliberate poisoning, whereas 30(31.6%) were involved in deliberate poisoning. Twenty-six of the 95 patients with acute poisonings had mortality risk at admission, however only one died from CO intoxication in the emergency service(1.1%). Suicide attempts were more common in females than in males(21 of 30 patients, 70%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In Duzce City of Turkey, most intoxication cases occurred in winter, especially in December. They had non-deliberate poisoning, but deliberate poisoning in suicide attempts was more common in females than in males.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination status and related characteristics of Turkish healthcare workers practicing chest medicine.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the Turkish Thora...Objective: To evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination status and related characteristics of Turkish healthcare workers practicing chest medicine.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the Turkish Thoracic Society members. The survey was started on May 17, 2021, and kept open for seven weeks. The 39-item survey included the COVID-19 vaccination status and demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics. Results: Of 378 healthcare workers participated in the survey, 354(93.7%) reported receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 323(91.2%) healthcare workers received CoronaVac vs. BioNTech/Pfizer in 31(8.8%). In the CoronaVac group, 77(23.8%) contracted COVID-19 when not fully vaccinated, and 13(4.0%) when fully vaccinated;however, 16(51.6%) healthcare workers in the BioNTech/Pfizer group got COVID-19 when not fully vaccinated, but any fully vaccinated participants did not contract COVID-19(P=0.003). Regarding vaccine dosing, 328(86.8%) were fully vaccinated, while 50(13.2%) were not. Multiple regression analysis for being a non-fully vaccinated healthcare worker demonstrated a significant relationship with having any SARS-CoV-2 infection history(adjusted OR 9.57, 95% CI 3.93-23.26, P<0.001) and being a non-physician healthcare worker(adjusted OR 5.86, 95% CI 2.11-16.26, P=0.001), but a significant negative relationship with full-time working at the time of survey(adjusted OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.56, P=0.006). Conclusions: Although a majority of healthcare workers were fully vaccinated, occupational and non-occupational characteristics were related to being non-fully vaccinated. Active surveillance regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers is necessary to address specific parameters as barriers to vaccination.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-290 g were randomized into four groups of ten: (1)...AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-290 g were randomized into four groups of ten: (1) controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 rain followed by reperfusion for 45 rain; (4) I-R/Resveratrol group: rats pretreated with resveratrol (10 umol/L, iv). Liver tissues were obtained to determine antioxidant enzyme levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: Plasma aminotransferase activities were higher in the I/R group than in the I-R/Resveratrol group. Malondialdehyde levels and the hepatic injury score decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 4, histopathological changes were significantly attenuated in resveratroltreated livers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that resveratrol has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury, and is a potential therapeutic drug for ischemia reperfusionrelated liver injury.展开更多
Forest structure changes continuously by natural and anthropogenic effects. Because the level of goods and services provided by forest ecosystems are related to this structure, some attributes have to be controlled wh...Forest structure changes continuously by natural and anthropogenic effects. Because the level of goods and services provided by forest ecosystems are related to this structure, some attributes have to be controlled while they are being managed. In this paper we describe the long-term temporal changes in land area and landscape metrics related to different land uses of a managed forest in Turkey. The study was carried out for the Daday Forest Planning Unit located in the west Black Sea region of northern Turkey. The total area is 16,813 ha and besides wood production, it is managed for erosion control, public health, aesthetics, and recreation. Stand type maps that were constructed in 1970,1989, 1999, and 2010 were used in this analysis. Transition matrixes that illustrate area changes among cover types and temporal changes on some landscape metrics were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. Stands were separated into small patches, and thus the number of patches increased nearly two-fold between 1970 and 2010. The total forest edge increased and through the associated fragmentation, the amount of core forest area decreased at the landscape scale. Landscape metrics were applied to digitized versions of historical maps to assess how forest area changed. Human use of the land has changed, forest management practices have evolved, and these along with natural forest growth have contributed to interesting changes in landscape character.展开更多
Wood heat treatment has increased signifi- cantly in recent years and is still growing as an industrial process to improve some wood properties. We studied the change of swellingand surface roughness of common alder ...Wood heat treatment has increased signifi- cantly in recent years and is still growing as an industrial process to improve some wood properties. We studied the change of swellingand surface roughness of common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. ssp.glutinosa) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) woods after heat treatment at two different temperatures and durations. The temperatures were 180 and 200 ℃ and the durations were 2 and 4 h. A stylus method was employed to evaluate the surface char- acteristics of the samples. Roughness measurements by the stylus method were made in the direction perpendicular to the fiber on the wood surface. Four main roughness parameters, mean arithmetic deviation of profile (Ra), mean peak-to-valley height (Rz), root mean square roughness (Rq), and maximum roughness (Ry) were used to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the surface characteristics of the specimens. Swelling and surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Ry, and Rq) differed significantly for two temper- atures and two durations of heat treatment. Swelling and surface roughness values decreased with increasing treat- ment temperature and treatment times.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the inhibitory effects of regorafenib(BAY 73-4506),a multikinase inhibitor,on corneal neovascularization(NV).METHODS:Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g,were used.Corneal NV was in...AIM:To evaluate the inhibitory effects of regorafenib(BAY 73-4506),a multikinase inhibitor,on corneal neovascularization(NV).METHODS:Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g,were used.Corneal NV was induced by NaOH in the left eyes of each rat.Following the establishment of alkali burn,the animals were randomized into five groups according to topical treatment.Group 1(n=6)received 0.9%NaCl,Group 2(n=6)received dimethyl sulfoxide,Group 3(n=6)received regorafenib 1 mg/mL,Group 4(n=6)received bevacizumab 5 mg/mL and Group 5(n=6)received 0.1%dexamethasone phosphate.On the 7d,the corneal surface covered with neovascular vessels was measured on photographs as the percentage of the cornea’s total area using computer-imaging analysis.The corneas obtained from rats were semiquantitatively evaluated for caspase-3 and vascular endothelial growth factor by immunostaining.RESULTS:A statistically significant difference in the percent area of corneal NV was found among the groups(P【0.001).Although the Group 5 had the smallest percent area of corneal NV,there was no difference among Groups 3,4 and 5(P】0.005).There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in apoptotic cell density(P=0.002).The staining intensity of vascular endothelial growth factor in the epithelial and endothelial layers of cornea was significantly different among the groups(P【0.05).The staining intensity of epithelial and endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly weaker in Groups 3,4 and 5 thanin Groups 1 and 2.CONCLUSION:Topical administration of regorafenib 1mg/mL is partly effective for preventing alkali-induced corneal NV in rats.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the relationship between reflux and body mass index(BMI) in the asymptomatic obese population using the impedance-p H technique.METHODS:Gastroesophageal reflux is frequent in the obese population.Ho...AIM:To investigate the relationship between reflux and body mass index(BMI) in the asymptomatic obese population using the impedance-p H technique.METHODS:Gastroesophageal reflux is frequent in the obese population.However,the relationship between acid reflux and BMI in asymptomatic obese people is unclear.Forty-six obese(BMI > 25 kg/m2) people were enrolled in this prospective study.We evaluated the demographic findings and 24-h impedance p H values of the whole group.Gas,acid(p H < 4),weak acid(p H = 4-7) and weak alkaline(p H ≥ 7) reflux parameters were analyzed.RESULTS:The mean age of patients was 49.47±12.24 years,and half of them were men.The mean BMI was 30.64±3.95 kg/m2(25.14-45.58 kg/m2).BMI of 23 was over 30 kg/m2.Seventeen patients had a comorbidity(hypertension,diabetes mellitus,or ischemic heart disease).Endoscopic examination revealed esophagitis in 13 of the 28 subjects(10Grade A,3 Grade B).The subjects were divided into two groups according to BMI(<30 and>30 kg/m2).Demographic and endoscopic findings,and impedance results were similar in these two groups.However,there was a positive correlation between BMI and total and supine p H<4 episodes(P=0.002,r=0.414;P=0.000,r=0.542),p H<4 reflux time(P=0.015,r=0.319;P=0.003,r=0.403),and De Meester score(P=0.012,r=0.333).CONCLUSION:Acid reflux is correlated with BMI in asymptomatic obese individuals.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most commonly seen bacterium worldwide.It's in the etiology of multiple gastrointestinal diseases,ranging from gastritis to gastric carcinoma.The antimicrobial therapies,which are...Helicobacter pylori is one of the most commonly seen bacterium worldwide.It's in the etiology of multiple gastrointestinal diseases,ranging from gastritis to gastric carcinoma.The antimicrobial therapies,which are frequently prescribed empirically,are losing their effectivity as a result of the increasing antimicrobial resistance.As the standard triple therapy is now leftespecially in areas with high-clarithromycin resistance due to decreased eradication rates,quadruple therapies are recommended in most regions of the world.Alternatively,concomitant,sequential and hybrid therapies are used.There is still a debate going on about the use of levofloxacin-based therapy in order to prevent the increase in quinolone resistance.If no regimen can achieve the desired eradication rate,culture-guided individualized therapies are highly recommended.Probiotics,statins and n-acetylcysteine are helpful as adjuvant therapies in order to increase the effectiveness of the eradication therapy.Herein,we focused on different eradication regimens in order to highlight the current Helicobacter pylori treatment.展开更多
Hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and it is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Achieving a sustained virological response has been the major aim for decades. Interfer...Hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and it is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Achieving a sustained virological response has been the major aim for decades. Interferon treatment was the primarily developed therapy against the infection. Addition of the guanosine analog ribavirin to stop viral RNA synthesis increased the response rates as well as the adverse effects of the treatment. The increasing demands for alternative regimens led to the development of direct-acting antivirals(DAAs). The approval of sofosbuvir and simeprevir signaled a new era of antiviral treatment for hepatitis C infection. Although the majority of studies have been performed with DAAs in combination with interferon and resulted in a decrease in treatment duration and increase in response rates, the response rates achieved with interferon-free regimens provided hope for patients ineligible for therapy with interferon. Most DAA studies are in phase Ⅱ leading to phase Ⅲ. In the near future more DAAs are expected to be approved. The main disadvantage of the therapy remains the cost of the drugs. Here, we focus on new treatment strategies for hepatitis C infection as well as agents targeting hepatitis C virus replication that are in clinical development.展开更多
Methane (CH4) plasma was used to produce amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a- C:H) films by a single capacitively coupled radio frequency (RF) powered plasma system. The system consists of two parallel electrodes...Methane (CH4) plasma was used to produce amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a- C:H) films by a single capacitively coupled radio frequency (RF) powered plasma system. The system consists of two parallel electrodes: the upper electrode is connected to 13.56 MHz RF power and the lower one is connected to the ground. Thin films were deposited on glass slides with different sizes and on silicon wafers. The influence of the plasma species on film characteristics was studied by changing the plasma parameters. The changes of plasma species during the deposition were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The structural and optical properties were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy, and the thicknesses of the samples were measured by a profilometer. The sp3/sp2 ratio and the existing H atoms play a significant role in the determination of the chemical properties of thin films in the plasma. The film quality and deposition rate were both increased by raising the power and the flow rate.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Traumatic bilateral hip dislocation is a rare condition.Anterior shoulder dislocation combined with this condition is even a rare occurrence.A 57-year-old man had bilateral asymmetric hip dislocation with a...BACKGROUND:Traumatic bilateral hip dislocation is a rare condition.Anterior shoulder dislocation combined with this condition is even a rare occurrence.A 57-year-old man had bilateral asymmetric hip dislocation with a posterior wall fracture of the left acetabulum associated with right shoulder anterior dislocation caused by falling down from a cherry tree.Traumatic hip dislocation and anterior shoulder dislocation represent a true orthopedic emergency.METHODS:Closed reduction was performed immediately for three of the dislocated joints.Posterior wall fracture of the left acetabulum was treated with open reduction and internal fixation by screws.Because of the severity of associated complications like aseptic necrosis or posttraumatic osteoarthritis,efforts were made to ensure prompt diagnosis,therapy and prognosis.RESULTS:The patient was successfully treated by open reduction and internal fixation of the left acetabulum,and discharged from the hospital.CONCLUSION:Traumatic asymmetric hip dislocation and anterior shoulder dislocation are an orthopedic emergency and early diagnosis with immediate reduction of the dislocation is the key determinants of excellent result of treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT) is a rare disease and it has different etiologies.Inherited or acquired prothrombotic state plays a key role in the development of CVT.METHODS:A 28-year-old man who presented...BACKGROUND:Cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT) is a rare disease and it has different etiologies.Inherited or acquired prothrombotic state plays a key role in the development of CVT.METHODS:A 28-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with persistent headache and accompanied by complaints of nausea and vomiting over a week.Neurologic examination revealed bilateral papilledema.Brain computed tomography showed a hyperdense area on the posterior part of the occipital lobe.Brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography revealed thrombosis of CVT.Homozygous mutations were found for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR).MTHFR CG677 T gene mutation and blood tests showed elevated homocysteine levels on the etiological screening.There was no other etiology for CVT.RESULTS:Headache and other complaints were improved after treatment of heparin,warfarin,and vitamin B12.No recurrence of symptoms was observed upon outpatient follow-up.CONCLUSION:Since CVT is an important cause of headache,we recommend etiology screening for patients who present with CVT for MTHFR gene mutations and family counseling should be provided.展开更多
Kaynasli District in the western Black Sea region of Turkey has long been vulnerable to frequent flood damage due to the establishment of settlements within and around stream channels without regard to fluctuating pea...Kaynasli District in the western Black Sea region of Turkey has long been vulnerable to frequent flood damage due to the establishment of settlements within and around stream channels without regard to fluctuating peakstreamflow frequencies. The aim of this research was to determine the measures needed to protect the towns and villages from this type of damage. Daily total precipitation data for 1975–2010 were analysed, and rainfall-runoff models developed to estimate the potential yearly maximum discharge from each stream of sub-watersheds dominated by forests and/or agriculture. This was then calculated for different frequencies of the yearly maximum discharge. Flood analysis and mapping was modified via the one-dimensional Hydrologic Engineering CentersRiver Analysis System software to produce potential maximum discharge and geometric data for Kaynasli Creek. As the main creek of the sub-watershed, its crosssection was shown to be insufficient and incapable of containing the maximum discharge at the 100-year frequency presumed for the watershed, and subsequently was seen as having a high level of casualty risk. It was concluded that the one dimensional model could be useful, but 2D models were more suitable for these types of watersheds.展开更多
A Au/Bi4Ti3O12/n-Si structure is fabricated in order to investigate its current voltage (IV) characteristics in a temperature range of 300 K-400 K. Obtained I-V data are evaluated by the thermionic emission (TE) t...A Au/Bi4Ti3O12/n-Si structure is fabricated in order to investigate its current voltage (IV) characteristics in a temperature range of 300 K-400 K. Obtained I-V data are evaluated by the thermionic emission (TE) theory. Zero-bias barrier height (Ф0) and ideality factor (n) calculated from I-V characteristics, are found to be temperature-dependent such that ФB0 increases with temperature increasing, whereas n decreases. The obtained temperature dependence of ФB0 and linearity in ФB0 versus the n plot, together with a lower barrier height and Richardson constant values obtained from the Richardson plot, indicate that the barrier height of the structure is inhomogeneous in nature. Therefore, I-V characteristics are explained on the basis of Caussian distribution of barrier height.展开更多
There are fundamentally two different communication media in wireless underground sensor networks. The first of these is a solid medium where the sensor nodes are buried underground and wirelessly transmit data from u...There are fundamentally two different communication media in wireless underground sensor networks. The first of these is a solid medium where the sensor nodes are buried underground and wirelessly transmit data from underground to aboveground. The second is an underground medium such as tunnel, cave etc. and the data is transmitted from underground to the aboveground through partially solid medium. The quality of communication is greatly influenced by the humidity of the soil in both environments. The placement of wireless underground sensor nodes at hard-to-reach locations makes energy efficient work compulsory. In this paper, rule based collector station selection scheme is proposed for lossless data transmission in underground sensor networks. In order for sensor nodes to transmit energy-efficient lossless data, rulebased selection operations are carried out with the help of fuzzy logic. The proposed wireless underground sensor network is simulated using Riverbed software, and fuzzy logic-based selection scheme is implemented utilizing Matlab software. In order to evaluate the performance of the sensor network;the parameters of delay, throughput and energy consumption are investigated. Examining performance evaluation results, it is seen that average delay and maximum throughput are accomplished in the proposed underground sensor network. Under these conditions, it has been shown that the most appropriate collector station selection decision is made with the aim of minimizing energy consumption.展开更多
A new species, Spiraea cudidaghense(sect. Spiraeoideae, Rosaceae), is described and illustrated with diagnostic characters and taxonomic comments. Its characteristics are compared with those of the type species from w...A new species, Spiraea cudidaghense(sect. Spiraeoideae, Rosaceae), is described and illustrated with diagnostic characters and taxonomic comments. Its characteristics are compared with those of the type species from which it differs mainly in compound corymbs inflorescence, ovate-obovate leaves, white petals, glabrous branches and densely pilose corymbs. In addition, a map of the geographic distribution of the new species, an IUCN ranking and notes on taxonomic affinities are also provided.展开更多
In this study,truncated octahedron(TO)structure is selected for further analysis and we focus on 38-atom Pd-Pt-Ag trimetallic nanoalloys.The best chemical ordering structures of PdnAg32-nPt6 trimetallic nanoalloys are...In this study,truncated octahedron(TO)structure is selected for further analysis and we focus on 38-atom Pd-Pt-Ag trimetallic nanoalloys.The best chemical ordering structures of PdnAg32-nPt6 trimetallic nanoalloys are obtained at Gupta level.The structures with the lowest energy at Gupta level are then re-optimized by density functional theory(DFT)relaxations and DFT results confirm the Gupta level calculations with small shifts on bond lengths indicating TO structure is favorable for 38-atom of PdnAg32-nPt6 trimetallic nanoalloys.The DFT excess energy analysis shows that Pd8Ag24Pt6 composition has the lowest excess energy value in common with excess energy analysis at Gupta level.In Pd8Ag24Pt6 composition,eight Pd atoms are central sites of 8(111)hexagonal facets of TO,24 Ag atoms locate on surface,and 6 Pt atoms locate at the core of the structure.It is also obtained that all of the compositions except Pd18Ag14Pt6 and Pd20Ag12Pt6 exhibit a octahedral Pt core.Besides,it is observed that there is a clear tendency for Ag atoms to segregate to the surface and also Pt atoms prefer to locate at core due to order parameter(R)variations.展开更多
üIn this study, we aimed to determine the accumulations of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb in soil and lichen samples in K? prü bas??. The K? prü bas?? district is home to the largest uranium deposits in Turkey...üIn this study, we aimed to determine the accumulations of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb in soil and lichen samples in K? prü bas??. The K? prü bas?? district is home to the largest uranium deposits in Turkey. To date, there has been no study recorded in the literature related to ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb depositions in lichens in K? prü bas??. Six different lichen species(Cladonia convoluta, Parmelina tiliacea, Physcia stellaris, Pleurosticta acetabulum, Xanthoparmelia conspersa, and Xanthoria parietina) as well as soil samples were collected from seven sampling locations around K? prü bas??. Lichens were used as biomonitors for ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb deposition. The ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb activity concentrations were measured in all the samples by alpha spectrometry. The activity concentrations in the lichen samples ranged from 64 to 577 Bq kg^(-1) with an average of 266 Bq kg^(-1) for ^(210) Po and from 78 to 565 Bq kg^(-1) with an average of 333 Bq kg^(-1) for ^(210) Pb. The activity ratios of ^(210) Po/ ^(210) Pb ranged from 0.80 to 1.99. In the lichen species,the mean ^(210) Po activity values varied from 154 Bq kg^(-1) in Pleurosticta acetabulum to 390 Bq kg^(-1) in Xanthoparmelia conspersa. The range of the mean ^(210) Pb activity was between 153 Bq kg^(-1) in Cladonia convoluta and 378 Bq kg^(-1) in Parmelina tiliacea. In the soil samples, ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb activity concentrations were ranged from14 to 1268 Bq kg^(-1) and from 19 to 1113 Bq kg^(-1),respectively. While the values of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb measured in the lichen samples are comparable with those of the literature, the results of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb in the soil taken from the uranium mine are higher than the results of the literature studies.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are thought to increase the risk of stroke occurrence. But their mechanism has not yet been clarified. We investigated possible relationships between ischemic stroke and weather conditions including atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed.METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with ischemic stroke who had been admitted to our hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2010 were enrolled in this study. We investigated the relationship between daily cases and weather conditions the same day or 1, 2, and 3 days before stroke.RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between maximum wind speed and daily cases 3 days before stroke. As the relationship between daily cases and changes of weather conditions in consecutive days was evaluated, a negative correlation was found between daily cases and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours.CONCLUSIONS: The maximum wind speed 3 days before stroke and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours were found to increase the cases of ischemic stroke. We recommend that individuals at risk of ischemic stroke should pay more attention to preventive measures, especially on days with low maximum wind speed, on subsequent 3 days, and on days with low atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours.
文摘BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the clinical and socio-demographic aspects of acute poisoning in 2010 in Duzce City, Northwest Anatolian Region of Turkey.METHODS: Acute poisoning was due to the intentional ingestion of drugs in young and adult people(≥16), who were treated at the Emergency Service of Duzce University Medical Hospital, Turkey from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. In this retrospective and descriptive study, 95 patients were diagnosed with intoxications and 30 of them intentionally ingested drugs to commit suicide. Records of the patients diagnosed with intoxication were obtained from the Clinical Archive of the hospital. Their diagnoses were established according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Codes X60-X84 of this classification were used to classify self-infringed drug injuries and drug poisoning.RESULTS: In this series, 35(36.8%) patients were male and 60 patients(63.2%) female. The male/female ratio was 1.0/1.7. The mean age of the patients was 33.1±14.2 years; 17(17.9%) patients were below 20 years old and 9(9.5%) were older than 50 years. Of these patients, 29(30.5%) were single, 7(7.4%) divorced or separated, and 59(62.1%) married. Their mean time for admission to the emergency service after the incident was 208±180(15–660) minutes. The mean time for admission to the emergency service for patients with food intoxication after the incident was 142±160 minutes, for those with drug intoxication 173±161 minutes, for those with carbon monoxide(CO) intoxication 315±209 minutes, and for those with undefined intoxication 289±166 minutes(P=0.005). Most of the intoxication cases occurred in winter(41.1%, 39 of 95 patients). Admissions to the emergency service were most common in December and April(21 and 16 of 95 patients, respectively). Sixty-five(68.4%) cases were involved in non-deliberate poisoning, whereas 30(31.6%) were involved in deliberate poisoning. Twenty-six of the 95 patients with acute poisonings had mortality risk at admission, however only one died from CO intoxication in the emergency service(1.1%). Suicide attempts were more common in females than in males(21 of 30 patients, 70%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In Duzce City of Turkey, most intoxication cases occurred in winter, especially in December. They had non-deliberate poisoning, but deliberate poisoning in suicide attempts was more common in females than in males.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination status and related characteristics of Turkish healthcare workers practicing chest medicine.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the Turkish Thoracic Society members. The survey was started on May 17, 2021, and kept open for seven weeks. The 39-item survey included the COVID-19 vaccination status and demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics. Results: Of 378 healthcare workers participated in the survey, 354(93.7%) reported receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 323(91.2%) healthcare workers received CoronaVac vs. BioNTech/Pfizer in 31(8.8%). In the CoronaVac group, 77(23.8%) contracted COVID-19 when not fully vaccinated, and 13(4.0%) when fully vaccinated;however, 16(51.6%) healthcare workers in the BioNTech/Pfizer group got COVID-19 when not fully vaccinated, but any fully vaccinated participants did not contract COVID-19(P=0.003). Regarding vaccine dosing, 328(86.8%) were fully vaccinated, while 50(13.2%) were not. Multiple regression analysis for being a non-fully vaccinated healthcare worker demonstrated a significant relationship with having any SARS-CoV-2 infection history(adjusted OR 9.57, 95% CI 3.93-23.26, P<0.001) and being a non-physician healthcare worker(adjusted OR 5.86, 95% CI 2.11-16.26, P=0.001), but a significant negative relationship with full-time working at the time of survey(adjusted OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.56, P=0.006). Conclusions: Although a majority of healthcare workers were fully vaccinated, occupational and non-occupational characteristics were related to being non-fully vaccinated. Active surveillance regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers is necessary to address specific parameters as barriers to vaccination.
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-290 g were randomized into four groups of ten: (1) controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 rain followed by reperfusion for 45 rain; (4) I-R/Resveratrol group: rats pretreated with resveratrol (10 umol/L, iv). Liver tissues were obtained to determine antioxidant enzyme levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: Plasma aminotransferase activities were higher in the I/R group than in the I-R/Resveratrol group. Malondialdehyde levels and the hepatic injury score decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 4, histopathological changes were significantly attenuated in resveratroltreated livers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that resveratrol has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury, and is a potential therapeutic drug for ischemia reperfusionrelated liver injury.
文摘Forest structure changes continuously by natural and anthropogenic effects. Because the level of goods and services provided by forest ecosystems are related to this structure, some attributes have to be controlled while they are being managed. In this paper we describe the long-term temporal changes in land area and landscape metrics related to different land uses of a managed forest in Turkey. The study was carried out for the Daday Forest Planning Unit located in the west Black Sea region of northern Turkey. The total area is 16,813 ha and besides wood production, it is managed for erosion control, public health, aesthetics, and recreation. Stand type maps that were constructed in 1970,1989, 1999, and 2010 were used in this analysis. Transition matrixes that illustrate area changes among cover types and temporal changes on some landscape metrics were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. Stands were separated into small patches, and thus the number of patches increased nearly two-fold between 1970 and 2010. The total forest edge increased and through the associated fragmentation, the amount of core forest area decreased at the landscape scale. Landscape metrics were applied to digitized versions of historical maps to assess how forest area changed. Human use of the land has changed, forest management practices have evolved, and these along with natural forest growth have contributed to interesting changes in landscape character.
文摘Wood heat treatment has increased signifi- cantly in recent years and is still growing as an industrial process to improve some wood properties. We studied the change of swellingand surface roughness of common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. ssp.glutinosa) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) woods after heat treatment at two different temperatures and durations. The temperatures were 180 and 200 ℃ and the durations were 2 and 4 h. A stylus method was employed to evaluate the surface char- acteristics of the samples. Roughness measurements by the stylus method were made in the direction perpendicular to the fiber on the wood surface. Four main roughness parameters, mean arithmetic deviation of profile (Ra), mean peak-to-valley height (Rz), root mean square roughness (Rq), and maximum roughness (Ry) were used to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the surface characteristics of the specimens. Swelling and surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Ry, and Rq) differed significantly for two temper- atures and two durations of heat treatment. Swelling and surface roughness values decreased with increasing treat- ment temperature and treatment times.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the inhibitory effects of regorafenib(BAY 73-4506),a multikinase inhibitor,on corneal neovascularization(NV).METHODS:Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g,were used.Corneal NV was induced by NaOH in the left eyes of each rat.Following the establishment of alkali burn,the animals were randomized into five groups according to topical treatment.Group 1(n=6)received 0.9%NaCl,Group 2(n=6)received dimethyl sulfoxide,Group 3(n=6)received regorafenib 1 mg/mL,Group 4(n=6)received bevacizumab 5 mg/mL and Group 5(n=6)received 0.1%dexamethasone phosphate.On the 7d,the corneal surface covered with neovascular vessels was measured on photographs as the percentage of the cornea’s total area using computer-imaging analysis.The corneas obtained from rats were semiquantitatively evaluated for caspase-3 and vascular endothelial growth factor by immunostaining.RESULTS:A statistically significant difference in the percent area of corneal NV was found among the groups(P【0.001).Although the Group 5 had the smallest percent area of corneal NV,there was no difference among Groups 3,4 and 5(P】0.005).There was a statistically significant difference among the groups in apoptotic cell density(P=0.002).The staining intensity of vascular endothelial growth factor in the epithelial and endothelial layers of cornea was significantly different among the groups(P【0.05).The staining intensity of epithelial and endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly weaker in Groups 3,4 and 5 thanin Groups 1 and 2.CONCLUSION:Topical administration of regorafenib 1mg/mL is partly effective for preventing alkali-induced corneal NV in rats.
文摘AIM:To investigate the relationship between reflux and body mass index(BMI) in the asymptomatic obese population using the impedance-p H technique.METHODS:Gastroesophageal reflux is frequent in the obese population.However,the relationship between acid reflux and BMI in asymptomatic obese people is unclear.Forty-six obese(BMI > 25 kg/m2) people were enrolled in this prospective study.We evaluated the demographic findings and 24-h impedance p H values of the whole group.Gas,acid(p H < 4),weak acid(p H = 4-7) and weak alkaline(p H ≥ 7) reflux parameters were analyzed.RESULTS:The mean age of patients was 49.47±12.24 years,and half of them were men.The mean BMI was 30.64±3.95 kg/m2(25.14-45.58 kg/m2).BMI of 23 was over 30 kg/m2.Seventeen patients had a comorbidity(hypertension,diabetes mellitus,or ischemic heart disease).Endoscopic examination revealed esophagitis in 13 of the 28 subjects(10Grade A,3 Grade B).The subjects were divided into two groups according to BMI(<30 and>30 kg/m2).Demographic and endoscopic findings,and impedance results were similar in these two groups.However,there was a positive correlation between BMI and total and supine p H<4 episodes(P=0.002,r=0.414;P=0.000,r=0.542),p H<4 reflux time(P=0.015,r=0.319;P=0.003,r=0.403),and De Meester score(P=0.012,r=0.333).CONCLUSION:Acid reflux is correlated with BMI in asymptomatic obese individuals.
文摘Helicobacter pylori is one of the most commonly seen bacterium worldwide.It's in the etiology of multiple gastrointestinal diseases,ranging from gastritis to gastric carcinoma.The antimicrobial therapies,which are frequently prescribed empirically,are losing their effectivity as a result of the increasing antimicrobial resistance.As the standard triple therapy is now leftespecially in areas with high-clarithromycin resistance due to decreased eradication rates,quadruple therapies are recommended in most regions of the world.Alternatively,concomitant,sequential and hybrid therapies are used.There is still a debate going on about the use of levofloxacin-based therapy in order to prevent the increase in quinolone resistance.If no regimen can achieve the desired eradication rate,culture-guided individualized therapies are highly recommended.Probiotics,statins and n-acetylcysteine are helpful as adjuvant therapies in order to increase the effectiveness of the eradication therapy.Herein,we focused on different eradication regimens in order to highlight the current Helicobacter pylori treatment.
文摘Hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and it is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Achieving a sustained virological response has been the major aim for decades. Interferon treatment was the primarily developed therapy against the infection. Addition of the guanosine analog ribavirin to stop viral RNA synthesis increased the response rates as well as the adverse effects of the treatment. The increasing demands for alternative regimens led to the development of direct-acting antivirals(DAAs). The approval of sofosbuvir and simeprevir signaled a new era of antiviral treatment for hepatitis C infection. Although the majority of studies have been performed with DAAs in combination with interferon and resulted in a decrease in treatment duration and increase in response rates, the response rates achieved with interferon-free regimens provided hope for patients ineligible for therapy with interferon. Most DAA studies are in phase Ⅱ leading to phase Ⅲ. In the near future more DAAs are expected to be approved. The main disadvantage of the therapy remains the cost of the drugs. Here, we focus on new treatment strategies for hepatitis C infection as well as agents targeting hepatitis C virus replication that are in clinical development.
基金supported by the Scientific Research Project Fund of Duzce University under the projectnumber 2013.05.02.195
文摘Methane (CH4) plasma was used to produce amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a- C:H) films by a single capacitively coupled radio frequency (RF) powered plasma system. The system consists of two parallel electrodes: the upper electrode is connected to 13.56 MHz RF power and the lower one is connected to the ground. Thin films were deposited on glass slides with different sizes and on silicon wafers. The influence of the plasma species on film characteristics was studied by changing the plasma parameters. The changes of plasma species during the deposition were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The structural and optical properties were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy, and the thicknesses of the samples were measured by a profilometer. The sp3/sp2 ratio and the existing H atoms play a significant role in the determination of the chemical properties of thin films in the plasma. The film quality and deposition rate were both increased by raising the power and the flow rate.
文摘BACKGROUND:Traumatic bilateral hip dislocation is a rare condition.Anterior shoulder dislocation combined with this condition is even a rare occurrence.A 57-year-old man had bilateral asymmetric hip dislocation with a posterior wall fracture of the left acetabulum associated with right shoulder anterior dislocation caused by falling down from a cherry tree.Traumatic hip dislocation and anterior shoulder dislocation represent a true orthopedic emergency.METHODS:Closed reduction was performed immediately for three of the dislocated joints.Posterior wall fracture of the left acetabulum was treated with open reduction and internal fixation by screws.Because of the severity of associated complications like aseptic necrosis or posttraumatic osteoarthritis,efforts were made to ensure prompt diagnosis,therapy and prognosis.RESULTS:The patient was successfully treated by open reduction and internal fixation of the left acetabulum,and discharged from the hospital.CONCLUSION:Traumatic asymmetric hip dislocation and anterior shoulder dislocation are an orthopedic emergency and early diagnosis with immediate reduction of the dislocation is the key determinants of excellent result of treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND:Cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT) is a rare disease and it has different etiologies.Inherited or acquired prothrombotic state plays a key role in the development of CVT.METHODS:A 28-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with persistent headache and accompanied by complaints of nausea and vomiting over a week.Neurologic examination revealed bilateral papilledema.Brain computed tomography showed a hyperdense area on the posterior part of the occipital lobe.Brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography revealed thrombosis of CVT.Homozygous mutations were found for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR).MTHFR CG677 T gene mutation and blood tests showed elevated homocysteine levels on the etiological screening.There was no other etiology for CVT.RESULTS:Headache and other complaints were improved after treatment of heparin,warfarin,and vitamin B12.No recurrence of symptoms was observed upon outpatient follow-up.CONCLUSION:Since CVT is an important cause of headache,we recommend etiology screening for patients who present with CVT for MTHFR gene mutations and family counseling should be provided.
文摘Kaynasli District in the western Black Sea region of Turkey has long been vulnerable to frequent flood damage due to the establishment of settlements within and around stream channels without regard to fluctuating peakstreamflow frequencies. The aim of this research was to determine the measures needed to protect the towns and villages from this type of damage. Daily total precipitation data for 1975–2010 were analysed, and rainfall-runoff models developed to estimate the potential yearly maximum discharge from each stream of sub-watersheds dominated by forests and/or agriculture. This was then calculated for different frequencies of the yearly maximum discharge. Flood analysis and mapping was modified via the one-dimensional Hydrologic Engineering CentersRiver Analysis System software to produce potential maximum discharge and geometric data for Kaynasli Creek. As the main creek of the sub-watershed, its crosssection was shown to be insufficient and incapable of containing the maximum discharge at the 100-year frequency presumed for the watershed, and subsequently was seen as having a high level of casualty risk. It was concluded that the one dimensional model could be useful, but 2D models were more suitable for these types of watersheds.
基金Project supported by the Diizce University Scientific Research Project(Grant Nos.2010.05.02.056 and 2012.05.02.110)
文摘A Au/Bi4Ti3O12/n-Si structure is fabricated in order to investigate its current voltage (IV) characteristics in a temperature range of 300 K-400 K. Obtained I-V data are evaluated by the thermionic emission (TE) theory. Zero-bias barrier height (Ф0) and ideality factor (n) calculated from I-V characteristics, are found to be temperature-dependent such that ФB0 increases with temperature increasing, whereas n decreases. The obtained temperature dependence of ФB0 and linearity in ФB0 versus the n plot, together with a lower barrier height and Richardson constant values obtained from the Richardson plot, indicate that the barrier height of the structure is inhomogeneous in nature. Therefore, I-V characteristics are explained on the basis of Caussian distribution of barrier height.
文摘There are fundamentally two different communication media in wireless underground sensor networks. The first of these is a solid medium where the sensor nodes are buried underground and wirelessly transmit data from underground to aboveground. The second is an underground medium such as tunnel, cave etc. and the data is transmitted from underground to the aboveground through partially solid medium. The quality of communication is greatly influenced by the humidity of the soil in both environments. The placement of wireless underground sensor nodes at hard-to-reach locations makes energy efficient work compulsory. In this paper, rule based collector station selection scheme is proposed for lossless data transmission in underground sensor networks. In order for sensor nodes to transmit energy-efficient lossless data, rulebased selection operations are carried out with the help of fuzzy logic. The proposed wireless underground sensor network is simulated using Riverbed software, and fuzzy logic-based selection scheme is implemented utilizing Matlab software. In order to evaluate the performance of the sensor network;the parameters of delay, throughput and energy consumption are investigated. Examining performance evaluation results, it is seen that average delay and maximum throughput are accomplished in the proposed underground sensor network. Under these conditions, it has been shown that the most appropriate collector station selection decision is made with the aim of minimizing energy consumption.
文摘A new species, Spiraea cudidaghense(sect. Spiraeoideae, Rosaceae), is described and illustrated with diagnostic characters and taxonomic comments. Its characteristics are compared with those of the type species from which it differs mainly in compound corymbs inflorescence, ovate-obovate leaves, white petals, glabrous branches and densely pilose corymbs. In addition, a map of the geographic distribution of the new species, an IUCN ranking and notes on taxonomic affinities are also provided.
文摘In this study,truncated octahedron(TO)structure is selected for further analysis and we focus on 38-atom Pd-Pt-Ag trimetallic nanoalloys.The best chemical ordering structures of PdnAg32-nPt6 trimetallic nanoalloys are obtained at Gupta level.The structures with the lowest energy at Gupta level are then re-optimized by density functional theory(DFT)relaxations and DFT results confirm the Gupta level calculations with small shifts on bond lengths indicating TO structure is favorable for 38-atom of PdnAg32-nPt6 trimetallic nanoalloys.The DFT excess energy analysis shows that Pd8Ag24Pt6 composition has the lowest excess energy value in common with excess energy analysis at Gupta level.In Pd8Ag24Pt6 composition,eight Pd atoms are central sites of 8(111)hexagonal facets of TO,24 Ag atoms locate on surface,and 6 Pt atoms locate at the core of the structure.It is also obtained that all of the compositions except Pd18Ag14Pt6 and Pd20Ag12Pt6 exhibit a octahedral Pt core.Besides,it is observed that there is a clear tendency for Ag atoms to segregate to the surface and also Pt atoms prefer to locate at core due to order parameter(R)variations.
基金supported by Manisa Celal Bayar University,Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit(No.2012/118)
文摘üIn this study, we aimed to determine the accumulations of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb in soil and lichen samples in K? prü bas??. The K? prü bas?? district is home to the largest uranium deposits in Turkey. To date, there has been no study recorded in the literature related to ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb depositions in lichens in K? prü bas??. Six different lichen species(Cladonia convoluta, Parmelina tiliacea, Physcia stellaris, Pleurosticta acetabulum, Xanthoparmelia conspersa, and Xanthoria parietina) as well as soil samples were collected from seven sampling locations around K? prü bas??. Lichens were used as biomonitors for ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb deposition. The ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb activity concentrations were measured in all the samples by alpha spectrometry. The activity concentrations in the lichen samples ranged from 64 to 577 Bq kg^(-1) with an average of 266 Bq kg^(-1) for ^(210) Po and from 78 to 565 Bq kg^(-1) with an average of 333 Bq kg^(-1) for ^(210) Pb. The activity ratios of ^(210) Po/ ^(210) Pb ranged from 0.80 to 1.99. In the lichen species,the mean ^(210) Po activity values varied from 154 Bq kg^(-1) in Pleurosticta acetabulum to 390 Bq kg^(-1) in Xanthoparmelia conspersa. The range of the mean ^(210) Pb activity was between 153 Bq kg^(-1) in Cladonia convoluta and 378 Bq kg^(-1) in Parmelina tiliacea. In the soil samples, ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb activity concentrations were ranged from14 to 1268 Bq kg^(-1) and from 19 to 1113 Bq kg^(-1),respectively. While the values of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb measured in the lichen samples are comparable with those of the literature, the results of ^(210) Po and ^(210) Pb in the soil taken from the uranium mine are higher than the results of the literature studies.