Utility investigation of automated techniques in hematopoietic progenitor cell count and viability assessment in the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) settingg

Aim: To compare our parameters as regards: i) cell count via two different automated cell count techniques, and ii) viability via automated trypan blue exclusion and 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) staining. Method: We used the trypan blue exclusion technique and an automated cell counter and for viability testing, and the trypan blue exclusion technique and the 7-AAD evaluation by flow cytometry. The trypan blue exclusion and the radio frequency techniques were used for automated cell counting. Flow cytometric analysis was performed by evaluating the yielded cellular products for 7-AAD uptake during the cell count of CD34+ cells. Results: The mean values for cell count were estimated as 3.44±1.22x106/ml (range, 2.48-5.71x106/ml) and 4.14±1.94x106/ml (range, 1.77-7.43x106/ml) for the trypan blue exclusion and radio frequency techniques, respectively. Additionally, the mean values for viability analyses via the automated trypan blue exclusion and 7-AAD were 93.38±6.09% (range, 79.00-98.00%) and 99.49±0.60% (range, 98.40-100.00%), respectively. Conclusions: Our study has responded to two fundamental questions: whether the results of both of the automated techniques for cell count correspond with each other, and whether the results of the automated viability assessment conform those of the 7-AAD technique during the manufacturing processes of cellular therapy products intended for clinical use. Even though we have the opportunity to use the hemocytometer in our laboratory setting, the automated trypan blue exclusion technique gives cell count results in concordance within the range of the expectations of our Quality Management System (QMS)

Coefficient estimates for a class containing quasi-convex functions

In the present study, we introduce the classes Q(CV) (mu, A, B) and Q(ST) (eta, A, B). Furthermore, we obtain coefficient bounds of these classes

Investigation of carbon contamination in lost foam castings of low carbon steel

Lost foam casting (LFC) process is a special casting method in which polymeric foam patterns with refractory coatings are utilized as a mould component. In this work, four types of foam: expandable polyethylene (EPE), expandable polypropylene (EPP) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) foams with two different densities were employed as pattern materials. LFC and conventional green sand mould casting methods were used to cast a low carbon steel, A216 Grade WCB. Both casting processes were carried out at 1,580 °C. Chemical analysis results showed that the carbon contamination level was high and was infl uenced by pattern type. Metallographic investigations revealed a signifi cant increase in the percentage of pearlite phase in all LFC samples. Densities of manufactured samples were calculated in order to evaluate porosity of the products. It was determined that the densities of the LFC samples were lower than the green sand mould cast reference sample (RS). Vickers hardness tests were also carried out and increments in hardness values with increased carbon content was observed

Electrochemical investigation of 2-[8-hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c]cinnoline on a platinum electrode in dimethysulfoxide

WOS: 0003849776000072-[8-hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c]cinnoline was synthesized for the first time and shown to possess electrochromic characteristic, i.e. changing color during the forward and back electrolysis at -1.35 V and 0.00 V, respectively, in DMSO medium. Therefore, the electrochemical investigation of this compound appears to be worthwhile. The electrochemical reduction of 2[8-hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c]cinnoline was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, controlled potential electrolysis, and chronoamperometry techniques in the presence of 0.10 mol L-1 tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate in dimethyl sulfoxide at platinum electrode. 2-[8-Hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c] cinnoline displays three sharp cathodic peaks and three anodic peaks in the cyclic voltammogram. The diffusion coefficients and the number of electrons transferred were calculated by using an ultramicroelectrode and platinum electrode. The number of transferred electrons was found to be one for each peak. The standard heterogeneous rate constant for reduction was calculated by the Klingler Kochi technique. The electrochemical reduction mechanism of 2-[8-hydroxyquinoline-5yl)azo]benzo[c]cinnoline was also investigated by using various electrochemical techniques, such as bulk electrolysis, and spectroscopic methods, like electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Bulk electrolysis results also provided evidence for each peak belonging to reduction of one electron, two of which were confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. This new chemical is found to be an electrochromic substance.TR Prime Ministry State Planning Organization [98 - K - 120830]; Ankara University Research FundAnkara University [20050705094]We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of TR Prime Ministry State Planning Organization (Project No: 98 - K - 120830) and Ankara University Research Fund (Project No: 20050705094)

Comparison of the combination and quinolone therapy in community acquired pneumonia

Introduction: Objective of this study is to compare the difference between the length of hospitalisation, cost of treatment and treatment outcome of patients diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia and treated with beta-lactam-macrolide combination or fluoroquinolone monotherapy, according to 2009 Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) Guide of Diagnosis and Treatment of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Adults (TTSCAPG)

SYNTHESIS AND ELECTROREDUCTION OF 2-[(8-HYDROXYQUINOLINE-5-YL)AZO] BENZO[c] CINNOLINE IN DMSO-H2O (1:1) MEDIUM

WOS: 0002842305000082-[(8-Hydroxyquinoline-5-yl)azo]benzo[c] cinnoline (HQAB) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, MS, FTIR and H-1 NMR techniques. The electrochemical reduction of HQAB has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and controlled potential electrolysis at mercury pool electrode in the pH range 3.5-9.4. The number of electrons transferred in the electrode reaction, diffusion coefficients and standart rate constants were calculated. In acidic medium, cyclic voltammograms display four cathodic peaks, with the total exchange of 6 e(-) and 6 H+. By contrast, the reverse scan displays two anodic peaks. Constant potential electrolysis at -1.0 V and TLC analysis of the product reveals that the reduction of azo group (in the bridge) in HQAB does not stop at the hydrazo stage but goes further through the cleavage of -NH-NH- linkage to give amino compounds as the final products. The voltammograms recorded in basic medium exhibit two cathodic peaks corresponding to 4 e(-), 4 H+ and two reverse anodic peaks, and thus the reduction stopped at hydrazo stage. A tentative mechanism for the reduction has been suggested.Ankara UniversityAnkara University [2005-07-05-094, 2003-07-05-084]The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Ankara University Research Fund (Projects No. 2005-07-05-094 and No. 2003-07-05-084)

Effect of Impairment on the Prevalence and Comorbidities of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a National Survey: Nation-Wide Prevalence and Comorbidities of ADHD

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and comorbidities of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by evaluating a large-scale nation-wide sample of children. Method: The inclusion criterion was being enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th-grade student. A semi-structured diagnostic interview (K-SADS-PL), DSM-IV-Based Screening Scale for Disruptive Behavior Disorders, and assessment of impairment (by both parents and teachers) were applied to 5,842 participants. Results: The prevalence of ADHD was 19.5% without impairment and 12.4% with impairment. Both ADHD with and without impairment groups had similar psychiatric comorbidity rates except for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) diagnoses. Impairment in the ADHD group resulted in significantly higher ODD and CD diagnoses. Conclusion: Even when impairment is not described, other psychiatric disorders accompany the diagnosis of ADHD and may cause impairment in the future. Impairment in the diagnosis of ADHD significantly increases the likelihood of ODD and CD

Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein kinetics as indicators of treatment outcome in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia

WOS: 000389053000023PubMed ID: 27966308Background/aim: There has been growing interest in the use of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether an assessment of fever, leukocyte count, and serum CRP and PCT levels on admission and during follow-up (day 3) provides any information about the clinical outcome in hospitalized patients with CAP. Materials and methods: Patients with a diagnosis of CAP who were admitted to and followed at four university hospitals were evaluated retrospectively using the Turkish Thoracic Society Pneumonia Database. Results: A total of 103 hospitalized CAP patients (57 males, mean age: 61.5 +/- 16.7 years) were enrolled in the study. Treatment failure (TF) was observed in 20 patients (19.4%). Pneumonia Severity Index scores, serum CRP levels, and PCT levels on admission were significantly higher in the TF group. There were significant decreases in CRP and PCT levels between admission day and day 3 in the treatment success group. Conclusion: In patients with CAP, the body temperature and leukocyte count on admission do not predict outcome. Monitoring levels of CRP and PCT may be useful as a predictor of treatment outcome