Serum progranulin levels are elevated in infertile women with obesity

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in serum progranulin and sex hormone levels in infertile women with obesity. Material and methods: A total of 171 infertile women who had fertility desire were included in this cross-sectional study. The initial assessment included measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio. All participants were categorised into two groups in accordance with BMI as a control group ( < 30 kg/m2, n = 135) and a study group (≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 36). After anthropometric measurements, venous blood samples were taken for analyses of oestradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone, total testosterone (TT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, anti-Müllerian hormone, and progranulin. Results: The present study demonstrated that the overweight women had higher FSH levels (p < 0.01). Elevated TT levels were detected in obese women (p < 0.05). Progranulin concentrations were higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that there was a relationship between the serum progranulin concentrations and BMI (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings support that the elevated progranulin levels are associated with obesity in infertile women. Therefore, infertile and obese patients may benefit if their serum progranulin levels decrease. Further studies are needed to elucidate this issue

Fault Tolerant Super Twisting Sliding Mode Control of a Quadrotor UAV Using Control Allocation

In this study, a fault-tolerant super-twisting sliding mode controller with a control allocation system for a quadrotor aircraft is proposed. Super twisting sliding mode control is a robust control technique that handles a system with a relative degree equal to one. A super-twisting sliding mode controller is proposed because of its robustness to uncertainties and perturbations. It increases accuracy and reduces chattering. A control allocation algorithm is developed to cope with the actuator fault. Firstly, a nonlinear model of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is presented. Then, the controller design and type of the actuator fault are explained. The control allocation algorithm is used to optimize the trajectory tracking performance of the quadrotor in the presence of an actuator fault. A control allocation algorithm is an effective approach to implementing fault-tolerant control. When actuator faults are identified, they can be modeled as changes in the B matrix of constraints. Various simulations have been made for situations with and without actuator failure. In normal conditions, the quadrotor can accurately track altitude, roll, pitch and yaw references. In faulty conditions, the quadrotor can follow the references with a small error. Simulations prove the effectiveness of the control allocation algorithm, which stabilizes the quadrotor in case of an actuator fault. Overall, this paper presents a novel fault-tolerant controller design for quadrotor aircraft that effectively addresses actuator faults using a super-twisting sliding mode controller and control allocation algorithm

Siirt İlinin Farklı Bölgelerinde Yayılış Gösteren Crocus biflorus Mill. subsp. pseudonubigena B.Mathew Türüne Ait Örnekler Arasındaki Akrabalık İlişkisinin Moleküler Düzeyde Belirlenmesi

Crocus biflorus Mill. subsp. pseudonubigena B. Mathew (Siirt Çiğdemi) İran-Turan elementi olup ismini Siirt ilinden almış endemik bir taksondur. Yayılış coğrafyasına bakıldığında Yukarı Fırat Bölümü, Adana Bölümü, Dicle Bölümü gibi üç değişik alanda yayılışı bulunmaktadır. İlk olarak 1982 yılında Mathew tarafından bilim dünyasına kazandırılmıştır. Bu çalışmada Crocus biflorus subsp. pseudonubigena taksonunun Siirt il sınırları içerisinde üç farklı (Tillo, Şirvan ve Veysel Karani) popülasyondan toplanan örneklerinin ITS gen bölgesi kullanarak akrabalık ilişkileri araştırılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Tillo, Şirvan ve Veysel Karani bölgelerinden toplanan örneklerin morfolojik olarak küçük farklarının olduğu ancak moleküler düzeyde yakın akraba oldukları ve bu morfolojik farklılıklarının varyasyon olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca bu genotiplerin en fazla Crocus biflorus ile benzerlik gösterdiği saptanmıştır

Determining the Efficiency of Different Preoperative Difficult Intubation Tests on Patients Undergoing Caesarean Section

Background: Pregnancy-induced anatomical and physiological changes in the airway make airway management difficult in obstetric patients; thus, preoperative evaluation of the airway is important for obstetric patients. Aims: To determine the effectiveness of the modified Mallampati test; the interincisor, sternomental and thyromental distances and the upper limb bite test. The second aim was to assess the effectiveness of the combination of the upper limb bite test with the other tests in obstetric patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Pregnant women (n=250) scheduled for caesarean section were analysed. The patients' ages, heights and weights were collected. Preoperative airway evaluation was done by using a modified version of the Mallampati test. The interincisor, sternomental and thyromental distances were measured, and the upper limb bite test was performed. The laryngoscopy difficulty was evaluated by using Cormack-Lehane classification. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between groups in age, height or weight (p>0.05). The modified Mallampati test and interincisor, sternomental and thyromental distances revealed a lower number of easy intubations than that determined by the Cormack-Lehane classification and a higher number of difficult intubations than the actual number of cases (p<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the modified Mallampati test, the upper limb bite test, the interincisor distance test and the sternomental and thyromental distance tests were found to be 73.08, 57.69, 84.62, 80.77 and 88.46 and 90.62, 99.11, 83.04, 84.37 and 87.05, respectively. When the combinations were examined, the sensitivity and specificity of the combination of the upper limb bite test with the modified Mallampati test were found to be 57.69 and 100, respectively. When the upper limb bite test was combined with the interincisor distance, the sensitivity and specificity were 46.15 and 100, respectively. We found a sensitivity and specificity of 93.75 and 95.30, respectively, for the combination of the upper limb bite test with the thyromental distance test. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of the upper limb bite test with the modified Mallampati test and interincisor distance test were found to be 46.15 and 100, respectively. For combination of all the tests, the sensitivity and specificity was 42.31 and 100, respectively. Conclusion: When all combinations are evaluated in the decision of difficult intubation, the combination of the upper limb bite test and thyromental distance test is superior to the use of other methods alone to predict difficult intubation in pregnant women

The Effects of Different Insufflation Pressures on Liver Functions Assessed with LiMON on Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Purpose. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been accepted as an alternative to laparotomy, but there is still controversy regarding the effects of pneumoperitoneum on splanchnic and hepatic perfusion. We assessed the effects of different insufflation pressures on liver functions by using indocyanine green elimination tests (ICG-PDR). Methods. We analyzed 43 patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In Group I, the operation was performed using 10 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum. In Group II, 14 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum was used. The ICG-PDR measurements were made after induction (ICG-PDR 1) and after the end of the operation (ICG-PDR 2). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin levels were all recorded preoperatively, 1 hour, and postoperative 24 hours after surgery. Results. The ICG-PDR 1 values for Groups I and II were as follows: 26.78 ± 4.2% per min versus 26.01 ± 2.4% per min (P > 0.05). ICG-PDR 2 values were found to be 25.63 ± 2.1% per min in Group I versus 19.06 ± 2.2% per min in Group II (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease between baseline and postoperative ICG-PDR values in Group II compared to Group I (P < 0.05). Statistically, there was an increase between baseline and postoperative 1st-hour serum AST and ALT level in Group II (P < 0.05) compared to Group I. No statistical differences were detected on postoperative 24st-hour serum AST and ALT levels and all the time bilirubin between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. In conclusion, the results show that 14 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum decreased the blood flow to the liver and increased postoperative 1st-hour serum AST and ALT levels. We think that 10 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum is superior to 14 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

SAF YÖNELİM HAREKETLERİNİ SAĞLAYAN ÜÇ SERBESTLİK DERECELİ BİR PARALEL PLATFORMUN KİNEMATİK VE DİNAMİK ANALİZİ

SAF YÖNELİM HAREKETLERİNİ SAĞLAYAN ÜÇ SERBESTLİK DERECELİ BİR PARALEL PLATFORMUN KİNEMATİK VE DİNAMİK ANALİZİÖzetParalel platformlarda, kullanılan eyleyici sayısı, mafsal sayısı ve bunların yerleşimi ile farklı sayılarda öteleme ve yönelim serbestlik dereceleri elde edilebilir.  Bu çalışmada, görüntüleyici sistemlerin bulanıklaşma ve kontrol sistemi kararlılaştırma çevriminin başarımının sınanabilmesi ihtiyacıyla, üç serbestlik dereceli paralel eksenli bir platform ile yüksek frekans ve düşük genlikli, saf yönelim hareketlerinin sağlanılabileceği bir sistem önerilmektedir. Kinematik analizler daha önceki çalışmalarda ele alınan ve bilinen formda yapılmış olup, daha önceki çalışmalarda mekanizmanın dinamik analizi için pek tercih edilmemiş olan Newton-Euler yöntemi uygulanmıştır. Bahsedilen yöntemlerle bilgisayar benzetimleri yapılmış ve elde edilen sonuçlar tartışılmıştır.Anahtar Kelimeler: Üç serbestlik dereceli paralel platform, kinematik analiz, dinamik modelleme, Newton-Euler yöntemi.KINEMATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A THREE-DOF PARALLEL PLATFORM THAT PROVIDES PURE ROTATIONAL MOTIONAbstractWith parallel platform manipulators, it is possible to obtain different rotational and orientational degrees of freedom by using several number of actuator and joints. In this study, a type of spherical parallel manipulator is proposed to perform control system stabilization loop tests of imaging systems and blurring effect tests of optical systems are done by three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator with all pure rotational degrees of freedom. Kinematic analysis is done by applying the known procedure from previous works for this parallel manipulator. However, dynamic analysis of this mechanism is done by Newton-Euler methodology, which is not popular on 3-DOF parallel platform with this type of leg configuration. Computational work has been done by following procedure and the simulation results are discussed.Keywords: 3-DOF parallel platform, kinematic analysis, dynamic modelling, Newton-Euler method

The effect of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism on the development of non-dipper blood pressure

Introduction: &prime;Non-dippers&prime; are individuals without the anticipated nocturnal decrease in blood pressure. An increased incidence of target organ damage and a worse outcome in terms of cardiovascular events have been reported in this group of people. The pathogenesis of non-dipper hypertension is not clear at present. We aimed to investigate the effects of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism on the development of a non-dipper blood pressure pattern via 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Material and methods: 109 normotensive patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism were evaluated, and 95 of these patients without reverse dipping and masked hypertension were included in the study. The control group consisted of 75 gender- and age-matched, normotensive, euthyroid healthy individuals. Results: Median serum TSH levels were 7.61 and 1.59 mUmL in patient and control groups, respectively. The number of non-dippers according to systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure was significantly higher in the patients with hypothyroidism compared to the control group. In linear regression analysis, TSH had a negative effect on the night/day ratio of the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures. Conclusion: Despite the fact that the effect of hypothyroidism on non-dipper blood pressure pattern is not known, the present study has revealed that elevated TSH levels are likely to increase the risk of non-dipping in normotensive patients with either overt or subclinical hypothyroidism. (Pol J Endocrinol 2012; 63 (2): 97&#8211;103)Wstęp: U osób określanych jako non-dippers nie występuje fizjologiczne obniżenie ciśnienia tętniczego w godzinach nocnych. Jak wynika z doniesień, w tej grupie chorych częściej dochodzi do zmian narządowych i zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych. Patogenezy nadciśnienia tętniczego typu non-dipper dotychczas nie wyjaśniono. Celem autorów było zbadanie wpływu jawnej i subklinicznej niedoczynności tarczycy na rozwój profilu dobowej zmienności ciśnienia tętniczego typu non-dipper metodą całodobowego automatycznego pomiaru ciśnienia tętniczego. Materiał i metody: Spośród 109 chorych z prawidłowym ciśnieniem i z jawną lub subkliniczną niedoczynnością tarczycy do analizy włączono 95 osób, u których nie występował nocny wzrost ciśnienia tętniczego (reverse dipping) ani utajone nadciśnienie tętnicze. Grupa kontrolna składała się z 75 zdrowych osób z prawidłowym ciśnieniem tętniczym i prawidłową czynnością tarczycy odpowiednio dobranych pod względem płci i wieku. Wyniki: Mediany stężeń TSH w surowicy w grupach badanej i kontrolnej wynosiły odpowiednio 7,61 i 1,59 mUml. Liczba osób, u których nie występował nocny spadek wartości skurczowego, rozkurczowego i średniego ciśnienia tętniczego, był istotnie wyższy w grupie chorych z niedoczynnością tarczycy niż w grupie kontrolnej. W analizie regresji liniowej wykazano istnienie odwrotnej zależności między stężeniem TSH a stosunkiem między nocnymi i dziennymi wartościami ciśnienia skurczowego, rozkurczowego i średniego ciśnienia tętniczego. Wnioski: Mimo że nie wiadomo, jaki jest mechanizm oddziaływania niedoczynności tarczycy na rozwój dobowego profilu ciśnienia tętniczego typu non-dipper, w niniejszym badaniu wykazano, że podwyższone stężenie TSH może zwiększać ryzyko wystąpienia takiego profilu ciśnienia tętniczego u osób z prawidłowym ciśnieniem tętniczym i jawną lub subkliniczną niedoczynnością tarczycy. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (2): 97&#8211;103

Allergic reaction during hydatid cyst operation: Case report

Kist hidatik, echinococcus granulosus ve echinococcus alveolaris tarafından oluşturulan paraziter bir enfeksiyondur. Bu enfeksiyon kist oluşumu ile karakterize olup, kistler en sık olarak karaciğerde yerleşmektedirler. Kistlere yönelik cerrahi tedavi sırasında kistler rüptüre olabilir ve alerjik reaksiyonlar gelişebilir. Bu olgu sunumunda karaciğerde kist hidatik nedeniyle ameliyat edilen hastada gelişen ürtikerle karakterize alerjik reaksiyon gelişmesi sunulmuştur.Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by echinococcus granulosus and echinococcus alveolaris. This infection is characterized by cyst formation and the liver is the most commonly involved organ. Hydatid cysts can rupture during surgical operation and allergic reaction may occur. In this case report, we presented a patient who developed an allergic reaction characterized by urticaria during the operation of a hidatic cyst in the liver

Comparative physiological and growth responses of tomato and pepper plants to fertilizer induced salinity and salt stress under greenhouse conditions

Fertilizer induced salinity adversely affects plant growth through its ionic and osmotic effects as in ordinary salinity caused by toxic ions (Na, Cl, etc.). In this study, to determine the ionic and osmotic effects of fertilizer induced salinity and NaCl salinity on growth, ascorbic acid, proline and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and stomatal resistance (SR), relative water content (RWC), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of tomato and pepper plants subjected to different treatments (i.e. control, 40 mM NaCl salinity and excess fertilizer salinity) were investigated under greenhouse condition. The results of this study indicated that similar to NaCl salinity, fertilizer induced salinity significantly reduced the fresh and dry weights of tomato and pepper plants. Relative water content of the plants was decreased by NaCl salinity. Both NaCl and fertilizer induced salinity caused significant increases in proline, MDA, ascorbic acid and H2O2 accumulation, and stomatal resistance of the plants. Salinity achieved by NaCl and fertilizer altered plant growth and plant physiological processes ionically and osmotically in a similar manner