PEG-400 Supported Alumina Synthesis, Characterization and Investigation of Morphological Properties

In this study, α-alümina structures are successfully prepared via hydrothermal synthesis supported with PEG-400. The effect of the PEG-400 as structure directing agent on the particle size is investigated. The structural characterization of the prepared powders is carried out using XRD, Raman and FTIR techniques. TGA analysis technique is used for the investigation of the thermal properties of the powders. Morphological properties are investigated using SEM technique. Obtained results show that comparing with the experiment without the use of the structure directing agent, pure α-Al2O3 was obtained in smaller size

Our Experience with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly spread all over the world and has become a public health emergency. Coronavirus disease-2019 has a wide clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic infection to Acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, metabolic acidosis, coagulation disorder, multi-organ failure and even death. The dysregulated and hyperimmune response to SARS-CoV-2 could possibly explain the highly variable disease manifestations and play an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Since there is no specific antiviral treatment in the treatment of COVID-19, treatments for inflammation against the virus and sharing experience are important. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory abilities that can migrate to damaged tissues, promote tissue regeneration, and inhibit tissue fibrosis. Today, MSCs are widely used in many clinical studies on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as Graft-versus-Host disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and perianal Crohn's disease. MSC treatment in COVID-19 is a promising option. In this study, we would present four patients with COVID-19 who were treated with MSCs and who were found to be positive for real-time polymerase chain reaction tests on nasopharyngeal swab or tracheal aspirate. All patients were critically ill were followed up with mechanical ventilator due to severe hypoxemia. One patient was extubated and discharged. Other patients died. In this study, MSCs were used as salvage therapy in the late period, so benefit might not be seen. In previous studies, this treatment was used earlier and there were results showing the benefits of MSCs. Based on this study, MSCs can be a promising treatment option when used in the appropriate patient at the time

Multimodal Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in Neurosurgical Oncology

AIM: Neurosurgical oncology that is performed for lesions located in critical areas like the sensorimotor area has additional risk because it may cause serious neurological deficiencies. Some intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) modalities can effectively help the surgeons to maximize resections of this kind of lesions with or without an acceptable neurological deficiency. Our aim was to share our IONM experiences with patients who underwent intracranial lesion surgery in critical areas between September 2013 and January 2015

Multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in the neurosurgical oncology

AIM: Neurosurgical oncology that is performed for lesions located in critical areas like the sensorimotor area has additional risk because it may cause serious neurological deficiencies. Some intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) modalities can effectively help the surgeons to maximize resections of this kind of lesions with or without an acceptable neurological deficiency. Our aim was to share our IONM experiences with patients who underwent intracranial lesion surgery in critical areas between September 2013 and January 2015

Evaluation of circulating endothelial biomarkers in familial Mediterranean fever

The aim of this was to evaluate some of the vascular biomarkers and cytokines related with atherosclerosis in regularly treated and attack-free familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. Forty (21 males [M] and 19 females [F], 31 [15-58] years) FMF patients and eighteen healthy controls (11 M and 7 F, 35.5 [19-46] years) with no known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were included. All patients were receiving regular colchicine treatment, and examinations were performed during attack-free periods. Serum samples were used for the determination of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tissue factor (TF), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and IL-23. Plasma samples were used for the determination of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and thrombomodulin (TM). Age, sex distribution, waist circumference, body mass index, smoking status, and serum lipids were similar between the patients and controls (P > 0.05). The concentrations of (hs-CRP) and IL-17 were significantly higher in FMF patients compared with controls (P 0.05). ADMA, OPG, and TM concentrations were significantly lower in the patients' group compared to those of controls (P 0.05). FMF patients receiving regular colchicine therapy during inactive disease state had significantly lower levels of vascular injury parameters