Investigation of ABCA1 C69T polymorphism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes. Genetic factors, lipid profiles, hypertension are potential risk factors for diabetes mellitus. Adenosine binding cassette transporter proteins 1 (ABCA1) plays a role in cholesterol metabolism, especially high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol). There are multiple mechanisms by which HDL-cholesterol can be atheroprotective, it is clear that the relative activity of ABCA1 plays a major role. We aimed to in-vestigate association of ABCA1 C69T gene polymorphism with lipid levels in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and methods: After isolation of DNA by ethanol precipitation we determined ABCA1 gene polymorphism by using polimerase chain reaction - restriction fragment lenght polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 107 type 2 diabetic patients and 50 healthy controls. Results: We have observed that the frequency of TT genotype is significantly higher in healthy con-trols compared to patients (14% vs. 3%; P = 0.008). Also frequency of T allele was higher in controls than in patients (34% vs. 21%; P = 0.020; OR (95% CI) = 0.52 (0.30-0.88)). There was no association of lipid levels and ABCA1 C69T polymorphism subgroups. Conclusion: We have found significantly higher frequency of both T allele and genotype in control group when compared to patients that made us think that T allele may be a protective factor against diabetes mellitus. But, we could not find a relationship between genotypes and lipid concentrations in our two groups. Larger studies will help us to understand the relationship between ABCA1 C69T genotype and lipid parameters in diabetes mellitus

Effects of thermal annealing on the morphology of the AlxGa(1x)N films

Cataloged from PDF version of article.Effects of thermal annealing on the morphology of the AlxGa(1-x)N films with two different high Al-contents (x=0.43 and 0.52) have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The annealing treatments were performed in a nitrogen (N-2) gas ambient as short-time (4 min) and long-time (30 min). Firstly, the films were annealed as short-time in the range of 800-950 degrees C in steps of 50-100 degrees C. The surface root-mean-square (rms) roughness of the films reduced with increasing temperature at short-time annealing (up to 900 degrees C), while their surface morphologies were not changed. At the same time, the degradation appeared on the surface of the film with lower Al-content after 950 degrees C. Secondly, the Al0.43Ga0.57N film was annealed as long-time in the range of 1000-1200 degrees C in steps of 50 degrees C. The surface morphology and rms roughness of the film with increasing temperature up to 1150 degrees C did not significantly change. Above those temperatures, the surface morphology changed from step-flow to grain-like and the rms roughness significantly increased. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Incorporation of Y2O3 Particles into 410L Stainless Steel by a Powder Metallurgy Route

Addition of yttria to steels has been proposed for the fabrication of oxide-dispersion-strengthened materials for nuclear power applications. We have investigated materials prepared from 12 Cr martensitic stainless steel, AISI 410L, produced by powder metallurgy. Materials were produced with and without yttria addition, and two different sizes of yttria were used, 0.9 µm and 50 nm. Tensile and mini-creep tests were performed to determine mechanical properties. Optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, and EDX analysis were used to investigate the microstructures and deformation mechanisms and to obtain information about non-metallic inclusion particles. SiO2, MnS, and Y2Si2O7 inclusion particles were observed. An SiO2 and Y2O3 interaction was seen to have occurred during the ball milling, which impaired the final mechanical properties. Small-angle neutron scattering experiments showed that the matrix chemistry prevented effective dissolution of the yttria. © The Author(s) 201

Distribution of bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease at potable water in Istanbul

Legionella pneumophila (especially L. pneumophila serogroup 1) known as causing Legionnaires' disease inhabits surface waters, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Hence, these bacteria can easily infect man-made water systems. It is known that these bacteria cause various infections and even death in men. Therefore, to assess the role of potable water systems in buildings (especially hotels) around Istanbul as possible sources for Legionella infection, this study was performed during the period of 1996 to 2001. A total of 701 potable water samples (hot-cold water faucets and shower heads) collected from 162 buildings were concentrated by filtration, and inoculated onto buffered charcoal yeast extract agar (BCYE) added glycine, vancomycin, polymyxin, cycloheximide and incubated at 37degreesC for 14 days. Colonies consistent with Legionella morphology were subcultured to tryptone soy agar (TSA). Definitive identification was performed by latex agglutination (OXOID). The results were recorded as the highest number of confirmed Legionella (CFU/L). The water systems of 63 (38.8%) of the buildings tested were found to be positive for Legionella. It was found that 32 (24%) of the 134 strains determined as Legionella pneumophila were L. pneumophila serogroup 1; 102 strains (76%) were L. pneumophila serogroup 2-14. Generally, hot water circulating systems of buildings, such as hot water faucets and shower heads, were found to be the major sites for growth of L. pneumophila. According to the results, it is suggested that the large number of buildings (hotels) around Istanbul exhibit a low risk as a source of Legionnaires' disease

Investigation of ABCA1 C69T polymorphism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Introduction: Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes. Genetic factors, lipid profiles, hypertension are potential risk factors for diabetes mellitus. Adenosine binding cassette transporter proteins 1 (ABCA1) plays a role in cholesterol metabolism, especially high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol). There are multiple mechanisms by which HDL-cholesterol can be atheroprotective, it is clear that the relative activity of ABCA1 plays a major role. We aimed to investigate association of ABCA1 C69T gene polymorphism with lipid levels in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients