Adiponectin: is it a biomarker for assessing the disease severity in knee osteoarthritis patients?

AimThe results of previous studies regarding the role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) are controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation of plasma adiponectin levels with clinical and radiological disease severity in knee OA patients. MethodSixty patients with knee OA and 25 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were divided into two subgroups: lean (Group 1, n = 30) and obese (Group 2, n = 30). Healthy controls were accepted as Group 3 (n = 25). Pain intensity was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS), functional disability with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Quality of Life (QoL) with Short Form-36 (SF-36). Also all patients were radiologically evaluated and graded according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. Plasma concentrations of adiponectin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsSerum adiponectin levels were higher in OA patient subgroups than those in the control group but the difference did not reach a significant level after adjustments for age, gender and body mass index (P = 0.078). There was a positive correlation between adiponectin concentration and KL grading scores. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between adiponectin levels and clinical variables (VAS and WOMAC total scores) in patient subgroups (r = 0.326 P = 0.012, r = 0.583 P < 0.001, respectively). SF-36 scores were inversely associated with adiponectin levels. ConclusionPlasma adiponectin concentrations were associated with both clinical and radiological disease severity in knee OA patients. Thus, adiponectin hormone might be a potential clinically useful biomarker while assessing disease severity in the future.Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR)This study was funded by Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR)

The utility of faces pain scale in a chronic musculoskeletal pain model

The main aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility and sensitivity to change of faces pain scale (FPS) in patients with shoulder pain, chosen as a chronic pain model. The secondary aim was to determine the association of FPS with psychologic status and quality of life of these patients. Methods. Thirty Turkish patients with chronic shoulder pain were included in the study. Pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), which is a commonly used pain scale besides FPS. Depression and quality of life were screened by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). All assessments were done before and after the physical therapy. Results. There was a statistically significant decrease in pain severity after the treatment as indicated by FPS and VAS (P = 0.000). The standardized response mean (SRM) value of FPS of 2.35 was accepted as a good responsiveness. The FPS showed a strong correlation with VAS (r = 0.62 and 0.73) both before and after the treatment. Also, moderate to strong correlations were detected between the FPS and physical functioning (PF), physical role (PR), bodily pain (BP), emotional role (ER), general health (GH), mental health (MH) subscales of SF-36 (r = -0.58–0.80), and BDI scores (r = 0.39) before the treatment. However, there were moderate and weak correlations with FPS and PR and social functioning (SF) subscales of SF-36 only after the treatment (r = -0.52 and r = -0.39). Conclusions. FPS is a satisfactory tool to assess pain in patients with chronic pain conditions and demonstrates sensitivity to detect changes after the treatment

The utility of the faces pain scale in the assessment of shoulder pain in turkish stroke patients: its relation with quality of life and psychologic status

This study was planned to investigate the utility of the vertical Faces Pain Scale (FPS) in the assessment of pain in stroke patients using the shoulder pain model and to assess its utility in the Turkish patient population. The secondary aim was to analyze the association of FPS with the quality of life and depression in the study population. Thirty stroke patients (group I) and 30 controls (group II), all suffering from shoulder pain were included in the study. The patients with subacute shoulder pain and with no other known diseases and impairments were recruited as a control group. Shoulder pain was evaluated by the commonly used pain scales including the Visual Analogue Scale, Likert Pain Scale and 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale besides FPS. Depression was screened using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quality of life was evaluated using Short Form-36 (SF-36). FPS showed good correlations with the other pain scales in both the groups (r= 0.950–0.972 and 0.674–0.926, respectively). In group I, there were significant correlations between FPS and physical functioning, pain and emotional role subscales of SF-36 (r= – 0.432, 0.707 and – 0.461, respectively). Although there was a low correlation between the FPS and BDI scores, it was not statistically significant. In group II, FPS showed significant correlations with the BDI scores and all subscales of SF-36 except social functioning and vitality (r= – 0.679 to 0.848). FPS had a high degree of convergent validity and can be used in the assessment of shoulder pain in stroke patients. It may be a good alternative for pain assessment especially in patients with speech disorders and illiterate patients

Reliability and validity of psychological general well-being index in Turkish population

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) in healthy and patient population. Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy individuals (Group 1) and 194 patients (Group 2) were included in the study. Group 2 comprised patients with low back pain and neck pain (n=50, Group 2a), osteoarthritis (n=50, Group 2b), fibromyalgia syndrome (n=50, Group 2c) and stroke (n=44, group 2d). The PGWBI was translated into Turkish according to standard adaptation procedure. This index consisted of 6 subscales (anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health and vitality) and 22 items. The PGWBI was administered to subjects twice a week for testing reliability. Validity was based on correlating the PGWBI scores with that of the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Results: The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were found to be good in healthy individuals and patient groups separately (Cronbach's alpha range: 0.93-0.92; intraclass correlation coefficient range: 0.88-0.99). The total scores of the PGWBI in healthy individuals showed significant correlations with all subareas of the NHP (r range:-0.38-0.70, p0.05). The total PGWBI scores had significant correlations with all subscores of the NHP in patient groups (range from r:-0.29-0.64, p<0.05). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the PGWBI is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating quality of life in healthy and patient population. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010;56:161-

A Novel ZAP-70 Dependent FRET Based Biosensor Reveals Kinase Activity at both the Immunological Synapse and the Antisynapse

Many hypotheses attempting to explain the speed and sensitivity with which a T-cell discriminates the antigens it encounters include a notion of relative spatial and temporal control of particular biochemical steps involved in the process. An essential step in T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated signalling is the activation of the protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70. ZAP-70 is recruited to the TCR upon receptor engagement and, once activated, is responsible for the phosphorylation of the protein adaptor, Linker for Activation of T-cells, or LAT. LAT phosphorylation results in the recruitment of a signalosome including PLCγ1, Grb2/SOS, GADS and SLP-76. In order to examine the real time spatial and temporal evolution of ZAP-70 activity following TCR engagement in the immune synapse, we have developed ROZA, a novel FRET-based biosensor whose function is dependent upon ZAP-70 activity. This new probe not only provides a measurement of the kinetics of ZAP-70 activity, but also reveals the subcellular localization of the activity as well. Unexpectedly, ZAP-70 dependent FRET was observed not only at the T-cell -APC interface, but also at the opposite pole of the cell or “antisynapse”

Expansion and Characterization of Human Melanoma Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs)

Various immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer are aimed at augmenting the T cell response against tumor cells. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), where T cells are manipulated ex vivo and subsequently re-infused in an autologous manner, has been performed using T cells from various sources. Some of the highest clinical response rates for metastatic melanoma have been reported in trials using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). These protocols still have room for improvement and furthermore are currently only performed at a limited number of institutions. The goal of this work was to develop TILs as a therapeutic product at our institution.TILs from 40 melanoma tissue specimens were expanded and characterized. Under optimized culture conditions, 72% of specimens yielded rapidly proliferating TILs as defined as at least one culture reaching ≥3×10(7) TILs within 4 weeks. Flow cytometric analyses showed that cultures were predominantly CD3+ T cells, with highly variable CD4+:CD8+ T cell ratios. In total, 148 independent bulk TIL cultures were assayed for tumor reactivity. Thirty-four percent (50/148) exhibited tumor reactivity based on IFN-γ production and/or cytotoxic activity. Thirteen percent (19/148) showed specific cytotoxic activity but not IFN-γ production and only 1% (2/148) showed specific IFN-γ production but not cytotoxic activity. Further expansion of TILs using a 14-day "rapid expansion protocol" (REP) is required to induce a 500- to 2000-fold expansion of TILs in order to generate sufficient numbers of cells for current ACT protocols. Thirty-eight consecutive test REPs were performed with an average 1865-fold expansion (+/- 1034-fold) after 14 days.TILs generally expanded efficiently and tumor reactivity could be detected in vitro. These preclinical data from melanoma TILs lay the groundwork for clinical trials of ACT

A Novel Role for IκBζ in the Regulation of IFNγ Production

IκBζ is a novel member of the IκB family of NFκB regulators, which modulates NFκB activity in the nucleus, rather than controlling its nuclear translocation. IκBζ is specifically induced by IL-1β and several TLR ligands and positively regulates NFκB-mediated transcription of genes such as IL-6 and NGAL as an NFκB binding co-factor. We recently reported that the IL-1 family cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18, strongly synergize with TNFα for IFNγ production in KG-1 cells, whereas the same cytokines alone have minimal effects on IFNγ production. Given the striking similarities between the IL-1R and IL-18R signaling pathways we hypothesized that a common signaling event or gene product downstream of these receptors is responsible for the observed synergy. We investigated IκBζ protein expression in KG-1 cells upon stimulation with IL-1β, IL-18 and TNFα. Our results demonstrated that IL-18, as well as IL-1β, induced moderate IκBζ expression in KG-1 cells. However, TNFα synergized with IL-1β and IL-18, whereas by itself it had a minimal effect on IκBζ expression. NFκB inhibition resulted in decreased IL-1β/IL-18/TNFα-stimulated IFNγ release. Moreover, silencing of IκBζ expression led to a specific decrease in IFNγ production. Overall, our data suggests that IκBζ positively regulates NFκB-mediated IFNγ production in KG-1 cells

Impact of Cerebral Microbleeds in Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral microbleeds are associated with the risks of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, causing clinical dilemmas for antithrombotic treatment decisions. We aimed to evaluate the risks of intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke associated with microbleeds in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with Vitamin K antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and combination therapy (i.e. concurrent oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet) METHODS: We included patients with documented atrial fibrillation from the pooled individual patient data analysis by the Microbleeds International Collaborative Network. Risks of subsequent intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke were compared between patients with and without microbleeds, stratified by antithrombotic use. RESULTS: A total of 7,839 patients were included. The presence of microbleeds was associated with an increased relative risk of intracranial hemorrhage (aHR 2.74, 95% confidence interval 1.76 - 4.26) and ischemic stroke (aHR 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.04 - 1.59). For the entire cohort, the absolute incidence of ischemic stroke was higher than intracranial hemorrhage regardless of microbleeds burden. However, for the subgroup of patients taking combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, the absolute risk of intracranial hemorrhage exceeded that of ischemic stroke in those with 2-4 microbleeds (25 vs 12 per 1,000 patient-years) and ≥11 microbleeds (94 vs 48 per 1,000 patient-years). INTERPRETATION: Patients with atrial fibrillation and high burden of microbleeds receiving combination therapy have a tendency of higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage than ischemic stroke, with potential for net harm. Further studies are needed to help optimize stroke preventive strategies in this high-risk group. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Veri madenciliği ve apriori algoritması ile süpermarket analizi

06.03.2018 tarihli ve 30352 sayılı Resmi Gazetede yayımlanan “Yükseköğretim Kanunu İle Bazı Kanun Ve Kanun Hükmünde Kararnamelerde Değişiklik Yapılması Hakkında Kanun” ile 18.06.2018 tarihli “Lisansüstü Tezlerin Elektronik Ortamda Toplanması, Düzenlenmesi ve Erişime Açılmasına İlişkin Yönerge” gereğince tam metin erişime açılmıştır.Günümüzde kuruluşların teknoloji yatırımlarının artması ile çok büyük miktarlardaki veriler toplanıp saklanabilmektedir. Toplanan bu verilerin analizi, yorumlanması ve karar vermede nasıl kullanılabilir hale getirileceği önemli bir konu haline gelmektedir. Teknoloji yatırımlarının artması ile birlikte veri tabanlarında saklı olan bilgilere otomatik bilgi keşfetme teknikleriyle ulaşılmaya çalışılması veri madenciliği kullanımının geniş bir alana yayılmasını sağlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda veri madenciliğinin en çok kullanılan tekniklerinden biri de birliktelik kurallarıdır. Birliktelik kuralları nesneler arasındaki ilişkileri bulmayı amaçlar ve kullanıldığı en yaygın alanlardan biri ise süpermarket uygulamalarıdır.Bu çalışmada veri madenciliği hakkında temel bilgiler verilerek, birliktelik kuralları ve birliktelik kurallarının en temel algoritmalarından biri olan Apriori algoritması detaylı olarak incelenmiştir. Bir veri madenciliği programı aracılığıyla, Apriori algoritması kullanılarak Migros Türk A.Ş. verileri ile market sepet analizi yapılmıştır. Yapılan bu çalışma sonunda birlikte satılma eğilimi gösteren ürünler hakkında bilgiler verilerek, yeni bir market yerleşim düzeni önerilmiştir.Today, large amounts of data can be collected and stored with increasing technologic investments of the organizations. Analyzing, expounding and how to use decision making of these collected data are getting important issue. Usage of data mining became prevalent because of using automatic information discovery methods to find information that is hidden in databases with increasing technologic investments. In this context, association rule is one of the most common technique in data mining. Association rules purpose finding relationships among of items and association rule is mostly used for supermarket applications.This study gives basic information about data mining, association rules and Apriori that is one of the main algorithms of association rule mining are examined in details. Market basket analysis has done with Migros Türk A.Ş. data?s by using Apriori algorithm with the data mining software. As a result, this study gives information about products which sales together and then a new market store layout is proposed

Zum Trauerspiel (Zriny) Von Theodor Körner

Das Thema von Zriny ist über die ungarische Geschichte im 16. Jahrhundert. 1453 wurde Konstantinopel von den Türken erobert und ein Jahrhundert später haben sie alle Gebiete bis zu Pécs und Sigeth in Besitz ergriffen.Die Geschichte des Zriny ist an sich eine Tragödie im höchsten Sinne und in der Verarbeitung der historischen Genauigkeit hat sich sogar in den Details erhalten, sodass das Drama mit all dem Charme und Faszination eines Fabels, das zusätzliche Interesse immer durch die Wahrheit inspiriert hat. Die Charaktere sind scharf gezeichnet und so lebhaft porträtiert, dass wir den Eindruck haben, sie seien keine Kreation der Vorstellung, sondern sie müssen tatsächlich gelebt und gehandelt haben.Wir denken, die Nachwelt hat die Lobrede des großen Poeten bestätigt und, obwohl auf keinen Fall Beweise gegen die Attacken von steifer Kritik, dennoch hat das Werk so viele Schönheiten, dass es ziemlich zu den Klassikern der deutschen Literatur zählt