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Publication Open Access "Whole" vs "fragmented" approach to EAACI pollen season definitions: a multicenter study in six Southern European cities(Wiley, 2020) Hoffmann, Tara Maria; Şahin, Aydan Acar; Aggelidis, Xenophon; Arasi, Stefania; Barbalace, Andrea; Bourgoin, Anne; Bregu, Blerina; Brighetti, Maria Antonia; Caeiro, Elsa; Sozmen, Sule Caglayan; Caminiti, Lucia; Charpin, Denis; Couto, Mariana; Delgado, Luis; Businco, Andrea Di Rienzo; Dimier, Claire; Dimou, Maria, V; Fonseca, Joao A.; Göksel, Özlem; Güvensen, Aykut; Hernandez, Dolores; Jang, Dah Tay; Kalpaklıoğlu, Füsun; Lame, Blerta; Llusar, Ruth; Makris, Michael P.; Mazon, Angel; Mesonjesi, Eris; Nieto, Antonio; Pahus, Laurie; Pajno, Giovanni Battista; Panasiti, Ilenia; Panetta, Valentina; Papadopoulos, Nikolaos G.; Pellegrini, Elisabetta; Pelosi, Simone; Pereira, Ana Margarida; Pereira, Mariana; Pinar, Munevver; Pfaar, Oliver; Potapova, Ekaterina; Priftanji, Alfred; Psarros, Fotis; Sfika, Ifigenia; Suarez, Javier; Thibaudon, Michel; Travaglini, Alessandro; Tripodi, Salvatore; Verdier, Valentine; Villella, Valeria; Xepapadaki, Paraskevi; Matricardi, Paolo M.; Dramburg, Stephanie; Öztürk, Ayşe Bilge; Saçkesen, Cansın; Yazıcı, Duygu; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; PhD Student; Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM) / Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi (KUTTAM); School of Medicine; Graduate School of Health Sciences; Koç University Hospital; 147629; 182537; N/ABackground: the adequate definition of pollen seasons is essential to facilitate a correct diagnosis, treatment choice, and outcome assessment in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. A position paper by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) proposed season definitions for Northern and Middle Europe. Objective To test the pollen season definitions proposed by EAACI in six Mediterranean cities for seven pollen taxa. Methods: as part of the @IT.2020 multi-center study, pollen counts for Poaceae, Oleaceae, Fagales, Cupressaceae, Urticaceae (Parietaria spp.), and Compositae (Ambrosia spp., Artemisia spp.) were collected from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Based on these data, pollen seasons were identified according to EAACI criteria. A unified monitoring period for patients in AIT trials was created and assessed for feasibility. Results: the analysis revealed a great heterogeneity between the different locations in terms of pattern and length of the examined pollen seasons. Further, we found a fragmentation of pollen seasons in several segments (max. 8) separated by periods of low pollen counts (intercurrent periods). Potential monitoring periods included often many recording days with low pollen exposure (max. 341 days). Conclusion: the Mediterranean climate leads to challenging pollen exposure times. Monitoring periods for AIT trials based on existing definitions may include many intermittent days with low pollen concentrations. Therefore, it is necessary to find an adapted pollen season definition as individual solution for each pollen and geographical area.
Publication Metadata only 18F-FDG PET/CT mean suv and metabolic tumor volume for mean survival time in non-small cell lung cancer(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2015) Kurtipek, Ercan; Çaycı, Mustafa; Düzgün, Nuri; Esme, Hıdır; Terzi, Yüksel; Bakdık, Süleyman; Ünlü, Yaşar; Burnik, Cengiz; Bekçi, Taha Tahir; N/A; Aygün, Murat Serhat; Teaching Faculty; School of Medicine; Koç University Hospital; 291692Objective: The study was designed to determine the relationship between survival time of standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and examine the impact of demographic, clinical, and radiological data of these patients on survival. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 79 patients with NSCLC who presented to our hospital between May 2010 and March 2013, received a final diagnosis, and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for staging. Clinical, radiological, and 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters with an impact on prognosis such as the SUVmax of the primary tumor as calculated by the volumetric region of interest in the 18F-FDG PET/CT scans during initial diagnosis, mean SUV of the tumor, and MTV obtained with a threshold of SUVmax greater than 2.5 were recorded and statistically analyzed. A statistical analysis was carried out based on the clinical, radiological, and PET/CT findings of the patients who were divided into 2 groups: survivors and nonsurvivors. Results: Seventy patients (88.6%) were men, and 9 (11.4%) were women. The mean age was 63.65 ± 11.51 years in the nonsurvivor group (n = 40) versus 62.74 ± 10.60 years in the survivor group (n = 39) (Table 1). The mean survival time from diagnosis was 7.9 ± 6.52 months in the nonsurvivor group versus 14.09 ± 7.41 months in the survivor group. The mean survival time was 12.9 ± 7.9 months for those aged 60 or younger, whereas it was 9.9 ± 7.2 years for those aged 60 or older. According to the Cox regression analysis, higher MTV [relative risk (RR), 1.006; P = 0.03] and mean SUVmax (mSUV) (RR, 1.302; P = 0.03) had a significant impact on shortening of the mean survival time. However, no statistical significance was reached for SUVmax measurements (RR, 0.970; P = 0.39). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between increased tumor size (andlt;2 cm, 2-4 cm, and ≥4 cm) and shortened mean survival time (P = 0.03). Conclusion: The present study showed that MTV and mSUV of FDG PET/CT scans of the tumor, but not SUVmax, had a significant impact on survival time of patients with NSCLC. Based on this result, we believe that we might have more accurate information about the survival time of our patients if we also evaluate mSUV and MTV in combination with mSUV, which is frequently used for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with NSCLC during our daily practice. © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.Publication Open Access 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are low but not associated with disease activity in chronic spontaneous urticaria and depression(AEPress, 2020) Vurgun, Eren; Güntaş, Gürkan; Kocatürk Göncü, Özgür Emek; Memet, Bachar; Doctor; School of Medicine; Koç University Hospital; 217219; N/AAim: to evaluate vitamin D levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), depression and both of them, thus to fi nd out whether vitamin D may be a common causative factor of CSU and depression. Methods: thirty patients with CSU, 30 patients with depression, 30 patients with both CSU and depression and 30 healthy volunteers as control group were involved in the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) levels of these groups were measured and compared. Correlations between 25(OH)D levels and the activity of CSU and depression were analyzed. Results: healthy controls' 25(OH)D levels (17.2±8.8 ng/mL) were higher than patients with CSU (9.1±5.1 ng/mL), depression (8.9±6.1 ng/mL) and CSU with depression (7.7±4.7 ng/mL) (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There were no differences in 25(OH)D levels between CSU patients with and without depression, between depression patients and CSU patients with and without depression (p=0.43, p=0.82 and p=0.92, respectively). There were no correlations between 25(OH)D levels and the activity of CSU or depression (p=0.99 and p=0.76, respectively). Conclusion: Lower 25(OH)D levels in CSU and/or depression may appear as a secondary phenomenon, which means being result of these diseases rather than the cause (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 41).Publication Metadata only 3D printed kombucha biomaterial as a tissue scaffold and L929 cell cytotoxicity assay(Wiley, 2024) Yanbakan, Edaguel; Tuncel, Tugba; Kocak Sezgin, Ayse; Bozoglan, Emirhan; Berikten, Derya; Kar, Fatih; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics; Bağlan, İlkyaz; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics; College of SciencesTissue engineering includes the construction of tissue-organ scaffold. The advantage of three-dimensional scaffolds over two-dimensional scaffolds is that they provide homeostasis for a longer time. The microbial community in Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) can be a source for kombucha (kombu tea) production. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the usage of SCOBY, which produces bacterial cellulose, as a biomaterial and 3D scaffold material. 3D printable biomaterial was obtained by partial hydrolysis of oolong tea and black tea kombucha biofilms. In order to investigate the usage of 3D kombucha biomaterial as a tissue scaffold, "L929 cell line 3D cell culture" was created and cell viability was tested in the biomaterial. At the end of the 21st day, black tea showed 51% and oolong tea 73% viability. The cytotoxicity of the materials prepared by lyophilizing oolong and black tea kombucha beverages in fibroblast cell culture was determined. Black tea IC50 value: 7.53 mg, oolong tea IC50 value is found as 6.05 mg. Fibroblast viability in 3D biomaterial + lyophilized oolong and black tea kombucha beverages, which were created using the amounts determined to these values, were investigated by cell culture Fibroblasts in lyophilized and 3D biomaterial showed viability of 58% in black tea and 78% in oolong tea at the end of the 7th day. In SEM analysis, it was concluded that fibroblast cells created adhesion to the biomaterial. 3D biomaterial from kombucha mushroom culture can be used as tissue scaffold and biomaterial.Publication Open Access A brand-new cardiorenal syndrome in the Coronavirus Disease- 2019 (COVID-19) setting(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2020) Apetrii, Mugurel; Enache, Stefana; Siriopol, Dimitrie; Burlacu, Alexandru; Kanbay, Asiye; Scripcariu, Dragos; Covic, Adrian; Kanbay, Mehmet; Faculty Member; School of Medicine; 110580Coronaviruses are a major pathogen for adults, causing up to one-third of community-acquired respiratory tract infections in adults during epidemics. Although the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) targets preferentially patient’s lungs, recent data have documented that COVID-19 causes myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, exacerbation of heart failure and acute kidney injury. Studies show that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), similar to its predecessor SARS-CoV, engages angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the entry receptor. ACE2 is also expressed in the heart, providing a link between coronaviruses and the cardiovascular system.Publication Metadata only A case of left testicular artery with high origin passing through a left renal vein fenestration(Via Medica Medical Publishers, 2024) Yılmaz, Ebru; Tatar, Cem; Keskin, Aleyna; Yalçın, Büşra; Gürses, İlke Ali; Graduate School of Health Sciences; School of MedicineBackground: Fenestrations of are extremely rare in the venous system, especially renal veins. This paper aims to present a case of left renal vein fenestration where a high origin testicular artery passes through it. Materials and Methods The variation was observed incidentally in a 74-year-old Caucasian male cadaver during routine retroperitoneal dissections for second year medical students. Results: A fenestration in the mid portion of the left renal vein was observed. The length and height of the fenestration was 23 and 3.6 millimeters, respectively. The left testicular artery passed through the fenestration and followed a normal course distal to the fenestration. Posterior to the left renal vein, the testicular artery originated from the lateral aspect of abdominal aorta, just caudal to the left renal artery. On the right side, the testicular artery had a similar high origin, and two renal arteries were present. No venous variations were observed on the right side. Conclusions: The long course of the left renal vein is a factor of preference for donor kidney selection. Uncommon variations of the left renal veins, such as fenestrations, might result in a change in surgical technique and would put the left donor kidney at risk of prolonged anastomosis time and lower survival rates.Publication Open Access A clinical comparison of home-based and hospital-based exercise programs following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for anterior shoulder instability(Human Kinetics, 2020) Atalar, Ata Can; Eren, Şule Meral; Uçak, Ayla; Çerezci, Önder; Eren, İlker; Canbulat, Nazan; Demirhan, Mehmet; Faculty Member; Faculty Member; School of Medicine; Koç University Hospital; 168021; 58534; 9882Context: ideal rehabilitation method following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair surgery for anterior shoulder instability has not been proven yet. Although rapid or slow protocols were compared previously, home- or hospital-based protocols were not questioned before. Objective: the aim of this prospective unrandomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the clinical outcomes of home-based and hospital-based rehabilitation programs following arthroscopic Bankart repair. Design: non-randomized controlled trial. Setting: orthopedics and physical therapy units of a single institution. Patients: fifty-four patients (49 males and 5 females) with an average age of 30.5 (9.1) years, who underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and met the inclusion criteria, with at least 1-year follow-up were allocated into 2 groups: home-based (n = 33) and hospital-based (n = 21) groups. Interventions: both groups received identical rehabilitation programs. Patients in the home-based group were called for follow-up every 3 weeks. Patients in the hospital-based group admitted for therapy every other day for a total of 6 to 8 weeks. Both groups were followed identically after the eighth week and the rehabilitation program continued for 6 months. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical outcomes were assessed using Disabilities of Arm Shoulder Hand, Constant, and Rowe scores. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the results in both groups. Wilcoxon test was used for determining the progress in each group. Results: groups were age and gender matched (P =.61, P =.69). Average number of treatment sessions was 13.8 (7.3) for patients in the hospital-based group. Preoperative Disabilities of Arm Shoulder Hand (27.46 [11.81] vs 32.53 [16.42], P =.22), Constant (58.23 [14.23] vs 54.17 [10.46], P =.13), and Rowe (51.72 [15.36] vs 43.81 [19.16], P =.12) scores were similar between groups. Postoperative scores at sixth month were significantly improved in each group (P =.001, P =.001, and P =.001). No significant difference was observed between 2 groups regarding clinical scores in any time point. Conclusions: we have, therefore, concluded that a controlled home-based exercise program is as effective as hospital-based rehabilitation following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for anterior shoulder instability.Publication Open Access A clinical scoring system to predict the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(Thieme Medical Publishers, 2015) Hayran, Mutlu; Derin, Hatice; Ovalı, Fahri; N/A; Gürsoy, Tuğba; Faculty Member; School of Medicine; 214691Objective: This study aims to develop a scoring system for the prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: Medical records of 652 infants whose gestational age and birth weight were below 32 weeks and 1,500g, respectively, and who survived beyond 28th postnatal day were reviewed retrospectively. Logistic regression methods were used to determine the clinical and demographic risk factors within the first 72 hours of life associated with BPD, as well as the weights of these factors on developing BPD. Predictive accuracy of the scoring system was tested prospectively at the same unit. ResultsBirth weight, gestational age, gender, presence of respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, hypotension were the most important risk factors for BPD. Therefore, a scoring system (BPD-TM score) ranging from 0 to 13 and grouped in four tiers (0-3: low, 4-6: low intermediate, 7-9: high intermediate, and 10-13: high risk) was developed based on these factors. Below the score of 4, 4.1% of infants (18/436), above the score of 9, 100% (29/29) of the infants developed BPD. The score was validated successfully in 172 infants. Conclusion: With this easy to use scoring system, one can predict the neonate at risk for BPD at 72 hours of life and direct preventive measures toward these infants.Publication Open Access A combined VBM and DTI study of schizophrenia: bilateral decreased insula volume and cerebral white matter disintegrity corresponding to subinsular white matter projections unlinked to clinical symptomatology(Aves, 2017) Ulaşoğlu-Yıldız, Çiğdem; Aslan, Selçuk; Talı, Erhan Turgut; N/A; N/A; Onay, Aslıhan; Eser, Hale Yapıcı; Faculty Member; School of Medicine; N/A; 134359PURPOSE: Grey matter and white matter changes within the brain are well defined in schizophrenia. However, most studies focused on either grey matter changes or white matter integrity separately; only in limited number of studies these changes were interpreted in the same frame. In addition, the relationship of these findings with clinical variables is not clearly established. Here, we aimed to investigate the grey matter and white matter changes in schizophrenia patients and exhibit the relation of these imaging findings with clinical variables. METHODS: A total of 20 schizophrenia patients and 16 matched healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the grey matter and white matter alterations that occur in schizophrenia patients using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and whole brain voxel-wise analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters with SPM8, respectively. While the preprocessing steps ofVBM were performed with the default parameters of VBM8 toolbox, the preprocessing steps of DTI were carried out using FSL. Additionally, VBM results were correlated with clinical variables. RESULTS: Bilateral insula showed decreased grey matter volume in schizophrenia patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.01). The opposite contrast did not show a significant difference. Psychiatric scores, duration of illness, and age were not correlated with the decreased grey matter volume of insula in schizophrenia patients. DTI analysis revealed a significant increase in mean, radial, and axial diffusivity, mainly of the fibers of bilateral anterior thalamic radiation and superior longitudinal fasciculus with left predominance, which intersected with bilateral subinsular white matter (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that insula may be the main affected brain region in schizophrenia, which is also well supported by the literature. Our results were independent of disease duration and schizophrenia symptoms. White matter alterations were observed within bilateral anterior thalamic radiation and superior longitudinal fasciculus that intersects with subinsular white matter. Studies with larger sample sizes and more detailed clinical assessments are required to understand the function of insula in the neurobiology of schizophrenia.Publication Metadata only A common genetic variation of melanoma inhibitory activity-2 labels a subtype of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with high endoplasmic reticulum stress levels(Nature, 2015) Kong, Bo; Wu, Weiwei; Valkovska, Nataliya; Jäger, Carsten; Hong, Xin; Nitsche, Ulrich; Friess, Helmut; Esposito, Irene; Kleeff, Jörg; Michalski, Christoph W.; N/A; Erkan, Murat Mert; Faculty Member; School of Medicine; 214689HNF1 homeobox A (HNF1A)-mediated gene expression constitutes an essential component of the secretory pathway in the exocrine pancreas. Melanoma inhibitory activity 2 (MIA2), a protein facilitating protein secretion, is an HNF1A target. Protein secretion is precisely coordinated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) system. Here, we demonstrate that HNFA and MIA2 are expressed in a subset of human PDAC tissues and that HNF1A induced MIA2 in vitro. We identified a common germline variant of MIA2 (c.A617G: p.I141M) associated with a secretory defect of the MIA2 protein in PDAC cells. Patients carrying MIA2I141M survived longer after tumor resection but the survival benefit was restricted to those patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. The MIA2I141M variant was associated with high expression of ER stress/UPR genes – in particular those of the ERN1/XBP arm – in human PDAC samples. Accordingly, PDAC cell lines expressing the MIA2I141M variant expressed high levels of ERN1 and were more sensitive to gemcitabine. These findings define an interaction between the common MIA2I141M variant and the ER stress/UPR system and specify a subgroup of PDAC patients who are more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. © 2015, Nature Research. All rights reserved.