Zonguldak Karaelmas University

About: Zonguldak Karaelmas University is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Copolymer. The organization has 1939 authors who have published 4296 publications receiving 62466 citations.

Prognostic value of serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in critically ill patients who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. We sought to determine the prognostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) kinetics in critically ill patients who developed VAP. METHODS: Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and developed VAP were eligible. Patients were followed for 28 days after the pneumonia diagnosis and blood samples for PCT and CRP were collected on the day of the pneumonia diagnosis (D0), and days 3 (D3) and 7 (D7) after the diagnosis. Patients were grouped as survivors and non-survivors, and the mean PCT and CRP values and their kinetics were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients were enrolled. Of them, 22 (48.8%) died before day 28 after the pneumonia diagnosis. There was no significant difference between the survivor and non-survivor groups in terms of PCT on the day of pneumonia diagnosis or CRP levels at any point. However, the PCT levels days 3 and 7 were significantly higher in the non-survivor group than the survivor group. Whereas PCT levels decreased significantly from D0 to D7 in the survivor group, CRP did not. A PCT level above 1 ng/mL on day 3 was the strongest predictor of mortality, with an odds ratio of 22.6. CONCLUSION: Serum PCT was found to be a superior prognostic marker compared to CRP in terms of predicting mortality in critically ill patients who developed VAP. The PCT level on D3 was the strongest predictor of mortality in VAP.

Effect of sealant agents on the color stability and surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resins.

Abstract: Statement of problem The effect of sealant agents on the surface roughness and color stability of nanohybrid composite resins is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of sealant agents on the surface roughness and color stability of 4 nanohybrid composite resin materials. Material and methods Forty disks (10×2 mm) were fabricated for each nanohybrid composite resin material (Z-550, Tetric EvoCeram, Clearfill Majesty, Ice) (N=160) and divided into 4 surface treatment groups: 1 conventional polishing (control) and 3 different sealant agent (Palaseal, Optiglaze, BisCover) coupling groups (n=10). The specimens were thermocycled, and surface roughness (R a ) values were obtained with a profilometer. Scanning electron microscope images were also recorded. CIELab color parameters of each specimen were measured with a spectrophotometer before and after 7 days of storage in a coffee solution. Color differences were calculated by the CIEDE 2000 (ΔE 00 ) formula. The data were statistically analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and by the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). Results The surface treatment technique significantly affected the R a values of the composite resins tested ( P 00 values ( P a were observed only for the Palaseal agent coupled composite resin groups (except Ice) compared with the control groups ( P 00 (3.09 to 3.49) values for each composite resin group, except for BisCover applied Clearfill Majesty ( P P Conclusions Using Palaseal agent on all tested composite resins except for Ice produced smoother surfaces. All surface sealant agents provided less discoloration of nanohybrid composite resins after coffee staining compared with conventional polishing except for BisCover applied Clearfill Majesty composite resin.

Corneal Biomechanical Comparison of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma and Healthy Subjects

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the differences in corneal biomechanical properties between healthy subjects and patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) using the ocular response analyzer (ORA).Materials and methods: One hundred eighteen eyes of 45 healthy, 43 PEX and 30 PEXG eyes were included in to the study. Corneal biomechanical parameters measurements were obtained using ORA. The main parameters assessed were corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated pressure measurement (IOPg) and corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). Ultrasound pachymetry was used for measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT).Results: In healthy subjects, PEX and PEXG eyes’ mean CH values were 10.3 ± 1.4, 8.2 ± 1.4 and 6.8 ± 1.7 mmHg, respectively. The difference in mean CH between the PEXG and other two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Mean CRF values were 10.3 ± 0.7, 7.9 ± 1.6 and 7.9 ± 1.9 mmHg, in healthy subjects PE...