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AbstractMore often than not, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is regarded as an iconoclastic text which not only blurs the boundaries between morality and immorality, good and evil, salvation and damnation, by challenging the preconceived ecclesiastical and moral codes, but also foregrounds the undercurrents and conflicting mental forces operating in the disturbed psyche of its eponymous hero. Therefore, during the latter part of the twentieth century, re-examination of Doctor Faustus through a Freudian conceptual framework emerged as a convincing theoretical approach to understand the complexities inherent within the character of Faustus. The paper succinctly tracks the trajectory of this intellectual scholarship, which makes an attempt to interpret the narrative of the Marlovian Doctor Faustus through the lens of Freudian psychoanalysis. Side by side, the paper, by employing close reading as its tool, tries to establish a link between the sublimation of Faustus' repressed sexual desires and his penchant for the art of necromancy, and thus, offers an alternative psychoanalytic interpretation of Doctor Faustus. Furthermore, the paper intends to investigate the importance of Freudian defense mechanisms which Faustus applies time and again to resort to self-delusion and to dilute his claustrophobic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of taxifolin and arabinogalactan premixed with dihydroquercetin (Lavitol V) at different concentrations on the quality changes of trout soup at 4 ± 1°C for 31 days. Shelf life studies included physiochemical, sensory, and microbiological quality measures. The shelf lives of the fish soups were extended for 2–4 and 7–10 days with taxifolin and Lavitol V, respectively, with significant variations (p < 0.05), the longest shelf life corresponding to Lavitol V for 31 days. The highest TBA and TVB-N were obtained for the control as 3.72 mg MA/kg and 11.21 mg/100 g, respectively. Therefore, Lavitol V has a good potential for future applications in seafood preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare changes in choroidal thickness (ChT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) between patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and healthy individuals. Methods: This study included 34 patients with CAE and 40 age-matched healthy subjects with normal coronary arteries. Measurements of ChT and CVI were taken using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, employing the binarization method for CVI calculation. Additional parameters, including central macula thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell layer (GCC) thickness, were also documented. Results: The results indicated no significant differences in either subfoveal ChT or in ChT at 1500 µm both nasal and temporal to the fovea. However, significant differences were noted in ChT at the 500 µm nasal and temporal areas. The CVI was found to be significantly lower in the CAE group compared to the healthy controls. Furthermore, this study noted a significant difference in GCC thickness between the two groups, while no significant differences were observed in CMT and RNFL measurements. Conclusions: The findings suggest that patients with CAE exhibit decreased ChT and CVI in comparison to healthy controls. This highlights the potential role of ChT and CVI as important markers of disease in coronary artery ectasia, offering valuable insights into systemic cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The absence of precise landmarks in the middle fossa floor and frequent anatomical variations make it difficult to localize the internal acoustic canal (IAC) during the middle fossa approach (MFA). We aimed to investigate the reliability and utility of the neuronavigation system (NNS) in the MFA and to delineate specific technical considerations regarding NNS during the approach. Method One-millimeter-thin section computed tomography scans were performed on five formalin-fixed human cadavers (10 sides). During the MFA, structures, such as the IAC, vestibule and cochlea hidden in the temporal bone were investigated under NNS guidance. Results All the superficial landmarks, such as the foramen spinosum and ovale were correctly localized by NNS. Deeper landmarks, such as the central part of the IAC lying beneath the surface of the petrous apex could not be localized via NNS. The exact area of bone removal along roof of IAC was determined by using the orientation provided by the probe placed between the basal turn of cochlea and the vestibule. We were able to validate the location of the IAC via a medial to lateral drilling by using the navigation this reference point. Conclusion The NNS can be used effectively during the MFA, and localizing superficial landmarks on the middle fossa floor with a higher accuracy may prove helpful in identifying the IAC from above. By referring to the cochlea–vestibule junctional area, the exact location of the trace of the IAC can be revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on characterizing the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA2050‐T84 alloy produced in two different thicknesses, 20 and 130 mm. A comparative analysis between the two thicknesses aims to understand how the rolling operation for achieving thin plates influences the alloy's microstructure and overall mechanical performance. Microstructural analyses showed a highly anisotropic grain structure and preferred crystallographic orientation in the 20‐mm‐thick plate, causing anisotropic tensile properties. Also, a significant fatigue crack deviation was observed for the 20‐mm‐thick plate during fatigue crack growth tests due to its microstructure. This result was attributed to the microcrack formations perpendicular to the crack growth direction and slip bands at the intermediate ΔK, when the loading was parallel to the rolling direction. The findings from this study offer critical insights into how the rolling operation for achieving thin plates influences the microstructure and overall performance of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and strontium (Sr) incorporated amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) nanoparticles were synthesized. Results revealed that at low Zn concentrations, Zn and Sr co-incorporated, Mg-stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACMC) nanoparticles were obtained. However, at high Zn concentrations, instead of ACMC, calcium (Ca) and Sr co-incorporated, magnesium-stabilized amorphous zinc carbonate (AZMC) nanoparticles were obtained. Our results demonstrated that Mg could be used to stabilize the amorphous structure of both nanoparticles. The additive ions could be incorporated into the structure of both ACMC and AZMC without impairing their amorphous nature. The synthesized nanoparticles had an average size of about ∼30 nm. Degradation studies suggested that the degradation rate of AZMC nanoparticles could be slower compared to ACMC nanoparticles. Antibacterial tests showed that the number of colony forming units for the Ca and Sr co-incorporated AZMC nanoparticles was lower for both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains compared to the control group. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that fibroblasts interacting with the ion-incorporated ACMC and AZMC nanoparticles remained viable and proliferated for up to 5 days in vitro. These results demonstrated for the first time that Zn and Sr co-incorporated ACMC nanoparticles were non-toxic, biodegradable, and possessed antibacterial properties. In addition, Ca and Sr co-incorporated AZMC nanoparticles exhibited a stronger antibacterial effect, which makes them promising candidates for antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Brucellosis affects many organs and tissues; its clinical course and severity vary greatly. This may lead to an increase in the frequency of complications due to late diagnosis and late initiation of treatment. Osteoarticular involvement is the most common complication. Complications due to brucellosis result in serious morbidity and mortality. We planned to evaluate brucellosis and detect laboratory markers that can predict complications. Methods: Patients diagnosed with brucellosis and who applied to our hospital between January 01, 2013 and October 31, 2023 were included in the study. Detection of infectious findings in an anatomical region of the patient as a result of radiological imaging and physical examination was defined as a "complication". Patient data were obtained by retrospective screening of patient files. Results: 237 patients were included in the study. 133 (56.1%) of these patients were male. 125 (52.7%) of the patients had local involvement, and the most common was bone-joint involvement with a rate of 80% (n=100). White blood cell, C-reactive protein and C-reactive protein/albumin levels were significantly increased in the patient group with local involvement compared to the patient group without any involvement, and there was a significant decrease in the albumin levels. Doxycycline/rifampicin treatment was most frequently used in patients with local involvement; treatment duration was significantly longer in patients with complications, especially those with osteoarticular involvement, and the recurrence rate was 10.4%. Conclusion: Brucellosis is an infectious disease that still maintains its importance for our country, especially in endemic regions. This study will contribute to patient management and reduce morbidity and mortality by identifying laboratory markers that can predict complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field-effect transistors are crucial components for modern electronics, generating significant research and profitable interest. Metal halide perovskites have recently emerged as a pioneering active material in solar cells, generating interest in their potential use in other electronic and (opto)electronic devices, including field-effect transistors and phototransistors. However, before they can be commercialized, they still face significant challenges owing to their immanent instabilities with respect to heat, moisture, and light. In contrast, due to their exceptional environmental stability, the newly emerging two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper type perovskites have garnered significant recognition. The current state of the field is covered in this review article, as are the problems, and a perspective for the scenarios of perovskite field-effect transistors. The effects of temperature, light, and measurement conditions are taken into account, as well as the physics of the device and the fundamental mechanisms that drive these devices, such as ion migration and ionic defects. Subsequently, the performance of perovskite transistors and phototransistors described so far is analyzed and critically evaluated. Finally, the major roadblocks to perovskite transistor advancement are identified and explored. The lessons learned from other perovskite optoelectronic devices are investigated in order to address these obstacles and bring these devices closer to industrial implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated metaplasticity‐related mRNA expressions in valproic acid (VPA)‐rats, focusing on the PI3K/AKT pathway. Wistar dams were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA or saline on embryonic day E12.5 or an equal volume of saline solution. Three behavioral tests were conducted on these males' offspring: grid‐walking test, negative geotaxis test, and three‐chamber social interaction test. Metaplasticity was induced in 60‐day‐old male progeny by giving high‐frequency stimulation for 5 minutes following low‐frequency stimulation to the perforant pathway. For the baseline stimulation protocol (n = 6), stimulation was delivered to the dentate gyrus at the previously determined stimulation intensity (0.33 Hz 0.175 msec 30 s) for 75 min. The percent change of slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and amplitude of population spike were calculated 55–60 min after induction protocol. The mRNA levels of PI3K, PTEN, AKT, GSK‐3β, and MAPT were measured in the hippocampus by using quantitative rt‐PCR. We found that offspring of VPA‐treated rats showed significantly impaired sensorimotor coordination, decreased sociability, impaired preference for social novelty, and reduced input–output curve of fEPSP slope, compared to control animals. Despite a similar metaplastic response, mRNA levels of genes of interest were similar but considerably down‐regulated after induction in offspring of VPA‐treated dams. Our study provides evidence that the induced expression of autism‐related genes has evolved to enable an adaptation mechanism during metaplastic control of long‐term potentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between smartphone use, interpersonal interaction, and friendship satisfaction (FS) remains underexplored in literature. The present study addressed this gap by examining how smartphone-related behaviours, such as phubbing and smartphone addiction (SPA), are associated with fear of missing out (FoMO), being phubbed (BP) and FS. The study surveyed 811 university students and explored the aforementioned relationships and the dual roles of SPA as a mediator and BP as a moderator. The findings showed that FoMO positively correlated with phubbing, with SPA as a partial mediator, suggesting that reducing SPA could mitigate phubbing. Results also showed that BP moderated the relationship between these variables, influencing the effects of phubbing on FS. Notably, the findings also showed that while phubbing typically harms FS, BP can transform this negative impact into a positive one when friends share this behaviour. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of digital behaviours’ effects on social interactions and offer practical implications. Interventions such as digital detox programmes, mindfulness training, and social skills workshops are recommended to promote healthier digital habits and improve social relationships. The need for tailored support for at-risk students and policy development that foster digital well-being in educational settings is emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy efficient electric motors save energy thus reduce operating costs. Since there are several losses affecting the motor efficiency, fan design plays an important role to minimize these losses. This study examines the effects of the design parameters of a radial bladed fan on the motor efficiency in a 132 frame with a power of 7.5 kW. The parametric analysis was carried out with the computational fluid dynamics method, and the results were used for the multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) optimization study with the highest efficiency and the lowest motor body temperature objectives. The hub height, hub radius, distance to body cover, blade rising angle, fan cover entrance distance, blade edge angle, blade center radius, blade edge radius, blade end radius, and center edge distance were selected as optimization parameters. 151 simulations were performed. The results showed that the most important parameter for fan efficiency is the hub height which is the parameter that determines the height of the fan impeller diameter. According to the results, the optimum fan design increased the efficiency by 8% compared to the original fan and reduced the winding temperature by 8 °C. The optimized fan design was manufactured and tested against imulation data. This study contributes to sustainable development goals by improving motor efficiency that reduces the cost, designing of new components, and cooling the fan effectively that reduces the amount of copper used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are at a higher risk of developing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Pneumococcal carriage studies are helpful tools for detecting potentially infectious serotypes and guiding immunization efforts. Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization is common, and IPD can easily occur in an immunosuppressed state. Limited information is available regarding the frequency of pneumococcal carriage in individuals with NS. The aim of this study was to evaluate pneumococcal carriage and serotype distribution in children with NS. Methods: Pneumococcal carriage was detected by real-time PCR assays from nasopharyngeal swab samples from 98 children with NS, and 100 healthy controls. Isolates were serotyped by real-time PCR. Results: The pneumococcal carriage rate was 44.9% in children with NS. Regarding the recommendation about pneumococcal immunization in children with NS, the vaccination rate was low. Also, non-PCV13 serotypes have been detected in at least 25% of PCV13-vaccinated children. There is no statistically significant difference in total pneumococcal carriage rate, PCV13 serotype carriage rate, or non-PCV13 serotype carriage rate between children with NS and healthy controls (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The pneumococcal carriage rate was similar between children with NS and healthy controls. However, because children with NS have an increased risk for IPD, the serotype distribution of children with NS can demonstrate the improved protection offered by new pneumococcal vaccines. Regular monitoring for IPD is crucial for assessing the evolving sero-epidemiology of pneumococcal infections and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines for children with NS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous study, it has been shown that the population of Th17 lymphocytes was increased in patients with FMF. IL-21 and IL-23 play significant roles in the production and differentiation of Th17 cells. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum levels of IL-21 and IL-23 in FMF patients both at diagnosis and after treatment, and to compare these levels with those of healthy controls. Twenty-seven newly diagnosed patients with FMF in attack-free periods and twenty-seven healthy volunteers enrolled in the study. The groups were comparable with respect to age and gender. IL-21 and IL-23 levels in serum samples from patients at the time of diagnosis, in remission after treatment, and from the control groups were analysed using the ELISA method. There was no significant difference between the cytokine levels of the patient group at the time of diagnosis and the cytokine levels of the control group (for IL-21, p: 0.28 and for IL-23, p: 0.56). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the patients' cytokine levels at the time of diagnosis and after treatment (for IL-21, p: 0.99 and for IL-23, p: 0.08). Interleukin levels at the time of diagnosis did not differ among patient groups based on the presence of clinical findings or the M694V genotype. Our results suggest that IL-21 and IL-23 do not play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, while interpreting these findings, it should be considered that patients with active episodes were excluded and cytokine levels were not measured in tissue samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Naples score (NS), which is a composite of cardiovascular adverse event predictors including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, albumin, and total cholesterol, has emerged as a prognostic risk score in cancer patients. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of NS for long-term mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients (STEMI). A total of 1889 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study. The median duration of the study was 43 months (IQR: 32–78). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to NS as group 1 and group 2. We created 3 models as a baseline model, model 1 (baseline + NS in continuous), and model 2 (baseline + NS as categorical). Group 2 patients had higher long-term mortality rates than group 1 patients. The NS was independently associated with long-term mortality and adding NS to a baseline model improved the model performance for prediction and discrimination of long-term mortality. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that model 1 had a better net benefit probability for detecting mortality compared with the baseline model. NS had the highest contributive significant effect in the prediction model. An easily accessible and calculable NS might be used for risk stratification of long-term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cervical pedicle screw fixation technique ensures rigid stabilization by offering superior correction capability for the restoration of the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine. Given the technical complexity of this procedure and its proximity to critical neurovascular structures, it is imperative for surgeons to thoroughly assess the patient's anatomy before undertaking pedicle instrumentation in the lower cervical spine. This comprehensive evaluation is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring optimal surgical outcomes. Methods: In the present study, the widths, heights, transverse angles, and maximum lengths of pedicle screws of the vertebral pedicles between C3 and C7 in posterior cervical spinal instrumentation were bilaterally evaluated in 50 adult patients using preoperative four-way direct radiographs, thin-section computed tomography (CT) scans, and 3-dimensional CT (3D-CT) images. Results: The results revealed that pedicle height, pedicle width, and maximum screw length increased gradually as we descended caudally from the C3 vertebra to the C7 vertebra, whereas the transverse pedicle angle increased between C3 and C5 and decreased between C5 and C7. The mean maximum screw length varied between 29.7 mm and 33.1 mm. Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of the widths, heights, transverse angles, and maximum lengths of pedicle screws for their appropriate placement into the pedicle in surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The efficient separation and purification of proteins like C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) from Spirulina platensis are essential for their commercialization, yet they remain challenging. This study investigated three chromatographic methods for C‐PC purification: weak anion exchange chromatography (DEAE), strong anion exchange chromatography (Q Sepharose), and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). RESULTS: Weak anion exchange chromatography achieved a recovery of 36.80 mg unit (57.08%) with a purity of 3.23, outperforming Q Sepharose (yield: 23.21 mg unit means that 46.33%, purity: 2.76) and HIC (yield: 22.95 mg unit means that 17.57%, purity: 3.02). The purified C‐PC consisted of α and β subunits with molecular masses of 16 kDa and 17 kDa, respectively. Further assessment revealed its antioxidant capacity through a 2,2'‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The stability of C‐phycocyanin was tested at different pH levels and temperatures. Maximum stability was observed at pH 7, and pH 4 showed the lowest stability. Glutaraldehyde‐treated C‐PC (GC‐PC) demonstrated gradual degradation up to 50 °C, retaining 73.25% after 30 min. Notably, GC‐PC exhibited stability even at higher temperatures, with degradation rates of 57.32% at 70 °C and 50.96% at 80 °C. CONCLUSION: Weak anion exchange chromatography proved superior for C‐PC purification, offering higher yields and purity than Q Sepharose and HIC. The purified C‐PC showed promising antioxidant capacity and stability, particularly GC‐PC, which exhibited resistance to degradation, even at elevated temperatures. These findings underscore the potential of C‐PC as a valuable compound for various applications, with DEAE chromatography being an efficient method for its production and commercialization. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our primary goal was to utilize pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) to demonstrate the early alterations in the pulmonary vascular area in individuals with prior COVID-19 illness who had not undergone hospitalization. Methods: In total, 201 patients with prior COVID-19 infection without hospitalization and 195 healthy, age- and sex-matched individuals without a history of COVID-19 disease were included in this prospective analysis. The PAS value for each patient was calculated by dividing the mean peak pulmonary flow velocity by the pulmonary flow acceleration time. Results: The measured PAS was 10.2 ± 4.11 Hz/msec in post–COVID-19 participants and 8.56 ± 1.47 Hz/msec in healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Moreover, pulmonary artery acceleration time was significantly lower in patients with a prior history of COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that PAS was significantly connected to a prior COVID-19 illness (odds ratio, 1.267; 95% confidence interval, 1.142–1.434; P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff point for detecting a prior COVID-19 disease for PAS was 10.1 (sensitivity, 70.2%; specificity, 87.7%). Conclusions: This might be the first investigation to reveal that patients with a history of COVID-19 had higher PAS values compared to those without COVID-19. The results of the investigation may indicate the need of regular follow up of COVID-19 patients for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, especially during the post–COVID-19 interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a prominent complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The systemic immune inflammation response index (SIIRI) is a novel inflammatory marker developed by multiplying the monocyte count by the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and is associated with coronary artery disease severity. We investigated the predictive ability of SIIRI for detecting CIN in STEMI patients (n = 2289) following pPCI and developed a nomogram based on SIIRI for risk stratifying. CIN was diagnosed based on an elevation in baseline creatinine levels >.5 mg/dL or 25% within 72 h after pPCI; 219 CIN (+) and 2070 CIN (−) patients were included. CIN (+) patients had higher SIIRI than CIN (−) patients and SIIRI was an independent predictor of CIN. A nomogram based on SIIRI had good calibration and discrimination abilities for predicting CIN development. SIIRI was superior to SII in discriminating CIN (+) patients. Adding SIIRI to the baseline model, which consists of age, hypertension, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin, ejection fraction, lesion length, and pain-to-balloon time, had a higher discriminative ability and benefit in detecting CIN (+) patients than baseline model as assessed by decision curve analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-established that tourists play a significant role in food waste generation. This issue, however, has been under-examined from the perspectives of tourists. In this regard, this study attempted to understand the reasons for the excessive amount of waste generated by tourists in all-inclusive resorts and examine tourists' food waste behavior through an exploratory approach. In this context, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 26 regular holidaymakers at all-inclusive resorts. The factors affecting tourists' food waste behavior were categorized into three main themes: food-related, tourist-related, and holiday-related factors. Findings revealed that food waste behavior was pervasive among tourists. It was also discovered that tourists denied their involvement in food waste, claiming that "other tourists" contributed more to food waste generation. A comprehensive model of food waste behavior of tourists was developed within the scope of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Real‐world research to evaluate the effect of device technology in preventing fall‐related morbidity is limited. This pilot study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a non‐wearable fall detection device in older nursing home residents. Methods: The study was conducted in a nursing home with single‐resident rooms. Fall detection devices were randomly set up in half of the rooms. Demographic data, comorbidities, lists of medications, and functional, nutritional, and frailty status were recorded. The residents were followed up for 3 months. The primary outcome was falls and the secondary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Results: A total of 26 participants were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 13 residents who had a fall detection device in their rooms. The remaining 13 residents on the same floor formed the control group. Participants had a mean age of 82 ± 10 years and 89% of the residents were female. The most prevalent comorbidity was dementia. Two residents from the control group and one resident from the study group experienced a fall event during follow‐up. The fall events in the control group were identified retrospectively by the nursing home staff, whereas the fall in the study group received a prompt response from the staff who were notified by the alarm. One resident was transferred to the hospital and died due to a non‐fall related reason. Conclusion: Device technology may provide an opportunity for timely intervention to prevent fall‐related morbidity in institutionalized older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensor placement is one of the vital concerns in civil structure monitoring. A sensor placement strategy based on a damage assessment method has been introduced for beam‐like structures. An existing damage detection method adapted to multi‐modes and different types of beam‐like structures. Then, it is numerically verified to be suitable for detecting any damage location in a 100 degrees of freedom mass‐spring system. Depending on the noise in the response and the limited measurements, the results demonstrate the validity of using the multi‐mode damage indicator. However, there are limitations to this method due to mode shape saddle points. Sensor deployment schemes have been proposed to address the restriction. In contrast to the corresponding procedure, this method does not rely on the optimization algorithm. Sensor placement strategies involve the simultaneous use of accelerometers and large‐area electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of tic disorders (TDs) is not precisely known, although several lines of evidence suggest involvement of the immune system in pathogenesis. Here, we aimed to determine the expression levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in children with TD and compare them with those of healthy controls. Furthermore, we also evaluated their association with clinical variables in the TD group. Within the study period, 88 children with tic disorders and 111 healthy control children were enrolled. Most children with tic disorders were diagnosed with Tourette's disorder (n = 47, 53.4%) or persistent motor tic disorder (n = 39, 44.3%), while the remainder (n = 2, 2.3%) were diagnosed with persistent vocal tic disorder. We found that children with tic disorders had significantly elevated levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-4 expression, while we detected lower expression levels of IL-17 in children with tic disorders. Our findings provide a molecular landscape of cytokine expression in children with TD, which may suggest a proinflammatory state not affected by the presence of comorbidity and symptom severity. Delineating the contribution of alterations in the immune system to the pathogenesis of tic disorders may pave the way for better therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is one of Türkiye’s strategic crops regarding food and economic benefits. However, the need for well-adapted and productive varieties is a production problem for the country. Therefore, evaluating such varieties with high yield potential and suitable for local environmental conditions is essential. Thus, this study was conducted to select potato varieties with good agronomic characteristics suitable for high-altitude regions such as Erzurum province in 2022. In the study, 12 potato varieties, seven local (Bahar, Kaya, Kafkas, Petek, Taş, Ayaz, Deniz) and five fixed (Pomqueen, Alegria, Marabel, Agria, and Marfona) were used as plant material. It was established according to the "Randomized Blocks" experimental design with three replications. The study's results revealed that the cultivars significantly affected all the variables. The highest plant height was recorded in the Pomqueen (89.6 cm) and Kaya (85.5 cm) varieties, while Kaya had the highest number of stems per hill (6.1 pieces). Concerning yield and yield components, the highest number of tubers per hill was recorded in Ayaz (17.5 pieces), while the highest tuber yield per hill and total tuber yield were recorded in Petek (1287.1 g and 5251.5 kg da-1). This variety was followed by standard Alegria (4497.5 kg da-1) and local Kaya (4441.0 kg da-1) varieties in total tuber yield. Therefore, considering the yield potential, especially local Petek and Kaya and standard varieties Alegria and Marabel were promising and recommended to growers in regions with high altitudes and similar agroecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, epidemics of infections and the response of human societies to contain them expose and interact with disparities in health, economic, political, environmental and societal systems.1 Works of literature such as the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare serve as witnesses to these interactions. The COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest recent global public health crisis, and its toll had surpassed 7 million deaths worldwide as of late December 2024, among which 1.2 million occurred in the United States.2 Studies on the effects of this pandemic on the mental health of youth continue to underline its impact and provide clues for disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) provides a unique, atom-specific tool to probe the electronic structure of solids. By surmounting long-held limitations of powder-based XAS using a dynamically averaged powder in a Resonant Acoustic Mixer (RAM), we demonstrate how time-resolved in situ (TRIS) XAS provides unprecedented detail of mechanochemical synthesis. The use of a custom-designed dispersive XAS (DXAS) setup allows us to increase the time resolution over existing fluorescence measurements from ∼15 min to 2 s for a complete absorption spectrum. Hence, we here establish TRIS-XAS as a viable method for studying mechanochemical reactions and sampling reaction kinetics. The generality of our approach is demonstrated through RAM-induced (i) bottom-up Au nanoparticle mechanosynthesis and (ii) the synthesis of a prototypical metal organic framework, ZIF-8. Moreover, we demonstrate that our approach also works with the addition of a stainless steel milling ball, opening the door to using TRIS-DXAS for following conventional ball milling reactions. We expect that our TRIS-DXAS approach will become an essential part of the mechanochemical tool box. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by developmentally inappropriate, pervasive, and impairing symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.1 Although not listed among the core symptoms, irritability, reduced tolerance to frustration, and labile mood are considered features associated with ADHD.1,2 Irritability refers to a tendency to get angry quickly and/or easily at a lower threshold of frustration and respond disproportionately to triggers.3 Almost two-thirds of youth with ADHD may display impairing irritability, while rates of ADHD may be elevated among youth with clinically significant irritability.2 Irritability and impulsivity are thought to share neurobiological mechanisms that may overlap with executive and self-regulatory functions such as inhibitory control.3-5 The nature and developmental stability of these associations are still debated. Areas of controversy include the role of emotion regulation problems in positive vs negative emotions for impairment6; relations between those problems and risk-taking behavior, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, and disruptive behavior problems2-5; and the nature of emotion regulation problems (ie, as core symptoms, as a feature of a variant of ADHD, or as a characteristic of specific comorbidities such as depression).2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the clinical course and long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT). Methods: The study analyzed a cohort of 112 AGCT patients with a median follow-up of 87 months. Data regarding disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence rates, and prognostic factors were collected and analyzed. Surgical interventions, including lymphadenectomy and cytoreductive surgery, were assessed for their impact on outcomes. Results: The study revealed favorable long-term outcomes, with a 5-year DFS of 85% and a 10-year DFS of 83%. Additionally, a 5-year OS of 100% and a 10-year OS of 96% were observed. Recurrence occurred in 13.4% of cases, with advanced stage and positive peritoneal cytology identified as independent poor prognostic factors for DFS. Lymph node involvement was rare, and routine lymphadenectomy did not improve outcomes. Conservative surgery showed comparable DFS rates to definitive surgery in early-stage disease. However, cytoreductive surgery was crucial for advanced and recurrent tumors, with complete tumor resection enhancing survival outcomes. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of vigilant follow-up and individualized treatment strategies for AGCT patients. Despite the retrospective nature of the analysis, the substantial patient cohort and meticulous surgical interventions contribute valuable insights into AGCT management. Prospective multicenter studies are warranted to further elucidate prognostic factors and optimize treatment approaches for this rare malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to characterize ocular manifestations of juvenile Behçet's disease (jBD). Methods: This was a registry-based observational prospective study. All subjects with jBD from the Autoinflammatory Diseases Alliance (AIDA) Network BD Registry showing ocular manifestations before 18 years were enrolled. Results: We included 27 of 1000 subjects enrolled in the registry (66.7% male patients, 45 affected eyes). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at ocular involvement was 14.2 (4.7) years. Uveitis affected 91.1% of eyes (anterior 11.1%, posterior 40.0%, panuveitis 40.0%), retinal vasculitis 37.8% and other manifestations 19.8%. Later onset (p = 0.01) and male predominance (p = 0.04) characterized posterior involvement. Ocular complications occurred in 51.1% of eyes. Patients with complications had earlier onset (p < 0.01), more relapses (p = 0.02) and more prolonged steroidal treatment (p = 0.02). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) central macular thickness (CMT) at the enrolment and last visit was 302.2 (58.4) and 293.3 (78.2) μm, respectively. Fluorescein angiography was pathological in 63.2% of procedures, with a mean (SD) Angiography Scoring for Uveitis Working Group (ASUWOG) of 17.9 (15.5). At the last visit, ocular damage according to the BD Overall Damage Index (BODI) was documented in 73.3% of eyes. The final mean (SD) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR was 0.17 (0.47) and blindness (BCVA logMAR < 1.00 or central visual field ≤ 10°) occurred in 15.6% of eyes. At multivariate regression analysis, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B51 + independently predicted a + 0.35 change in the final BCVA logMAR (p = 0.01), while a higher BCVA logMAR at the first assessment (odds ratio [OR] 5.80; p = 0.02) independently predicted blindness. Conclusions: The results of this study may be leveraged to guide clinical practice and future research on this rare sight-threatening condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their remarkable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) based composites are preferred materials for dental and orthopedic uses. This study focuses on the production and characterization of hexagonal boron nitride (BN) containing ZTA ceramics. To achieve this, we formulated composite systems with a composition of 70Al 2 O 3 -(30-x)YSZ-(x)BN (in vol%, where x ranges from 1 to 5). These mixtures were densified via spark plasma sintering (SPS) at a temperature of 1350 °C under a pressure of 40 MPa, with a dwell time of 5 min. The densification, resulting microstructure, and mechanical properties, including Vickers hardness and indentation fracture toughness, were thoroughly examined. All ZTA-BN composites achieved sintering densities exceeding 98.5% of their theoretical values. Incorporating BNs into ZTA composites increased fracture toughness by ∼55% while maintaining Vickers hardness values. Notably, crack deflection mechanism played a dominant role in toughening, particularly for the composite containing 3 vol% BNs. Furthermore, in vitro biocompatibility assessment of the YZTAB3 sample demonstrated that the composite had no cytotoxic effects towards human bone cells, indicating its potential for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of some soil conditioners (zeolite, hydrogel, peat) on the yield, yield components, and water use efficiency (WUE) of soybean (Glycine max L.) were investigated in two different irrigation regimes. The study was handled in a polycarbonate-greenhouse located in Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Türkiye, according to a completely randomized factorial design with three replications using the Agroyal variety of soybean as plant material. In a control group, three doses of hydrogel (40, 80, 120 kg ha−1), zeolite (500, 1000, 1500 kg ha−1), and peat (500, 1000, 1500 kg ha−1) were used as treatments under two irrigation regimes as I1 (irrigation made when the water fell up to %10 of the field capacity) and I2 (irrigation made when the water fell up to %50 of the field capacity). It was observed that some doses of the soil conditioners have a positive effect on the examined parameters. However, deficit irrigation decreased or inhibited the positive effect of soil conditioners. According to the results, zeolite application gave the most beneficial results under both two-irrigation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the maxillary artery (MA) as a donor has increasingly become an alternative method for cerebral revascularization. Localization difficulties emerge due to rich infratemporal anatomical variations and the complicated relationships of the MA with neuromuscular structures. We propose an alternative localization method via the interforaminal route along the middle fossa floor. Five silicone-injected adult cadaver heads (10 sides) were dissected. Safe and effective localization of the MA was evaluated. The MA displayed anatomical variations in relation to the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) and the mandibular nerve branches. The proposed L-shaped perpendicular 2-step drilling technique revealed a long MA segment that allowed generous rotation to the intracranial area for an end-to-end anastomosis. The first step of drilling involved medial-to-lateral expansion of foramen ovale up to the lateral border of the superior head of the LPM. The second step of drilling extended at an angle approximately 90° to the initial path and reached anteriorly to the foramen rotundum. The MA was localized by gently retracting the upper head of the LPM medially in a posterior-to-anterior direction. Considering all anatomical variations, the L-shaped perpendicular 2-step drilling technique through the interforaminal space is an attainable method to release an adequate length of MA. The advantages of this technique include the early identification of precise landmarks for the areas to be drilled, preserving all mandibular nerve branches, the deep temporal arteries, and maintaining the continuity of the LPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a facile and versatile strategy for enabling CsPbI3 rods to self-assemble at an air-water interface. The CsPbI3 rods, which float at the air-water interface, align under the influence of the rotational flow field due to the vortex motion of a water subphase. The aligned CsPbI3 rods could be transferred onto various substrates without involving any sophisticated instrumentation. The temperature of the subphase, the concentration of the CsPbI3 aliquot, the rotational speed inducing vortex motion, and the liftoff position and angle of the substrate were optimized to achieve high coverage of the self-assembled rods of CsPbI3 on glass. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD profile confirms that the aligned CsPbI3 is in the pure orthorhombic phase ascribed to the Pnma space group. The hydrophilic carboxylic group of the oleic acid attaches to the Pb atoms of the halide perovskite rods, while their hydrophobic tails encapsulate the rods within their shell, creating a shielding barrier between the water and the perovskite surface like a reverse micelle. The aligned CsPbI3 rods exhibit a nearly 47-fold increment in current upon exposure to ammonia gas (amounting to 5.6 times higher sensitivity in ammonia sensing) compared to the nonaligned CsPbI3 rods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) pose a high risk of pituitary insufficiency development in patients. We have previously reported alterations in miR-126-3p levels in sera from patients with TBI-induced pituitary deficiency. Methods: To investigate why TBI-induced pituitary deficiency develops only in some patients and to reveal the relationship between miR-126-3p with hormone axes, we used mice that were epigenetically modified with miR-126-3p at the embryonic stage. These modified mice were subjected to mild TBI (mTBI) according to the Marmarou's weight-drop model at 2 months of age. The levels of miR-126-3p were assessed at 1 and 30 days in serum after mTBI. Changes in miR-126-3p levels after mTBI of wild-type and miR-126-3p* modified mouse lines validated our human results. Additionally, hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal tissues were analyzed for transcripts and associated serum hormone levels. Results: We report that miR-126-3p directly affects hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis upregulation and ACTH secretion in the acute phase after mTBI. We also demonstrated that miR-126-3p suppresses Gnrh transcripts in the hypothalamus and pituitary, but this is not reflected in serum FSH/LH levels. The increase in ACTH levels in the acute phase may indicate that upregulation of miR-126-3p at the embryonic stage has a protective effect on the HPA axis after TBI. Notably, the most prominent transcriptional response is found in the adrenals, highlighting their role in the pathophysiology of TBI. Conclusion: Our study revealed the role of miR-126-3p in TBI and pituitary deficiency developing after TBI, and the obtained data will significantly contribute to elucidating the mechanism of pituitary deficiency development after TBI and development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed rotorcraft experience a region of reversed flow over the retreating blade at high advance ratios. This reverse flow region results in multiple unfavorable effects, including negative lift, increased drag, and a large pitching moment impulse. The effect of the sweep angle on a rotor blade in reverse flow was explored, and it was demonstrated that the introduction of a trailing edge reflex camber could mitigate the adverse effects seen in this regime. A cantilevered, finite-span NACA 63-218 blade was examined at a Reynolds number Rec=2.38×105 both with and without a 10° trailing edge reflex camber. Three blades were tested: one with 20° forward sweep, one with 20° backward sweep, and one with no sweep. The experiments consisted of load measurements across a range of angles of attack, as well as volumetric flowfield measurements using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry on the two swept models at 10° angle of attack in reverse flow. The flowfields exhibited a highly three-dimensional separation bubble that existed on the blades in both backward and forward sweep conditions. Cambering of the trailing edge led to almost complete flow attachment on the backward swept model and a significant reduction in separation over the forward swept model. Cambering also led to a large reduction in drag in the entire reverse flow regime in both swept and unswept conditions. A large reduction in pitching moment and a smaller reduction in negative lift were also observed at moderate angles of attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationships between decent work, job satisfaction, workplace social courage, and intent to quit among job and career counselors in Turkiye's IT sector employment agency. The research data was obtained from 408 job and career counselors at an IT sector employment agency in Turkiye. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The study findings reveal a significant positive influence of decent work on job satisfaction. In contrast, job satisfaction is associated with a notable decrease in the likelihood of employees intending to quit their positions. Additionally, workplace social courage is crucial in reducing intent to quit. Furthermore, our research underscores the mediating roles of job satisfaction and workplace social courage in explaining the relationship between decent work and intent to quit. Intriguingly, it is noteworthy that higher levels of workplace social courage are unexpectedly linked to an increased intention to quit. Conversely, heightened job satisfaction is associated with an augmentation in workplace social courage. These findings carry substantial theoretical and practical implications, offering valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of decent work, job satisfaction, and social courage within the workplace context. These insights can contribute to avoiding intent to quit and minimizing turnover rates. Job satisfaction and social courage are two edge swords that organizations must cautiously follow up. This study emphasizes the significance of establishing a secure and nurturing work environment that fosters decent work, job satisfaction, and social courage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Nadkarni's theoretical framework, this study argues that Türkiye has been unable to raise its relations with Indonesia to the level of strategic partnership. This study examines the reasons for this in two separate layers: First, as a rising middle power, Indonesia is a country where the role of the leader in the foreign policymaking process is relatively in- fluential. This situation shows that Turkish policymakers should take into consideration the leaders' foreign policy orientations in their relations with Indonesia. Secondly, Turkish decision-makers need to carefully analyze internal factors such as culture and domestic politics when developing relations with middle-power countries. In this context, although this study finds that military and commercial relations between Türkiye and Indonesia have reached a significant level, it argues that this is still not sufficient for a strategic partnership. Finally, this study suggests that Indonesia and Türkiye should build their relations by thoroughly considering the internal dynamics in each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowfield over a model having a chined forebody and a simple delta wing was investigated experimentally using oil flow visualizations and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry at a mean chord-based Reynolds number of 2.3×105, angles of attack of 20 and 30 deg, and yaw angles of 0 and 5 deg. The flowfield over the model exhibited pairs of leading-edge vortices similar to those around a double-delta wing, except for the influence of the fuselage, where the chine vortex followed the curvature. The development and interaction of the two vortices were measured and analyzed. It was found that increasing the angle of attack resulted in wakelike vortices, whereas increasing the yaw angle yielded a wakelike vortex on the windward side and a jetlike vortex on the leeward side. The interaction of the windward side vortex with the physical barrier of the forebody surface was observed to greatly affect its behavior and the interaction downstream. In some configurations, the merged vortex exhibited a breakdown. The flowfield and the vortex dynamics under various conditions are discussed in detail to provide insight into manipulating the flowfield using physics-based flow control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to examine the variations and types of foramen of diaphragma sellae (FDS) and their relationship with nearby surgical landmarks on cadavers.Twenty adult (9 male, 11 female) formalin-fixed cadaveric heads were bilaterally used to analyze the anatomical relationships around the supradiaphragmatic region of sella turcica. Lengths and distances of nearby surgical landmarks were measured by a digital microcaliper. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the comparison between genders and body sides. Dorsum sellae distances to tuberculum sellae and the optic chiasm(OC) were higher in males than females (p < 0.05). Type 8 infundibulum passage was the most common variation with 50%. There was no finding related to types 1–4 of infundibulum passage. Thus, the present study has indicated that the infundibulum passes mostly from the posterior half of the foramen. The shape of the foramen was irregular in 45%, circular in 20%, sagittally oval in 20%, and horizontally oval in 15% of the cases. The OC was noted normal in 60%, prefixed in 35%, and postfixed in 5% of the cases. Comprehensive anatomical knowledge about the types of the FDS and their neighboring structures is crucial for preoperative planning of sellar region diseases in terms of navigating the region when accessing the foramen. Discrimination of variations of FDS, OC, and pituitary stalk, their relationships, and differences between genders is useful to minimize potential surgical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the transformative influence of technologies and innovative methodologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the paradigm of project management is undergoing a profound shift, prompting a re-examination of Project Management Education and Training (PMET). The escalating demand for project management expertise, juxtaposed with a scarcity of suitably qualified professionals, has yielded an increase in instances of faltering or challenging projects, thereby underscoring the amplified significance of PMET. A comprehensive assessment of the ongoing evolution of project management education and training is vital to shaping the trajectory of future educational strategies. In this context, bibliometric analysis has emerged as a pivotal tool, offering structured means to systematically present the expansive literature on PMET. This approach provides a panoramic view of the domain's development, facilitating a more informed understanding of its current contours which is paramount for crafting effective educational strategies. Employing bibliometric analysis as its methodological backbone, this study endeavors to discern the existing landscape of project management education and training. For this purpose, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on a dataset comprising 435 documents related to PMET, spanning the years 1985 to August 2023. The results of this analysis indicate that PMET publications are predominantly situated within the context of engineering education. A prominent theme that emerges from the literature is the discernible requirement for novel and forward-thinking strategies in PMET development, with a pronounced emphasis on the cultivation of soft skills and the integration of contemporary training methodologies, including gamification and simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller of a sample thermoelectric cooler (TEC) system model is optimized using four different metaheuristic optimization algorithms. For this aim, the classical PID and the metaheuristic optimization algorithms as Coronavirus Herd Immunity Optimization (CHIO), Atomic Search Optimization (ASO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) were used for control of a TEC system. The settling time and maximum overshoot criteria are used to compare performances of the optimized controllers. -20°C is the desired temperature for the cold side of this thermoelectric module. Since TEC systems require quick cooling, CHIO-PID performs the best because it is the first to reach the set temperature of -20 ˚C in 42 seconds at the 1% band limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the results of prophylactic use of intraoperative temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps in patients clinically diagnosed with abnormally invasive placenta. Methods: This retrospective study included 61 patients diagnosed with FIGO grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta between January 2018 and March 2022. After transfundal incision and fetal delivery, bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps was performed in all patients. The grades 3b and 3c group underwent cesarean hysterectomy whereas selected cases of grade 3a abnormally invasive placenta underwent fertility‐preserving procedures. Preoperative and postoperative findings were compared. Results: Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 50 (82%) patients and cesarean plus conservative procedures were performed in 11 (18%) patients. Intraoperative blood replacement was not performed in 83.6% of all patients. Mean blood loss was 1.37 ± 0.53 L (range 0.5–2.5) in all patients. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in cesarean hysterectomy group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of peroperative blood replacement, bladder, and ureteral injury. Conclusion: Prophylactic bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps should be performed in cases of grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta. Fertility‐preserving steps may be undertaken safely in selected cases with this approach. Synopsis: Prophylactic temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps should be considered in abnormally invasive placenta. Acceptable estimated blood loss is observed with this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma (OS) bone tumor of childhood although the etiology of OS has not been fully elucidated, there is evidence linking it with factors related to pubertal development. In recent years, plasma CNP concentration and height velocity in children and CNP have been implicated as an emerging new growth marker during childhood. We aimed to determine the serum NT-proCNP levels of patients with pediatric osteosarcoma and its relation with clinical-laboratory growth parameters and look for any correlation of serum NT-proCNP levels with different prognostic factors in childhood osteosarcoma. This study enrolled 15 newly diagnosed OS patients and 31 healthy controls. All subjects were physically examined. Plasma NT-proCNP concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results demonstrated that serum NT-proCNP concentration was significantly different between OS patients and control groups. At diagnosis, the OS patient’s mean blood NT-proCNP concentration was 49.7 ± 3.3 pmol/l, which was substantially lower than the control group’s concentration of 61.4 ± 3.10 pmol/l (p < 0.005). No significant correlation was found between serum NT-proCNP concentration and growth parameters. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that the serum NT-proCNP concentration was significantly different between OS patients and control groups. It is predicted that our results will contribute to osteosarcoma biology. What is Known: • Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor of childhood, affecting rapidly growing bones with factors associated with rapid bone growth, although its etiology is not fully understood. • The current literature suggests that the main role of the CNP/NPR-B signaling pathway is associated with endochondral bone development and related growth in long bones. What is New: • We demonstrated that serum NT-proCNP concentration was significantly different between OS patients and control groups and could be used as a potential biomarker. • To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study evaluating the relation of serum serum NT-proCNP levels with anthropometric parameters in osteosarcoma patient with a particular interest to identify the possible role of CNP in pediatric osteosarcoma and its relationship with prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as promising materials for solar cell applications due to their unique photophysical properties. Most of the crucial properties related to solar cell performance such as carrier mobility, diffusion length, recombination rates, etc. have been estimated using ultrafast spectroscopic methods. While various methods have been developed to prepare and fabricate high-quality perovskite films for photovoltaic applications, understanding the charge carrier dynamics is also crucial at each stage of the charge generation, cooling, and recombination processes. Using femtosecond (fs) transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, various stages of charge carrier dynamics in perovskite materials could be monitored. In this article, we focus on some of the recent experimental developments related to charge carrier dynamics in perovskites and discuss the current understanding of (1) exciton dissociation, (2) charge carrier thermalization, (3) hot carrier cooling, and (4) electron–phonon coupling along with some of the crucial spectral emergence in the pump–probe experiments of LHP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Turkey, there has been an increase in the number of projects being prepared. However, the quality of these projects is questionable due to various issues. As a result, the projects may not achieve the expected benefits, problems may not be solved, budgets may not be used rationally, and there may be indifference in project implementation. In addition, the ineffective and inefficient use of both EU and national resources allocated for projects in Turkey leads to serious labor and time losses. This study aims to determine the compliance of grant programs supported by Development Agencies in Turkey with PMI standards. The study analyses the forms and application guides used in grant projects and compares them with the process groups and knowledge areas in Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) 6th version published by PMI. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness on project management methodologies and to serve the emergence of more qualified projects. The study uses document analysis as a qualitative research method. The documents related to the grant programs of Development Agencies were collected and analysed. The information in the documents was compared with the descriptions of 10 knowledge areas and 5 process groups defined in PMBOK 6. The findings of the study show that there are similarities and differences between the grant projects supported by Development Agencies in Turkey and PMI standards. The study contributes to the understanding of project management methodologies and the importance of using standards in the project management process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucinous ovarian tumors are typically large masses that cause preoperative and intraoperative evaluation challenges due to their size. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of routinely studied preoperative complete blood count parameters and tumor markers in differentiating between benign, borderline, and malignant mucinous ovarian tumors. Patients who had surgery for a suspected adnexal mass and were diagnosed with a mucinous ovarian tumor between January 2019 and June 2023 were included in this study. The surgeries were performed at a gynecological oncology unit in a tertiary referral center. Cases that met the study criteria were categorized into three groups: benign, borderline, and malignant, based on their pathology results. We evaluated various parameters from the complete blood count (hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, mean platelet volume), ratios of these parameters to each other (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), tumor markers (Ca 125, Ca 19.9, CEA), and proportions of tumor markers to each other (Ca125/Ca19.9, Ca19.9/CEA). The serum levels of Ca125, Ca19.9, CEA, and the Ca125/Ca19.9 ratio were significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). When using the cut-off values of Ca125>39 U/ml, Ca19.9>24.5 U/ml, CEA>4.9 ng/dl, and Ca125/Ca19.9 ratio ≤0.97, these markers showed sensitivities of 64.7%, 82.4%, 52.9%, and 64.7% respectively in distinguishing between benign and malignant mucinous ovarian tumors. Ca19.9 was the most sensitive marker in distinguishing between benign and malignant mucinous tumors, as well as borderline and malignant mucinous tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases is increasingly more common due to ageing of the population. There were conflicting results on effects of complication rates of ageing and presence of comorbidities in these operations in literature. Presence of systemic co-morbidities, smoking, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, length of hospital before and after operation and in intensive care unit (ICU), number of decompressed levels (nD), addition of instrumentation, operation time, blood loss, presence of transfusion, surgical and systemic complications seen during the operation and during one month after operation, and requirement of a new operation were recorded in 277 patients (61.6±8.8 years of age, male/female ratio 78/199) operated for lumbar degenerative diseases between 2014 and 2016. Total 96 out of 277 patients (34.6%) had complications and 1 patient died. The most frequent complications were dural tear (36 cases, 12.9%), wound problems without infection (34 cases, 12.2%), screw malposition (15 cases, 5.4%), and systemic complications (21 cases, 7.5%). The risk factors were diabetes mellitus (DM) for major complications, BMI and nD for minor complications, and nD for systemic complications. All other factors including age did not affect the complication rate. Regression analyses revealed that the only efficient factor was BMI for presence of overall and minor complications. It was found that the advanced age did not cause to increase complication rates. The efficient factors for complication rates were DM, BMI and nD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]