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Background: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between volumetric measurements of residual tumor via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathologic complete response (pCR) in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Methods: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who had pelvic MRI for clinical staging and completed nCRT followed by radical resection were included. Two experienced radiologists measured tumor volume on MRI obtained before and after nCRT. We compared the pre- and post-CRT tumor volume and measured tumor volume reduction rates. Results: The median value of tumor volume reduction rate in all patients was 64.7% (min–max − 81.1–98.1%). When the relationship between tumor volume and tumor regression grade (TRG) after nCRT was assessed, it was found that 18 of 21 (86%) patients with a good response (TRG 1) had a post-CRT tumor volume of ≤ 8 cm3 (p = 0.001). While 9 of 10 patients with pCR after nCRT had a tumor volume of ≤ 8 cm3, one patient had pCR despite having a tumor volume greater than 8 cm3 (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The correlation between post-nCRT residual tumor volume and pCR underscores the potential of volumetric MRI as a predictive tool in tailoring rectal cancer treatment. For patients with residual tumor volumes greater than 8 cm3, extending neoadjuvant chemotherapy as part of TNT may enhance the likelihood of achieving pCR. This approach advocates for a more personalized treatment strategy, potentially optimizing outcomes for rectal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gazi Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose. Interstitial fibrosis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is a subject which is under-investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between interstitial fibrosis, the subtypes of papillary microcarcinoma, and the established prognostic factors. Material and Methods. A total of 75 patients diagnosed with papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid from January 2011 to December 2020 have been evaluated retrospectively, using demographic features, tumor size, subtype of the tumor, surgical margin status, unifocality, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular spread and lymph node metastasis as parameters. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed for interstitial fibrosis. Results. The study includes 13 males and 62 females, in a total of 75 patients. There were 51 patients (68%) with interstitial fibrosis and 24 (32%) patients without interstitial fibrosis. Among them, 45 (60%) were classic, 27 (36%) were follicular variant and 3 (4%) were other subtypes. Interstitial fibrosis is significantly associated with bilaterality (p = 0.023), multifocality (p = 0.004), capsule invasion (p < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.043). Evaluation of tumor sub groups showed significant increased risk of lymphovascular invasion in the follicular variant (p = 0.019). Conclusion. Although the relationship of interstitial fibrosis and prognosis of other cancer types has been discussed, there are few studies in the literature regarding its effect on the prognosis of papillary microcarcinoma. Our results show that interstitial fibrosis can be used as a risk factor. However, new studies are needed to clearly reveal the physiopathology of interstitial fibrosis and its effect on tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As the issue of sustainability gains importance in recent days, efforts to reduce or eliminate waste problems are gaining importance. The use of various industrial by-products is being investigated to produce edible packaging materials. In this study, red pepper pomace oil and protein were extracted and incorporated into corn starch film and their effects on the film properties were analyzed. Method: Protein isolate was added to the films as 10–30% of the starch mass and oil as 15% of the solid mass of the film containing 10% protein isolate. The edible composite films characterized by physical, barrier, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and FTIR spectroscopy. Results: Pomace oil addition increased the thickness. While pomace oil decreased water solubility, protein isolate increased it. Protein isolate and pomace oil did not alter swelling and water vapor permeability. The protein isolate decreased the L* value and the pomace oil decreased the a* value. Both protein isolate and pomace oil increased yellowness in the films. A low amount (10%) of protein isolates increased the transparency of films. The combined use of protein isolate and pomace oil decreased the elongation at break and increased the tensile strength of the films. Antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli and antioxidant activity of oil containing film were observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that valuable components can be obtained from red pepper pomace, and these components can be added to modify the characteristics of maize starch edible films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effect of teacher candidates' individual innovativeness levels on their positive future expectations. A total of 412 teacher candidates, 194 women and 218 men, studying at sports science faculties of universities in Ankara, participated in the research. "Personal Information Form", "Individual Innovativeness Scale" and "Positive Future Expectation Scale" were used in the data collection process. During the data analysis phase, Independent Samples T test, One Way ANOVA analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used in the SPSS 25.0 program. The research found that the individual innovativeness levels and positive future expectations of the teacher candidates were above the medium level. It was found that the individual innovativeness levels and positive expectations of teacher candidates differ according to the type of university (public, private) and the class they study in (p <0.05). It was observed that there was a positive relationship between the individual innovativeness level and positive future expectation among the teacher candidates participating in the research (p<0.05), and it was also determined that the individual innovativeness level positively affected the positive future expectation (pz0.05). As a result, it can be said that the high level of individual innovativeness in teacher candidates is a factor that increases positive future expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymic tumors are very rare neoplasms in children and account for less than 1% of mediastinal tumors in pediatric patients. One‐third of the pediatric patients present with symptoms related to the compression of the tumor mass on the surrounding anatomic structures, and paraneoplastic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, acquired hypogammaglobulinemia, and connective tissue disorders, which rarely occur in children with thymic tumors. Herein, we report a case of thymic carcinoma mimicking the symptoms of a connective tissue disease with symmetrical polyarthritis accompanying myositis, fever, weight loss, and malaise in a 15‐year‐old male patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case pediatric thymic carcinoma accompany with severe polyarthritis and myopathy, thus we have reviewed the current literature regarding the cases of thymic malignancies coexisting with paraneoplastic syndromes in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) is the property of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nigde University Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Nigde Üniversitesi Beden Egitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Physical Education & Sports Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system has been the postponement of elective procedures. We aimed to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) results. Materials and Methods: The distribution of cytology results during the 16.5 months of the pandemic was compared with the pre-pandemic period by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) diagnostic categories. Results: The number of FNABs performed during the pandemic period decreased by 27.3% compared to the pre-pandemic period in our center, in line with the recommendations (1,197 to 327 diagnostic FNABs). Benign biopsy results decreased during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (77.3% to 49.5%, p<0.001), and indeterminate biopsy results (AUS/FLUS, FN/SFN, and SUS) increased from 19.5% to 45.9 %, p<0.001. Malign biopsy rates did not differ between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (3.3% to 4.6%, p=0.25). Conclusion: Although the number of FNAB decreased due to pandemic measures, we found a decrease in benign cytology and an increase in indeterminate for malignancy. The pandemic period allowed us to be more selective when deciding on a biopsy for FNABs. We recommend that the risk assessment of nodules be done carefully when making the biopsy decision in the next period. Although it is recommended not to delay FNAB for nodules at risk for malignancy, it should not be forgotten that the surgical decision should not be hasty in indeterminate results, and follow-up can be continued, or biopsy can be performed again under appropriate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In a study of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a fusion transcript between MLH1 and SPATA4 was identified. This fusion has the potential to generate the inactive or dominant-negative form of the protein. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether mismatch repair protein deficiency occurr in MCC cases or not, in addition to the overall survival association with histopathologic features. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of 15 patients diagnosed with a biopsy-proven Merkel Cell Carcinoma between 2012 and 2019 was performed. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results: The median follow-up time was 36 months (mean 41, range 2-103 months). Six (40%) patients died during follow-up. The overall survival (OS) at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years were 87%, 80%, 62%, and 53%, respectively. The patients diagnosed at <60 years had an improved OS compared to those =60 years of age (p=0.016). Patients in clinical stage I had better OS than patients in clinical stage IV (p=0.011). Cases with pathological tumor stage (pT) 1 had better OS than pT3 and pT4 (p=0.045). Adjuvant radiotherapy or adjuvant radiotherapy+chemotherapy treatment improved OS compared to adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.003). MMR protein nuclear expression was intact in 12 cases available for immunohistochemical study. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the second study that preferentially investigated the mismatch repair protein status of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. No mismatch repair protein deficiency of MCC cases was identified in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise / Türk Spor ve Egzersiz Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous lymphoma, accounting for 50% of all cutaneous lymphomas. Programmed death-1 (PD-1; CD279) is a marker of follicular helper T cells and is expressed by the neoplastic T cells of some types of malignant lymphoma, including MF. About 30% of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are CD30 positive and have a broad spectrum from lymphomatoid papulosis to primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. CD30 expression in MF is important for diagnostic purposes, prognostic value, and a therapeutic perspective. In this study, PD-1 and CD30 expression in early MF lesions has been examined, and its relationship between prognosis and survival has been questioned. The byproducts could be unorthodox treatment options. Methods: We prospectively applied immunohistochemically CD30 and PD-1 antibodies to the biopsies at our institution. We statistically evaluated the relationship between the expression rates of CD30 and PD-1 in atypical lymphocytes, with recurrence and survival. Results: This research with 119 patients was able to show a statistically significant relationship between CD30 and recurrence with PD-1 and poor survival. Conclusions: When evaluated together with treatment options, CD30 and PD-1 are markers that may guide the clinical follow-up of aggressive MF cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To share the clinical, radiological and biochemical features of rare atypical pathologies in our adrenalectomy series. Materials and Methods: Patients with atypical adrenal pathology among patients who underwent open or laparoscopic adrenalectomy for various indications were retrospectively reviewed. the hormonal behavior, radiological and pathological features of rare atypical adrenal pathologies in our series are demonstrated. Information about the postoperative follow-up and surveillance of the patients is given. Results: Rare adrenal pathologies were detected in 17 (11.6%) of 146 patients who underwent adrenalectomy. Adrenal cysts (6), cavernous hemangioma (3), ganglioneuroblastoma (1), ganglioneuroma (2), ectopic thyroid tissue (1), schwannoma (1), arteriovenous malformation (1), sarcomatoid carcinoma (1), and primary adrenal lenfoma (1) were the rare atypical adrenal pathologies in our series. Conclusion: Although there are no specific laboratory or radiological findings for most atypical adrenal pathologies, it should be kept in mind that such pathologies with a benign course can also be encountered by the clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To share the clinical, radiological and biochemical features of rare atypical pathologies in our adrenalectomy series. Materials and Methods: Patients with atypical adrenal pathology among patients who underwent open or laparoscopic adrenalectomy for various indications were retrospectively reviewed. the hormonal behavior, radiological and pathological features of rare atypical adrenal pathologies in our series are demonstrated. Information about the postoperative follow-up and surveillance of the patients is given. Results: Rare adrenal pathologies were detected in 17 (11.6%) of 146 patients who underwent adrenalectomy. Adrenal cysts (6), cavernous hemangioma (3), ganglioneuroblastoma (1), ganglioneuroma (2), ectopic thyroid tissue (1), schwannoma (1), arteriovenous malformation (1), sarcomatoid carcinoma (1), and primary adrenal lenfoma (1) were the rare atypical adrenal pathologies in our series. Conclusion: Although there are no specific laboratory or radiological findings for most atypical adrenal pathologies, it should be kept in mind that such pathologies with a benign course can also be encountered by the clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischemia and, exogenous or endogenous nephrotoxic agents poses a serious health issue. AKI is seen in 1% of all hospital admissions, 2-5% of hospitalizations and 67% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The in-hospital mortality rates for AKI is 40-50, and >50% for ICU patients. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the kidney can activate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, resulting in AKI. The common endpoint in acute tubular necrosis is a cellular insult secondary to ischemia or direct toxins, which results in effacement of brush border, cell death and decreased function of tubular cells. The aim of the present study was to assess if the reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent lupeol can exert any effects against renal I/R damage. In total, 24 Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of 6, namely Sham, lupeol, ischemia and therapy groups. In the lupeol group, intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg lupeol was given 1 h before laparotomy, whilst only laparotomy was conducted in the sham group. The renal arteries of both kidneys were clamped for 45 min, 1 h after either intraperitoneal saline injection (in the ischemia group) or 100 mg/kg lupeol application (in the therapy group). The blood samples and renal tissues of all rats were collected after 24 h. In blood samples, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was measured by the urease enzymatic method, and creatinine was measured by the kinetic Jaffe method. Using ELISA method, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured in the blood samples, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), caspase-3 levels were measured in kidney tissues. In addition, kidney histopathological analysis was performed by evaluating the degree of degeneration, tubular dilatation, interstitial lymphocyte infiltration, protein cylinders, necrosis and loss of brush borders. It was determined that renal damage occurred due to higher BUN, creatinine, MDA, TNF-α and caspase-3 values observed in the kidney tissues and blood samples of rats in ischemia group compared with the Sham group. Compared with those in the ischemia group, rats in the therapy group exhibited increased levels of GSH and reduced levels of BUN, TNF-α, MDA. Furthermore, the ischemia group also had reduced histopathological damage scores. Although differences in creatinine, IL-6 and caspase-3 levels were not statistically significant, they were markedly reduced in the treatment group. Taken together, these findings suggest that lupeol can prevent kidney damage as mainly evidenced by the reduced histopathological damage scores, decreased levels of oxidative stress and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. These properties may allow lupeol to be used in the treatment of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly which is determined as an abnormal urethral opening on the ventral face of penis. The purpose of this rat model study was to research the effect of topically applied Aloe vera after a tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU). The TIPU model was applied to male Wistar albino rats. A total of 30 rats were randomly grouped into 3 groups of 10. Group I was assigned as the control group, treated with 0.9% saline only twice a day for 15 days. Group II received topical Aloe vera gel once a day and Group III received Aloe vera gel twice a day. Spongiofibrosis was graded as 0: none, 1+:≤10% tissues involved, 2+:10%-49% tissues involved, 3+: ≥ 50% tissues involved. A higher degree of fibrosis and inflammation was determined in the Group I subjects than in Groups II and III. Fibrosis of grade 3+ was observed in 33% of the control group and not in any of the two Aloe groups (p = 0.043). Inflammation of grade 3+ was seen in 66.7% of the control group, in 10% of Group II, and in 33% of Group III (p = 0.02). The topical application of Aloe vera to a surgically created tubularized incised plate urethroplasty model decreased inflammation and fibrosis that may affect the success rates of this operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is an undifferentiated high-grade tumour and is considered the most common primary soft tissue tumour in adults. The most common locations of PDS are the trunk, extremities and retroperitoneal regions. Skin involvement of PDS is rare, and involvement of the scalp is less common. Most cases of PDS appear as a gradually growing lesion for 1 to 2 years and are associated with ulceration and bleeding. The definitive treatment for PDS is usually surgical resection. We present an unusual case of a primary PDS involving the scalp of a 78-year-old male patient and discuss its unusual clinical presentation, dermoscopic features, histopathological correlation and its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the potential toxicity of operation microscopes with halogen and light emitting diode (LED) light source on the rabbit eyes. Thirty-two eyes of 16 male New Zealand pigmented rabbits were involved in the study. The rabbits were divided into two groups according to the type of light source applied. Only one eye of each rabbit was exposed to illumination light, unexposed fellow eyes served as the control group. Experimental groups included group 1 exposed to halogen light for 2 h and evaluated 1 day and 1 week after the illumination, group 2 exposed to LED light for two hours and evaluated 1 day and 1 week after the illumination. On the first and seventh days after exposing the light, we evaluated the rabbit corneas using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). At the end of the seventh day, the Hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining were performed to investigate the presence of apoptosis in the retina and retina pigment epithelium. Early IVCM findings revealed corneal epithelial cell ovalization and indistinct intercellular borders in the halogen light group. We also observed more increase in the keratocyte density index (23.7% vs 14.1%, p = 0.001, respectively) and the Bowman reflectivity index (12.4% vs 4.1%, p = 0.001, respectively) at first day of the light exposure in halogen light group compared to LED light group. However, late IVCM indicated that these findings disappeared one week later. No apoptosis was observed in the corneal and retinal layers in early and late examination groups. The present experimental study demonstrated that both halogen and LED lights, which were commonly used for microscopic eye surgery, had no sustained adverse effect on the cornea and retina of the rabbits; however, halogen light had a temporary adverse effect on corneal epithelium and stroma, which resolved within 1 week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of gene expression by small non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs and siRNAs, is an inherent part of complex biological processes that allow function and survival of eukaryotic cells. The type III ribonuclease DICER is widely recognized as a key step in the production of miRNAs and siRNAs, although it also has non-canonical functions such as DNA repair and induction of apoptosis. DICER is at the cornerstone of most biological processes; hence, its mRNA and protein levels are subject to multiple layers of regulation. Accordingly, DICER derangement is related to disease and leads to accelerated aging. Interventions that boost DICER function hold great potential as strategies to promote health and longevity. In this review, we will summarize the structural features of DICER, describe its canonical and non-canonical roles, and discuss the most common regulatory mechanisms having an impact on DICER abundance and function. We will also touch upon the current literature demonstrating that DICER deregulation can lead to diseases, thus highlighting the importance of DICER in warranting the beneficial effects of health-promoting interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models of inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperoxia and hypoxia have demonstrated that magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), a commonly used drug in obstetrics, has neuroprotective potential. In the present study, the effects of MgSO4 treatment on inflammation, oxidative stress and fetal brain histopathology were evaluated in an experimental rat model following sevoflurane (Sv) exposure during the mid-gestational period. Rats were randomly divided into groups: C (control; no injections or anesthesia), Sv (exposure to 2.5% Sv for 2 h), MgSO4 (administered 270 mg/kg MgSO4 intraperitoneally) and Sv + MgSO4 (Sv administered 30 min after MgSO4 injection). Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured in the serum and neurotoxicity was investigated histopathologically in fetal brain tissue. Short-term mid-gestational exposure to a 1.1 minimum alveolar concentration of Sv did not significantly increase the levels of any of the measured biochemical markers, except for TNF-α. Histopathological evaluations demonstrated no findings suggestive of pathological apoptosis, neuroinflammation or oxidative stress-induced cell damage. MgSO4 injection prior to anesthesia caused no significant differences in biochemical or histopathological marker levels compared to the C and Sv groups. The present study indicated that short-term exposure to Sv could potentially be considered a harmless external stimulus to the fetal brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nigde University Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Nigde Üniversitesi Beden Egitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Physical Education & Sports Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic sleep deprivation on mucociliary clearance, which is the primary defence mechanism of the upper airway tract and nasal mucosal histology. Forty‐two Wistar Albino rats (250‐300 g), 8 or 12 weeks old, were randomly assigned into three groups as follows. The first sleep‐deprivation group consisted of 14 rats (A), another 14 of them were assigned to platform group (B), and the remaining 14 were included to the home cage control group (C). For the two deprivation groups (A and B), the modified multiple platform method (MMPM) was used to induce sleep deprivation for 21 days. Tc‐99m MAA rhinoscintigraphy was performed to assess mucociliary clearance and the nasal histopathological changes of the sacrificed rats were also examined. Mucociliary clearance was significantly higher in sleep deprivation (A) and deprivation control (B) groups than the control group (C) (p =.037). The ratio of columnar ciliary was significantly higher in group A and B than in the control group (p =.003). The transitional epithelial ratio in groups A and B was also significantly increased compared with group C (p =.04). The control group's squamous epithelial ratio was increased compared to the sleep‐deprived groups (p =.003). There was a significantly increased inflammatory response in the ciliated columnar epithelium in groups A and B compared to group C (p =.02). For the first time in the literature, we demonstrated that chronic sleep deprivation has caused a significant increase in mucociliary clearance speed and in the number of ciliary cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi is the property of University of Kafkas, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mannanases are of great importance as they are able to hydrolyze polysaccharides for industrial applications and can be easily produced by fermentation. Purification of a β-mannanase produced from carob extract in a bioreactor is of great importance in order to obtain information about its structural and functional features and to foresee its implementations. Therefore, the aims of this study were to purify a β-mannanase from Aspergillus fumigatus expressed in Aspergillus sojae grown on carob extract by implementation of various flocculant agents in the fermentation medium, followed by the determination of its physico-chemical, kinetic, and thermodynamic characteristics. Flocculants increase the visible size of the dispersed particles by agglomeration, simplifying the separation of solids and liquids, and thereby reducing process costs. Optimum flocculation conditions for chitosan- and PAC-PAM-implemented processes were determined as 40 mg/L of chitosan, 30 min of implementation time, no agitation and 3 g/L PAC-PAM, 30 min implementation time, and no agitation. Under these conditions, more than a 2-fold increase in the enzyme activity was achieved in both flocculation processes. Further investigations determined molecular weight, optimum pH, and temperature values of the produced β-mannanase to be 56–60 kDa, pH 6, and 60 °C, respectively. Additionally, Km and Vm determination of the enzyme for various substrates concluded that the β-mannanase showed the highest substrate specificity against locust bean gum among the substrates evaluated. Furthermore, experimental results for substrate specificity were further modeled and successfully represented by the Weibull model. In conclusion, this study provides valuable and important information about β-mannanase production and purification for industrial-scale applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences is the property of Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences (TUJNS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris (syn. Komagataella phaffii) is a successful host widely used in recombinant protein production. The widespread use of a methanol‐regulated alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter for recombinant protein production has directed studies particularly about methanol metabolism in this yeast. Although there is comprehensive knowledge about methanol metabolism, there are other mechanisms in P. pastoris that have not been investigated yet, such as ethanol metabolism. The gene responsible for the consumption of ethanol ADH2 (XM_002491337, known as ADH3) was identified and characterized in our previous study. In this study, the ADH genes (XM_002489969, XM_002491163, XM_002493969) in P. pastoris genome were investigated to determine their roles in ethanol production by gene disruption analysis. We report that the ADH900 (XM_002491163) is the main gene responsible for ethanol production in P. pastoris. The ADH2 gene, previously identified as the only gene responsible for ethanol consumption, also plays a minor role in ethanol production in the absence of the ADH900 gene. The investigation of the carbon source regulation mechanism has also revealed that the ADH2 gene exhibit similar expression behaviours with ADH900 on glucose, glycerol, and methanol, however, it is strongly induced by ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nigde University Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Nigde Üniversitesi Beden Egitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Physical Education & Sports Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spatiotemporal soccer data enables in-depth analysis of a soccer game. However, the amount and the nature of the data makes it challenging for analysts to easily uncover insights from the data. In this article, we introduce an interactive visualization tool that uses novel data mining and machine learning methods to enable coaches and analysts to work on large amounts of data by moving most of the complicated models to the backend and presenting interactive visualization that can be manipulated in real-time. A unique interactive replay and modification feature enables creation of what-if scenarios on existing game data to explore alternative situations, such as a defensive player taking a different position or an offensive player choosing another pass, while making the experience seamless to the users. • Information systems ➝Information system applications • Applied computing ➝ Computers in other domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes are widely used in food processing and the production of food ingredients. Early efforts to extract enzymes from culturable microorganisms, plants, and mammalian tissues were generally not well adapted to the conditions used in modern food production methods. The use of recombinant DNA technology has made it possible to produce new enzymes suitable for specific food processing conditions. Such enzymes can be discovered by screening microorganisms sampled from various environments or can be developed by modification of known enzymes using modern methods of protein engineering or molecular evolution. As a result, several important food-processing enzymes, such as amylases and lipases, have become available with properties adapted to specific food applications. Another important achievement is the improvement of microbial production strains. For example, several microbial strains recently developed for enzyme production have been engineered to increase enzyme yield by deleting natural genes encoding extracellular proteases. Thanks to recombinant DNA technology, it is now possible to produce highly efficient enzymes suitable for specific food processing conditions. By applying genetic engineering tools, the desired enzyme gene is cloned and expressed on a large scale in the host microorganism. Several genetically modified microbial strains have been developed for enzyme production, which promotes increased enzyme yield as well as elimination of secondary metabolite production. This talk will cover the basic strategies of cloning and expression of recombinant food processing enzymes in Pichia pastoris. It also includes the general structure and characteristics of Pichia host strains and the associated advantages and disadvantages of their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit juice production, which is one of the agriculture-based industries in our country, has become an industry branch that develops and gains importance day by day. High production speed, quality and stable product are among the most important parameters in fruit juice production. Pectic substances, starch, polyphenols, proteins etc. cause turbidity in fruit juice. These colloids must be broken down to their small molecules for a clear and stable juice production. For this purpose, pectinase and amylase group enzymes are widely used. The fact that these enzymes are not produced in our country leaves the producer dependent on abroad for accessing the enzyme, but also increases the costs of fruit juice production. In this study, α-amylase enzyme was produced under the control of inducible SNT5 promoter in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris extracellularly. Shake flask experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of pH (pH 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) and temperature (20°C, 24°C and 28°C) on the production of α-amylase. The culture was harvested 120 hours later, the supernatants were analysed by SDS-PAGE, the enzyme activity and total protein concentration were also measured. The results showed that the maximum enzyme activity and protein concentration were obtained at 24°C and pH 7 conditions. The highest α-amylase activity and total protein concentration were determined as 288 U/mL and 623 mg/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat is one of the most important basic foodstuffs in human nutrition. Nowadays, adulteration and authenticity are common problems for meat products. Identification of meat species is important in terms of consumer protection and prevention of adulteration. There are different methods to determine adulteration of meat and meat products. These methods are histological controls, serological tests, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In this study, species identification and quantification analysis of meat and meat products were done by using horse-, donkey-, and bovine-specific primers with quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Triple meat mixtures containing horse and donkey meat ranging from 0.1 to 50% levels were prepared within a bovine mixture for using species identification and quantification analysis. The method specificity was confirmed by melting curve analysis. In conclusion, quantitative polymerase chain reaction is an easy, rapid, and reliable method for meat species identification, and with this study an applicable method was developed for the detection and quantification of equine-originated meat in bovine meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nigde University Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Nigde Üniversitesi Beden Egitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Physical Education & Sports Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences is the property of Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences (TUJNS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Erzincan University Journal of Education Faculty / Erzincan Üniversitesi Egitim Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Erzincan University Faculty of Education Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Psoriasis is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is no study on the spirometric pulmonary function testing in patients with psoriasis.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the spirometric parameters in patients with psoriasis and controls.Methods: Ninety-six patients with psoriasis and 60 sex- and age-matched control subjects were included in this study. Spirometric pulmonary function testing, including percent forced vital capacity (FVC%), percent forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1%), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75%), and FEV1/FVC ratio, was performed in all study subjects.Results: The mean FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75% were significantly lower in the psoriasis patients than in the controls (82.4 ± 6.3 vs. 90.7 ± 10.7, p < 0.001, and 86.7 ± 24.2 vs. 94.8 ± 23.0, p = 0.04, respectively). Both FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75% were significantly associated with the presence of psoriasis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively).Conclusion: Psoriasis patients had lower mean FEV1/FVC ratios and FEF25-75%, compared with the control subjects. FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% are independently associated with the presence of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to investigate of the evaporation from a horizontal free water surface under forced and free convection conditions. Experimental results were obtained in an installation consisting of a low speed wind tunnel and an evaporation tank. The status of free convection was provided at different temperature and relative humidity values of the ambient air. By changing the DC fan voltage, forced convection was ensured. Flows with Reynolds numbers varying between 6274 and 12667 were considered. Using the full factorial design which is a kind of design of experiment, relationship between evaporation rate and affecting parameters such as air flow velocity, air temperature and relative humidity were examined. Finally, an empirical correlation was derived by the experimental results. To validate the mathematical model were compared experimental measurements for the mass transfer at the free water surface and with available correlations in literature. Evaporation rates calculated with obtained empirical correlation were compared with the values obtained by experimental results, it is observed that the calculated evaporation rates are within an error band of ±20%. The experimental results compared to the available correlations individually, a better level of agreement was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pegem Journal of Education & Instruction / Pegem Egitim ve Ögretim is the property of Pegem Journal of Education & Instruction / Pegem Egitim ve Ogretim and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: To characterize the genes responsible for ethanol utilization in Pichia pastoris. Results: ADH3 (XM_002491337) and ADH (FN392323) genes were disrupted in P. pastoris. The ADH3 mutant strain, MK115 (Δ adh3), lost its ability to grow on minimal ethanol media but produced ethanol in minimal glucose medium. ADH3p was responsible for 92 % of total Adh enzyme activity in glucose media. The double knockout strain MK117 (Δ adh3Δ adh) also produced ethanol. The Adh activities of X33 and MK116 (Δ adh) strains were not different. Thus, the ADH gene does not play a role in ethanol metabolism. Conclusion: The PpADH3 is the only gene responsible for consumption of ethanol in P. pastoris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) has been used as a marker for systemic inflammatory status. In our study, we aimed to evaluate N/L ratio in patients with psoriasis. Methods: This cross-sectional study population consisted of 138 patients with psoriasis and 120 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Results: The patients had significantly higher neutrophil counts and lower lymphocyte counts than the controls. The N/L ratios and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were also significantly higher in patients. The N/L ratios and hs-CRP levels were increasing with increasing in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Furthermore, the N/L ratios and hs-CRP levels of patients were found to be positively correlated. Conclusions: Our data show that the N/L ratio to be a simple, inexpensive and easily assessable marker of systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pegem Journal of Education & Instruction / Pegem Egitim ve Ögretim is the property of Pegem Journal of Education & Instruction / Pegem Egitim ve Ogretim and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Surgery / Ulusal Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of Turkish Surgery Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Breast cancer in young women is more aggressive with a poorer prognosis and overall survival compared to older women diagnosed with the disease. Despite recent research, the underlying biology and molecular alterations that drive the aggressive nature of breast tumors associated with breast cancer in young women have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we performed transcriptomic profile and network analyses of breast tumors arising in Middle Eastern women to identify age-specific gene signatures. Moreover, we studied molecular alterations associated with cancer progression in young women using cross-species comparative genomics approach coupled with copy number alterations (CNA) associated with breast cancers from independent studies. We identified 63 genes specific to tumors in young women that showed alterations distinct from two age cohorts of older women. The network analyses revealed potential critical regulatory roles for Myc, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and IL-1 in disease characteristics of breast tumors arising in young women. Cross-species comparative genomics analysis of progression from pre-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) revealed 16 genes with concomitant genomic alterations, CCNB2, UBE2C, TOP2A, CEP55, TPX2, BIRC5, KIAA0101, SHCBP1, UBE2T, PTTG1, NUSAP1, DEPDC1, HELLS, CCNB1, KIF4A, and RRM2, that may be involved in tumorigenesis and in the processes of invasion and progression of disease. Array findings were validated using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and extensive in silico analyses of independently performed microarray datasets. To our knowledge, this study provides the first comprehensive genomic analysis of breast cancer in Middle Eastern women in age-specific cohorts and potential markers for cancer progression in young women. Our data demonstrate that cancer appearing in young women contain distinct biological characteristics and deregulated signaling pathways. Moreover, our integrative genomic and cross-species analysis may provide robust biomarkers for the detection of disease progression in young women, and lead to more effective treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]