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Objective: In this study, morphometric developments of the sphincter of Oddi in human fetuses were observed. Material and Methods: We observed 113 human fetuses consisting of 67 male and 46 female subjects, whose ages varied between 14 to 40 weeks who showed no signs of any pathology or anomaly externally. The common external measurements of fetuses were carried out, followed by abdominal dissection to determine where the sphincters of Oddi were localized within the duodenum and pancreas. Histological specimens of tissue samples were gathered from the inner wall of the duodenum where it was assumed that the sphincters of Oddi had been localized. The parameters of total external diameters, lumen diameters, wall thickness, diameters of ductus choledochus and ductus pancreaticus, and the distance between these two structures, which are also known as the origins of the sphincter of Oddi, were measured by using a light microscope. The standard deviations of the measurements were calculated for each gestational week and trimester. Results: The calculations suggested that there were statistically significant correlations between gestational age and all of the other parameters with the exception of the ductus choledochus (p0.05).Conclusion: The data we collected in our study were considered as useful for the evaluation of the development of the sphincter of Oddi area and fetal stage.

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of different hen ages on egg quality characteristics, hatching performance and chick quality in chukar partridges. Materials and Methods: A total of 510 eggs obtained from chukar partridge flocks were used to determine the effects of different hen age on hatching performance, egg quality traits and chick quality. Daily collected 20 eggs from each age group (1, 2 and 3 years of age) were assessed for internal quality characteristics. A total of 150 eggs per each age group were set into incubator and hatcher set. After hatching, unhatched eggs were broken to determine hatching performance and embryonic mortality. Hatched day-old chicks were scored to determine chick quality characteristics. Results: Internal egg quality traits were not statistically affected by different breeding ages. Different breeding ages did not affect hatchability, early and middle embryonic mortality while late embryonic mortality and fertility of eggs were statistically affected. The evaluated chick quality traits were affected by the different hen age. Conclusion: Despite decreasing fertility rate with age, the results of this study suggest incubating eggs of chukar hens with 3 years age for optimum chick quality and being raised chukar hens up to 3 years of age.

Aim: Our study aims to share the reintervention results of patients who were operated with the diagnosis of Type A aortic dissection and to examine the factors that cause reintervention. Material and Methods: In our single-center retrospective study, 244 patients who underwent surgery due to Type A aortic dissection between November 2010 and June 2021 were included. Results for patients who underwent reintervention and factors which caused reintervention were compared with demographic data, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables. Results: A total of 142 patients were included in the study and 15.5% of them underwent reintervention. Reoperation was performed in 8 (36.4%) of 22 patients who underwent reintervention, while thoracic aortic endovascular repair was performed in 14 (63.6%) patients. Post-procedure mortality was observed in 5 (22.7%) of the patients who underwent reintervention. The mean age of the patients who underwent reintervention was 46.6±13.2 and there was a statistically significant (p [Turk J Vasc Surg 2024; 33(1.000): 10-6]

A numerical simulation by utilizing the FloEFD software was carried out in order to investigate the flow topology formed on slant surface and wake region of an Ahmed Body with and without passive flow control techniques. The effects of those flow controllers on flow at the slant surface and wake region by influencing the flow topology as well as aerodynamic drag coefficient examined carefully. The numerical findings clearly revealed that the best performance in terms of providing the drag reduction obtained when sphere and hemispherical shape flow control techniques were applied at the rear part of slant surface of Ahmed Body. Sphere and hemispherical shape flow controllers positioned at the rear part of slant surface led to have drag reduction of 6% and 7%, respectively. Besides, the results of current study compared with the results obtained from published studies in the literature. It was clearly observed that they are consistent with each other even though they were found by different software.

Abstract Background/Objectives Rare genetic disorders causing specific congenital developmental abnormalities often manifest in single families. Investigation of disease-causing molecular features are most times lacking, although these investigations may open novel therapeutic options for patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the genetic cause in an Iranian patient with severe skeletal dysplasia and to model its molecular function in zebrafish embryos. Results The proband displays short stature and multiple skeletal abnormalities, including mesomelic dysplasia of the arms with complete humero-radio-ulna synostosis, arched clavicles, pelvic dysplasia, short and thin fibulae, proportionally short vertebrae, hyperlordosis and mild kyphosis. Exome sequencing of the patient revealed a novel homozygous c.374G > T, p.(Arg125Leu) missense variant in MSGN1 (NM_001105569). MSGN1, a basic-Helix–Loop–Helix transcription factor, plays a crucial role in formation of presomitic mesoderm progenitor cells/mesodermal stem cells during early developmental processes in vertebrates. Initial in vitro experiments show protein stability and correct intracellular localization of the novel variant in the nucleus and imply retained transcription factor function. To test the pathogenicity of the detected variant, we overexpressed wild-type and mutant msgn1 mRNA in zebrafish embryos and analyzed tbxta (T/brachyury/ntl). Overexpression of wild-type or mutant msgn1 mRNA significantly reduces tbxta expression in the tailbud compared to control embryos. Mutant msgn1 mRNA injected embryos depict a more severe effect, implying a gain-of-function mechanism. In vivo analysis on embryonic development was performed by clonal msgn1 overexpression in zebrafish embryos further demonstrated altered cell compartments in the presomitic mesoderm, notochord and pectoral fin buds. Detection of ectopic tbx6 and bmp2 expression in these embryos hint to affected downstream signals due to Msgn1 gain-of-function. Conclusion In contrast to loss-of-function effects described in animal knockdown models, gain-of-function of MSGN1 explains the only mildly affected axial skeleton of the proband and rather normal vertebrae. In this context we observed notochord bending and potentially disruption of pectoral fin buds/upper extremity after overexpression of msgn1 in zebrafish embryos. The latter might result from Msgn1 function on mesenchymal stem cells or on chondrogenesis in these regions. In addition, we detected ectopic tbx6 and bmp2a expression after gain of Msgn1 function in zebrafish, which are interconnected to short stature, congenital scoliosis, limb shortening and prominent skeletal malformations in patients. Our findings highlight a rare, so far undescribed skeletal dysplasia syndrome associated with a gain-of-function mutation in MSGN1 and hint to its molecular downstream effectors.

Objetivo: Comparar e investigar los parámetros de la tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) de los lados sanos y afectados de pacientes con pérdida auditiva neurosensorial súbita idiopática (PANSI). Método: La evaluación ocular bilateral de los pacientes diagnosticados con PANSI se realizó con OCT. Se registraron los valores de espesor del complejo de células ganglionares (CCG) y de la capa de fibras nerviosas de la retina (CFNR), y se examinaron las diferencias entre los dos ojos. Resultados: Se evaluaron 39 pacientes, con una edad media de 44.82 ± 14.90 años. Se determinó que el grosor de la CFNR de los ojos era una media de 89.87 ± 3.65 μm en el lado afectado y 103.87 ± 3.98 μm en el lado de control sano (p = 0.0001). Se determinó que el CCG medio era 90.46 ± 3.49 μm en el lado afectado y 103.77 ± 3.96 μm en el lado de control sano (p = 0.0001). Conclusiones: Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los ojos sanos y afectados de pacientes con PANSI con respecto al CCG medio y al espesor medio de la CFNR. La OCT podría ser una técnica útil para medir esta degeneración neuronal.

Face and emotion recognition are crucial components of social cognition. We aimed to compare them in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ), ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR), unaffected siblings of schizophrenia patients (SIB), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: One hundred sixty-six participants (45 SCZ, 14 UHR, 45 SIB, and 62 HC) were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Positive and Negative syndrome scale (PANSS), PennCNB Facial Memory (CPF), and Emotion Recognition Task (ER40) were applied. Results: In CPF, SCZ performed significantly lower than SIB and HC. SIB was also significantly lower than HC for total correct responses. The sample size of the UHR group was small, and the statistical comparisons did not reach a significance, however, a trend towards decreased performance between the SCZ and SIB was found. In ER40, SCZ performed significantly lower than HC and SIB in all domains, except for the insignificant findings for angry ER between SIB and SCZ. SIB also performed significantly lower than HC for angry, negative, and total ER. UHR was similar to SCZ for happy and sad ER and performed significantly lower than HC for happy ER. The effect of SCZ diagnosis on the efficiency of CPF and ER40 was significant when corrected for age and education. For SCZ, PANSS also significantly affected the CPF and ER40. Conclusion: Our findings suggest varying levels of face and emotion recognition deficits in individuals with SCZ, UHR, and SIB. Face and emotion recognition deficits are promising schizophrenia endophenotypes related to social cognition.

Objective: Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor (EBV-SMT) is a rare tumor with a higher rate of occurrence in unusual locations in the setting of immunodeficiency. In this study, we evaluated a cohort of ordinary leiomyosarcomas (LMS) for the presence of EBV and described the clinicopathological features deviating from routinely diagnosed cases of EBV-SMT. Material and Method: The sections of tissue microarrays including 93 classical LMS occurring in various locations were hybridized with EBER and stained for LMP1 antibody using the Leica Bond Autostainer. EBV real-time PCR assay was performed in 2 EBER-positive cases. Results: Among the 93 LMS cases, 2 non-uterine cases (2.2%) were positive for EBER and negative for LMP1, and were referred to as `EBV-positive LMS`. Both were females in their 6th decade without immunosuppression. EBV real-time PCR assay revealed the presence of EBV in one of the cases. Tumors were located in the pancreas and chest wall. Morphologically, tumors were rather myxoid, multinodular, and composed of long fascicles of spindle cells with intermediate- to high-grade features. High mitotic activity and focal necrosis were present, whereas no accompanying lymphocytes were detected. One of the patients developed metastatic disease after 3 years. Conclusion: EBV-positive LMS occurring in immunocompetent patients has features distinct from classical EBV-SMT seen in immunosuppressed patients.

Abstract Mutations of several genes cause incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity of phenotypes, which are usually attributed to modifier genes or gene-environment interactions. Here, we show stochastic gene expression underlies the variability of somite segmentation defects in embryos mutant for segmentation clock genes her1 or her7. Phenotypic strength is further augmented by low temperature and hypoxia. By performing live imaging of the segmentation clock reporters, we further show that groups of cells with higher oscillation amplitudes successfully form somites while those with lower amplitudes fail to do so. In unfavorable environments, the number of cycles with high amplitude oscillations and the number of successful segmentations proportionally decrease. These results suggest that individual oscillation cycles stochastically fail to pass a threshold amplitude, resulting in segmentation defects in mutants. Our quantitative methodology is adaptable to investigate variable phenotypes of mutant genes in different tissues.

Deep neck infections are serious conditions and can present with acute upper airway obstruction. Our priority in the treatment is to ensure airway safety, and tracheotomy may be needed to overcome the upper airway obstruction. Unceasing dyspnea after tracheotomy should suggest serious pulmonary pathologies in patients with upper airway obstruction due to deep neck infection. Acute/chronic obstruction resolved after tracheotomy or upper respiratory tract surgical procedures of obstructive sleep apnea patients can turn into severe dyspnea with pulmonary edema. In this report, we present a 46-year-old male patient with negative pressure pulmonary edema as a complication of tracheotomy. The tracheotomy was performed due to severe upper airway obstruction secondary to a deep neck infection. The importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of this rare entity after unceasing dyspnea despite tracheotomy is discussed in the light of the current literature.

Drought and salinity are among the most affecting abiotic stress factors that limit the productivity in economically important plants. Understanding drought and salt tolerance mechanism is pivotal for developing drought and salt tolerant crop cultivars. Here, we monitored the changes in gene expression profiles of leaf and root tissues of two wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum L.) accessions after treatment with salt and drought stresses. We identified a total of 641 DEGs across 24 conditions (2 accessions, 2 stress conditions, 2 tissues and 3 time-points). Interestingly, there was a relatively little overlap between the leaf and the root stress responsive gene expression patterns, suggesting that different stress associated processes might be operating in these tissues during stress adaptation. In hierarchical clustering, the genes with distinct expression patterns were nearly half found in Cluster 1 and Cluster 9 and DEGs found in Cluster 9 were significantly enriched for metabolic processes and organic substance metabolic process. Gene ontology (GO) annotations of biological process of salt and drought analysis identified genes in categories including, catabolic processes, oxidation–reduction and organic substance metabolic process. Molecular function analyses significantly detected transcripts associated with oxidoreductase activity and nucleotide binding. Overall, our results revealed a number of candidate genes and plant processes associated with stress tolerance in wild barley. Determination of responsive genes will shed light on other barley studies aiming to elucidate molecular mechanism of drought or salt tolerance.

Objective:To analyze the demographic characteristics and the pathological results of neck dissection in primary parotid gland (PG) cancer patients, and to investigate the effects of histopathological parameters (perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and extracapsular spread), neck metastasis, stage and lymph node ratio (LNR) on survival.Methods:Patients who underwent parotidectomy for malignant PG tumors between 2000 and 2019 years were retrospectively reviewed from the medical records. Thirty patients who were treated with parotidectomy and neck dissection were included in the study. Lymph node ratio was calculated as the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LN) to the total number of excised LNs. Tumor stage, regional LN metastasis, LNR, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and extracapsular spread were reviewed for the effects on survival with the Kaplan–Meier analysis.Results:The study included 17 (57%) male and 13 (43%) female patients. Their mean age was 67.93±16.90 years (range, 50–85 years). The average number of the excised LN was 26.03±11.79 (range, 3–50). Mean LNR was 0.16±0.26. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that neck metastasis (p=0.001) and LNR (p

In this study, the aerodynamic performance of a cambered wind turbine airfoil with a partially flexible membrane material on its suction surface was examined experimentally across various angles of attack and Reynolds numbers. It encompassed physical explanation at the pre/post-stall regions. The results of particle image velocimetry revealed that the laminar separation bubble was diminished or even suppressed when a local flexible membrane material was employed on the suction surface of the wind turbine blade close to the leading edge. The results of the deformation measurement indicated that the membrane had a range of flow modes. This showed that the distribution of aerodynamic fluctuations due to the presence of LSB-induced vortices was reduced. This also led to a narrower wake region occurring. Aerodynamic performance improved and aerodynamic vibration significantly lowered, particularly at the post-stall zone, according to the results of the aerodynamic force measurement. In addition to the lift force, the drag force was enormously reduced, corroborating and matching well with the results of PIV and deformation measurements. Consequently, significant benefits for a turbine blade were notably observed, including aerodynamic performance enhancement, increased aerodynamic power efficiency, and reduced aerodynamic vibration.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male soccer players with an average age of 22.38 ± 1.75, body height of 174.38 ± 3.94, and body mass of 72.30 ± 4.13. To determine the participants’ maximal strength performance, one repeated maximal strength (1-RM) squat exercise was applied. The PAPE protocol was then implemented with a squat exercise consisting of three repetitions at 80% of 1-RM. The warm-up protocols consisted of 5 min of cycling, followed by dynamic stretching, static stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises. These protocols were applied on four different days with a 72 h interval. A vertical jump test was conducted to measure the participants’ explosive strength performance. The research data were analyzed using IBM Statistics (SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, NY, USA) software. The findings of this study revealed statistically significant differences in vertical jump performance values after PAPE among participants based on the different stretching techniques used during warm-up (p = 0.00). In this context, the research concluded that dynamic stretching is the optimal stretching technique during warm-up exercises before PAPE to maximize its effects. On the other hand, static stretching was found to negatively affect performance by absorbing the PAPE effect.

BackgroundThe value chains of tomatoes in Ethiopia are largely informal which may pose potential food safety risks. Value chains (VCs) mapping was carried out with emphasis on tomatoes in two major cities in eastern Ethiopia—Harar and Dire Dawa—which were assessed to identify practices likely to result in unsafe food, considering production, transportation, retail, preparation, and consumption.MethodsQualitative methods were used to map the VCs to understand the flows, actors, and practices. Group discussions and key informant interviews were performed to better understand the processes, practices, beliefs, and food safety risks in these VCs.ResultsThe two cities are supplied by two vegetable VCs: the first and larger being from distant producers in central Ethiopia, and the second from surrounding rural and peri-urban producers. The long-distance VCs involve producers, brokers, transporters, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. The local producers, however, bring their fresh products directly to the cities without the involvement of VC actors other than final retailers and consumers. The study suggests microbiological contamination risks along tomato VCs, potentially including soil contamination, use of sewerage-contaminated irrigation water, untreated manure, unhygienic handling and storage conditions, and dirty contact surfaces during transportation and retailing. Tomatoes are mostly harvested by hand picking, collected, and sorted on the ground exposing to sunlight and physical bruising with potential contamination. More importantly, tomatoes are widely consumed raw without “a kill-step” that certainly contributes to food-borne infections. Suggestions by study participants for improving food safety and hygiene include funding toward improved infrastructure and facilities in the sectors, supporting VC actors with improved technology for quality production, and increasing awareness of good and hygienic practices. Consumers were particularly concerned about contamination with agrochemicals without much emphasis on the potential microbial contaminants. Fresh tomatoes are prepared in a variety of ways and are often consumed raw or slightly cooked. Further recommendations included using health extension workers to conduct awareness campaigns on improved food safety and hygienic practices.ConclusionThe qualitative VC mapping generated useful information for designing intervention strategies, especially targeting developing food safety interventions and an awareness communication campaign.

Abstract Background Intriguingly, liver regeneration after injury does not induce uncontrolled growth and the underlying mechanisms of such a “hepatostat” are still not clear. Endocan, a proteoglycan, was implicated in liver regeneration. It can support the function of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor in tissue repair after injury. Endostatin, a 20 kDa C-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII, may modulate the cessation of liver regeneration. eEF2K, a protein kinase that regulates protein synthesis, can regulate angiogenesis. Thus, we investigated the role of endocan, endostatin and eEF2K during normal liver regeneration. Methods Serum samples and regenerating remnant liver tissues were obtained on various days after partial hepatectomy in rats. mRNA expression levels of Vegf and Pcna were analyzed in addition to immunohistochemical evaluations. Liver tissue protein levels of endostatin, endocan and p-eEF2K/eEF2K were determined with Western blot. Serum levels of endostatin and endocan were assessed with ELISA. Results Pcna expression level in residual liver tissues peaked on day-1, while Vegf expression reached its highest level on days 1–3 after partial hepatectomy (70%). Endocan activity declined gradually on days 1–7. The decrease in liver endocan expression was accompanied by an increase in serum endocan levels. Partial hepatectomy induced a rapid increase in liver endostatin levels. Following its surge on day-1, endostatin expression gradually declined, which was accompanied by a peak in serum endostatin. Finally, partial hepatectomy was shown to regulate eEF2K; thus, increasing protein translation. Conclusions We revealed possible mechanistic insights into liver regeneration by examining the associations of Pcna, Vegf, endocan, endostatin, eEF2K with hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Indeed, endocan might serve as a useful biomarker to monitor clinical prognosis in a plethora of conditions such as recovery of donor’s remaining liver after living-donor liver transplant. Whether endocan might represent a strategy to optimize liver regeneration when given therapeutically needs to be investigated in future studies.

This paper proposes a bidirectional three-level T-type LLC resonant DC-DC converter operating with phase-shift control, which is simple and effective, variable frequency modulation to perform soft switching in a wide voltage ratio range and light loads, and pulse width modulation to reduce reactive circulating current. In this combined modulation method, three control parameters: switching frequency, the duty cycle of switches in the vertical arms, and phase shift between primary and secondary switches, are changed depending on the voltage conversion ratio and load. The circuit operates as LLC resonant in forward operation and series resonant in reverse operation. Thus, LLC and series resonant analyses of the proposed converter, operated in continuous conduction mode and buck mode, are presented. A simplified frequency domain analysis, including all harmonics, is used in the theoretical calculations. Thus, the control parameters are accurately calculated for forward and reverse operations. The current, voltage, and power formulas in the working principle of the converter are derived, and an analysis of the control parameters and zero voltage switching region is performed. Soft switching analysis is done by considering the junction capacitor of the MOSFET and the dead time. The theoretical performance of the proposed modulation method has been verified with a 2 kW prototype. Soft-switching and loss analyses of the proposed converter have also been investigated under different load conditions and voltage conversion ratios. The proposed LLC resonant topology and modulation method improved significantly more efficiency than the phase-shifted modulated T-type converter under 30-100% load conditions.

Toplumsal cinsiyetlere bağlı olarak ortaya çıkan rol algıları, bireylerin tutum ve davranışları üzerinde etkilidir. Gömülü teoride erkeklerin kadınlara göre daha fazla cesur davranışlar sergilemesi beklendiği belirtilmektedir. Bu beklenti çalışma yaşamında da kendini göstermekte ve sosyal cesaret üzerinde etkili olabilmektedir. Çalışmada işyeri sosyal cesaretinin kadın ve erkeklerde farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığı örgütsel adaletle olan ilişkisi üzerinden araştırılmıştır. Bu kapsamda 268 banka çalışanından (erkek 91, kadın 177) kolayda örnekleme yöntemiyle veri toplanmıştır. Araştırmada ilk olarak ölçüm değişmezliği test edilerek genel modelin güçlü değişmezliğe, işyeri sosyal cesaret ölçeğinin ise katı değişmezliğe sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kadın ve erkekler üzerinde yapılan bağımsız gruplar t testi, erkeklerin kadınlara göre daha yüksek sosyal cesaret ve etkileşim adaleti algısı olduğunu göstermektedir. En çok olabilirlik yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilen çoklu grup yapısal model analizi etkileşim adaletinin işyeri sosyal cesaretini anlamlı ve pozitif olarak yordadığını göstermektedir. Bu etki kadınlarda erkeklere göre daha fazladır.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of storage length (7, 14, 21 and 28 days), turning frequency (0, 1 and 24 times per day) and egg position (pointed end up, blunt end up and horizontal) on egg weight loss during storage and incubation; hatchling chick weight, incubation length and hatchability results in 56-week-old chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). A total of 1800 daily collected eggs was assigned to 36 subgroups (4 × 3 × 3 experimental design) consisting of 50 eggs for each subgroup. Progressive decrease in egg weights and increase in egg weight loss during storage was observed with the lengthening of storage period (p < .001). Prominent effects were observed in total egg weight loss rate and incubation length when the eggs were stored more than 21 days (p < .001). The highest hatchling chick weights were observed in horizontal eggs stored for 7 days (p < .001). Most indices of hatching results showed detrimental effects when turning wasn’t applied and the eggs were stored with the position of blunt end up. General recommendations from the hatching results showed that chukar eggs can be stored up to 21 days of storage length irrespective of turning and egg position. If the chukar eggs are to be stored more than 21 days, turning should be implemented and the eggs should be placed with the position of pointed end up for optimum hatching results.HIGHLIGHTS Due to their chicks’ valuability, partridge eggs are aimed to be incubated. In addition, scientific studies of egg hatching assessment under different conditions during storage period are lacking. For these reasons, the study was carried out to determine optimum conditions of storage in chukar eggs. The present results revealed that storing the chukar eggs with the position of pointed end up till 21st days improves the quality of the eggs. If the storage length is to exceed 21 days, the eggs should be turned at least once a day and placed with the position of pointed end up.

An aqueous solution of phosphorous acid (H3PO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an example of a phosphonic acid neutralization reaction where potassium salts are formed. This study aimed to design the reactor and the process, which is a problem encountered in the industry, arising from the need to develop a safe and efficient production process. It was found that the production process carried out under exothermic conditions should be in a temperature-controlled reactor at optimum acid/base initial concentration ratios and feed flow rates as 1/1.5, 22800 mL/min, respectively. Due to the thermal safety and risk accidents at the batch reactor, a tubular flow reactor (TFR) has been designed to increase the controllability and the yield of the products produced in the batch reactor having some advantages as to feeding, sampling, and measuring from different points at different times.

Streptomyces is the largest species of the actinomycetes group, with more than 500 defined species, aerobic, gram-positive, and phylogenetic class filamentous (thin protruding in thread form). It is a large group that is mostly found in the soil and as a secondary metabolite of its fermentation, it enables the production of various and important components (antibiotics, chemotherapeutics, fungicides, herbicides, and immunosuppressants) in the field of industry and medicine. In this study, six bacterial isolates were isolated from soil samples in different regions of Turkey. Morphological characteristics, gram staining, and PCR test were applied for identification. Six isolates, Streptomyces mutabilis, S. collinus, S. peucetius, S. cyaneofuscatus, S. albogriseolus and, S. griseoflavus, were compared with the general characteristics of the Streptomyces species in International Streptomyces Project. Air and reverse side mycelium color were determined, and all were confirmed by the gram-positive test. Studies have shown that the regions of Ankara and Konya are rich in Streptomyces species.

Background and Study Aim. In the early years when sports footwear became compulsory, the importance of shoe design was not considered in terms of athletes’ health. Since the early years of wrestling shoe use, these gears have been manufactured according to the rules of competition, and modifications have been very limited. In this regard, this study aims to determine the effect of existing wrestling shoes on foot deformation. Material and Methods. The study was carried out with the participation of 108 young male athletes who had the same training on the same ground for three years in the Wrestling Training Center. The athletes were divided into two groups, an experimental and a control group. While the control group wore wrestling shoes produced by widely used brands, the experimental group wore newly designed wrestling shoes. Foot arch values and images of both groups were determined using a podoscope device at the beginning and end of the study. The evaluations were made according to the Staheli arch index. Results. The results of the statistical analysis revealed that differences were found in the footprint measurement values of the control group. It was determined that this difference in the footprints was greater among the freestyle wrestlers. The decrease in the averages between the first and second measurement values of the group using the newly designed wrestling shoes was found to be highly positive and in a linear direction. Also, it was determined that the pain score values of the control group were higher than the scores of the experimental group after training. Conclusions. The results revealed that there were deformations in the feet of the control group wrestlers wearing available wrestling shoes. It was observed that freestyle wrestling athletes had more deformation than Greco-Roman style wrestlers, and leg pains were more prevalent after training and competitions. Based on these results, it was concluded that the design of wrestling shoes produced with today's technology needs to be redesigned.

Bu çalışmada, polikarboksilat-eter esaslı su azaltıcı katkının anyonik monomer içeriğinin kendiliğinden yerleşebilen beton (KYB) karışımlarının çeşitli taze ve sertleşmiş hal özelliklerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla, anyonik monomeri %100 karboksilat olan kontrol katkısına ilaveten, kontrol katkısının anyonik monomerinin %10 ve %30 oranında sülfonat ve fosfat ile ikame edilmesiylebirbirinden farklı 5 adet su azaltıcı katkı sentezlenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, su azaltıcı katkı anyonik monomerinin sülfonat ile ikame edilmesi, karışımların katkı ihtiyacını artırırken; zamana bağlı yayılma performanslarını olumlu yönde etkilemiştir. Fosfat ikame edilmesi durumunda ise karışımların katkı ihtiyacı azalırken zamana bağlı yayılma performansı olumsuz etkilenmiştir. Tüm karışımlar içerisinde taze hal özellikleri açısından en iyi performans %10 sülfonat ikame edilen katkı ile elde edilmiştir. Anyonik monomer değişimi, KYB karışımlarının basınç dayanımları, su emme oranları, ultrases geçiş hızları (UPV) ve dinamik elastisite modüllerinde önemli bir değişikliğe sebep olmamıştır

Introduction:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide public health challenge because it affects more than 5% of the population. Early identification of the patients at risk of severe disease or death gives the clinician the chance to initiate rapid and aggressive treatment, and thereby save lives.Methods:This was a single-center observational retrospective study. We included all patients aged ≥40 years admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit with a diagnosis of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) between January 2014 and December 2018.Co-morbidities, hemogram and biochemistry values, and inflammatory markers were evaluated in both survivor and non-survivor groups. Results were evluated with SPSS.Results:A total of 1,454 patients were assessed, 315 (21.6%) patients died during the hospital stay, and 1,139 (78.3%) patients were discharged. In the non-survivor group, mean white blood cell counts were higher than in survivors [14.1 (9.7-20.3), vs 11.8 (8.5-16.1), p

Most of the traditional houses in western Anatolia are a type of hımış (traditional timber frame) structure. Deterioration of these traditional houses is mostly due to their abandonment. Abandonment causes the structure’s load-bearing system vulnerable to environmental effects and ultimately weakens the structure against seismic loads. A case study is performed on the Orhaneli houses. Building-scale suggestions are proposed towards the conservation of these houses based on the performed analysis and documentation. The results of simplified limit analysis of 20 houses utilized in this study are presented and the need for finite element modeling of these structures with sophisticated connection detailing is underlined. It is observed that the majority of examined houses are resilient for the seismic events of 50% probability of exceedance in 50 years, however, they need to be retrofitted for the seismic events of 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years.

IntroductionThe number of people diagnosed with dementia is increasing, creating significant economic burden globally. With the progression of the disease, patients need a caregiver whose wellbeing is important for continuous care. Providing respite as a service, through sharing the responsibility of caregiving or support for the caregiver, is a costly initiative. A peer-to-peer online support platform for dementia caregivers, motivated by the sharing economy, putting exchange of knowhow, resources, and services at its center, has the potential to balance cost concerns with a search for respite. The aim of this research is to assess caregivers’ intention to engage in peer-to-peer exchange.MethodsA survey including sociodemographic, technology use, and caregiving variables, structured questionnaires (Zarit caregiver burden, WHO brief quality of life scale, ADCS-ADL and chronic stress scale) were administered, January 2018–May 2019, in the dementia outpatient clinic of a university hospital, to a convenience sample of n = 203 individuals identifying themselves as primary caregivers. A path analysis exploring the drivers of an intention to engage in peer-to-peer service exchange was conducted.ResultsIn the path model, caregivers experiencing higher caregiver burden showed higher intention to engage (0.079, p

Introductıon: Deep neck infections are a group of diseases with serious complications and mortality, which can occur as a result of common diseases in the community and which have surgical and medical treatment options. Objectives: Patients ages, genders, complaints, physical examination findings, hospitalization complaints, history of antibiotic use before the application, additional diseases, radiological tests and analysis of examinations, type of treatment method, antibiotic agents selected in treatment, bacterial culture results, duration of hospitalization, complications, mortality rates were systematically recorded. In the study, anaerobic bacterial factors, which are difficult to produce in routine, were produced by considering special transport conditions and culture media. Methods: A total of 74 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Mersin, between 01.07.2016 and 01.07.2017 for deep neck infection were evaluated prospectively. The study included 37 female and 37 male patients. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 to 69 and the mean age was 31 years. Results: According to the analysis of the obtained data, there was a statistically significant relationship between the patients with additional diseases and the treatment modalities of the patients (p = 0.017). The surgical treatment rate was increased in this group of patients. In patients with a history of antibiotic use, it was found that patients in the pediatric group were in hospital longer in terms of length of stay compared to adults (p = 0.036). In adult patients who underwent surgery, the absorptive long axis was found to be longer in mm than in patients receiving isolated medical treatment (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Deep neck infections is a disease group that seriously concerns public health, with significant mortality and morbidity. Ensuring airway safety of patients should be the first intervention. Abscesses located lateral to the tonsil capsule may not drain adequately without concomitant tonsillectomy.

Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of the magnetic resonance imaging in Bell’s palsy patients.Methods:Patients who were diagnosed and treated with Bell’s palsy between October 2013 and March 2016 retrospectively selected. House–Brackmann grades, pre- and post-treatment pure tone audiograms, stapedial reflexes were analyzed and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with gadolinium-based contrast agents were evaluated. Contrast-enhanced segments of the facial nerve were determined. MRI findings were compared statistically with pre- and post-treatment grade, recurrence rate of Bell’s palsy, MRI scanning timing, presence of stapes reflexes and posttreatment recovery data.Results:No significant correlation was observed between pretreatment House–Brackmann grades and enhancement (p>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between clinical recovery and enhancement (p>0.05). Also, no significant correlation was observed between MRI scanning time, the recurrence rate of Bell’s palsy and MRI findings (p>0.05). None of the MRIs showed neoplastic contrast enhancement.Conclusion:The routine use of the contrast-enhanced temporal MRI is not recommended in the diagnosis and monitoring of Bell’s palsy patients, because the contrast enhancement pattern of the facial nerve has no effect on the prognosis of Bell’s palsy. MRI should be used in cases that do not heal despite treatment, for the differential diagnosis of facial nerve tumors and in patients who are candidates for surgical decompression.

Background Dysphagia is a geriatric syndrome. Changes in the whole body that occur with aging also affect swallowing functions and cause presbyphagia. This condition may progress to oropharyngeal and/or esophageal dysphagia in the presence of secondary causes that increase in incidence with aging. However, no study has been published that provides recommendations for use in clinical practice that addresses in detail all aspects of the management of dysphagia in geriatric individuals. This study aimed to answer almost all potential questions and problems in the management of geriatric dysphagia in clinical practice. Methods A multidisciplinary team created this recommendation guide using the seven-step and three-round modified Delphi method via e-mail. The study included 39 experts from 29 centers in 14 cities. Results Based on the 5W and 1H method, we developed 216 detailed recommendations for older adults from the perspective of different disciplines dealing with older people. Conclusion This consensus-based recommendation is a useful guide to address practical clinical questions in the diagnosis, rehabilitation, and follow-up for the management of geriatric dysphagia and also contains detailed commentary on these issues.

An aqueous solution of phosphorous acid (H3PO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an example of a phosphonic acid neutralization reaction where potassium salts are formed. This study aimed to design the reactor and the process, which is a problem encountered in the industry, arising from the need to develop a safe and efficient production process. It was found that the production process carried out under exothermic conditions should be in a temperature-controlled reactor at optimum acid: base initial concentration ratios and feed flow rates as 1:1.5, 22800 mL/min, respectively. Due to the risks at the batch reactor, a tubular flow reactor (TFR) has been designed to increase the controllability and the yield of the products produced in the batch reactor having some advantages as to feeding, sampling, and measuring from different points at different times.

Introduction:Mediastinoscopy is an effective diagnostic method used in the diagnosing of benign granulomatous diseases and for lung cancer staging. However, the success of this method is directly proportional to the amount of pathological material taken. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the diagnostic superiority of the use of standard surgical instruments (SSI) and non-standard surgical instruments (NSSI) in mediastinoscopy in patients with mediastinal lymph nodes, which are thought to be pathological, according to different diseases.Methods:One hundred and seven patients who underwent mediastinoscopy were divided into two groups according to the use of SSI (n=89) and NSSI (n=18). Analysis was made of age, gender, pre-diagnosis, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and substance uptake values of the groups, pathology if endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) had been performed, operation notes (use of video mediastinoscope, use of SSI or NSSI, sampled mediastinal lymph node stations), complications and pathology results analyzed.Results:The use of NSSI was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with previous EBUS-TBNA (p=0.013), in operations in which a single mediastinal station was sampled (p=0.004), and in cases where the pathological diagnosis was tuberculosis (TB) (p

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of storage length, turning frequency and egg position on internal quality traits of chukar eggs obtained from 56-week-old chukar partridges under the same nutrition and management conditions. A total of 720 eggs were collected and assigned to 36 subgroups according to storage length (7, 14, 21, and 28 d), turning frequency (0, 1, and 24 per day) and egg position (pointed end up, blunt end up and horizontal). As a result of the study, almost all the internal quality traits of chukar eggs were negatively affected by lengthening of storage period especially 21 days and longer (p < 0.001). Internal egg quality traits weren’t statistically affected by turning frequency except yolk index (p < 0.01). An improvement was observed in Haugh unit, albumen index and heigh of eggs stored with pointed end up (p < 0.001). Some significant interactions occurred among all internal egg quality traits which were mostly dependent on the eggs stored horizontally, extended storage time more than 21 days and egg turning during storage. The results and interactions showed that internal quality traits would be preserved well for the eggs stored less than 21 days with the position of pointed end up independent of turning. If the storage period was to exceed 21 days, the eggs should be positioned horizontally and turning should be applied to preserve the quality of chukar eggs.

Summary: Taming gene expression variability is critical for robust pattern formation during embryonic development. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in zebrafish embryos. We detail how to count segmentation clock RNAs and calculate their variability among neighboring cells. This approach is easily adaptable to count RNA numbers of any gene and calculate transcriptional variability among neighboring cells in diverse biological settings.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Keskin et al. (2018),1 Zinani et al. (2021),2 and Zinani et al. (2022).3 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

BACKGROUND: The current approach to endometrial cancer screening requires that all patients be able to recognize symptoms, report them, and carry out appropriate interventions. The current approach to endometrial cancer screening could become a problem in the future, especially for Black women and women from minority groups, and could lead to disparities in receiving proper care. Moreover, there is a lack of literature on artificial intelligence in the prediction and diagnosis of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed different artificial intelligence methods to help in clinical decision-making and the prediction of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer risks in pre- and postmenopausal women. This study aimed to investigate whether artificial intelligence may help to overcome the challenges that statistical and diagnostic tests could not. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 564 patients. The features that were collected included age, menopause status, premenopausal abnormal bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, endometrial thickness, and history of breast cancer. Endometrial sampling was performed on all women with postmenopausal bleeding and asymptomatic postmenopausal women with an endometrial thickness of at least 3 mm. Endometrial biopsy was performed on premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding and asymptomatic premenopausal women with suspected endometrial lesions. Python was used to model machine learning algorithms. Random forest, logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, Catboost, Xgboost, and Naive Bayes methods were used for classification. The synthetic minority oversampling technique was used to correct the class imbalance in the training sets. In addition, tuning and boosting were used to increase the performance of the models with a 5-fold cross-validation approach using a training set. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and F1 score were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of endometrial or preuterine cancer was 7.9%. Data from 451 patients were randomly assigned to the training group, and data from another 113 patients were used for internal validation. Of note, 3 of 9 features were selected by the Boruta algorithm for use in the final modeling. Age, body mass index, and endometrial thickness were all associated with a high risk of developing precancerous and cancerous diseases, after fine-tuning for the multilayer computer to have the highest area below the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve, 0.938) to predict a precancerous disease. The accuracy was 0.94 for predicting a precancerous disease. Precision, recall, and F1 scores for the test group were 0.71, 0.50, and 0.59, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study found that artificial intelligence can be used to identify women at risk of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and endometrial cancer. The model is not contingent on menopausal status or symptoms. This may be an advantage over the traditional methodology because many women, especially Black women and women from minority groups, could not recognize them. We have proposed to include patients to provide age and body mass index, and measurement of endometrial thickness by either sonography or artificial intelligence may help improve healthcare for women in rural or minority communities.

Introduction:. The gap junction beta 6 (GJB6) gene encodes connexin 30. This protein plays critical role in tissues and is responsible for the formation of gap junctions, which have a wide variety of physiological functions. Disease-associated variants of GJB6 cause non-syndromic hearing loss (HL) and skin lesions. We herein describe a Turkish girl who was diagnosed with HL and in whom genetic analysis revealed a causal variant of GJB6. Case presentation:. The 1-year-old girl patient was diagnosed with bilateral HL when she was 1 month old. Apart from this, the patient’s motor/mental development and physical examination were normal. As a result of the analysis with the multi-gene panel, the causative genomic change, c.175G>A(p.Gly59Arg) in the GJB6 gene was determined as heterozygous. Segregation analysis proved the same genotype in the patient’s mother and grandfather. The patient’s mother and grandfather had bilateral HL and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis phenotype. The patient was diagnosed with Clouston syndrome, and genetic counseling was provided to her family. Discussion:. Causal variants of GJB6 cause skin manifestations and signs of HL. Molecular diagnosis of these patients is a valuable tool for clinicians in reaching their optimal treatment and clinical management. Conclusion:. In syndromic cases in which many organs are affected, the determination of the causative gene is important in directing the patients to appropriate observation, screening, and treatment strategies.

Tükenmişlik araştırmalarının çoğu çevresel ilişkilere odaklanmıştır, ancak kişilik faktörlerinin de tükenmişliğin gelişiminde önemli bir rol oynaması muhtemeldir. Bu çalışmada beş büyük kişilik özellikleri ile tükenmişlik algısı arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi ve bu ilişkide istismarcı yönetimin aracılık etkisinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda araştırmanın ana kütlesini hizmet sektöründe faaliyet gösteren bankaların çalışanları oluşturmaktadır. Buna göre, kolayda örnekleme yöntemiyle 372 kişiden toplanan verilerin analizinde, değişkenler arası ilişkilerin tespiti için yapısal analiz modellemesi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın bulgularına göre uyumluluk ve nevrotiklik istismarcı yönetim ve tükenmişliğin yordayıcısıdır. Ayrıca uyumluluk ve nevrotiklik ile tükenmişlik arasındaki ilişkide istismarcı yönetimin aracı bir rol oynadığı tespit edilmiştir.

Aim:Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in women. Screening programs to diagnose breast anomalies increase the likelihood of early diagnosis and survival. This study describes the most extensive breast cancer screening program in Istanbul/Turkey between 2018 and 2019 and offers recommendations for nationwide programs.Methods:We collected data from the Istanbul Health Directorate’s cancer surveillance database from May 2018 to December 2019. We analyzed data on patients referred for further investigation due to suspicion of possible tumors in their screening radiography. The database included socio-demographic information and further examination details (tests, outcomes, and planned treatment).Results:The mean age of the 3,577 women who were invited for further examination was 52.3 [standard deviation (SD): 7.5]. The age group with the highest percentage of further investigation invitations was between 50 and 54. The mean time between the results of screening mammography was 16.2 days (SD: 15.3). 5.1% of the women referred were diagnosed with some sort of cancer. Women who went to the place of scheduled appointments, instead of getting an appointment in another place of their choosing, were diagnosed and treated earlier.Conclusion:For a breast screening program to reach the entirety of the target population, a comprehensive approach to every step of the process (screening, diagnosis, treatment) needs to be considered together.

In the production of potassium phosphite salts (monopotassium phosphite and dipotassium phosphite salts) formed as a result of the neutralization reaction of phosphorous acid and potassium hydroxide. Production was carried out with different operating modes, examining the effect of operations on the process and determining the unknown factors related to the reaction, determining the reactor and operating type in which the reaction will be carried out, and the stoichiometric ratio. In order to determine the optimum operating conditions, experiments were carried out by preparing phosphorous acid and potassium hydroxide solutions at different concentrations. To investigate the relationship between the heat released by the reaction and the operating modes, experiments were carried out in semi-batch and batch and continuous operating modes. In order to observe the effect of explosion and splashing that may occur as a result of exothermic reaction and to evaluate the product properties, both acid-on-base and base-on-acid feeding experiments were carried out. No difference was found between the two experimental sets. It has also been shown that the reaction stoichiometry should be done at a molarity ratio of 1:1.5 (acid:base). Instead of a semi-batch reactor system, a tubular reactor has been preferred in a tubular reactor system, which will ensure that the inputs are fed through the reactor at regular intervals, thus preventing sudden explosion, splashing, temperature rise and reaction rate, while at the same time aiming to increase the product efficiency with this feeding method. As a result, the desired pH value of 6.5 was reached, and the product containing potassium and phosphorus at desired concentrations was obtained by controlling the temperature in the reactor.

Van Formation, which is mainly represented by conglomerate, sandstone, marl and limestone, covers a large area around the Van province. The age of the unit was assigned in different localities of the region as late Oligocene - middle Miocene, early Miocene, Burdigalian - Langhian (early - middle Miocene) by previous studies. In order to determine the age of the upper levels of the formation in the east and southeast of Lake Van, a total of 98 samples collected from three measured stratigraphic sections. These samples have been examined in terms of calcareous nannoplankton and planktonic foraminiferal content. 33 species of 12 calcareous nannoplankton genera and 18 species of 9 planktonic foraminiferal genera representing the Serravalian - Tortonian interval have been identified. Calcareous nannoplankton and planktonic foraminiferal biozones of the unit could not be defined in the study area because of some samples do not contain calcareous nannoplankton and planktonic foraminifera, some samples are scarce in fossils and not all of the zonal markers have been identified. Considering the stratigraphic distribution of the calcareous nannoplankton and planktonic foraminiferal species that the formation contains, age of the Van Formation in the study area is re-evaluated as Serravallian -Tortonian (middle - late Miocene). This shows that marine features continued in the Tortonian (late Miocene) in the study area.

Striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) is one of the species in danger of extinction and categorized globally as “Under Threatened Organism”. From time to time, different tissue samples and carcasses of the striped hyena are reported in different regions of Anatolia. In this study, 571 bp length of Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit II (COX 2) of mitochondiral DNA from hair, ears, nails and teeth specimens from six striped hyaenas were amplified and sequenced to determined phylogenetic relationships between close and distant species related to hyaena. Tissue samples using in this study were found randomly at different times in Hatay province, Turkey. According to our results, all colected samples located in Hatay region are the members of H. hyaena species. Moreover, this research is the first molecular research using COX2 gene region for phylogenetic analysis in Turkey. Further investigation can be performed on studies that suggest determining phylogenetic status of striped hyaenas.

In recent years, there have been unexplained colony losses around the world. Due to the decrease in honey bee colonies, many studies have been carried out to investigate potential causes. One of the main causes of losses is also insecticides. Insecticides used against harmful insects in agricultural fields affect not only harmful ones but also beneficial insects such as honey bees directly or indirectly. Honey bee losses are more common, especially where insecticides are used, and the immune systems of bees exposed to insecticides in these areas weaken; foraging behavior, the ability to smell and learn is impaired. In addition, it leaves residues in bee products such as honey, wax, pollen and bee bread. Effective and sustainable solutions are sought worldwide in order to cope with these losses that pose a major ecological threat. This review aims to reveal the current situation by examining the effects of insecticides on honey bee behavior and physiology.