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Voltage regulation is one of the important goals for electrical sources and consumers. In this paper a new transformerless single-phase AC voltage regulator based on buck-boost converter topology is presented. The regulator circuit has a simple structure using only two bidirectional active switches, one inductor and one capacitor. A closed loop control system is implemented for the proposed regulator operation. A control law depending on the instantaneous values of the regulator's real input and desired output voltage is obtained and supports the PI controller. The control law allows the controller to obtain efficient pulse width modulation (PWM) switching duty ratio for the desired output voltage when the input voltage has surges or fluctuations and the output load is changed. An experimental laboratory setup has been implemented for the proposed AC voltage regulator. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed topology is capable of and efficient for both bucking and boosting the input AC voltage to a high quality output voltage with a low total harmonic distortion (THD) for different input voltage and load conditions.

Purpose: To determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue, depression, and cardiac functions in patients with stable angina. Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. Twenty patients (59.95 ± 7.35 y, LVEF - 58.77 ± 7.49) with stable angina received IMT at the lowest load (10 cmH2O), and 20 patients (55.85 ± 7.60 y, LVEF - 62.26 ± 7.75) received training at 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) seven days/8 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP; maximal expiratory pressure, MEP), peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary functions, functional exercise capacity (6-min walking test; exercise test), fatigue, HRQoL, depression, and cardiac functions were evaluated before and after. Results: A statistical difference was found between groups in terms of respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary functions, functional exercise capacity (p<0.05). The results of fatigue, depression, HRQoL, and cardiac functions were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the positive effects of IMT in patients with stable angina. IMT is a safe and effective method and is recommended to be added to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs and guidelines, as it results in increased peripheral muscle strength and functional exercise capacity in stable angina patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cities are also expanding with growth in construction rapidly, depending on the population growth. This development causes a lot of environmental problems. Pollution in water is one of the main problems and the aim of this paper is to evaluate water pollution in the study area. There are some statistical methods developed for the measurement and evaluation of water pollution; heavy metal pollution index (HPI) is one of them. Antalya is, one of the big cities in Turkey, also growing fast; population and settlement in this city are increasing quickly. That is why two streams, Duden and Goksu, are selected to measure the heavy metal pollution. The 24 water samples from Duden Stream and 18 water samples from Goksu Stream were taken systematically in June 2018 and were analyzed by using HPI. The heavy metals, from the highest value to the lowest one, were Sr > Fe > Al > Mn > As > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cr > Se in Duden Stream; and Sr > Fe > Al > Ni > As > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > Se in Goksu Stream. The Sr and Al values have exceeded the standard permissible values in both of the streams. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was used to evaluate the potential risk. Regarding quality the water samples have been classified as “good” and “poor”, generally. On the other hand, some water samples had heavy metal pollution above standards. Especially, the water of D15 - D19 - D20 and G13 samples were determined as “very poor” according to the standards. As a conclusion, the anthropogenic factors and urbanization may be the cause of the pollution. Living creatures that use water may have health problems and ecological equilibrium may be hampered in these stations. Groundwater may be contaminated in these areas. So, the urbanization needs to be done more carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System signature is a useful tool to analyze coherent systems. In reliability theory, a large number of systems is actually the composition of disjoint subsystems (modules). However, in real life, there are situations in which the subsystems have common components. In this article, we consider the problem of obtaining signatures as well as minimal signatures of series and parallel systems that are composed of subsystems sharing a component. That is, these subsystems are no longer disjoint. Computational results are also presented to illustrate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tries to reveal the levels of three distinct PAHs (naphthalene, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and anthracene on honey samples. They were taken from several different stations from the Nigde City (Central Anatolia, Turkey). The Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results revealed that twenty-four honey samples having naphthalene residues (for GC-MS limit of detection is 1 ppb and the upper limit 100 ppb in the European Union MRLs). In addition six samples have BaP residues (1.51 ± 0.47 ng/g) and eight examples have anthracene residues (1.59 ± 0.85 ng/g). Heavy metals in the honey samples were studied on Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd elements. To get simple and multivariate statistics, the SPSS Statistics 21 software has been used for this work. According to simple statistics, maximum-minimum values for Pb are 4286-1998; Ni 9987-5457; Cr 9654-2335 and Cd 3229-1090. However, we get higher statistics values from Cr and Cd. These results could decrease the quality of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IN THIS PAPER, AN ELASTIC-PLASTIC DEFORMATION of a centrally heated two-layered composite cylinder with free ends subjected to uniformly distributed internal energy generation within an inner cylinder is studied using Tresca's yield condition and its associated flow rule. Stress, strain and displacement distributions in the composite cylinder made of elastic-perfectly plastic material are derived considering the influence of geometric parameters as well as material properties such as yield strength, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, coefficient of thermal conduction and coefficient of thermal expansion. Yielding starts at the outer boundary or at the axis corresponding to an 'edge regime' of Tresca's prism in both cases. Propagations of the plastic regions are studied due to an increase of a heat generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydatid cyst secretes numerous immunomodulatory molecules to the host, and the host reacts these molecules by activating immune response. It is also known that, immune cells generally produce more oxidative products. Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme using catalase (CAT) and oxidant enzyme using lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in the serum samples before and after the surgical interventions in patients with pulmonary cystic echinococcus (CE). Patients and Methods: Forty patients with pulmonary CE who underwent surgery and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled to the study. Patients were divided in two groups; group 1 (n=40) consisted of patients with pulmonary CE, and group 2 (n=40) consisted of healthy subjects. Before and after surgical interventions serum CAT and LOOH levels were measured. Results: Compared to group 2, group 1 had significantly lower CAT and higher LOOH levels before surgery (both p < 0.001). In group 1; CAT levels were significantly increased and LOOH levels significantly increased after the surgical intervention (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study showed that oxidative stress increased in patients with pulmonary CE, may be consequence of immune response of the host, and these levels decreased after the surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A variety of methods have been used to model the effects of bleaching agents on tooth tissue and dental materials. Although several studies have evaluated the effects of bleaching agents on restorative materials, little attention has been directed to metal ion release from dental amalgam following exposure to bleaching agents. This in vitro study investigated the effects of two carbamide-peroxide-based bleaching gels on metal ion release from different dental amalgams. Methods: Thirteen discs (10x2 mm) prepared from tgloy (non-gamma 2, admix amalgam), Septalloy NG 50 (single composition, non-spherical, non-gamma 2, ternary amalgam), Dispersalloy (dispersed phase, admix amalgam) and Permite C (high-copper, non-gamma 2, admix alloy), according to the manufacturers' instructions and polished after 24 hours, were aged for seven days at 37°C in air. The discs were then immersed in 10 ml of distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C. The amount of metal ion (Hg, Ag, Sn and Cu) release was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The discs were treated with either 16% or 30% carbamide peroxide gel and ion release analysis was repeated. The specimens were also evaluated for surface changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: Statistical analysis showed that treatment with either 16% or 30% carbamide peroxide resulted in a significant release of Hg from all tested amalgams (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between 16% and 30% carbamide peroxide treatments (p>0.05). The use of carbamide peroxide gels did not make any difference in Ag levels (p>0.05). The release of Sn after treatment with 16% or 30% carbamide peroxide was increased (p<0.05). The release of Cu release was decreased with tgloy and Septaloy NG 50, but increased with Dispersalloy. Additionally, Permite C (p<0.05) SEM images revealed slight differences after treatment with 30% carbamide peroxide. Changes in the surface levels of ions were also in accordance with the ion release analysis. Conclusion: The release of metal ions and the microstructure of dental amalgams could be changed by treatment with 16% or 30% carbamide peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the biologically treated effluents from the pulp and paper and fermentation industry. Use of two stage membrane treatment and reverse osmosis; Color removal; Chemical oxygen demand.

Estimation of left ventricular (LV) mass has both prognostic and therapeutic value independent of traditional risk factors. Unfortunately, LV mass evaluation has been underestimated in clinical practice. Assessment of LV mass can be performed by a number of imaging modalities. Despite inherent limitations, conventional echocardiography has fundamentally been established as most widely used diagnostic tool. 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is now feasible, fast and accurate for LV mass evaluation. 3DE is also superior to conventional echocardiography in terms of LV mass assessment, especially in patients with abnormal LV geometry. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) are currently performed for LV mass assessment and also do not depend on cardiac geometry and display 3-dimensional data, as well. Therefore, CMR is being increasingly employed and is at the present standard of reference in the clinical setting. Although each method demonstrates advantages over another, there are also disadvantages to receive attention. Diagnostic accuracy of methods will also be increased with the introduction of more advanced systems. It is also likely that in the coming years new and more accurate diagnostic tests will become available. In particular, CMR and CCT have been intersecting hot topic between cardiology and radiology clinics. Thus, good communication and collaboration between two specialties is required for selection of an appropriate test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Assessment of aortic elastic properties in patients with erectile dysfunction by conventional and colour tissue Doppler echocardiography," by E. Seyfeli and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Left ventricular diastolic functional abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Its relation with aortic elastic properties," by E. Seyfeli and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Right ventricular diastolic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis and its relationship with left ventricular and pulmonary involvement. A tissue Doppler imaging study," by E. Seyfeli and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "The change of cardiac troponins in patients with chronic renal failure overtime and its relationship with left ventricular mass index. The results of two years follow-up," by E. Seyfeli and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "P Wave duration and dispersion in mitral valve prolapse," by F. Akgul and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Importance of dobutamine Doppler tissue imaging on the evaluation of revascularization in patients with hypoperfused myocardium" by H. Yalcin and colleagues is presented.

Abstract: An increased number of sensitized patients await kidney transplantation (KTx). Sensitization has a major impact on patient mortality and morbidity due to prolonged waiting time and may preclude live donor transplantation. However, recent reports have shown that KTx can be performed successfully using novel immunosuppressive protocols. This study presents our experience with patients displaying donor-specific antibody (DSA) (+). We enrolled 5 lymphocyte cross-match (LCM) negative (complement-dependent cytotoxicity) and panel-reactive antibody (PRA) plus DSA-positive patients mean fluorescein intensity [MFI] > 1000) who underwent living kidney donor procedures. All subjects were females and their mean age was 36.7 years. In our protocol, we started mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/d), tacrolimus (0.01 mg/kg) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) on day −6. We performed 2 sessions of total plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin replacement and administered 2 doses of IVIG (5 g/d). On day −1, we added rituximab (200 mg). On the operation day and on day +4, the patients received doses of basiliximab. Serum samples were taken on days −6, 0, and 30 as well as at 1 year after transplantation. All patients displayed immediate graft function. Mean basal DSA titer was 5624 MFI. After desensitization, the MFI titers decreased at the time of transplantation to 2753 MFI, and were 2564 MFI at the 1st month and 802 MFI at 1st year. Three patients experienced acute rejection episodes (60%). After treatment for rejection, the average follow-up was 17 months and last creatinine levels were 0.6–0.8 mg/dL (minimum-maximum). In conclusion, KTx can be succesfully performed in sensitized patients displaying DSA. However, there seems to be a greater acute rejection risk. There is no consensus regarding adequate doses of IVIG or plasmapheresis treatments; furthermore, more studies are needed to clarify the safe MFI titer of the DSA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objectives : The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may cause acute respiratory failure, but also remains responsible for many other pathologies, including electrolyte disorders. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes disorders in many systems and can disrupt water homeostasis with thirst and appetite abnormalities. Dysnatremia affects prognosis, and may be associated with mortality in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods : The study included 209 patients admitted to the ICU between 12 April 2021 and 1 March 2022 who were over 18 years old and diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by clinical and thoracic tomography findings or with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. The laboratory markers, treatment modalities, nutritional, and respiratory support also for outcome evaluation, length of stay in the ICU, total hospitalization duration, and mortality in the ICU were recorded. The laboratory marker comparison was made using admission with the final assessment performed before the time of mortality in the ICU or after discharge. Results : Inotropic requirements among patients were high, which reflected mortality in the ICU. Hypernatremia presence was associated with an increase in enteral support, the inotropic support requirement, and mortality. Hypernatremia was correlated with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and a longer duration under mechanical ventilation. Conclusions : Hypernatremia was an important risk factor in ICU patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was also affected by the treatment regimens given themselves. This complex relationship underlies the importance of proper electrolyte management, especially in patients who were under severe stress and organ failure.

Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg cells (HRSCs) in classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) frequently lack expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I), considered to hamper activation of cytotoxic T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we demonstrate HLA-I expression on HRSCs to be a strong determinant of TME composition whereas expression of HLA-II was associated with only minor differential gene expression in the TME. In HLA-I-positive HL the HRSC content and expression of CCL17/TARC in HRSCs are low, independent of the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in HRSCs. Additionally, HLA-I-positive HL shows a high content of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. However, an increased expression of the inhibitory immune checkpoint LAG3 on CD8+ T cells in close proximity to HRSCs is observed. Suggesting interference with cytotoxic activity, we observed an absence of clonally expanded T cells in the TME. While HLA-I-positive HL is not associated with an unfavorable clinical course in our cohorts, they share features with the recently described H2 subtype of HL. Given the major differences in TME composition, immune checkpoint inhibitors may differ in their mechanism of action in HLA-I-positive compared to HLA-I-negative HL., Competing Interests: Dr von Tresckow is an advisor or consultant for Allogene, BMS/Celgene, Cerus, Incyte, IQVIA, Gilead Kite, Lilly, Miltenyi, Novartis, Noscendo, Pentixapharm, Roche, Amgen, Pfizer, Takeda, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Gilead Kite; has received honoraria from AstraZeneca, BMS, Incyte, Lilly, Novartis, Roche Pharma AG, Takeda, and Merck Sharp & Dohme; reports research funding from Novartis (Inst), Merck Sharp & Dohme (Inst), and Takeda (Inst); and reports travel support from AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Gilead Kite, Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pierre Fabre, Roche, Takeda, and Novartis all outside the submitted work. Dr P. Borchmann reports grants from BMS during the conduct of the study. Dr Engert reports grants and nonfinancial support from BMS during the conduct of the study, and personal fees from Takeda, BMS, and MSD outside the submitted work. Dr Bröckelmann is an advisor or consultant for BeiGene, BMS, MSD, Stemline, and Takeda, received honoraria from BeiGene, BMS, MSD, Stemline, and Takeda, received travel support from BeiGene, Celgene, and Takeda, and reports research funding from BeiGene (Inst), BMS (Inst), MSD (Inst) and Takeda (Inst). Dr Klapper reports grants from Roche, Amgen, Takeda, Incyte, and Regeneron paid to his institution outside the submitted work. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Authors. HemaSphere published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Hematology Association.)

Tumor-associated microglia and blood-derived macrophages (TAMs) play a central role in modulating the immune suppressive microenvironment in glioma. Here, we show that GPNMB is predominantly expressed by TAMs in human glioblastoma multiforme and the murine RCAS-PDGFb high grade glioma model. Loss of GPNMB in the in vivo tumor microenvironment results in significantly smaller tumor volumes and generates a pro-inflammatory innate and adaptive immune cell microenvironment. The impact of host-derived GPNMB on tumor growth was confirmed in two distinct murine glioma cell lines in organotypic brain slices from GPNMB-KO and control mice. Using published data bases of human glioma, the elevated levels in TAMs could be confirmed and the GPNMB expression correlated with a poorer survival., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) encompasses a variety of lymphoma subtypes, with the majority being diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, which require aggressive systemic treatment. In contrast, low-grade lymphomas are reported infrequently and are mostly limited to dural manifestations. Very rarely, parenchymal low-grade PCNSL is diagnosed, and the cases documented in the literature show a wide variety of treatment approaches., Methods: We screened all cases of PCNSL treated at our department (a tertiary hematooncology and neurooncology center) in the last 15 years and conducted a comprehensive literature research in the PubMed database., Results: Overall, two cases of low-grade primary parenchymal PCNSL treated with irradiation were identified. The dose prescriptions ranged from 30.6 to 36 Gy for the involved site, with sparing of the hippocampal structures. Both patients had an excellent response to the treatment with a mean follow-up of 20 months. No clinical or radiological signs of treatment toxicity were detected., Conclusions: Our analysis corroborates the results from the literature and demonstrates that parenchymal low-grade PCNSL shows a good response to localized radiation treatment, enabling a favorable outcome while avoiding long-term treatment toxicity.

Background: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the most life-restricting coronary artery diseases, and symptom relief is the main goal in CCS patients who suffer from angina., Objectives: To assess the potential benefits of device-guided breathing in CCS patients with angina in this randomized, controlled, single-blinded study., Methods: Fifty-one patients with CCS received device-guided breathing for 7 days/8 weeks. Exercise capacity [exercise stress test], cardiac function [transthoracic echocardiography], and angina severity [Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification] were evaluated initially and after the training. Device-guided breathing was performed at the lowest resistance of the device (POWERbreathe® Classic LR) for the control group (n = 17). The low load training group (LLTG; n = 18) and high load training group (HLTG; n = 16) were trained at 30% and 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure. Baseline characteristics were compared using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. ANCOVA was performed to compare changes between three groups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Metabolic equivalent values were significantly improved in both HLTG and LLTG groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.003). The Duke treadmill score significantly improved and shifted to low-risk both in the HLTG (p < 0.001) and LLTG (p < 0.001) groups. Angina severity significantly alleviated after the training in both HLTG and LLTG groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.002)., Conclusions: An 8-week long program of short-term respiratory muscle training provided positive gains in exercise capacity and angina severity in CCS patients with angina. The effects of long-term training programs on CCS patients should be investigated clinically because of the possibility of helping to decrease the need for invasive treatments., Competing Interests: The authors stated that there is no conflict of interest.

Background: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and hypertension (HTN) occur frequently in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but whether blood pressure (BP) influences CMD and outcomes is unknown., Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that HTN is associated with worse CMD and outcomes., Methods: This retrospective study included 690 HCM patients. All patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and rhythm monitoring; 127 patients also underwent rest/vasodilator stress 13 NH 3 positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their rest systolic blood pressure (SBP) (group 1 ≤110 mm Hg; group 2 111-140; group 3 >140 mm Hg) and were followed for development of ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF), heart failure (HF), death, and composite outcome., Results: Group 1 patients had the lowest age and left ventricular (LV) mass but the highest prevalence of nonobstructive hemodynamics and restrictive diastolic filling. LV scar was similar in the 3 groups. Group 1 had the lowest rest and stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and highest SDS (summed difference score). Rest SBP was positively correlated with stress MBF and negatively correlated with SDS. Group 1 had the highest incidence of VT/VF, whereas the incidences of HF, death, and composite outcome were similar among the 3 groups. In multivariate analysis, rest SBP ≤110 mm Hg was independently associated with VT/VF (hazard ratio 2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.0-6.7; P = .04)., Conclusion: SBP ≤110 mm Hg is associated with greater severity of CMD and coronary microvascular ischemia and higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in HCM., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Heart Rhythm Society.)

Background and Objective: To compare oxidative stress (OS) markers in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and serum samples of pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and healthy pregnant women and to investigate the association between periodontal health/diseases and OS and GDM., Method: Eighty women with GDM and 80 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Medical and clinical anamnesis was obtained from all the pregnant women included in the study, and their plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were performed. GCF, saliva, and serum samples were collected for the measurements of the local and systemic total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS)., Results: Clinical periodontal parameters were found to be significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the control group. The serum and saliva TAS, TOS, and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group. In the analysis of the GCF samples, the mean TAS and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower and the TOS value was significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group. The multivariate reduced model indicated that gravidity, salivary TAS/TOS, and GCF TAS were significant independent variables in the development of GDM (p < .05)., Conclusion: Our results indicated that the OS of serum, saliva, and GCF samples increased in patients with GDM compared to healthy pregnant women. The role of local OS parameters in GDM may be associated with elevated clinical periodontal parameters., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)