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Abstract Reference-free audio quality assessment is a valuable tool in many areas, such as audio recordings, vinyl production, and communication systems. Therefore, evaluating the reliability and performance of such tools is crucial. This paper builds on previous research by analyzing the performance of four additional algorithms in detecting perceptible impulsive noise (clicks) based on auditory models. We compared the results of eight algorithms, hypothesizing that computationally simpler algorithms could perform as well as more complex ones. We obtained a set of audio signals, with and without clicks, annotated by human subjects from a publicly available dataset. Audio signal sets are categorized based on the obtained annotation results to train the algorithms for different levels of the experiments. Experiments containing cross-validation are done for multiple parameters of algorithms. The algorithm training is based on maximizing a discriminability metric ( $$A'$$ A ′ ). Evaluation criteria of the algorithms included the hit rate, false alarm rate, $$A'$$ A ′ , and computational time. Our findings indicate that computationally simpler auditory models have performed as well as computationally more complex ones, while conventional models exhibit lower performance. Conclusively, the ERBlet transform based algorithm demonstrated superior performance in terms of $$A'$$ A ′ and robustness. This paper provides insights into the capabilities of auditory models in a practical use case of perceptible click detection. The results presented here can help research and develop such algorithms for vinyl production, audio archiving, podcasting, music production, and telecommunications.

This study aims to examine the effects of Ferula root powder (FRP) on performance, egg quality, egg oxidant/antioxidant levels, some serum hormone/biochemical parameters, and physical properties of the oviduct in laying hens. A total of 72 (8 replicates, 3 hens/subgroup) laying hens (Nick Brown, 30 weeks) were divided into three groups (FRP-0, FRP-1, FRP-2). During the 9-week trial, FRP-0 (control) was fed with a basal diet (16.88% crude protein, 2,725 kcal/kg metabolizable energy). FRP-1 and FRP-2 groups, however, were fed a diet supplemented with 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg FRP, respectively. The results showed that laying performance, serum hormone (estradiol, progesterone) levels, and some internal organ weights were not affected by FRP supplementation. In comparison to the control group, higher yolk height and yolk index were found in the FRP-added groups. The albumen pH was found to have decreased in FRP-2 group. DPPH radical scavenging activity increased in egg yolk. TBARs value decreased in FRP-1 and FRP-2 groups. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased in group FRP-2. Moreover, a higher uterus length was found in the FRP-supplemented group. Given the results achieved, it was determined that FRP does not have a significant estrogenic effect. However, FRP can be utilized to prevent lipid oxidation and for its hypocholesterolemic effect.

ABSTRACT Sperm cryopreservation is a rather complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic bird species to ensure adequate efficiency. This study aimed to determine the usability of different cryoprotectants in the cryopreservation of Gloster canary sperm. For this purpose, sperm samples were collected from 12 2‐year‐old male Gloster canaries three times a week using cloacal massage for 4 weeks. After individual evaluation, sperm samples from the canaries were combined. Mixed sperm were divided into two groups in the study. Overall, 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) were used as cryoprotectants. Sperm samples were drawn into straws after adding Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) extender with high glucose ratio and two different cryoprotectants in a 1:1 ratio and frozen to −80°C with liquid nitrogen vapour and then stored in liquid nitrogen at −196°C. Frozen‐thawed semen samples were evaluated regarding motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]), density and abnormal spermatozoa rate. The highest motility value after freezing and thawing was determined in the EG group with 31.667% ± 4.773%. In addition, vitality, plasma membrane integrity and normal sperm morphology were statistically significantly higher in the EG‐frozen group, whereas head and tail abnormality was low (p

A closed-loop system identification methodology that used prior process knowledge to obtain improved model parameter estimates is presented.

Introduction: Non-invasive angiography with indocyanine green dye facilitates the assessment of flaps. Although ICG angiography has been successfully utilized in clinical settings for human beings, its application in experimental models exhibits certain limitations. This study aimed to address the encountered issues in angiography with different experimental models and introduce a novel modification to the ICG imaging of the McFarlane flap. Materials-methods: Rats were randomly divided into three groups: the first group received an epigastric flap (n = 4), the second group received a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (n = 4), and the third group received a dorsal flap (n = 8). In the first group, sterile silicone background was placed under two flaps. In the second group, no background was used. In the third group, a sterile silicone or aluminum foil was placed under the flaps. Flap perfusions were assessed using fluorescent imaging after flap adaptations, at postoperative 30th minute and 3., 5. and 7. days. Necrosis calculations were performed using all images obtained from the digital camera and the fluorescent imaging. In the third group, the flow velocities were also calculated. All flaps were sent for histopathological examination. Results: Even with a silicone background, clear perfusion evaluation and determining the threshold value for predicting necrosis rates were challenging. Moreover, a portion of the flaps without background material survived as grafts. Using an aluminum foil background improved image quality by reducing reflection from interior organs. Conclusion: The use of an aluminum foil background is beneficial in non-invasive angiography for assessing flap perfusions accurately and predicting necrosis in experimental animal models.

This paper explores empirical evidence for a connection between income inequality and skill (advanced-level educated workers share) using panel data methods that take into account cross-section dependency and heterogeneity. To assess the income inequality associated with skill, we run a data set for 24 developed the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries from 1995 to 2018. In order to determine the stationary characteristics of the variables, we employ the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Im, Pesaran and Shin (CIPS) test approach. Following this, we employ Westerlund (2007), and Gengenbach, Urbain, and Westerlund (2016) Panel Cointegration tests, and then the Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (PDOLS) estimator. Our empirical test results conclude that there is a relationship between inequality and skill in the long-run and the PDOLS estimator findings show that as the skill level in employment increases, inequality decreases. In addition, according to the findings, this negative relationship is more pronounced in the United States, whereas it is more moderate or not valid in European countries. The results obtained are primarily consistent with the framework presented by Acemoglu (2002, 2003). These findings constitute one of the main contributions of the study in terms of supporting Acemoglu’s (2003) thesis that the skill premium is more pronounced in the United States.

The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Edge Intelligence (EI) introduces a groundbreaking paradigm for intelligent edge devices. With their capacity for human-like language processing and generation, LLMs empower edge computing with a powerful set of tools, paving the way for a new era of decentralized intelligence. Yet, a notable research gap exists in obtaining a thorough comprehension of LLM-based EI architectures, which should incorporate crucial elements such as security, optimization, and responsible development. This survey aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive resource for both researchers and practitioners. We explore LLM-based EI architectures in-depth, carefully analyzing state-of-the-art paradigms and design decisions. To facilitate efficient and scalable edge deployments, we perform a comparative analysis of recent optimization and autonomy techniques specifically designed for resource-constrained edge environments. Additionally, we shed light on the extensive potential of LLM-based EI by demonstrating its varied practical applications across a wide range of domains. Acknowledging the utmost importance of security, our survey thoroughly investigates potential vulnerabilities inherent in LLM-based EI deployments. We explore corresponding defense mechanisms to protect the integrity and confidentiality of data processed at the edge. In conclusion, highlighting the essential aspect of trustworthiness, we outline best practices and guiding principles for the responsible development and deployment of these systems. By conducting a comprehensive review of these key components, our survey aims to support the ethical development and strategic implementation of LLM-driven EI, paving the way for its transformative impact on diverse applications.

International students, who play a significant role in the internationalization of higher education, need a secure area in the host country, which is especially important for international students in higher education. In some states, these students are considered a potential threat to national security and subject to various inequalities of opportunity, however, ironically, the states do not adequately address the higher education policies regarding the security needs of international students. This study aimed to discuss factors that affect the higher education mobility process of international students based on securitization and analyze the security needs of these students in terms of the conceptual framework. As a result of the study, the findings regarding the military, political, economic, societal and environmental security needs of international students were revealed and all relevant education actors were invited to be questioned.

In this study, yeasts isolated from citrus groves, trees and leaves were identified, phylogenetic analyzes were performed and their antifungal effects were determined. Wickerhamomyces anamolus (M72), Meyerozyma guilliermondii (M77), and Pichia kudriavzevii (M74) species were identified and were found to have antifungal effects against P. digitatum and P. italicum. Pichia kudriavzevii (M74), which has the highest antifungal effect, showed 67% and 62% inhibition rates against P. digitatum and P. italicum, respectively. An encapsulation study was carried out using a microencapsulation process to ensure that the M74 strain, which has the most antifungal effect, is long-lived enough to be a biopesticide. The optimum spray drying process parameters as well as the optimum concentration values of wall materials were investigated in the spray drying process for the microencapsulation of Pichia kudriavzevii (M74) through the Taguchi methodology. The formulation containing 0.1% sodium alginate (SA) and 10% corn starch (CS) showed a good performance in the inhibition of P. digitatum, a mold that causes losses in orange, thanks to its high percentage of viability (73%). The inhibition percentages may indicate that this formulation may be a candidate to be considered as a potential alternative application to synthetic fungicides on orange fruits for the effective control of P. digitatum mold.

Aim:In this study, the factors affecting the development of recoarctation in patients who had been operated for aortic coarctation (AC) were investigated. It was aimed to contribute to the reduction of recoarctation rates in the light of the results obtained.Materials and Methods:In this retrospective study, 217 patients out of 358 patients, who underwent surgical correction for the diagnosis of AC at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery between 1977 and 2010, who were followed up regularly, and whose data could be reached, were included. Age, body weight and results of surgical correction techniques used during surgical correction were compared in cases having recoarctation. Data obtained were evaluated statistically. Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were stated as numbers (n) and percentages (%). The results were presented in mean±standard deviation and/or percentage (frequency). The alpha significance value was accepted as

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of germinated wheat on some spermatological parameters (motility, abnormal spermatozoa, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), and viability) in male Gloster canaries. For this purpose, the canaries were divided into two groups, each consisting of six canaries, one control (C), and the other experimental group (GW). Group C was fed commercial canary feed. The GW group was fed germinated wheat (germinated for 5 days) and commercial canary feed. The canaries were kept individually in four-storey cages (60 cm × 50 cm × 40 cm). In this study, which lasted 2 months, feed/water was provided ad libitum and lighting was applied daily for 16 h (turned on at 05:30 and turned off at 21:30). At the end of the experiment, the sperm samples obtained from the canaries were examined in terms of the aforementioned parameters. The effects of germination time × concentration, germination time, and solvent rate on DPPH radical scavenging activity and phenolic compounds in germinated wheat were significant (p < 0.001). The highest DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (86.06%) and phenolic content (316.25 mg GAE/g) in germinated wheats were obtained on the fifth day (90% solvent rate) of germination. It was determined that germinated wheat did not significantly affect abnormal sperm and HOST values (p > 0.05). However, it significantly affected the motility and viable sperm rates (p < 0.05). As a result, it is thought that germinated wheat can be used as a natural antioxidant source to increase motility and vitality in canary sperm.

Aim: The minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of congenital heart diseases have widely expanded recently both in terms of cosmetic results and patient comfort. In this report, we aimed to present our results of patients with the diagnosis of atrial septal defect and associated intracardiac pathologies who were operated through subaxillary mini thoracotomy.Materials and Methods: Seven patients who underwent subaxillary mini thoracotomy out of 53 patients with atrial septal defect that were operated with minimally invasive techniques in our clinic between 2009 and 2020 were identified. Six of the patients (85%) were girls and one was a boy (15%) and the mean age at operation was 8. 1  15.8 years.Results: Three patients had secundum atrial septal defect with a deficient septal rim; two patients had primum atrial septal defect, mitral cleft and mild mitral regurgitation and two patients had atrial septal defect, partial pulmonary venous return of the right pulmonary veins. All of the intracardiac pathologies were treated through right subaxillary mini thoracotomy. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass times and aortic cross clamp times were 71.5  19.2 and 44.4  22.1 minutes, respectively. Our patients were uneventfully discharged in 5.2  0.4 days. We did not encounter and morbidity or mortality in a mean follow up period of 4.4  3.1 years.Conclusion: The postoperative wound healing is faster and wound related complications are less frequently seen in patients undergoing cardiac surgery performed with minimally invasive techniques. The selection of subaxillary thoracotomy provides advantages both in terms of cosmetic aspects and breast development not being affected negatively.

Antosiyanince zengin kiraz grubu kırmızı meyveler, düşük kalorili olmalarının yanı sıra lif, C vitamini, polifenoller, karotenoidler ve potasyum gibi bazı mineraller dahil olmak üzere yüksek miktarda biyoaktif bileşene sahiptir ve bu nedenle antioksidan kapasiteleri yüksektir. Türkiye toplam meyve üretiminde dünyada dördüncü, kiraz üretiminde birinci ve vişne üretiminde üçüncü sırada yer almaktadır. Üretimi oldukça yüksek olan ve sağlığı olumlu yönde etkileyerek diyabet, kardiyovasküler hastalıklar, hipertansiyon, obezite ve yağlı karaciğer hastalığı gibi hastalıkların risklerini ve semptomlarını azalttığı düşünülen bu meyvelere olan ilginin ülkemizde arttırılması önemlidir. Bu derlemenin amacı, ülkemizde yetiştiriciliği yüksek ve dünya sıralamasında önemli bir yerde olan, doğada doğal olarak bulunan en güçlü antioksidan bileşik olan antosiyanince zengin kiraz grubundan olan kiraz, vişne ve kızılcık kırmızı meyvelerinin insan sağlığı üzerine etkilerini inceleyen klinik çalışmaları değerlendirmektir. Bu amaçla Dergipark, PubMed ve Google Scholar veri tabanlarında literatür taraması yapılmış ve kiraz grubu kırmızı meyvelerin insan sağlığı üzerine etkinliğini değerlendiren toplam 27 uluslararası klinik çalışma derlemeye dahil edilmiştir. Türkiye’de yapılmış bir klinik çalışmaya rastlanmamıştır. Sonuçlar, kiraz grubu kırmızı meyvelerin antioksidan, anti-inflamatuar, anti diyabetik, hipolipidemik, hipertansiyon ve kardiyovasküler sistemi koruyucu etkileri ve uyku ile ruh hali üzerinde olumlu etkileri olabileceğini göstermektedir fakat etkisi saptanmayan çalışmalarda mevcuttur. Güncel çalışmalar kiraz grubu kırmızı meyvelerin sağlığı olumlu yönde etkileyeceği konusunda oldukça umut verici olsa da kesin mekanizmalarının ve sonuçlarının aydınlatılabilmesi adına insanlar üzerinde yapılacak daha fazla klinik çalışmaya ihtiyaç vardır.

Introduction: Lip cancer is the most common type of cancer in the oral cavity. It occurs in the lower lip at a rate of 90%–95%, and among lower lip tumors, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type. Objective: In this study, we investigated the influence of the depth of invasion on the decision for an elective lymph node dissection in cases with early-stage (T1–T2 N0 M0) SCC of the lower lip. Methods: Thirty-two patients that were surgically treated were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Three patients had metastatic lymph node, and their mean depth of invasion was 10.60 mm. Lymph node metastasis significantly increased in tumors with a depth of invasion larger than 5 mm (P = 0.033). Conclusion: The rate of cervical lymph node metastasis increases as the depth of invasion increases.

Amacımız, son yıllarda oldukça sık kullanılan ve çalışmalara konu olan antimikrobiyal gıda katkı maddelerinin, işlevi, kullanım alanları, günlük alınabilir kabul düzeyleri, insan sağlığı üzerine etkileri hakkında önemli yeni bilgiler vermektir. Antimikrobiyal gıda katkı maddeleri ile ilgili, 2006-2016 yılları arasında Dergipark’ta yayımlanan makaleler incelenerek bu derleme hazırlanmıştır. Çalışan nüfusun artması ile birlikte tüketicilerin paketli hazır gıda ürünleri kullanımı artmıştır. Paketli gıda ürünlerinde, gıda ürünlerinin üretilmesi, hazırlanması, taşınması ve depolanması sırasında, gıdaların raf ömrünü uzatmak, zararlı mikroorganizmaların üremesini geciktirmek, tat ve rengini güzelleştirmek amacıyla gıda katkı maddesi kullanımı yaygınlaşmıştır. Tüketicilerin, gıda katkı maddelerinin sağlık üzerine direkt olarak olumsuz etkilere neden olduğunu düşünmesi, üreticileri yapay yerine doğal kaynaklardan elde edilen gıda katkı maddeleri üretimine itmektedir ve doğal kaynaklardan elde edilen gıda katkı maddelerinin her geçen gün artış gösterdiği gözlenmiştir.Gıda katkı maddelerinin zararlılığı hakkında birçok araştırmalar yapılmış ve günümüzde hala yapılmaya devam etmektedir. Uluslararası komisyonlar tarafından gıda katkı maddelerinin günlük alınabilir kabul düzeyleri ile ilgili birçok listeler hazırlanmıştır. Yapılan araştırmalar sonucunda bu düzeylerin sıklıkla değiştirildiği gözlenmiştir. Gıda katkı maddelerinin çok fazla tüketilmesi alerji, astım, hiperaktivite ve kanser gibi hastalıklara neden olabilmektedir. Bu nedenle Uluslararası Komisyonlar tarafından belirtilen zararsızlık dozlarına dikkat edilmeli ve bu dozlardan fazlası kullanılmamalıdır.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether mental (psychological) well-being has an effect on the level of happiness of Kocaeli University Faculty of Sports Science students according to age, gender, department, class and perceived academic achievement. The research group constitutes 182 randomly chosen students in the 2015-2016 school year. In the study in order to evaluate mental well-being levels of the students “Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale” which was developed by Tennant et al. (2007) and adapted to Turkish by Keldalı (2015) and in order to evaluate happiness levels of the students “Happiness Scale of Oxford” which was developed by Hills and Argyle (2002) and adapted to Turkish by Doğan and Sapmaz (2012) and in order to gather information on socio-demographic backgrounds of the students a personal information form developed by the researchers were used as data gathering tools. According to the findings of the research, there was a significant positive correlation between mental (psychological) well-being and happiness. As a result this study showed that mental well-being has a positive effect on happiness for Kocaeli University Faculty of Sports Science Students

Summary– Cardiac valve injury, a condition that can follow blunt thoracic trauma, has a wide range of clinical presentations, depending on the structures involved. Post-traumatic tricuspid regurgitation is relatively rare, caused by increase in intrathoracic pressure when the tricuspid valve leaflets close, leading to rupture of the chordae tendineae. A case of severe tricuspid regurgitation due to chordal rupture presenting with atrial flutter following a motorbike accident is described in the present report.

One of the most crucial developments in environmental quality at international level is the effort to base environmental problems on a legal ground. One of these legal grounds has taken place in the Black Sea which has long faced the pollution problems because of its geological features and narrow transition to open waters. Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine having coast to the Black Sea agreed on Bucharest Convention dated 1992, which is to prevent pollution in the Black Sea, minimize and control the current pollution, by the countries partied in the Convention. This study aims to evaluate the accomplishment phase of the Bucharest Convention in terms of environmental cooperation in the Black Sea. Within the framework of this aim, Bucharest Convention is to be analyzed in terms of the principles of the international environmental law in order to generate solutions for environmental problems of the Black Sea.

Aneurysm of the descending aorta associated with CoA is an extremely rare congenital abnormality. In this report, we present a 16 months old female patient in whom cardiac catheterization had been performed which had revealed a segment of coarctation and saccular aneurysm in the descending aorta. The patient was operated and a 3x2 centimeters aneurysm which embraces the coarcted segment in descending aorta was resected. In summary, we present a case of saccular aortic aneurysm distal to aortic coarctation in an infant without any history of intervention or vascular inflammatory disease. Our case report seems to be the youngest patient in literature with this pathology.

Insight into how environmental change determines the production and distribution of cyanobacterial toxins is necessary for risk assessment. Management guidelines currently focus on hepatotoxins (microcystins). Increasing attention is given to other classes, such as neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxin-a) and cytotoxins (e.g., cylindrospermopsin) due to their potency. Most studies examine the relationship between individual toxin variants and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature and light. In summer 2015, we collected samples across Europe to investigate the effect of nutrient and temperature gradients on the variability of toxin production at a continental scale. Direct and indirect effects of temperature were the main drivers of the spatial distribution in the toxins produced by the cyanobacterial community, the toxin concentrations and toxin quota. Generalized linear models showed that a Toxin Diversity Index (TDI) increased with latitude, while it decreased with water stability. Increases in TDI were explained through a significant increase in toxin variants such as MC-YR, anatoxin and cylindrospermopsin, accompanied by a decreasing presence of MC-LR. While global warming continues, the direct and indirect effects of increased lake temperatures will drive changes in the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins in Europe, potentially promoting selection of a few highly toxic species or strains.

Carney Syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant multiple neoplasia syndrome that includes cardiac, endocrine, cutaneous, and neural tumors. Cardiac myxomas can be seen in the course of CS. A 46-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with palpitation, cough, and exertional dyspnea. Physical examination revealed pigmented lesions, especially scattered in the neck, chest, and extremities. Echocardiography revealed a left atrial mass, 6 × 4 cm in size, originating from the interatrial septum that was protruding into the left ventricle through the mitral valve during diastole. The tumor was excised from the interatrial septum with its pedicle. The patient was discharged at the fifth postoperative day without any complication. Cardiac myxomas are a cornerstone of this disease since cardiac manifestations and related complications account for the majority of mortality seen in the course of CS.

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are potentially harmful but curable complications of diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations. In this report, we present a case of iatrogenic AVF both from superficial and deep femoral arteries to common femoral vein leading to progressively developing severe right-sided heart failure in a patient who had two normally functioning mechanical valves at mitral and tricuspid positions. A 58-year-old woman who had a history of mitral and tricuspid valve replacement operations was admitted to our clinic with exertional dyspnea, palpitation, abdominal tenderness, and right-sided inguinal pain. Coronary angiography was performed via right femoral arterial access ten months ago. Doppler ultrasonography and computerized tomography revealed right superficial femoral artery to common femoral vein fistulisation. The patient was operated, and a double connection between the femoral artery and vein was encountered and treated successfully. Soon after the surgical procedure, clinical signs of right-sided heart failure ceased dramatically. The postoperative course was uneventful. Access site complications following interventional procedures represent significant problems. Sudden and progressive clinical deterioration in a patient especially with a history of diagnostic or therapeutic cardiovascular intervention may evocate the possibility of peripheral access site AVF formation.

Aim: This meta-analytic review aimed to synthesize and analyse studies that explored the relationship between nurses' work-family conflicts and turnover intentions., Design: This meta-analytical review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA checklist., Data Sources: A total of 191 (k = 14) publications published between 2005 and 2019 in English, including grey literature on turnover intention and work-family conflict, were retrieved from PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest and Scopus databases., Review Methods: Studies on the relationship between work-family conflict and turnover intention were summarized., Results: An overall effect size of r = .28 (N = 5781, 95% CI [0.23-0.33]) was obtained, indicating a moderate, positive and significant relationship between work-family conflict and turnover intention. The moderator analysis showed that individualism and long-term orientation accounted for 90% of effect size heterogeneity of work-family conflict and turnover intention relationship., Conclusion: Exploring the correlation between work-family conflict and turnover intention can provide guidelines and recommendations for the development of strategies to promote nurse retention and alleviate the nursing shortage. National culture, particularly individualism and long-term orientation, were found to play a significant moderator role in this relationship. Cultures that are highly individualistic and have a long-term orientation have a diminishing effect on the relationship between work-family conflict and turnover intention., Impact: Work-family conflict and turnover intention are significantly correlated factors regardless of the studies' cultural characteristics examined in this study. Policymakers and managers should consider this finding and develop strategies that provide a balance-oriented work design to prevent nurse shortage., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Local anesthetic infiltration is used widely for post-operative analgesia in many situations. However the effects of local anesthetics on wound healing are not demonstrated clearly. This study planned to evaluate the effects of lidocaine, prilocaine, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on wound healing, primarily on wound tensile strength and on collagen ultrastructure., Methods: This study was conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats. On days 0, 8th, 15th, and 21st, all animals were weighed and received a preincisional subcutaneous infiltration of 3mL of a solution according the group. Control saline (C), lidocaine (L) 7mg.kg -1 , prilocaine (P) 2mg.kg -1 , bupivacaine (B) 2mg.kg -1 and levobupivacaine (LVB) 2.5mg.kg -1 . The infiltrations were done at the back region 1.5cm where incision would be performed at the upper, middle and lower part along the midline, under general anesthesia. Wound tensile strengths were measured after 0.7cm×2cm of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue samples were obtained vertical to incision from infiltrated regions. Tissue samples were also obtained for electron microscopic examination. Evaluations were on the 8th, 15th and 21st days after infiltration., Results: There was no difference between groups in the weights of the rats at the 0th, 8th, 15th and 21st days. The collagen maturation was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days. The maturation scores of the B and L groups at the 21st day was significantly lower than the Group C (1.40, 1.64 and 3.56; respectively). The wound tensile strength was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days but at the 21st day the Groups B and LVB had significantly lower value than Group C (5.42, 5.54 and 6.75; respectively)., Conclusion: Lidocaine and prilocaine do not affect wound healing and, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine affect negatively especially at the late period., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Background: Nitroimidazoles, which are drugs that are used to effectively treat Trichomonas vaginalis, alter the structure of the T. vaginalis cell membrane, penetrate into its cytoplasm and nucleus and block cellular metabolism. In this study, we observed the morphological changes that occurred in T. vaginalis during in vitro exposure to 1.3 μg/mL of ornidazole at various time intervals ranging from 10 minutes to 10 hours., Methods: Vaginal and urethral secretion samples from suspected T. vaginalis cases were inoculated into Cysteine Peptone Liver Maltose medium. In 18 sterile tubes, 9.5 mL of this solution were mixed with 0.5 mL of ornidazole. The periods of contact between ornidazole and T. vaginalis ranged from 10 minutes to 10 hours., Results: The first change was vacuolization, which started in the 10th minute of exposure. The glycogen particles started to diminish in the 20th minute., Conclusions: During exposure to 1.3 mg/L of ornidazole, cell lysis began in the 30th minute and accelerated towards the 60th minute (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic matrix integrity was impaired in the 60th minute (p < 0.001).

The skin and its appendages that derive from the epidermis (hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, nails, and mammary glands) establish the integumentary system. Histologically, skin has two main layers-the epidermis and the dermis-with a subcutaneous fascia called the hypodermis, which lies deep in the dermis. The epidermis is formed of four to five layers of cells made mostly out of keratinocytes, along with three other different and less abundant cells. The dermis underlies the epidermis. The hypodermis is a looser connective tissue that is located beneath the dermis. It blends to the dermis with an unclear boundary., (© 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Preeclampsia is associated with increased systemic inflammation and superficial trophoblast invasion, which leads to insufficient uteroplacental blood flow. Interleukin (IL)-11 mediates pro- and anti-inflammatory processes and facilitates decidualization. To identify IL11 expression in vivo at the maternal-placental interface in preeclampsia and control specimens and to evaluate the regulatory effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and IL1B, cytokines elevated in preeclampsia, on IL11 levels in first trimester decidual cells in vitro, placental sections were immunostained for IL11. Leukocyte-free first trimester decidual cells were incubated with estradiol (E(2))±10(-7)  mol/l medroxyprogesterone acetate±TNF or IL1B± inhibitors of the p38 MAP kinase (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor-κ B (NFKB), or protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways. An ELISA assessed secreted IL11 levels, and quantitative RT-PCR measured IL11 mRNA. IL11 immunoreactivity in placental sections was significantly higher in the cytoplasm of preeclamptic decidual cells versus gestational age-matched controls. Compared to decidual cells, IL11 immunostaining in neighboring trophoblast is lower, perivascular, and not different between control and preeclamptic specimens. TNF and IL1B enhanced levels of IL11 mRNA and secreted IL11 in cultured decidual cells. Specific inhibitors of the p38 MAPK and NFKB, but not PKC signaling pathways, reduced the stimulatory effect of IL1B. Expression of decidual IL11 is increased in preeclampsia and suggests a role for IL11 in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (GF) is a special type of fibrous overgrowth classified as non-inflammatory gingival enlargement. Microscopically, the connective tissue consists of coarse collagen bundles and fibroblasts. The ultrastructural examination of fibrous gingival hyperplasia reveals that fibroblasts phagocyte the mast cell granules and mast cells stimulate collagen synthesis which results in hyperplasia. In the ultrastructural examination of phenytoin-induced hyperplasia, fibroblasts, phagocytosing mast cell granules were also found. Based on these findings, the purpose of this study is to establish whether there is a relationship between fibroblasts and mast cells in GF. The gingival tissues of 5 patients with GF were examined ultrastructurally. In the connective tissue, well-defined bundles of collagen fibres were found together with fibroblasts and capillaries. There were mast cells around these capillaries which had collapsed lumens. The proximity of the mast cells and fibroblasts may indicate that mast cells play some role on collagen synthesis of fibroblasts.

Autoimmune processes are said to play an active role in aetiology of Behçet's disease (BD), which is also known as a multisystem disease. In the treatment of this autoimmune disease, cyclosporin A (CyA) is used. Gingival hyperplasia (GH) is one of the important side effects that have been observed in some of the patients. We aimed to evaluate the CyA-induced gingival hyperplasia in BD patients. There were 3 study groups, each having 5 patients. In the first group displaying GH, mast cells were located between epithelial cells and in the connective tissue. Mast cell granules were in crystalline form and electron-dense cored form. Fibroblasts and plasma cells were present in the connective tissue. The second group did not display GH and the mast cells were similar to those in the first group. The third group, was the control group, in which the mast cells were located between the epithelial cells and connective tissue. Mast cell granules were in electron-dense cored form. We concluded that the development of CyA-induced gingival hyperplasia is determined mainly by individual sensitivity to CyA, because although both test groups which received CyA showed an increased number and activity of fibroblasts, only one group of patients developed GH.

Warfarin given as a single dose of 20 mg induces lysis of mitochondria in lymphocytes from chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemias studied under the electron microscope. Normal lymphocytes remain unchanged. This cytotoxic actin may be due to superoxide radicals produced in the malignant cells by warfarin, which is a potent electron-transferring substance.

A group of 11 children with iron deficiency anemia were studied with respect to intestinal structure and function. In six cases there were histological abnormalities of intestinal mucosa in varying degrees consisting of villous damage, increased activity in the crypts, increased lymphoplasmocytic infiltration and changes in the surface epithelium. Ultrastructurally, microvilli lesions, mitochondrial changes and an increase in lysosomes were observed. Relative malabsorption of iron and d-xylose malabsorption were present in a minority of patients. Functional and structural changes were correlated. Our results suggest that these changes are due to impairment of cell metabolism.