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The escalating concern over the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the Earth's climate has intensified the need for sustainable and renewable energy sources. Among the alternatives, wind energy has emerged as a key solution for mitigating the impacts of global warming. The significance of wind energy generation lies in its abundance, environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness and contribution to energy security. Accurate forecasting of wind energy generation is crucial for managing its intermittent nature and ensuring effective integration into the electricity grid. We employed machine learning techniques to predict wind power generation by utilizing historical weather data in conjunction with corresponding wind power generation data. The dataset was sourced from real-time SCADA data obtained from wind turbines, allowing for a comprehensive analysis. We differentiated this research by evaluating not only wind conditions but also meteorological factors and physical measurements of turbine components, thus considering their combined influence on overall wind power production. We utilized Decision Tree, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and XGBoost algorithms to estimate power generation. The performance of these models assessed using evaluation criteria: R2, Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The findings indicated XGBoost algorithm outperformed the other models, achieving high accuracy while demonstrating computational efficiency, making it particularly suitable for real-time applications in energy forecasting.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week endurance training program on heart and muscle damage in football players. Twenty male football players from the same team voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 10; mean age 22 ± 2.21 years) and the control group (n = 10; mean age 22.3 ± 1.76 years). On the first day of the study, 3 mL of venous blood samples were collected into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes by a specialist to measure N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide for cardiac damage and Creatine Kinase (CK) for muscle damage. On the second day of the study, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (YIRT1) was conducted to assess the players’ maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximum aerobic speed (MAS) values. After six weeks of endurance training, the procedures above were repeated. A statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test data of CK, NT-ProBNP and VO2max in the experimental group (p < 0.01) was observed. No statistically significant difference was observed between the pre and post-test data in the control group (p > 0.05). Additionally, based on the analysis of variance repeated measured analysis, a statistically significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups regarding the time and time × group variables for NT-ProBNP and VO2max parameters (p < 0.01). However, no statistically significant difference was observed for CK levels (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed in CK levels in terms of the group variable (p < 0.01), while no statistically significant difference was observed in NT-ProBNP and VO2max levels (p > 0.05). Ultimately, our study revealed that endurance training positively affects heart and muscle damage.

BackgroundRetinal problems are critical because they can cause severe vision loss if not treated. Traditional methods for diagnosing retinal disorders often rely heavily on manual interpretation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, which can be time-consuming and dependent on the expertise of ophthalmologists. This leads to challenges in early diagnosis, especially as retinal diseases like diabetic macular edema (DME), Drusen, and Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) become more prevalent. OCT helps ophthalmologists diagnose patients more accurately by allowing for early detection. This paper offers a hybrid SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation)-Enhanced Hybrid Model for detecting retinal disorders from OCT images, including DME, Drusen, and CNV, using artificial intelligence and deep learning.MethodsThe model integrates SE blocks with EfficientNetB0 and Xception architectures, which provide high success in image classification tasks. EfficientNetB0 achieves high accuracy with fewer parameters through model scaling strategies, while Xception offers powerful feature extraction using deep separable convolutions. The combination of these architectures enhances both the efficiency and classification performance of the model, enabling more accurate detection of retinal disorders from OCT images. Additionally, SE blocks increase the representational ability of the network by adaptively recalibrating per-channel feature responses.ResultsThe combined features from EfficientNetB0 and Xception are processed via fully connected layers and categorized using the Softmax algorithm. The methodology was tested on UCSD and Duke's OCT datasets and produced excellent results. The proposed SE-Improved Hybrid Model outperformed the current best-known approaches, with accuracy rates of 99.58% on the UCSD dataset and 99.18% on the Duke dataset.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the model's ability to effectively diagnose retinal disorders using OCT images and indicate substantial promise for the development of computer-aided diagnostic tools in the field of ophthalmology.

One of the most complex and life-threatening pathologies of the central nervous system is brain tumors. Correct diagnosis of these tumors plays an important role in determining the treatment plans of patients. Traditional classification methods often rely on manual assessments, which can be prone to error. Therefore, multiple classification of brain tumors has gained significant interest in recent years in both the medical and computer science fields. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, especially in the automatic classification of brain tumors, is increasing significantly. Deep learning models can achieve high accuracy when trained on datasets in diagnosis and classification. This study examined deep learning-based approaches for automatic multi-class classification of brain tumors, and a new approach combining deep learning and quantum genetic algorithms (QGA) was proposed. The powerful feature extraction ability of the pre-trained EfficientNetB0 was utilized and combined with this quantum genetic algorithms, a new approach was proposed. It is aimed to develop the feature selection method. With this hybrid method, high reliability and accuracy in brain tumor classification was achieved. The proposed model achieved high accuracy of 98.36% and 98.25%, respectively, with different data sets and significantly outperformed traditional methods. As a result, the proposed method offers a robust and scalable solution that will help classify brain tumors in early and accurate diagnosis and contribute to the field of medical imaging with patient outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Mouthwashes, a cornerstone of oral and dental hygiene, play a pivotal role in combating the formation of dental plaque, a leading cause of periodontal disease and dental caries. This study aimed to review the composition of mouthwashes found on retail shelves in Turkey and evaluate their prevalence and side effects, if any. Methods: The mouthwashes examined were sourced from the 5 largest chain stores in each district of Istanbul. A comprehensive list of the constituents was meticulously recorded. The research was supported by an extensive compilation of references from scholarly databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Through rigorous analysis, the relative proportions of mouthwash ingredients and components were determined. Results: A total of 45 distinctive variations of mouthwashes, representing 17 prominent brands, were identified. Amongst the 116 ingredients discovered, 70 were evaluated for potential adverse effects and undesirable side effects. The aroma of the mouthwash (n = 45; 100%), as welll as their sodium fluoride (n = 28; 62.22%), sodium saccharin (n = 29; 64.44%), sorbitol (n = 21; 46.6%), and propylene glycol (n = 28; 62.22%) content were the main undesireable features. Conclusions: The limited array of mouthwashes found on store shelves poses a concern for both oral and public health. Furthermore, the intricate composition of these products, consisting of numerous ingredients with the potential for adverse effects, warrants serious attention. Both clinicians and patients should acknowledge the importance and unwarranted side effects of the compnents of the mouthwashes.

The main aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ground reaction force (GRF) derived postural sway and 180° turn performance in soccer players on the axis of dominant and non-dominant legs. Twenty-seven male soccer players (mean age 22.45 ± 2.7 years) from the same league level agreed to participate in the study. The participants underwent GRF-derived postural sway and 180⁰ turn tests using a force plate in separate sessions, with at least 24-hour intervals between sessions. Postural sway was assessed in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during a single-leg stance, while the 180° turn performance was evaluated through GRF-derived turn time and turn sway. The correlation, multiple regression, and group differences were computed to test study hypotheses. Positive correlations were observed between postural sway measures and 180⁰ turn time for dominant and non-dominant legs (r-range from 0.384 to 0.550). No measure of postural sway was significantly related to the 180⁰ turn sway (p> 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that mediolateral sway velocity explained 30% and 17% of the variance of 180⁰ turn time for dominant and non-dominant legs, respectively. No statistical inter-limb differences were noted for 180⁰ turn and postural sway parameters. The results suggest that improving single-leg postural performance may enhance male soccer players' 180° turn performance. Therefore, unilateral stability in the mediolateral direction should be considered a potential indicator of change of direction-based performances.

Introduction: Unilateral preference is dominant due to the intensive use of sport-specific movements in football. However, little is known about the possible correlation between unilateral functional movement and the center of pressure-based postural performance. The main aim of this study is to examine the correlation between functional movement screen (FMS) and postural stability in football players from an asymmetrical perspective. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional football players (male n = 25; age 21.40 ± 1.94 years; female n = 25; age 21.04 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. All subjects completed a FMS test consisting of seven items and postural sway measures for dominant and non-dominant sides. Spearman’s correlation and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical processing. Results: A negative correlation was found between dominant and non-dominant sides FMS in scores and postural sway parameters in both male and female groups (p < .05). Hurdle step (HS) and rotary stability (RS) proved to be strong predictors of postural stability for both groups (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between dominant and non-dominant sides in FMS items and postural sway parameters in both groups (p > .05). Conclusions: The correlation of the FMS and postural sway measures may be useful to identify possible postural problems in football players. Therefore, the FMS test may be preferred by practitioners and physiotherapists.

Abstract Objective In this study, patients were divided into two groups. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and patients with polycystic ovary syndrome + Hashimoto's Thyroid (PCOS + HT). The effect of insulin resistance on ovarian volume in patients divided into two groups and the change in ovarian volume with the addition of HT to PCOS will be investigated. Material and methods 46 PCOS patients and 46 PCOS patients diagnosed with HT were included in this study. A detailed medical history was taken from all participants. Polycystic ovary image was evaluated as below or above 10 ml and antral follicles were counted by transvaginal ultrasound. Insulin resistance of the patients was evaluated according to the fasting insulin (HOMA) index. Results Insulin resistance was found to be associated with fasting insulin, HOMA index, body mass index and right ovarian volume in patients diagnosed with PCOS. Among the patients diagnosed with PCOS + HT, insulin resistance was found to be significantly correlated with fasting insulin, HOMA index, (BMI), (SHBG) and left ovarian volume. An increase in right ovarian volume was found in 37.5% of patients with PCOS without insulin resistance and in 76.3% of patients with insulin resistance. An increase in left ovarian volume was found in 35.7% of patients without insulin resistance diagnosed with PCOS + HT and in 68.8% of patients with insulin resistance. Conclusions This study shows that ovarian volume should be evaluated in every PCOS patient in order to predict insulin resistance, which causes long-term metabolic diseases, and that all PCOS patients with increased ovarian volume should be investigated for insulin resistance. In addition, it has been observed that insulin resistance affects left ovarian volume in patients with PCOS + HT, whereas insulin resistance affects the volume of the right ovary more in patients with PCOS. At least one ovary has been found to be affected by long-term metabolic diseases. While there was a greater increase in ovarian volume with the addition of insulin resistance, no significant change was observed in the number of patients with increased ovarian volume (PCOS-58, PCOS + HT-57) with the addition of HT finding.

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Spor Lisesi öğrencilerinin mevcut beslenme bilgi seviyelerini belirleyerek, bu öğrencilere belirli aralıklarla verilen beslenme eğitimlerinin beslenme bilgi düzeylerine olan etkisini incelemektir. Çalışmaya Spor Lisesi 9, 10 ve 11. sınıf öğrencilerinden oluşan toplam 160 öğrenci istemli olarak katılmıştır. Katılan öğrenciler rastgele yöntemi ile deney (n=80; 15,96±0,80) ve kontrol (n=80; 15,96±0,80) grubu olmak üzere iki eşit gruba ayrılmıştır. Katılımcıların beslenme bilgi düzeyini belirlemek için “Beslenme Bilgi Düzeyi Testi” uygulanmıştır. Test, öğrencilere uygulandıktan sonra her iki grupta normal derslerine devam etmiştir. Sadece deney grubuna, 4 haftalık haftada 2 kez 1’er saat olmak üzere beslenme eğitimi uygulanmıştır. Eğitimden sonra her iki gruba da tekrardan beslenme bilgi testi uygulanıp ön-son test karşılaştırılması yapılmıştır. Verilerin normal dağılıma uygunluğunu belirlemek amacıyla Kolmogrov Smirnov testi uygulanmıştır. Bu sonuçlara göre verilerin normal dağılım göstermediği belirlenmiş olup, grup içi analizlerde Wilcoxon, gruplar arası analizlerde ise Man Whitney U yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre deney grubunun hem grup içi hem de gruplar arası ön test-son test sonuçları incelendiğinde aralarında istatistiksel yönden anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur (p

The present paper aims to present a rereading of Gideon Toury’s formulation of the target-oriented theory in his seminal work Descriptive Translation Studies — and Beyond in the hope of making a contribution to the discussion on Toury’s emphasis on structures and regularities, whether or the extent to which this underemphasizes translators’ agency in the theoretical framework, and the research program he has set out for translation studies. In the present re-evaluation of this widely discussed issue, some influential criticisms of Toury’s target-oriented theory over the issue of agency are briefly laid out, and a rereading of Descriptive Translation Studies — and Beyond in the light of the issue of translators’ agency is presented. Through a close scrutiny of this work, the extent to which target-oriented theory incorporates individual action and decision-making will be discussed mainly with a focus on the relationship between norms and agents of translation, what the interdependence of product, process, and function (as position-in-the-culture) in Toury’s target-oriented theory reveals with respect to the way agency is incorporated in the theory, and the methodological relevance of the concept of contextualization to research into the relationship between individual translators and observation of regularities. This rereading attempts to provide inquiries into how the theory incorporates norms and agency, what the interdependence of product, process, and function (as position-in-the-culture) implicates on the role assigned to agency in the target-oriented theory, Toury’s concept of ‘contextualization’ and its role in painting a broader descriptive picture incorporating agency, and the methodological issues regarding the structure vs. agency debate.

Objective: To present the functional status of a child with 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome by evaluating it under the International Classification of the World Health Organization's International Framework for Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Case Description: An 11-year-old girl with 16p13.11 microduplication syndrome was assessed using the tools classified according to ICF for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) categories to evaluate body function, activity participation, and environmental factors.There was a wide range of problems, from body functions to activity participation and environmental factors. Besides these problems, there were social and cognitive disorders as well. Conclusion: Physical and cognitive problems in body function and activity together constitute great barriers to participation in daily life.

Cemil Özal,1 Songül Aksoy,2 Mintaze Kerem Günel1 1Department of Fundamental Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey; 2Department of Audiology, Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, TurkeyCorrespondence: Cemil Özal, Department of Fundamental Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, Tel +905376054373, Email cemil.ozal@hacettepe.edu.tr; cemilozal@hotmail.comPurpose: To determine the postural control responses’ differences between children with mild spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and children who are typically developing (TD).Patients and Methods: Children with spastic CP, Level I–II (n=20, mean age=9.42± 4.59 years, 50% girls, 50% boys) and children with TD (N=20, mean age=9.65± 3.03, 55% girls, 45% boys) were included in the study. All participants were evaluated with Computerized Dynamic Posturography, Sensory Organization Test (SOT).Results: There were differences between children with spastic CP and children with TD in visual and composite balance score of SOT significantly (p< 0.05); there were no differences at vestibular and somatosensory scores of SOT. Children with CP had more postural sway than children with TD (p< 0.05).Conclusion: There were differences between children with mild CP and TD in terms of postural control responses.Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, computerized dynamic posturography, balance, postural control, rehabilitation

Name plays a fundamental role in defining and differentiating a company within a category. In this paper we identify how the leaders of 7 innovation districts (22@Barcelona, Ann Arbor Spark, EECi, Porto Digital, Ruta N – Medellín, SK-Skolkovo and TusPark) understand the construction of the names of their innovation districts. We take an inductive approach utilizing two types of data: exploring the innovation district directors' understanding through direct semi-structured interviews and analyzing secondary data consisting of website and brochures. We show how innovation district leaders use more than one classification name for their organization and that these names either tend towards a more strategic or institutional posture. We contribute by extending existing naming theory to include innovation districts, a complex organization composed by actors of the Triple Helix. We also contribute by providing managerial guidance to assist in understanding the importance of the role of their organization's name in long-term positioning.

Creatine, which is a popular ergogenic aid, is shown among the most effective methods used as performance enhancer in athletes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current publications to show the uses and effects of creatine in exercise. In the present study prepared in a systematic review style, full-text articles about creatine use published in Science Citation Index (SCI), SCI-Expanded and PubMed/MEDLINE databases’ journals between 2010 and 2021 were examined. The searching was performed by “creatine”, “creatine monohydrate” and “creatine supplementation” keywords. Data from 46 studies showed that creatine loading in individuals who train during high intensity and short term exercise forms affect performance positively, develop muscle mass/strength and increase muscle creatine phosphate (PCr) stores. Moreover, it was found that creatine supplement applied with strength training in elderly individuals increased muscle mass, muscle strength and movement capacity. It is determined that there is no definitive and clear procedure regarding the usage dosage for creatine. Consequently, it has been demonstrated that creatine supplementation is an effective ergogenic aid for the development of muscle and strength for athletes of all levels. In addition, the increase in the number of studies on the creatine usage dosage to be examined in different athlete profiles may lead to a decrease in the contradictions about the usage procedure.

This study presents a new approach for calculations within the Common Vulnerability Scoring System that scoring the effects of vulnerabilities in software on the security status. These calculations is the method that is most commonly used in scoring software vulnerabilities. The present model demonstrates how software security vulnerabilities can be calculated using linguistic terms. Therefore, the proposed method has a more flexible structure than this system. The current Common Vulnerability Scoring System formula and scores were used to assess and implement the presented model. The aim was to form a fuzzy model called the Fuzzy Common Vulnerability Scoring System based on the success probabilities which are defined using linguistic terms such as low, very low or high. Moreover, the Fuzzy Logistic Regression (FLR) method was used to define the relationship between the exact inputs and fuzzy multiple outputs, and the Least Squares Method was used to estimate the parameters of the presented model. The performance of the model was evaluated by a comparison using Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Kim and Bishu’s criterion. Validity of the fuzzy regression model is demonstrated with different fitness functions. The expectation was that more practical estimations with better error tolerance can be achieved by using linguistic terms to assess common vulnerabilities.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) combined with anterior column restoration in elderly patients presenting with thoracic or thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures with spinal cord compression and severe pain. Methods One hundred nine patients with one level thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture and at least 5 years of follow-up were included. They underwent posterior instrumentation performed with polymethymetachrylate augmented pedicle screws. A modified PVCR (unilateral costotransversectomy+hemilaminectomy) combined with the insertion of an expandable titanium cage for anterior column restoration was undertaken. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Results Patients had a mean age of 74.1 and a follow-up duration of 92.3 months. Mean duration of operations, hospital stays, and mean loss of blood were 172.3 minutes, 4.3 days, and 205.4 mL. All of the patients were mobilized immediately after surgery. The mean preoperative local kyphosis angle improved from 39.3° to 4.7° at the last follow-up (p = 0.003). Patients preoperative mean visual analogue score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association, and Oswestry Disability Index scores improved from 7.7/8.6/76.3 to 1.6/26.1/17.4 (p < 0.001 for all), respectively. The average 36-item Short-Form survey physical component summary/mental component summary scores at the last follow-up were 55.1/56.8. A dural tear was detected intraoperatively in 1 patient and repaired immediately. Conclusion Subtotal PVCR combined with the insertion of an expandable titanium cage was detected as a safe and effective method for osteoporotic vertebrae fractures’ sequelae in the older population involving spinal cord compression by enabling the decompression of the spinal canal and reconstruction of the resected segment, resulting in significant improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Background:Primary stability (PS) is dependent on the length and diameter of the implant, micro-morphology of the implant surface, implant design, surgical procedure, bone quantity and quality.The aim of this study was to compare short and standart dental implants according to primary stability in bone type IV using Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) test equipment.Methods: Seventy two dental implants; sandblasting with large grit particles and acid etching (SLA) surface (Dentium®,SimpleLine II, Seoul, Korea), SLActive surface- (Straumann Roxolid®, Basel, Switzerland), Resorbable blast media (RBM) surface- (Implance®,Trabzon, TURKEY) with short (4-and 6-mm length) and standart dental implants (10-mm length) were placed in bovine cow ribs with bone quality similar to a type IV human bone.RFA was performed to evaluate the primary stability. The parameters of three groups were compared with the Mann–Whitney U test. Results:Implant stability quotient (ISQ)measurements of 4-mm and 6-mm length implants were similar however, 10-mm-length implants showed statistically difference inter-groups. SLActive surface in 10-mm-length implant group showed highest ISQ value (p < 0.005). When primary stability was compared in intra groups, SLA surface and RBM surface implants showed no significant difference, but 10-mm-length of SLActive surface implant showed higher ISQ value than 4-and 6-mm length (p< 0.005).Conclusion: The length and diameter of the implants might be more effective in primary stability compared to surface design and surface properties in short implants and SLActive surface implants may show better primary stabiliy in standard implants.

Over the past decades, the geography of comparative welfare state research has transformed. Whereas scholars used to focus on a limited number of advanced industrialised democracies, they now increasingly study developments in Europe’s periphery, East Asia, and Latin America. So, does this mean that the welfare state has spread around the world? To answer this question, we analyse different ways to measure welfare states and map their results. With the help of International Labour Organization and International Monetary Fund data, we explore measurements based on social expenditures, social rights, and social security legislations and show that each of them faces serious limitations in a global analysis of welfare states. For some measurements, we simply lack global data. For others, we risk misclassifying the extent and quality of some social protection systems. Finally, we present a measurement that is grounded in the idea that the welfare state is essentially about universalism. Relying on a conceptualisation of the welfare state as collective responsibility for the wellbeing of the entire population, we use universal social security as a yardstick. We measure this conceptualization through health and pension coverage and show that a growing number of countries have become welfare states by this definition. Yet, it is possible that at least some of these cases offer only basic levels of protection, we caution.

In this study, We introducedperformances Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayes estimation under LINEX, GENTROPYand SQUARED loss functions results concerning a progressively type-II censoredsamples for parameters of OddW distribution. We used obtain the Tierney Kadane’sapproximation to obtain bayesian estimates.The Mean Squared Error (MSE)s of MLEs and (MSE)sof bayes estimates under LINEX, GENTROPY andSQUARED loss functions for unknown parametersare computed using Monte Carlo simulation.

The article hereby is an inquiry into a case of translation republishing, where extensive changes in the latter version are present despite the fact that the agents of the process are the same. The case is a fruitful source of discussion for translation studies since it provides constancy of significant variables while the translation products are considerably different. Through a descriptive study of such a case, varying constraints under which the agents operate are attempted to be revealed. Such revelation is also significant insofar as it provides a new perspective on the motives behind retranslation, which has been an amply discussed issue. In addition, the observed change in the constraints leading to non-conformism and a related change of macro-strategy observed in the retranslation seem to provide significant insight into the role of cultural, communicative and contextual factors in translator behaviour, which has important implications for translator training. The analyzed case also provides ground for the reconsideration of some of the common central concepts in translation studies today, as it seems to be buoyed up in the blurry boundaries between these concepts. Such conceptual discussion is increasingly becoming essential for translation studies as the body of research in translation studies calls for more and more precise terminology with each passing day.

This study was carried out to determine the effects of apple vinegar and sodium diacetate addition on the aerobic stability of fermented high moisture maize grain (HMM) silage after opening. In the study, the effect of three different levels (0%, 0.5% and 1%) of apple vinegar (AV) and sodium diacetate (SDA) supplementation to fermented HMM at two different storage conditions (27–29 °C, 48% Humidity; 35–37 °C, 26% Humidity) were investigated. The material of the study was fermented rolled maize grain with 62% moisture content stored for about 120 days. Silage samples were subjected to aerobic stability test with three replicates for each treatment group. Wendee and microbiological analyses were made at 0, 2, 4, 7, and 12 days. Meanwhile, samples were displayed in the T200 IR brand thermal camera. According to the thermogram results, 1% SDA addition positively affected HMM silages at the second and fourth days of aerobic stability at both storage conditions (p < 0.05). Aerobic stability and infrared thermography analysis indicated that 1% AV, 0.5%, and 1% SDA additions to HMM silages had promising effects. Due to our results, we concluded that thermal camera images might be used as an alternative quality indicator for silages in laboratory conditions.

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) induces reflex muscle activity and leads to increased muscle strength. However, little is known about the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of whole-body vibration on muscular performance. Tonic vibration reflex is the most commonly cited mechanism to explain the effects of whole-body vibration on muscular performance, although there is no conclusive evidence that tonic vibration reflex occurs. The bone myoregulation reflex is another neurological mechanism used to explain the effects of vibration on muscular performance. Bone myoregulation reflex is defined as a reflex mechanism in which osteocytes exposed to cyclic mechanical loading induce muscle activity. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess whether bone tissue affected vibration-induced reflex muscle activity and vibration-induced muscle strength gain. Study Design: A prospective, randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. Methods: Thirty-four participants were randomised into two groups. High-magnitude whole-body vibration was applied in the exercise group, whereas low-magnitude whole-body vibration exercises were applied in the control group throughout 20 sessions. Hip bone mineral density, isokinetic muscle strength, and plasma sclerostin levels were measured. The surface electromyography data were processed to obtain the Root Mean Squares, which were normalised by maximal voluntarily contraction. Results: In the exercise group, muscle strength increased in the right and left knee flexors (23.9%, p=0.004 and 27.5%, p

Bisphosphonates are the most commonly used drugs for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are generally well tolerated and safe. Nevertheless, adverse events have been noted. Effects on the gastrointestinal tract and kidney function are well recognized, as are transient acute-phase reactions. Atrial fibrillation was first identified as a potential adverse event in a zoledronate trial, but subsequent trials and analyses failed to substantiate an association with bisphosphonates. Likewise a possible association between bisphosphonate use and osteonecrosis of the jaw, esophageal cancer and subtrochanteric fractures has also been suggested. However, the risk appears to be low, with no evidence from prospective RCTs of a causal association. (From the World of Osteoporosis 2010;16:66-71)

Aim: Cortical bone pain in patients with osteoporosis is often overlooked in clinical practice. We investigated the relationship between decrease in femur bone mineral density and the local sensitivity in bone cortex of tibia and radius. Patients and Methods: Thirty women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in our outpatient clinic included the study. It was investigated the local sensitivity in bilateral radius and tibia with a standard method and its correlation with femur bone mineral density. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65±8.7 years (43-80) and mean menopause duration was 20±10 years (1-40). The average values of the femoral neck T score and total femur T-score were -3.4±0.7 and -2.6±0.9, respectively. The average local sensitivities of the tibial and radial bone on the right side were 4.6±2.3 and 4.3±2.3, while the average local sensitivities of the tibial and radial bone on the left side were 4.5±2.1 and 4.1±1.4, respectively. We could not find any correlation between decrease in femur bone mineral density and the local sensitivity in bone cortex of the tibia and radius (p>0.05). Conclusion: Percussion initiated the tibial and radial bone sensitivities in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis method may not be considered as an appropriate clinical evaluation for predicting to bone mineral density. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2011;17:51-3)

The osseointegration of titanium implants within the host tissue holds crucial importance. The introduction of functional coatings at tissue-implant interface enhances the bioactivity of titanium implants, improves their therapeutic outcomes, and enhances the effectiveness of treatments. In this study, we focused on enhancing the bioactivity of titanium-based implant materials by coating the titanium surfaces with chitosan microspheres, which are loaded with osseointegration-promoting agent dexamethasone (DEX). Initially, chitosan microspheres were successfully produced, followed by DEX loading through diffusion, resulting in a drug loading efficiency of around 50.2 (wt %). The subsequent drug release profile displayed a 24-hour duration, releasing approximately 32.6 (wt %) of the loaded DEX. In cell proliferation assays using human osteosarcoma (SAOS-2) cells, Ti surfaces coated with DEX-loaded chitosan microspheres initially exhibited lower cell numbers compared with DEX-free ones. This observation was attributed to transient osteogenic differentiation effects of DEX, since a notable increase in cell proliferation was observed on the 7th day. Von Kossa staining revealed mineralization beginning on the 14th day, particularly evident in DEX-loaded samples. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity displayed a pattern of initial increase and subsequent decrease, with DEX release from chitosan microspheres showing a clear influence on the osteogenic differentiation, especially on the 7th day. These findings align with literature, highlighting DEX's potential to enhance osteogenic differentiation and cellular behavior on chitosan microsphere-coated titanium surfaces. This study emphasizes the promising implications for functionalizing surfaces of implant materials with DEX-loaded chitosan microspheres to improve their biocompatibility and bioactivity., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Obesity has become a global concern because of increasing the risk of many diseases. Alterations in human gut microbiota have been proven to be associated with obesity, yet the mechanism of how the microbiota are altered by high salt diet (HSD) remains obscure. In this study, the changes of Small Intestinal Microbiota (SIM) in obesity-T2DM mice were investigated. High-throughput sequencing was applied for the jejunum microbiota analysis. Results revealed that high salt intake (HS) could suppress the body weight (B.W.) in some extent. In addition, significant T2DM pathological features were revealed in high salt-high food diet (HS-HFD) group, despite of relatively lower food intake. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that the F/B ratio in HS intake groups increased significantly (P < 0.001), whereas beneficial bacteria, such as lactic acid or short chain fatty acid producing bacteria, were significantly decreased in HS-HFD group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Furthermore, Halorubrum luteum were observed in small intestine for the first time. Above results preliminary suggested that in obesity-T2DM mice, high dietary salt could aggravate the imbalance of composition of SIM to unhealthy direction., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Osteoporosis (OP), a systemic skeletal disease common in aged population, is an important public health problem worldwide. Animal models are important tools for understanding OP. In ovariectomy (OVX) or orchiectomy (ORX) OP models, lumbar vertebrae are often used for evaluating of the OP progression. However, unlike the bipeds, the lumbar vertebrae are not weight loading bones in quadruped animal, but the head-bearing cervical vertebrae take much higher stress. So, we compared the murine cervical vertebrae with lumbar vertebrae for OP assessment., Methods: OVX and ORX mouse models were established on C57BL/6J mice. Serum estradiol, testosterone and bone related biomarkers were verified. Bone quantity and quality were determined using micro computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Hard tissue sections were prepared, stained for histomorphological analyzing, and micro-indentation measured for bone mechanical property evaluation., Results: In OVX and ORX mice, serum estradiol or testosterone levels reduced, bone resorption level and related biomarkers elevated, indicated the successful generation of the OP models. In the early stage, the trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) of cervical vertebrae was already reduced 16.1% (OVX) and 21.7% (ORX) one-month post-gonadectomy, respectively; while this decline in the fifth lumbar vertebra were only 5% and 7.4%, respectively. Six months post-gonadectomy, the reduction of BMD in cervical vertebrae and the fifth lumbar vertebra were 31.2% & 36.1% and 28.5% & 30.7% respectively. In biomechanical aspects, cervical spines showed worse Vickers hardness (HV) and elastic modulus than lumbar spine in six-month OVX and ORX mice., Conclusions: We provide a new OP early-stage evaluation mouse model based on the cervical spine. Through the radiographic, biological and biomechanical assessments, the mouse cervical spine is more suitable for bone remodeling evaluation in OP models than the conventional lumbar vertebrae, especially for early-stage OP study., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-22-717/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2023 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)

High-calorie intake has become one of the most common causes of dietary obesity, which eventually develops into type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Microbiota, along with the length of the gastrointestinal tract, is related to metabolic disorders, but its shifts and following impact on metabolic disorders due to external perturbation are still unclear. To evaluate shifts of microbiota from the proximal to the distal intestine and their impact on metabolic disorders, we profiled jejunal and colonic microbiota with the perturbation using high salt (HS) and antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion (AIMD) in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice and analyzed the association with parameters of both obesity and blood glucose. After ten weeks of feeding DIO mice with HS intake and AIMD, they failed to develop obesity. The DIO mice with HS intake had T2DM symptoms, whereas the AIMD DIO mice showed no significant difference in blood glucose parameters. We observed that the jejunal and colonic microbiota had shifted due to settled perturbation, and jejunal microbiota within a group were more dispersed than colonic microbiota. After further analyzing jejunal microbiota using quantified amplicon sequencing, we found that the absolute abundance of Colidextribacter  (R = 0.695, p = 0.001) and  Faecalibaculum  (R = 0.631, p = 0.005) in the jejunum was positively correlated with the changes in BW and FBG levels. The predicted pathway of glucose and metabolism of other substances significantly changed between groups (p <0.05). We demonstrated that the onset of obesity and T2DM in DIO mice is impeded when the gut microbiota is perturbed; thus, this pathogenesis depends on the gut microbiota., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yu, Yu, Kerem and Ren.)

Bacterial infections and lack of osseointegration may negatively affect the success of titanium (Ti) implants. In the present study, a functional coating composed of chitosan (CS) microspheres and nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) was prepared to obtain antimicrobial Ti implants with enhanced bioactivity. First, the chitosan microspheres were fixed to Ti surfaces activated by alkali and heat treatment, then nHA coatings were precipitated onto these surfaces. Ciprofloxacin was loaded into the microspheres using two different procedures; encapsulation and diffusion. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the modified Ti surfaces showed that the coating was successfully deposited onto the Ti surfaces and stable for 30 days in PBS. The drug was completely released from free microspheres loaded by encapsulation in 21 days whereas only 89% release was observed after immobilization. The burst release also decreased from ca. 55% to ca. 35%. The release was further reduced following the nHA precipitation. The modified Ti surfaces showed antimicrobial activity based on the bacterial time-kill assay using S. aureus , but the efficiency was affected by both nHA precipitation and drug loading strategy. Highest antimicrobial activity was seen in the samples without nHA layer, and when the drug was loaded by diffusion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that nHA on the surface enhanced HA growth in simulated body fluid for 3 weeks, showing increased osseointegration potential. Therefore, the proposed coating may be used to prevent Ti implant failure originated from bacterial infection and/or low bioactivity.

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand more about long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential prediction biomarkers or therapeutic targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to find more lncRNA candidates related to obesity and T2DM., Methods: In this study, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity-T2DM mouse model was used, and a mRNA and lncRNA expression map was drawn up in adipose tissue by microarray technology. Then Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed and revealed that the most associated genes and pathways were metabolism-related ones. The candidate lncRNA expression was further validated in adipose tissue from HFD-induced mice by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis., Results: Transcriptome analyses were performed to show expression profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs in epididymal adipose tissue in the obesity-T2DM mice. A total of 124 lncRNAs and 1,606 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the chow and HFD groups. Then, an mRNA-lncRNA coexpression network was constructed. Based on a series of analyses, 15 candidate lncRNAs were screened, and their expression was further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis., Conclusions: The results reveal significant differences between the transcriptomes of the HFD and control groups in adipose tissue that provide clues to the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced metabolic disorders as well as biomarkers of risk for these disorders., (© 2019 The Obesity Society.)

The morphology of the trigeminal ganglion in human fetus was investigated by means of the tract-tracing method using the lipophilic dye DiI-C18-(3) (1,1'-double octadecane 3,3,3'3'-tetramethyl indole carbonyl cyanine-perchlorate), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain, and three-dimensional computer reconstruction models. The trigeminal ganglion was flat in the dorsoventral direction, and DiI staining revealed that the trigeminal ganglion cells were somatotopically distributed in the ganglion in a way that reflected the mediolateral order of the three branches. Ganglion cells of the ophthalmic nerve were distributed in the anteromedial part of the trigeminal ganglion, those of the mandibular nerve were in the posterolateral part, and those of the maxillary nerve were localized in the intermediate part. DiI labeled both ganglion cells and nerve fibers in the trigeminal ganglion; the ganglion cells varied in size and appeared as round- or oval-shaped, the neurites connected the cell soma, and some bipolar neurons were also observed. The number of embryonic trigeminal ganglion cells did not significantly change with gestational age, but the cell diameter, area, and perimeter significantly increased. The motor root leaves the pons, runs along the sensory root, passes the ventral surface of the ganglion, and finally runs together with the mandibular nerve. The findings reported here elucidate the morphology, development, and somatotopic organization of the trigeminal ganglion and reveal the trigeminal nerve motor root pathway along the trigeminal ganglion and mandibular nerve in the human fetus., (Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The sensory trigeminal nucleus of teleosts is the rostralmost nucleus among the trigeminal sensory nuclear group in the rhombencephalon. The sensory trigeminal nucleus is known to receive the somatosensory afferents of the ophthalmic, maxillar, and mandibular nerves. However, the central connections of the sensory trigeminal nucleus remain unclear. Efferents of the sensory trigeminal nucleus were examined by means of tract-tracing methods, in a percomorph teleost, tilapia. After tracer injections to the sensory trigeminal nucleus, labeled terminals were seen bilaterally in the ventromedial thalamic nucleus, periventricular pretectal nucleus, medial part of preglomerular nucleus, stratum album centrale of the optic tectum, ventrolateral nucleus of the semicircular torus, lateral valvular nucleus, prethalamic nucleus, tegmentoterminal nucleus, and superior and inferior reticular formation, with preference for the contralateral side. Labeled terminals were also found bilaterally in the oculomotor nucleus, trochlear nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus, facial motor nucleus, facial lobe, descending trigeminal nucleus, medial funicular nucleus, and contralateral sensory trigeminal nucleus and inferior olive. Labeled terminals in the oculomotor nucleus and trochlear nucleus showed similar densities on both sides of the brain. However, labelings in the trigeminal motor nucleus, facial motor nucleus, facial lobe, descending trigeminal nucleus, and medial funicular nucleus showed a clear ipsilateral dominance. Reciprocal tracer injection experiments to the ventromedial thalamic nucleus, optic tectum, and semicircular torus resulted in labeled cell bodies in the sensory trigeminal nucleus, with a few also in the descending trigeminal nucleus., (J. Comp. Neurol. 495:279-298, 2006. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Somatotopic organization of the trigeminal ganglion is known in some vertebrates. The precise pattern of somatotopy, however, seems to vary in different vertebrate groups. Furthermore, the somatotopic organization remains to be studied in teleosts. From an evolutionary point of view, the morphology and somatotopic organization of the trigeminal ganglion of a percomorph teleost, Tilapia, were investigated by means of the tract-tracing method using biocytin and three-dimensional reconstruction models with a computer. The trigeminal ganglion was one cell aggregate elongated in the dorsoventral direction, which was separate from the facial and anterior lateral line ganglia. Biocytin applications to the trigeminal nerve root labeled ordinary ganglion cells in the trigeminal ganglion and a few displaced trigeminal ganglion cells in the facial ganglion. Biocytin applications to three primary branches (the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves) revealed that trigeminal ganglion cells were somatotopically distributed in the ganglion reflecting the dorsoventral order of the three branches. Ganglion cells of the ophthalmic nerve were distributed in the dorsal part of the trigeminal ganglion, those of the mandibular nerve in the ventral part, and those of the maxillary nerve in the intermediate part. Some of maxillary and mandibular ganglion cells appear to overlap in their boundary region, whereas ophthalmic ganglion cells did not intermingle with ganglion cells of other branches. Labeled-primary fibers terminated in the sensory trigeminal nucleus, descending trigeminal nucleus, medial funicular nucleus, a ventral part of the facial lobe, reticular formation, and trigeminal motor nucleus. Labeled cells were observed in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and the trigeminal motor nucleus. The results suggest that the morphology and somatotopic organization of the trigeminal ganglion of tilapia are similar to those of mammals, except that the axis of the somatotopic organization of the ganglion in mammals is a mediolateral direction reflecting the mediolateral order of the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves.

Fiber connections of the torus longitudinalis (TL) and target(s) of toral recipient tectal neurons (pyramidal cells) in the optic tectum were examined by tract-tracing methods in holocentrids. Injections into the stratum marginale (SM) labeled neurons in the stratum opticum and stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale (SFGS). They had superficial spiny dendrites, with a fan-shaped branching pattern in SM and a thick basal dendrite that gave rise to bushy horizontal branches at the boundary between the SFGS and the stratum griseum centrale (SGC), where an axon and a thin dendrite arose. The axon terminated in a middle cellular layer of the SGC, and the thin dendrite ramified slightly deeper to this cellular layer. The SM injections also labeled cells in the ipsilateral TL. Injections into either the lateral or the medial part of TL labeled terminals in the ipsilateral SM and neurons in the bilateral nucleus paracommissuralis (NPC) and nucleus subvalvularis and ipsilateral nucleus subeminentialis. Only medial TL injections labeled cells in the ipsilateral SGC. These neurons had a basal dendrite that branched in the middle cellular layer of SGC, suggesting that they receive inputs from the pyramidal cells and project back to the TL to form a closed circuit. Only lateral TL injections labeled terminals in the corpus cerebelli. A visual telencephalic portion projects to the NPC and sublayers of SGC, where dendrites of the pyramidal cells and SGC neurons ramify. The present results therefore suggest that the TL and SM are components of an intricate circuitry that exerts telencephalic descending visual influence on the optic tectum and corpus cerebelli., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)