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Background: Pericentric human satellite II (HSATII) and III (HSATIII) have been shown to be associated with stress response. Expression status of these satellite repeats has not yet been investigated under radiation-induced genotoxic stress. We evaluated the HSATII and HSATIII expression changes under genotoxic stress in cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Cell line MCF-7 and cell line HCT-15 were irradiated with 2 and 5 Gy of ionizing radiation, and cell death rates, as a consequence of genotoxic stress, were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of HSATII and HSATIII expressions was assessed by RT-qPCR. Results: Radiation exposure induced a considerable level of cell death in a dose-dependent manner in both cell types. Compared to untreated cells, HSATII expression declined in MCF-7 cells which were exposed to 2 and 5 Gy radiation, respectively. In HCT-15 cells, the effect of radiation on the HSATII expression was not unified; only higher radiation dose led to a decrease of HSATII expression while 2 Gy increased HSATII expression. The effect of radiation on the HSATIII repeat expression was more pronounced in HCT-15 cells: in MCF-7 cells, HSATIII expression was decreased by 2- and 5-Gy, respectively (p=0.01). In the HCT-15 cells, the rates of HSATIII down-regulation were 3-fold and 2.8 fold by 2- and 5 Gy (p=0.0002 and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings reveal that genotoxic stress induced by ionizing radiation is associated with a decrease in the expression of pericentric satellites and the expression status of HSATII in these conditions may be dose- and/or cellular context-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are significant technical challenges/shortcomings in recovering gold from thiosulphate leach solutions. This study presents a new approach for the recovery of gold from ammoniacal thiosulphate leach solutions using an environmentally friendly organo-sulphide reagent, trimercapto- s -triazine (TMT; C 3 N 3 S 3 3−). Precipitation of gold by TMT was investigated using synthetic gold and multi-metal solutions (Au-Ag, Au-Cu, Au-Ag-Cu) to investigate the effect of the co-presence of metals commonly present in thiosulphate leach solution. The effect of TMT concentration (by up to 115 mM), temperature (25–60 °C) and ammonia (0.25–1 M NH 3) on the precipitation of gold was also investigated. The results showed that gold precipitation with TMT was relatively low (i.e., limited to only 37.7% over 15 min) from the solution containing only gold. However, the presence of silver and/or copper significantly improved the precipitation of gold. Silver concentrations at ≥20 mg/L led to a complete recovery of gold in 15 min, producing stable gold precipitates. The results have also indicated that silver readily precipitates when compared to gold. The effectiveness of the TMT precipitation process was also tested on a real leach solution from which complete recovery of gold and silver was readily achieved. The findings demonstrated that gold could be readily but unselectively recovered by precipitation with TMT from ammoniacal thiosulphate leach solutions containing silver, in particular, at the expense of co-precipitation of other metals such as copper and zinc. • Au recovery from thiosulphate solutions by precipitation with TMT is remarkably low • Au recovery is substantially enhanced in the presence of Ag and/or Cu • Ag is readily recovered by precipitation with TMT • Temperature adversely affects Au recovery • Au and Ag can be completely recovered from pregnant leach solutions by TMT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis of patients (pts) with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is poor (median overall survival [OS] 10–13 mo), and effective treatments are needed. The cell-adhesion molecule Nectin-4 is expressed in a majority of HNCs. EV is a Nectin-4–directed antibody–drug conjugate approved as monotherapy in previously treated locally advanced or metastatic (la/m) urothelial carcinoma (UC) and, in the US, with pembrolizumab for previously untreated la/mUC ineligible for cisplatin. EV was evaluated in previously treated HNC in EV-202 (NCT04225117). In this open-label phase 2 study, pts with la/m solid tumors enrolled in tumor-specific cohorts. In this cohort, pts had HNC not amenable to curative-intent treatment, radiographic progression on/after the last regimen, progression/relapse/discontinuation for toxicity after 1 platinum-based therapy for la/m disease, and ≤2 lines of cytotoxic therapy in the la/m setting. Pts had received prior programmed cell death protein 1/ligand 1 (PD-1/L1) inhibitor unless contraindicated. Pts received intravenous EV 1.25 mg/kg on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-d cycle (C) until disease progression or discontinuation criteria were met. Primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate (ORR) per investigator assessment. Secondary endpoints were duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), and progression-free survival (PFS) per investigator assessment; OS; and safety/tolerability. Exploratory endpoints included immunogenicity, pharmacokinetic parameters, and pt-reported outcomes. As of April 11, 2022, 46 pts were enrolled; median follow-up was 9.3 mo. Median age was 65 y, 87.0% of pts were men, and 52.2% had ≥3 prior lines of systemic therapy in the metastatic setting. Forty-five pts had SCC; 1 had adenocarcinoma. Confirmed ORR was 23.9%; DCR was 56.5%. Median time to response was 1.7 mo. Median DOR was not estimable. Median PFS and OS were 3.9 and 6.0 mo, respectively. Common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were alopecia (28.3%), fatigue (26.1%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (23.9%). Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurring in >1 pt were anemia and decreased neutrophil count (both n=2). TRAEs of special interest were skin reactions (45.7%), peripheral neuropathy (32.6%), dry eye (6.5%), and hyperglycemia (4.3%). No antitherapeutic antibodies against EV were detected. Serum EV decreased substantially from end-of-infusion concentrations before subsequent doses in C1, while plasma concentration of free monomethyl auristatin E (drug component of EV) remained high between days 1 and 15 of C1. Median global pain assessment score was 4/10 at baseline, with numeric reduction in scores (indicating pain improvement) in C3 and beyond. EV demonstrated antitumor activity with manageable AEs in pts with heavily pretreated HNC post-platinum and PD-1/L1 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amine-based microextraction method was established for preconcentration of mercury by forming a 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) chelate complex. The Hg (II)-PAN hydrophobic complex was extracted into the N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine phase at pH 9.5, after the pre-concentration of Hg (II), the absorption spectrum was taken with UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 555.0 nm. The effects of important analytical parameters such as pH, PAN amount, N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine volume, sample volume and matrix effects for quantitative recovery were investigated and optimized. 0.05% (w/v) PAN volume, N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine volume, vortex time and centrifugation time were optimized as 0.4 mL, 0.1 mL, 1 min and 15 min, respectively. The validity of the developed liquid phase micro-extraction method was checked by standard addition-recovery experiments. The presented microextraction method was successfully applied for mercury determination in natural water samples. The mercury concentration in natural water samples ranged from 0.20 to 1.42 µg mL-1. The limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and preconcentration factor (PF) were found as 0.035 μg L−1, 0.12 μg L−1 and 26.67, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Instability of the posterior pelvic ring may be stabilized by lumbopelvic fixation. The optimal osseous corridor for iliac screw placement from the posterior superior iliac spine to the anterior inferior iliac spine requires multiple ap- and lateral-views with additional obturator-outlet and -inlet views. The purpose of this study was to determine if navigated iliac screw placement for lumbopelvic fixation influences surgical time, fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, and complication rates. Methods: Bilateral lumbopelvic fixation was performed in 63 patients. Implants were inserted as previously described by Schildhauer. A passive optoelectronic navigation system with surface matching on L4 was utilized for navigated iliac screw placement. To compare groups, demographics were assessed. Operative time, fluoroscopic time, and radiation were delineated. Results: Conventional fluoroscopic imaging for lumbopelvic fixation was performed in 32 patients and 31 patients underwent the procedure with navigated iliac screw placement. No differences were found between the groups regarding demographics, comorbidities, or additional surgical procedures. Utilization of navigation led to fluoroscopy time reduction of more than 50% (3.2 vs. 8.6 min.; p < 0.001) resulting in reduced radiation (2004.5 vs. 5130.8 Gy*cm2; p < 0.001). Operative time was reduced in the navigation group (176.7 vs. 227.4 min; p = 0.002) despite the necessity of additional surface referencing. Conclusion: For iliac screws, identifying the correct entry point and angle of implantation requires detailed anatomic knowledge and multiple radiographic views. In our study, additional navigation reduced operative time and fluoroscopy time resulting in a significant reduction of radiation exposure for patients and OR personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various composite materials used as biomaterials were tested by 20-, 50-, and 80-N chewing forces in distilled water and a poppy seed medium by using a computer-controlled chewing simulation procedure. In each chewing test, steatite balls 6 mm in diameter were used as an antagonist material. The mean volume loss of worn surfaces and the surface roughness of the composite materials was measured with a contactless 3D profilometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects that including different levels of oregano essential oil (Origanum syriacum L.) (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) in the diets of laying hens had on performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphology, as well as egg malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, blood lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress parameters. The study used a total of 120 Lohmann white laying hens aged 20 to 22 weeks. The experiment comprised the following three treatment groups, based on the dosages of oregano essential oil: 200 mg/kg (A), 400 mg/kg (B), 600 mg/kg (C); and a control group (K) that did not use oregano essential oil. Each group included 30 hens and each was divided into six subgroups with five hens each. In this study, feed intake and egg weight were significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the control group (P=0.046; P< 0.001). There was no difference among the groups in terms of eggshell strength, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, albumin index, or yolk index. However, there was a significant difference in eggshell weight, yolk color and Haugh unit in the experimental groups (P=0.015; P=0.031; P=0.042). The MDA levels in the yolk were lowest in group A (P< 0.05). In all groups with the exception of group A, yolk and serum MDA levels increased while superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase decreased as the doses of oregano essential oil increased (P< 0.001; P< 0.001; P< 0.01; P< 0.001). There was no significant serum glutathione level. In the histological analysis of the intestine, the villus height was higher in group C than in the control group (P=0.010). Based on these results, we concluded that 200 mg/kg was the most effective dose of oregano essential oil for improving performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphology while reducing oxidative stress in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spondylodiscitis is a rare but complex disease with an increasing incidence. Diagnostic algorithms and treatment options for spondylodiscitis are controversially discussed. National guidelines for Germany do not currently exist but are planned for May 2020. Objective: A diagnostic algorithm and treatment recommendations are presented with a focus on antibiotic treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify, analyze and discuss clinical studies, national guidelines, systematic and narrative reviews as well as expert opinions. Results: The diagnostics of spondylodiscitis are often delayed due to the nonspecific clinical manifestation. The correct diagnosis can mostly be made using a combination of clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings. An immediate empirical antimicrobial treatment is recommended until the pathogen has been identified. Conservative treatment can be considered in patients without neurological deficits, larger abscesses, bony destruction, instability or sepsis. A continuous re-evaluation and clinical control are essential in the posthospital follow-up treatment. The timely operative treatment can lead to a rapid improvement of neurological symptoms, diagnosis confirmation through intraoperative samples, stabilization and prevention of deformities. Conclusion: The diagnostics and treatment of spondylodiscitis are a challenge and it is still associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Rapid and correct diagnosis as well as an adequate antimicrobial therapy are key factors for a successful treatment of spondylodiscitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the Gadolinium Oxide (Gd 2 O 3) as a gate dielectric/sensitive region in MOS based radiation sensors and to provide a detailed description of the frequency-dependent gamma irradiation response of a Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitor. The 254 nm thick-Gd 2 O 3 films were deposited on p-type Si wafers by using RF magnetron sputtering. The radiation response of the Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitors was investigated by 60Co irradiation in the range of 0.5–70 Gy. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves shifted to a more positive potential with increasing radiation dose due to there being more trapped electrons than holes. The variation in the oxide trap charge density was found to be in the range of − 3.21 × 1011 ± 1.57 × 1010 cm−2 – − 1.70 × 1012 ± 8.33 × 1010 cm−2 at 100 kHz and − 2.26 × 1011 ± 1.02 × 1010 cm−2 – − 1.30 × 1012 ± 6.02 × 1010 cm−2 (70 Gy) at 1 MHz. The maximum variation in the interface trap charge density was in order of 1011 cm−2 at 1 MHz. The results indicate that the contribution of the oxide trap charge to radiation response of the Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitor is higher than that of the interface trap charges. The radiation sensitivities of the Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitor for 100 kHz and 1 MHz were determined as 59.2 ± 2.9 mV/Gy and 62.7 ± 2.9 mV/Gy, respectively. The percentage fading values (dose storage capability) measured in the time range of 25–145 min for 100 kHz varied from 2.2% to 11.4%. Highlights • Frequency dependent radiation response of Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitor was investigated. • RF/DC magnetron sputtering was used for the MOS fabrication. • The C-V curves shifted to positive voltages with respect to non-irradiated one. • Sensitivities were found to be the same within the error limits for both frequencies. • Electron trapping in the structure was dominant compared to positive charge trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-irradiation device characteristics, gamma radiation response, and possible use in radiation dosimetry have been investigated for MOSFETs with a 100 nm thick Er 2 O 3 gate dielectric. The performance of these novel devices has been compared with that of commercial pMOS dosimeters (RadFETs) with a standard SiO 2 gate oxide of the same thickness. The radiation sensitivity of the Er 2 O 3 is significantly higher than that of SiO 2 , and this is particularly pronounced at lower dose levels. Significantly larger numbers of positive charges are trapped in the Er 2 O 3 dielectric than in SiO 2 during irradiation exposure, resulting in increased threshold voltage shift. After two weeks of room temperature annealing, 11.9% and 24.0% fading have been observed in SiO 2 and Er 2 O 3 samples, respectively. Higher fading for Er 2 O 3 may be related to higher number of shallow traps close to the dielectric/silicon interface. These initial results are promising for the possible use of Er 2 O 3 as a new gate dielectric in pMOS dosimeters. The observed enhancement of device sensitivity can be a milestone for the introduction of the pMOS dosimeters in personal dosimetry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to investigate two and three-body wear resistance and hardness of eighth kinds of modern bulk-fill and resin-based composite materials — Grandio, Estelite Flow, Filtek bulk-fill, Charisma, Clearfil, Ultimate, Quadrant, and G-aenial. All samples were kept in distilled water for one week, and their Vickers hardness was determined before two- and three-body wear tests. The mean volume loss of all specimens after the wear tests was determined by the 3D profilometry. In addition, a random specimen was selected from each test group and scanning electron microscope images were taken for an analysis of wear tracks. The surface morphology of the Clearfil and Ultimate composite materials was damaged severely, whereas Grandio and Charisma had a very smooth surface after two-body wear tests. The lowest mean volume loss was measured in micro-fill Grandio two-body and three-body wear tests. The Filtek bulk-fill and resinbased composites showed similar two- and three-body wear behavior. For the composite materials considered, correlations between the filler volume loss, Vickers hardness, and two- and three-body wear resistances were found to be insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanide leaching is the most common method used for production of silver from gold/silver ores. Silver (and gold) can be recovered from pregnant leach solutions (PLSs) using Merrill-Crowe process (zinc cementation) and activated carbon adsorption. Due to their inherent limitations and paucity of selectivity, development of alternative processes for selective recovery of silver from PLSs is of great interest. In the current study, selective recovery of silver by precipitation from cyanide solutions using an environmentally friendly organic reagent i.e. Trimercapto- s -triazine (C 3 N 3 S 3 ; TMT) was investigated. The results have shown that precipitation of silver by TMT is a rapid process in that 87.9% of silver could be precipitated at the initial period of 5 min. Response surface methodology (i.e. central composite design) was adopted to examine the main and interaction effects of [TMT]/[Ag] ratio (0.09–36.52), [CN]/[Ag] ratio (3 − 10) and initial concentration of silver (1–40 mg/L Ag) on the precipitation of silver in five levels. The statistical analysis of the experimental data revealed that ratio of [TMT]/[Ag] (i.e. concentration of TMT) was the key parameter exerting a profound effect on the precipitation of silver. However, effects of [CN]/[Ag] ratio and Ag concentration appeared to be statistically insignificant. Complete precipitation of silver was found to be readily achieved under suitable conditions. The precipitation process was proved to be highly selective for silver over gold and copper as also confirmed by the tests on real pregnant leach solutions. It was found that the presence of TMT had no discernible effect on adsorption of gold by activated carbon, which was observed to even improve from copper containing solutions. Silver-TMT precipitates were characterised using SEM/EDS, FT-IR and other techniques. The current findings demonstrate that this precipitation process can be exploited as a potent alternative for selective recovery of silver from cyanide leach solutions of silver and gold/silver ores or purified/concentrated solutions ahead of gold electro-winning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of the Gadolinium oxide (Gd 2 O 3 ) as sensitive region in the MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)-based dosimeters was investigated in the presented study. The Gd 2 O 3 films grown on p-type Si (100) by RF magnetron sputtering were annealed at 800 °C under N 2 ambient. The back and front metal contacts were establishes to produce MOS capacitors. The fabricated Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitors were irradiated in the dose range 0.5–50 Gy by 60 Co gamma source. The performed Capacitance-Voltage (C-V) curves of the Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitors shifted to right side relative to pre-irradiation one. While continuous increments in the oxide trapped charges with increasing in gamma dose were observed, interface trapped charges fluctuated in the studied dose range. However, the variation of the interface trapped charge densities was found in the order of 10 11 cm −2 and no significant variation was observed with applied dose. These results confirm that a significant deterioration does not occur in the capacitance during the irradiation. The higher oxide trapped charges compared to interface trapped charges showed that these traps were more responsible for the shift of the C-V curves. The sensitivity and percentage fading after 105 min of the Gd 2 O 3 MOS capacitor were found as 39.7±1.4 mV/Gy and ~14.5%, respectively. The devices sensitivity was found to be higher than that of capacitors composed of Er 2 O 3 , Sm 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , and SiO 2 , but, the high fading values is seen as a major problem for these capacitors. Finally, the barrier height was investigated with gamma exposure and the results showed that its value increased with increasing in radiation dose due to possible presence of the acceptor-like interface states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irradiation response of Radiation Sensing Field Effect Transistor (RadFET), also known as MOSFET/pMOS dosimeter, to high energy X-rays and electron beams was investigated. The threshold voltages before and after irradiation were measured and the trap densities in the gate oxide and oxide/silicon interface of the RadFETs are evaluated. The RadFETs were irradiated with 6 MV X-rays, and 10 and 18 MeV electron beams emitted from a Linear accelerator (LINAC). Linear and non-linear fits to experimental results showed that after an initial linear response up to several Gy, deviation from the linearity occurred due to electric field screening by the radiation induced oxide trapped charges. The radiation-induced fixed traps (FTs) and switching traps (STs) were analysed and the FT density was found to be higher than the ST density for all beam types and doses. The radiation response, fading characteristics, and variation of the trapped charges of the RadFETs showed similar behaviour in tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives In this article, we propose a decision support system for effective classification of dental periapical cyst and keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) lesions obtained via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT has been effectively used in recent years for diagnosing dental pathologies and determining their boundaries and content. Unlike other imaging techniques, CBCT provides detailed and distinctive information about the pathologies by enabling a three-dimensional (3D) image of the region to be displayed. Methods We employed 50 CBCT 3D image dataset files as the full dataset of our study. These datasets were identified by experts as periapical cyst and KCOT lesions according to the clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features. Segmentation operations were performed on the CBCT images using viewer software that we developed. Using the tools of this software, we marked the lesional volume of interest and calculated and applied the order statistics and 3D gray-level co-occurrence matrix for each CBCT dataset. A feature vector of the lesional region, including 636 different feature items, was created from those statistics. Six classifiers were used for the classification experiments. Results The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier achieved the best classification performance with 100% accuracy, and 100% F-score (F1) scores as a result of the experiments in which a ten-fold cross validation method was used with a forward feature selection algorithm. SVM achieved the best classification performance with 96.00% accuracy, and 96.00% F1 scores in the experiments in which a split sample validation method was used with a forward feature selection algorithm. SVM additionally achieved the best performance of 94.00% accuracy, and 93.88% F1 in which a leave-one-out (LOOCV) method was used with a forward feature selection algorithm. Conclusions Based on the results, we determined that periapical cyst and KCOT lesions can be classified with a high accuracy with the models that we built using the new dataset selected for this study. The studies mentioned in this article, along with the selected 3D dataset, 3D statistics calculated from the dataset, and performance results of the different classifiers, comprise an important contribution to the field of computer-aided diagnosis of dental apical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to valorize orange (Citrus sinensis) seeds, which are generated as waste. This study presents data about raw orange seed, the meal gained after cold pressing, and characterization data of the cold pressed seed oils. Furthermore, the effects of microwave roasting of the seds compared to regular roasting (control) were determined. The oil yield of orange seed cold pressing was around 52.93-62.99%. After cold pressing, 13.57-17.97% oil remained in the meal together with 20.68-25.61% protein. Hence, pressed meals could be valorized for different purposes. Except for turbidity, the color b* value, free acidity, the p-anisidine value and antioxidant capacity, there was no significant difference between the two oil samples for the measured physicochemical properties. Six different fatty acids were quantified and the major fatty acids were linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids. The fatty acid composition of the orange seed oil can be accepted as nutritionally balanced. Among the fifteen sterols quantified, β-sitosterol was dominant (around 77-78%). Likewise, the α-tocopherol content of the samples was not significantly different. The thermal onset and peak temperatures, and enthalpies for crystallization and melting were also reported. This study showed that good quality orange seed oils can be produced by cold pressing, and the oils could be used in food and non-food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radiation sensing field effect transistor (RadFET) with SiO2gate oxide has been commonly used as a device component or dosimetry system in the radiation applications such as space research, radiotherapy, and high-energy physics experiments. However, alternative gate oxides and more suitable packaging materials are still demanded for these dosimeters. HfO2is one of the most attractive gate oxide materials that are currently under investigation by many researchers. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations of the average deposited energy in RadFET dosimetry systems with different package lid materials for point electron and photon sources were performed with the aim of evaluating the effects of package lids on the sensitivity of the RadFET by using HfO2as a gate dielectric material. The RadFET geometry was defined in a PENGEOM package and electron–photon transport was simulated by a PENELOPE code. The relatively higher average deposited energies in the sensitive region (HfO2layer) for electron energies of 250 keV–20 MeV were obtained from the RadFET with the Al2O3package lid despite of some deviations from the general tendency. For the photon energies of 20–100 keV, the average amount of energy deposited in RadFET with Al2O3package was higher compared with the other capped devices. The average deposited energy in the sensitive region was quite close to each other at 200 keV for both capped and uncapped devices. The difference in the average deposited energy of the RadFET with different package lid materials was not high for photon energies of 200–1200 keV. The increase in the average deposited energy in the HfO2layer of the RadFET with Ta package lid was higher compared with the other device configurations above 3 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The frequency dependent irradiation influences on Sm 2 O 3 MOS capacitors have been investigated and possible use of Sm 2 O 3 in MOS-based radiation sensor was discussed in this study. To examine their gamma irradiation response over a range of doses, the fabricated MOS capacitors were irradiated up to 30 grays. Capacitance–Voltage ( C – V ) measurements were recorded for various doses and the influences of irradiation were determined from the mid-gap and flat-band voltage shifts. In addition, the degradations of irradiation have been studied by impedance based leakage current–voltage ( J – V ) characteristics. The results demonstrate that J – V characteristics have not been significantly change by irradiation and implying that the excited traps have a minor effect on current for given dose ranges. However, the frequency of applied voltage during the C – V measurements affects the irradiation response of devices, significantly. The variations on the electrical characteristics may be attributed to the different time dependency of acceptor and donor-like interface states. In spite of the variations on the device characteristics, low frequency measurements indicate that Sm 2 O 3 is a potential candidate to be used as a dielectric layer in MOS based irradiation sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to test the prediction that the unique manifestation of chemotherapeutic-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) would be reflected in a specific pattern of changes in the regulation of the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in subpopulations of cutaneous neurons. To test this prediction, we characterized the pattern of changes in mechanical nociceptive threshold associated with paclitaxel administration (2 mg/kg, iv, every other day for four days), as well as the impact of target of innervation and paclitaxel treatment on the regulation of [Ca 2+ ] i in subpopulations of putative nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons. Neurons innervating the glabrous and hairy skin of the hindpaw as well as the thigh were identified with retrograde tracers, and fura-2 was used to assess changes in [Ca 2+ ] i . Paclitaxel was associated with a persistent decrease in mechanical nociceptive threshold in response to stimuli applied to the glabrous skin of the hindpaw, but not the hairy skin of the hindpaw or the thigh. However, in both putative nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons, resting [Ca 2+ ] i was significantly lower in neurons innervating the thigh after treatment. The magnitude of the depolarization-evoked Ca 2+ transient was also lower in putative non-nociceptive thigh neurons. More interestingly, while paclitaxel had no detectable influence on either resting or depolarization-evoked Ca 2+ transients in putative non-nociceptive neurons, in putative nociceptive neurons there was a subpopulation-specific decrease in the duration of the evoked Ca 2+ transient that was largely restricted to neurons innervating the glabrous skin. These results suggest that peripheral nerve length alone, does not account for the selective distribution of CIPN symptoms. Rather, they suggest the symptoms of CIPN reflect an interaction between the toxic actions of the therapeutic and unique properties of the neurons deleteriously impacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective method for management of obesity. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is a comprehensive and standard system for the assessment of outcomes of weight loss surgery. It is consisted of weight loss, changes in obesityrelated comorbidities and quality of life measurements. We investigated results of the sleeve gastrectomy based on the BAROS. Material and Methods. Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery was studied in 45 patients with obesity (11 male, 34 female), after 45 months in Turkey. Results. Total weight loss was 26.4±0.1% of body weight at 45 months. Weight regain was seen in 97.8% of the patients with an average 14.5 kg and 13.7% body mass index points. The surgery caused 76% decrease in incidence of obstructive sleep apnea, 73% decrease in type 2 diabetes, 63% decrease in hyperlipidemia and 62% decrease in hypertension. Significant improvement is observed in all quality-of-life parameters. The final score of the BAROS was 4.23±1.02. Conclusion. Based on BAROS, sleeve gastrectomy provides significant improvements in weight loss, incidence of medical comorbidities and quality of life after surgery. Future studies should address prevention of weight regain after the surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Ti based alloys with non-cytotoxic and biocompatible elements, such as Nb, Zr, Ta, Sn and Mo, have recently attracted much attention for orthopedic applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sn content (2 and 4 wt%) on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti16NbXSn sintered alloys. The results indicated that Ti16Nb(0-4)Sn alloys were composed of α+β phases. Hardness and Young's modulus E of the alloys measured using nanoindentation technique. These results show that there is a relationship between the mechanical properties and Nb-Sn content. It is concluded that addition of Nb to the cp-Ti resulted to a decrease in Young's modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) appears to play an important role in the regulation of the high K+-evoked Ca2+ transient in putative nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The purpose of the present study was to (1) characterize the properties of NCX activity in subpopulations of DRG neurons, (2) identify the isoform(s) underlying NCX activity, and (3) begin to assess the function of the isoform(s) in vivo. In retrogradely labelled neurons from the glabrous skin of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, NCX activity, as assessed with fura-2-based microfluorimetry, was only detected in putative nociceptive IB4+neurons. There were two modes of NCX activity: one was evoked in response to relatively large and long lasting (~325 nM for >12 s) increases in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and a second was active at resting [Ca2+]i > ~150 nM. There also were two modes of evoked activity: one that decayed relatively rapidly (<5 min) and a second that persisted (>10 min). Whereas mRNA encoding all three NCX isoforms (NCX1-3) was detected in putative nociceptive cutaneous neurons with single cell PCR, pharmacological analysis and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of each isoform in vivo suggested that NCX2 and 3 were responsible for NCX activity. We stern blot analyses suggested that NCX isoforms were differentially distributed within sensory neurons. Functional assays of excitability, action potential propagation, and nociceptive behaviour suggest NCX activity has little influence on excitability per se, but instead influences axonal conduction velocity, resting membrane potential, and nociceptive threshold. Together these results indicate that the function of NCX in the regulation of [Ca2+]i in putative nociceptive neurons may be unique relative to other cells in which these exchanger isoforms have been characterized and it has the potential to influence sensory neuron properties at multiple levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let N be a submodule of a module M and a minimal primary decomposition of N is known. A formula to compute Baer's lower nilradical of N is given. The relations between classical prime submodules and their nilradicals are investigated. Some situations in which semiprime submodules can be written as finite intersection of classical prime submodule are stated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune microenvironment plays an essential role in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The association of the tumor microbiota and immune microenvironment is not well defined. The Cancer Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) analysis provided the diversity of microbiota in different cancer types. We analyzed the TCGA microbiome database to better understand the role of the tumor microbiome in HNSCC. Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and HPV negative HNSCC samples in the TCGA database were analyzed. Data were accessed using cBioPortal. Spearman's test was used to correlate Lachnoclostridium microbiome signature with immune-related gene expressions. Microbiome signatures were compared in PDL1 low and PDL1 high HNSCC. Lachnoclostridium was among the top genus enriched in the PDL1 high expression group in both HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC. Lachnoclostridium was correlated with immune inflamed gene expression profile. To evaluate the differential gene expressions in Lachnoclostridium enriched HNSCC, the gene expression profile of Lachnoclostridium high and low HNSCC samples were compared. MHC class I genes; HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, HLA-F, TAP1, and TAP2 were among the top differentially expressed genes. Then we evaluated the correlation of MHC-I genes with Lachnoclostridium enrichment. Lachnoclostridium signature was significantly correlated with expression of these MHC I genes, with Spearman's correlation coefficient ranging between 0.51-0.59. Lachnoclostridium is a recently defined genus found in the human gut microbiome. Here we, for the first time, identify the enrichment of this genus in high PDL1 expressing HNSCC. The association of Lachnoclostridium signature with the immune inflamed gene expression profile and MHC-I gene signature suggests its potential role in modulating the immune microenvironment in HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibacterial activity of chitosan, and a graft copolymer based on chitosan namely chitosan- graft-poly( N-vinyl imidazole), (Chi- graft-PNVI), was studied against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The graft copolymer was prepared by two different methods; via an N-protection route and without N-protection to observe the effect of free amine groups on the antibacterial activity. It was further investigated whether a combination of each of these products would produce a synergetic effect with the antibiotic gentamicin against S. epidermidis and E. coli compared to gentamicin alone. Antibacterial activity was determined by the inhibition zone measurement method. Results reveal an improvement in the antibacterial activity of gentamicin, when combined with chitosan or chitosan-based biomaterials against S. epidermidis and E. coli compared to that of gentamicin itself. When gentamicin is used in combination with Chi- graft-PNVI prepared via N-protection, antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis is three times higher in comparison with the activity of gentamicin alone according to the inhibition zone measurements. Gentamicin produces an inhibition zone of 8.2 ± 0.2 mm against S. epidermidis when undiluted, while the inhibition zone increases to 25.8 ± 0.7 mm in combination with Chi- graft-PNVI prepared via N-protection. These combinations have a potential to form a basis for new formulations of gentamicin with improved antibacterial activity and might allow usage of decreased doses of the antibiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascorbyl chitosan was synthesized by heating chitosan with ascorbic acid in isopropanol. The products were characterized by FT1R and C-13 NMR spectroscopies, SEM, and elemental analysis. Blood contact properties of ascorbyl chitosans were evaluated. The ascorbyl chitosans demonstrated to have increased lipid-lower-ing activity in comparison to chitosan alone upon contact with human blood serum in in vitro conditions. Furthermore, the total cholesterol/HDL ratio was improved towards the desirable ideal values after three hours contact with ascorbyl chitosan samples. The lipid-lowering activity increased with ascorbyl substitution. The inherent nonspecific adsorption capability of chitosan due to its chelating power with several different functional groups was exhibited by ascorbyl chitosans as well. This behavior was exemplified in a simultaneous decrease in the total iron values of the volunteers together with lower lipid levels. Furthermore, ascorbyl chitosans were observed to have less hemocompatibility but increased anticoagulant activity when compared to chitosan alone. Additional in vivo studies are necessary to support these results and to investigate further the advantages and disadvantages of these materials to prove their safety prior to clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper Black Sea Region and Black Sea Synergy initiated by the European Commission in 2007 are discussed in terms of security and defence policies that have been occupying the Union's agenda in expost Cold War period. Good neighbourhood relations the European Union has maintained since 2004 are managed in accordance with the European Neighbourhood Policy, which the EU pursues with a view to deriving security, political and economic benefits and to putting them at the disposal of the member states. In that regard the EU has identified Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa and Black Sea Region as areas that are of importance to the union. With Romania and Bulgaria's accession and Turkey's membership to the Union, the EU's border with Black Sea Region expanded, which aroused the need for making new strategies and policies in the fields of politics and security. Issues such as energy pipelines running to Europe via Turkey and human trafficking have been subjects that the EU has attributed great importance lately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new model for monthly average data is developed to predict monthly average global radiation with acceptable accuracy. The measured monthly average daily global solar radiation and sunshine duration for Istanbul-Samsun-Trabzon (Turkey), Varna (Bulgaria), and Odessa (Ukraine) were used to establish a second order polynomial equation for a suitable correlation model in Black Sea shoreline countries. Estimated data produced by the model were compared with the measured data. A good agreement between the estimated and the measured values of global solar radiation in Black Sea shoreline countries has been found. The new quadratic model seems to be used to estimate monthly average daily global solar radiation for the Black Sea region where the measured data is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Thin film solar cells are widely investigated for terrestrial and space photovoltaic and offer a variety of choices in terms of the device design and fabrication. A variety of substrates, such as flexible or rigid, metal or insulator, can be used for deposition of different layers using different techniques, including physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, plasma-based, hybrid, etc. For large-area devices required for realistic applications, thin-film device fabrication becomes complex and requires proper control over the entire process sequence. Detailed investigation of thin-film deposition processes can help in achieving high-efficiency devices over large areas for different solar cells. PVD techniques were extensively used to deposit thin film by using a few targets simultaneously. In this study, single target CdZnTe is used for deposition on glass. Two hundred nm thin films were fabricated. Structural and optical properties of CdZnTe thin films are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acidogenic fermentation of organic municipal solid waste (MSW) and the bio-electricity production potential from its volatile fatty acid (VFA)-rich leachate using an air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated in this study. The acidogenic fermentation of 2 kg of MSW has been carried out in a 6 L anaerobic leach-bed reactor (LBR) under mesophilic conditions (30 °C). Total production of 92 g VFA expressed as chemical oxygen demand (COD) in 3 L leachate mainly containing acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids has been achieved with manual leachate recirculation and without pH control in 74 days of incubation. Leachate collected on day 32 was used as a feed to an air-cathode MFC after being diluted and supplemented with NaCl or NaHCO3. The maximum power density in the diluted leachate was only 5.9 W/m3, but reached up to 8.6 W/m3 upon the addition of 7 mmol/L NaCl. Increase in coulombic efficiency from 6 to 22% was also observed as a result of NaCl supplementation. On the other hand, NaHCO3 addition did not improve the power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the psychometric properties of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS). METHODS: This is a methodological cultural adaptation study. The MIDAS consists of 35-items covering seven domains: physical activity, insecurity, emotional reaction, dependency, diet, concerns over medication, and side effects which are rated on a five-point Likert scale from 1: never to 5:always. The highest score of MIDAS is 100.Quality of life (QOL) decreases as the score of scale increases. Overall 185 myocardial infarction (MI) patients were enrolled in this study. Cronbach alpha was used for the reliability analysis. The criterion validity, structural validity, and sensitivity analysis approach was used for validity analysis. New York Heart Association (NYHA) and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Functional Classifications (CCSFC) for testing the criterion validity; SF-36 for construct validity testing of the Turkish version of the MIDAS were used. RESULTS: The range of Cronbach alpha values is 0.79-0.90 for seven domains of the scale. No problematic items were observed for the entire scale. Medication related domains of the MIDAS showed considerable floor effects (35.7%-22.7%). Confirmatory Factor analysis indicators [Comparative Fit Index (CFI) =0.95 and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) =0.075] supported the construct validity of MIDAS. Convergent validity of the MIDAS was confirmed with correlation of SF-36 scale where appropriate. Criterion validity results was also satisfactory by comparing different stages of the NYHA and the CCSFC (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall results revealed that Turkish version of the MIDAS is a reliable and valid instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new sensitive and simple method for simultaneous separation and preconcentration of Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions from various real samples prior to their measurements by flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been developed. The proposed method is based on the utilization of multiwalled carbon nanotube in combination with (E)-N1-(4-nitro-benzylidene)-N2-(2-((E)-4-nitrobenzylideneamino)ethyl) ethane-1,2-diamine as a solid phase extractant. The separation parameters for effective adsorption of Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions, including the effects of pH, amount of ligand, sample and eluent flow rate, and common coexisting ions were examined. The optimum pH for the separation of Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions on the new sorbent was 6.0. The detection limits based on 3 sigma (n = 15) for Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions was 0.69, 0.48, 8.9, and 0.25 ng mL-1 while respective preconcentration factor for Cu2+, Zn2+ ions was 80 and for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ion was 20 and 60, respectively, with relative standard deviations between 0.7% and 5.8%. The proposed preconcentration procedure was applied to the analysis of various real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the monthly average daily global solar radiation reaching the earth on a horizontal surface was analyzed and compared. We used data of 115 surface stations, in a wide region of latitudes between 65S and 65N and having various climate types. The aim of this work is to investigate the climate types effects on the solar energy budgets and characterize the basic geographical and climatological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any disease specific Health Related Quality of Life Instrument for Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) is lacking in Turkey. The aim of this study is to adapt the Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (CHQ) into Turkish and probe the reliability and validity of this questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two countries are intentionally chosen in different zones in order to compare the results. One of them is Turkey near the north pole and the other is in the south pole. Global solar radiation data for both zones are analyzed and presented in a form suitable for their use by engineers. Three different models besides our model for monthly average data are applied to predict monthly average global radiation with acceptable accuracy in both zones for both cities. The coastline region is taken into account. Our quadratic relation that we obtained seems to be used to estimate monthly average daily global solar radiation for both zones for the coastline region where the measured data is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to identify the variation in CO2 sequestration by eucalyptus trees in Chile and to show an approach methodology to calculate the CO2 production of an industry based on its use of fossil combustible. It is necessary to correlate the on-site measured values through the growing vegetables as function of solar radiation, then estimating the monthly CO2 mass absorbed from the environment. C losses via respiration were not considered in this study; they should be included in a more exact analysis. The methodology given in our previous work for tobacco plants is used. With this data, it is possible to calculate a CO2 mass balance approach in the industry, knowing the annual amount of CO2 emitted, and comparing it with the one absorbed by the vegetable. A methodology to calculate the produced CO2 as function of the used fossil combustible in the industrial process is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is the first part of a global study about the CO2 mass balance in a tobacco industry, including the CO2 sequestration in the tobacco plants, CO2 sequestration in an eucalyptus forest, solar irradiation, and the approach methodology to obtain the CO2 emission of the process in the industry. The aim of this work is to identify the variations in the CO2 sequestration through the growing of tobacco plants in Chile and consequently in many parts of the world. It is necessary to correlate the on-site measured values through the tobacco plants growing with solar radiation, estimating the monthly absorbed CO2 mass from the environment. With this correlation, it is possible to obtain a CO2 balance in the industry knowing the total annual amount of emitted CO2 and to compare it with the absorbed amount by the plant. It has obtained a methodology that can be used as a guide for future researchers of carbon balances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrowband ultraviolet B, with its nonspecific immunmodulatuar actions, is a potential treatment alternative in many skin diseases. Various studies have shown its effects in psoriasis and vitiligo, treatment protocols have been developed especially for psoriasis. Apart from these, narrowband ultraviolet B is used as first-line therapy in skin conditions that are common in clinical practice. However, its efficacies in such diseases are not very well-known. The effects of narrowband ultraviolet B in atopic dermatitis, pityriasis lichenoides, lichen planus, pruritus, chronic urticaria, symptomatic dermographism and polymorphic light eruption are discussed here in light of the literature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it has been determined the dynamics of consumer behaviours of individuals who live in rural and urban areas concerning food products and it analyses the effective factors on consumers food consumption choice in families, based in Trakya Region (Tekirdag, Edirne, Kırklareli). The study was conducted with a total of 770 households 385 people in towns and 385 people in rural areas, 770 people in total of which 385 was from rural areas, and 385 from urban areas. The effective factors on consumer behaviour when purchasing food products have been evaluated by Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and T-Test and Factor Analysis Methods in rural and urban areas in Trakya Region. This study indicates that families who live in urban areas of Trakya Region give more importance to food consumption compared to the ones living in rural areas. Also families living in urban and rural areas are concerned about "the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Mad Cow (BSE) and Avian Influenza". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Design: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe drug reactions characterized by an extensive skin rash with blisters and exfoliation, accompanied by mucositis. The aim of this paper was to evaluate demographic and clinical features, prognosis and treatment in our patient group. Material and Method: A total of 20 consecutive patients with SJS and TEN diagnosed between 2000 and 2008 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 20 cases, 3 had SJS (15%), 5 had SJS-TEN overlap (25%) and 12 had TEN (60%). Oral mucosae was the most commonly affected site (%95) which was followed by conjunctivae ( 85%) while all mucosal surfaces were affected in 2 patients. Causative drugs, anticonvulsive drugs (5 cases), sulfasalazine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (6 cases), allopruninol (2 cases), anti-cancer therapy drugs (3 cases), amifostine (1 case) and ampicillin (1 case), were identified in 18 patients. Five of 20 patients died of severe sepsis and irreversible multiple organ failure. The age above 60 years, percentage of epidermal detachment above 70% of body surface area and associated malignancy were found to be statistically correlated with poor prognosis (p=0.035, p=0.005, p=0.015; respectively). Fourteen patients were treated with short courses of medium-dose corticosteroids. An objective response to corticosteroids therapy was observed in all patients and the survival rate was 100%. The mean delay between occurrence of eruption and the withdrawal of suspected drug was 2.2 days and the first dose of corticosteroids was 3.4 days. Conclusion: In our patients, the suspected causative agents were the most frequently implicated high-risk drugs for the disease. Old age, extensive skin lesions and associated malignancy were found to be correlated with poor prognosis. Our treatment results indicate that beside rapid withdrawal of suspected drug short courses of medium-dose corticosteroids may be an effective approach in the management of SJS and TEN patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of putting a sandbag on femoral access site after cardiac invasive procedure and changing patients' position in bed on vascular complications rate and the severity of back pain related to the duration of bed rest after procedure. METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 169 patients divided into five different groups assigned randomly. Group 1 patients were applied 4.5 kg sandbag for 30 minutes and Group 2 patients were applied 2.3 kg sandbag for 2 hours on femoral access site after procedure. Group 1 and 2 patients' body positions were changed every hour beginning from the second hour. Group 3 patients received application of 4.5 kg sandbag for 30 minutes and Group 4 patients were applied 2.3 kg sandbag for 2 hours on femoral access site after procedure and these patients' body positions were not changed after catheterization. Group 5 patients remained in supine position without changing position and had no application of a sandbag. RESULTS: The incidence of vascular complications was not significantly different in the group with application of sandbag when compared with the group without application of sandbag. Back pain was reported more often in the patients whose positions were not changed and whose heads of beds were not raised (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sandbag was not effective in decreasing the incidence of the vascular complications after procedure. To increase the comfort and to decrease the back pain of the patient, the patient's position should be changed and the head of the bed should be raised about 30 or 45 degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation is the most important parameter in the design and study of solar energy conversion devices. The present work is based on statistical analysis of solar radiation data for the city of Valparaiso in the coast region of Chile. Ex perimental data were obtained from the Santa Maria University in Valparaiso over a five-year period measured by the actinograph and the pyranometer. The error between the actinography values in relation to the pyranometer ones was determined. The most frequent error percent for the actinograph was from 10% to 20% and it corresponds to the 56% of the days of the year. The greatest error frequency is estimated in the solar radiation range between 3001 - 4000 Wh/m2, which corresponds to the 21% of the days of the year. Solar radiation data in Chile exists from about the 1960's; however, due to the inaccuracy of the measuring equipment, the enginery calculations have overestimation errors in the calculated area to be exposed to the sun. Those errors may imply overestimations around 15%; this is why the determination of a measurement error is necessary to correct the values and incorporate them to a more precise economical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study was conducted primarily to be a descriptive study about non-traumatic (NT) spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, in terms of their demographic and neurological features, and to investigate the complications and efficient results of rehabilitation in this group. The second aim of the study was to conduct a comparison between non-traumatic SCI patients and traumatic SCI patients. Materials and methods. The design was a retrospective study at a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research center. The study was carried out with 194 patients, of whom 63 had non-traumatic SCI and 131 had traumatic SCI. Main outcome measures were: Demographics, etiology, Functional Independent Measure score, and level of injury. Results. A total of 32.47% (n = 63) of the patients in the study had a non-traumatic SCI. In traumatic SCI group, the proportion of male patients were significantly more than the proportion of female patients (p = 0.002). Admission FIM score of non-traumatic SCI group was better than the traumatic SCI group (p = 0.004). The comparison of discharge FIM scores between traumatic SCI and non-traumatic SCI groups did not yield any significant results (p = 0.303). However, the comparison of FIM gain between the two groups showed a significant difference (p = 0.03). The most common complication in non-traumatic SCI group was urinary tract infection and this was observed in 25 patients (39.68%). Conclusions. The present study showed that there are certain differences between NT and traumatic SCI patients. Therefore, not all SCI patients should be considered to be falling under a single category, and should be divided into groups on the basis of the etiology of the injury. It is important to consider this information while developing the targets and planning of the rehabilitation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is disagreement in the current evidence for viral aetiologies in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). Objectives. To investigate the presence of B19 DNA in skin lesions of patients with BD, compare with the skin of healthy controls and evaluate its role in the pathogenesis. Methods. In total, 40 patients diagnosed with BD according to the criteria proposed by the International Study Group for Behçet's Disease and routinely followed up at our centre were enrolled into the study. All the patients selected were in the active phase of disease. Skin and blood samples of patients with BD and of the healthy volunteers were examined for B19 serology, histopathology and genome expression. Results. The quantity of B19 DNA in nonulcerative BD lesions of was significantly different from ulcerative lesions in the study group and from the skin of the healthy controls ( P < 0.01). For the nonulcerative lesions, real-time PCR analysis for B19 DNA was found to be 64% sensitive (95% CI 42.5–82.0) and 85% specific (95% CI 62.1–96.6) with a cut-off value of > 154 IU/mL ( P < 0.001). Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides evidence for a possible causal link between BD and parvovirus B19, and our data suggest the presence of the virus, particularly in intact, nonulcerative skin lesions of BD. Limitations to this study include the limited number of participants, and the fact that the exact source of B19 DNA was undetected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grafting of poly(triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(TriEGDMA)), onto chitosan by ceric ion initiation has been investigated. The grafting conditions were optimized by studying the effect of monomer and initiator concentrations as well as time and temperature. Products with lower grafting yields (90–261%) were water and acid soluble. Those with higher grafting yields (350–868%) were insoluble, indicating a cross linked structure. Chitosan-graft- poly(TriEGDMA) products had a lower thermal stability than chitosan as revealed by DSC analysis. C-13 NMR and FTIR analyses suggested a grafting mechanism that proceeds via oxidation and chain scission of chitosan. The products are degraded by the enzymes lysozyme, lipase and α-amylase–protease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]