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This study has explored the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) approach and implementation in six green schools in Sweden and Türkiye through a whole-school approach (WSA) lens. Interviews were conducted with nine teachers and three principals from each country. Based on the thematic analysis of the interviews, the authors reached four overarching conclusions that need to be developed in terms of integration of WSA to ESD in the green schools in both countries: 1) a comprehensive vision of sustainability; 2) an intrinsic view regarding purpose and pedagogy of ESD; 3) student participation across all aspects of the WSA; and 4) empowering an active community partnership. Furthermore, the research delved into the internal and external factors that either enable or hinder implementation of ESD within green schools. Drawing upon the case studies in two countries, the authors propose certain suggestions for the effective integration of WSA to ESD in green schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of common centaury (Centaurium erythraea) oil and laurel (Laurus nobilis) seed oil in a full-thickness excisional skin wound model in rats. In the present study, 18 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=6) the control (CO) group, the common centaury oil (CCO) group, and the laurel seed oil (LSO) group. Under general anesthesia, a full-thickness excisional wound (2.25 cm²) was created on the caudal of the interscapular region on the back of the rats. Treatments were applied topically once a day in all groups. Wound area measurements revealed that the use of CCO accelerated wound healing, while the use of LSO disturbed the healing process (P=0.001). In the histopathological results, blood vessel formation, fiber synthesis, granulation, and mononuclear cells in the wounds were higher in the CCO group than the other groups and higher in the LSO group than the CO group. Biochemical results revealed differences between groups in TP, GLU, and UREA values (P<0.05). As a result, it was determined that the topical use of common centaury oil accelerated wound healing, while laurel seed oil adversely affected wound healing in the experimental excisional full-thickness skin wound model in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, red slip wares excavated from the ancient city of Germanicia (modern Kahramanmaraş, Southeastern Anatolia) were subjected to an archaeometric analysis. A multi‐analytical approach was employed, including stereomicroscopy, optical microscopy, XRPD, SEM‐EDS, and XRF to explore the mineralogical and chemical compositions of the samples. Based on both archaeological and archaeometric criteria, the samples were classified into three main categories: African, Phocaean, and Sagalassos red slip wares. The African red slip wares were characterized by an abundance of coarse quartz inclusion, accompanied by lesser quantities of plagioclase and mica. The Phocaean red slip wares primarily consisted of quartz, feldspar, and mica. In contrast, the Sagalassos red slip wares featured a groundmass rich in quartz, mica/biotite, hematite, and opaque minerals. Thermoanalytical data indicated that all samples were fired at temperatures between 800 and 900°C. The results suggest that red slip wares found at Germanicia were not manufactured using local available clay sources but rather originated from different regions. This evidence further provides that Germanicia was actively involved in trade networks and interacted with various ancient urban centers, such as Africa, Phocaean, and Sagalassos, during the Late Roman Period, between the fourth and fifth centuries AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Coronavirus Disease 2019's (COVID-19) impact on rare disease populations such as lipodystrophy syndromes is unknown. We assessed COVID-19 infection outcomes in lipodystrophy syndromes and aimed to investigate the effect of restricted access to the hospital during the pandemic on metabolic parameters. Methods: A survey form consisting of descriptive questions about the situation of the patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was created. The survey was performed by phone in February and March 2021; all patients gave verbal consent. Patients diagnosed with lipodystrophy syndromes participated in our study. Demographic parameters were recorded. They were asked if they were diagnosed with COVID-19; if so, the hospitalization, intensive care unit need, oxygen requirement, and COVID-19 treatment were questioned. Laboratory data were recorded from the hospital records. Results: Seventy-one patients were investigated. Lipodystrophy patients in our study had at least 1 comorbid disease. Diabetes mellitus was the most common (87.1%). Six patients stated they had a COVID-19 infection (6/71, 8.5%). Three cases (50.0%) were hospitalized, and 1 (16.6%) patient was followed up in the intensive care unit. There were no deaths in our cohort. When the laboratory parameters of the entire group were evaluated, spot urine microalbumin increased significantly compared to the prepandemic period (P = .013). Conclusion: Lipodystrophy patients may experience COVID-19 more severely due to their numerous comorbidities. Further research should be conducted with larger patient cohorts to investigate this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backround and purpose: A low Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) value, which reflects immune nutrition and inflammation around the tumor, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis, and it was aimed to reveal its prognostic value in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: In our retrospective cross-sectional study, patients with a diagnosis of metastatic colorectal disease without active infection, between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. The PNI values at the time of diagnosis were calculated according to the formula (10 × serum albumin (g/dL)) + (0.005 × total lymphocyte value). Results: The mean PNI value of 253 patients included in the study was 46.6. While 53.75% (n = 136) of the patients had a PNI value of 46.6 and above, 46.25% (n = 117) had a PNI value below 46.6. The overall survival (OS) of the group with a PNI of 46.6 and above was statistically significantly longer (53.06 months vs 38.80 months, p = 0.039). The PFS duration of the group with PNI below 46.6 was 25.66 months, while the PFS duration of the group with PNI above 46.6 was not reached (p = 0.265). Conclusion: PNI is a simple and inexpensive index that evaluates the immunonutritional status, and it is a prognostic marker that can be easily used in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer as in other cancer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) species, Cephalaria gokturkii, is described and illustrated from Girdev Mountain (Muğla Province) for the Flora of Türkiye. Throughout this manuscript, the new species and its relatives were compared in terms of morphological, palynological and molecular features. The obtained findings indicated that the new species is similar to C. elmaliensis but is characterized by having larger capitula and receptacular bracts in flower (vs. 1-2 cm capitula and less than 3 mm in flower) and hairy trigonous-narrowly ovate involucral bracts (vs. glabrous and broadly ovate involucral bracts) and smaller involucels (vs. involucels longer than 10 mm in fruit). Although the new species is similar to C. elmaliensis in terms of pollen shape and general appearance, its pollens are larger in terms of mean equatorial diameter and polar axis. Following morphological data, molecular analyses (based on ITS and trnL introns) indicated that the phylogenetically closest relative of the species is also C. elmaliensis. Additionally, we report that taxonomic notes for this new species are provided, including distribution, ecology, and conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the mineralogical properties of clay-rich raw materials from two different locations in the Çal (Denizli) region and to reveal their potential use in the production of traditional ceramic products through industrial processes. Additionally, it was also aimed to determine the possible use as raw materials for archaeological ceramics (pottery, etc.). In this context, physical, chemical (X-ray fluorescence, XRF), mineralogical (X-ray diffraction, XRD), thermal analysis (Differential Thermal Analyzer-Thermogravimetry, DTA-TG), Atterberg limits and grain size analysis methods were performed. In addition, cylindrical samples were prepared for technological tests and fired from 700°C to 1100°C after that, unit volume weight, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength, firing shrinkage and volumetric shrinkage values were measured at all temperatures. As a result of the examination of the chemical and mineralogical compositions of the clays (ÇL4 and ÇL5), it was determined that there were no major differences. In general, they were found to contain quartz, calcite and chlorite minerals and illite and kaolinite as clay minerals, but in the ÇL4 sample, they were found to have different chlorite-smectite type layered clays. Chemically, the main oxides of Çal clays consist of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 and are characterized by high CaO and Loss on ignition (LOI) content in the ÇL4 sample. The samples examined in terms of their physical properties are generally defined as silty clay. Plasticity indexes (PI) at high values about 15-16% show that the clays have medium-high plastic raw materials potential. It was determined that the ÇL4 sample contained lower unit volume weight and higher water absorption values than the ÇL5 sample. It was also determined that the uniaxial compressive strengths increased gradually in the ÇL5 samples and decreased starting from 800oC in the ÇL4 sample. Technical tests show that Çal clays are suitable for the manufacture of structural ceramic products such as bricks and tiles, as well as for the production of pottery with the addition of plastic clays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since wars affect national and international security it is extremely important that the news is accurate, impartial and reliable. In this study aims to reveal the disinformation dimension of the news about the conflict following the attacks launched by the Israeli army and Hamas on October 7. In this qualitative study, 10 samples selected with the consecutive sampling technique were analyzed to examine the disinformation activities related to the attacks launched against Gaza. The accuracy of the news was determined by examining the Anadolu Agency (AA) Confirmation Line, the Center for Combating Disinformation of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and the news website teyit.org. In this sense, author attempted to reveal what kind of disinformation was used in the news and visuals and the method by which misinformation was served. It was determined that Israel resorted to a lot of disinformation in order to justify itself in the conflict despite the killing of women, babies and attacks on hospitals, mosques and churches in the media. It has been determined that Israel can manipulate societies very easily with quick and easy access through social media platforms. It has been observed that fake news was the most widespread in the conflict. It was also determined in the study that they tried to influence the perceptions of the masses in a significant way through disinformation in their news and claims about the conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced cancers. Antibodies directed against programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) interrupt the ability of the cancerous cell to depress the immune system. Methods and results. We report three patients who developed different endocrine abnormalities after treatment with nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against PD-1. First, we report a 76-year-old male presenting with generalized fat loss after treatment with nivolumab which predominantly affected his face and trunk. Second, we described the development of thyroiditis that presented with thyrotoxicosis and the expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb). Finally, we observed the emergence of adrenal insufficiency due to hypophysitis in another case. Conclusion. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are an effective anticancer treatment modality, adverse effects are evident that can affect the endocrine system. These adverse events may relate to different endocrine systems that include the thyroid and pituitary glands. Also, acquired generalized lipodystrophy should be suspected in patients developing unusual fat loss after treatment with ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced cancers. Antibodies directed against programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) interrupt the ability of the cancerous cell to depress the immune system. Methods and results. We report three patients who developed different endocrine abnormalities after treatment with nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against PD-1. First, we report a 76-year-old male presenting with generalized fat loss after treatment with nivolumab which predominantly affected his face and trunk. Second, we described the development of thyroiditis that presented with thyrotoxicosis and the expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb). Finally, we observed the emergence of adrenal insufficiency due to hypophysitis in another case. Conclusion. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are an effective anticancer treatment modality, adverse effects are evident that can affect the endocrine system. These adverse events may relate to different endocrine systems that include the thyroid and pituitary glands. Also, acquired generalized lipodystrophy should be suspected in patients developing unusual fat loss after treatment with ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the role of non-echo planar diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) using "periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction" (PROPELLER) sequence for the diagnosis of cholesteatoma compared to surgical and histopathological results in an attempt to determine the factors causing false negative and false positive diagnoses. Methods: Patients who had PROPELLER DWI before ear surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of a lesion with diffusion restriction on PROPELLER DWI was accepted as positive for cholesteatoma, and the results were compared to the intraoperative and histopathological findings. Results: A total of 112 ears in 109 patients were reviewed. On PROPELLER DWI, a lesion with diffusion restriction was found in 101 (90.2%) ears, while in 11 (9.8%) of the patients, no diffusion restriction was found. Surgery and histopathological analysis revealed a cholesteatoma in 100 (89.3%) ears, while in 12 (10.7%) ears, no cholesteatoma was found surgically. There were 96 (85.7%) true positives, 7 (6.2%) true negatives, 5 (4.5%) false positives and 4 (3.6%) false negatives. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of non-echo planar DWI were calculated to be 91.96%, 96%, 58.33%, 95.05%, and 63.64%, respectively. Conclusion: Non-echo planar DWI using PROPELLER sequence has high accuracy, sensitivity and positive predictive value and can be used for the detection of cholesteatoma. The external auditory canal, postoperative ears and small lesions should be evaluated with caution to avoid false results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a Th1-mediated chronic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas. Its pathogenesis is not yet clear, but the possible role of various proinflammatory cytokines is being discussed. This study aims to determine serum cytokine (IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23) levels in patients with sarcoidosis, and to determine a possible correlation with clinical and laboratory findings of the disease. Forty-four biopsy-proven sarcoidosis patients followed up at a single centre and 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of all patients were recorded. Serum samples from the patients and the control group were taken and IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23 were measured by ELISA method. Of the 44 sarcoidosis patients, 13(29.5%) were male and 31(70.5%) were female. Average patient age was 47.4 years, mean disease duration was 3.2 years. Twenty-one (47.7%) patients had erythema nodosum, three (6.8%) had uveitis, 40(90.9%) had arthralgia, 23(52.3%) had ankle arthritis, 15(34.1%) had enthesitis. Laboratory evaluation showed increased serum ACE levels in 24(54.5%) patients, increased serum calcium levels in 11 (25%) patients, increased serum D3 levels in 5(11.4%) patients, increased ESR and CRP levels in 22(50%) and 23(52.3%) patients, respectively. Compared with the control group higher serum IL-23 levels were found in the patients with sarcoidosis (p =.01). Serum IL-23 was associated with ankle arthritis (p =.02). Serum IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17 levels were similar in the sarcoidosis patients and the control group (p =.128, p =.212, p =.521 respectively). In our study, we found increased serum IL-23 in patients with sarcoidosis, while serum IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17 were detected as normal. Although our results are somewhat contradictory to other studies in the literature, the question should still be whether sarcoidosis is a Th1/Th17 disease. Multicentre studies are needed in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced cancers. Antibodies directed against programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) interrupt the ability of the cancerous cell to depress the immune system. Methods and results. We report three patients who developed different endocrine abnormalities after treatment with nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against PD-1. First, we report a 76-year-old male presenting with generalized fat loss after treatment with nivolumab which predominantly affected his face and trunk. Second, we described the development of thyroiditis that presented with thyrotoxicosis and the expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb). Finally, we observed the emergence of adrenal insufficiency due to hypophysitis in another case. Conclusion. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are an effective anticancer treatment modality, adverse effects are evident that can affect the endocrine system. These adverse events may relate to different endocrine systems that include the thyroid and pituitary glands. Also, acquired generalized lipodystrophy should be suspected in patients developing unusual fat loss after treatment with ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is the first dual combination that acts separately (basal and prandial actions). Different insulin regimens can be switched to IDegAsp. Several studies have been conducted evaluating the effectiveness and safety of IDegAsp. The purpose of this real-life study was to determine the effects of IDegAsp on metabolic control and hypoglycemia in patients who were switched from different insulin regimens to IDegAsp therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the data of 401 patients. Comorbid conditions, metabolic parameters, total insulin dose, injection frequency and hypoglycemia events were recorded. Baseline data were compared with post-IDegAsp data. Results: Of the 401 patients, 208 were females and 193 were males, with a mean age of 64.8 ± 10.5 years. The number of injections per day and total insulin doses decreased significantly (p < 0.001) at follow-up. Furthermore, a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c was observed 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after IDegAsp. The frequency of minor hypoglycemia decreased after switching to IDegAsp. Conclusions: IDegAsp reduces the frequency of hypoglycemia with fewer injections and less insulin dose and helps provide metabolic control safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams. is the most important pine defoliator in the Mediterranean Basin and can cause serious growth losses on trees. At this point, the purpose of this study was to investigate the larvicidal effects of eight plant essential oils as biological control agents for the pine processionary moth. For this purpose, Artemisia vulgaris L., Juniperus drupacea Labill., Melissa officinalis L., Ocimum basilicum L., Origanum majorana L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Sideritis leptoclada O. Schwarz & P.H. Davis and Vitex agnus-castus L. essential oils were tested on the fourth/fifth larval periods of T. wilkinsoni. The essential oils from the eight plants were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC/MS. The most abundant compounds from each studied species were as follows: 1,8-cineole (20.68%) for R. officinalis, β-pinene (26.73%) for S. leptoclada, linalool (38.67%) for O. majorana, p-mentha-1,5-dien-8-ol (36.44%) for M. officinalis, eugenol acetate (38.78%) for O. basilicum, 1,8-cineole (22.10%) for V. agnus-castus, d-limonene (45.21%) for J. drupacea and trans-β-caryophyllene (21.22%) for A. vulgaris. The results show that all eight essential oils exhibited promising efficacy in a dose-dependent manner on T. wilkinsoni larvae after 24 hours. The highest larvicidal effect was obtained from J. drupacea, followed by O. basilicum, with LC50 values of 73.55 and 95.04 ppm, respectively. The data obtained from this study clearly indicate that J. drupacea and O. basilicum essential oils have the potential to have larvicidal effects and these findings point to the possibility of using the essential oil of the current species to control T. wilkinsoni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the context of managing patients' expectations and satisfaction regarding visual acuity after cataract surgery, we aimed to investigate the improvement in visual acuity and patient satisfaction after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in pseudophakic (trifocal intraocular lens, IOL) patients with residual myopic refraction after cataract surgery. Methods: Seventy-six patients (82 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery with ZEISS AT LISA tri 839MP IOL implantation were included in this retrospective study. The included patients were 56–79 years old, wanted spectacle independence, and had preoperative myopic refraction between − 1.0 and − 2.25 diopters (D) and astigmatism between − 0.75 and − 1.75 D. The treatment status of these patients was defined as trifocal IOL (n = 82). SMILE was performed in patients who were dissatisfied after cataract surgery, and these patients were followed up for 1 year on average. We evaluated visual acuity and satisfaction and further examined laser vision correction and satisfaction levels in patients who were dissatisfied after trifocal IOL implantation. Results: The possible reasons for patient dissatisfaction were reading books, using a computer, and driving at night. After SMILE, the residual myopic refractive error (spherical) decreased significantly from − 2.08 ± 0.28 [− 2.25 to − 1.0] preoperatively to − 0.25 ± 0.20 − 0.5 to 0] 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). Additionally, the uncorrected distance visual acuity increased from 0.65 ± 0.08 [0.52–0.7] logMAR preoperatively to 0.09 ± 0.02 [0.05–0.1] logMAR at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001), 0.09 ± 0.02 [0.05–0.1] logMAR at 6 months postoperatively, and 0.06 ± 0.02 [0.05–0.1] logMAR at 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction measures after SMILE (reading, night driving, and using a computer) were significantly improved. Conclusion: SMILE is a reliable method for treating residual refraction after cataract surgery, as it provides results in the shortest time without complications and increases patient satisfaction. Trial Registration: The protocol was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04693663). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the most reliable dosimetric predictors for pulmonary complications and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) and surgery for locally advanced esophageal cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 patients with esophageal cancer who received surgery following NACRT for locally advanced esophageal cancer from January 2014 to June 2023. Following the completion of NACRT, all patients received transthoracic esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy. Before surgery, all patients were evaluated in terms of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, COPD status, and hematological values. The levels of complications were evaluated with the comprehensive complication index (CCI). The patients' radiotherapy (RT) plans were evaluated retrospectively, and lung V5, V10, V15, V20, V30, and mean lung dose (MLD) data were obtained using dose-volume histograms. The effect of this data on the need for postoperative intensive care (IC) and the occurrence of pneumonia was calculated using binary logistic regression analysis. The impact of categorical clinical features on the requirement for IC and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia was assessed using the Fisher's exact test. The median age was 58 (range = 26–77), and the median interval between NACRT and surgery was 5 weeks (range = 4–14). The RT dose was median 45 Gy/25 fractions (range = 41.4-50.4) with 1.8–2.0 Gy daily per fraction, and 87.5% of patients received FOLFOX as concurrent chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was applied to 8 (25%) of the patients using 3D conformal, 20 (62.5%) using VMAT, and 4 (12.5%) using the hybrid (3D-IMRT) technique. The median ASA score before surgery was 2 (1-3). Only in 1 (3.1%) patient, the score was 3. Before surgery, three (9.4%) patients were diagnosed with COPD, and one (3.1%) patient had grade 2 neutropenia. Intensive care was required in 14 patients after surgery. Postoperative pneumonia occurred in 12 (37.5%) patients. The median postoperative CCI value of the patients was 22.6 (range = 0–100). Lung median V5, V10, V15, V20, V30, and MLD doses were 65.75 (28.2-95.9), 40.5 (22.4-90.6), 29.55 (13.4-45.9), 18.10 (7.6-30.6), 7.50 (2.9-24.7), and 1126.8 cGy (263-1628), respectively. The impact of preoperative COPD presence on postoperative pneumonia and IC needs was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.274 and p = 0.596). In multivariate analyses, lung V5 (p = 0.042), V10 (p = 0.037), and V15 (p = 0.049) doses statistically significantly affected the need for IC. Lung volume exposed to low-dose radiation (V5-V15) was found to be strongly associated with prolonged intensive care unit stay after surgery for locally advanced esophageal cancer. More comprehensive studies are needed on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1929 Dünya İktisadi Buhranının etkilerinin dünyada olduğu gibi Türkiye'de de yaygınlaşması piyasa ekonomisine olan güveni sarsmış ve birçok ülkede devlet müdahaleciliğinin planlı bir şekilde yürütülmesi fikrini tartışmaya açmıştı. Türkiye'de 1929 Dünya İktisadi Buhranından sonra planlı ekonomiye geçen ülkelerden birisi olmuş ve bu çerçevede birçok fabrika kurmuştur. Sümerbank Ereğli Bez Fabrikası da Birinci Beş Yıllık Sanayi Planı çerçevesinde kurulması kararlaştırılarak 20 Ekim 1934'te temeli atılan fabrikalardan bir tanesidir. Fabrikanın diğer pamuklu dokuma fabrikalarına göre daha ince dokuma üretmesi öngörülmüştür. Plan ve projeleri Sümerbank Fen Heyeti tarafından hazırlanan fabrika bu yönüyle Türk mühendislerinin bir eseri olma özelliğini de taşımaktadır. Kazan ve elektrik tesisatı dışındaki tüm makine aksamı Almanya'dan temin edilerek monte edilmiştir. İnşaat ve montaj işleri 1936 yaz sonuna doğru bitmiş, deneme çalışmalarının ardından 4 Nisan 1937'de açılışı yapılarak üretime başlamıştır. Fabrika, diğer Kamu İktisadi Teşekkülleri gibi en parlak dönemini 1950'li yıllarda yaşamıştır. 1987 yılında özelleştirme kapsamına alınmış 1997 yılında da Albayrak Tekstil tarafından satın alınarak adı Albayrak Tekstil olarak değiştirilmiştir. Sümerbank Ereğli Pamuklu Dokuma Fabrikası, ilçenin nüfusunun artması ve şehrin gelişiminde önemli rol oynamıştır. Fabrika, sosyal tesisleri, okulu ve lojmanları ile çevresi için sosyal ve kültürel değişimin öncülüğünü yapmıştır. Memur ve işçi konutlarının içindeki yeşil alanlar ise, Ereğli ve çevresi için önemli bir kentsel peyzaj örneği olmuştur. Yapılış amacı, ekonomik ve sosyal işlevi, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti'nin ulus-devlet oluşturma çabalarıyla doğrudan ilgilidir. Bundan dolayı tesis, sadece Ereğli merkezli değil, o dönemde oluşturulmaya çalışılan modern Türkiye hakkında genel bilgi vermesi bakımından da önem taşımaktadır. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current surgical managementof KC ranges from corneal collagencross-linking (CXL) to intracornealrings segments to alter the geometryof the cornea, and from lamellar(deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty)procedures to ultra-invasive cornealtransplant surgery. Cornea FROM THE COVER Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral, asymmetricalprogressive ectatic diseaseof the cornea, resulting in cornealthinning, conical bulging, irregularastigmatism, and eventual Bowmanlayer breaks, hydrops and scarring. [Extracted from the article]

Background/aim: Ankaferd blood stopper® (ABS) is an herbal extract consisting of mixtures of Alpinia officinarum, Gycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Thymus vulgaris, and Urtica dioica plants and has been used in recent years in Turkish medicine as a hemostatic agent. Despite its extensive usage, there is no information available about the drug interaction in HepG2 cells. The current work evaluated the effect of ABS on the expression of CYP1A1-1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 isozymes that are primarily involved in drug and carcinogen metabolism. Materials and methods: We selected HepG2 cells as in vitro cellular models of the human liver. The cells were treated with different concentrations of ABS [0.25%-40% (v/v)]. A crystal violet staining assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of ABS. We examined drug-metabolizing enzymes, including 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (CYP1A1), 7-methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (CYP1A2), aniline 4-hydroxylase (CYP2E1), and erythromycin N-demethylase (CYP3A4), in vitro in HepG2 cells. The expression (mRNA, protein) levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes were analyzed by qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: The EC05 and EC10 values for ABS were 0.37% and 0.52% (v/v), respectively. Therefore, 0.37% and 0.52% (v/v) doses were used for the remaining portion of this study. Investigation of the expression and activity levels revealed that CYP1A1-1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 activities were not affected by ABS significantly, with qPCR and Western blot results corroborating this result. Conclusion: Our study found that the activity, mRNA, and protein expression levels of CYP isozymes did not change with the application of ABS, suggesting that when humans are exposed to ABS, there may not be any risk associated with clinical drug toxicity, cancer formation, and drug metabolism disorders in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Better understanding of crop yield response under salinity and water deficit conditions is essential to meet food need under the circumstance of population growth and climate extremities. It has been well known that plant species response differently under stress conditions. Recent studies show that these different responses occur not only among species but also in different varieties within the same species. The aims of the study are to examine and to compare yield, yield response factors (ky), salinity thresholds, biomasses, and water productivity responses of six varieties of pepper plant (Sürmeli-Hot, Yalova, BT016-Hot, BT 016, BT Ünsal, BT Demok) under salinity conditions. In another experiment under the same conditions (location, time, growth media etc.), water deficit was applied to two of these six varieties (BT Ünsal and BT Demok) separately, and their responses to salinity and water deficit conditions were compared. The experiment was carried out in containers. The amount of irrigation water was determined manually by weighing each container. Water deficit treatments were consisted of meeting 120, 100, 70 and 50% of soil water depleted from field capacity. Water salinity levels were 0.25 (control), 2, 4 and 6 dS m-1. There was no difference in yield under nonstress and excessive stress conditions, but the yield difference was as high as 38.9% under moderate stress conditions. Varietal differences were also observed for water productivity. Salinity threshold values vary between 0.89 and 1.83 dS m-1. Yield response factor (ky) were high for all varieties under salinity. Comparing the ky values obtained under water deficit and salinity experiments, sensitivity to salinity induced water stress was found higher than that of applied water deficit itself. Using salinity (Model 1) and water deficit (Model 2) data set of two varieties, two models were created plotting relative yield and water potentials (osmotic potential + matric potential) and compered their predications statistically. Statistically better predictions were obtained from Model 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is not enough data in the literature regarding Her-2 overexpression in uterine carcinosarcomas or its association with the prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the Her-2 overexpression rate in uterine carcinosarcoma and to evaluate its relationship with the prognosis. Material and Method: Her-2 protein and gene status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), respectively, in hysterectomy specimens from 51 patients with uterine carcinosarcoma. Results: Her-2 protein expression in the epithelial component was negative in 42 patients (score 0 in 33 cases, score (+1) in 9 cases), score (+2) in 7 patients and score (+3) in 2 patients. None of the patients had Her-2 protein expression within the sarcomatous component of the tumors. Her-2 gene was not amplified in epithelial or mesenchymal tumor areas according to the FISH method. There was no difference between the Her-2 overexpression negative and positive groups in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Her-2 overexpression was significantly higher in tumors of patients diagnosed at 65 years or older (p=0.046). Conclusion: In our study, no relationship could be shown between Her-2 overexpression and prognosis in uterine carcinosarcoma. More comprehensive studies are needed to illustrate the relationship between Her-2 overexpression and carcinosarcoma prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Since breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancer types among women, it is very important for nurses to assess symptom-management and self-efficacy of patients during chemotherapy treatment. This study was carried out to examine the validity and reliability of the symptom-management self-efficacy scale for BC related to chemotherapy. Methods: The study sample of this methodological research consisted of 248 women receiving chemotherapy treatment due to breast cancer in a public hospital in İstanbul between November 2017 ans March 2018. Translation-back translation method was used to assess the language validity of the scale. Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin and Bartlett's tests were applied to evaluate the sampling adequacy and the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Results: The content validity of the Turkish form was 0.912; Cronbach alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.905. The factor loads of all the items belonging to the scale were above 0.40, and explained variance for the scale was as follows; 16,284 for the problem-solving sub-dimension; 13,517 for the sub-dimension of managing problems in emotional and interpersonal relationships, and total explained variance of the scale was found to be 46,944. For this reason, no items were removed from the scale and the scale was accepted as having 3 sub-dimensions as it was in the original. Conclusion: Findings obtained from this study showed that the Turkish version of the scale was valid and reliable and could be used in research and clinical practice in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most prominent compound in the essential oils of the many I Achillea i species was 1,8-cineole [[10], [19]-[29]]. The I A. alimeana i essential oil was mainly dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes which constituted seventeen compounds, accounting for 75.7% of the total composition, the main chemical compounds of which were 1,8-cineole (39.5%), camphor (12.4%), and -terpineol (6.3%), whereas -pinene (4.5%), I cis i -sabinene hydrate (3.7%), methyl eugenol (3.4%), and terpinen-4-ol (3.2%) were the other minor components found in the essential oil in amounts greater than 3%. XTT reduction assay indicated that essential oil used in all concentrations was able to reduce 94.2-96.0% of biofilm of I S. aureus i ATCC25923, while the essential oil inhibited 68.6-79.1 and 49.2-65.0% of I E. coli i ATCC 10536 and I P. aeruginosa i PAO1 biofilm formation, respectively. According to the result of the XTT analysis, in which we investigated the antibiofilm effect of the essential oil, the essential oil was to be highly effective. [Extracted from the article]

The genus Sphagnum is one of the richest taxa among the Turkish bryophytes. Up to now, it has been represented by 27 taxa in six sections (Sphagnum, Acutifolia, Squarrosa, Subsecunda, Cuspidata, and Rigida). In this study, an identification key for the section Sphagnum was prepared, and the section was investigated using phylogenetic analyses, with a main focus on Turkish bryophytes. This study provides the first sequence data of the trnL intron region for five species of the section Sphagnum from Turkey (namely S. centrale, S. divinum, S. medium, S. palustre, and S. papillosum) to be used in future studies and gives valuable information about their phylogenetic relationships. However, further studies on Turkish members of the section Sphagnum using more specimens and molecular markers should be performed to obtain more detailed information regarding the phylogenetic relationships among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: At the time of diagnosis, approximately 16.5% of prostate cancer patients are metastatic. The main framework of metastatic prostate cancer treatment is androgen deprivation therapy, which is performed surgically or medically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of medical oncologists and urologists about orchiectomy as androgen deprivation therapy. Material and Methods: A total of 387 physicians working in the Departments of Urology (n = 217) and Medical Oncology (n = 170) were included in this descriptive study. Data were collected through an electronic survey. Results: Only 7.5% of participants indicated that they offered surgical castration to their patients. Urologists preferred surgical castration more than oncologists for the treatment of metastatic castration-sensitive prostate carcinoma (P = .003). The reasons why medical oncologists preferred surgical castration less are that it is an invasive procedure, has risk of morbidity and mortality, high cost of hospitalization, and may cause deterioration of the patient's body image (P < .05). Conclusion: This study showed that physicians were less likely to perform orchiectomy as an androgen deprivation therapy. Although the most important reason for this is the patient preference, the biased presentation of treatment options to patients, the lack of knowledge of physicians about orchiectomy, and the effect of the pharmaceutical industry should also be kept in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achillea alimeana Semiz & Uysal sp. nov. of sect. Santolinoidea DC. (Asteraceae), was described, diagnosed and illustrated as a new species. It was collected from Akdağ Mountains in Denizli Province. In this paper, the diagnostic characters of A. alimeana and its similar species were discussed in the morphological, palynological and molecular findings. As regards the new species, some notes on the ecology, conservation status, and distribution were submitted. A diagnostic key was given for related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs about a case of linear scleroderma en coup de sabre (ECDS) in a patient with migraines and the subsequent development of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Topic include the patient, initially diagnosed with ECDS, experienced visual impairment, dizziness, and headaches after methotrexate treatment, leading to the diagnosis of IIH, which is a rare association not previously reported in the literature.

Decrease in elastic fibers may be seen.6 Dermoscopic examination of our patient showed arborizing vessels and white papules, along with yellow papules representing the milia. Dermatologic examination revealed numerous discrete, white papules on the posterior and bilateral aspects of the neck that were 2-3 mm in size, as well as multiple milia cysts located predominantly on the anterior aspect of the neck (Figure 1A,B,C). Keywords: elastic fibers; fibroelastolytic papulosis; milia; white fibrous papulosis of the neck EN elastic fibers fibroelastolytic papulosis milia white fibrous papulosis of the neck 1753 1757 5 04/06/22 20220401 NES 220401 White fibrous papulosis of the neck (WFPN) is a variant of fibroelastolytic papulosis among with pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE) and papillary dermal elastosis (PDE), which can be considered as an underdiagnosed and/or under reported condition. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this paper is to generate implications for future research based on the overview and analysis of the findings of relevant social sciences and the humanities that focus on toys as artifacts of the material culture of children, and/or childhood, with special reference to pedagogical research. By material culture of children, we mean items and objects that children themselves make, adapt or modify to fit their interests and the needs of their games, whereas the material culture of childhood refers to objects created by adults for children to play with. Toys can encourage different types of activities necessary for overall personality development, and can help children develop their cognitive abilities, their body and senses, gain knowledge, socialize, cultivate their emotions and appreciation of beauty, and develop their imagination and creativity. The potential of toys that children make themselves is reflected in the upbringing of creative, free, environmentally conscious and active members of society. Additionally, these toys allow children to build play, to perceive their own capabilities and restrictions, and to express their imagination, creativity and respect toward the environment, life and oneself. Future research approaches should be directed toward: a) toys as artifacts of the material culture of children, i.e. objects that children themselves make and use for the purposes of play, learning and development; b) integrating the perspective of children and adults with regard to toys, because the distinction between material culture of children, and material culture of childhood is conditional; c) understanding social practice, as well as different discourses related to process of making toys of children building toys by themselves, or through cooperation with adults; d) qualitative research on the design and application of educational toyscreated by adults for children to play with; e) examining the possibilities and the potential of integrating the so-called improvised toys into the family and institutional context; and f) initiating evaluative studies and integrating the values and content of local culture into the preschool and school curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibromas (DF) are common benign skin lesions that commonly affect female adults. They can be easily diagnosed in most cases. However, in some cases, their clinical and dermoscopical appearance can resemble other lesions, such as dysplastic nevi, melanomas, and other skin tumors. Here, we report a case of pigmented DF mimicking melanoma on the right arm of an 11-year-old girl. DFs are common lesions in daily dermatology practice, however in this case the young age of the patient, the atypical melanoma-like dermoscopic features, and the rapid growth of the lesion brought on the suspicion of malignant melanoma. The case was presented to emphasize that pigmented DFs must be considered in the differential diagnoses of pigmented lesions in children; which will prevent unnecessary surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarce freshwater resources in arid and semiarid regions means that recreational landscapes should use recycled or low-quality waters for irrigation, increasing the risk of salinity and infiltration problems. We map salinity distribution within turf fields using electromagnetic sensing, evaluate need for leaching and evaluate post leaching results for subsequent management decisions. Electromagnetic measurements were made with two EM38 instruments positioned vertically and horizontally in order to determine salinity distribution. Sensor readings were coupled to GPS data to create spatial salinity maps. Next, optimal calibration point coordinates were determined via Electrical Conductivity Sampling Assessment and Prediction (ESAP) software. Soil samples from 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths were used for each calibration point. Laboratory soil saturation percentage, moisture content, electrical conductivity (ECe) and pHe of saturation extracts were determined for calibration to convert resistivity measurements to ECe. Next, ECe maps were created using ESAP software. Leaching for reclamation was performed by means of sprinkling. Treated municipal wastewater was utilized both for irrigation and for reclamation leaching. Low water content and high spatial variability of soil texture adversely affected the accuracy of the readings. Pre and post leaching surveys indicate that in one fairway there was only a 43% and 58% decrease in soil salinity at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths, respectively which is very low relative to expected results considering the amount of water applied. This relatively low reduction in salinity and the lack of runoff during irrigation combined with infiltration measurements suggests that aeration techniques for healthier grasses led to water bypassing small pores thus limiting leaching efficiency. In this instance practices to improve infiltration lead paradoxically to less salinity reclamation than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the world population, technological developments, the increasing expectations of people and the consumption of resources put the future of our world on paths that threaten and sometimes irreversible. The tourism and travel industry is also one of the main factors that can create this threat if not paid attention to. Consumption activities of people increase during tourism and travel activities. Therefore, the traces that people leave in the same way on the route they follow in these activities has become a concept that needs attention. This permit tracking has been suggested in order to determine the damages they may cause along their routes. The current equivalent of this is the concept of carbon footprint. Thanks to this trace, possible threats and damages will be controlled and necessary intervention scenarios will be developed. The current structure in the world on the necessary follow-up scenarios and control in the concept of carbon footprint, which is the subject of this study, has been evaluated. In addition, it has been tried to develop solutions for the deficiencies and necessary improvements in the light of the studies carried out in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a case of severe facial swelling that simulated facial nerve paralysis in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum following cryotherapy for basal cell carcinoma. Topics include the patient's medical history and diagnosis, the clinical presentation and examination findings post-cryotherapy, and an explanation of the underlying mechanisms leading to the exaggerated inflammatory response observed in this rare reaction.

In recent years, mobile shopping has become quite popular. This basic cause may increase smartphone usage in parallel with the number of mobile applications. However, consumers still have a trust problem towards mobile shopping. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of consumer trust sources on consumers' general attitudes towards mobile shopping and behavioral intentions towards mobile shopping. This is an explanatory study since it focused on the relationship between variables. Data were collected via the convenience sampling method by conducting online surveys between 20 September and 30 November 2019. Structural equation modelling was used to test the construct validity of the model by the AMOS package program. According to the findings, experience with the company, social influence and institutional regulations, which are trust sources, have a positive influence on general attitudes towards mobile shopping, but media presence does not have a significant influence on general attitudes towards mobile shopping. The general attitudes of consumers towards mobile shopping have a positive influence on their behavioral intentions towards mobile shopping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies published earlier this year demonstrated the association of the solute carrier SLC6A20 gene with the risk and severity of COVID-19. The SLC6A20 protein product (Sodium-dependent Imino Transporter 1 (SIT1)) is involved in the transport of amino acids, including glycine. Here we summarized the results of recent studies demonstrating the interaction of SIT1 with the ACE2 receptor for SARS-CoV-2 as well as an observed association of SLC6A20 with the risk and traits of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, it was also proposed that SLC6A20 represents the novel regulator of glycine levels and that glycine has beneficial effects against the proinflammatory cytokine secretion induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ivermectin, as a partial agonist of glycine-gated chloride channels, was also recently suggested to interfere with the COVID19 cytokine storm by inducing the activation of glycine receptors. Furthermore, plasma glycine levels are found to be decreased in diabetic patients. Thus, further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the potential favorable effects of targeting the SIT1 transporter and glycine levels in the treatment of COVID-19, particularly for the severe case of disease associated with hyperglycemia, inflammation, and T2D. These findings suggest that SIT1 may potentially represent one of the missing pieces in the complex puzzle observed between these two pandemic diseases and the potential novel target for their efficient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, ruthenium catalysts were obtained by alloying-dealloying approach and used in the dehydrogenation reaction of ammonia borane. Ruthenium and aluminum were sputtered simultaneously and aluminum was etched from the alloy by dealloying with sodium hydroxide. The resulting catalysts were analyzed with TEM, SEM, and Zeta-Sizer. Aluminum sputtering power was found to be effective on the catalytic activity of the catalysts. Moreover, the highest turnover frequency was calculated as 290.9 min−1. Also, the activation energy of the dehydrogenation reaction of ammonia borane with Ru particles was found to be 18.43 kJ mol−1. Furthermore, the catalysts could conserve their performance upto 10 consecutive runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to explore the development of pre-service science teachers' systems thinking skills through an outdoor education for sustainable development (ESD) course. The study was composed of four stages, which are defining systems thinking skills, designing an outdoor ESD course, developing measurement tools, and implementation. Twelve systems thinking skills were determined within the ESD and science education context. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and systems thinking skill levels were evaluated based on the rubric developed by the authors. Participants showed a slow improvement in four systems thinking skills which are related to considering the relationship between past, present and future, developing empathy with non-human beings, developing sense of place and adapting systems thinking perspective to personal life. There is a need to test the hierarchical level among the twelve systems thinking skills in future studies and to study each skill in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an update of our previous work, necessitated by availability of a significantly improved dataset. The work is a model-independent analysis of the cosmological supernova (type Ia) data, where function families are fit to the data in form of luminosity distance as function of redshift, that is, dL(z); and subsequently time-derivatives of the scale function a(t) are analytically derived, but as functions of z, without making assumptions about the theory of gravity or the contents of the Universe. This gives, e.g. the redshift value at which the Universe goes over from deceleration to acceleration, as zt = 0.54 ± 0.04 for a flat Universe. In the update, we switch to a more modern fit criterion and also take into account the uncertainty in the calibration of the SNIa luminosities. If a theory of gravity is assumed, our results allow determination of the density of the Universe as function of z, from which conclusions about the contents of the Universe can be drawn. We update the previous work's result where this was done for Einstein gravity, finding a lower-limit on the dark energy (DE) fraction, ΩDE > 0.46; and here we do this also for Starobinsky gravity, where we can find a Starobinsky parameter that can eliminate the need for DE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Congo red removal from wastewater by a filtration method was studied via membranes obtained from polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate) copolymers having various monomer ratios and polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate)/polyaniline blends with various polyaniline contents. It was found that the dye rejection value increased with acrylonitrile content in polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate) membranes. Also, blending copolymers with polyaniline enhanced the dye rejection rate. The performance of membranes showed incremental increase with increase in the polyaniline content. Both pH and concentration effects on the dye rejection rate of membranes were evaluated. The performance of polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate) membranes did not change significantly, whereas polyaniline-containing membranes had higher dye rejection rates at acidic pH levels. PAN(92)-co-P2EHA(8)-PANI(15%) demonstrated the highest dye rejection value of 99.7% at pH 3 when the feed concentration was 50 ppm. It also showed good resistance to increase in feed concentration. It had dye rejection values of 97.2% and 88.5% for 100 and 200 ppm feed concentrations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granuloma which etiology is unknown yet. Adipokines are different proteins synthesized by adipose tissue that have an influence on angiogenesis, hemostasis, lipid metabolism, and immune system regulation. Adipokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Objectives: To evaluate the serum adipokine levels in patients with sarcoidosis and to determine a possible correlation with clinical and laboratory signs of disease. Methods: Forty-four biopsy-proven sarcoidosis patients followed at a single center and age- and sex-matched 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated in all patients. Routine laboratory tests (blood glucose, liver, and kidney function test) were measured. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were measured by ELISA method. Results: Among 44sarcoidosis patients, 13 (29.5%) were male and 31 (70.5%) were female. Twenty-one (47.7%) patients had erythema nodosum, three (6.8%) had uveitis, 40 (90.9%) had arthralgia, 32 (72.7%) had arthritis, 15 (34.1%) had enthesitis. Laboratory evaluation showed increased serum ACE level in 24 (54.5%) patients, increased serum calcium level in 11 (25%) patients, increased serum D3 level in 5 (11.4%) patients, and increased ESR and CRP levels in 22 (50%) and 23 (52.3%) patients, respectively. Compared with the control group, serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis(p = 0.007). Serum adiponectin level was associated with arthralgia and ankle joint swelling (p = 0.007, p = 0.006 respectively). Serum leptin levels were similar in sarcoidosis patients and controls (p = 0.327). There was no relationship between serum leptin level and disease features (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, high serum adiponectin level was detected in patients with sarcoidosis while serum leptin level was similar in the sarcoidosis and control group. Adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory protein, may play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Studies are needed to shed light on this topic. Key Points • Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease characterized by granuloma formation • High serum adiponectin level was found in sarcoidosis patients • Serum adiponectin level was associated with some clinical features such as arthralgia and arthritis • High adiponectin levels in sarcoidosis patients may mitigate the inflammatory response, resulting in a mild form of the disease and/or spontaneous remission [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyes are a severe threat for the environment and health. Therefore, the removal of dyes is a significant consideration in the wastewater purification. In textile industries, the most widely used dyes are reactive dyes due to their ease of use. Among reactive dyes, reactive black 5 has been the most utilized dye with 50% of the total reactive dye demand. In this study, polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate) copolymer (PAN-co-P2EHA) membranes with various acrylonitrile/2-ethylhexylacrylate (AN/2EHA) ratios were synthesized and tested for the removal of reactive black 5 dye from wastewater with the aid of filtration method. The copolymer with a AN/2EHA ratio of 92/8 demonstrated the best filtration performance. Also, it was blended with different polyaniline (PANI) loadings in order to functionalize pores. Moreover, effects of permeate pH and concentration were also analyzed. It was observed that, after functionalization of pores, filtration performance became pH dependent and better results were observed at acidic medium. PAN(92)-co-P2EHA(8)/PANI(15) membrane having AN/2EHA molar ratio of 92/8 with 15 weight% PANI loading showed the best dye rejection performance at pH 2 by 99.5%, 98.4% and 90.5% for permeate concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 ppm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis of melanoma is extremely poor. There are no biomarker that indicate the prognosis. The indirect markers of the antitumoral response such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived NLR (dNLR), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) etc. have recently begun to be emphasized. Increased NLR, PLR and dNLR as a consequence of chronic inflammation have been found to be associated with poor prognosis in many cancers. The aim of this study is explore the role of this parameters in patients with early-stage melanoma. We retrospectively evaluated 120 patients admitted to our clinic with stage I-III melanoma with ANC, ALC, absolute platelet count(APC), as well as NLR, dNLR, and PLR values at the time of diagnosis, relaps and metastasis and evaluate their impact on prognosis. Patients with active infection, receiving steroids, with a chronic inflammatory disease that may alter the hematological parameters, and those with another malignancy other than melanoma were excluded. The median follow-up was 52 months. OS and DFS were significantly worse in patients with an NLR above 2.84. Also, in patients with a dNLR value above 1.96 (p= 0.007). The were no relationship between PLR value, OS and DFS, and between gender and OS. OS was significantly lower in patients over 65 years of age (p< 0.001). These results suggested that haematological parameters can be used to estimate the prognosis of melanoma. These results suggested that haematological parameters can be used to estimate the prognosis of melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High prevalence of cerebrovascular insults (CVI) and their comorbidity with depression additionally makes difficult not just quality of life, also its serious obstacle to all measurements and attempts of patient's rehabilitation. The scope of work is to show frequency of depression after CVI ischemic type in whole its specifics in order to age of patients, gender, localization of lesion, as well as on level of physical handicapping. International classification of disease (MKB-10), Hamilton scale of depression (HAM-D-17) and Barthel index scale of disability were used for diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS programme. Among 103 patients with CVI 43 of them (41.7%) were found with consequential depression what was monitored in following six months after CVI. From total number of depressions after CVI in the age of 58 years old 14 (32.6%) were found, and in the age between 59-63 years old there were 17 (39.5%) found. In the later ages that percentage was significantly lower. This result had proved significant connection between age group and depression status (p<0.05): χ² (3, n = 103) = 12.24; p=0.007, Cramer's V=0.34. Depression appearance after CVI in relation to genders has showed difference. Depression was marked at 16 (25.8%) male and 27 (65.8%) at female patients: χ² (1,n=103)=14.67; p=0.0002;Phi=0.4. Localization of lesion was significant in emergence of depression. In frontal part were found at 21 examinees, in basal ganglia at 16 and rest of localizations were found at 6 examinees: Depressions presence were more found at lesion localizations in left hemisphere, but no statistical importance. There were some correlation between level of physical disability and depression severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome is a set of several different pathological conditions and risk factors that are often the cause of many unwanted cardiac and cerebrovascular occurrences. It is highly represented around the world, especially in countries with excessive and inadequate nutrition, insuffi cient physical activity of the population and obesity, with a constant growth trend. The work included 1052 patients with HTA of which DM was 309 (29.4%). Out of the total number of 1052 patients with metabolic syndrome there were 675 (64.2%) patients. Observing certain determinants of th e metabolic syndrome HTA was present in all observed patients. Low HDL cholesterol values were found in 503 (74.5%) patients and the lowest incidence was hyperglycaemia (252 mg / 37.3%). Implemented pharmacological treatment measures have led, in most patients, the blood pressure to optimal or normal. The effect of pharmacological therapy on glycaemic value in patients with metabolic syndrome led to the normalization of glycaemia in majority of patients. The results achieved have improved the quality of life of patients and motivated them for further treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) represents a significant cause of mortality among women with gynecological malignancies and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. The role of inflammation and nutritional status in prognosis has prompted the evaluation of the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) as a marker for surgical success and survival in EOC patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative, postoperative, and Delta-PNI values and the outcomes of optimal cytoreductive surgery (OCS) in EOC. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 255 patients with EOC, examining the early impact of PNI on surgical outcomes. PNI was calculated based on serum albumin levels and lymphocyte count. The study assessed the correlations between changes in PNI and the success of surgery, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). A higher preoperative PNI was associated with improved surgical success and better survival rates. Specifically, the OS in the OCS group was longer, averaging 104.89 ± 71.1 months, compared to 81.5 ± 72.04 months in the non-OCS group (p = 0.016). PFS was also longer in the OCS group, with a mean of 52.03 ± 52.13 months, versus 30.67 ± 44.5 months in the non-OCS group (p = 0.002). Delta-PNI proved to be a robust predictor of surgical success, with a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis yielding an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.795 (p < 0.001), indicating high discriminative capability. Patients with a Delta-PNI above the optimal cut-off of 11.3 exhibited an extended PFS. The findings highlight the prognostic significance of PNI and Delta-PNI in EOC, suggesting that these metrics can significantly predict surgical success and survival outcomes. The Delta-PNI's association with longer PFS emphasizes its potential utility in preoperative risk assessment and patient management for EOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coniferous trees produce secondary or defense chemicals, such as terpenes, against pest insects. Terpenes could serve as constitutive or induced defensive mechanisms, defending the tree from invasive herbivores. The Mediterranean pine shoot beetle Tomicus destruens colonizes stems and branches of Pinus brutia trees and even can kill mature trees during periodic outbreaks. We investigated whether terpene profiles of needle and stem of P. brutia trees differ between health and those infested by T. destruens. We selected 20 healthy and T. destruens-infested trees and analyzed the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes of their needles and phloem. We found higher concentrations of tricyclene, camphene and p-cymene in the phloem of infested trees. Similarly, the needles of infested trees had higher concentrations of α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, trans-β-caryophyllene and α-humulene than healthy trees. These results show that the monoterpene and sesquiterpene profiles of P. brutia trees differed between healthy and infested trees, suggesting that volatile terpenes may be an important part of plant-induced responses against T. destruens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a comparative screening of four species of Origanum in Turkey, based on their essential oil composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antibiofilm activities. The major components of essential oils were p-cymene, linalool, and thymol. The total phenolic contents differed from 3.81 to 47.54 mg of GAE/g of extract. The concentrations of flavonoids varied from 12.74 to 58.39 mg of Ru/g of extract. Antioxidant activity was determined in vitro using DPPH reagent and expressed as concentration of each extract required to inhibit radical by 50% (IC50) values that ranged from 16.03 to 48.94 μg/ml. Our results indicated that chloroform extracts of species O. majorana and O. onites, with a total content of polyphenols (47.54 mg of GAE/g and 45.17 mg of GAE/g, respectively) and an IC50 of 16.03 μg/ml and 16.89 μg/ml, respectively were more antioxidant. Among the essential oil concentrations tested, maximum antibiofilm activity was found as 92.24% against M. luteus NRRL-B 1013 by O. majorana essential oil at 50 mg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the filtration of methyl orange by polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2- ethylhexylacrylate) copolymer and polyacrylonitrile-co-poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate)/polyaniline membranes were utilized. It was observed that the filtration performance was improved as acrylonitrile amount in the copolymer increased. Also, functionalizing membrane with polyaniline further enhanced the dye rejection rates. Moreover, this enhancement was proportional to polyaniline amount. Furthermore, the performance of polyaniline containing membranes was pH dependent. They showed higher filtration performances at acidic mediums and they further increased as pH decreased. PAN(92)-co-P2EHA(8)- PANI(10%) membrane provided 99.3% dye rejection value for 25 ppm dye concentration at pH 2. Also, this membrane demonstrated good resistance to permeate concentration. It had 97.6% and 90.1% dye rejection rates for 50 and 100 ppm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) concept with an already developed roadmap for 24% efficiency will be leading the photovoltaics industry in the upcoming years. In a few industrial pilot lines, efficiencies above 22% have already been attained. Pilot lines have important roles in bridging lab scale proven concepts with the products which are ready for mass production. Therefore, GUNAM Photovoltaic Line which is specialized on PERC concepts has been established to overcome the barriers that hinder the performance of c-Si solar cells in PERC concepts in a relevant environment. The aim of this article is to show how a loss analysis can be employed in a practical way in an industrially relevant environment. The analysis depends on the first results of the studies from 6 months ramp up period of GPVL. A batch of standard PERC type solar cells with p-type base and atomic layer deposited Al 2 O 3 rear passivation have been fabricated during the ramp up of the line. A detailed gain-loss analysis was performed to address the optical, electrical and recombination losses in order to increase the cell efficiency. • Pilot lines bridge lab scale proven concepts with the products which are ready for mass production. • PERC technology has gained up to 21% market share along all Si based technologies. • Detailed loss analysis helps to draw roadmaps for higher efficiencies. • 19.21% efficiency PERC was fabricated in pilot environment as expected by loss analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]