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The introduction of novel immunotherapies has significantly transformed the treatment landscape of genitourinary (GU) cancers, even becoming the standard of care in some settings. One such type of immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab play a pivotal role by disturbing signaling pathways that limit the immune system’s ability to fight tumor cells. Despite the profound impact of these treatments, not all tumors are responsive. Recent research efforts have been focused on understanding how cancer cells manage to evade the immune response and identifying the possible mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy. In response, ICIs are being combined with other treatments to reduce resistance and attack cancer cells through multiple cellular pathways. Additionally, novel, targeted strategies are currently being investigated to develop innovative methods of overcoming resistance and treatment failure. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in GU cancers as currently described in the literature. It explores studies that have identified genetic markers, cytokines, and proteins that may predict resistance or response to immunotherapy. Additionally, we review current efforts to overcome this resistance, which include combination ICIs and sequential therapies, novel insights into the host immune profile, and new targeted therapies. Various approaches that combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, vaccines, and radiation have been studied in an effort to more effectively overcome resistance to immunotherapy. While each of these combination therapies has shown some efficacy in clinical trials, a deeper understanding of the immune system’s role underscores the potential of novel targeted therapies as a particularly promising area of current research. Currently, several targeted agents are in development, along with the identification of key immune mediators involved in immunotherapy resistance. Further research is necessary to identify predictors of response.

Background: Brassica oleracea var. acephala, commonly referred to as kale, is a well-documented plant species, a food crop but well recognized for its capacity to endure and manage the accumulation of heavy metals. In this research, the phytoremediation potential of kale was evaluated based on cadmium intake, utilizing three distinct kale varieties originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina. All kales were grown in controlled conditions, with different concentrations of cadmium (Cd), a known strong pollutant found in small concentrations in soil under normal environmental conditions. After the root length analysis and cadmium atomic spectrometry, we utilized quantitative PCR (qPCR) and cycle threshold (Ct) values to calculate the expression levels of five genes associated with Cd heavy metal response: Mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPK2), Farnesylated protein 26 and 27 (HIPP26, HIPP27), Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 6 (RAMP6), and Heavy metal accumulator 2 (HMA2). Results: The atomic reader's analysis of rising cadmium concentrations revealed a proportional decline in the length of kale roots. The gene expression levels corresponded to cadmium stress differently among varieties, but mostly showing notable up-regulations under Cd stress, indicating the strong Cd presence within the plant. Conclusions: This study demonstrated differences in gene expression behavior among three B. oleracea varieties from Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicating and filtering the Cd-resistant kale, and kale varieties suitable for phytoremediation. For the first time, such a study was conducted on kale varieties from Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyzing the impact of cadmium on the growth and resilience of these species.

It was aimed to investigate in vitro antileishmanial activities of the receptacle, bractea, and stem leaves extracts of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) against Leishmania tropica. The Leishmania isolate, isolated from a cutaneous leishmaniasis patient from Manisa province, Turkey and stored in liquid nitrogen, was identified as L. tropica (MHOM/TR/2012/CBCL-LT) by genotyping. In vitro antileishmanial activities of C. scolymus plant extracts were examined by CelltTiter-glo and hemocytometry, and cytotoxic activities by MTT. IC50 values of receptacle water (WRC), aqueous ethanol (ARC) and ethanol (ERC), bractea leaf water (WBC), aqueous ethanol (ABC) and ethanol (EBC), and stem leaf water (WSC), aqueous ethanol (ASC) and ethanol (ESC) extracts were determined as 2.45 mg/mL, 1.52 mg/mL, 1.66 mg/mL, 3.45 mg/mL, 1.46 mg/mL and 0.58 mg/mL, 0.24 mg/mL, 0.21 mg/mL and 0.08 mg/mL, respectively. When these results are compared with the drug-free control group, it was determined that stem leaf aqueous ethanol (SI: 7.98), ethanol (SI: 4.96) and water (SI: 2.71) extracts with the highest selectivity index (SI) values showed antileishmanial activity (P

Molecular dynamics-based approaches to calculate absolute protein–ligand binding free energy often rely on equilibrium free energy perturbation (FEP) protocols. Here, the authors study ligands binding to bromodomains and T4 lysozyme and find that both equilibrium and non-equilibrium approaches converge to the same results with the non-equilibrium method converging faster than FEP.

IntroductionThere have been some significant changes regarding healthcare utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Majority of the reports about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes care are from the first wave of the pandemic. We aim to evaluate the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and new onset Type 1 diabetes presenting with DKA, and also evaluate children with DKA and acute COVID-19 infection.MethodsThis is a retrospective multi-center study among 997 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who were admitted with DKA to 27 pediatric intensive care units in Turkey between the first year of pandemic and pre-pandemic year.ResultsThe percentage of children with new-onset Type 1 diabetes presenting with DKA was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.0001). The incidence of severe DKA was also higher during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.0001) and also higher among children with new onset Type 1 diabetes (p < 0.0001). HbA1c levels, duration of insulin infusion, and length of PICU stay were significantly higher/longer during the pandemic period. Eleven patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, eight were positive for new onset Type 1 diabetes, and nine tested positive for severe DKA at admission.DiscussionThe frequency of new onset of Type 1 diabetes and severe cases among children with DKA during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the cause of the increased severe presentation might be related to restrictions related to the pandemic; however, need to evaluate the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the increased percentage of new onset Type 1 diabetes.

Objective:Ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) has frequently been studied in recent years in ischaemia-based studies. In this study, IMA changes and postoperative pain were investigated in patients who underwent tourniquet and non-tourniquet knee arthroplasty, and the effect of the tourniquet on pain was investigated quantitatively.Methods:After obtaining institutional review board approval, 64 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty were divided into two groups: tourniquet and non-tourniquet using the block randomisation technique. Blood was collected at the 15th minute and 24th hour postoperatively. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used by patients to evaluate their pain.Results:According to the results, a significant correlation was found between VAS scores and IMA levels in the blood taken at the postoperative 15th minute (p

This article analyzes a strongly nonlinear oscillator with cubic and harmonic restoring force and proposes an efficient analytical technique based on the modified energy balance method (MEBM). The proposed method incorporates higher-order approximations. After applying the proposed MEBM, a set of complicated higher-order nonlinear algebraic equations are obtained. Higher-order nonlinear algebraic equations are cumbersome to investigate especially in the case of a large initial oscillation amplitude. This limitation is overcome in the proposed method by using the iterative procedure based on the homotopy perturbation method. The approximated results agree well with the numerically obtained exact solutions. These third-order approximate solutions are found to be almost the same as exact solutions, which cannot be found using the existing energy balance method. Highly accurate result and simple solution procedure are advantages of this proposed method, which could be applied to other nonlinear oscillatory problems arising in nonlinear science and engineering.

The present research aims to examine whether the questions in the Program for the International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009 reading literacy instrument display differential item functioning (DIF) among the Turkish, French, and American samples based on univariate and multivariate matching techniques before and after the total score, which is the matching variable, is purified of the items flagged with DIF. The study is a correlational survey model research, and the participants of the study consist of 4459 Turkish, French, and American students who took booklets 1, 3, 4, and 6 in the PISA 2009 reading literacy measure. Univariate and multivariate (bivariate, trivariate, and quadrivariate) DIF analyses were performed through logistic regression before and after purifying the matching variable off the items displaying DIF. Literature was used to detect extra matching variables, and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out. As a result of the analyses, it was discovered that using extra matching variables apart from the total score reduces type I errors. It was also concluded that the exclusion of DIF items (removal of items with DIF) while calculating the total score led to variation in the number of questions detected as DIF and DIF levels of the items, although it did not yield consistent results.

This study was conducted to determine the regulatory role of excessive workload in the effect of transformational leadership behaviors of school administrators on individual innovativeness within the educational ecosystem. The data of the study were collected from teachers working in schools in Isparta city center. Within the scope of the research, the data collected with the participation of 1007 teachers using convenience sampling method were subjected to regularization analysis using bootstrap regression analysis. According to the findings, transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on individual innovativeness. Excessive workload was found to have a negative moderating role in the effect of transformational leadership on individual innovativeness. The findings were discussed in line with the literature and suggestions were made for future studies.

Aim of study: Improvement of barley cultivars for malting traits suffers from narrow genetic pool in barley for these traits. Landraces are resources that could be used for this purpose. The present study was conducted to determine the variation for malting quality traits within a Turkish barley landrace. Area of study: The study was undertaken in Tokat, a province in Black Sea Region of Turkey. Material and methods: Twenty-five diverse lines, out of 42 unique genotypes previously identified in ‘Tokak’ landrace (PI 470281) based on DNA markers, were evaluated for malting quality traits along with the malting barley cv. ‘Tokak 157/37’ in four field trials. Thousand-seed weight, test weight, grain yield, lodging, malt extract percentage, diastatic power, alpha amylase and malt beta glucanase activities, malt protein and starch contents were determined. Main results: Principal component analysis of malting quality traits revealed that thousand-seed weight, alpha amylase activity, beta glucanase activity and diastatic power were the most discriminatory traits for the lines. As the average of four trials, 15 of the 25 lines evaluated had higher grain yields and 10 of 25 lines had higher malt extract percentages than the standard cultivar ‘Tokak 157/37’. Malt extract was highest in Line 59 in all environments, and this line also had the highest values for beta glucanase activity and starch content. Line 215 had highest values for alpha amylase activity. Lines 59 and 215 clearly had superior malting quality. Research highlights: These lines could harbor novel alleles for these traits to be used in malting barley improvement.

Amaç: Bu çalışma Bell paralizisi sekeli olan hastaların akupunktur tedavisi öncesinde ve sonrasındaki klinik ve morfometrik farklılıkları değerlendirmek ve fasiyal hareketlerdeki iyileşmeyi belirlemek için yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya Bell paralizisi sekeli olan 40 hasta (20 akupunktur grubu-20 kontrol grubu) dahil edildi. Akupunktur grubu Bell paralizisi sekeli olan ve akupunktur tedavisi (12 seans) alacak olan hastalardan oluşturuldu. Kontrol grubu ise Bell paralizisi sekeli olan ve bekletilecek olan hastalardan oluşturuldu. Tüm hastaların detaylı tıbbi öyküleri alındı. Morfometrik ölçümler dinlenme ve gülümseme pozisyonlarında yüzlerin hem etkilenmiş hem de etkilenmemiş taraflarındaki belirlenmiş anatomik noktalara göre uygulandı. Çalışmanın sonunda klinik değerlendirmeler ve morfometrik ölçümler tekrarlandı ve sonuçlar istatistiksel olarak analiz edildi.Bulgular: Akupunktur grubu hastalarının baş ağrısı semptomlarında klinik değerlendirmeler açısından anlamlı farklılık gözlendi. Akupunktur grubunda, dinlenme ve gülümseme pozisyonlarında etkilenmiş tarafın tedavi öncesi ve sonrası değerlerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık vardı. Ayrıca akupunktur grubundaki hastaların yüzün etkilenmiş taraflarındaki klinik semptomlarda ve fasiyal hareketlerde önemli değişiklikler vardı.Sonuç: Akupunktur tedavisinin Bell paralizisi sekelindeki fasiyal hareketlerin değişiminde özellikle de klinik ve morfometrik açıdan önemli terapötik etkiye sahip olduğu düşünülebilir.

Osteocalcin is an osteoblast-derived protein mainly acting on bone formation. There is growing evidence that osteocalcin has an important role in glucose metabolism. It was not fully elucidated in gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of our study was to investigate osteocalcin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and its subgroups. We performed a casecontrol cross sectional study and evaluated all the demographic and anthropometric parameters of 80 pregnant women whose age and body mass indices similar, half of them having normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and the other half having gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We compared osteocalcin, calcium metabolism parameters, glucose, lipid levels, insulin resistance parameters, and investigated correlations of all parameters in NGT and GDM. We also analyzed GDM subgroups, which were classified according to age, parity, body mass index (BMI), and vitamin D levels. Osteocalcin levels were increased in patients with GDM and in older, multiparous, with low vitamin D or high body mass index GDM subgroups but these increases were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between osteocalcin and C peptide in GDM group and also in GDM subgroups with age≥30, multiparous, vitamin D≥20 ng/ml or BMI≥30 kg/m2 (r=0.424, P=0.006; r=0.460, P=0.011; r=0.408, P=0.017; r=0.520, P=0.013; r=0.603, P=0.002 respectively). We also found a negative correlation between Osteocalcin and HDL-cholesterol in GDM and in multiparous, vitamin D≥20 ng/ml or BMI [Med-Science 2019; 8(4.000): 1011-6]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Both postoperative pain control and range of motion are important in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in the literature, there is little comparison of peripheral nerve blocks and periarticular infiltration techniques using levobupivacaine. The aim of our study was to measure pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee range of motion (ROM) between in patients undergoing adductor canal block (ACB) for TKA using levobupivacaine compared to periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration (PAI-L). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective randomized clinical trial in a university hospital. METHODS: Patients aged 40-85 years who underwent unilateral TKA were included; 39 were treated withperiarticular infiltration using 40 ml (0.125 mg) of levobupivacaine (PAI-L group); and 40 were treated with ACB using 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine (ACB-L group). Postoperative pain scores at rest and during active physical therapy were assessed using a VAS, along with knee ROM in flexion and extension. In addition, 100-foot walking time results, total morphine consumption and time of first analgesia requirement were recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: VAS scores at rest and during active physical therapy and the total amount of morphine consumed were lower in the ACB-L group than in the PAI-L group (P < 0.05). In contrast, knee ROM in flexion and extension and 100-foot walking times were greater in the PAI-L group than in the ACB-L group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ACB-L was superior to PAI-L regarding pain treatment after TKA; however, PAI-L was superior to ACB-L regarding postoperative ROM and walking ability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ACTRN-12618000438257.

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the results of two different surgical aproaches for total hip arthroplasty as Trendelenburg sign, plantar pressure distribution with the help of dynamic pedobarography and clinical results by Harris Hip Score. A total of 28 patients who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty using two different types of lateral approach as conventional lateral Hardinge approach and intermuscular Hardinge approach described by Pai were included in this study. Plantar pressures have maesured by EMED-SF pedobarography device and analysed by the help of a commercial software; that seperates the foot to the four different parts which are called masks. Trendelenburgs sign has been estimated as grade 1 and grade 2 by the method which was described by Hardcastle and Nade. Clinical outcome was measured by comparing Harris Hip Scores pre-operatively and postoperatively at last clinic visit. In both groups after the two years from the surgery; total contact time has increased at the operation side when the results were compared before the surgery at the same side and at the other side after the surgery. Also when we looked at the first and second masks which show the significant part of the stance phase; contact areas have similarly increased and the changes at the peak pressures were similar as contact areas. In both groups Harris Hip score was increased significantly after the operation. This is the first study to compare two different lateral approaches by pedobarographic analysis, clinical evaluation and functional scoring. The fuctional and clinical early results are similar in both lateral hip approaches for total hip arthroplasty when superior gluteal nerve protection, conjuant tendon repair and postoperative rehabilitation have done well. [Med-Science 2019; 8(1.000): 1-6]

Agricultural accidents are important for Turkey as more than 20 million people are involved in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate orthopaedic lower limp injuries related to hoeing machine from a trauma centre localized in Middle Anatolia Region. 15 patients who hospitalized for hoeing machine were included to study due to lower limp injuries between April 2012 and May 2017. All the medical records were scanned retrospectively to evaluate the demographic, epidemiologic characteristics of patients, cause of accidents, type of injury, duration of hospital stay and also hospital costs were evaluated retrospectively . According to database, fifteen patients were hospitalised for lower limp injuries (14 were male, 1 female). The mean age was 45.2 (19-64) years old. The most frequent injury was tibia fracture (64 %). The mean hospital stay time was 14 days (between 1and 53). The mean cost was 11.140,16 (500 and 27.115,08) Turkish Liras. The rate of knee dislocation was 26 %. Most prevalent injury was tibia fracture. Simple precautions can be effective for preventing this kind of injuries. Meticulous examination is important as the rate of knee dislocation is high in these types of traumas. [Med-Science 2019; 8(1.000): 7-10]

Fifteen Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC accessions were collected and evaluated for their genetic diversity and molecular characteristics using 10 previously developed and used codominant SSR markers. The SSR loci used revealed a total of 51 alleles. The domestic kale varieties were collected locally and the hybrids kales were found in markets. The averages of total heterozygosity (H) and polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.6774 and 0.6201, respectively. The average number of alleles was 4.2 per locus, where 8 of 10 markers showed high polymorphic information content (PIC), being more than 0.5. The genetic relationships among the populations revealed by Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA), showed a clear clustering into three distinct groups. As expected, all local varieties were separated within two separated clusters, whereas only two domestic varieties shared one cluster with the group of hybrids, indicating similar genetic background shared by domestic and hybrid varieties. These results indicate and confirm the regional and physiological differences between the kale varieties and confirm the SSR marker efficiency for genetic characterization assays

Background: Metal-nicotianamine transporter (YSL) family protein belongs to the oligopeptide heavy metal transporter group, as characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. Oligopeptide transporters (OPTs) are a group of membrane-localized proteins, involved in different transport mechanisms, contributing to nitrogen mobilization, glutathione transport and long-distance metal distribution. Metal-nicotianamine transporter gene 3 (YSL3) incorporates the oligopeptide transporter domain, found to transfer several heavy metals in diverse plant species, and among them cadmium transport in Brassica oleracea. Objective: To evaluate and confirm the expression of Metal-nicotianamine transporter (YSL3) under cadmium stress. Studied species: Brassica oleracea var. acephala Study site and dates: Brassica oleracea var. acephala samples were collected from Blagaj region, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: Through a simple bioinformatic approach the interactome partner of Metal-nicotianamine transporter (YSL3) was discovered and annotated. Oligopeptide transporter 3 (OPT3) and Metal-nicotianamine transporter (YSL3) genes were checked for expression levels under cadmium stress. Results: We have identified a strong interacting partner of YSL3, later confirmed as Oligopeptide transporter 3 (OPT3) protein in Brassica oleracea. The in vitro expression analysis by using a qRT-PCR revealed a significant upregulation of YSL3 and OPT3, during Cd stress. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the represented in-silico approach, followed by in vitro gene expression study, successfully confirmed YSL3 and identified OPT3 as a new gene, in correlation to cadmium stress.

Objective:Pregabalin and ketamine are popular analgesic adjuvants for improving perioperative pain management. We designated this double-blind, placebo controlled study to test and compare the preventive effects of pregabalin and ketamine on postoperative pain management after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:Seventy five patients (18 to 65 years of age) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to one of the following 3 groups: control group (group C) received oral placebo capsule 1 h before surgery and bolus plus intravenous (iv) infusion of saline during surgery; ketamine group (group K) received oral placebo capsule 1 h before surgery and 0.3 mg kg-1 iv bolus plus 0.05 mg kg-1 h-1 iv infusion of ketamine during the surgery; pregabalin group (group P) received oral pregabalin 150 mg 1 h before surgery and bolus plus iv infusion of saline during surgery. The anesthetic technique was standardized, total tramadol consumption, visual analog scale (VAS), incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), sedation score and complications related to the drugs used in the study were assessed in the postoperative 24 h period.Results:Postoperative total tramadol consumption were significantly lower in the pregabalin and ketamine group compared to the group C (p=0.001). Tramadol requirement was similar between pregabalin and ketamine groups. At 30 min postoperatively, VAS values were lower in the pregabalin and ketamine groups compared with group C (p=0.001). There was no difference between the three groups in the need for supplemental analgesia, incidence of PONV and sedation score >2.Discussion:Pregabalin and ketamine improved postoperative pain control and decreased analgesic consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a good safety profile without any changes in sedation level or PONV.

Background: Osteoporosis is a widespread metabolic bone disease representing a global public health problem currently affecting more than two hundred million people worldwide. The World Health Organization states that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the best densitometric technique for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). DXA provides an accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis, a good estimation of fracture risk, and is a useful tool for monitoring patients undergoing treatment. Common mistakes in BMD testing can be divided into four principal categories: 1) indication errors, 2) lack of quality control and calibration, 3) analysis and interpretation errors, and 4) inappropriate acquisition techniques. The aim of this retrospective multicenter descriptive study is to identify the common errors in the application of the DXA technique in Turkey. Methods: All DXA scans performed during the observation period were included in the study if the measurements of both, the lumbar spine and proximal femur were recorded. Forearm measurement, total body measurements, and measurements performed on children were excluded. Each examination was surveyed by 30 consultants from 20 different centers each informed and trained in the principles of and the standards for DXA scanning before the study. Results: A total of 3,212 DXA scan results from 20 different centers in 15 different Turkish cities were collected. The percentage of the discovered erroneous measurements varied from 10.5% to 65.5% in the lumbar spine and from 21.3% to 74.2% in the proximal femur. The overall error rate was found to be 31.8% (n = 1021) for the lumbar spine and 49.0% (n = 1576) for the proximal femur. Conclusion: In Turkey, DXA measurements of BMD have been in use for over 20 years, and examination processes continue to improve. There is no educational standard for operator training, and a lack of knowledge can lead to significant errors in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.

Objectives: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels significantly increased and may be used as a diagnostic marker in ovarian torsion. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there was any correlation between IMA levels and histopathologic changes in experimental ovarian torsion. Material and methods: Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats, each weighing 220–250 g were divided randomly into 2 groups; in Group 1, the control group (n = 7), only laparotomy was performed and in Group 2, the experimental group (n = 7), ovarian torsion was performed. Ischemia was performed for 3 h; following the ischemia period, the torsion was relieved by detwisting the adnexa and then the ovarian I/R protocol was applied for 3 h. Blood samples were taken from all of the rats to measure the IMA levels and the ovaries were surgically removed for histologic examination. A blinded pathologist examined and scored the samples. Results: The median (minimum–maximum) IMA values were 921.00 (870.00–966.00) ABSUs in the ovarian torsion group and 853.00 (782.00–869.00) ABSUs in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. In the correlation analysis, a significant and strong correlation was found between IMA levels and histopathologic changes (Spearman's rho = +0.987, p

The solvation free energy (SFE) is a key property in the thermodynamics of chemical processes. It can be evaluated using molecular simulations with good statistical accuracy. However, force field predictions exhibit systematic errors due to uncertainties in the parametrization. Here we evaluate how the uncertainty in physicochemical data underlying force fields propagates to SFE predictions. We find that the data contribution to the uncertainty in SFE is up to 25 times larger than the statistical uncertainty. The total uncertainty in the SFE in water is higher than in cyclohexane.

The purpose was to evaluate reliability of measurements during drop jump (DJ) and magnitude of differences in vertical jump height (VJH) when calculated using two variables: time-in-the-air and center-of-mass velocity. Thirty-seven handball players performed three single-leg and double-leg DJs on a portable force plate during two sessions. Sixteen outcome measures and four sets of reliability metrics, including intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), were estimated. All outcome measures, except vertical time-to-stabilization, yielded high (0.70-0.89) to very high (0.90-0.96) interday and intraday ICCs for the single-leg and double-leg DJ tests. These results indicated that the single-leg and double-leg DJ tests can be considered reliable for short-term and long-term monitoring of collegiate handball players of both sexes. In addition, the single-leg DJ VJH calculated using these two variables differed in magnitude (mean difference in test measurements: 0.64 cm, p < 0.001, effect size: 0.165). Therefore, we recommend using the same method to calculate single-leg VJH for long-term monitoring.

In this paper, the MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow over a nonlinear porous stretching sheet is investigated by employing the Homotopy Perturbation Transform Method (HPTM) and the Pade´ approximation. The numerical solution of the governing non-linear problem is developed. Comparison of the present solution is made with the existing solution and excellent agreement is noted. Graphical results have been presented and discussed for the pertinent parameters. The results attained in this paper confirm the idea that HPTM is powerful mathematical tool and it can be applied to a large class of linear and nonlinear problems arising in different fields of science and engineering.

FUNDAMENTO: A Doença Arterial Coronariana (DAC) é a aterosclerose das artérias coronárias que transportam o sangue para o coração. A aterosclerose é uma doença inflamatória. As variações gênicas das citocinas - como as associadas à família IL1 - fazem parte da patogênese da aterosclerose. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relação entre os polimorfismos da família IL1 (VNTR do IL1RN, posições -511 e +3953 do IL1B) e a DAC na população turca. MÉTODOS: Um total de 427 indivíduos foram submetidos à angiografia coronariana e em seguida divididos da seguinte forma: 170 no grupo controle e 257 no grupo de pacientes com DAC. Os sujeitos com DAC foram divididos em dois subgrupos: 91 no grupo de Doença Coronariana em um único vaso (Single Vessel Disease - SVD) e 166 no grupo Doença Coronariana em múltiplos vasos (Multiple Vessel Disease - MVD). Os genótipos de IL1RN e IL1B (-511, +3953) foram determinados por reação em cadeia da polimerase (RCP), seguida de análise da digestão por enzima de restrição. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significantes nas distribuições de genótipos de IL1RN e IL1B (-511 e +3953) entre os sujeitos com DAC e os controles, ou entre sujeitos com MVD e controles. No entanto, observou-se uma relação significante no genótipo IL1RN 2/2 entre sujeitos portadores de SVD e controles (P= 0,016, x2: 10,289, OR: 2,94IC 95% 1,183 - 7,229). Tampouco foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante nas freqüências dos alelos de IL1RN e IL1B (-511 e +3953) entre os sujeitos com DAC e controles, os sujeitos com MVD e controles, ou ainda os sujeitos SVD e controles. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada nenhuma relação na freqüência alélica e nem na distribuição genotípica dos polimorfismos de IL1RN e IL1B entre sujeitos com DAC e grupos controle. No entanto, o genótipo IL1RN 2/2 pode representar um fator de risco para sujeitos com SVD na população turca.BACKGROUND: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the atherosclerosis of coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. Cytokine gene variations such as those associated with the IL1 family are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between IL1 family polymorphisms (IL1RN VNTR, IL1B positions -511 and +3953) and CAD in Turkish population. METHODS: 427 individuals were submitted to coronary angiography and were grouped as 170 control subjects and 257 CAD patients. The CAD subjects were divided into two subgroups: 91 Single Vessel Disease (SVD) and 166 Multiple Vessel Disease (MVD) subjects. The genotypes of IL1RN and of IL1B (-511, +3953) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction digestion analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in IL1RN and IL1B (-511 and +3953) genotype distributions between CAD and control subjects or MVD and control subjects. However, significant association was seen in IL1RN 2/2 genotype between SVD and control subjects (P= 0.016, x2: 10.289, OR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.183-7.229). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found in IL1RN and IL1B (-511 and +3953) allele frequencies between CAD and control subjects, MVD and control subjects or SVD and control subjects. CONCLUSION: No association was found in either allele frequency or genotype distribution of IL1RN and IL1B polymorphisms between CAD and the control groups. However; IL1RN 2/2 genotype may be a risk factor for SVD in the Turkish population.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic disease primarily characterized by the inflammation of sacroiliac joints and axial skeleton. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystem genetic disease which is characterized by cutaneous findings, most importantly café-au-lait spots and axillary freckling, by skeletal dysplasia, and by the growth of both benign and malignant nervous system neoplasms, most notably benign neurofibromas. In this case report, we present a 43-year-old male with AS and NF1.

This paper applies the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) to obtain analytical solutions of fractional reaction-diffusion equations with ecological parameters, which arise very frequently in mechanical engineering, control theory, solid mechanics and applied sciences. Numerical results reveal the complete compatibility of proposed algorithm for such problems. Some examples are presented to show the efficiency and simplicity of the method. doi:10.14456/WJST.2014.37

In this paper, we apply Homotopy Perturbation Transformation Method (HPM) using the Laplace transformation to tackle time-fractional systems of Partial Differential equations. The proposed technique is fully compatible with the complexity of these problems and obtained results are highly encouraging. Numerical results coupled with graphical representations explicitly reveal the complete reliability and efficiency of the suggested algorithm.

In this paper, we apply Modified Homotopy Analysis Method (MHAM) to find appropriate solutions to Zakharov-Kuznetsov equations, which are of utmost importance in applied and engineering sciences. The proposed modification is an elegant coupling of the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) and Taylor’s series. Numerical results, coupled with graphical representation, explicitly reveal the complete reliability of the proposed algorithm.

The Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) is applied to tackle time-fractional Schrödinger equations. The proposed technique is fully compatible with the complexity of these problems and obtained results are highly encouraging. Numerical results coupled with graphical representations explicitly reveal the complete reliability and efficiency of the suggested algorithm.

In this present work, the simplest equation method is used to construct exact solutions of the DS-I and DS-II equations. The simplest equation method is a powerful solution method for obtaining exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. This method can be applied to nonintegrable equations as well as to integrable ones.

In this paper, the Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) is applied to find exact solutions of time-fractional Schrödinger equations. Numerical results coupled with graphical representations explicitly reveal the complete reliability and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

The first integral method is an efficient method for obtaining exact solutions of some nonlinear partial differential equations. In this paper, the first integral method is used to construct exact solutions of the perturbed nonlinear Schrodinger’s equation (NLSE) with Kerr law nonlinearity. It is shown that the proposed method is effective and general.

This paper outlines a detailed study of the coupling of He's polynomials with correction functional of variational iteration method (VIM) for solving various initial and boundary value problems. The elegant coupling gives rise to the modified versions of VIM which is very efficient in solving nonlinear problems of diversified nature. It is observed that the variational iteration method using He's polynomials (VIMHP) is very efficient, easier to implements, and more user friendly. Several examples are given to reconfirm the efficiency of the proposed VIMHP.

Abstract Background Fixation of trochanteric fractures with an intramedullary nail in a non-physiological position can cause poor functional outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of intraoperative patient position on rotational alignment in intramedullary nail fixation of trochanteric fractures. Methods The femoral rotational alignment of 84 trochanteric fracture patients who underwent intramedullary nailing was measured by computed tomography (CT) images. Patients were divided into two groups: the supine position on the fracture table (FT) (Group 1, n = 42) and the lateral decubitus (LD) position (Group 2, n = 42). Femoral malrotation angles were measured and divided into three subgroups: insignificant, significant, and excessive. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images, preparation time, surgery time, and anesthesia time in both groups were compared. Results The malrotation degrees of patients in Group 1 ranged from 17° external rotation (ER) to 57° internal rotation (IR), with a mean of 10° IR. Of the patients in Group 1, 27 were insignificant, 5 were significant, and 10 were in the excessive subgroup. The malrotation degrees of patients in Group 2 ranged from 33° ER to 47° IR, with a mean of 11° IR. Of the patients in Group 2, 21 were insignificant, 12 were significant, and 9 were in the excessive subgroup. There was no statistically significant relationship between patient position and malrotation angle. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images, preparation time, and anesthesia time were statistically lower in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of surgery time. Conclusion Intramedullary nailing in the LD position is a reliable and practical surgical method in the treatment of femoral trochanteric fractures since there is no need for the use of a FT, the surgeon is exposed to less radiation, there is no risk of complications related to the traction of the FT, and there is a shorter operation time.

Abstract Purpose The treatments for hallux rigidus (HR) encompass a wide spectrum, including conservative methods and surgical approaches such as arthroplasty and arthrodesis. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of revision with arthrodesis following the failure of the first metatarsophalangeal joint total arthroplasty (MTPJ1TA). Materials and methods Patients who had surgery at two advanced orthopedic centers between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2024, were reviewed. Those with at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up were assessed for demographics (gender, age, side), reoperation rates, complications, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal and Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS-HMI) scores. Radiological evaluations included hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), dorsiflexion angle (DFA), and first ray length (FRL) in anteroposterior and lateral views. Results Of 27 patients, 4 were male (15%) and 23 female (85%), with an average age of 56.18 ± 7.49 years (range 41–72). Arthrodesis was performed in 26 patients, with one requiring reoperation due to implant failure. Average VAS scores were 7.14 preoperatively and 3.55 postoperatively (p