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Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) is a microorganism that was first identified in horses. Afterward, it was found to cause opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed patients. It causes especially pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients while it rarely causes diseases such as septic arthritis and soft tissue infections. It is important to question epidemiological risk factors for the diagnosis of the disease. Also, the clinician-microbiologist relationship is important in the laboratory diagnosis of the microorganism because it is possible to be missed as part of normal flora or contaminant or to be confused with microorganisms with similar phenotypic features (Nocardia species or rapidly growing mycobacteria). Rarely, it has been reported in immunocompetent patients, as in our case. MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Cochrane searches were performed using the keywords Rhodococcus equi and Corynebacterium equi from 1945 to July 2021. A total of 582 articles were determined. Articles containing these keywords were then scanned for the words “humans”, “soft tissue infections”, and “cellulite” and a total of 42 articles were listed in the end. A total of 14 case reports of soft tissue infection/cellulitis in immunocompetent patients related to R. equi were detected in the literature. In our case, there was a soft tissue infection and R. equi was detected in the abscess culture. Obtaining culture and determining the factor is very important in the treatment of infections. In this report, soft tissue infections caused by R. equi in immunocompetent patients are reviewed.

Introduction: The Paenibacillus genus consists of saprophytic organisms that are commonly associated with soil, water, plants, feces, and diseased insect larvae. Human infection is rare. This disease typically occurs in immunocompromised hosts, adults with a history of intravenous drug use, and hosts with prosthetic medical devices. There are a limited number of case reports describing Paenibacillus infections in neonates. This is the second published instance of pediatric meningoencephalitis caused by Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus in a preterm infant with intrauterine drug exposure. Case Report: A 37-day-old male infant with a history of prematurity of 33 weeks completed gestation presented to the Emergency Department for acute onset poor feeding, poor color, and unresponsiveness at home. Examination revealed cyanosis, apnea, and hypotonia. Vital signs were significant for hypotension and hypothermia. Initial labs revealed a metabolic acidosis, elevated C-reactive protein, normal complete white blood cell count, and a negative viral respiratory pathogen panel. Aerobic blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture were positive for P. thiaminolyticus within 24 hours. Cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes concerning for liquefactive meningoencephalitis. The infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and ultimately discharged home on a “do not resuscitate/do not intubate” status and later died at 11 months of age. Conclusion: Paenibacillus species are common environmental organisms but can cause devastating disease in neonates. This is the second reported case of a preterm infant with P. thiaminolyticus infection and inutero drug exposure (IUDE), supporting that prematurity and IUDE may be risk factors for severe disease.

Objectives: Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone released from intestinal L-cells following nutrient consumption. It potentiates secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells thus GLP-1 analogues are used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus( T2DM). This study aims to evaluate impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on erectile function of diabetic rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30, 13-weeks old, 240-335 gr) were fed with fatty diet for 2-weeks and divided into 3 groups (n = 10 each). The rats in the first group served as controls (Group C) whereas the rats in the remaining two groups were injected with streptozocin and became T2DM for forming diabetic group (Group D) and treatment group (Group DT). Rats in group D received citrate buffer injections whereas rats in the group DT received liraglutide injections (0.3 mg/kg/12h) subcutaneously. Erectile functions of all rats were evaluated with intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurements. Moreover, plasma sex hormone levels (Testosterone, FSH, LH) were measured and histological assessment of midpenile tissue were performed (Collagen-Type-IV, rat epithelial antigen-1, nNOS). Results: Maximum ICP/MAP ratios were 0.790 ± 0.164, 0.263 ± 0.139 and 0.652 ± 0.131 in Group C, Group D and Group DT. Although mean ICP/MAP ratios were similar in Group C and Group DT (p = 0.076), mean ICP/MAP ratio was significantly lower in Group D (p < 0.001). Testosterone and FSH results were significantly lower in the Group D as well (p = 0.001). Histological analyses revealed that nNOS (p < 0.001), rat epithelial antigen-1 (p = 0.016) and muscle/collagen ratio (p = 0.015) were also lower in Group D, compared with the other groups. Conclusions: GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide demonstrated protective effects on the erectile tissues of the diabetic rats. Clinical trials are required to confirm if liraglutide treatment has similar beneficial effects on men who have T2DM.

Herein, the authors present a new defect formation mechanism related to the laser wavelength. Short pulse width lasers only modify the surface layer, resulting in core-shell defective TiO2. Unlike long pulse lasers, the bulk of particles remains unchanged.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the biggest complications in open and endovascular aortic repairs. Historically, cerebrospinal fluid drains (CSFD) have been one of the most effective modalities in reducing SCI and one of the most studied. CSFD placement also carries its' own set of procedural risks. This editorial intends to evaluate recent literature to determine whether CSFDs remain a valuable tool in aortic repair.As the surgical management of thoracic aortic aneurysms has evolved, there has been an increasing number of endovascular repairs. Current recommendations emphasize prophylactic CSFD placement in endovascular repair cases deemed 'high risk.' However, several meta-analyses differ on whether prophylactic CSFD placement reduced the risk of SCI. The incidence of SCI decreased between 2014 and 2018, despite a similar rate of prophylactic CSFD placement suggesting other techniques are being performed and may be effective in spinal cord protection as well.There has been conflicting data on whether CSFDs have a role in reducing the risk of SCI in endovascular aortic repair. Some studies suggest that there is no benefit to placement while others suggest that routine prophylactic drains should be placed for all endovascular cases. Despite this, efforts have been made to selectively place CSFDs in those patients deemed at 'high risk' for SCI. CSFDs also remain a part of rescue treatment for postoperative SCI. This suggests that CSFDs continue to be a valuable tool that we need to better comprehend. Future research is necessary to better understand how patient risk factors can be balanced with perioperative management to help identify patients who may benefit from CSFD placement.

Computed tomography of the abdomen (CT) is used as the gold standard for detecting solid organ injuries (SOI) after blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). However, patient selection for CT is still controversial due to its potential risks. In this study, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of laboratory tests in the detection or exclusion of SOI in pediatric patients evaluated in the emergency department due to BAT.The study was planned as a prospective, observational study and was conducted in the emergency department of a university hospital between February 2018 and February 2019. Patients under the age of 18 who were evaluated for BAT in the emergency department were included in the study. In the study, the diagnostic value of abnormal laboratory tests in detecting SOI was calculated by accepting CT results as the gold standard.Of the 323 patients included in the study, 118 (36%) were male. There were 283 patients who underwent CT. SOI was detected in 18 (6%) patients. Abnormal alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase and lipase tests were found to be statistically significant in predicting SOI (p0.05). However, none of the tests were found to have sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, lactate and base excess values were not found to be statistically significant in predicting SOI (p0.005).The hematologic laboratory tests are insufficient to rule out solid organ injury in pediatric patient with BAT.

Among the many recently developed photo-catalytic materials, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows great promise as a catalytic material for water split-ting, hydrogen generation, and related catalytic applications. Herein, synthesized bulk g-C3N4 is simply irradiated under a 35 fs pulse at mixed photon energies (800 nm and its second harmonic). g-C3N4 was synthesized from melamine following a facile thermal polymerization procedure. The prepared material was introduced, in an aqueous environment, to the femtosecond laser for various lengths of time. The treated material demonstrates a significant increase in surface area, relative to the untreated samples, indicating that irradiation is a successful method for exfoliation. The subsequent characterization reveals that the mixed irradiation process drives significant defect generation and sheet growth, which is not seen under 800 nm irradiation. Extended mixed irradiation results in 4 nm thick nanosheets with lateral dimensions 4x that of the bulk material. The treated material shows improved dye absorption/removal. This novel method of defect generation and nanosheet growth shows great potential as a g-C3N4 pre-treatment method for co-catalytic applications.

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have a severe course in high-risk patients and people living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PLWH)) are also in this risk group. The aim of the study was to compare the history of COVID-19, vaccination status, vaccine doses, and vaccine preferences of PLWH with the normal population. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional survey study. The PLWH were study group and patients without chronic disease were selected as a control group. Results: A total of 326 patients, 163 HIV positive and 163 without chronic disease, were included in the study. Of the patients, 142 (88.1%) were male, and the mean age was 46.69 ± 13.72 years. The number of patients who were not vaccinated was 36 (11.1%). When unvaccinated PLWH were evaluated, it was observed that women were less vaccinated than male patients (p=0.01). In PLWH, 145 (89.0%) of patients were vaccinated with single dose, 129 (79.1%) of patients with double dose, and 123 (75.5%) of patients with full dose; in the control group, 145 (89.0%) of patients with single dose, 131 (80.9%) of patients with double dose and 126 (77.3%) of patients with full dose were vaccinated. There was no difference between the groups in the preference of inactivated and mRNA vaccines (p=1.0). Before vaccination, 42 (12.9%) patients were infected. Twenty (12.3%) of these patients were in PLWH group, while 22 (13.5%) patients were in the control group. There were 28 (9.8%) patients who had COVID-19 during or after vaccination, and 10 (6.9%) of them were in PLWH group; 18 (12.4%) of them were in the control group. Conclusion: In our study, no difference was found in the vaccination status, vaccine preference, vaccination doses and COVID-19 history between two groups.

Introduction: Candidemia causes high mortality and is occuring at increasing rate in intensive care units (ICUs). (1,3)- β-D-glucan (BDG) testing is recommended in neutropenic patients. However the usefulness of BDG in ICUs is unclear. Methodology: This study was conducted to compare the diagnostic value of Candida score (CS), colonization index (CI), serum BDG detection, and routine laboratory parameters in ICU patients. Characteristics and laboratory data of 83 patients (15 patients with candidemia and 68 patients without candidemia) were evaluated. Results: Median serum BDG was significantly higher in the candidemia group (129 pg/mL vs. 36 pg/mL, p < 0.001). BDG assay with standard cut-off value ≥ of 80 pg/mL had 93.33% sensitivity and 64.18% specificity (Areas under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.788). This study concluded that the optimal cut-off value for BDG assay was 112 pg/mL with sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 82.09% (AUC: 0.844). C-reactive protein (CRP) with optimal cut-off value ≥ 85 mg/L and BDG ≥ 80 pg/mL had the highest AUC (0.862, 95% CI: 0.768 - 0.928) with sensitivity 93.33% and specificity 79.1%. Conclusions: Predicting candidemia is essential in critically ill patients who are at high risk and have high mortality rates. The results of this study suggest that BDG testing is useful for predicting candidemia in ICU. However, BDG combined with CRP may be a stronger predictor for candidemia.

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major health problem with a high rate of spread. We aimed to investigate herein the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on depression and sexual dysfunction in patients with epilepsy.One hundred and sixteen epilepsy patients admitted to our hospital from October-November 2019 were evaluated for sexual functions and depression using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and Beck Depression Scale, respectively. These scales were re-applied in June 2020 and July 2020 to assess the impact of the outbreak on sexual function and depression in the same group of patients. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded and analyzed in SPSS.During the pandemic period, the total Beck Depression Scale values increased significantly in the patients with epilepsy compared to the pre-pandemic period (The COVID-19 outbreak caused an increase in the tendency to depression in epilepsy patients and has also had a negative effect on sexual function. During public health outbreaks, clinicians should focus not only on seizure control in patients with epilepsy but also on their mental health.La nouvelle maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) est un problème de santé majeur avec un taux de propagation élevé. Nous visons à étudier ici les effets de l’épidémie de COVID-19 sur la dépression et la dysfonction sexuelle chez les patients atteints d’épilepsie.Cent seize patients atteints d’épilepsie admis dans notre hôpital d’octobre à novembre 2019 ont été évalués pour les fonctions sexuelles et la dépression en utilisant respectivement l’échelle des expériences sexuelles de l’Arizona (ASEX) et l’échelle de dépression de Beck. Ces échelles ont été réappliquées en juin 2020 et juillet 2020 pour évaluer l’impact de l’épidémie sur la fonction sexuelle et la dépression dans le même groupe de patients. Les caractéristiques démographiques et cliniques des patients ont été enregistrées et analysées dans SPSS.Pendant la période pandémique, les valeurs totales de l’échelle de dépression de Beck ont augmenté de manière significative chez les patients atteints d’épilepsie par rapport à la période pré-pandémique (L’épidémie de COVID-19 a provoqué une augmentation de la tendance à la dépression chez les patients épileptiques et a également eu un effet négatif sur la fonction sexuelle. Pendant les flambées de santé publique, les cliniciens devraient se concentrer non seulement sur le contrôle des crises chez les patients atteints d’épilepsie, mais aussi sur leur santé mentale.

Background:Chemosensor compounds are useful for sensitive selective detection of cations and anions with fluorophore groups in an attempt to develop the effective selectivity of the sensors. Although familiar fluorescent sensors utilizing inter-molecular interactions with the cations and anions, an extraordinary endeavor was executed the preparation of fluorescent-based sensor compounds. 4,4-difluoro-4- bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (Bodipy) and its derivatives were firstly used as an agent in the imaging of biomolecules due to their interesting structures, complexation, and fluorogenic properties. Among the fluorescent chemosensors used for cations and anions, Bodipy-based probes stand out owing to the excellent properties such as sharp emission profile, high stability, etc. In this review, we emphasize the Bodipy-based chemosensor compounds, which have been used to image cations and anions in living cells, because of as well as the biocompatibility and spectroscopic properties.Methods:Research and online content related to chemosensor online activity is reviewed. The advances, sensing mechanisms and design strategies of the fluorophore exploiting selective detection of some cation and anions with Bodipy-based chemosensors are explained. It could be claimed that the using of Bodipy-based chemosensors is very important for cations and anions in bio-imaging applications.Results:Molecular sensors or chemosensors are molecules that show a change can be detected when affected by the analyte. They are capable of producing a measurable signal when they are selective for a particular molecule. Molecular and ion recognition that it is important in biological systems such as enzymes, genes, environment, and chemical fields. Due to the toxic properties of many heavy metal ions, it is of great importance to identify these metals due to their harmful effects on living metabolism and the pollution they create in the environment. This process can be performed with analytical methods based on atomic absorption and emission. The fluorescence methods among chemosensor systems have many advantages such as sensitivity, selectivity, low price, simplicity of using the instrument and direct determination in solutions. The fluorescence studies can be applied at nanomolar concentrations.Conclusion:During a few decades, a lot of Bodipy-based chemosensors for the detection of cations & anions have been investigated in bio-imaging applications. For the Bodipy-based fluorescent chemosensors, the Bodipy derivatives were prepared by different ligand groups for the illumination of the photophysical and photochemical properties. The synthesized Bodipy-based chemosensors have remarkable photophysical properties, such as a high quantum yield, strong molar absorption coefficient etc. Moreover, these chemosensors were successfully implemented on living organisms for the detection of analytes.

Background There is a knowledge gap about the characteristics of neutralizing antibody (NAb) response in patients who recovered COVID-19. In this study, it is aimed to elucidate the factors affecting the presence and titers of antibodies up to 30-days after onset. Material and methods A total of 129 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively. SARS-CoV-2 specific NAb, IgM, and IgG antibody responses were analyzed. Results SARS-CoV-2 specific NAb, IgM and IgG, were detected at the time of hospital discharge in 60.5%, 30.2%, and 51.9% of the patients, respectively. The median time for obtaining serum samples for antibody tests after symptoms’ onset was 11 days. The median titer of neutralizing antibody (SN50) was significantly higher in severe patients (25 vs. 7.5, p=0.009). Of the 23 severe patients, 52.2% (n=12) had higher NAb titers (i.e., SN50≥1:25) when compared to that in non-severe patients (OR=2.89; 95%CI=1.15–7.28, p=0.021), yet, the potential effect of follow-up time on NAb status and titers could not be ruled out. Conclusions The presence of antibody response is not the only determinative factor for recovery. The presence and higher titers of NAb were detected more in severe patients than their non-severe counterparts. Survival analysis suggested that this difference could at least be partially explained by the length of follow-up through antibody testing (at discharge) after symptoms’ onset.

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of different lateral depths and irrigation treatments on the bioethanol yield and yield components of the sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in the subsurface drip irrigation method. The experiment was carried out in three replications in a randomized block trial design in 2020 and 2021 in Antalya, Turkey. In irrigation treatments, three different irrigation water levels in which 100%, 66% and 33% of the amount were applied as irrigation water (I1, I2, I3, respectively), when the cumulative reference crop evapotranspiration reached 25±5 mm and lateral depth combinations in which the laterals were placed at two different depths, 25 cm and 50 cm (D1 and D2, respectively) were used. At the end of both years, a statistical difference (p1 treatments at different irrigation levels varied between 440-2962 L ha-1 and 105.1-473.0 mm, respectively, while it varied between 440-3222 L ha-1 and 105.1-473.0 mm in D2 treatments, respectively. The highest bioethanol yield in the first year was obtained from D1I1, D2I2, D2I1 treatments, while in the second year, from D2I1 was obtained. Considering the I1 treatments, more evapotranspiration was realized in the D1 despite the same amount of irrigation water applied in both years. In addition, when the applications that were irrigated at the same amount at 25 and 50 cm lateral depths in both years were compared, it was determined that water productivity (WP) and irrigation water efficiency (IWP) values obtained at 50 cm lateral depth were higher, except for I3. In this study, it was determined that a lateral depth of 50 cm was more suitable for maximum bioethanol yield, especially in warmer climatic conditions. At the same time, I1 and I2 irrigation levels have been suggested, depending on climatic conditions.

This study aims to investigate the relative operational efficiency of major Turkish container ports based on the Data Envelopment Analysis - Supply Chain Operations Reference (DEA-SCOR) model. While Turkish export and import figures are growing, the scientifical studies on operational efficiency of Turkish ports are gaining more attention day by day. Of course, one of the important import countries is China for Türkiye and BRI (One Belt and One Road Initiative) tends to support Turkish trade between western and eastern countries. Therefore, Turkish ports’ efficiencies should be identified and suggestions have been presented for further development. The sampling frame was chosen from the members of TURKLIM and therefore, the SCOR and Data Envelopment Methodology examined 23 seaports. Both methodologies are generally used for analyzing the operational efficiency of ship inward-outward and stackings. The findings of the study show that four major ports are the most efficient gateways to handle inward and outward container traffic with their input variables. However, there are some challenges in port investment for BRI. This study should be used for the further analysis in the sector reports and scientific papers.

This review will summarize the existing literature regarding the epidemiology of respiratory viral infections in the African pediatric population to create foundational knowledge that will assist with future research investigations.

Purpose of review: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an efficious therapeutic option which is widely used all over the world in drug-resistant epilepsy cases. Being a surgical procedure, some complications may develop with VNS implantation. Although VNS-related pain symptoms have been reported, VNS-related trigeminal neuralgia is an unexpected and rather rare side effect. This report is to present a case of trigeminal pain as an adverse effect of VNS. Recent findings: A patient with drug-resistant epilepsy under VNS treatment developed pain synchronously with stimulation in his left upper and lower jaw and teeth. The pain occurred on the day of stimulation current intensity (SCI) increase. The sudden disappearance of the pain with decreasing the SCI suggested that trigeminal pain was related to VNS. Summary: Since it is a rare side effect, trigeminal pain may not be regarded as a VNS-related side effect and moreover, it may lead to unnecessary examinations. Being a rapid reversible side effect, recognizing it and reducing the SCI is crucial. VNS stimulation paradigms on nociception are still largely unknown, and it will be an important step to elucidate the important impact of VNS in pain modulation.

What is the central question of this study? We evaluated the effects of diabetes and exercise on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. By providing a comprehensive analysis of redox status, blood gases and histological parameters, we aimed to contribute to the ongoing debate in the literature. What are the main findings and its importance? We demonstrated the preventive effect of exercise, but diabetes did not alter the severity of acute lung injury.Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening respiratory condition. Diabetes (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia. There is an ongoing debate concerning whether there is a protective effect of diabetes in ALI. Exercise is a special type of physical activity that has numerous beneficial effects. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of diabetes and exercise on the prognosis of ALI. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups (sedentary and exercise). Both groups were divided into four subgroups: Control, ALI, DM, DM+ALI (n = 6 each). Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg i.p.). The maximal exercise capacity was determined with the incremental load test. Animals were exercised on a treadmill for 45 min at 70% of maximal exercise capacity, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Acute lung injury was induced by intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (100 μg/100 g body weight) 24 h before the end of the experiment. We performed arterial blood gas analysis. Redox status was measured in both plasma and lung tissue. Malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were measured in lung tissue. Lung tissue was evaluated histologically. Acute lung injury caused significant damage in the lung tissue, which was verified histologically, with an increase in oxidative stress parameters. Exercise prevented the lung damage induced by ALI and reduced oxidative stress in the lung tissue. Diabetes did not alter the magnitude of damage done by ALI. Exercise showed a protective effect against DM and ALI in rats. The effect of DM was insignificant for the prognosis of ALI.

Robotik cerrahide yeni ürün geliştirme ve araştırmalar hızla ilerlemektedir. Robotik cerrahi üroloji gibi alanlarda kullanılmaktadır. Dokular cerrahinin hedef ortamıdır ve biyomekanik özellikleri hem ameliyat öncesi planlamada hem de cerrahi yöntemin uygulanmasında önemli rol oynamaktadır. Gerilme-birim şekil değiştirme eğrisi ile yumuşak dokuların mekanik davranışını değerlendirilmektedir. Gerilme-gevşeme testinde önceden tanımlanmış bir gerilme birim şekil değiştirme uygulanmakta ve buna karşılık gelen gerilme zamanın bir fonksiyonu olarak takip edilmektedir. Tüm bifazik ve viskoelastik yumuşak dokular önce gevşeme fazını sergilemekte ve daha sonra tüm yük bir dokunun katı matrisi tarafından taşınmaktadır. Tendon fasyadan daha az uyarlanabilmekte, ancak kasla seri halinde olmak, kasın uzamasıyla sertliğini telafi edebilmektedir. Kemikler viskoelastik davranış sergilemekte, bu da gerilmenin sadece birim şekil değiştirmeye değil, aynı zamanda gerilme geçmişine de bağlı olduğu anlamına gelmektedir. Kemik çalışmasında yukarıdaki fenomenlerin her birine dayanan deneysel reoloji yöntemleri kullanılmaktadır. Islak bir kemik için kayıp tanjanti ve depolama modülü zamana bağlı olmaktadır. Eksik modül iskelet kası gibi organlar için saptanmaktadır.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of the haematologic inflammatory parameters in predicting sperm retrieval rates during microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE).159 patients diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia were included in the study. After excluding the patients that do not fit the inclusion criteria, age, smoking status, body-mass index, serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone levels and neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts were recorded. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index were calculated. The primary outcome was defined as the presence of spermatozoa during the procedure and the association between the candidate predictors and primary endpoint were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Then, a baseline model from age, smoking, body-mass index and hormonal levels was built. Ratios and indexes were included, respectively, and were compared by multivariate analyses. Each of all three parameters was an independent predictor of obtaining spermatozoa during micro-TESE procedure (all p 0.001). Even though all three parameters were significant, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index stood out as more powerful than platelet-lymphocyte ratio (p 0.08, p 0.08 respectively). Additionally, adding these parameters individually to the baseline model significantly empowered the predictive value (all p 0.001). Using haematologic inflammatory parameters in the prediction of sperm presence during microdissection testicular sperm extraction may be helpful when consulting the patient with having a better foresight of the procedural outcomes.

Cases of diverticulosis of the colon continue to increase, especially in the Western countries. In these countries, two-thirds of the population older than 70 years of age are considered to experience this disease. Medical and surgical treatment for diverticulosis actually begun for the complications of diverticulitis and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The first evaluation of complicated diverticular disease is based on patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory data. But all these exams and data can be inaccurate and are often questionable in the diagnoses of many features of the disease. To describe the position, severity, and presence of complications of a detected diverticulum is crucial to its appropriate treatment. The greater part of the patients have mild disease and can be successfully cured medically. Only a small number of patients admit with acute diverticulitis and need urgent surgical intervention. Determining these patients early is crucial to morbidity and mortality reduction. Radiologic examination is important for exact evaluation of the extent of the course of the disease over the last three decades. This article aims to chart the place of the Computed Tomography (CT) imaging procedure in the assessment of acute complicated diverticular disease.

Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is a frequently used imaging method in patients who are evaluated in the emergency department with suspected cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT).The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the Hounsfield unit (HU) value determined by CT and its ratio to the patient's hematocrit (Htc) value in the diagnosis of cerebral vein thrombosis.This retrospective study evaluated 41 patients with acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and 41 age- and sex-matched control participants. Two experienced observers independently evaluated the CT scan and measured the attenuation of the dural sinuses.There was no significant difference in age, gender, hemoglobin, and Htc values between the two groups. The mean HU value was 75 ± 7 HU in the CVT group and 52 ± 6 HU in the control group (p0.001). The mean HU/Htc ratio was 1.9 ± 0.3 in the CVT group and 1.3 ± 0.1 in the control group (p0.001). The optimal threshold value for HU was determined as 66, and sensitivity at this value was 93%, and specificity was 98%. The optimal threshold value for HU/Htc was determined as 1.64, and the sensitivity at this value was 90% and the specificity was 100%.Hyperattenuation in the dural sinuses and the HU/Htc ratio in unenhanced brain CT scans have high diagnostic value in detecting CVT.

© 2021, IPNA.Background: Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in conflict zones, especially those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate kidney disease profiles and problems during follow-up in a population of Syrian refugee children residing in Turkey. Methods: Syrian refugee children aged between 0 and 18 years were included in the study. Demographic data, diagnosis, particular interventions due to nephrological problems, and problems encountered during follow-up were obtained from all participating pediatric nephrology centers. Results: Data from 633 children from 22 pediatric nephrology centers were included. Mean age of the children was 94.8 ± 61.7 months and 375 were male (59%). 57.7% had parental consanguinity and 23.3% had a close relative(s) with kidney disease. The most common kidney diseases were congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) (31.0%), glomerular disease (19.9%), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (14.8%), and urolithiasis (10.7%). Frequent reasons for CAKUT were nonobstructive hydronephrosis (23.0%), vesico-ureteral reflux (18.4%), and neurogenic bladder (15.8%). The most common etiology of glomerular diseases was nephrotic syndrome (69%). Ninety-four children had CKD, and 58 children were on chronic dialysis. Six children had kidney transplantation. Surgical intervention was performed on 111 patients. The language barrier, lack of medical records, and frequent disruptions in periodic follow-ups were the main problems noted. Conclusions: CAKUT, glomerular disease, and CKD were highly prevalent in Syrian refugee children. Knowing the frequency of chronic diseases and the problems encountered in refugees would facilitate better treatment options and preventive measures.

The purpose of this study was to compare Americans’ fear of terrorism to fear of violent crimes (i.e., murder, mass shooting, and gang violence). Previous research suggested that similarities exist between terrorism and violent crimes, yet no study has compared the fear aspects of terrorism and violence in the United States. Using nationally representative data from the 2018 Americans’ Fears Survey ( N = 1,190), we compared fear of terrorism to fear of violent crimes with a main focus on the effects of exposure to the media, political views, and religiosity of the adult Americans. The results of the analyses showed the roles of online media, religiosity, and politics differed significantly in shaping the sampled Americans’ fear of terrorism when compared to their fear of violent crimes. Despite the resemblance of terrorism and violence, the fear arising from the political nature of terrorism as a crime distinguishes the nature of fear from violent crimes.

To present a comprehensive summary of the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up process of patients who underwent open urethroplasty in our tertiary referral center for the treatment of urethral stricture in the last 13 years.Two hundred and forty-five (245) patients who underwent open urethroplasty between January 2008 and June 2021 were retrospectively analysed. Detailed history, physical examination, uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrography and/or voiding cystourethrography and/or urethroscopy were used throughout the preoperative diagnosis process. While evaluating the postoperative patency rates, the absence of preoperative voiding symptoms after the operation and Qmax 15 ml/sec and above were taken into account.Mean stricture length was 3.8 +/- 1.4 cm. Transurethral endoscopic interventions in 79 patients (32.2%), catheterisation in 55 patients (22.4%), trauma in 54 patients (22%), infection in 15 patients (6.2%), and idiopathology in 42 patients (17.2%) were the causes for the stricture. Buccal mucosal graft was used in 125 patients (51%), penile skin flap in 32 patients (13%), end-to-end anastomosis in 83 patients (33.8%) and Heineke-Mikulicz technique in 5 patients (2%). Mean follow-up period was 67.1 +/- 28.9 months. Success rates of patients were 84% (105) in buccal mucosal graft, 78.1% (25) in penile skin flap, 86.7% (72) with end-to-end anastomosis and 80% (4) with Heineke-Mikulicz technique.Among treatment options for urethral stricture, urethroplasty techniques is the most successful treatment. Consideration of the factors leading to the formation of the stricture, with the intraoperative findings and surgical experience will maximize the benefit the patient receives.Präsentation einer umfassenden Zusammenfassung von Diagnose, Behandlung und Nachsorge von Patienten, die sich in den letzten 13 Jahren einer offenen Urethroplastik in unserem tertiären Überweisungszentrum zur Behandlung von Harnröhrenstrikturen unterzogen haben.245 Patienten, die sich zwischen Januar 2008 und Juni 2021 einer offenen Urethroplastik unterzogen, wurden retrospektiv analysiert. Detaillierte Anamnese, körperliche Untersuchung, Uroflowmetrie, retrograde Urethrographie und/oder Miktionszystourethrographie und/oder Urethroskopie wurden während des gesamten präoperativen Diagnoseprozesses verwendet. Bei der Bewertung der postoperativen Offenheitsraten wurden das Fehlen präoperativer Miktionssymptome nach der Operation und Qmax 15 ml/s und mehr berücksichtigt.Die mittlere Strikturlänge betrug 3,8 +/- 1,4 cm. Transurethrale endoskopische Eingriffe bei 79 Patienten (32,2 %), Katheterisierung bei 55 Patienten (22,4 %), Traumata bei 54 Patienten (22 %), Infektionen bei 15 Patienten (6,2 %) und idiopathische bei 42 Patienten (17,2 %) waren die Ursachen für die Striktur. Wangenschleimhauttransplantat wurde bei 125 Patienten (51 %) verwendet, Penishautlappen bei 32 Patienten (13 %), End-zu-End-Anastomose bei 83 Patienten (33,8 %) und Heineke-Mikulicz-Technik bei 5 Patienten (2 %). Die mittlere Nachbeobachtungszeit betrug 67,1 +/- 28,9 Monate. Die Erfolgsraten der Patienten waren 84 % (105) bei Wangenschleimhauttransplantation, 78,1 % (25) bei Penishautlappen, 86,7 % (72) bei End-zu-End-Anastomose und 80 % (4) bei Heineke-Mikulicz-Technik.Unter den Behandlungsoptionen der Harnröhrenstriktur stehen die Techniken der Urethroplastik als Behandlungserfolg an erster Stelle. Durch die Berücksichtigung der Faktoren, die zur Bildung der Striktur führen, durch die Bemerkung der intraoperativen Befunde und der chirurgischen Erfahrung wird der Nutzen für den Patienten maximiert.

SARS-CoV-2 is a human pathogen and the main cause of COVID-19 disease, announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is characterized by severe conditions, and early diagnosis can make dramatic changes for both personal and public health. Low-cost, easy-to-use diagnostic capabilities can have a very critical role in controlling the transmission of the disease. Here, we are reporting a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool developed with an in vitro synthetic biology approach by employing engineered de novo riboregulators. Our design coupled with a home-made point-of-care device can detect and report the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific genes. The presence of SARS-CoV-2-related genes triggers the translation of sfGFP mRNAs, resulting in a green fluorescence output. The approach proposed here has the potential of being a game changer in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics by providing an easy-to-run, low-cost diagnostic capability.

In this study, we investigated the effects of deficit drip irrigation practices on evapotranspiration, water-yield relations, and quality characteristics of two sesame varieties (Muganli-57 and Birkan) grown in the lysimeters under the Mediterranean climate conditions. Irrigation treatments were rainfed (non-irrigated) (I0), drip irrigation with 25% (DI25), 50% (DI50), 75% (DI75), and 100% (DI100) of cumulative evaporation (Epan) measured in Class A pan with three replications. The applied water was corrected by the percentage of vegetation cover until the full cover was attained. Evapotranspiration of Muganli-57 and Birkan ranged from 157.8 to 518.8 mm and 156.4 to 509.2 mm, on average, respectively. The yield values changed between 0.46 and 2.06 t ha−1 in Muganli-57 and between 0.35 and 1.95 t ha−1 in Birkan. Based on the 2-year results, water use efficiency (WUE) of Muganli-57 variety (3.5 kg ha−1 mm−1) was numerically higher than that of the Birkan variety (3.4 kg ha−1 mm−1). In both varieties, it was determined that deficit irrigation generally reduced the yield. However, WUE did not decrease monotonically with decreasing irrigation level. DI50 treatment maximized WUE for two varieties in both years while DI75 maximized WUE for Muganli-57 in 2014. Although irrigation-variety interaction affected relative water content, chlorophyll content index, and seed dry matter, their effect tended to be weak and inconsistent between the 2 years of the study. Deficit irrigation decreased the oil content of sesame and increased its protein content. Similarly, deficit irrigation treatments decreased the linoleic acid content and increased oleic acid content in 1 year but not the other. It was concluded that the Birkan variety is more suitable for irrigated conditions due to the growth characteristics and less saturated fatty acid content. On the contrary, Muganli-57 variety is suitable for non-irrigated conditions in terms of water economy and fatty acid composition.

Pillar[n]arene is one of the most favorited supramolecular materials that possess a special chiral structure. The major property of pillar-structured materials is their high cavity, and this structure is able to dominate the higher cavity values due to the big number of n (5,6,7) as hydroquinone units. Thanks to this significant property, pillar[n]arenes can be preferred to use in a wide application area. The chemical sensor application of pillar[n]arenes is one of the most applicable one, because they are more prominent than other macrocyclic skeletons (calixarene, crown ether, etc.) in the related area. Although the studies on chemical sensor application by using pillar[n]arenes as sensing elements have been performed so far, the thin film of these macrocyclic architectures, have been very limited in the available literature. Therefore, the recent developments of pillar[n]arene-based thin films and their chemical sensor applications are investigated and discussed in this review article.

The article investigates news coverage and media framing of the Syrian refugee debate as a public opinion issue in US local news in 2015. The sheer number of refugees created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as millions of civilians settled in neighboring countries, and a significant number of them embarked on a perilous journey to seek refuge in European countries. The political response to the Syrian refugee crisis was divided, but public attitudes shifted after the terrorist attacks on Paris in November 2015 with calls for more restrictive immigration policies and smaller refugee quotas. In the US, GOP leaders demanded “extreme vetting” and “screening” of refugees and many opposed resettling the modest number of refugees the Obama administration promised to let in. The study analyzes local news coverage variation across the States that welcomed, not welcomed or did not commit to accepting Syrian refugees at the height of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015 and 2016. The findings of the study demonstrate that the editorial framing of the Syrian refugee crisis downplayed the global responsibility and international commitment of the US, highlighted the administrative costs and framed them as security threats. The implications of these frames are discussed.

Urinary stone disease is a common condition. We investigated the usefulness of medical treatment for infants with urinary stones 5 mm or smaller. The study included 197 infants (86 girls and 111 boys) with urolithiasis ≤ 5 mm who were referred to our Department of Nephrology between 2014 and 2016. Infants with metabolic or anatomical risk factors requiring medical treatment were excluded from the study. We retrospectively reviewed urine and serum metabolic profiles and compared stone resolution rates in patients who did and did not receive treatment. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.2 months (range, 14 days to 12 months). The most common complaint was restlessness (n = 92, 46.7%), and 49 infants (24.9%) were asymptomatic. Multiple stones were detected in 166 infants (84.3%). Hypomagnesuria, hypocitraturia, and hypercalciuria were present in 25.3, 19.7, and 18.7% of patients, respectively. Stones

Bu araştırma, profesyonel sporcularda fiziksel, psikolojik, ekonomik ve cinsel şiddetin cinsiyet değişkenine göre incelenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmaya, yaş ortalaması 22.34 ± 5.29 olan, farklı spor branşından (Atletizm, Basketbol, Voleybol, Futbol, Fitness, Tenis, Boks), 68 erkek, 98 kadın olmak üzere toplam 166 aktif sporcuya katılmıştır. Sporcuların fiziksel, psikolojik, ekonomik ve cinsel şiddet boyutunu ölçmek için araştırmacı tarafından ilgili literatür taraması (Bulut, 2012; Kılıç, 2019) yapılarak hazırlanan anket uygulanmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde, frekans analizi, crosstab ve t testi analizleri uygulanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, sporculara fiziksel şiddeti uygulayan kişi olarak diğer (flört, arkadaş ve diğ.) seçeneğinden sonra antrenör seçeneğinin yüksek değerde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Sporcular, psikolojik şiddete en fazla antrenör tarafından ve antrenmana geç geldiğinde maruz kaldığını belirtmiştir. Ekonomik şiddet boyutunda, spordan elde edilen ekonomik gelirin yetersiz olduğu, prim ve maaşların geciktirildiği veya verilmediği, takım içi ücret eşitsizliğinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Cinsel şiddet boyutunda, cinsel şiddeti uygulayan kişi sorusuna diğer (flört, arkadaş ve diğ.) seçeneğinden sonra antrenör seçeneğinin yüksek değerde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Psikolojik şiddet ve ekonomik şiddet boyutunda cinsiyet değişkenine göre anlamlı farklılık bulunmuştur. Erkek sporcuların ekonomik şiddete daha fazla maruz kaldığı, kadın sporcuların ise fiziksel ve psikolojik şiddete erkek sporculara göre daha fazla maruz kaldığı tespit edilmiştir.

Objectives: A hypercoagulability status has been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Beside their traditional roles, platelets are referred to as immune cells. The purpose of the study was to examine platelet activation and aggregation in COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This case-control study comprised 61 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 18 healthy individuals. The patients were separated into groups with respect to the need for treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). CD41, CD61, CD42a, and CD42b were determined as platelet activation markers, and platelet aggregation tests were analyzed in all groups. Results: Platelet CD41, CD61, CD42a, and CD42b expressions were significantly elevated in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients and healthy donors. Patients in the ICU group had increased platelet aggregations than those in non-ICU patients and controls. Additionally, platelet activation and platelet function tests correlated with inflammatory and coagulation markers involving C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer, and fibrinogen concentrations. Conclusion: Enhanced platelet activity and faster platelet aggregation were observed in ICU COVID-19 patients. It is possible that platelet hyperreactivity may contribute to the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The relationships between platelet activation and functions tests with inflammatory and coagulation markers show that systemic inflammation and cytokines may trigger the hypercoagulability in COVID-19 patients in ICU, or hyperactivated platelets could augment the inflammation. © 2021 Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University. All Rights Reserved.

Comamonas testosteroni is a gram-negative bacillus, known before 1987 as Pseudomonas testosteroni. Although considered as a rare pathogen, its frequency has been increasing. Data regarding its antibiotic susceptibility are insufficient. To date, forty-four cases have been reported in the literature. In this study, we identified the C. testosteroni infections observed in our hospital and evaluated their antimicrobial agent susceptibility patterns compared with cases reported in the literature.For the purposes of the present study, patients admitted to hospital between November 2019 and December 2020 were screened. Those with clinical and laboratory signs of infection with positive C. testosteroni growth in culture were enrolled. Clinical isolates obtained from the samples processed in accordance with standard microbiological examination procedures in our laboratory were defined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with 99.9% probability as C. testosteroni.C testosteroni infection was detected between November 2019 and December 2020 in eight patients in our hospital. Six of them had a bloodstream infection (BSI), one had pneumonia, and one had urinary tract infection due to C. testosteroni. Coexistence of COVID-19 was detected in four patients. Six out of the eight cases with BSI had hospital-acquired infection and all of the infections were healthcare-associated. When antimicrobial agent susceptibility results reported in the literature were evaluated in combination with the current results, ceftazidime and meropenem were found to be the most susceptible agents (96.1% and 80%, respectively).The frequency of nosocomial C. testosteroni infections and resistance to antimicrobial agents are gradually increasing. While resistance to carbapenems is on the upswing, third-generation cephalosporins are still seen as suitable treatment options.

Abstract. Depression in older adults can be explained by Erikson’s theory on the conflict of ego integrity versus hopelessness. The study investigated the relationship between past acceptance, hopelessness, death anxiety, and depressive symptoms in 100 older (≥50 years) adults. The total Beck Hopelessness (BHS), Geriatric Depression (GDS), and Accepting the Past (ACPAST) subscale scores of the depressed group were higher, while the total Death Anxiety (DAS) and Reminiscing the Past (REM) subscale scores of both groups were similar. A regression analysis revealed that the BHS, DAS, and ACPAST predicted the GDS. Past acceptance seems to be important for ego integrity in older adults.

Akıllı telefon ve tabletler iletişim, ulaşım, eğlence, eğitim ve güvenlik gibi pek çok amaçla kullanılan ve giderek yaygınlaşan mobil teknolojik cihazlardır. Toplumun her kesimi tarafından kullanılmakla birlikte özellikle çocuklar ve gençlerin akıllı telefon ve tabletler ile çok uzun süre geçirdikleri gösterilmiştir. Mobil teknoloji kullanımın artması ile birlikte kas iskelet sistemi ağrıları, uykusuzluk, konsantrasyon güçlüğü ve yorgunluk gibi çeşitli semptomlar ortaya çıkmaktadır. “Text neck” tanımı ilk kez Dr. Dean L. Fishman tarafından uzun süre akıllı telefon ve tablet kullananlarda boyun, baş ve omuz ağrısı ve üst ekstremitelerde uyuşma problemi olarak tanımlanmıştır. Mobil cihazları kullanırken uzun süre baş ve kolların önde olduğu kifotik bu postürün erken artrit başlangıcı ve disk dejenerasyonu için potansiyel risk oluşturduğu düşünülmektedir. “Text neck”in boyun ağrısı, sırt ağrısı, omuz ağrısı, baş ağrısı, uykusuzluk, ellerde karıncalanma ve uyuşma gibi çeşitli semptomları bulunmaktadır. “Text neck” için belli tanı kriterleri olmamakla birlikte bazı araştırmacılar baş ve boyun postürünün değerlendirilmesi için görsel yöntemler geliştirmişlerdir. “Text neck” için öncelikle koruyucu fizyoterapi yaklaşımları önerilebilir. Semptomların varlığı durumunda ise tedavi edici fizyoterapi teknikleri uygulanabilir. Koruyucu ve tedaviye yönelik fizyoterapi yaklaşımları konusunda çok az sayıda çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmalarda postür eğitimi, farkındalığın artırılması, ergonomik düzenlemeler ve egzersiz programları ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bu derlemede “text neck” sendromuna neden olan faktörler, görülen semptomlar, değerlendirme yöntemleri ve tedavi yaklaşımları ele alınarak güncel literatür ile birlikte tartışılmıştır.

Over the last decade, social media platforms have become the leading communication tools for activists and protesters all over the world. Understanding protesters’ motivations and reasons for using social media is a challenging issue for researchers. In this article, we analyzed the use of Twitter during the anti-governmental protests in Istanbul that was launched in May 2013. We examined 13,794 tweets posted to the #direngeziparki hashtag over a 6-day period. Based on the results of a qualitative content coding of the tweets, we found that the Twitter platform was widely used to mobilize protesters, share information about the events, and express opinions about the policing of the protests. We argue that social media can help keep protests peaceful by preventing vandalism, informing the protesters about extremist or violent groups participating in the protests, and can help them to avoid engaging in violent acts against police forces.

The aim of the study was to determine the yield and silage characteristics of maize hybrids (Burak, Efe and Safak) under different irrigation levels designated as no irrigation (I0), irrigated 25% ...

Background: Limited data are available on the perinatal and postnatal transmission of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommended breastfeeding with necessary precautions to mothers with COVID-19. Case Presentation: A 20-year-old pregnant woman with no symptoms of COVID-19 presented to the hospital for delivery at 39 weeks of gestation. She was tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) because her father had been diagnosed with COVID-19. A nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR test was positive for SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the baby and the mother were cared for separately after delivery. Breast milk obtained after first lactation was tested by real-time RT-PCR and was positive for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: In this article, we aimed to report the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk. Although further studies are needed, this situation may have an impact on breastfeeding recommendations.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of the incubators on entrepreneurial processes in Turkey. Methodology- We divided incubators in the sample universe into four different categories that are business based, university-private based, university-based and municipality incubators. We deciphered semi-structured and the face-to-face interviews, which were conducted in the incubation determined by the expert opinion, and interpreted the findings in the light of the purpose of the study. Findings- We can conclude that there is a significant increase in the number of incubation centers and startups in Turkey where incubators help develop startups by providing advisory and administrative support services. Conclusion- In general, the financial reasons and the need for convenient access make this criterion a vital one. However, it is also significant in terms of its proximity to the business center and the transportation network of the city, and its high accessibility for mentors.