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Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are complex compounds formed by nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids with glucose in the blood. We aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in first-trimester serum AGE levels of pregnant women with and without risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their obstetric outcomes. There were 44 women in study group who have risk factors for GDM and 44 as controls. Demographic features, serum AGE levels, adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. Five patients (11.4%) in the study group and one patient (2.3%) in the control group were diagnosed as GDM (

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors for and determine the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on oncologic outcome in stage IVB pure serous endometrial carcinoma patients who received taxane and platinum. Forty-two patients with 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IVB uterine serous carcinoma were enrolled from six gynecologic oncology centers and a study group was created. The study group had a 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) of 32% and 2-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of 73%. On univariate analysis; lymphadenectomy (not performed vs. performed), paraaortic lymph node metastasis (positive vs. negative) and number of metastatic lymph node count (≤5 vs.5) were found to have statistical significance for DFS (

Dynamic pricing is the practice of changing the price for a product or service in different time periods, in different sale points, or for different market segments. The strategy is applied in many...

Despite the widely recognized core position of the local community within tourism, a paucity of research has considered how the quality of interaction between residents and tourists shapes visitors’ image formulation, overall satisfaction, and destination loyalty. Building on the ‘zone of proximal development’ theory and the concept of ‘the more knowledgeable other,’ this study expands recent research on interaction quality by showcasing the vital role it plays as a model antecedent to the destination image-satisfaction-loyalty framework. Data from two studies (n1 = 353, n2 = 397) conducted in Greece in 2019, indicate that interaction quality positively affects image, which in turn shapes satisfaction and loyalty, predicting 68% (study 1) and 57% (study 2) of the variance in loyalty. The findings shed light on the process by which visitors develop their knowledge of and feelings towards destinations via interactions with locals. The study proposes the design of activities with locals whereby quality interactions are reinforced. When residents engage as information providers, then tourists are more likely to gain better insights into the place and develop bonds with locals. Such engagement serves as a positive feedback loop where visitors develop a greater appreciation of the destination, contributing to sustainable forms of development.

To compare the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels in follicular fluid according to the different ovarian responses of women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation due to unexplained infertility and to examine the relationship between these levels and pregnancy outcomes.Sixty-three women who underwent fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with GNRH antagonist protocol were divided into 3 groups according to the number of retrieved oocytes as suboptimal (4-9 oocytes), optimal (10-15 oocytes) and high (15 oocytes) responders. AGEs levels in follicular fluid were measured by ELISA method.AGEs levels were 6.81 ± 2.20 µg/ml, 5.30 ± 2.01 and 6.44 ± 1.43 µg/ml in suboptimal, optimal and high response group, respectively. AGEs level was significantly higher in suboptimal response group than in optimal response group. The cutoff level of 6.19 µg/ml had a sensitivity of 59.3% and a specificity of 66.7% in distinguishing the suboptimal response group from the optimal response group. However, there were no statistically significant difference between AGEs levels and clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.Increased AGEs level in follicular fluid may be associated with decreased ovarian response during controlled ovarian stimulation in unexplained infertility case, however, it does not provide information about pregnancy outcomes.

Depression symptoms are known to influence gait speed in cognitively healthy adults. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between gait speed and depression symptoms in older patients with mild cognitive impairment. The participants were classified as slow and normal gait speed based on the Fried criteria. A total of 152 subjects with mild cognitive impairment were included. Of these, 39.5% (n=60) had slow gait speed. Compared to normal speed group (n=92), patients with slow speed had more clinically significant depression (geriatric depression scale score ≥ 6) (p=0.004), cardiovascular disease (p=0.007), recent falls (p

The aim of the study is to investigate the inflammation markers in bipolar affective disorder(BAD) patients who were involved in crime or did not involve in crime. It was aimed to evaluate the neut...

To evaluate the psychological domain of quality of life (PDQoL), anxiety and depression levels of infertile women with endometriosis versus non endometriosis who applied for Assisted Reproductive T...

Background: Traditionally the procedure of percutaneous ASD closure is carried out in children weighing more than 15 kg. The aim of this study was to discuss the success, efficacy and safety of the percutaneous closure of symptomatic ASD in children weighing less than 10 kg. Material and methods: This study was performed in two centres. A total of 44 patients were included. Demographic and angiographic data of these patients were gathered retrospectively from patients' records. Main indications for ASD closure were: failure to thrive, recurrent respiratory infections, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and genetic syndromes. Results: Median weight of patients was 9.0(8.12-9.50) kg. Bodyweight of 22 patients was less than 3 percentiles. In the follow-up, this number was lowered to 9 patients at 12 months. Median age of patients was 18.0(12.0-285) months. Minimum age and weight of patients was 3 months and 4.5 kg, respectively. Median mean pulmonary pressure was 24.0(20.0-29.5). The values of median defect size were measured in Cath lab as 13.0(10.75-15.3) mm. Median device size was 13(9-15) mm. Defect size was evaluated according to body weight and body surface area. The ratio of weight per defect size was 0.65(0.54-0.84) also the ratio of body surface area per defect size was 0.032(0.028-0.04). The ratio of total septum per device diameter was 2.5(2.1-3.1). Types of devices used were Amplatzer Septal Occluder, Cera Flex Septal Occluder, Figulla Flex II Atrial Septal Occluder, Memopart Septal Occluder. All cases were closed successfully, but the device had to be retrieved in one patient after successful positioning because it was detected that device compressed the aorta. No major complications were seen. Conclusion: In the experienced centres, percutaneous ASD closure can be done effectively and safely in symptomatic children weighing less than 10 kg.

This study tracked the change in Brazil’s image due to hosting a mega event. The authors measured perceptions of Brazil before and at three points in time after the 2016 Summer Olympics. The findin...

This research tested the triangular relationships among country image, destination image, and Olympic Games image using a quasi-experimental design on an online platform. One month before the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, four groups of respondents were randomly assigned to a country context to rate their perceptions of one of the following host countries: England, United Kingdom (UK), Greece, Brazil, or Russia. Brazil's image was measured again one month after the Olympic Games. Comparison of groups showed that England had the strongest country image while Brazil and Greece had stronger destination images, and Russia had the lowest score in both domains. The Olympics image was stronger than both Russia’s country and destination images. Theoretical, managerial, and methodological implications are discussed.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and the risk of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women in Turkish population in this prospective observational cross-sectional study. Sixty-eight women with at least one uterine leiomyoma ≥10 mm were compared with 56 healthy controls. Serum 25-(OH) vitamin D

Brand loyalty is believed to be a sustainable advantage for theme parks. Since theme parks represent a man-made environment purposefully built for specialized market segments, studying factors that lead to brand loyalty for theme park products is of strategic importance. These factors have yet to be identified in the current literature, however. Recognizing the potential influence of self-congruity and flow in the theme park consumption experience, and thus its influence on loyalty, the current study investigated the effect of these constructs on visitor attitude and loyalty towards a theme park brand. The results revealed that both self-congruity and flow are the antecedents of visitor attitude and brand loyalty. The theoretical contributions of this study, as well as managerial implications concerning image projection, branding strategy, and park experience design, are discussed.

Although theme park products play a significant role in experiential consumption, there is a lack of attention on the components of theme park experience in the experiential consumption framework. Therefore, the current study was conducted to develop a scale to measure theme park visitor experience by applying Schmitt’s [(1999a). Experiential marketing: How to get customers to sense, feel, think, act, and relate to your company and brands. New York, NY: Free Press] five strategic experiential modules of SENSE, FEEL, THINK, ACT, and RELATE. The scale was tested on an online sample of 400 US residents who visited at least one theme park in the past twelve months. Three different analyses were used to test the reliability and validity of the 5-factor experiential consumption model. First, principal component analysis to identify the number of meaningful factors revealed a 4-factor model structure. Second, confirmatory factor analysis to test the psychometric properties of the measurement and structural model...

Destination image is influenced by many factors, including destination promotion materials, the mass media as a general familiarity agent, the perceivers’ own characteristics and even researchers’ methodological choices. To isolate and minimize the impact of research on destination image, different qualitative and quantitative designs and analysis techniques have been utilized. However, no previous study utilized the network analysis technique, which may be useful to reveal a picture of destination image with the interconnections and hidden dynamisms of dimensions as well as its correlates. The present study applies this technique on qualitative data from an online sample of Americans on their perceptions of a relatively remote and unfamiliar destination, the Caucasus region, in order to hone in on the dramatic impact of mass media on destination image. Results revealed networks of meanings with residue of mass media messages about Boston bombing, with some differences among different genders and educatio...

To evaluate the clinical characteristics of pregnant women with restless leg syndrome (RLS).A total of 600 pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire of RLS and medications.The educational and socio-economical status was significantly lower in study group. The number of patients living in joint family in the study group was statistically higher compared to control group. Hypothyroidism was more frequent in the study group. Calcium and magnesium intake were significantly higher in patients with RLS inversely iron intake was higher in patients without RLS. Lower hemoglobin levels were found to increase the risk of restless leg in pregnancy. Living in a joint family and low educational status were also independent risk factors for restless leg in pregnancy. Iron intake was found to decrease the risk of restless leg. Lower hemoglobin levels were found to be discriminative factor for the presence of RLS. Severity of RLS decreased by iron intake and increased by magnesium intake.Hemoglobin levels, iron intake, living in joint family, educational status are the independent risk factors for restless leg in pregnancy. Lower hemoglobin levels and supplementation of iron are the independent predictors for severity of RLS in pregnant women.

Fly ash-particulated (FA) aluminium metal matrix composites and boric acid was used for the production of foam using powder metallurgy technology. Using boron products such as boric acid as a pore forming agent is different from the ones used in literature. Aluminium–FA composites containing 1 wt.% and 10 wt.% of FA were prepared and mixed with 50 wt.% boric acid and then compacted. The compacts prepared at 630 MPa were sintered in argon atmosphere at 550 °C for 3 h. The microstructure characteristic and compressive behaviour of the foam at strain rate of 10−3 s−1 were investigated. The morphology and chemical composition of the phases in the composite samples were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Aluminium composite foam samples with ~40% porosity were successfully produced with the 0.6 mm mean cell size. Strength of the sintered compacts increased with increasing weight per cent of FA under the present experimental condi...

This paper investigates perception of self and others by hosts and guests, which may be critical for sustainability of a destination receiving tourists with different cultural backgrounds. Specifically, the study investigates self-perception of hosts and reciprocal perception between hosts and guests on several service personnel characteristics using importance and performance analysis. Thus, a triple lens of hosts’ evaluation of self, hosts’ evaluation of the guests, and hosts’ evaluation by the guests is involved in a multi-cultural tourism experience context. Results report differences between the lenses, hosts’ self-evaluation being harsher than guests’ evaluation of hosts. Suggestions are provided for destination marketing and management organizations to design effective tourism experiences for both hosts and guests for a more sustainable gaze between hosts and guests.

Cobranding is suggested as a competitive strategy for the hospitality industry due to its potential benefits. Although implied, the potential impact of cobranding on consumer-based brand equity of partner brands and the composite brand has not been empirically investigated in the hospitality industry context. Therefore, a quasi-experimental study design with a structured survey was applied to general tourist population in Hong Kong to identify the potential influence of cobranding on the brand equity of individual brands as well as the hotel–restaurant composite brand versus the hotel–retail composite brand. Surprisingly, results revealed brand equity erosion rather than brand equity enhancement for even the presumably fit hotel, restaurant, and retail brands. Theoretical and managerial implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

To assess the effects on neonatal and maternal outcomes of different pushing positions during the second stage of labor in nulliparous women.This prospective study included 102 healthy, pregnant, nulliparous women who were randomly allocated to either of two positions: a squatting using bars (n = 51), or a supine position modified to 45 degree of semi-fowler (n = 51) during the second stage of labor. Duration of the second stage of labor, maternal pain, postpartum blood loss, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns that required intervention, and newborn outcomes were compared between the two groups.The trial showed that women who adopted the squatting position using bars experienced a significant reduction in the duration of the second stage of labor; they were less likely to be induced, and their Visual Analog Scale score was lower than those who were allocated the supine position modified to 45 degree of semi-fowler during second stage of labor (p 0.05). There were no significant differences with regard to postpartum blood loss, neonatal birth weight, Apgar score at one and five minutes, or admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.In healthy nulliparous women, adopting a squatting position using bars was associated with a shorter second stage of labor, lower Visual Analog Scale score, more satisfaction, and a reduction in oxytocin requirements compared with adopting the supine position. For Turkish women, the squatting position is easy to adopt as it is more appropriate in terms of Turkish social habits and traditions.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by protecting lipoproteins against peroxidation. PON1 has two genetic polymorphisms both due to amino acid substitution, one involving glutamine and arginine at position 192 and the other leucine and methionine at position 55. Recent reports suggest that nephrolithiasis and atherosclerosis share a number of risk factors. Our study aimed to compare the effects of PON1 192, PON1 55 polymorphisms, and PON1 activity in patients with urolithiasis and controls.PON1's arylesterase/paraoxonase activities and phenotype were determined in 158 stone forming cases (Group 1) and 138 non-stone forming controls (Group 2). The PON1 192 and PON1 55 polymorphisms were studied by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism.Paraoxonase activity was significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (112 ± 31.8 vs. 208 ± 53.1 IU/L) (p 0.001). The PON1 L55M polymorphism was significantly higher in Group 1. The "M" allele coding for PON1 was higher in Group 1 (p 0.001). PON1 192 RR homozygotes had significantly higher PON1 activity than QR and QQ genotypes among all the patients (p 0.001).The results of our study demonstrate that the PON1 55 gene "M" allele is associated with renal stone disease. Individuals possessing the "M" allele have a higher incidence of urolithiasis. The results of this study provide genetic evidence that the PON1 gene may play a role in stone formation. PON1 genotype determination may provide a tool to identify individuals who are at risk of urolithiasis.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between placental calcification and maternal and cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 [25(OH)D] and calcium concentrations in low-risk obstetric population at term and their consequences.Sixty non-complicated pregnant women at term admitted to maternity clinic were included in this prospective case-control study and classified into one of two groups according to grade of placental calcification by defined the Grannum classification: Group 1 (n=30), with Grade 3 placenta and Group 2 (n=30), the control group, no placental calcification noted. Baseline characteristics, maternal serum and umbilical cord 25(OH)D and calcium levels were compared between groups.The mean age of subjects was 26.4 ± 5.7 years. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of women (n=60) was 9.3 ± 3.4 (range 5.59-15.48) ng/mL. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D 20 ng/mL] was 100%. Maternal serum and cord blood calcium levels were significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.036; p=0.037, respectively). In Group 2, maternal serum and cord blood 25(OH)D levels were higher than Group 1 (11.35 ± 6.54 and 10.22 ± 3.59 versus 9.6 ± 4.2 and 9.07 ± 2.43 ng/mL); but the difference is not statistically significant.Higher maternal calcium and lower 25(OH)D levels detected in patients with Grade 3 placental calcification indicated the importance of placenta on vitamin D regulation.

The effects of menopausal status and age on the intra-operative and post-operative pathology results of patients operated on with a pre-operative diagnosis of complex hyperplasia with atypia (CHA) were assessed. A hundred and eleven patients diagnosed in our centre between January 1993 and March 2013 were included. Cancer was detected in the paraffin blocks (PBs) of 52 (46.8%) patients. Among these, 50 patients had stage-IA disease. In 31.1% of the pre-menopausal patients and 66% of the post-menopausal patients, PB revealed cancer (p < 0.0001). The results of frozen section (FS) and PB were concordant in 51% and 70% in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal patients, respectively (p = 0.041). In the patients operated on with a pre-operative diagnosis of CHA, the probability of detecting cancer in PB increases with increasing age and menopause. The reliability of FS is limited in younger and pre-menopausal patients.

“Fun” is one of the most frequently referenced sensory and hedonic phenomena in many different contexts of life, which merits scientific attention especially when consumer behavior is investigated with an experiential view of consumption. However, scientific definition and measurement of “fun” is virtually non-existent in literature. Thus, this study aims to develop a scale of fun with structural (underlying dimensions) and psychometric (reliability and validity) properties to assess the hedonic value of a destination as a product. Several stages of content analysis, data collection, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis for scale purification resulted in a FUN-SCALE with 12 items assembling into four factors that were named social vigor, psychological zest, emotional spark, and flow.

WOS: 000353524300004 PubMed: 25539049 We examined using immunohistochemistry the distribution of leptin in kidney tissues of melatonin treated, streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. The animals were divided into five groups: control, sham, melatonin-treated, diabetic and melatonin-treated diabetic. Kidney sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Crossman's triple staining for histological examination. The immunohistochemical localization of leptin in the kidney tissue was determined using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method. We determined that on days 7 and 14, the leptin immunoreactivity of the diabetic and melatonin-treated diabetic groups was weaker than for the other groups. Weak immunoreactivity was found in the proximal and distal tubules of the kidney in the diabetic and melatonin-treated diabetic groups on days 7 and 14, and strong immunoreactivity was found in the control, sham and melatonin groups. Melatonin application had no significant effect on leptin production in the kidney tissues of diabetic rats. Kafkas University, BAPKafkas University [2012-KSYO-18] Our research was supported by a grant from the Kafkas University, BAP (Project No: 2012-KSYO-18) and presented at the 21st National Electron Microscope Congress, P: 123, 28-31 May, 2013, Mersin, Turkey.

Despite its century long existence, social distance is still a rare area of investigation in the tourism and hospitality context. In particular, there is a lack of attention on the empirical investigations about the relationship between contact and social distance in host–guest relations in a tourism setting. Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine whether there is such a relationship between social distance and different contact factors (previous visits and close friendships). An on-site survey on tourists and locals at a popular tourist destination, Mugla, in Turkey revealed partial support for these relationships under certain circumstances. Implications and future research suggestions are discussed.

Osteopontin (OPN) is one of the urinary proteins with an important role in stone formation. Recently, OPN Ala250 (rs1126616) polymorphism and other single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been studied to define their role in urolithiasis. This study was conducted to examine the impact of OPN Ala250 polymorphism on the risk of stone formation and their association with serum OPN levels. OPN Ala250 polymorphism was investigated in 127 urolithiasis patients and 92 healthy controls. Stones were analyzed for their chemical composition by using X-Ray diffraction method. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes. The study groups were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and serum OPN levels were measured by ELISA. There was a significant difference between urolithiasis patients and controls concerning genotype and allele frequencies of OPN Ala250 (p 0.05). Separate analysis by BMI greater or less than 25 kg/m(2) showed that the presence of one mutant T-allele was more frequent in patients with higher BMI than patients with BMI less than 25 kg/m(2) (p 0.05). Serum OPN concentrations were two-fold higher in the control group compared to urolithiasis patients (p 0.05). But the mean serum levels did not show any significant difference between OPN Ala250 genotypes in both groups. Moreover, we found an association between higher BMI and stone formation. Our findings suggest that OPN Ala250 polymorphism is associated with the correlation between weight gain and urolithiasis. However, the correlation between urolithiasis and obesity needs to be further studied in larger cohorts.

To evaluate umbilical cord blood ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in cases of fetal distress (FD) and to explore fetal blood IMA levels regarding the route of delivery.Umbilical cord and maternal serum IMA concentrations were assessed in term 40 cases with cesarean section (CS) due to FD, 76 cases with elective repeat CS and 85 cases with noncomplicated vaginal delivery.The maternal and umbilical cord IMA levels were significantly lower in vaginal deliveries when compared with CS cases either in FD or previous CS groups (p = 0.02). Although no statistically significant difference was found in IMA levels of CS groups (previous CS vs. FD), cord blood IMA levels tend to be higher in FD group. Neither demographic characteristics nor fetal outcome parameters were found to have any correlation with maternal IMA levels. However, umbilical cord IMA levels were found to be negatively correlated with 1th min Apgar scores (r = -0.143, p = 0.043).IMA seems to be responsive to hypoxic FD showing the highest levels in cases with severe fetal hypoxia. Higher levels of IMA in cases with elective repeat CS might indicate acute transient hypoxia and possible myocardial ischemia in these cases.