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The aim of this experimental research is to assess the impact of a mindfulness‐based empowerment program applied to women who have experienced violence on their levels of self‐compassion, self‐esteem and coping with stress. The study was a randomised controlled trial with a control group. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG, n1 = 27) and the control group (CG, n2 = 26) from women who had experienced violence. Descriptive statistical methods and t‐tests for dependent and independent groups were employed in data analysis. After the mindfulness‐based empowerment program, the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant high effect size in post‐intervention measurements compared to the control group for the Self‐Compassion Scale, Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory and Coping Styles Scale total and subscale mean scores (p < 0.001). The mindfulness‐based empowerment program has been found to enhance self‐compassion, self‐esteem and coping levels in women who have experienced violence. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the widespread adoption of mindfulness‐based interventions for individuals who have undergone trauma, such as violence, to facilitate their re‐empowerment and functional recovery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05310656 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evolving trends in organ procurement and technological innovation prompted an investigation into recent trends, indications, and outcomes following combined heart–lung transplantation (HLTx). Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for all adult (≥18 years) HLTx performed between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2023. Patients with previous transplants were excluded. The primary endpoint was the effect of donor, recipient, and transplantation characteristics on 1‐ and 5‐year survival. Secondary analyses included a comparison of HLTx at high‐ and low‐volume centers, an assessment of HLTx following donation after circulatory death (DCD), and an evaluation of HLTx volume over time. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to assess factors associated with mortality. Temporal trends were evaluated with linear regression. Results: After exclusions, 319 patients were analyzed, of whom 5 (1.6%) were DCD. HLTx volume increased from 2013 to 2023 (p < 0.001). One‐ and 5‐year survival following HLTx was 84.0% and 59.5%, respectively. One‐year survival was higher for patients undergoing HLTx at a high‐volume center (88.3% vs. 77.9%; p = 0.012). After risk adjustment, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support 72 h posttransplant and predischarge dialysis were associated with increased 1‐year mortality (HR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.86–5.49 and HR = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.17–5.54, respectively) and 5‐year mortality (HR = 2.901, 95% CI = 1.679–5.011 and HR = 3.327, 95% CI = 2.085–5.311, respectively), but HLTx at a high‐volume center was not associated with either. Conclusions: HLTx volume has resurged, with DCD HLTx emerging as a viable procurement strategy. Factors associated with 1‐ and 5‐year survival may be used to guide postoperative management following HLTx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous ensembles of energy resources have elevated Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) to a prominent position in the world energy scene as a leading region in forming a sustainable energy future. However, over half of the population in the region lives without electricity and less than 20% of the population has access to clean fuels. The excessive reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, kerosene, and solid biomass has implications for environmental outcomes in SSA. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of energy poverty from the SSA perspective remains an under‐explored terrain in the research landscape. In this context, to address the pressing challenges of energy poverty and environmental sustainability, this study aims to explore the threat energy poverty poses on the ecological footprints, focusing on “land‐use, carbon footprint, forestry resources, and fishing ground” across 35 SSA countries using disaggregated data covering the period 2000 and 2021. This study employs the novel Method of the Moments Quantile Regression following the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology model as the reference theoretical and analytical framework. The findings disclose heterogeneous effects of rural and urban energy poverty on ecological footprint items. When comparing the magnitudes, we found that rural energy poverty has a more detrimental impact on land‐use than urban energy poverty. Energy poverty is found to have no reliable power to explain the variation in carbon footprint and fishing ground. In the meantime, urban energy poverty exerts a positive effect on forestry resource sustainability. Surprisingly, population density is found to have a significant and desirable impact on land‐use. Based on the obtained results, numerous policy suggestions have been discussed along with some prospects for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a conceptualization of board of directors' intrafirm knowledge network and a methodology for its construction, assessment, and analysis. We use network theory and analytical techniques to construct boards of directors' intrafirm knowledge networks based on directors' functional domain and committee affiliations. We demonstrate the utility of this approach for governance research by examining the intrafirm knowledge network of the board of directors of General Electric and offer testable propositions that link key director turnover with the properties of and the structural changes in the board's knowledge network and the firm outcomes of strategic change and innovativeness. Our approach bridges the human and social capital perspectives on boards of directors by considering the mechanisms through which turnover of key directors influences firm‐level outcomes. Directors are increasingly expected to not only fulfill their monitoring responsibilities but also provide firms with resources and service (e.g., involvement in strategy‐making). The enactment of these responsibilities is contingent on the effective collaboration within board intrafirm networks. Our conceptualization of intrafirm board ties as a knowledge network can help practitioners identify key directors, analyze the implications of director turnover, and develop succession plans. We make important contributions to corporate governance research and offer insights into understanding the knowledge dynamics in small team‐like settings, such as boards of directors and their impact on firm strategy and innovativeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the combustion of fossil fuels as a means of generating energy has resulted in adverse ecological ramifications. Therefore, to achieve environmental sustainability goals, it is essential to focus on reducing carbon emissions by conserving natural resources and adopting low‐carbon technologies. Renewable electricity generation, the advancement of environment‐related technologies, and the widespread adoption of these technologies have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and drive the shift towards a more sustainable future. Nevertheless, the impact of these initiatives in the European Union (EU) on promoting these solutions and reducing emissions is still ambiguous. Therefore, this paper aims to explore how renewable electricity generation, development of environment‐related technologies, and diffusion of environment‐related technologies limit CO2 emission in 14 selected EU countries. To achieve this goal, our study span covered the period of 1990–2019 and employed Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) based impulse function to capture responses to CO2. The empirical results reveal that CO2 is positively influenced by economic growth and electricity consumption. The empirical findings indicate that renewable electricity generation, development of environment‐related technologies, and diffusion of environment‐related technologies have negative impacts on CO2 levels, implying that they could mitigate CO2 levels in 14 EU countries. The above empirical findings suggest that EU countries should invest more in the R&D, diffusion, and implementation of climate‐related technological advances in renewable energy generation. Policymakers should take action to develop market‐based environmental regulatory measures, cut fossil fuel subsidies, and boost renewable energy and climate change advances. To attain environmental sustainability and lower carbon dioxide emissions, it is crucial to implement such policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agitation and incompliance with the treatment may be observed in patients undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which may cause inadequate oxygenation, sedation, termination of CPAP or intubation of the patient. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of listening to music during CPAP on the agitation levels of intensive care patients who underwent CPAP as a result of COVID‐19 and their compliance with the treatment. Study design: This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Seventy‐six intensive care patients with COVID‐19 were included in this study and assigned to the music and control groups via the block randomization method. The study was completed with 70 patients. The patients and outcome assessors were not blinded in this study. The Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) level, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and mask air leakage amount were the outcome measures. Results: The mean RASS score of the patients in the intervention group was 2.14 ± 0.69 before CPAP, 1.63 ± 064 at the 1st minute, 0.89 ± 0.58 at the 15th minute and 0.74 ± 0.61 at the 30th minute. The mean RASS score of the patients in the control group was 2.06 ± 0.53 before CPAP, 1.80 ± 0.58 at the 1st minute, 1.43 ± 0.60 at the 15th minute and 1.46 ± 0.61 at the 30th minute of CPAP. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups at the 15th and 30th minutes (t = −3.81, p <.001; t = −4.89, p <.001 respectively). The mean respiratory rate, SpO2 and mask air leakage amount were compared between the groups. There was a statistically significant difference in favour of the intervention group at the 15th minute (t = −2.47, p <.001; t = 2.57, p <.001; t = 2.93, p <.001 respectively) and 30th minute (t = −3.17, p <.001; t = 3.46, p <.001; t = −3.93, p <.001 respectively). Conclusions: The study results show that listening to music during CPAP reduces the agitation levels of patients and helps them comply with the treatment. Relevance to clinical practice: Music may be a beneficial application for patients who are agitated and unable to comply with CPAP therapy. This is an easy and applicable method, which can protect patients from the adverse effects of failed CPAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Question/Issue: The increase in executive pay has been attracting attention to the practice of peer benchmarking, which is commonly used to determine CEO compensation. Using a network approach, we construct and analyze the compensation peer network and examine how the structure of the network influences CEO pay. Research Findings/Insights: Using data on public firms in the period between 2006 and 2020, we find that the peer network exhibits strong community structure and that bridging across communities influences CEO pay. Specifically, CEO pay increases by approximately $10 million as the number of bridging ties increases from 30 to 100, which indicates that obfuscation can result in inflated CEO pay and supports the managerial power perspective. Theoretical/Academic Implications: We empirically distinguish the predicted effect of peer benchmarking on CEO pay as outlined in the market for executive talent and the managerial power perspectives. We show that firms may avoid scrutiny and offer high CEO compensation when they either have a very small number of targeted bridging ties or a very large number of diffused, nontargeted bridging ties in the peer network. Practitioner/Policy Implications: The intent of peer benchmarking was to make CEO compensation practices more transparent, legitimate, and functional; however, our findings indicate that these intentions have not been fully realized and instead benchmarking can be used to inflate CEO pay while avoiding stakeholder scrutiny through obfuscation. These insights provide an opportunity to policy makers to be more effective in encouraging additional transparency and stronger justification for boards' choice of peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this study is to examine the short‐ and long‐term causal effects of natural disaster shocks on the stock market and business confidence level in the time‐frequency domain by studying the co‐movements between earthquake data and the Istanbul Stock Index closing prices, using the Wavelet Coherence and Phase Difference analyses. The empirical findings reveal that the relationship between earthquake events and financial markets is not stable over time and across different time horizons. The linkage becomes stronger in the long term when the impact of the earthquake event coincides with a financial crisis reflecting a combined effect. This nexus is also strong during the years 2007–2011 reflecting a similar combined effect of both an earthquake event and the global financial crisis. Meanwhile, co‐movement between the earthquake and the financial market index implies a negative effect in the period 2011–2012, indicating short‐run effects of stock market shocks. Differentiating these short‐term and long‐term effects has implications for risk management and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis of ammonia production is presented, focusing on the comparison between natural gas‐based and coal‐based processes. Ammonia production is associated with high energy consumption and significant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The objective of this research is to identify key processes and parameters within the ammonia synthesis industry and provide recommendations for cleaner and more sustainable development. Exergy analysis is performed to assess the efficiency of ammonia production technologies and determine optimal operating conditions. Natural gas‐based ammonia production has lower environmental impacts compared to coal‐based production in most categories, except for ionizing radiation. Natural gas, being a cleaner‐burning fossil fuel, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. However, it is essential to address the issue of ionizing radiation in natural gas‐based processes. The potential for more efficient technologies and the importance of removing sulfur and other impurities during the production process to optimize catalyst performance are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given differences in the efficiency of oil use of local and foreign technologies across countries, characterising the degree of synchronisation of oil consumption is of great concern and consequence for economic, political, and, not least, climate change reasons. Building on the business cycle theory, we characterise the degree of synchronisation of oil consumption with world consumption among the G7 countries over the period 1890–2017. We provide three crucial points based on the wavelet and phase difference analyses. Firstly, we find that the synchronisation of oil consumption in the largest oil consumers with world consumption was continuous only during periods prior to the great depression of the 1930s, suggesting the lack of a stable synchronisation pattern in oil consumption. In addition, we show that during that period, oil consumption in each G7 country started approaching world consumption. Secondly, the phase relation structure infers a clear pattern of positive correlations (being in phase) between each country's oil consumption and world consumption, mainly during the short run. This strong evidence of interdependency yields beneficial information for monitoring world oil demand by improving the efficiency of oil in the underlying countries. Thirdly, we report that oil consumption patterns in France, the United Kingdom and the United States are the closely synchronised oil consumers with a procyclical pattern after 2010, supporting convergence features in their oil consumption series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale river models are generally discretized by relatively large mesh cells resulting in bathymetry discretization errors and numerical effects. These hydraulic models are generally calibrated by altering the bed roughness to compensate for these errors and effects. Consequently, the calibrated roughness values are mesh‐dependent while generally local mesh refinements are executed after model calibration to study the effects of river interventions. This study shows both the errors caused by bathymetry discretization and numerical effects for locally refined meshes. First, schematised river meanders with a flat bed in the transverse flow direction are analysed to isolate the induced numerical effects by the mesh. Afterwards, a case study is considered to verify if similar mesh influences are found in natural river meanders. Curvilinear, triangular and hybrid (combination of curvilinear and triangular cells) meshes are used with different resolutions. The analysis shows that in the schematised river meanders lower depth‐averaged flow velocities and larger water depths are simulated with coarser meshes. In the case study, substantial differences in hydrodynamics between the meshes are obtained suggesting that the bathymetry discretization is more influential than the numerical effects. Finally, it was found that triangular meshes, and rivers with narrow meander bends, are most sensitive to mesh resolution. Especially in these cases, it is desirable to refine the mesh at the desired locations before model calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A broad spectrum of skin diseases, including hair and nails, can be directly or indirectly triggered by COVID‐19. It is aimed to examine the type and frequency of hair and nail disorders after COVID‐19 infection. Methods: This is a multicenter study conducted on consecutive 2171 post‐COVID‐19 patients. Patients who developed hair and nail disorders and did not develop hair and nail disorders were recruited as subject and control groups. The type and frequency of hair and nail disorders were examined. Results: The rate of the previous admission in hospital due to COVID‐19 was statistically significantly more common in patients who developed hair loss after getting infected with COVID‐19 (P < 0.001). Telogen effluvium (85%) was the most common hair loss type followed by worsening of androgenetic alopecia (7%) after COVID‐19 infection. The mean stress scores during and after getting infected with COVID‐19 were 6.88 ± 2.77 and 3.64 ± 3.04, respectively, in the hair loss group and were 5.77 ± 3.18 and 2.81 ± 2.84, respectively, in the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The frequency of recurrent COVID‐19 was statistically significantly higher in men with severe androgenetic alopecia (Grades 4–7 HNS) (P = 0.012; Odds ratio: 2.931 [1.222–7.027]). The most common nail disorders were leukonychia, onycholysis, Beau's lines, onychomadesis, and onychoschisis, respectively. The symptoms of COVID‐19 were statistically significantly more common in patients having nail disorders after getting infected with COVID‐19 when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The development of both nail and hair disorders after COVID‐19 seems to be related to a history of severe COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the new venture knowledge search process, including what role differences in perceived and actual knowledge play, and the resulting influence on strategic choice and performance. A model was created that identifies proposed relationships among key constructs associated with knowledge satisfaction, search, strategy, and new venture performance. We found that perceived relative knowledge strength is deemed to influence the degree of strategic leverage a new venture selects, which subsequently influences performance, contingent on actual relative knowledge strength. The model more clearly distinguishes the role of search in perceived and actual knowledge, which identifies potentially disadvantageous effects on strategic choice and performance. Research implications include the importance of acknowledging that perceived knowledge is just as critical as actual knowledge when utilizing the resource‐based and knowledge‐based views of the firm. Both internal and external search contain advantages and disadvantages that are important for firms trying to achieve external fit within a dynamic competitive environment. Practical implications include that new ventures should be cognizant of potential differences between perceived knowledge and actual knowledge because any incongruence can mislead new ventures in their search efforts and strategic initiatives. Moreover, new ventures should continually engage in external search, even when they have superior knowledge, because the process of external search provides a variety of competitive information that can help new ventures determine their degree of advantage. New ventures also need to recognize the dynamic nature of competition and accurately assess performance fluctuations in order to enhance their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the color stability and microhardness of three bulk‐fill composites with different polymerization characteristics, after immersion in four different solutions. Materials and Methods: Color measurements of three bulk fill (Viscalor (VIS), Tetric PowerFill (TPF), Fill Up! (FUP)) and a microhyrid composite resin (G‐aenial posterior [GCP]) were performed after polymerization. The specimens were immersed in coffee, cola, red wine and distilled water. Discolorations were recorded after 24 h (T1), 10 days (T2) and 30 days (T3) of immersion. ΔE (CIEDE2000) values were calculated. Vickers microhardness (VHN) was measured from top and bottom surfaces at T0 and T3. Data was analyzed with Two‐way ANOVA, One‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Results: The highest discoloration was seen in wine and the lowest in distilled water and cola. At T3, there was no difference in distilled water groups, while the statistically highest ΔE00 were obtained in TPF and GCP in coffee, cola and wine. VIS groups had the highest VHN values at T0 and T3 in all solutions. Conclusions: Samples immersed in coffee and wine showed discoloration beyond clinically acceptable limits. After 30 days, discoloration occurred in all materials immersed in all solutions. At T3, VIS microhardness generally decreased, while TPF did not. Clinical Significance: After 30 days, all bulk‐fill composites immersed in distilled water, coffee and wine showed clinically unacceptable ΔE00. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Microvascular disease is considered as one of the main drivers of morbidity and mortality in severe COVID‐19, and microvascular dysfunction has been demonstrated in the subcutaneous and sublingual tissues in COVID‐19 patients. The presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has also been hypothesized, but direct evidence demonstrating CMD in COVID‐19 patients is missing. In the present study, we aimed to investigate CMD in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, and to understand whether there is a relationship between biomarkers of myocardial injury, myocardial strain and inflammation and CMD. Methods: 39 patients that were hospitalized with COVID‐19 and 40 control subjects were included to the present study. Biomarkers for myocardial injury, myocardial strain, inflammation, and fibrin turnover were obtained at admission. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination, including measurement of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), was done after the patient was stabilized. Results: Patients with COVID‐19 infection had a significantly lower hyperemic coronary flow velocity, resulting in a significantly lower CFVR (2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5, p <.001). Patients with severe COVID‐19 had a lower CFVR compared to those with moderate COVID‐19 (1.8 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2, p <.001) driven by a trend toward higher basal flow velocity. CFVR correlated with troponin (p =.003, r: −.470), B‐type natriuretic peptide (p <.001, r: −.580), C‐reactive protein (p <.001, r: −.369), interleukin‐6 (p <.001, r: −.597), and d‐dimer (p <.001, r: −.561), with the three latter biomarkers having the highest areas‐under‐curve for predicting CMD. Conclusions: Coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in patients with COVID‐19 and is related to the severity of the infection. CMD may also explain the "cryptic" myocardial injury seen in patients with severe COVID‐19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic relative deprivation is increasingly recognized as an indication of economic well‐being, also among refugees. This study examines to what extent financial contributions (financial aid and remittances) can compensate for the objective and subjective relative deprivation of Congolese refugees compared to their Rwandan hosts. The analysis is conducted using unique data that have been collected with a UNHCR‐funded research project. We find that refugee households initially experience more objective and subjective relative deprivation than local households, but that this association is largely suppressed by financial contributions they receive. The results show that especially financial aid can compensate for relative deprivation. Furthermore, there is evidence that local households are more often exceptionally deprived than refugee households, when more rigid measurements of objective relative deprivation are used. To promote economic well‐being among the whole population, the needs of both refugees and locals should be considered when distributing financial and development assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Quasi‐Newtonian Approach has been developed for the closed‐form analytical solution of isothermic, inelastic, and steady‐state fully developed axial power law fluid flow in a concentric annuli. This approach is developed to eliminate the need to solve the two flow regions separately in the rheological flow problems. Using the approximate definition shear deformation distribution of power law rheological model, an analytical expression, which permits direct evaluation of the velocity distribution profiles, volumetric flow rate, and pressure drop in concentric annuli is derived. It is shown that all developed equations are applicable for both Newtonian and non‐Newtonian flows in concentric annuli, and these can be applied for a wider range of rheological parameters of the power law rheological model. Final analytical equations can easily be used in all theoretical and practical applications of the power law flow problems in annuli that are encountered in several interdisciplinary fields without using tables, graphs, and tedious numerical calculations. Theoretically obtained, fully developed velocity profiles are compared with the experimental results taken from the relevant literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to investigate diagnostic values of C‐reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio as possible indirect inflammatory markers in children with septic arthritis (SA) for diagnosis process. Methods: The medical records of pediatric patients with SA who underwent debridement surgery between February 2005 and November 2018 were obtained from the hospital records. A total of 59 children with SA and 60 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Hemograms parameters including WBC count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count, CRP, ESR, NLR, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio. Biochemical parameters including alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, and albumin were investigated and compared between both groups. Results: Fifty‐nine patients, 30% female (n: 18) and 70% male (n: 41), who had received operations for SA were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 7.1 (range 6 days to 15 years) years and mean follow up 56.6 (12–140) months. No significant differences were observed in any biochemical parameters between the groups. However, a significant difference was found between the septic arthritis and the control group in all hemogram parameters. Conclusions: Although the sensitivity and specificity of the NLR are lower than CRP, ESR, and WBC which are most commonly used inflammatory parameters in diagnosis process of septic arthritis, NLR may be useful in confirming the diagnosis in the clinical practise, with an optimum diagnostic cut‐off value of 4.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Impairment of biotin metabolism with the use of isotretinoin and the mucocutaneous side effects observed in patients using isotretinoin suggests that they are a result of decreased enzyme activity. We aimed to determine the pattern of skin and hair changes in patients with acne receiving isotretinoin and how these changes were affected by biotin added to the treatment. Materials and methods: Sixty patients were divided into two groups. Each group contained 30 patients. Groups A and B received 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin, and 10 mg/day biotin supplement was added to Group B. Both groups were evaluated using a digital dermoscope for hair changes and with a DermaLab® Combo device for transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin retraction, skin hydration, and skin sebum levels at the beginning and end of the fourth month. Results: In group B, the anagen hair ratio increased (P = 0.034) and the telogen hair ratio decreased significantly (P = 0.003). Skin sebum and the skin retraction values decreased in both groups. Skin hydration decreased significantly in group A (P = 0.001), but there was no significant decrease in group B (P = 0.43). Conclusion: Biotin (10 mg/day) given in addition to isotretinoin treatment decreased telogen and increased anagen hair rates and helped to maintain skin hydration. The use of 10 mg/day biotin can prevent the mucocutaneous adverse effects of isotretinoin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the surface characteristics of low shrinkage composites and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis to these materials. Control material (glass) and three low shrinkage composites (Charisma Diamond, Kalore GC, Beatiful II LS) were used. After polishing procedure was applied to composite specimens, surface roughness (SR), surface free energy (SFE), and contact angle measurements were performed. Surfaces of composite were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. After pellicle formation with artificial saliva, S. mutans and S. mitis biofilms were incubated in 5% CO2 for 24 h at 37°C and were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The lowest SR and highest SFE values were found in the control group. While the contact angle of control was statistically lower than composites, statistically difference was not found between composite groups. S. mutans adhesion of composites was significantly lower than control group, but there was no significant difference between composites. S. mitis adhesion of all groups was statistically similar. SR did not affect the S. mutans and S. mitis adhesion. Less adherence of S. mutans to low shrinkage composites was associated with low SFE and high contact angle values. Even though the highest SR was observed in the Charisma Diamond, no difference was found between the composites in terms of bacterial adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical evidence is influential on the consumer's attitude, quality perception, and purchasing behavior. The service atmosphere within the physical evidence scope is an element that requires huge investments. Together with low‐cost small changes, the physical environment could be rendered much more attractive to the consumer. Color and light are among the elements that are suitable for these changes. This research aims to determine whether the color of light in the service atmosphere affects the customer's quality perceptions and customer satisfaction and whether this effect differs according to the color of light. To this end, the restaurant business, which has an essential place in the tourism industry, was chosen as the research experiment ambient. A total of five experiments were conducted in five ambient lighted in different colors with participants. Data were collected with 204 the form of the experiment question According to the analysis results, the perception of service quality and the level of satisfaction were higher in red and yellow‐lighted ambient than those in blue and green‐lighted ambient. In line with the results, recommendations were made to reduce the physical environment costs in the service production process in restaurants and to achieve a cleaner service production, sustainable production, and consumption through more efficient use of resources. Highlights: The light color in the service atmosphere affects the perceived quality and customer satisfaction.Perceived service quality and customer satisfaction differ according to the light color in the service atmosphere.By changing the light color in the service atmosphere, it is possible to increase the level of quality perception and customer satisfaction in a positive way.By changing the color of the light in the service environment, efficient and sustainable cleaner production can be realized with low costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a series of fluorene/2,5‐dithenyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐based electroactive polymers (HS‐X) with different feed ratio of SC12F/OF were synthesized via Suzuki coupling reactions. Chemical characterization of polymers was elucidated by 1H NMR and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrochemical and electrophysical characterization of the synthesized polymers were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, UV‐vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermal stability of polymers were studied with differential scanning calorimetry and manipulation of the Tg values of HS‐X polymers was managed by increasing the numbers of the spiroalkylated fluorene (SAF) moieties incorporated into the polymer backbone. Five different conjugated polymers (HS‐1, HS‐2, HS‐3, HS‐4, and HS‐5) were used as hole transport layer material in the fabrication of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices. The energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital as well as the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and photoluminescence intensities were independent of the number of SAF units. OLED devices based on HS‐X polymers were fabricated according to ITO/PEDOT:PSS/HS‐X/Alq3/LiF:Al device configuration. Their electroluminescence performances were investigated and the best performance were obtained with the polymer containing 20% SC12F (HS‐4) in an OLED device with a turn on voltage of 11.8 V, a maximum luminance of 1202 cd/m2 and a maximum luminous efficiency of 0.30 cd/A compared to other polymers with different feed ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic progressive autoimmune bullous disease caused by the interaction of pathogenic factors, genetic, and environmental factors. HLA alleles, which are considered as protective factors against disease or predisposing factors, may be different in various populations and ethnic groups. Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the HLA‐A, HLA‐DR, and HLA‐DQ alleles in patients that are diagnosed with PV in and around eastern of Turkey and to determine the alleles that create predisposition to disease or protect against the disease. Patients/Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed as PV with clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence findings and 30 healthy subjects were included in this study. The HLA‐A, HLA‐DR, and HLA‐DQ typology in the DNA samples that were obtained from the blood samples of the groups was performed by using the PCR‐SSP low‐resolution gene panels. Results: The HLA‐A*03 allele was found to be significantly higher in patient group than the control group (P‐value:.020). HLA‐DRB1*04 and HLA‐DRB1*14 alleles in PV patients were found to be significantly higher than the control group (P‐value =.000). Conclusion: It was concluded that the HLA‐DRB1*03, HLADQB1*02, and HLA‐DQB1*06 alleles in and around eastern of Turkey showed protective effects against pemphigus vulgaris. It was also concluded that the HLA‐A*03, HLA‐DRB1*04, HLA‐DRB1*14, HLA‐DRB4, HLA‐DQB1*03, and HLA‐DQB1*05 alleles could cause predisposition to the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data point to the importance of oxidative stress in rosacea. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) have substantial roles in a wide variety of oxidative stress‐related conditions. Aim: To evaluate the immunohistochemical staining characteristics of GST alpha (GSTA), mu (GSTM), pi (GSTP), and theta (GSTT) in patients with rosacea. Patients/Methods: The study included 23 women and 7 men with rosacea (mean ± SD age 49 ± 11 year) and 15 healthy control subjects (10 women, 5 men; mean ± SD age 47.86 ± 10.88 year). For each patient, the average disease duration, disease subtype, ocular involvement, and severity score were recorded. A 3‐mm punch biopsy was taken from the facial skin of each patient and control. Expression of GST isoenzymes was analyzed immunohistochemically. Results: Expressions of GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 were significantly elevated in patients with rosacea compared to those in the control group (P =.0001, P =.0002, P <.0001, respectively). In the rosacea group, GSTT1 expression was significantly stronger than GSTP1 and GSTA1 expressions (P =.019, P <.0001, respectively). There were no significant associations between expressions of GST isoenzymes and gender, age, average duration of illness, disease subtype, ocular involvement, or severity score in the patient group (all P >.05). Conclusions: In rosacea, the significant increase of GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTM1 expressions might result from activation of GST as an outcome of extreme free radical generation from triggered neutrophils or ultraviolet vulnerability. These findings support the relevance of oxidant stress in the pathogenesis of rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disease that affects skin, hair follicles, mucous membranes, and nails. Ki‐67 is an antigen associated with the proliferation of cells in all stages of cell cycle except G0. Bcl‐2 is a protooncogene that protects cells from apoptosis. COX‐2 is an antiapoptotic protein that increases in inflammation. The infiltration of T cells in LP seems to be responsible in the apoptosis of the basal keratinocytes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prednisolone and acitretin treatments on Ki‐67, Bcl‐2, and COX‐2 expression and apoptosis in patients with LP and the role of Ki‐67, Bcl‐2, and COX‐2 proteins in LP. Methods: Fifty‐eight patients with clinically and histopathologically diagnosed LP who had not been treated with systemic treatment before and 15 healthy volunteers were evaluated prospectively. Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies were immunohistochemically stained with Ki‐67, Bcl‐2, and COX‐2. The percentage of the stained cells were calculated and recorded. Results: Although the percentage of staining with Ki‐67 and Bcl‐2 after treatment with prednisolone and acitretin decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in both groups, there was no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). COX‐2 decreased but was not statistically significant. Conclusions: With this study in cutaneous lichen planus, prednisolone and acitretin treatments reduced Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 levels and did not effect COX‐2 levels. It should be clarified whether these results can be obtained with any treatment effective in cutaneous lichen planus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the extent to which educational services and schooling outcomes of local children are influenced by the presence of a refugee camp in or near their community. Investigating Congolese refugees in Rwanda and relying on a mixed‐method approach, we examine schooling rates and access to school‐based feeding programmes in communities closer to and further away from three refugee camps. We conduct cohort analyses to compare the schooling outcomes of Rwandans residing at different distances from each of these camps. Our results highlight that children residing closer to the camps have better schooling outcomes and that locals residing closer to the camps have mostly positive views regarding the effects of refugees on local education. These results contribute to the literature on the effects of refugees on host communities and inform policy debates on how refugees need not be a "burden" if a long‐term vision shapes educational investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the interobserver, intraobserver, and intermethod reliability of computer‐assisted digital and manual measurements of hip sonograms. Methods: Seventy‐four hip sonograms were evaluated in this retrospective study. Five evaluators measured digital images and manual paper printouts according to the Graf method (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 1984; 102:248–255). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability rates were calculated. Reliability criteria were graded on a numeric scale. Results: The interobserver reliability of both computer‐based and manual methods for alpha angle measurements was good to excellent, but the interobserver reliability was fair to poor for beta angle measurements. Intraobserver reliability was varied. Alpha angle measurements by both manual and computer‐based methods had high concordance with each other, whereas beta angle measurements had low concordance. The intermethod variability did not differ between observers. Conclusions: The alpha angle measurements had high concordance with each other for both manual and computer‐based methods, whereas the beta angle measurements had low concordance. This information should be taken into account in clinical practice. Overall, the two measurement methods were reliable and consistent with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Historically, groups that are most susceptible to health and healthcare disparities have been underrepresented in medical research. It is imperative to explore approaches that can facilitate the recruitment of underrepresented individuals into research studies. Methods: Two approaches, hospital and community‐based recruitment (CBR), were developed and implemented over 36 months to study the genetics of hereditary breast cancer and associated cancers in Alabama, a medically underserved state with double the national percentage of self‐identifying African Americans, establishing the Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort. Results: Overall, 242 individuals enrolled. This included 84 cancer probands through hospital recruitment, as well as 76 probands and 82 family members through CBR. Eighty‐one percent of the study participants’ counties of residence are completely medically underserved. Furthermore, African Americans represent 26% of the hospital probands compared to 49% and 70% of the probands and family members who, respectively, enrolled through CBR. Conclusion: Although both recruitment mechanisms were instrumental, the unique trust building, educational, and traveling components of CBR facilitated the enrollment of African Americans resulting in large families for genetic analyses. The ultimate goal is to gain insight from these rudimentary efforts in order to expand recruitment and accrue a unique resource for cancer genetics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mistletoe infection results in substantial growth losses in mistletoe‐infected forests. This study reports and evaluates the results of retrospective analyses of radial growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in relation to the level of infection of pine mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. austriacum). A total of 43 Scots pine trees were destructively sampled from different sites. Of these trees, 14 were uninfected and 29 were infected. Infection classes were determined using six‐class dwarf mistletoe rating system (DMRS). All needle and mistletoe biomass were removed completely and weighed for each sampled tree. Subsamples from needles and all mistletoe biomass were taken to the laboratory for oven‐dried weight determinations. Five‐cm‐thick wood discs were cut from the stem at the breast height (1.3 m) to determine annual basal area increment for the last 25 years. In addition to DMRS, new infection classes were created using mistletoe‐to‐needle biomass (MB/NB) ratio. The results showed that the radial growth losses could be as much as 41% to 64% at different infection levels. The rate of growth loss in relation to DMRS and MB/NB ratio was similar, but with a larger variability in DMRS values. The results showed that both DMRS rating and MB/NB ratio seem to be important for quantifying growth loss on Scots pine trees infected with mistletoe. The results of this study can also be invaluable in modelling the effects of mistletoe on the growth of Scots pine trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reintegration constituents of displaced populations are understudied, despite increased attention being paid to return and reintegration outcomes. In this paper, we explore how various factors related to the migration cycle, including returnees' displacement experiences and return conditions, are associated with reintegration outcomes. For this aim, we take a multidimensional approach to the measurement of reintegration. In addition to objective reintegration outcomes, measured by food security, we address subjective assessments such as feelings of reintegration. We focus on the unique case of returnees in Burundi and make use of a database consisting of a sample of 189 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 194 former refugees, which allows for a comparison of the reintegration of these two groups. The analyses highlight that objective and subjective reintegration do not necessarily align and that displacement experiences and return conditions relate to reintegration outcomes in different ways. Land and livestock ownership upon return are for example positively correlated with feelings of reintegration and subjective wealth, whereas community support is crucial to cope with food security. Moreover, we show considerable variation in reintegration outcomes between refugees and IDPs, with refugees showing more positive outcomes when individual characteristics are controlled for. This result calls for more in‐depth research on the contextual and structural factors that elucidate the variation across groups going beyond individual level explanations. Overall, the findings emphasise the diversity in reintegration outcomes and identify the role of experiences during displacement and return conditions for the reintegration of refugees and IDPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Abnormal hyperkeratinization in sebaceous hair follicles has long been believed to play an important role in acne pathogenesis. Several early reports purported to provide histological evidence for hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in acne lesions by showing a higher expression of the Ki67 as well as certain keratins. The evidence is, however, not robust, and a number of methodological and technical limitations can be identified in these studies. In this study, we looked at the expression of proliferation, mitosis and apoptosis markers directly at acne skin lesions in 66 patients with acne vulgaris. Ki67 was assessed using immunohistochemistry and α‐tubulin, phospho‐histone H3 and cleaved‐PARP with immunofluorescence microscopy. Allogenic unaffected hair follicles from the same acne patients were used as an internal control. In both acne and control hair follicles, the α‐tubulin staining was universal, approaching 100% cells and showed no signs of changed assembly. Expression of cleaved‐PARP—the apoptosis marker—was a rare event. Cell proliferation rate measured by the expression of Ki67 and phospho‐histone H3 was virtually identical between acne and the two control groups. Our findings show the absence of increased keratinocyte proliferation in acne vulgaris. Alternative mechanisms are likely responsible for infundibular hyperkeratinization in acne pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internalized stigma is the adoption of negative attitudes and stereotypes of the society regarding a person's illness. It causes decreased self-esteem and life-satisfaction, increased depression and suicidality, and difficulty in coping with the illness. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the internalized stigma state of psoriatic patients and to identify the factors influencing internalized stigma. The secondary aim was to identify the correlation of internalized stigma with quality of life and perceived health status. This multicentre, cross-sectional study comprised 1485 patients. There was a significant positive correlation between mean values of Psoriasis Internalized Stigma Scale (PISS) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Body Surface Area, Dermatological Life Quality Index and General Health Questionnaire-12 (P < 0.001 in all). Lower percieved health score (P = 0.001), early onset psoriasis (P = 0.016), family history of psoriasis (P = 0.0034), being illiterate (P < 0.001) and lower income level (P < 0.001) were determinants of high PISS scores. Mean PISS values were higher in erythrodermic and generalized pustular psoriasis. Involvement of scalp, face, hand, genitalia and finger nails as well as arthropathic and inverse psoriasis were also related to significantly higher PISS scores (P = 0.001). Our findings imply that psoriatic patients experience high levels of internalized stigma which are associated with psoriasis severity, involvement of visible body parts, genital area, folds or joints, poorer quality of life, negative perceptions of general health and psychological illnesses. Therefore, internalized stigma may be one of the major factors responsible from psychosocial burden of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Glutathione S-transferases ( GSTs) make up a group of antioxidant enzymes. Cytochrome p450 ( CYP) enzymes can influence oxidation and reduction reactions. We investigated the potential effects of GST and CYP enzymes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The study included 32 psoriasis patients and 22 healthy subjects. Psoriasis patients were administered 20 sessions of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. Expressions of GST and CYP enzymes were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Expression levels of GSTK1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 were significantly higher in psoriasis than in control tissues ( P = 0.022, P = 0.001, and P = 0.006, respectively). Pre- and post-treatment expression was similar. Expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 was significantly higher in pre- ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively) and post-treatment ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively) psoriatic tissues than in control tissues. No significant differences in CYP1B1 levels between the study and control groups were detected before treatment ( P > 0.05). However, CYP1B1 levels were higher in post-treatment psoriatic tissue than in control tissue ( P = 0.045). The significant increases in expression of GSTK1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 in psoriasis may reflect the increased activation of GST in response to excessive free radical formation from activated neutrophils or ultraviolet exposure to maintain antioxidant capacity in psoriasis. Furthermore, expressions of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 represent important enzymatic systems in psoriasis. These findings suggest that psoriasis is an oxidative stress condition, although phototherapy does not affect these enzymatic systems. Further investigation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a pilot-scale study was carried out to investigate the diffusive transport of phenolic compounds and advective transport of heavy metals through liner systems composed of alternative materials and to evaluate the leachate effect on liner materials' properties. For this purpose, ten pilot-scale landfill reactors were operated for a period of about 290 days. Physico-chemical, mineralogical composition, and geotechnical properties of liner materials were also reported. The results of the study suggest that performance of alternative liner systems have no significant difference in toxic organic contaminant attenuation and clay-lime mixture were found to be the less effected liner system by leachate. Thereby clay-lime mixtures can be effectively utilized as a component of landfill liners due to not only chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties but also their high abundance and low cost supply. A two-layer liner system composed of clay-lime mixture at the upper part and bentonite-zeolite mixture at the lower part is recommended. Existence of lime at the upper part will provide improvement in soil properties and reduce leachate effects but will increase hydraulic conductivity by decreasing the thickness of diffuse double layer. A bentonite-zeolite mixture existing at the lower part will provide adsorption of heavy metals and avoid heavy metal migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following article from International Endodontic Journal, 'Postoperative pain after irrigation with Vibringe versus a conventional needle: a randomized controlled trial' by D. Bilgili, S. Yilmaz, A. Dumani & O. Yoldas, published online on 29 February 2016 in Wiley Online Library (), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Journal Editor in Chief, Prof. Paul Dummer, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed because the corresponding author did not contact the first author who carried out the work before alterations to the article were made prior to submission. This damages the integrity of the work and there are additional concerns over the number of patients and the accuracy of the results and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study investigated ocular findings in patients with alopecia. Methods A total of 42 patients with alopecia (31 male, 11 female; 84 eyes) and 45 healthy individuals (28 male, 17 female; 90 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Of the patients with alopecia, 34 had alopecia areata, seven had alopecia universalis, and one had ophiasis alopecia. Seven patients had eyebrow involvement and seven had eyelash involvement. Autorefractometry, keratometry, visual acuity, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure ( IOP) measurements, bilateral anterior and posterior segment examinations, Schirmer's tests, and visual field examinations were performed in both groups. Results The mean ± standard deviation age of the subjects was 25.21 ± 10.88 years in the alopecia group and 28.24 ± 9.31 years in the control group. Lens abnormalities were observed in 35 eyes in the alopecia group and in 11 eyes in the control group ( P < 0.05). Posterior segment abnormalities were seen in 29 eyes in the alopecia group and four eyes in the control group ( P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, visual acuity, refractive error, keratometric findings, IOP, central corneal thickness, perimetry, or Schirmer's test results between the alopecia and control groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Patients with alopecia may have more lenticular and retinal findings than normal individuals, but those findings do not interfere with visual acuity. Close surveillance for the early onset of cataract formation is important in patients with alopecia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The random subspace method (RSM) is one of the ensemble learning algorithms widely used in pattern classification applications. RSM has the advantages of small error rate and improved noise insensitivity due to ensemble construction of the base-learners. However, randomness may cause a reduction of the final ensemble decision performance because of contributions of classifiers trained by subsets with low class separability. In this study, we present a new and improved version of the RSM by introducing a weighting factor into the combination phase. One of the class separability criteria, J3, is used as a weighting factor to improve the classification performance and eliminate the drawbacks of the standard RSM algorithm. The randomly selected subsets are quantified by computing their J3 measure to determine voting weights in the model combination phase, assigning lower voting weight to classifiers trained by subsets with poor class separability. Two models are presented including J3-weighted RSM and optimized J3 weighted RSM. In J3 weighted RSM, computed weighting values are directly multiplied by class assignment posteriors, whereas in optimized J3 weighted RSM, computed weighting values are optimized by a pattern search algorithm before multiplying by posteriors. Both models are shown to provide better error rates at lower subset dimensionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to investigate ocular manifestations in patients with vitiligo. Sixty-one patients with vitiligo were included in the study. From the patients who referred for examination to the dermatology and ophthalmology clinic, 57 patients without any systemic disease were taken as the control group. In both groups, otorefractometry, keratometry, visual acuity test, intraocular pressure measurement, anterior segment, and fundus examinations of the eye with slit lamp, Schirmer test, and perimetry were carried out. The mean age was 24.54 ± 11.90 years and 23.03 ± 8.72 years in the patients and control group, respectively. The mean Schirmer test results were as follows: 16.74 ± 9.11 mm and 17.64 ± 9.41 mm for the right and left eyes of the patients, and 21.96 ± 12.51 mm and 23.42 ± 12.51 mm for the right and left eyes of controls, respectively. Of the patients, 36 eyes showed lenticular findings. However, only 12 eyes of the controls have some lenticular findings. Twenty-nine eyes in the vitiligo group and four in the controls showed some fundus findings. When the two groups were compared with each other, there was a statistically significant difference between them in terms of Schirmer test results, lens, and fundus findings ( P < 0.05 for all). However, there was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, intraocular pressure, perimetry, and corneal findings ( P > 0.05 for all). Patients with vitiligo may have more lenticular and retinal findings than normal. They can be more prone to dry eye syndrome as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ( HBOT) appears to enhance wound healing, increase bactericidal activity, and act synergistically with a number of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HBOT as an adjunctive therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa ( HS) treated with a combination of systemic rifampicin and clindamycin. The study was a prospective, single-center, single-dose, open-label, randomized controlled clinical study of HBOT in patients with moderate to severe HS. Efficacy was measured by modified Sartorius score ( SS), HS Severity Index ( HSSI), Dermatology Life Quality Index ( DLQI), and a visual analog scale ( VAS) before treatment and after the completion of 4 and 10 weeks of treatment. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR) and C-reactive protein ( CRP) levels were also measured. Forty-three patients were enrolled in the study. More patients in the HBOT than in the control group showed a decrease of ≥50% from baseline parameters at week 10 for SS (100%), HSSI (100%), DLQI (95.5%), VAS (100%), ESR (100%), and CRP (72.7%). Clinically and statistically significant improvements from baseline were observed at 4 and 10 weeks in HSSI ( P = 0.009 at both), SS ( P = 0.021 at both), and DLQI ( P = 0.044 at week 4, P = 0.009 at week 10). Adjunctive HBOT was considered to be effective in significantly improving antibiotic treatment of HS. The treatment was well tolerated, and no unexpected safety issues were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We focussed on evaluating the protective effect of lycopene and resveratrol on post-thaw bull sperm and oxidative stress parameters. Nine ejaculates for each bull were used in the study. Each ejaculate, splitted into three equal aliquots and diluted at 37 ° C with base extenders containing lycopene (1 × 10−3 g ml−1) and resveratrol (1 m m), and no antioxidant (control), was cooled to 5 ° C and then frozen. Frozen straws were thawed in a water bath for evaluation. The supplementation of the semen extender with lycopene and resveratrol increased the percentages of post-thawed computer-assisted sperm analysis ( CASA) motility (55.8 ± 3.8 and 61.9 ± 4.0%) and progressive motility (38 ± 2.4 and 37 ± 8.8), compared with the controls (50.7 ± 2.65 and 33.3 ± 3.74%, respectively, P < 0.05). Resveratrol provided a higher ALH (4.3 ± 0.1), in comparison with the control (3.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.05). The supplementation of the semen extender with lycopene and resveratrol produced a higher mitochondrial activity (24.6 ± 2.9 and 30.1 ± 6.5% respectively), compared with that of the control (11.8 ± 9.5%, P < 0.05). It was determined that both antioxidants resulted in a lower percentage of sperm with damaged DNA than that of the control ( P < 0.05). Sperm motion characteristics except for ALH, acrosome integrity, sperm viability and oxidative stress parameters were not affected by the adding of lycopene and resveratrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be an important phenomenon in the pathophysiology of rosacea. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme with three activities: paraoxonase, arylesterase and dyazoxonase. In this study, we evaluated serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, and serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in patients with rosacea in comparison to healthy controls. Material and method The study included 39 rosacea patients and healthy controls, consisting of 40 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate substrates. Serum LOOH levels were measured with the ferrous ion oxidation-xylenol orange assay. Results In rosacea group mean serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were 74.54 ± 38.30 U L−1 and 141.29 ± 22.27 kU L−1 respectively, which were significantly lower than controls ( P = 0.010, 0.005; respectively). Mean serum LOOH level of rosacea group was 8.17 ± 1.91 μmol L−1 which was significantly higher than controls ( P = 0.009). There were no statistically significant differences between the clinical subtypes of the disease, menopause situation or ocular involvement with the respect to the serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and LOOH levels (all; P > 0.05). Conclusions Serum PON1 enzyme activities have decreased significantly in rosacea. These findings support that decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of PON1 activity in the pathophysiology of rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physically based specific breakage rate parameter of the population balance model for batch dry-milling is formulated, which explicitly accounts for the impact energy distribution calculated by the discrete element method (DEM). Preliminary DEM simulations of particle impact tests were first performed, which concluded that dissipation energy should be used in contrast to collision energy to accurately define the impact energy distribution. Subsequently, DEM simulations of the motion of spheres representing silica glass beads in a ball mill were performed to determine the specific breakage rate parameter, which was in good agreement with those found experimentally. An analysis of the impact energy distribution, which was only possible within context of the physically motivated specific breakage rate parameter, emphasized the importance of accounting for a threshold impact energy. Without proper assessment of the impact energy distribution, DEM simulations may lead to an erroneous evaluation of milling experiments. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2404-2415, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Several studies have indicated that recurrent aphthous stomatitis ( RAS) is associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase ( PON) activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with RAS. Design and methods Thirty-one patients with RAS and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum PON1 and arylesterase activities, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were determined. Results Serum total antioxidant capacity levels, PON1, and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in RAS than controls ( P < 0.001), while total oxidant status levels and oxidative stress index were significantly higher ( P < 0.001). PON1 activity had a significant correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol only ( r = 0.482, P < 0.05), while there were no correlations with other lipids ( P > 0.05) in patients with RAS. Conclusions Our results indicate that RAS is associated with decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RAS. Further studies on a larger number of patients are needed to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eczematid-like purpura of Doucas and Kapetanakis is a type of pigmented purpuric dermatoses ( PPDs) with eczematous changes in the purpuric surface. A 10-year-old male and a 44-year-old male patients were admitted to our clinics for itching and flaking of the skin rashes. Based on the clinical and histopathological evaluations, the rashes were identified as eczematid-like PPDs of Doucas and Kapetanakis. Both patients were treated with narrow band ultraviolet B. The lesions were remarkably regressed following the treatment. These cases reported due its rarity and good response to narrow band ultraviolet B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]