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In this paper, we develop the Hermitian refinement of symplectic Clifford analysis, by introducing a complex structure 핁 on the canonical symplectic manifold (ℝ2n,ω0)$$ \left({\mathrm{\mathbb{R}}}^{2n},{\omega}_0\right) $$. This gives rise to two symplectic Dirac operators Ds$$ {D}_s $$ and Dt$$ {D}_t $$ (in the sense of Habermann), leading to a u(n)$$ \mathfrak{u}(n) $$‐invariant system of equations on ℝ2n$$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{R}}}^{2n} $$. We discuss the solution space for this system, culminating in a Fischer decomposition for the space of (harmonic) polynomials on ℝ2n$$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{R}}}^{2n} $$ with values in the symplectic spinors. To make this decomposition explicit, we will construct the associated embedding factors using a transvector algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The postnatal growth and retinopathy of prematurity (G‐ROP) study has proposed a new model to increase the effectiveness of screening retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the G‐ROP model in a tertiary centre in Turkey. Methods: The medical records of infants screened for ROP in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Babies with a documented ROP result and regular body weight measurements up to the 40th day of life were included in the study, and the G‐ROP model was applied. The sensitivity of the G‐ROP prediction model in detecting treated ROP, Type 1 ROP, Type 2 ROP, and low‐grade ROP and the reduction in the number of babies to be screened by applying the model were calculated. Results: The G‐ROP model was applied to a total of 242 infants. While 194 babies were determined for screening, 22 of them were treated. The sensitivity to predict treated ROP was 100%, and the specificity was 21.8%. The model successfully predicted all cases of Type 1 ROP in the cohort, while the sensitivity was 90.9% for Type 2 ROP and 90.7% for low‐grade ROP. The G‐ROP model reduced the number of infants requiring screening by 19.8% in our study. Conclusions: The G‐ROP model was successfully validated in our cohort in detecting treated ROP and Type 1 ROP, reducing the number of infants requiring screening by approximately 1 in 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some high‐income countries have total fertility rates as low as one child. Using Spanish administrative data, we document that temporary contracts correlate with lower first birth rates. Also, women with children are less likely to work split‐shift jobs with long breaks in the middle of the day. We build a life‐cycle model where women decide on labor supply and fertility. We show that reforms eliminating duality or split‐shift jobs raise women's labor participation, narrow the employment gap between mothers and nonmothers, and boost fertility for working women. These reforms, together with childcare subsidies, increase married women's fertility to 1.8 children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional wound treatment options provide a barrier against exogenous microbial penetration but cannot simultaneously provide an antibacterial characteristic and promote healing. However, bioactive dressings can accelerate wound healing and have an antibacterial effect in addition to being able to cover and protect lesions. In this study, double‐layer thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)‐gelatin fibrous dressings that mimic the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin were fabricated via electrospinning technique. As a bioactive agent, Hypericum perforatum oil (HPO) was utilized to impart antibacterial and therapeutic properties to the dressings. Tannic acid was also used in fiber mat formulations as a cross‐linking agent. Oxygen plasma treatment was applied as a surface activation technique to improve adhesion of TPU and gelation layers. The fiber structure of the mats was revealed by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to demonstrate HPO loading onto the mats. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and fluid absorbency of the mats were compared with some commercial dressings. According to these results, it can be suggested that the mats can be used for moderate to high exudative wounds. All dressings, even the control sample showed antibacterial features against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria due to the tannic acid. In vitro wound healing assays were carried out on the plasma‐treated sample and it was observed that the sample did not negatively affect the migration and proliferation abilities of the cells which are necessary for wound healing. Overall results indicated that the plasma‐treated fibrous mat would be a good candidate as a wound dressing material having an antibacterial character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in teachers' moves to classroom discourse has started to increase since how teachers respond to students' thinking influences students' learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the moves used by one sixth grade mathematics teacher at a public middle school in Turkey to support student reasoning in mathematics instruction and their influence on classroom discourse. Six 80‐min lessons were analyzed with particular attention to how the teacher elicits, responds to, facilitates, and extends student reasoning. The results revealed that teacher moves mainly included low‐potential moves in all categories. The teacher mainly tried to elicit student answers in the lessons and aimed to facilitate their understanding through questioning. He also tended to confirm students' answers and re‐represent their thoughts to the class, occasionally adding further information. However, the results showed that the teacher had a dominant role in classroom interactions. Besides, from time to time, the teacher did not focus on student responses and postpone the student reactions. However, the teacher moves that limit student contribution, such as ignoring students' answers and insisting on their own points of view, reduce the depth of classroom interactions and student understanding. In general, the teacher's ability to support student reasoning and facilitate productive classroom discourse was not sufficient. Practitioner points: Teacher plays a prominent role in classroom interactions.Teacher moves tend to be in low potential as eliciting, responding, facilitating, and extending.The capacity of the teacher to promote meaningful classroom discourse and assist student reasoning is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells which have multi‐lineage differentiation and self‐renewal potentials. Accurate estimation of total number of senescent cells in MSCs is crucial for clinical applications. Traditional manual cell counting using an optical bright‐field microscope is time‐consuming and needs an expert operator. In this study, the senescence cells were segmented and counted automatically by deep learning algorithms. However, well‐performing deep learning algorithms require large numbers of labeled datasets. The manual labeling is time consuming and needs an expert. This makes deep learning‐based automated counting process impractically expensive. To address this challenge, self‐supervised learning based approach was implemented. The approach incorporates representation level contrastive learning component into the instance segmentation algorithm for efficient senescent cell segmentation with limited labeled data. Test results showed that the proposed model improves mean average precision and mean average recall of downstream segmentation task by 8.3% and 3.4% compared to original segmentation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to enhance the magnetic force efficiency of Maglev systems without increasing total weight. For this aim, we divided YBCO bulks into three slices horizontally to utilize the YBCO‐permanent magnetic guideway (PMG) interaction surface as much as possible. We used whole YBCO above PMGs with different magnetic pole directions (PMG‐A and PMG‐B) in two lying positions of transversal and longitudinal and investigated levitation and guidance force performances. It is determined that levitation and guidance forces by using YBCO in transversal lying mode are bigger compared to the longitudinal mode. For sliced YBCO, the maximum levitation force increased by 69% and 78%, while the guidance force enhancements are determined as 212% and 91%, compared to the whole YBCO above PMG‐A and PMG‐B, respectively. The levitation and guidance force density with respect to the total mass of unit a set of slices YBCO increased by 92% and 106%, respectively, compared to the whole YBCO above PMG‐B in transversal mode. Since the higher levitation force and the lower total weight of the onboard unit are important parameters in point of the energy efficiency in Maglev and other levitation applications, the result of this study supplies useful data for the engineers and industrial partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States spends significant amounts on non‐medical transfers for its working‐age population in a wide range of programs that support low‐ and middle‐income households. How valuable are these programs for U.S. households? Are there simpler, welfare‐improving ways to transfer resources that are supported by a majority? What are the macroeconomic effects of such alternatives? We answer these questions in an equilibrium, life‐cycle model with single and married households who face idiosyncratic productivity risk, in the presence of costly children and potential skill losses of females associated with non‐participation. Our findings show that a potential revenue‐neutral elimination of the welfare state generates large welfare losses in the aggregate, although most households support the move as losses are concentrated among a small group. We find that a Universal Basic Income program does not improve upon the current system. If, instead, per‐person transfers are implemented alongside a proportional tax, a Negative Income Tax experiment, it becomes feasible to improve upon the current system. Providing per‐person transfers to all households is costly, and reducing tax distortions helps to provide for resources to expand redistribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile approach for the synthesis of polystyrene based hyperbranched polymers (hyp‐PS) with tunable branching densities by combination of self‐condensing vinyl polymerization and iniferter processes is reported. The technique is based on the utilization of a dual functional monomer, 2,2,2‐(triphenylethyl)styrene (TPES), that contains both polymerizable and iniferter units. Branching densities of the polymers are regulated depending on the TPES concentration and polymerization time. Moreover, obtained polymers are used as macroiniferter for the copolymerization of a hydrophilic monomer (poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate) to give amphiphilic branched‐core star polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transdermal drug delivery systems have considerable attention in clinical and point‐of‐care applications due to their superior advantages such as non‐invasive properties and keeping drug efficiency. To overcome the skin barrier, penetration enhancers are employed in the patch design. Chemical penetration enhancers are the most frequently applied way to improve drug diffusion through the barrier. Transdermal patches are designed as a drug‐loaded thin‐film hydrogel. Since the patch material must be biocompatible and eco‐friendly, in this study, pectin‐based transdermal patches are designed, and procaine, a painkiller drug is chosen as a model drug. Benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and castor oil are selected as chemical penetration enhancers. Drug diffusion experiments are carried out by using Franz diffusion cells at 37 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used to characterize the chemical structure and thermal properties of the patches. The patches are evaluated by the contact angle measurement and the swelling test in terms of their hydrophilicity and water uptake. Regarding in vitro drug release experiments by Franz diffusion cells, drug‐loaded patches were examined (CxPy‐PC; C‐castor oil, P‐PEG, x‐y amounts (mg)). It is found that the most promising results come from C10‐P5‐PC (12.7 mg drug/g film) and C30‐P5‐PC (11.4 mg drug/ g film) which can be attributed to the synergetic and optimum amount of polyethylene glycol and castor oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study the seismic mitigation of a typical nuclear small modular reactor (SMR) where extreme loading conditions are considered by the safe shutdown earthquake. For this purpose, to reproduce the main dynamic properties of the reactor's reinforced concrete system, a detailed structural model was synthetized, also taking into account the presence of the reactor pools. Thus, to protect the reactor from strong earthquakes, finite locally resonant multiple degrees of freedom metafoundations were developed; and resonator parameters were optimized by means of an improved frequency domain multivariate and multiobjective optimization procedure. Also, the stochastic nature of the seismic input was taken into account. It is proposed: (i) a linear metafoundation endowed with multiple cells, linear springs, and linear viscous dampers; and (ii) a foundation equipped with additional nonlinear vertical quasi‐zero stiffness (QZS) cells. QZS cells were obtained by horizontally precompressed springs in an unstable state with vertical springs in parallel. With this arrangement, additional flexibility and dissipation against nonsymmetrical modes of the SMR and vertical seismic loadings are proposed. It was shown in both cases, how each metafoundation was successfully optimized via a sensitivity‐based parameter grouping strategy and a hybrid grid searching algorithm. Thus, the performance of the optimized metafoundations was assessed by means of frequency and time history analyses; and finally, results were compared with an SMR endowed with both rigid foundation and conventional base‐isolation solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inborn errors of immunity (IEI) disorder characterized by impairment in the development and function of lymphocytes and could be fatal if not treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant in the first 2 years of life. There are various diagnostic criteria for SCID among different primary immunodeficiency societies. We retrospectively evaluated clinical and laboratory findings of 59 patients followed up with the diagnosis of SCID at our clinic over the past 20 years in order to develop an algorithm that would help diagnosis of SCID for the countries where a high ratio of consanguineous marriage is present because these countries have not launched TREC assay in their newborn screening programs. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.80 ± 4.90 months, and the delay was 3.29 ± 3.99 months. The most common complaint and physical examination findings were cough (29.05%), eczematous rash (63%) and organomegaly (61%). ADA (17%), Artemis (14%), RAG1/2 (15%), MHC Class II (12%) and IL‐2R (12%) deficiencies were the most common genetic defects. Lymphopenia (87.5%) was the most frequent abnormal laboratory finding and below 3000/mm3 in 95% of the patients. The CD3+ T cell count was 300/mm3 and below in 83% of the patients. As a result, a combination of low lymphocyte count and CD3 lymphopenia for SCID diagnosis would be more reliable for countries with high rate of consanguineous marriage. Physicians should consider diagnosis of SCID in a patient presenting with severe infections and lymphocyte counts below 3000/mm3 under 2 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative energy balance (NEB) caused by restricted feed intake leads to body condition loss (BCS), increased metabolic stress and reduced fertility in dairy cows. Propylene glycol (PG) is a precursor of ruminal propionate for gluconeogenesis used to increase metabolic adaptation to the early postpartum period. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of daily drenching of PG during the fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol on beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, adiponectin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF1) concentrations, follicle size and pregnancy rate in dairy cows. Cows (n = 148) were randomly divided into two groups and received either 300 mL of PG (PG‐OVS, n = 76) or 300 mL of water (CON‐OVS, n = 72) each day of the Ovsynch protocol (GnRH‐7 days‐PGF2α‐56 hours‐GnRH‐16‐18‐hour FTAI) between days 57 ± 3 to 67 ± 3 postpartum for the first service. Body condition scores (14 days before expected calving, at calving, on days 21 and 42 postpartum) were recorded. Blood samples were collected days 7 ± 3, 21 ± 3 postpartum, at the beginning of the Ovsynch (days 57 ± 3) and at the time of FTAI (days 67 ± 3) for measurements of BHBA, glucose, adiponectin and IGF1 concentrations. Ultrasonographic examinations were done to measure follicle size at the beginning of Ovsynch and FTAI and to determine pregnancy on days 30 and 60 following FTAI. There were no differences (p >.05) in glucose, adiponectin and IGF1 concentrations between the groups during the study. Although there was no difference (p >.05) in BHBA concentrations on postpartum day 7 ± 3, 21 ± 3 and 57 ± 3 between the groups, BHBA concentrations at the time of insemination was lower (p <.05) in the PG‐OVS group (0.72 ± 0.03 mmol/L) than in the CON‐OVS group (0.81 ± 0.03 mmol/L). Follicle sizes at the beginning of Ovsynch (PG‐OVS, 14.5 ± 0.48 mm; CON‐OVS, 14.3 ± 0.59 mm) and FTAI (PG‐OVS, 17.8 ± 0.52 mm; CON‐OVS, 17.7 ± 0.42 mm) were not different (p <.05). Pregnancy rate of the cows in the PG‐OVS group (46.1%, 35/76) was higher (p =.05) than in the CON‐OVS group (30.6%, 22/72) on day 30 following FTAI. In conclusion, decreasing serum BHBA concentrations at the time of FTAI by means of daily drenching of PG during the Ovsynch protocol, increased the pregnancy rate at first service in lactating dairy cows. On the other hand, blood glucose was not related with pregnancy rates in our study, probably as a result of our sampling time and more rapid fluctuations of blood glucose concentrations when compared to BHBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined obstetric outcomes in patients diagnosed with uterine adenomyosis. Material and methods: This historical cohort study queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample. The study population was all hospital deliveries in women aged 15–54 years between January 2016 and December 2019. The exposure was a diagnosis of uterine adenomyosis. The main outcome measures were obstetric characteristics, including placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum, and placental abruption. Secondary outcomes were delivery complications including severe maternal morbidity. Analytic steps to assess these outcomes included (i) a 1‐to‐N propensity score matching to mitigate and balance prepregnancy confounders to assess obstetric characteristics, followed by (ii) an adjusting model with preselected pregnancy and delivery factors to assess maternal morbidity. Sensitivity analyses were also performed with restricted cohorts to account for prior uterine scar, uterine myoma, and extra‐uterine endometriosis. Results: After propensity score matching, 5430 patients with adenomyosis were compared to 21 720 patients without adenomyosis. Adenomyosis was associated with an increased odds of placenta accreta spectrum (adjusted‐odds ratio [aOR] 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.01–4.70), placenta abruption (aOR 3.21, 95% CI: 2.60–3.98), and placenta previa (aOR 5.08, 95% CI: 4.25–6.06). Delivery at <32 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.24–1.77) and cesarean delivery (aOR 7.72, 95% CI: 7.04–8.47) were both increased in women with adenomyosis. Patients in the adenomyosis group were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity at delivery compared to those in the nonadenomyosis group (aOR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.59–2.16). Results remained robust in the aforementioned several sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: This national‐level analysis suggests that a diagnosis of uterine adenomyosis is associated with an increased risk of placental pathology (placenta accreta spectrum, placenta abruption, and placental previa) and adverse maternal outcomes at delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Candidemia is a life‐threatening infection in hospitalied children. This study aimed to evaluate candidemia's demographic and clinical characteristics and identify the risk factors and outcomes of Candida albicans (CA) and non‐albicans Candida (NAC) spp. Methods: A retrospective cohort was designed to evaluate paediatric patients with candidemia between January 2008 and December 2020. Results: A total of 342 episodes in 311 patients were evaluated. The median age of the patients was 2.1 years (1 month–17 years and 6 months), and 59.6% were male. The prevalence of NAC (67.5%) candidemia was higher than that of CA (32.5%). The most commonly isolated Candida species was Candida parapsilosis (43.3%), followed by C. albicans (32.5%), Candida glabrata (6.1%) and Candida tropicalis (5.0%). The length of hospital stay prior to the positive culture and the total length of hospital stay were longer in the NAC group (p =.003 and p =.006). The neutrophil count was lower in the NAC group (p =.007). In the multivariate analysis, total parenteral nutrition, antifungal prophylaxis and a history of coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS) culture positivity in the past month were risk factors for developing candidemia due to NAC (p values were.003,.003 and.045). C. albicans and C. parapsilosis fluconazole resistance were 9.5% and 46.6%, respectively. The rates of amphotericin B resistance were 1.1% and 7.6% in C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, respectively. Mortality (14‐day and 30‐day) rates did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: A history of CoNS culture positivity in the past month, total parenteral nutrition, and antifungal prophylaxis increases the risk of NAC candidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bentonite‐Zn doped CoFe2O4 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized for the first time by decorating magnetic ZnxCo1−xFe2O4 nanoparticles onto the bentonite surface in order to enhance the photocatalytic performance of Zn doped CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. We tried to thoroughly investigate how changes in Zn2+ concentration affected the particle size, shape, magnetic properties, optical band gap, and photocatalytic activities of B‐ZnxCo1−xFe2O4 nanocomposites. The photodegradation of crystal violet (CV), a model reaction under visible light irradiations, was used to assess the photocatalytic activities of the samples. Compared to other samples, the B‐ZnxCo1−xFe2O4 (x=0.5) showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which is best matched to the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic. According to investigations using reactive species capture, the superoxide radicals have the main role in the degrading process, while the hydroxyl radicals and holes have a secondary and minimal effect, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the study were to determine (1) oestrous expression rate and (2) the effect of oestrous expression prior to progesterone‐based Ovsynch protocol on pregnancy rate in Holstein cows. All cows (n = 917) were subjected to 7‐day progesterone‐based Ovsynch protocol. In this protocol, cows that expressed oestrus before (HEAT1) the scheduled second GnRH were inseminated 20 h later after the onset of oestrus without GnRH administration. Cows that expressed oestrus after the second GnRH administration (HEAT2) or did not express oestrus (NOHEAT) received fixed‐timed AI. Oestrous expression was determined by using activity‐rumination monitoring system and all cows were inseminated with sexed semen. Oestrous expression rate prior to FTAI was 40.5% and the majority (p <.01) of oestrous expression were in HEAT2 compared with HEAT1 in both primiparous (71.8 vs. 28.1%) and multiparous cows (69.5 vs. 30.5%). The mean interval from intravaginal device removal to the onset of oestrus was 47.4 ± 0.9 h and 62.9 ± 0.5 in HEAT1 and HEAT2, respectively. Primiparous cows (47.7%) had a higher (p <.01) expression rate compared with multiparous cows (37.2%). Overall pregnancy rate was 37.4% and there was two‐way significant interaction between parity and oestrous expression on pregnancy rate (p <.01). Both primiparous (48.1 vs. 35.8%) and multiparous cows (47.4 vs. 28.4%) that expressed oestrus had greater (p <.01) pregnancy rate compared with cows that did not express oestrus. There was no difference in pregnancy rates of HEAT1 and HEAT2 in both primiparous (44.7 vs. 49.5%) and multiparous cows (47.2 vs. 47.6%). Pregnancy rate was not influenced (p =.21) by milk production (high or low) in both primiparous (47.6 vs. 48.6%) and multiparous (54.9 vs. 42.1%) cows that expressed oestrus, respectively. In conclusion, cows showing oestrus before or after second GnRH of the Ovsynch protocol had greater pregnancy rate than cows not showing oestrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In multiple myeloma cases, a variety of prognostic parameters have been identified, which contain the Durie‐Salmon classification and the international staging system (ISS) that takes the serum ß2 microglobulin and albumin levels, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR). This study investigates the effect of haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) score which is a marker of inflammation status and nutrition, at the time of diagnosis for the patients with multiple myeloma on prognosis. Methods: A total of 200 multiple myeloma patients with HALP scores calculated from serum haemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count and platelet levels at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively examined. The effect of HALP score on overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival and its relationship between the previously evaluated prognostic parameters were investigated. Results: The optimal cut‐off value with the ROC curves for the HALP score was 28.8. The patients were divided into two groups according to the optimal value of the HALP score (low‐score group: HALP ≤28.8 [n: 134] and high‐score group HALP >28.8 [n: 66]). In the group with the high HALP score, the OS was statistically longer than the low HALP score group (84 months and 53 months; p = 0.0001). In addition, when the effects of NLR, PLR, HALP score and ISS stage on OS were examined by multivariate analysis, all these markers were found to be statistically significant predictors. Conclusions: HALP score may be a valuable prognostic marker for patients with multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) offer unique source of inspiration for design of bone mimetic biomaterials due to their superior mechanical properties, drug delivery capability and regulation cellular behaviors, particularly by divalent metal cations in their structure. Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting of LDHs holds great promise as a novel strategy thanks to highly tunable physiochemical properties and shear‐thinning ability of LDHs, which allow shape fidelity after deposition. Herein, we introduce a straightforward strategy for extrusion bioprinting of cell laden nanocomposite hydrogel bioink of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) biopolymer and LDHs nanoparticles. First, we synthesized LDHs by co‐precipitation process and systematically examined the effect of LDHs addition on printing parameters such as printing pressure, extrusion rate, printing speed, and finally bioink printability in creating grid‐like constructs. The developed hydrogel bioinks provided precise control over extrudability, extrusion uniformity, and structural integrity after deposition. Based on the printability and rheological analysis, the printability could be altered by controlling the concentration of LDHs, and printability was found to be ideal with the addition of 3 wt % LDHs. The addition of LDHs resulted in remarkably enhanced compressive strength from 652 kPa (G‐LDH0) to 1168 kPa (G‐LDH3). It was shown that the printed nanocomposite hydrogel scaffolds were able to support encapsulated osteoblast survival, spreading, and proliferation in the absence of any osteoinductive factors taking advantage of LDHs. In addition, cells encapsulated in G‐LDH3 had a larger cell spreading area and higher cell aspect ratio than those encapsulated in G‐LDH0. Altogether, the results demonstrated that the developed GelMA/LDHs nanocomposite hydrogel bioink revealed a high potential for extrusion bioprinting with high structural fidelity to fabricate implantable 3D hydrogel constructs for repair of bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of candidemia is a highly fatal condition in severe COVID‐19 infection. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a candidemia prediction score in COVID‐19 patient based on the patient's clinical characteristics, and healthcare‐related factors during intensive care units (ICU) follow‐up. Patients/Methods: Severe COVID‐19 patients hospitalised in ICU in Ankara City Hospital during the one‐year period (August 15, 2020, and August 15, 2021) were included. After univariate analysis, multivariate analysis was applied using variable selection approach to investigate the effects of variables together and to create a score model for candidemia. Statistically significant factors were included in the development process of candida prediction score. Results: Of 1305 COVID‐19 ICU patients, 139 had a candidemia episode. According to the final model, four variables, presence of central venous catheter (CVC) (OR 19.07, CI 8.12–44.8, p <.0001), multifocal colonisation (OR 2.28, CI 1.39–3.72, p 0.001), length of ICU stays ≥14 days (OR 3.62, CI 2.42–5.44, p <.0001) and corticosteroids (OR 0.51, CI 0.34–0.76, p 0.0011) were the only statistically significant independent risk factors for candidemia. Score model was demonstrated by a nomogram, and the risk for candidemia was calculated to be high in patients who scored ≥56 points by using the criteria [CVC = 51, multifocal colonisation = 14, prolonged hospitalisation = 23, no steroid use = 12 points]. The AUC of the score is 0.84 (CI 0.81–0.87). Conclusion: We developed and validated an easy‐to‐use clinical prediction score for candidemia in severe COVID‐19 infection. In COVID‐19 ICU patients, the risk of candidemia is high if one of the other risk factors is present together with CVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) treatment must be based on scientific methods such as clinical trials. Trials involving human subjects and those requiring a risk‐benefit analysis may occasionally face challenges owing to the time limitations in the pandemic. Methodology: This study analyses the WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and clinicaltrials.gov, where most COVID‐19 clinical trials are registered, according to ethical criteria including study design, conflicts of interest, enrollment of healthcare workers, study locations, site‐, design‐, and participant‐related issues. The discussion is based on three aspects: the quality of the information to be produced, the relevance to significant health problems, and the creation or evaluation of interventions, policies, or practices that promote individual or public health. Results: There were significant differences between the two platforms regarding the investigational medicinal product (IMP), the comparator, ethics committee/institutional review board approval, plan to share individual participant data, study phase, site, IMP, and design‐related issues. Conflict of interest, sponsor information, and management of vulnerable groups were the main areas wherein both platforms lacked sufficient information. Conclusion: With this analysis, we aimed to define a minimum set of ethical criteria for clinical trial platforms to obtain standardization between these two platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capparis ovata is a natural plant that grows widely in Turkey and its flowering buds and berry pickle are used in traditional medicine. Thus, the current study was expanded to evaluate the biochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects of the Capparis ovata water extract (COWE). To determine the biochemical properties of COWE, mineral and fatty acid content, elemental analysis, flavonoid/phenolic content, radical‐scavenging capacity, and pesticide analysis were performed. Furthermore, to find out whether it had anti‐inflammatory properties, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) luciferase activity tests were conducted. Whole‐genome transcriptomic profiling was carried out at a dose level of 500 mg/kg COWE to understand its pharmacological effect. Transaminases in serum were tested, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was done using a custom design array that included the stress and molecular toxicology pathway to establish its toxicological qualities. As a result of the evaluations, it was observed that COWE has a high mineral and unsaturated fatty acid content, flavonoid/phenolic content, and radical‐scavenging ability. It significantly inhibited NF‐κB transcriptional activity as well as inflammatory cytokine expression in T‐lymphoblast cells. Whole‐genome transcriptomic profiling depicted that COWE modulates immune responses by upregulating natural killer cell activation, cellular response to type I interferon, B‐cell proliferation and differentiation, and Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathways. Molecular Toxicology Pathfinder RT2 Profiler PCR array analysis revealed that COWE at or lower dose of 500 mg/kg/day did not cause a comparatively adverse effect. According to the findings, COWE is a rich source of nutrients and can be used as an adjunct therapy for various inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate outcomes of patients with complex cystic breast lesions and to determine malignancy rates for each sonographic category. Material and Methods: A total of 124 women with a mean age of 45 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Complex cysts were classified into four categories according to sonographic findings (thick septa/wall, intramural nodule, solid/cystic ratio) by two radiologists. Size, margin, short‐to‐long axis ratio, and vascularity were also noted. The relationship between sonographic features and histopathological/follow‐up results was evaluated. Results: Of 124 complex cysts, 11 were malignant and 113 were benign. There were 31 with thick septa/wall (category 1), 14 with intramural nodule (category 2), 60 with solid/cystic ratio < 1 (category 3), and 19 with solid/cystic ratio > 1 (category 4). Among 11 malignant tumors, six intraductal papillary carcinomas and three invasive ductal carcinomas were in category 3, whereas one invasive ductal carcinoma was in category 1 and one was in category 4. Most of malignant lesions (9/11, 82%) were in category 3. Most of benign lesions (96/113, 85%) were fibroadenomatoid/fibrocystic changes. The presence of vascularity (96%), irregular margin (94%), and short‐to‐long axis ratio ≥ 1 (94%) had higher accuracy rates for diagnosis of malignancy. Conclusion: The malignancy rate was 8.8% in our study. Besides internal morphological features, other sonographic features should be considered in the evaluation of complex cystic breast lesions. Due to substantial risk of malignancy and the overlapping sonographic features of benign and malignant lesions, tissue sampling of all complex cysts should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Critically ill COVID‐19 patients have a high risk for the development of candidemia due to being exposed to both well‐defined classical risk factors and COVID‐19‐specific risk factors in ICU. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the incidence of candidemia in critically COVID‐19 patients, and the independent risk factors for candidemia. Patients/methods: COVID‐19 patients hospitalised in ICU during 1‐year period (August 2020 to August 2021) were included. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of all COVID‐19 patients, applied treatments, and invasive procedures that may predispose to candidemia were recorded. Results: Of 1229 COVID‐19 patients, 63 developed candidemia. Candidemia incidence rate was 4.4 episodes per 1000 ICU days. The most common species was Candida albicans (52.3%). Only 37 patients (58.7%) received antifungal therapy. The presence of central venous catheter (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.8–12.2, p <.005), multifocal candida colonisation (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.2, p <.005), a prolonged ICU stay (≥14 days) (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.08–3–37, p <.05), the absence of chronic lung disease (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–0.9, p <.05) and the absence of corticosteroid use (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.14–0.52, p <.0001) were significantly associated with candidemia. Conclusions: Our study filled the knowledge gap in the literature about the impact of COVID‐19‐associated risk factors for the development of candidemia. The classical risk factors for candidemia had a significant effect on candidemia, and contrary to expectations, corticosteroids had a protective effect against the development of candidemia. The results of these studies showing interesting effects of corticosteroids in critically ill COVID‐19 patients should be confirmed by further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sensitive skin is subjective cutaneous hyperreactivity to environmental factors. Demodicosis is a skin disorder caused by Demodex mites. There may be a link between demodicosis and sensitive skin. Aim: This study aimed to examine facial Demodex mites density and other factors associated with sensitive skin in patients. Methods and methods: A total of 349 randomly selected patients presented to the dermatology department. The research data were collected using a questionnaire form that included the participants' sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, a sensitive skin questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). Patients underwent standardized superficial skin surface biopsy of 4 areas of the face. D. folliculorum count greater than 5 mites/cm2 was considered positive. Results: In relation to Demodex, there was an increase in skin sensitivity with higher Demodex density (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant, weak positive correlation between skin sensitivity and DLQI score (r = 0.33, p = 0.00), and there was also a significant but very weak negative correlation between skin sensitivity and EUROHIS (r = −0.164, p = 0.002). Skin sensitivity was more common in patients with a concomitant dermatological disease (p = 0.01) and increased with more frequent cosmetic use (p = 0.00). Conclusion: Alongside other risk factors, for the patients presenting with complaints of sensitive skin, investigating Demodex population density may help alleviate sensitive skin symptoms with appropriate therapies and preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an apheresis procedure in which plasma is separated from the blood cellular components ex vivo, allocated, and replaced with another plasma or a plasma‐replacing fluid. This study aimed to define the rate of complications and determine TPE distribution in various neurological diseases. Our study is a retrospective analysis of neurologic diseases requiring TPE between 2008 and 2019 that were selected using the medical records of neurology departments and apheresis units database. We performed 1459 TPE procedures on 207 patients between 2008 and 2019. TPE Procedure is most frequently applied in patients with Myasthenia‐Gravis syndrome (34.7%). The complication ratio was 1.6% from a total of 1459 TPE procedures. The most commonly specified adverse event was allergic reactions 11 (5.3%), followed by hypotension 6 (2.9%). TPE was safe and tolerable, with manageable complications in experienced hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the role of lung ultrasonography (LU) in predicting noninvasive ventilation (NIV) failure and the relationship between lung ultrasonography scores (LUS) with clinical outcomes in neonatal respiratory failure (NRF). Methods: A prospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted in newborns with NRF who needed NIV and were evaluated by LU. The first LUS (LUS1) was calculated at 2–6 hours and the second (LUS2) at 12–24 hours of life. The patients were divided into NIV failure and NIV non‐failure groups. The relationship between LUS and clinical outcomes was evaluated. Results: Among 157 neonates, the median (interquartile range) of gestational week and birth weight were 37 weeks (34–39), and 2890 grams (2045–3435), respectively. The reasons for NRF were transient tachypnea of the newborn (n = 92, 58.6%), congenital pneumonia (n = 58, 36.9%), and respiratory distress syndrome (n = 7, 4.5%). The rate of NIV failure was 17.8% (n = 28). Both LUS1 and LUS2 were significantly higher in neonates with NIV failure compared to neonates with NIV non‐failure (P =.001). A cutoff value of LUS1 ≥ 4 predicted NIV failure with 96% sensitivity and 63% specificity. There were positive correlations between LUS and PEEP values, IMV and total MV days, carbon dioxide values, length of hospital stay, and antibiotic days (ρLUS1, P =.843, <.001;.474, <.001;.444, <.001;.258,.001;.212,.008;.270, <.001, respectively). Conclusions: Lung ultrasound scores were higher in neonates with NIV failure than with NIV non‐failure group, and strongly correlated with end‐expiratory pressure values. Lung ultrasound scores were found to be related with some of the clinical outcomes of the NRF, and this suggested that LUS could provide information about the prognosis of NRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are studies in literature using different number of seeds with different arrangements, especially line and rectangular, it is seen that there is no detailed study handling the levitation force together with trapped field properties of triangular arrangement of seed in YBCO. Therefore, to further investigate the magnetic properties of seeded YBCO superconductors, we have fabricated cylindrical YBCO (YBa2Cu3O7) superconductors with triangular arrangement of the seeds with different seed distances. Maximum levitation force values were obtained as 39.4 N and 57.1 N, while the maximum guidance force values were obtained as -4.6 N, and -8.7 N, respectively, with single-seeded and triangular-seeded samples with seed distance of 14 mm. It was determined that the trapped field, levitation force, and guidance force firstly decreased from the single-seeded sample to the triangular-seeded sample with small seed distance and then increased with increasing seed distance. Increased field trapping and levitation force performances in the triangular-seeded samples with suitable seed distance indicate that the triangular arrangement of seeds is an eligible method to produce larger dimension YBCO samples with bigger shielding current radius and bigger averaged trapped field values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser nerve stimulation using near‐infrared laser irradiation has recently been studied in the peripheral nervous system as an alternative method to conventional electrical nerve stimulation. Bringing this method to the vagus nerve model could leverage this emerging stimulation approach to be tested in broader preclinical applications. Here, we report the capability of the laser nerve stimulation method on the rat vagus nerve bundle with a 1505‐nm diode laser operated in continuous‐wave mode. Studies of the stimulation threshold and laser‐induced acute thermal injury to the nerve bundle were also performed to determine a temperature window for safe, reliable and reproducible laser stimulation of the rat vagus nerve bundle. The results show that laser stimulation of the vagus nerve bundle provides reliable and reproducible nerve stimulation in a rat model. These results also confirm a threshold temperature of >42°C with acute nerve damage observed above 46°C. A strong correlation was obtained between the laser time required to raise the nerve temperature above the stimulation threshold and the mean arterial pressure response. Advantages of the method such as non‐contact delivery of external stimulus signals at mm scaled distance in air, enhanced spatial selectivity and electrical artefact‐free measurements may indicate its potential to counteract the side effects of conventional electrical vagus nerve stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highly desired to develop advanced characterization techniques to explore the 3D nanoscale morphology of the complicated blend film of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, ternary OSCs are constructed by incorporating the nonfullerene acceptor perylenediimide (PDI)‐diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐PDI and their morphology is characterized in depth to understand the performance variation. In particular, photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) coupled with infrared laser spectroscopy is conducted to qualitatively study the distribution of donor and acceptors in the blend film by chemical identification and to quantitatively probe the segmentation of domains and the domain size distribution after PDI‐DPP‐PDI acceptor incorporation by PiFM imaging and data processing. In addition, the energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy with energy loss spectra is utilized to visualize the nanoscale morphology of ultrathin cross‐sections in the configuration of the real ternary device for the first time in the field of photovoltaics. These measurements allow to "view" the surface and cross‐sectional morphology and provide strong evidence that the PDI‐DPP‐PDI acceptor can suppress the aggregation of the fullerene molecules and generate the homogenous morphology with a higher‐level of the molecularly mixed phase, which can prevent the charge recombination and stabilize the morphology of photoactive layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post recovery manifestations have become another concern in patients who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Numerous reports have shown that COVID‐19 has a variety of long‐term effects on almost all systems including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, and dermatological systems. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the post‐COVID syndrome among COVID‐19 survivors and to determine the factors associated with persistent symptoms. This prospective study enrolled in patients with COVID‐19 followed in hospital or outpatient clinics in Ankara City Hospital. We performed a special questionnaire to inquire about the presence of persistent symptoms beyond 12 weeks from the first diagnosis. Demographic data, comorbid diseases, characteristics of acute COVID‐19, presence of persistent symptoms by systems, and knowledge about outpatient clinic visits after recovery were assessed. Of a total of 1007 participants, 39.0% had at least one comorbidity, and 47.5% had persistent symptoms. Fatigue/easy fatigability, myalgia, and loss of weight were the most frequent persistent symptoms (overall 29.3%) followed by respiratory symptoms (25.4%). A total of 235 participants had visited outpatient clinics due to several reasons during the post‐COVID‐19 period, and 17 of them were hospitalized. Severe acute COVID‐19, hospitalization, and presence of comorbidity were independent factors for the development of persistent symptoms. Fully understanding the spectrum of the post‐COVID syndrome is essential for appropriate management of all its long‐term effects. Our study once again underlined the fact that the prevalence of post‐COVID syndrome is higher than expected and concerns many systems, and a multidisciplinary follow‐up should be provided to COVID‐19 survivors in the post recovery period. Highlights: COVID‐19 has a variety of long‐term effects on almost all systems.Respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, and dermatological systems are affected in different degree.We detected the prevalence of the post?COVID syndrome among COVID‐19 survivors as 47.5% on 1007 participant.Fatigue/easy fatigability, myalgia, and loss of weight were the most frequent persistent symptoms (overall 29.3%), and followed by respiratory symptoms (25.4%).Severe acute COVID‐19, hospitalization, and presence of comorbidity were independent factors for the development of persistent symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the salivary β‐galactosidase and Halimeter values (HMV), organoleptic scores (OLS) and Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) in periodontal health and periodontitis (P), and also their changes after phase I periodontal therapy and tongue cleaning. Methods: The participants were separated as follows: 25 P with halitosis (Group 1), 25 P without halitosis (Group 2) and 25 healthy controls (Group 3). Periodontal recordings, HMV, OLS and WTCI scores were recorded, and whole saliva β‐galactosidase levels were measured colorimetrically in the samples at baseline and 1 month after the therapy. Results: The baseline values of HMV, OLS, WTCI and salivary β‐galactosidase levels were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in periodontal recordings, HMV, OLS, WTCI and salivary β‐galactosidase levels in all P patients by the therapy (P < 0.05). However, major reductions in halitosis measurements and saliva enzyme levels were observed in Group 1 after the treatment. Conclusion: Our results showed that salivary β‐galactosidase was associated with halitosis parameters and phase I periodontal therapy played an important role to reduce this enzyme level and halitosis parameters in P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AETHERA trial reported an increased progression‐free survival (PFS) when brentuximab vedotin (BV) was used as maintenance therapy in high‐risk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Thus, we aimed to determine the impact and safety of BV as maintenance after ASCT in real‐world patients. Seventy‐five patients with relapsed/refractory HL started on BV consolidation therapy after ASCT due to high risk of relapse, between January 2016 and July 2019, from 25 institutions, were included in the study. The median follow‐up time was 26 months. The most common high‐risk features were primary refractory or relapsed disease <12 months (n = 61), lack of complete response (CR) to the last salvage regimen (n = 51), and having had at least two salvage regimens (n = 29). At the time of analysis, 42 patients completed consolidation courses, and BV was discontinued in 33 patients. Fifty patients had an ongoing response (CR in 41, PR in 6, and SD in 3 patients), 25 had progressed. Ten died in the follow‐up, eight with progressive disease and two due to infection while in CR. The 2‐year PFS and OS rates were 67.75% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.77) and 87.61% (95% CI: 0.76–0.94), respectively. Seventeen patients (23%) received BV in the pre‐ASCT treatment lines, and there was no survival difference between the BV‐naïve and BV‐exposed groups. The most common adverse events were neutropenia (27%) and peripheral neuropathy (21%). Sixteen patients (21.3%) experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicity. BV was discontinued due to adverse event in 12 patients. Consolidation with BV after ASCT can achieve a 2‐year PFS of 67.75% (95% CI: 0.55–0.75) with an acceptable toxicity profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to compare the fertility after using sex‐sorted or conventional semen either with oestrus detection (EST) or timed artificial insemination (TAI) in Holstein heifers. Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Heifers in the EST group were inseminated with sex‐sorted (n = 114) or conventional semen (n = 100) after spontaneous or induced oestrus. Heifers in the TAI, subjected to the 5‐day Cosynch+Progesterone protocol (GnRH+P4 insertion‐5d‐PGF2α+P4 removal‐1d‐PGF2α‐2d‐GnRH+TAI), were inseminated with sex‐sorted (n = 113) or conventional semen (n = 88). Statistical analyses were performed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Overall P/AI was 60.7% for EST and 54.2% for TAI regardless of types of semen and 68.1% for conventional and 48.9% for sex‐sorted semen regardless of insemination strategies. Fertility of heifers inseminated with either sex‐sorted (53.5%; 44.2%) or conventional (69.0%; 67.0%) semen did not differ between EST and TAI respectively. Besides, the interaction between the semen type and the insemination strategy was not significant for P/AI. The embryonic loss was significantly greater with sex‐sorted semen (17.1%) compared to conventional semen (1.6%). There was no sire effect with sex‐sorted semen on P/AI (52.6% vs. 46.2%) and embryonic loss (16.4% vs. 18.0%). As expected, sex‐sorted semen resulted in more female calves (89.8% vs. 51.6%) than conventional semen. Thus, sex‐sorted semen can be used with 5‐day Cosynch+Progesterone protocol to eliminate the inadequate oestrus detection and to increase female calves born in dairy heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe COVID‐19 patients in ICU are at high risk for candidemia due to exposure to multiple risk factors for candidemia. We aimed to compare the incidence of candidemia in ICU patients with and without COVID‐19, and to investigate epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of candidemia patients and risk factors for mortality in candidemia patients. This retrospective study was conducted in patients followed in the ICUs of Ankara City Hospital for 2 years, divided into pre‐pandemic and pandemic periods. The incidence (event per 1000 patient‐days) and epidemiology of candidemia, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients were compared in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 groups. Candidemia incidence was higher in the COVID‐19 group (2.16, 95% CI 1.77–2.60) than the non‐COVID‐19 group (1.06, 95% CI 0.89–0.125) (p <.001). A total of 236 candidemia episodes (105 in COVID‐19 patients and 131 in non‐COVID‐19 patients) were detected during the study periods. COVID‐19 cases had a higher rate of corticosteroid use (63.8% vs. 9.9%, p <.001). Epidemiology of candidemia and antifungal susceptibility were similar. Candidemia developed 2 weeks earlier in COVID‐19 groups and resulted in higher mortality (92.5% vs. 79.4%, p.005). One‐third of candidemia patients died before receiving any antifungal treatment, and this rate was higher in the COVID‐19 group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, corticosteroid use, presence of sepsis and age older than 65 years were independent risk factors for mortality in candidemia patients. Candidemia with high mortality is a more serious problem for COVID‐19 patients due to its increased incidence, earlier occurrence and a higher rate of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's digital age, the need and interest in personal and portable electronics shows a dramatic growth trend in daily life parallel to the developments in sensors technologies and the internet. Wearable electronics that can be attached to clothing, accessories, and the human body are one of the most promising subfields. The energy requirement for the devices considering the reduction in device sizes and the necessity of being flexible and light, the existing batteries are insufficient and nanogenerators have been recognized a suitable energy source in the last decade. The mechanical energy created by the daily activities of the human body is an accessible and natural energy source for nanogenerators. Fiber‐structured functional materials contribute to the increase in energy efficiency due to their effective surface to volume ratio while providing the necessary compatibility and comfort for the movements in daily life with its flexibility and lightness. Among the potential solutions, electrospinning stands out as a promising technique that can meet these requirements, allowing for simple, versatile, and continuous fabrication. Herein, wearable electronics and their future potential, electrospinning, and its place in energy applications are overviewed. Moreover, piezoelectric, triboelectric, and hybrid nanogenerators fabricated or associated with electrospun fibrous materials are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF), a restrictive cardiomyopathy characterized by subendocardial fibrosis, is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. EMF involving the left ventricle presents with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and is a rare cause of PH in non-tropical areas. Multimodality imaging is important for accurate diagnosis, especially cardiac magnetic resonance imaging which is the cornerstone. Herein, we report the case of a patient who presented with heart failure symptoms and severe PH, and in whom EMF was diagnosed by multimodality imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been a limited number of studies on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of COVID‐19 and to identify the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in predicting the prognosis in children. A single‐center retrospective study, including 251 confirmed and 65 suspected COVID‐19 cases, was conducted between March 11, 2020, and December 11, 2020. In the confirmed COVID‐19 group, 48 (19.1%) patients were asymptomatic, 183 (72.9%) mild, 16 (6.4%) moderate, 1 (0.4%) severe, and 3 were (1.2%) critically ill. Confirmed COVID‐19 patients had significantly lower mean values of white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet, and hemoglobin (p <.001). However, there was no significant difference in MPV levels between the two groups (p =.894). C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, fibrinogen, and NT‐pro‐BNP mean values were significantly lower in confirmed COVID‐19 cases than suspected cases (p <.001). A total of 55 (21.9%) patients required hospitalization due to COVID‐19, and MPV, WBC, CRP, procalcitonin, D‐dimer, and NT‐pro‐BNP were statistically higher in hospitalized patients than those in outpatients. The multivariate analysis of confirmed COVID‐19 cases according to the severity of disease showed that lymphopenia and higher levels of fibrinogen significantly associated with severe clinical symptoms. Decision tree analysis showed that the most powerful predictor of hospitalization due to COVID‐19 was the D‐dimer (p <.001). MPV values are not associated with COVID‐19 disease severity. However, MPV can be used with other parameters such as WBC, CRP, procalcitonin, D‐dimer, and NT‐pro‐BNP to predict hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID‐19 pandemic has been affecting the whole world by increasing morbidity and mortality rates day by day. Treatment algorithms have been attempted as parallel to the increasing experience with COVID‐19. In the pathogenesis of this virus pro‐inflammatory cytokine storm has been called to have the main role. The right timing should be made for treatments. We proposed IL‐ 1 blocking by anakinra in seventeen COVID‐19 patients at high risk of worsening. Patients were assessed according to HScore, SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score = SOFA), MuLBSTA Score (multilobular infiltration, hypo‐lymphocytosis, bacterial coinfection, smoking history, hyper‐tension, and age), Brescia‐COVID respiratory severity scale (BCRSS). In our study, the mortality rate was 17.6%. Consequently, 1 (5.9%) patient was receiving low‐flow oxygen supply, 3 (17.6%) patients needed no longer oxygen supply and 10 (58.8%) patients were discharged from the hospital. According to the results of our study in the manner of general evaluation; we found that SOFA, MuLBSTA, and BCRSS scores were one step ahead according to HScore being insufficient to determine early phases of the disease. In our opinion, the prominent factors that emphasize the use of anakinra could be listed as comorbidity, risk, or presence of secondary infection, ongoing malignant disease. However, the other factors that enhance the use of anakinra in the situation of viremia also could be sorted as no response to full dose antivirals, antiviral side effects, or no success to antiviral treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the standard one‐stage coloanal anastomosis (CAA) technique plus diverting ileostomy and the Turnbull–Cutait (T–C) technique with delayed CAA in terms of early post‐operative morbidity in patients with low rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 33 patients with non‐metastatic distal rectal cancer who were operated with one of the two different reconstruction methods (one‐stage CAA plus diverting ileostomy or two‐stage T–C technique with delayed CAA) after total mesorectal excision were included in this retrospective study. The two groups were compared for early post‐operative morbidity within 30 post‐operative days using complication frequency, Clavien–Dindo classification and Comprehensive Complication Index scores. Results: The two groups did not differ in terms of morbidity parameters, including frequency of any morbidity, presence of grade 3b morbidity requiring management under general anaesthesia, as well as Comprehensive Complication Index score (P > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the two techniques did not differ in terms of early post‐operative morbidity. Owing to its comparable morbidity and safety to CAA plus concomitant ileostomy performed at the same session, the T–C technique may be considered in distal rectal cancer patients refusing to have a temporary stoma and in patients in whom CAA poses technical difficulties during the initial operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drawings can be used as a method of communication that represents an individual's self‐concept, anxiety, attitude or conflict. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate children's drawing as a measure of dental anxiety in a dental setting. Design: Seventy‐eight children, aged 6‐12 years, were enrolled in this study. Pulp therapy and/or restorative treatment was performed during the first therapeutic session for all participants. Sound, Eye and Motor (SEM) and Frankl scales were used as an objective assessment of behaviour during treatment. After the treatment session, the children were instructed to draw a picture of a person at a dental clinic. Children's drawings were scored by a paediatric dentist and a psychologist using Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) scale and emotional indicators of Human Figure Drawings (HFD). The findings were compared with Frankl and SEM scores. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between Frankl and CD: H scores (P =.017), and a significant negative correlation was found between HFD and Frankl scores (P =.048). Conclusion: Drawings can reveal a considerable amount of information about children's emotional status, and children's drawing can be a useful non‐verbal self‐report measure to evaluate anxiety in a paediatric dental setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the interval from onset of oestrus to time of artificial insemination (AI) to obtain the optimum pregnancy rate with sex‐sorted semen in Holstein heifers. Heifers in oestrus were detected and inseminated only by using heat–rumination neck collar comprised electronic identification tag at the age of 13–14 months. Heifers (n = 283) were randomly assigned to one of three groups according to the timing of insemination at 12–16 hr (G1, n = 97), at 16.1–20 hr (G2, n = 94) and at 20.1–24 hr (G3, n = 92) after reaching the activity threshold. The mean duration of oestrus was 18.6 ± 0.1 hr, and mean peak activity was found at 7.5 ± 0.1 hr after activity threshold. The mean interval from activity threshold to ovulation was 29.4 ± 0.4 hr. The overall pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was 53.0% at 29–35 days and 50.9% at 60–66 days after AI. There was a significant reduction between G1 (13.8 ± 1.4 hr) and G3 (7.9 ± 1.4 hr) related to the intervals from AI to ovulation time. Sex‐sorted semen resulted in significantly higher P/AI at 29–35 days when heifers inseminated in G3 (60.9%) after oestrus than those inseminated in G1 (49.5%) and G2 (48.9%). In terms of fertility, when the temperature–humidity index (THI) was below the threshold value (THI ≤65) at the time of AI, there was a tendency (≤65; 57.2% vs. > 65; 47.1%) for high pregnancy rate. There was no effect of sire on P/AI. In addition, the interaction of the technician with the time of AI was found significant, and three‐way interaction of technician, sire and time of AI was tended to be significant on pregnancy rate. Thus, in addition to delaying the time of insemination (between 20.1 and 24 hr) after oestrous detection, THI and experienced technician were also found to be critical factors in increasing fertility with the use of sex‐sorted semen in Holstein heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biallelic mutations in the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 gene (DOCK8) cause a progressive combined immunodeficiency (CID) characterized by susceptibility to severe viral skin infections, atopic diseases, recurrent respiratory infections, and malignancy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is only curative treatment for the disease. However, there is limited information about long‐term outcome of HSCT and its effect to protect against cancer development in DOCK8‐deficient patients. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated clinical and immunologic characteristics of 20 DOCK8‐deficient patients and outcome of 11 patients who underwent HSCT. We aimed to report the experience of our center and the result of the largest transplantation series of DOCK8 deficiency in our country. Median follow‐up time is 71 months (min‐max: 16‐172) in all patients and 48 months (min‐max: 5‐84) in transplanted patients. Atopic dermatitis (18/20), recurrent respiratory tract infections (17/20), and food allergy (14/20) were the most frequent clinical manifestations. Failure to thrive (13/20), liver problems (12/20), bronchiectasis (11/20), chronic diarrhea (10/21), and autism spectrum disorders (3/20) were remarkable findings in our series. Elevated IgE level (20/20) and eosinophilia (17/20), low IgM level (15/20), and decreased CD3+ T (10/20) and CD4+ T (11/20) cell count were prominent laboratory findings. HSCT was performed in 11 patients. All patients achieved adequate engraftment and showed improvement in their clinical and immunologic findings. Atopic dermatitis and food allergies improved in all patients, and their dietary restriction was stopped except one patient who was transplanted recently. The frequency of infections was decreased. The overall survival is 91% in HSCT‐received patients and 80% in all. HSCT at the earliest possible period with most suitable donor‐ and patient‐specific appropriate conditioning regimen and GvHD prophylaxis is lifesaving for DOCK8 deficiency cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mammary serine protease inhibitor (maspin) acts as a tumor suppressor through the inhibition of cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Paradoxically, maspin levels are increased in some types of malignant cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the maspin expression in cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, and to analyze its' relation with survival. Methods: Maspin expression was detected by immunohistochemistry using labeled streptavidin biotin method to determine cytoplasmic and nuclear maspin expressions in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) and cervical cancer. Results: A total of 89 patients with CIN (29 cases of CIN1, 30 cases of CIN2 and 30 cases of CIN3), and 27 patients with cervical cancer were included to the study. 7.8% of the patients with CIN had maspin staining positivity. On the other hand maspin staining was positive in 20 of 27 patients (74.1%) with cervical carcinoma (P = 0.001). Of these patients 20 (100%) had cytoplasmic, and 8 (40%) had nuclear maspin staining positivity. Cytoplasmic maspin immunoreactive scores were found to be significantly higher in carcinoma group when compared to the patients with CIN1/3 (respectively; P = 0.01, P = 0.02). No difference was noted for nuclear maspin expression. Significant overall survival advantage was detected for patients with nuclear maspin staining (P = 0.03). Conclusion: The current study shows that nuclear maspin expression is related with better overall survival in cervical cancer. Maspin staining can be a useful diagnostic marker to discriminate cervical intraepithelial neoplasia from cervical carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The New Horizons in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Conference was organized by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) in collaboration with the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS), and the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) and held in Rehovot, Israel, on September 6–8, 2017. The program covered the entire lifespan of students/scientists from the school level to undergraduate, graduate, and post‐doctoral levels and brought together 130 international participants. This article provides an overview of the major issues and topics discussed at the conference and suggestions for the way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]