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Bu çalısmada, adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzlu lazerde veya adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzunda hapsedilmis elektron ve delik gibi tasıyıcılara ait enerji özdegerlerinin fonksiyonları olan bazı parametrelere baglı normalize frekans ve özellikle normalize yayılım sabiti gibi tasarım parametreleri elde edilmistir. Adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzunun veya adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzlu lazerin aktif ve gömlek bölgeleri için optik güç ve olasılık nicelikleri ile ilgili bazı optik ifadeler, bu parametreler cinsinden incelenmistir. Arastırmalar bu parametreler cinsinden yapılmıstır ve de teorik olarak en düsük çift ve tek modlu optik elektrik alan dalgaları için ayrı ayrı hesaplanmıstır. Çift ve tek elektrik alan dalgaları için, adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzlu lazerlerde bazı önemli büyüklüklere ilave olarak özellikle sogurma ve kayıp katsayıları degerlendirilmistir.

Bu çalısmada, adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzlu lazerde veya adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzunda hapsedilmis elektron ve delik gibi tasıyıcılara ait enerji özdegerlerinin fonksiyonları olan bazı parametrelere baglı normalize frekans ve özellikle normalize yayılım sabiti gibi tasarım parametreleri elde edilmistir. Adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzunun veya adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzlu lazerin aktif ve gömlek bölgeleri için optik güç ve olasılık nicelikleri ile ilgili bazı optik ifadeler, bu parametreler cinsinden incelenmistir. Arastırmalar bu parametreler cinsinden yapılmıstır ve de teorik olarak en düsük çift ve tek modlu optik elektrik alan dalgaları için ayrı ayrı hesaplanmıstır. Çift ve tek elektrik alan dalgaları için, adım kırılma indisli tekli dalga kılavuzlu lazerlerde bazı önemli büyüklüklere ilave olarak özellikle sogurma ve kayıp katsayıları degerlendirilmistir.

In this study, some design parameters such as normalized frequency and especially normalized propagation constant have been obtained, depending on some parameters which are functions of energy eigenvalues of the carriers such as electrons and holes confined in a single step-index waveguide laser (SSIWGL) or single stepindex waveguide (SSIWG). Some optical expressions about the optical power and probability quantities for the active region and cladding layers of the SSIWG or SSIWGL have been investigated. Investigations have been undertaken in terms of these parameters and also individually the optical even and odd electric field waves with the lowest-modes were theoretically computed. Especially absorption coefficients and loss coefficients addition to some important quantities of the single step-index waveguide lasers for the even and odd electric field waves are evaluated.

Abstract While multiple factors impact disease, artificial intelligence (AI) studies in medicine often use small, non-diverse patient cohorts due to data sharing and privacy issues. Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a solution, enabling training across hospitals without direct data sharing. Here, we present FL-PedBrain, an FL platform for pediatric posterior fossa brain tumors, and evaluate its performance on a diverse, realistic, multi-center cohort. Pediatric brain tumors were targeted due to the scarcity of such datasets, even in tertiary care hospitals. Our platform orchestrates federated training for joint tumor classification and segmentation across 19 international sites. FL-PedBrain exhibits less than a 1.5% decrease in classification and a 3% reduction in segmentation performance compared to centralized data training. FL boosts segmentation performance by 20 to 30% on three external, out-of-network sites. Finally, we explore the sources of data heterogeneity and examine FL robustness in real-world scenarios with data imbalances.

Objective: We retrospectively examined the nephrological conditions of the victims who applied to the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic in our hospital in İzmir after the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Method: Age, gender, time spent under debris, number of crushed extremities, presence of acute kidney injury (AKI), creatine kinase (CK) levels and prognosis of all patients were evaluated. 5% dextrose-0.45% NaCl solution was given as 1500 cc/m2/day if the CK levels of the children were between 1000-3000 U/L, and as 3000 cc/m2/day for those >3000 U/L. If the bicarbonate value is 7.50 and/or bicarbonate ≥30, alkalinization treatment is discontinued; if 25-30 it is halved. Results: Of the total 33 pediatric patients, 48.5% were girls and 51.5% were boys. The children had a mean age of 9.0±3.9 years. The mean stay under the rubble was 17.00 (4.25-48.00) hours. The CK values of 23 patients were >1000 U/L at the time of admission. Six patients had acute kidney injuries at admission. Four patients received hemodialysis and/or hemodiafiltration treatment. The CK values returned to normal in 5.0 (3.0-8.0) days in the patients who received fluid and alkalinization treatments. The serum creatinine values of all patients normalized. Conclusion: Even in the case of concomitant AKI in crush syndrome developing after an earthquake, full recovery can be achieved with aggressive fluid and alkalinization treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published the first laboratory manual in the 1980s and this has been updated several times since. The sixth version of this manual, the latest to be issued, was published in 2021. In the sixth version, the distribution of semen parameters was given instead of the reference level and some parameter limits were decreased or increased. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the new 2021 WHO semen analysis reference values by reclassifying previous semen analysis parameters. All semen analyses performed between 01 July 2021 and 01 September 2023 were collected retrospectively. Semen volume, sperm concentration (×106/mL), total sperm motility (%), and progressive sperm motility (%) were evaluated according to 2010 and 2021 WHO semen analysis reference values. Then, the percentile changes of the normal (at or above the reference limits) results of each parameter and overall semen parameters were evaluated. 2535 spermiograms were included in the study. According to the 2010 WHO criteria, 42.99% of semen specimens were at or above the reference limits for all parameters whereas, samples with all parameter values at or above the 2021 WHO reference limits were 43.55%. It was found that the number of each semen parameter that were recategorized due to the new limits for volume, sperm concentration, progressive, and total motility were 0.9%, 1.1%, 3.2% and 2.8%, respectively. 29 semen results (1.1%) that had all parameter values at or above the new reference limits were reclassified as a normal spermiogram based on the new 2021 criteria. The 2021 WHO semen reference limits do not influence the percentile of men who require infertility treatment.

Abstract This study intended to investigate if gynecological cancers compromise ovarian function and reduce the success of assisted reproduction techniques (ART). No clinical and molecular data together is available on this issue for gynecological or other organ cancers. Steroidogenic pathways and DNA damage response characteristics of the granulosa cells retrieved from the 39 gynecological cancer patients were analyzed together with their clinical ART characteristics in comparison to 31 control ART patients. Patients with gynecological malignancies were similar to the control IVF patients for the number of mature oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates and embryo development competency. Molecular analyses of the granulosa cells retrieved from these cancer patients did not detect any perturbations in gonadotropin receptor expression and response, sex steroid production, cholesterol utilization/storage and, DNA damage response pattern in comparison to control IVF patients without cancer. This study provides the first reassuring clinical and molecular combined data set that the presence of gynecological malignancy does not appear to have any detrimental effect on clinical IVF cycle characteristics and ovarian functioning at molecular level.

Scientific discovery increasingly requires executing heterogeneous scientific workflows on high-performance computing (HPC) platforms. Heterogeneous workflows contain different types of tasks (e.g., simulation, analysis, and learning) that need to be mapped, scheduled, and launched on different computing. That requires a software stack that enables users to code their workflows and automate resource management and workflow execution. Currently, there are many workflow technologies with diverse levels of robustness and capabilities, and users face difficult choices of software that can effectively and efficiently support their use cases on HPC machines, especially when considering the latest exascale platforms. We contributed to addressing this issue by developing the ExaWorks Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK is a curated collection of workflow technologies engineered following current best practices and specifically designed to work on HPC platforms. We present our experience with (1) curating those technologies, (2) integrating them to provide users with new capabilities, (3) developing a continuous integration platform to test the SDK on DOE HPC platforms, (4) designing a dashboard to publish the results of those tests, and (5) devising an innovative documentation platform to help users to use those technologies. Our experience details the requirements and the best practices needed to curate workflow technologies, and it also serves as a blueprint for the capabilities and services that DOE will have to offer to support a variety of scientific heterogeneous workflows on the newly available exascale HPC platforms.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isotonic and hypotonic intravenous fluids in maintenance fluid therapy for term infants.MethodsThis was a multi-centre, prospective, observational study conducted in 21 participating centres from December 30, 2020, to June 30, 2023. The study included term newborns requiring parenteral fluid therapy for maintenance (NCT04781361). The fluid treatment was divided into two groups based on the concentration of sodium in the parenteral fluid, designated as hypotonic (NaCl 145 mmol/L), and the occurrence of clinically significant changes in sodium levels (∆pNa >0.5 mmol/L/h).ResultsA total of 420 patients from 21 centers were included. The ∆pNa was negative in the hypotonic fluid group and positive in the isotonic fluid group, with a significant difference between the groups [respectively −0.07 ± 0.03 (95% CI: −0.13 to −0.02); 0.04 ± 0.03 (95%CI: −0.02 to 0.09), p = 0.04]. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the development of hypernatremia or a clinically meaningful pNa increase. The hypotonic fluid group had a higher incidence of hyponatremia and a clinically meaningful sodium decrease compared to the isotonic fluid group [7.9% vs. 1.2% (OR:6.5, p:0.03)] and [12.2% vs.4.2% (OR:2.9, p = 0.03)].ConclusionContrary to current understanding, this large-scale study is the first to demonstrate that the use of hypotonic fluids in maintenance fluid therapy for newborns poses a risk of hyponatremia development, whereas isotonic fluid therapy appears safe.

Abstract Background HER2-positive, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (HER2+, ER+ BC) is a distinct disease subtype associated with inferior response to chemotherapy plus HER2-targeted therapy compared with HER2+, ER-negative BC. Bi-directional crosstalk leads to cooperation of the HER2 and ER pathways that may drive treatment resistance; thus, simultaneous co-targeting may optimize treatment impact and survival outcomes in patients with HER2+, ER+ BC. First-line (1L) treatment for patients with HER2+ metastatic BC (mBC) is pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and taxane chemotherapy. In clinical practice, dual HER2 blockade plus a fixed number of chemotherapy cycles are given as induction therapy to maximize tumor response, with subsequent HER2-targeted maintenance treatment given as a more tolerable regimen for long-term disease control. For patients whose tumors co-express ER, maintenance endocrine therapy (ET) can be added, but uptake varies due to lack of data from randomized clinical trials investigating the superiority of maintenance ET plus dual HER2 blockade versus dual HER2 blockade alone. Giredestrant, a novel oral selective ER antagonist and degrader, shows promising clinical activity and manageable safety across phase I–II trials of patients with ER+, HER2-negative BC, with therapeutic potential in those with HER2 co-expression. Methods This phase III, randomized, open-label, two-arm study aims to recruit 812 patients with HER2+, ER+ locally advanced (LA)/mBC into the induction phase (fixed-dose combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab for subcutaneous injection [PH FDC SC] plus a taxane) to enable 730 patients to be randomized 1:1 to the maintenance phase (giredestrant plus PH FDC SC or PH FDC SC [plus optional ET]), stratified by disease site (visceral versus non-visceral), type of LA/metastatic presentation (de novo versus recurrent), best overall response to induction therapy (partial/complete response versus stable disease), and intent to give ET (yes versus no). The primary endpoint is investigator-assessed progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, clinical benefit rate, duration of response, safety, and patient-reported outcomes. Discussion heredERA BC will address whether giredestrant plus dual HER2 blockade is superior to dual HER2 blockade alone, to inform the use of this combination in clinical practice for maintenance 1L treatment of patients with HER2+, ER+ LA/mBC. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05296798; registered on March 25, 2022. Protocol version 3.0 (November 18, 2022). Sponsor: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 4070, Basel, Switzerland.

Perinatal clavicular fracture is the most common birth injury that may cause neonatal morbidities such as obstetric brachial palsy (OBP) ranging from 0.2 to 3.5%. We aimed to compare the relationship between perinatal clavicular fracture and induced vaginal delivery. All the live births and the neonatal outpatient clinic admissions between June 2016 and December 2022 have been investigated retrospectively. A total of 185 newborn infants with a mean gestational age of 38.3±1.6 weeks and a mean birth weight of 3,451±430.10 grams were enrolled. When compared to all in-born live births, the overall incidence of clavicular fracture was 0.78%. One hundred eighty-one (97.8%) infants were born vaginally and 4 (2.2%) were born by cesarean sections (C-sections). The incidence of clavicular fracture among in-born vaginally delivered infants was 1.26% (n=153) and among C-section deliveries was 0.04% (n=3). In vaginal deliveries, 54.7% (n=99) had prolonged labor, 71.8% (n=130) had received labor induction and 7.7% (n=14) had a history of instrumental intervention. A statistically significant relationship was found between clavicular fracture and prolonged labor, labor induction, increased birth weight, and low Apgar scores (p [Med-Science 2024; 13(3.000): 758-62]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, microbiological, clinical characteristics of the patients followed up with different types of underlying hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Method: This cohort study included patients with pediatric malignancy. Eighty-eight patients who were followed up for two years were included. The number of days from the first diagnosis, recurrent infectious episodes, number of days with fever, presence of neutropenia and nonneutropenic episodes, chemotherapy regimens, antimicrobial agents, blood and urinary tract culture samples were recorded. Results: A total of 149 infectious episodes were observed. The median age was 5.08 years. The mean age was 9.02+-5.17 years in patients who had no infectious episodes during the follow-up and 5.70+-4.60 years in patients with two and more infectious episodes and was significantly lower (p=0.024). In total, 264 microbial cultures were retrieved from different locations during these infectious episodes. Regarding all the cultures, 27% of blood cultures and 9% of urinary tract cultures were positive. The most commonly isolated microorganism were Grampositive bacteria (n=23, 57.5%). Conclusion: Younger children with cancer are at higher risk of infection complications compared to children of older ages. Children with hematologic malignancies are more likely to develop a neutropenic fever during the consolidation and induction periods. Regarding the high rate of FUO in our study, more attempts to increase microbiological diagnosis in this patient population.

Abstract Background To discover pharmacotherapy prescription patterns and their statistical associations with outcomes through a clinical pathway inference framework applied to real-world data. Methods We apply machine learning steps in our framework using a 2006 to 2020 cohort of veterans with major depressive disorder (MDD). Outpatient antidepressant pharmacy fills, dispensed inpatient antidepressant medications, emergency department visits, self-harm, and all-cause mortality data were extracted from the Department of Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. Results Our MDD cohort consisted of 252,179 individuals. During the study period there were 98,417 emergency department visits, 1,016 cases of self-harm, and 1,507 deaths from all causes. The top ten prescription patterns accounted for 69.3% of the data for individuals starting antidepressants at the fluoxetine equivalent of 20-39 mg. Additionally, we found associations between outcomes and dosage change. Conclusions For 252,179 Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with subsequent MDD noted in their electronic medical records, we documented and described the major pharmacotherapy prescription patterns implemented by Veterans Health Administration providers. Ten patterns accounted for almost 70% of the data. Associations between antidepressant usage and outcomes in observational data may be confounded. The low numbers of adverse events, especially those associated with all-cause mortality, make our calculations imprecise. Furthermore, our outcomes are also indications for both disease and treatment. Despite these limitations, we demonstrate the usefulness of our framework in providing operational insight into clinical practice, and our results underscore the need for increased monitoring during critical points of treatment.

Based on the entropy-area relation from Nouicer's generalised uncertainty principle (GUP), we derive the GUP modified Friedmann equations from the first law of thermodynamics at apparent horizon. We find a minimum apparent horizon due to the minimal length notion of GUP. We show that the energy density of universe has a maximum and finite value at the minimum apparent horizon. Both minimum apparent horizon and maximum energy density imply the absence of the Big Bang singularity. Moreover, we investigate the GUP effects on the deceleration parameter for flat case. Finally, we examine the validity of generalised second law (GSL) of thermodynamics. We show that GSL always holds in a region enclosed by apparent horizon for the GUP effects. We also investigate the GSL in ΛCDM cosmology and find that the total entropy change of universe has a maximum value in the presence of GUP effects. To better grasp the effects of Nouicer's GUP on cosmology, we compare our results with those obtained from quadratic GUP (QGUP).

Purpose: This study analyses the relationship between capital structure and profitability levels of manufacturing industry companies operating in Türkiye between the years 2006-2020. Methodology: The relationship between capital structure and the profitability of Turkish manufacturing industry companies was analyzed using the standard error estimator proposed by Driscoll and Kraay (1998). In this context, sub-panel data models were created. Findings: The findings showed that capital structure changes (short-term debt, long-term debt, and total debt) in the manufacturing industry are negatively related to both return on assets and return on equity. Originality: It is thought that this study will contribute to the existing literature in terms of better understanding the relationship between the changes in the capital structure decisions of the manufacturing industry companies operating in Türkiye, both their return on assets and their return on equity, taking into account their sub-sectors.

INTRODUCTION: To compare pulse wave analysis (PWA) of obese children with and without metabolic syndrome (MS) with healthy, non-obese children and to evaluate the association between PWA findings and additional risk factors present in children with MS and obesity. METHODS: From the obese patients examined between June 2019 and June 2021, 41 patients with MS, 36 obese patients without MS, and 34 healthy non-obese children of similar age and gender were evaluated retrospectively. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical evaluation, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurement (ABPM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and PWA measurements were compared. RESULTS: When the three groups were compared, weight standard deviation score (SDS), height SDS and body mass index SDS were all significantly higher in the MS group (p

The study investigates the nonlinear contagion, tail dependence, and Granger causality relations with TAR-TR-GARCH–copula causality methods for daily Bitcoin, Fintech, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions in addition to examining these series for entropy, long-range dependence, fractionality, complexity, chaos, and nonlinearity with a dataset spanning from 25 June 2012 to 22 June 2024. Empirical results from Shannon, Rényi, and Tsallis entropy measures; Kolmogorov–Sinai complexity; Hurst–Mandelbrot and Lo’s R/S tests; and Phillips’ and Geweke and Porter-Hudak’s fractionality tests confirm the presence of entropy, complexity, fractionality, and long-range dependence. Further, the largest Lyapunov exponents and Hurst exponents confirm chaos across all series. The BDS test confirms nonlinearity, and ARCH-type heteroskedasticity test results support the basis for the use of novel TAR-TR-GARCH–copula causality. The model estimation results indicate moderate to strong levels of positive and asymmetric tail dependence and contagion under distinct regimes. The novel method captures nonlinear causality dynamics from Bitcoin and Fintech to energy consumption and CO2 emissions as well as causality from energy consumption to CO2 emissions and bidirectional feedback between Bitcoin and Fintech. These findings underscore the need to take the chaotic and complex dynamics seriously in policy and decision formulation and the necessity of eco-friendly technologies for Bitcoin and Fintech.

Abstract Background The odours of different body parts and structures, such as external genitalia, female urine, ventral tail radix, infraorbital sinus and interdigital sinus, have a strong attractiveness for rams. The sinus interdigitalis is considered an important trail gland for sexual behaviour, as its odour is included in the list of strongly attractive structures for male animals during the breeding season, being important in pheromone production. Objectives In the present study, the effects of sex and breeding season on the morphological and histological structure of the interdigital gland were investigated in Hamdani crossbred sheep (Ovis aries). Methods Sinus interdigitalis glands located on the forelimbs and hind limbs were collected from 10 male and 10 female sheep during both breeding and non‐breeding seasons. The gland's position in the forelimbs and hind limbs was determined radiographically. The glands were examined macroscopically, histologically and immunohistochemically in both seasons. Results In all animals, the topographic location of the gland between the digits was determined to be distal to the phalanx proximalis and at the level of the phalanx media. The mean weight of the gland in male and female animals was 1.07 ± 0.03 and 1.4 ± 0.11 g, respectively. In general, the results of morphometric measurements were higher during the breeding season, and the increase was more pronounced in female animals. In histological examinations, it was determined that both neck and body parts of the tissues consisted of a structure consisting of a connective tissue capsule at the outermost, dermis, epidermis and lumen underneath. Immunohistochemically staining revealed that oestrogen receptors showed positive immunoreactions only in the intracytoplasmic localization of apocrine sweat glands. In terms of morphological, histological and oestrogen receptors, it was thought that the gland may play a role in sexual communication.

Abstract Background BAT1706 is a proposed biosimilar of bevacizumab (Avastin®). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of BAT1706 with that of EU‐sourced reference bevacizumab (EU‐bevacizumab) in patients with advanced nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Patients were randomized 1:1 to BAT1706 plus paclitaxel and carboplatin (BAT1706 arm) or EU‐bevacizumab plus paclitaxel and carboplatin (EU‐bevacizumab arm) given every 3 weeks for six cycles, followed by maintenance therapy with BAT1706 or EU‐bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was overall response rate at week 18 (ORR18). Clinical equivalence was demonstrated if the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the BAT1706:EU‐bevacizumab ORR18 risk ratio was contained within the predefined equivalence margins of 0.75–1.33 (China National Medical Products Administration requirements), or 0.73–1.36 (US Food and Drug Administration), or if the 95% CI of the ORR18 risk difference between treatments was contained within the predefined equivalence margin of −0.12 to 0.15 (EMA requirements). Results In total, 649 randomized patients (BAT1706, n = 325; EU‐bevacizumab, n = 324) received at least one cycle of combination treatment. The ORR18 was comparable between the BAT1706 and EU‐bevacizumab arms (48.0% and 44.5%, respectively). The ORR18 risk ratio of 1.08 (90% CI: 0.94–1.24) and the ORR18 risk difference of 0.03 (95% CI: −0.04 to 0.11) were within the predefined equivalence margins, demonstrating the biosimilarity of BAT1706 and EU‐bevacizumab. The safety profile of BAT1706 was consistent with that of EU‐bevacizumab and no new safety signals were observed. Conclusion In patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC, BAT1706 demonstrated clinical equivalence to EU‐bevacizumab in terms of efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.

Purpose: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although the 5-year survival rates of for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) ranges from 20% to 70%. The present study investigates the rates of early recurrence in a total of 83 patients operated for NSCLC and presents the related findings in reference to the data available in the literature. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent lung resection for malignancy between March 2019 and September 2021 were retrospectively examined. The patient data, including age, gender, presence of preoperative chemotherapy administration, opera-tions performed, operation dates, pathology results, postoperative staging, survival, and relapses, were documented. Results: A total of 83 patients who underwent lung resection for malignancy between March 2019 and September 2021 were examined. The patients had a median age of 62 years. Of the total number of patients four patients developed recurrence and 79 continued their follow-up without any recurrence. Of the patients who underwent lung resection, eight (9.6%) patients died within the first postoperative 2-year period. The mean survival period of these eight patients was 14.6 months (7–20 months). Conclusion: Although various parameters, such as age, gender, pathological type, and location of the tumor are examined and compared, according to the available data on the long-term survival of surgical patients, it is known that the only parameter that affects survival is the pathological stage of the patient.

Abstract Ideal drug carriers feature a high loading capacity to minimize the exposure of patients with excessive, inactive carrier materials. The highest imaginable loading capacity could be achieved by nanocarriers, which are assembled from the therapeutic cargo molecules themselves. Here, we describe peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based zirconium (Zr) coordination nanoparticles which exhibit very high PNA loading of $$>\,94\%$$ > 94 % w/w. This metal-organic hybrid nanomaterial class extends the enormous compound space of coordination polymers towards bioactive oligonucleotide linkers. The architecture of single- or double-stranded PNAs was systematically varied to identify design criteria for the coordination driven self-assembly with Zr(IV) nodes at room temperature. Aromatic carboxylic acid functions, serving as Lewis bases, and a two-step synthesis process with preformation of $$Zr_{6} O_{4} (OH)_{4}$$ Z r 6 O 4 ( O H ) 4 turned out to be decisive for successful nanoparticle assembly. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that the PNA-Zr nanoparticles are readily internalized by cells. PNA-Zr nanoparticles, coated with a cationic lipopeptide, successfully delivered an antisense PNA sequence for splicing correction of the $$\beta$$ β -globin intron mutation IVS2-705 into a functional reporter cell line and mediated splice-switching via interaction with the endogenous mRNA splicing machinery. The presented PNA-Zr nanoparticles represent a bioactive platform with high design flexibility and extraordinary PNA loading capacity, where the nucleic acid constitutes an integral part of the material, instead of being loaded into passive delivery systems.

Pertuzumab-mediated Cardiotoxicity: A Single Center Study. Objective: Recent clinical trials have shown that adding pertuzumab to trastuzumab improved the cellular response to therapy and provides a survival benefit compared with trastuzumab alone. However, it has raised concerns about additive risk of cardiotoxicity. Real life data on pertuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity are limited. Materials and Methods: Patients a diagnosis of breast cancer who had been treated trastuzumab plus pertuzumab between January 2017 and June 2022 and had undergone regularly transthoracic echocardiography, as a part of control visits, in our medical center were included. We performed descriptive statistical analysis to evaluate the patients’ characteristics and therapies, which could increase the risk of cardiac adverse events. Cardiotoxicity was evaluated by serial left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measuring by 2D echocardiography at baseline and every three months during pertuzumab therapy and was defined as a decrease in LVEF > 10% to below 55%. Results: There were 118 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The median age of the population was 51 (41-60) years. The median duration of pertuzumab therapy was 15 (9–57) weeks. Pertuzumab therapy was discontinued in two patients because of an allergic reaction and in other two patients due to cardiotoxicity. The reduced LVEF did not recover to baseline values in either patient. Conclusion: The incidence of cardiotoxicity (1.69%) in the current study was no higher than expected for trastuzumab alone. Data from previous studies and the results of this study support that pertuzumab causes no increase in cardiotoxicity. Still, large clinical trials are needed to verify the cardiac safety of pertuzumab in a real-world setting.

Nesta entrevista, Cas Mudde, um dos cientistas políticos mais influentes dos Estados Unidos e uma referência internacional como pesquisador de populismo e extremismo de direita, critica o conceito de populismo e destaca por que seu trabalho atual está centrado no conceito de ultradireita. Mudde também compara a ultradireita no Sul Global e no Norte Global, e explica o que entende por mainstreaming e normalização. Por fim, o cientista político alerta para as ameaças à democracia liberal.

We recently discovered that lipophagy is a key mechanism to provide free cholesterol required for steroid biosynthesis in human ovary and testis. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy by silencing of the autophagy-related (ATG) genes BECN1 (BECLIN1) and ATG5 resulted in a significant reduction in basal and gonadotropin-stimulated estradiol, progesterone (P4) and testosterone production in the ex-vivo explant tissue and cell culture models for ovary and testis. We also described a new mechanism of action for gonadotropin hormones, i.e., follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/luteinizing hormone (LH), in this process. They augment the production of sex steroid hormones by upregulating the expression of ATG genes, the accelerating autophagic flux and promoting LDs sequestration into autophagosomes and degradation in lysosomes. Furthermore, we detected several molecular aberrations at different steps of lipophagy-dependent P4 production in the ovary of women with defective luteal function. Our findings might have important clinical implications by opening a new avenue for the understanding and treatment of a wide range of diseases varying from reproductive disorders to sex hormone-producing neoplasms and hormone dependent malignancies, such as carcinomas of breast, endometrium, and prostate. Abbreviations: ACAT, Acyl-coenzyme A-cholesterol-acyl-transferase; AMBRA1, autophagy and beclin 1 regulator 1; ATG, autophagy-related; BECN1, BECLIN1; hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin; E2, estradiol; FSH, follicle stimulating hormone; GABARAP, GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GCs, luteinized granulosa cells; IVF, in vitro fertilization; LAMP2A, lysosomal associated membrane protein 2A; LDs, lipid droplets; LDLs, low-density lipoproteins; P4: progesterone; PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome; SOAT1: Sterol-O-acetyltransferase; MAP1LC3B, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; PLIN3, perilipin 3; STAR, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; SQSTM1, sequestosome-1.

The aim of this study was to define the actual rate of the traction needed and the balloon catheter or tenaculum requirement for hysterosalpingography (HSG) examinations, and to investigate the correlation between pain scores with the type of traction, operator, parity or the type of infertility. 788 patients undergoing HSG participated in the trial. The HSG examinations were completed in 58% of the patients (458) without any traction. Traction was needed in 42% of patients, those with the balloon catheter in 26.9%, and those with the tenaculum only at 15%. Patients with balloon catheter traction had similar pain scores to those using tenaculum traction. The pain scores changed according to the operator. HSG examinations should be performed step-by-step and the need for traction evaluated during the procedure.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? HSG is a technique to evaluate fallopian tube patency and other potential intrauterine pathology in infertile women. What do the results of this study add? Traction was not needed in more than half of the HSG examinations. The pain due to the balloon catheter and tenaculum is similar. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? HSG examinations should be performed step-by-step by checking the need for traction. Traction with the balloon catheter prevents the uterine spasm, infection and bleeding complications during or after the HSG.

ABSTRACTThe importance of doctors’ knowledge and awareness of infectious diseases was felt worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the long and dynamic pandemic process on resident physicians’ knowledge and protective behaviors for infection control in a tertiary hospital setting and protective behaviors for infection control in a tertiary hospital setting. The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of assistant physicians working at Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital. A questionnaire evaluating information and protective practices for COVID-19 was applied to the participants through face-to-face interviews using the convenience sampling method, with an interval of one year. In the second year of the pandemic, resident physicians’ awareness of the correct use of personal protective equipment decreased (p = 0.001). Despite the continuous training, it was determined that the residents preferred masks with high protection at a lower rate when they encountered patients who received oxygen support of 5 lt/min and above (p

Abstract Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that aims to maintain the energy homeostasis of the cell by recycling long-lived proteins and organelles. Previous studies documented the role of autophagy in sex steroid hormone biosynthesis in different animal models and human testis. Here we demonstrate in this study that sex steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced through the same autophagy-mediated mechanism in the human ovary in addition to the human testis. In brief, pharmacological inhibition and genetic interruption of autophagy through silencing of autophagy genes (Beclin1 and ATG5) via siRNA and shRNA technologies significantly reduced basal and gonadotropin-stimulated estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) production in the ex vivo explant tissue culture of ovary and testis and primary and immortalized granulosa cells. Consistent with the findings of the previous works, we observed that lipophagy, a special form of autophagy, mediates the association of the lipid droplets (LD)s with lysosome to deliver the lipid cargo within the LDs to lysosomes for degradation in order to release free cholesterol required for steroid synthesis. Gonadotropin hormones are likely to augment the production of sex steroid hormones by upregulating the expression of autophagy genes, accelerating autophagic flux and promoting the association of LDs with autophagosome and lysosome. Moreover, we detected some aberrations at different steps of lipophagy-mediated P4 production in the luteinized GCs of women with defective ovarian luteal function. The progression of autophagy and the fusion of the LDs with lysosome are markedly defective, along with reduced P4 production in these patients. Our data, together with the findings of the previous works, may have significant clinical implications by opening a new avenue in understanding and treatment of a wide range of diseases, from reproductive disorders to sex steroid-producing neoplasms, sex steroid-dependent malignancies (breast, endometrium, prostate) and benign disorders (endometriosis).

Abstract Background This study evaluated the effect of ceramic primers containing 10-methacryloyloxydecyl phosphate (10-MDP) and γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPTS) agents on the shear bond strength (SBS) of CAD/CAM ceramics with different chemical structures and resin cement. Methods A total of 640 CAD/CAM ceramic specimens were obtained from Vita Mark II (VM), IPS E.max CAD (EM), Vita Suprinity (VS) and Vita Enamic (VE). The specimens were divided into two groups: etched with hydrofluoric acid (HF) and unetched. Each group was treated with a different ceramic primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus, G-Multi Primer and Monobond S), except for an untreated group (n = 10). After ceramic primers and resin cement were applied to each ceramic surface, half of the specimens were thermally aged at 10,000 cycles, 5–55 ± 1 °C, with a dwell time of 30 s. The SBS was tested with a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were analysed by using statistical software (SPSS 20). Normal data distribution was checked with the Shapiro‒Wilk test. Three-way ANOVA was used to analyse the difference between the numeric data of the HF etched and thermally aged groups. A post hoc Tukey test was applied in the paired comparison of significant difference. The statistical significance level was accepted as p

Water losses in water distribution systems reach significant rates depending on the network characteristics. Various methods, which have initial investment and operating costs, have been applied to reduce these losses. Therefore, appropriate and applicable methods should be preferred by considering the network characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine the economic loss level with an optimization algorithm for utilities with different network characteristics, water production, operating costs and institutional capacity. Three pilot utilities with different system characteristics and water loss components were selected as application areas. The non-revenue water rates are currently calculated as 57%, 50% and 37%, respectively. The economic loss levels in the pilot utilities were calculated as 29%, 16% and 23% with the optimization model. Moreover, the most appropriate methods to be applied according to the conditions of the utilities were determined in order to reach these defined economic loss levels. It is thought that the results obtained from this study will be a reference for the development of sustainable water loss management strategies and their implementation in the field. HIGHLIGHTS The economic loss level was analyzed with an optimization algorithm.; The economically recoverable loss volume was determined.; The economic loss levels were defined with different networks/system characteristics.; The developed model was tested with field data.; The most suitable water loss prevention methods were determined.;

Cement-based materials are the most widely utilized construction materials in the world owing to their high compressive strength, however, need reinforcement to withstand direct or indirect tensile forces. In this study, the potential use of 3D-printed polymers as an alternative reinforcement in cement-based composites was evaluated. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), Polyamide (PA), and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) based triangular and honeycomb-patterned 3D-printed reinforcements were incorporated into cement-based composites and their mechanical performances were compared under three-point flexural tests by considering both polymer and pattern type. Both triangular and honeycomb patterns were enhanced the flexural behavior. By considering all filaments, the honeycomb pattern was found more effective than the triangular pattern for increasing flexural strength, deflection capacity, and toughness up to 46.80%, 251.85%, and 77.66%, respectively. In the case of filament type, 3D-printed PA-type filament in a honeycomb pattern remained flexural strength, enhanced deflection capacity, and increased flexural toughness with pseudo-deflection hardening behavior. 3D-printed honeycomb patterned reinforcements produced by PA has the opportunity to be used in the manufacture of cement-based composites.

Türkiye’nin Cumhuriyet dönemi kalkınma hamlesi İzmir İktisat Kongresi ile başlamıştır. Cumhuriyet’in 10 yılından sonra Tek parti yıllarında devletçi planlı ekonomik kalkınma hedefi benimsenmiştir. II. Dünya Savaşı’nın getirdiği zorluklar sebebiyle planlı kalkınma modeli devam ettirilememiştir. Savaş sonrası ise dünya ile bütünleşme siyaseti sebebiyle liberal politikalar ağırlık kazanmıştır. 1950’den 1960’a kadar ülkeyi yöneten Demokrat Parti iktidarı liberal politikaları uygulamıştır. 1960 sonrası ise Devlet Planlama Teşkilatı kurulmuştur. Türkiye’deki yatırımları planlamakla görevlendirilmiştir. Yaklaşık 50 yıl süre ile yatırımları planlanması bu kurum tarafından yürütülmüştür. 2000’li yılların başından itibaren Avrupa Birliği ile tam üyelik müzakerelerin başlaması sonrasında yerel kalkınma ve bölgeler arasındaki gelişmişlik farklarının azaltılması gündeme gelmiştir. Bu maksatla Türkiye genelinde farklı bölgelerde Kalkınma Ajansları kurulmuştur. Kurulan bu ajanslardan birisi de Antalya-Isparta ve Burdur illerini kapsayan Batı Akdeniz Kalkınma Ajansıdır. Ajans hizmet verdiği illerin yatırım potansiyellerini ortaya çıkarmak ve yatırımcıların dikkatini çekmek için tanıtım filmleri hazırlayarak web sayfasında yayınlamaktadır. Bu araştırmanın konusu Batı Akdeniz Kalkınma Ajansı tarafından hazırlanan tanıtım filmleridir. Kurum web sayfasında yer alan üç il ile ilgili Türkçe 11 film içerik analizi yöntemiyle analiz edilmiştir. Filmler ile bölgenin öne çıkan kültürel ve turizm bakımından ekonomik değerlerinin ön planla tutulduğu saptanıştır.

Developmental dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental disorder specific to arithmetic learning even with normal intelligence and age-appropriate education. Difficulties often persist from childhood through adulthood lowering the individual’s quality of life. However, the neural correlates of developmental dyscalculia are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify brain structural connectivity alterations in developmental dyscalculia. All participants were recruited from a large scale, non-referred population sample in a longitudinal design. We studied 10 children with developmental dyscalculia (11.3 ± 0.7 years) and 16 typically developing peers (11.2 ± 0.6 years) using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed white matter microstructure with tract-based spatial statistics in regions-of-interest tracts that had previously been related to math ability in children. Then we used global probabilistic tractography for the first time to measure and compare tract length between developmental dyscalculia and typically developing groups. The high angular resolution diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and crossing-fiber probabilistic tractography allowed us to evaluate the length of the pathways compared to previous studies. The major findings of our study were reduced white matter coherence and shorter tract length of the left superior longitudinal/arcuate fasciculus and left anterior thalamic radiation in the developmental dyscalculia group. Furthermore, the lower white matter coherence and shorter pathways tended to be associated with the lower math performance. These results from the regional analyses indicate that learning, memory and language-related pathways in the left hemisphere might be related to developmental dyscalculia in children.

Introduction:Gait impairment is the earliest symptom of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). This study objectively investigates gait changes using Ambulatory Parkinson’s Disease Monitoring inertial sensors after cerebrospinal fluid withdrawal in patients with iNPH.Methods:Two-minute walkway tests were performed in eleven patients with iNPH before and after the spinal tap test (TT) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. Gait parameters were analyzed and compared for each patient individually before and after the intervention.Results:Eleven patients with iNPH (six female, five male) with a median age of 76 (68-76) were included in the study. After the spinal TT or ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, patients exhibited increased cadence (steps per minute) and decreased step and stride time (p=0.008, for all).Conclusion:APDM inertial sensors may provide a quantitative gait assessment in patients with iNPH.

Ensuring reliable and seamless wireless connectivity for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has emerged as a critical requirement for a wide range of applications. The increasing deployment of UAVs has increased the significance of cellular-connected UAVs (C-UAVs) in enabling beyond-visual line of sight (BVLOS) communications. To ensure the successful operation of C-UAVs within existing terrestrial networks, it is vital to understand the distinctive characteristics associated with air-to-ground signal propagation. In this paper, we investigate the impact of 3D antenna patterns on a UAV air-to-ground path loss model, utilizing datasets obtained from a measurement campaign. We conducted UAV experiments in a rural area at various fixed heights, while also characterizing the 3D antenna radiation pattern by using an anechoic chamber facility. By analyzing reference signal received power (RSRP) using path loss models that account for antenna patterns, we observed that our measurement results, obtained at different UAV heights, aligned well with the two-ray path loss model when incorporating the measured antenna pattern. We propose an RSRP-based localization algorithm at a UAV that takes into account antenna patterns in both offline and online scenarios. Through our experimentation dataset, we show that incorporating measured antenna patterns significantly enhances the source localization accuracy.

Aim: The presence and clinical importance of vesicoureteric reflux in patients with a double collecting system are being questioned. Therefore, the role of voiding cystourethrography in the management of patients with ureterocele is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate patients with a ureterocele in terms of urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Material Methods: The cases who were admitted to the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic of Health Sciences University Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between 2012 and 2022 and were diagnosed with ureterocele were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from file records. Results: All patients diagnosed with ureterocele and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were evaluated. A total of 24 (female 13 (54.2%)) children were included. The reasons for admission were antenatal hydronephrosis in 13 (54.2%) patients, UTI in 9 (37.5%) patients, and incidentally diagnosed ureterocele in 2 (8.3%) patients. Urinary tract infection was observed in 20 patients at admission, recurrent UTI in 21 patients at follow-up, preoperative pyelonephritis in 12 patients. VUR was found in 11 patients, and severe VUR (≥stage 3) was found in 9 patients. Ten patients had ipsilateral hydronephrosis, and 14 patients had a double collecting system. The presence of VUR was found to be associated with female gender, UTI at admission, and recurrent UTI at follow-up (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference between groups with or without VUR in terms of ipsilateral hydronephrosis, scar formation, and the need for surgery (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We could not demonstrate any criteria to select patients to receive VCUG; on the other hand, VUR did not cause more kidney damage. Our study supports the need for more scientific data to determine management in patients with ureterocele.

This study examines the effects of tourism on local residents’ quality of life, happiness and life satisfaction. It also examines how locals’ perceptions of the level of risk the COVID-19 pandemic poses on a destination moderates those effects utilizing data collected from residents of a mature tourism destination. The results suggest that economic benefits have significant influence on happiness while environmental and socio-cultural benefits influence quality of life perceptions. Findings also indicate a moderating effect of COVID-19 risk perceptions in the relationship between tourism and happiness and quality of life. These findings suggest that the perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic on the destination affects individuals’ both affective and cognitive evaluations; therefore, it serves as an effective factor in decision-making.

Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene transfer for active accumulation of iodide in tumor cells is a powerful theranostic strategy facilitating both diagnostic and therapeutic application of radioiodide. In glioblastoma (GBM), the blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents an additional delivery barrier for nucleic acid nanoparticles. In the present study, we designed dual-targeted NIS plasmid DNA complexes containing targeting ligands for the transferrin receptor (TfR) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thus providing the potential for active transport across the BBB followed by targeting of tumor cells. In vitro 125I transfection studies confirmed TfR- and EGFR-dependent transfection efficiency and NIS-specific iodide uptake of dual-targeted polyplexes. In vivo gene transfer in mice bearing orthotopic U87 GBM xenografts was assessed at 48 h after intravenous polyplex injection by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using 18F-labeled tetrafluoroborate (TFB) as tracer. The tumoral 18F-TFB uptake of mice treated with dual-targeted polyplexes (0.56% ± 0.08% ID/mL) was significantly higher compared with mice treated with EGFR-mono-targeted (0.33% ± 0.03% ID/mL) or TfR-mono-targeted (0.27% ± 0.04% ID/mL) polyplexes. In therapy studies, application of 131I induced a superior therapeutic effect of the dual-targeted therapy, demonstrated by a significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival.

Objective: We evaluated the knowledge and opinions of the parents of children who were followed up with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in our pediatric nephrology clinic. Methods: A seasonal influenza vaccine questionnaire was administered to a voluntary parents of patients with CKD between the ages of 6 months and 18 who applied to the Pediatric Nephrology Department of Health Sciences University İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between November 2019 and February 2020, and those who completed the questionnaire were included in the study. Results: Parents of 64 patients diagnosed with CKD completed the questionnaire. It was learned that only 44 (68.8%) participants were informed about the vaccine. It was seen that 10 patients (15.6%) had seasonal flu vaccine. Fifty-four participants who had not yet had their child vaccinated were asked about their reasons for not getting vaccine. The most frequent answer was that families did not have sufficient information about the vaccine requirement. There was no significant difference in the rate of vaccination between the two groups of patients who were administered and did not use immunosuppressive drugs. A statistically significant difference was found between accessing the information about the participants who had knowledge about vaccine. The children diagnosed with CKD were classified into two groups as having kidney transplantation and other patients. The knowledge about influenza vaccine and the awareness of the high risk of their children of influenza infection to parents of children with kidney transplantation was significantly higher. Conclusion: The rate of vaccination against influenza is very low in pediatric patients with CKD. Therefore, it is thought that this ratio can be increased by increasing the giving of information about influenza infection and vaccination to parents by physicians in pediatric nephrology clinics.

Aim: The purpose was to investigate the effects of various dosages of thymoquinone and resveratrol (5 and 20 mg/kg) on doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats from a pathological standpoint. Materials and Methods: Eighty male Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. Animals were divided in to 10 groups: Control (physiological saline, PO); Doxorubicin (physiological saline, PO and Dox,15mg/kg Dox in 10th days, IP); Thymoquinone -5 (TQ-5, 5 mg/kg TQ, PO); TQ-20 (20 mg/ kg TQ, PO); Resveratrol-5 (Res-5, 5 mg/kg Res, PO); Res-20 (20 mg/kg Res, PO); Dox+TQ-5 ; Dox+TQ-20; Dox+Res-5; Dox+Res-20. After the 21-day experiment, 6 replicates were randomly selected from the groups. After weighing the body weight, the livers of the euthanized rats were dissected and weighed. Routine tissue processing processes were applied to liver samples. Hepatocyte degeneration, necrosis/apoptosis, bile duct hyperplasia, dissociation, congestion, karyomegaly, mononuclear cell infiltration, binuclear hepatocytes, and mitosis were all examined microscopically, and a liver total lesion score was calculated Results: Dox treatment increased relative liver weight, but the TQ and Res groups prevented this increase (p Conclusion: TQ and Res (5 and 20 mg/kg) decreased the total liver lesion score induced by Dox. Although TQ and RES diminish degeneration and inflammation, their poor protective effects on necrosis/apoptosis, one of the key criteria, were considered as a limiting cause for their uncontrolled usage.

Encephalitic listeriosis is the most significant purulent encephalitis in ruminants and is a very common endemic problem in sheep, cattle, and goats. In this study, it was aimed to compare the presence of Listeria (L.) monocytogenes revealed by immunohistochemical (IHC) and Real-Time PCR methods with histopathological findings obtained from the archive materials. Th e study material consisted of pons and medulla oblongata paraffin tissue of 100 ruminants (9 cattle, 4 calves, 44 sheep, 38 lambs, and 5 goats). Positivity was obtained by the IHC method in 46 (46%) and by the Real-Time PCR method in 21 (21%) of 100 cases. In the L. monocytogenesis antigen IHC scoring, more severe staining was observed in sheep and goats (P>0.05). In the IHC positive cases, microabscess was more severe in sheep and goats than in cattle and lambs (P

The Coronavirus disease is quickly spreading all over the world and the emergency situation is still out of control. Latest achievements of deep learning algorithms suggest the use of deep Convolutional Neural Network to implement a computer-aided diagnostic system for automatic classification of COVID-19 CT images. In this paper, we propose to employ a feature-wise attention layer in order to enhance the discriminative features obtained by convolutional networks. Moreover, the original performance of the network has been improved using the mixup data augmentation technique. This work compares the proposed attention-based model against the stacked attention networks, and traditional versus mixup data augmentation approaches. We deduced that feature-wise attention extension, while outperforming the stacked attention variants, achieves remarkable improvements over the baseline convolutional neural networks. That is, ResNet50 architecture extended with a feature-wise attention layer obtained 95.57% accuracy score, which, to best of our knowledge, fixes the state-of-the-art in the challenging COVID-CT dataset.

Colon cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. In this study, the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) and the Capecitabine in CRC were investigated. Wistar albino rats were divided into eight groups with 12 animals in each group: untreated healthy and CRC groups, healthy and CRC groups treated with TCAE or Capecitabine, and healthy and CRC groups treated with both TCAE and Capecitabine. Azoxymethane was used in all CRC groups. TCAE and Capecitabine were administered to the relevant groups starting in the 15th week. All rats were euthanized after 18 weeks, and tissue samples were collected. The mRNA levels of Bcl–2, Bax, and Cas–3 in the harvested tissues were determined using real–time PCR and histopathologically abnormal crypt foci (ACF) scores were determined. It was found that TCAE modulated the decreased Bax/Bcl–2 expression rate in the CC group, but had the opposite effect in healthy animals, which was significantly reduced compared to the healthy groups (P0.05). Importantly, single and combined use of TCAE and Capecitabine in rats with CRC significantly reduced ACF scores (P