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We aimed to assess the effect of endometrial compaction on the live birth rate in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles and to investigate the parameters associated with compaction. FET cycles performed in a tertiary care infertility centre between May 2013 and October 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The decremental change of endometrial thickness between the end of oestrogen phase and ET day was defined as endometrial compaction. The primary outcome measure was endometrial compaction, and the secondary outcome was the live birth rate. Among all, 89 had endometrial compaction and 194 did not. The live birth rate was significantly higher in the compaction group (23.6

İlk olarak Çin’in Wuhan kentinde tespit edildiği düşünülen yeni tip koronavirüs (SARS-CoV-2), raporlandığı ilk vakadan bu yana kısa süre içinde tüm dünyayı etkisi altına alarak bir salgına dönüşmüştür. Virüs, COVID-19 adı verilen bulaşıcı bir hastalığa neden olarak 150 milyondan fazla kişiyi etkilemiştir. Ayrıca yoğun virüs yükü ile enfekte olmuş bireylerde oluşan sitokin fırtınasının hastalarda akut solunum yolu bozukluğu (ARDS), pulmoner fibrozis ve hatta çoklu organ yetmezliği gibi durumlara neden olabildiği görülmüştür. Yapılan in vitro ve preklinik çalışmalarda mezenkimal kök hücrelerin (MKH) rejeneratif özelliklerinin yanında anti-enflamatuar ve immünmodülatör etkilerinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu nedenle bilim insanları, rejeneratif bir umut olarak COVID-19 tedavisinde konvansiyonel ilaç veya plazma temelli tedavilere alternatif olarak MKH’leri kullanmayı önermektedir. Böylece hastalarda yoğun ilaç kullanımına bağlı yan etkilerin görülmeden MKH terapisi ile immünmodülasyon ve anti-enflamatuar etkilerin sağlanabileceği ve ARDS, pulmoner fibrosiz, sepsis ve çoklu organ yetmezliği gibi olumsuz senaryoların önüne geçileceği düşünülmektedir. Ayrıca MKH'lerin rejenerasyon özelliği sayesinde hasarlı doku tamirinin de sağlanabileceği öngörülmektedir. Ancak klinik uygulamalardaki tedavinin başarısı ve hasta güvenliği için yapılacak detaylı çalışmalarla COVID-19 tedavisi için MKH uygulamalarının standardize edilmesi gerekmektedir. Bu derlemede temel olarak COVID-19 tedavisi için yapılan MKH uygulamaları incelenmiştir. Metin içerisinde sırasıyla SARS-CoV-2 ve COVID-19 hastalığı kısaca açıklandıktan sonra yapılan aşı çalışmaları ile enfeksiyon sonrası uygulanan terapiler özetlenerek COVID-19 tedavisi için geliştirilen ve umut vaat eden MKH uygulamaları, MKH'lerin tedavideki rolü, hareket mekanizması, uygulama güvenliği ve etik konusu tartışılmıştır.

Decellularization of extracellular matrices offers an alternative source of regenerative biomaterials that preserve biochemical structure and matrix components of native tissues. In this study, decellularized bovine spinal cord meninges (dSCM)-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel (MeninGEL) is fabricated by employing a protocol that involves physical, chemical, and enzymatic processing of spinal meninges tissue and preserves the biochemical structure of meninges. The success of decellularization is characterized by measuring the contents of residual DNA, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyproline, while a proteomics analysis is applied to reveal the composition of MeninGEL. Frequency and temperature sweep rheometry show that dSCM forms self-supporting hydrogel at physiological temperature. The MeninGEL possesses excellent cytocompatibility. Moreover, it is evidenced with immuno/histochemistry and gene expression studies that the hydrogel induces growth-factor free differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into neural-lineage cells. Furthermore, MeninGEL instructs human umbilical vein endothelial cells to form vascular branching. With its innate bioactivity and low batch-to-batch variation property, the MeninGEL has the potential to be an off-the-shelf product in nerve tissue regeneration and restoration.

Current approaches to develop bone tissue engineering scaffolds have some limitations and shortcomings. They mainly suffer from combining mechanical stability and bioactivity on the same platform. Synthetic polymers are able to produce mechanically stable sturctures with fibrous morphology when they are electrospun, however, they cannot exhibit bioactivity, which is crucial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One current strategy to bring bioactivity in synthetic materials is to combine extracellular matrix (ECM)-sourced materials with biologically inert synthetic materials. ECM-sourced materials without any modifications are mechanically unstable; therefore, reinforcing them with mechanically stable platforms is indispensable. In order to overcome this bifacial problem, we have demonstrated that poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) electrospun microfibrous membranes can be successfully modified with decellularized bone ECM to endow fibers with bioactive hydrogel and mimic natural micro-features of the native bone tissue. The developed structures have been shown to support osteogenesis, confirmed by histochemical staining and gene expression studies. Furthermore, ECM-coated PBAT fibers, when they were aligned, supplied an improved level of osteogenesis. The strategy demonstrated can be adapted to any other tissues, and the emerging microfibrous, mechanically stable, and bioactive materials can find implications in the specific fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Study question What is the effect of endometrial compaction on live birth rate in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles? Summary answer In FET cycles with artificial endometrial preparation, the chance for live birth was significantly higher in cycles with endometrial compaction. What is known already Most studies conclude that thinner the endometrium poorer the pregnancy outcome. These studies mostly include measurements in the follicular phase. Since endometrial thickness indicates receptivity, one may expect the endometrial thickness measured on ET day to be more important to predict the outcome. However, few studies assessed endometrial thickness on ET day and unlike follicular phase studies conflicting results were obtained regarding pregnancy outcome. The change in endometrial thickness may be more valuable to predict the pregnancy outcome rather than a single measurement. Study design, size, duration Retrospective observational cohort study. 283 FET cycles in which all patients underwent artificial endometrial preparation were reviewed. Participants/materials, setting, methods: The inclusion criteria were artificial endometrial preparation, age between 20–38 years. The same protocol was applied to all patients for the endometrial preparation.The change of endometrial thickness between the end of estrogen phase and embryo transfer day was recorded. Any decrement is defined as endometrial compaction. The patients were grouped according to the changes of endometrial thicknesses as compaction and non-compaction. Main results and the role of chance Among 283 cycles, 89 had endometrial compaction and 194 did not have compaction. The clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth rates were significantly higher in the compaction group when compared to non-compaction group (P values 0.007, 0.009, and 0.039, respectively). In order to evaluate the results according to the degree of compaction, we divided the patients into 5% compaction slices. The live birth rate was significantly higher in the 5–10% compaction group (P = 0.016). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent effects of different variables on live birth chance.In FET cycles with artificial endometrial preparation, the chance for live birth was significantly higher in cycles with endometrial compaction (OR: 2.352, 95% confidence interval {CI} 1.297–4.264, P = 0.005). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate whether there was a certain threshold of endometrial thickness at the end of estrogen phase for endometrial compaction to occur. The sensitivity and specificity of 9.25 mm at the end of estrogen phase calculated from the ROC curve were 76.4% and 58.8%, respectively (area under the curve: 0.701, 95% CI 0.640–0.763; P Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitations of the study were its retrospective nature, relatively small sample size and utilization of different ultrasound techniques at different measurements (using transvaginal ultrasound at the end of the estrogen phase and transabdominal ultrasound on ET day). Wider implications of the findings: Recently a cohort study they found that endometrial compaction results in better pregnancy outcomes, similar to our findings. But, this is the first study to suggest a threshold value (9.2) for endometrial thickness before the commencement of progesterone in regards to increase the chance of compaction. Trial registration number Not applicable

Study question Do progesterone elevation (PE) on trigger day and progesterone to mature oocyte index (PMOI) affect embryo quality and the chance of live birth? Summary answer The top-quality embryo rate is decreased by increasing PMOI, but it has no association with absolute serum progesterone levels. What is known already Progesterone elevation have been reported to significantly decrease pregnancy and implantation rates. The main mechanism of this adverse effect is mainly related to an asynchrony between the endometrium and the embryo. Many of the previous studies have failed to show a significant impact of PE on embryo quality and the success of subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle. However, PMOI was suggested to be more predictive than PE of ART outcome and might be associated with embryo quality. Study design, size, duration A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted. All FET cycles performed in a university hospital infertility centre between January 2016 and December 2019 were reviewed. A total of 44 patients who had PE (>1.5 ng/ml) on trigger day and 134 patients who did not have PE were assessed. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study group consisted of patients who had PE (>1.5 ng/mL) during fresh COS cycle and the control group consisted of patients who did not have PE. In addition to effect of PE on subsequent FET cycle outcome, an association between PMOI and embryo quality was assessed. The threshold level to define increased PMOI (>0.12 ng/ml) was calculated as the median level of the whole study cohort. Main results and the role of chance The mean ages of the study and control groups were 30.4±5.4 years and 31.1±5.6 years, respectively (P = 0.413). Although the number of oocytes collected and MII oocytes were significantly higher in patients with PE, the total number of frozen embryos were similar between the groups. There were no significant differences concerning the outcome measures including live birth rate in the subsequent FET cycle between participants with and without PE (27.3% vs. 23.9%, respectively; P = 0.652). The rate of top-quality embryos was similar between participants with and without PE (43% vs. 52%, respectively; P = 0.370). However, the rate of top-quality embryos was significantly lower in cycles with PMOI>0.12 ng/ml than in cycles PMOI Limitations, reasons for caution The retrospective design and the small sample size derived from a single institution. Wider implications of the findings: Increased PMOI, which is associated to lower top-quality embryo rate, may in turn result in diminished cumulative live birth rate. Trial registration number Not applicable

With the advance of laparoscopic surgery, several minimally invasive cervical cerclage techniques have been described and the outcomes of those have been promising. With this video article, we describe a simplified technique for laparoscopic interval transabdominal cervical cerclage. The suture material is a standard non-absorbable, braided polyester Mersilene tape, which is also used for transvaginal cerclage. The straightened needle is passed medial to the uterine vessels and lateral to the cervico-isthmic junction in anteroposterior direction on both sides, and pulled out above the uterosacral ligament. The knot is tied posteriorly, just above the uterosacral plate. The advantages of straightened needles are easy insertion into the abdominal cavity through the 5-mm ports, and more accurate direction of the suture in anteroposterior direction. In addition, posterior knots can be removed via colpotomy in the event of pregnancy failure in the second trimester, and this allows vaginal delivery.

Considerable effort in the field of periodontal tissue engineering has been expended in the construction of advanced biomatrix for the treatment of periodontal diseases caused by poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, genetic factors, and systemic disorders. With this in mind, the ultimate goal of this investigation is to fabricate sophisticated scaffolds using jellyfish collagen (JC) and aqueous Salvadora persica (Miswak) extracts. Rhizostoma pulmo species JC was isolated and characterized in depth. Miswak was extracted using two different methods. The extraction yield was calculated to be 14.2 ± 0.9 % and 17.1 ± 0.4 % for the Method I and II, respectively. gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) results revealed the extract to be composed of 1,8-cineole (49.3 %), benzyl nitrile (36.2 %), benzyl isothiocyanate (5.9 %), limonene (2.4 %), eugenol (0.8 %) and palmitic acid (0.3 %). Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of the extracts were also determined by spectrophotometrically. Human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells were isolated and expanded. Cell viability on JC and miswak extract-laden JC scaffolds was determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. Microarchitectures of the JC, 0.05 and 0.1% miswak extract-laden JC scaffolds and also cellular behaviors on these surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. This study suggests that miswak extract-laden JC scaffolds would present new opportunities for periodontal tissue engineering.

Objectives To assess the effect of monopolar coagulation vs cut mode during colpotomy at total laparoscopic hysterectomy on vaginal cuff dehiscence. Study design We conducted this randomized controlled trial at a university hospital’s department of obstetrics and gynecology from September 2016 through January 2018. Enrolled women were randomized 1:1 to monopolar coagulation or cut modes during colpotomy. We followed up 100 participants in the coagulation arm and 99 in the cut arm for ongoing data collection for 12 weeks after surgery. Exclusion criteria were suspicion of pregnancy, previous radiation therapy, uterine size exceeding 20 weeks’ gestation, contraindication for high intraabdominal pressure, clinical advanced stage malignant disease, and conversion to laparotomy before completion of colpotomy. Differences between groups for categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test and the comparisons of continuous variables between groups were analyzed by Student’s t-test Results The study groups were comparable regarding demographics and perioperative parameters. The rate of vaginal cuff dehiscence in coagulation group (1%) was similar to that of cut group (0%) (p = 0.995). The other vaginal cuff related complication rates were also similar. Conclusion Monopolar coagulation and cut modes during colpotomy at total laparoscopic hysterectomy have similar vaginal cuff dehiscence rates and both energy modes seem acceptable for colpotomy.

Aim: To compare the surgical results and reproductive Performances of patients with ESHRE/ESGE (European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/European Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy) class U1a and U2b uterine anomalies after hysteroscopic correction. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital infertility clinic. Ninety-six patients with class U2b (complete septate Uterus) and 78 patients with class U1a (T-shaped Uterus) uterine anomalies who underwent hysteroscopic correction between January 2009 and December 2015 were recruited. Results: The Operation time was significantly longer in class U2b anomalies (26.5 ± 5.3 minutes) than class U1a anomalies (22.8 ± 5.8 minutes; mean difference [95% confidence interval [Cl]: 3.6 ± 0.9 [1.8–5.3]; P < .001). Six out of all complete septate patients and 3 of T-shaped patients were reoperated due to postoperative synechia or to further enlarge the cavity. There were no differences between the groups regarding intraoperative (blood loss and uterine rupture) and postoperative (bleeding and infection) complications. After surgical correction, the term delivery rates increased from 3% to 71 % (P < .001) in class U2b and from 4% to 62.1 % (P < .001) in class U1a. The chance of live birth significantly increased after hysteroscopic correction both in class U2b (odds ratio [OR] 106.1; 95% Cl, 29.1–387.1; P < .001) and class U1a (OR 35.7; 95% Cl, 11.6–109.9; P < .001). The postoperative reproductive Performances of both anomalies were similar. Conclusion: Both types of anomalies seem to have similar severity and prognosis. Patients with both types of anomalies have excellent reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic correction.

Objective Metformin has been reported to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. It is also known to influence soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 level, which correlates significantly with the gestational age at onset and severity of pre-eclampsia. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials was to determine whether metformin use is associated with the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Methods MEDLINE (1947 to September 2017), Scopus (1970 to September 2017) and the Cochrane Library (inception to September 2017) were searched for relevant citations in the English language. Only randomized controlled trials on metformin use, reporting the incidence of pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension, were included. Studies on populations with a high probability of metformin use prior to randomization (those with type II diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome) were excluded. Random-effects models with the Mantel-Haenszel method were used for subgroup analyses. Bayesian random-effects meta-regression was used to summarize the evidence. Results In total, 3337 citations matched the search criteria. After evaluating 2536 abstracts and performing full-text review of 52 studies, 15 were included in the review. In women with gestational diabetes, metformin use was associated with a reduced risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension when compared with insulin (relative risk (RR), 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.85; I2 = 0%; 1260 women) and a non-significantly reduced risk of pre-eclampsia (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.60-1.14; I2 = 0%; 1724 women). In obese women, when compared with placebo, metformin use was associated with a non-significant reduction in risk of pre-eclampsia (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.09-6.28; I2 = 86%; 840 women). In women with gestational diabetes, metformin use was also associated with a non-significant reduction in risk of any HDP (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.41-1.25; I2 = 0%; 556 women) when compared with glyburide. When studies were combined using Bayesian random-effects meta-regression, with treatment type as a covariate, the posterior probabilities of metformin having a beneficial effect on the prevention of pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension and any HDP were 92.7%, 92.8% and 99.2%, respectively, when compared with any other treatment or placebo. Conclusions There is a high probability that metformin use is associated with reduced HDP incidence when compared with other treatments or placebo. The small number of studies included in the analysis, the low quality of evidence and the clinical heterogeneity preclude generalization of these results to broader populations. Given the clinical importance of this topic and the magnitude of effect observed in this meta-analysis, further prospective trials are urgently needed. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Homogeneous dispersion of graphene into thermoplastic polymer matrices during melt-mixing is still challenging due to its agglomeration and weak interfacial interactions with the selected polymer matrix. In this study, an ideal dispersion of graphene within the PA66 matrix was achieved under high shear rates by thermokinetic mixing. The flow direction of graphene was monitored by the developed numerical methodology with a combination of its rheological behaviors. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) produced from waste-tire by upcycling and recycling techniques having high oxygen surface functional groups were used to increase the compatibility with PA66 chains. This study revealed that GNP addition increased the crystallization temperature of nanocomposites since it acted as both a nucleating and reinforcing agent. Tensile strength and modulus of PA66 nanocomposites were improved at 30% and 42%, respectively, by the addition of 0.3 wt% GNP. Flexural strength and modulus were reached at 20% and 43%, respectively. In addition, the flow model, which simulates the injection molding process of PA66 resin with different GNP loadings considering the rheological behavior and alignment characteristics of GNP, served as a tool to describe the mechanical performance of these developed GNP based nanocomposites.

Objective: Progestins are used as an alternative to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists to suppress premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and a flexible protocol has been defined recently. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of flexible protocols with dydrogesterone and GnRH antagonist in suppressing LH surge. Material and Methods: This retrospective, case-control study, was conducted in an infertility unit of a tertiary university hospital. A daily dose of 40 mg dydrogesterone was compared with GnRH antagonist (GnRHant) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles between July 2018 and July 2019. Dydrogesterone was started when the leading follicle was 12 mm or serum estradiol was over 300 pg/mL. A subgroup analysis of poor responder patients was also performed. Results: In total there were 105 subjects aged between 23 and 41 years, 52 in the dydrogesterone group and 53 in the GnRHant group. Duration of pituitary suppression was longer in dydrogesterone group. Premature ovulation was observed in 11.5% (6/52) and 0% in the dydrogesterone and GnRHant groups, respectively. However, collected oocyte counts and metaphase II oocyte counts were found to be similar between the groups. The six patients with premature ovulation were in poor responder subgroup. Conclusion: Dydrogesterone can be used as an alternative to antagonist regimen in patients where embryo transfer is not planned in the same cycle. However, flexible regimen may not be appropriate in patients with diminished ovarian reserve, as advanced follicular maturation and delayed suppressive effect of oral progesterone may cause premature ovulation. Randomized controlled trials in particular patient groups are required to determine the most effective minimum dose and time of application to ensure treatment success.

Balıkesir Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, İşletme Ana Bilim Dalı, Anonim şirketlerin kaynak sağlamak için kullandığı yöntemlerden biri de payların ilk kez halka arzıdır. İlk halka arzın şirketler açısından olumlu sonuçları olduğu gibi olumsuz sonuçları da olabilmektedir. Çalışmada halka arzın bu iki yönüne, gerçekleştiriliş şekillerine ve aracılık faaliyetlerine yer verilmiştir. Yapılan çalışmada 2010-2020 yılları arasında ilk halka arzını gerçekleştiren, 10 farklı sektörde faaliyet gösteren 85 şirketin düşük fiyat anomalisi ile karşı karşıya kalıp kalmama durumu ve arz sonrası finansal performansı incelenmiştir. Olay etüdü ve CAPM yöntemi ile düşük fiyat anomalisi incelenmiştir. Oluşturulan tahmin penceresi ve olay penceresi çerçevesinde şirketlerin gerekli verileri hesaplanmıştır. Hesaplanan AR ve CAR değerlerinin istatistiksel anlamlılığı test edilmiş ve sonuçlar yorumlanmıştır. Ardından elde edilen finansal oranlar ile şirketlerin finansal performansı incelenmiş ve bu oranlara Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıra Testi uygulanmıştır. Kullanılan finansal oranlar aktif karlılık oranı ve öz sermaye karlılık oranıdır. Elde edilen bulgular sonucunda incelenen şirketlerin bazılarında düşük fiyat anomalisine rastlanmıştır. Şirketlerin arz sonrası finansal performanslarına bakıldığında ise aktif karlılık ve öz sermaye karlılık oranlarında farklılıklar olduğu tespit edilmiştir., One of the methods that the joint stock companies use in order to get funds is initial public offering (IPO). The initial public offering can have both positive and negative consequences for companies. In this study, these two aspects of public offering, their realization forms and intermediation activities are included. In this study, 85 companies operating in 10 sectors, which made their initial public offering between 2010 and 2020, were examined whether they were faced with the low price anomaly and their financial performance after the public offering. The low price anomaly was investigated by case study and CAPM method. The necessary data of the companies were calculated with the estimation period and observation period. The statistical significance of the calculated AR and CAR values was tested and the results were interpreted. Then, the financial ratios obtained and the financial performance of the companies were examined and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was applied to these ratios. The financial ratios that used are return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). As a result, low price anomaly was found in the examined some of the companies. When we look at the post-IPO period financial performances of the companies, it has been determined that there are differences in the return on assets and return on equity.

Using a slender-jet approach, we numerically investigate the control of jet breakup using temperature modulation at the nozzle with a specified frequency and amplitude. Our results show that temperature modulation does lead to instability through capillary and Marangoni stresses, providing control of the droplet formation in terms of intact length and resultant drop size distribution, which is otherwise irregular due to inevitable presence of background noise. For understanding the mechanisms underpinning the breakup of a thermally modulated jet in the presence of noise, it is useful to decompose the surface tension forces into a contribution from curvature-gradient forces and a contribution from surface tension-gradient forces, associated with axial variations in the jet curvature and the temperature-dependent surface tension coefficient, respectively. We show that in the limit of slow axial heat diffusion and slow cooling to the ambient, as considered here, the breakup of a thermally modulated jet is governed by the ratio of the surface tension-gradient force to the imposed random perturbation force at nozzle exit. This so-called “thermal modulation strength number” depends on the amplitude and frequency of the thermal modulation, the sensitivity of the surface tension coefficient to variations in temperature, the Weber number, and the strength of the Gaussian white noise added to the nozzle exit velocity. We show that the thermal modulation strength number governs the shift in breakup characteristics from forward to rear pinchoff for increasing modulation strength as well as the nature of the instability. When thermal modulation is weak, the surface tension-gradient forces act only as a trigger, and curvature-gradient forces soon take over and grow exponentially downstream from the jet due to inertio-capillary growth. When thermal modulation is strong, the surface tension-gradient forces not only act as a trigger, but remain significant until breakup. The thermal modulation strength number is thus useful to the design of thermal modulation in practical applications as a possible alternative to often-used mechanical excitation mechanisms to control jet breakup.

In the last ten years, the problem of vehicle lightening has become the most crucial research topic in the automotive sector. Reducing the weight of all vehicle components, while keeping costs under control for fuel consumption and performance improvements, leads to innovative solutions for vehicle lightening. The use of polymer composite materials to reduce the use of steel instead of steel in vehicle lightening studies is noteworthy. Thermoset materials-based composites, which are widely used in different sectors, have not been able to find a place in the production of passenger vehicles due to production constraints and lack of recycling. Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites, which are produced in accordance with mass production and are recycled with the same mechanical performances, are finding increasing applications in the automotive sector. In this study, continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites battery carrier will be developed in vehicles instead of the steel battery carrier part. The detailed mechanical analysis will be performed for the part from the design phase, and part will be formed by an injection-based thermoform production method. From the design phase, detailed safety, natural frequency and overload analyzes have been made for the part and improvements have been made to reduce the high strain values that occur., Emisyon standartlarının sürekli geliştirilmesinden dolayı ağırlık azaltma bu standartları yakalama açısından önem kazanmıştır. Yakıt tüketimi ve performans iyileştirmeleri için maliyetleri kontrol altında tutarken tüm araç bileşenlerinin ağırlığını azaltmak, araç ağırlık azaltması için yenilikçi çözümlere yol açmıştır. Araç ağırlık azaltma çalışmalarında çelik yerine çelik kullanımını azaltmak için polimer kompozit malzemelerin kullanılması dikkat çekicidir. Farklı sektörlerde yaygın olarak kullanılan termoset malzeme bazlı kompozitler, üretim kısıtlamaları ve geri dönüşüm eksikliği nedeniyle binek araçların üretiminde yer bulamamıştır. Seri üretime uygun olarak üretilen ve aynı mekanik performanslarla geri dönüştürülen sürekli elyaf takviyeli termoplastik kompozitler, otomotiv sektöründe artan uygulamalar bulmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, araçlarda metal akü taşıyıcı kısmı yerine sürekli elyaf takviyeli termoplastik kompozit akü taşıyıcı geliştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada; yapısal olan taşıyıcı çelik bir akü taşıyıcı, hafifletme amaçlı sürekli elyaf takviyeli termoplastik kompozit malzemelere uygun olarak tasarlanmış, sanal analizleri yapılarak üretilmiş ve araç başına 0.5 kg ağırlık azaltımı sağlanmıştır. Tasarım aşamasından itibaren parça için detaylı güvenlik, doğal frekans ve aşırı yükleme analizleri yapılarak meydana gelen yüksek gerinim değerlerini azaltmak için iyileştirmeler yapılmıştır.

Preterm labor is the leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity. Therefore, to rule-in and rule-out preterm delivery is a very important issue in our clinical practice.The aim of this study was to investigate the value of placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) molecule positivity in cervicovaginal secretions of women who have a CL25 mm and presenting with preterm labor symptoms to predict spontaneous preterm birth within seven days.This was a prospective cohort study conducted in Ankara University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between August 2017 and February 2019 on the patients who had Preterm labor symptoms,25 mm transvaginal cervical length (CL), clinically intact membranes. The primary outcome of the study was the power of CL and PAMG-1 positivity on the prediction of preterm birth in seven days.Sensitivity and specificity values of PAMG-1 in our study population to predict spontaneous preterm birth in seven days were calculated 52.94% and 98.84%, respectively, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated 91.4% and 90%, respectively. When we investigated our data according to different CL cutoffs, sensitivity and NPV for 20 mm cutoff were 88.24% and 96.3% that was better than PAMG-1, but specificity and PPV were 60.47% and 30.61%, respectively, that was more ineffective than PAMG-1. If we calculate the values according to 15 mm and 10 mm CL cutoffs sensitivity values were 58.8% and 23.53%, specificity values were 81.4% and 91.86%, NPV were 90.9% and 85.87%, PPV were 38.46% and 36.36%, respectively. Finally, accuracy value of PAMG-1 to predict spontaneous preterm birth in seven days was 91.26% that was better than other CL cutoffs (20 mm, 15 mm, and 10 mm).PAMG-1 molecule with high NPV and PPV (91.4% and 90%) combination will contribute our clinical decision on the population who had preterm labor symptoms and a CL shorter than 25 mm.

Background The disease caused by the “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2) was named Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) and classified as a global public health emergency. The evidence related to the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy are limited to the second and the third trimester of pregnancy, while data on the first trimester are scant. Many viral infections can be harmful to the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy, and whether SARS-CoV-2 is one of them is still unknown. Objective(s) With this study we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 infection as a risk factor for early pregnancy loss in first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, COVID-19 course in the first trimester was assessed. Study design Between February 22 and May 21, 2020, we conducted a case-control study at S. Anna Hospital, Turin, among first trimester pregnant women, paired for last menstruation. The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was compared between women with spontaneous abortion (case group, n=100) and those with ongoing pregnancy (control group, n=125). Current or past infection was determined by detection of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharingeal swab and SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies in blood sample. Patient demographics, COVID-19-related symptoms, and the main risk factors for abortion were collected. Results Twenty-three of the 225 women (23/225, 10.2%) tested positive for COVID-19 infection. There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 between the cases (11/100, 11%) and the controls (12/125, 9.6%) (p=0.73). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that COVID-19 was not an independent predictor of early pregnancy loss (Odd Ratio 1.28, confidence interval 0.53-3.08). COVID-19 related symptoms in the first trimester were fever, anosmia, ageusia, cough, arthralgia and diarrhea; no pneumonia or Hospital admission due to COVID-19-related symptoms were recorded. No difference in the incidence of symptoms was noted between the two groups. Conclusion(s) SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first trimester of pregnancy does not appear to predispose to early pregnancy loss; its cumulative incidence did not differ between women with spontaneous abortion and women with ongoing pregnancy. COVID-19 appears to have a favorable maternal course at the beginning of pregnancy, consistent with what has been observed during the second and the third trimester.

Objective To assess the association between hCG day progesterone levels and subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle outcome in infertile women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method Data of 178 women who underwent FET at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2016 and December 2019 were reviewed. The study group consisted of women who had progesterone elevation (PE) during fresh controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycle. A sub-group analysis was also performed in PCOS and non-PCOS patients. Results There were no differences in clinical pregnancy (47.7 % vs. 50.7 %, p = 0.729), miscarriage (15.9 % vs. 22.4 %, p = 0.359), and live birth rates (27.3 % vs. 23.9 %, p = 0.652) following FET between women with and without PE in the fresh cycle. The results remained non-significant regarding the clinical pregnancy (46.7 % vs. 53.4 %, p = 0.549), miscarriage (13.3 % vs. 27.6 %, p = 0.133), and live birth rates (26.7 % vs. 19.0 %, p = 0.408) in participants with PCOS (n = 88). Conclusion hCG day progesterone level in the fresh COS cycle does not have a significant impact on the subsequent FET cycle neither in PCOS nor in non-PCOS women.

Design and fabrication of biologically active cryogels using novel biopolymer(s) are still of great importance at regenerating bone defects such as traumatic bone injuries, maxillofacial surgery, osteomyelitis, and osteoporosis. Nowadays, plant mucilage, an herbal biomaterial, has been drawn attention by scientists due to their marvelous potential to fabricate 3-dimensional (3D) physical constructs for the field of regenerative medicine. Herein, a 3D cryogel from silicon-integrated quince seed mucilage (QSM) is constructed using microwave-assisted sol–gel reaction, characterized in-depth by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), solid-state silicon cross-polarization magic-angle nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si-CP-MAS NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), micro-mechanical testing, porosity, and swelling tests, contact angle measurements, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller and Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BET-BJH) analysis, enzymatic biodegradation test, and field emission-scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDX) mapping. The osteobiologic capacity of the cryogels is determined using human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) under in vitro conditions. Osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs on both QSM and silica-modified QSM (Si-QSM) cryogels is analyzed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative-real time (q-RT) PCR techniques. The results obtained from in vitro experiments demonstrate that the upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes in Si-QSM cryogels presents a stronger and earlier development over QSM cryogels throughout the culture period, which in turn reveals the great potential of this novel Si-incorporated QSM cryogels for bone tissue engineering applications.

Conventional assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles may delay cancer treatment and compromise survival, and also increase patients’ psychological burden as a result of delayed chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to compare the success rates of random start and conventional start GnRH antagonist protocols in terms of oocyte and embryo outputs in cancer patients. Data of 111 patients with a newly diagnosed cancer who underwent ART for fertility preservation at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2010 and September 2019 were reviewed. The study group underwent random start controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (RS-COH) and the control group underwent conventional start COH (CS-COH). The main outcome measures were the number of total oocytes, MII oocytes, and embryo yield. A total of 46 patients (41.5%) underwent RS-COH and 65 (58.5%) underwent CS-COH. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The most common cancer type in both groups was breast cancer (60.9% vs. 52.3%, respectively). The median duration of stimulation was significantly longer in RS-COH than in CS-COH (12 vs. 10 days; P = 0.005). The median number of MII oocytes was significantly higher in RS-COH than in CS-COH (7 vs. 5 oocytes, respectively; P = 0.020). The MII/AFC ratio was significantly higher in the RS-COH group compared to the CS-COH group (74% and 57% respectively; p = 0.02). In the linear regression analyses, RS-COH protocol did not have a significant impact on MII/AFC (standardized s coefficient − 0.514; P = 0.289 {adjusted R2 for the model = 0.779}), oocyte yield (standardized s coefficient − 0.070; P = 0.829 {adjusted R2 for the model = 0.840}), and MII rate (standardized s coefficient − 0.504; P = 0.596 {adjusted R2 for the model = 0.271}). In conclusion, RS-COH protocol is as effective as CS-COH protocols for fertility preservation in cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of laparoscopic removal of endometrioma on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. The ART group consisted of 26 women who underwent 44 ART cycles in the presence of ovarian endometrioma and the surgery group consisted of 53 women who underwent 58 ART cycles after laparoscopic removal of ovarian endometrioma/s. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding demographic parameters and background features including cycle parameters. The live birth rates in the ART and Surgery groups per embryo transfer were 23.7 and 26.1%, respectively (

Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) has LH activity, and it may have beneficial effects in terms of oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity similar to recombinant LH supplementation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of hMG, and its commencement time on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles of POSEIDON group 3 and 4 poor responders. Data of 558 POSEIDON group 3 and 4 poor responders who underwent ART treatment following a GnRH antagonist cycle at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. hMG was commenced at the early follicular phase or mid-follicular phase in the study groups. The control group did not receive hMG stimulation. Live birth rate (LBR) was the main outcome measure. The mean duration of stimulation was significantly shorter in early follicular hMG group than in mid-follicular hMG group (11.9 ± 3.6 days vs. 12.8 ± 4 days, respectively; P = 0.027). The mean numbers of oocytes retrieved and MII oocytes were comparable between the groups. The LBRs per embryo transfer in early follicular hMG, mid-follicular hMG, and control groups were 21.9%, 11.7%, and 11.6%, respectively (P = 0.035). In conclusion, there is a significant association between the commencement time of hMG and live birth chance in ART cycles of POSEIDON group 3 and 4 poor responders. Early initiation of hMG together with rFSH seems to be beneficial in this specific population.

CO2 emission targets became a crucial obstacle for vehicle producers. In order to overcome this problem, weight reduction potentials are getting more and more critical. In this study, for a light commercial vehicle, a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic front-end structure has been analyzed. At first, a fully plastic draft design is analyzed and compared with the current metal structure. After that, a topology volume is extracted from the existing vehicle structure, and topology optimizations have been carried out according to the modal and static loading performance targets. Different optimization parameters have been investigated to decide the best solution in terms of performance and weight. Load paths and optimum design are calculated by topology results. Due to the packaging problems with the radiator and headlamp, optimization volume is modified, and the new topology volume and optimizations are completed. Based on the topology results, a feasible design is prepared, and detailed non-linear analyses are started. After the non-linear analyses, free size optimization is applied to the ribs of the part. In this study, a feasible preliminary design at the same performance with less weight respect to the current metal version is completed., CO2 emisyon hedefleri araç üreticileri için aşılması gereken en önemli engellerin başında gelmektedir. Hedefe ulaşmak için gerekli potansiyeller biri olan araç hafifletmenin önemi gün geçtikçe artmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, hafif ticari bir araç için cam elyaf takviyeli termoplastik ön burun taşıyıcı modülü sonlu elemanlar analizleri kullanılarak geliştirilmiştir. İlk aşamada, geliştirilen termoplastik tasarımın analizleri gerçekleştirilmiş ve mevcut durumda kullanılan metal yapı ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Daha sonra, mevcut yapıdan paketleme ile montaj kısıtları dikkate alınarak bir topoloji dizayn hacmi çıkarılmıştır. İlgili hacim kullanılarak doğal frekans hedefleri ile yapısal performans kriterleri dahilinde topoloji optimizasyonları gerçekleştirilmiştir. Optimizasyonlar sırasında performans ve ağırlık açısından optimum çözüme ulaşabilmek için farklı parametrelerin etkisi araştırılmıştır. Topoloji optimizasyon sonuçları kullanılarak optimum tasarım ve yük yolları belirlenmiştir. Radyatör ile far arasında değişen paketleme kısıtları nedeniyle optimizasyon hacmi değiştirilerek yeni bir topoloji dizayn hacmi oluşturulmuş ve topoloji optimizasyonları tekrarlanmıştır. Optimizasyon sonuçlarına göre yeni bir tasarım oluşturulmuştur. Bu tasarım kullanılarak doğrusal olmayan yapısal analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analizlerin ardından yeni tasarımdaki federlerde kalınlık optimizasyonu yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, mevcut metal versiyonuna göre daha hafif olan ve aynı performansta sahip termoplastik bir ön burun taşıyıcı modülü geliştirilmiştir.