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Architectural education encompasses a multidisciplinary curriculum including design, theory, history, technology, environmental considerations, urban planning, social aspects, and professional practice. This study aims to investigate the extent to which students can effectively integrate structural concepts into architectural design. This examination takes place within the framework of a third-year architectural design studio course, where students advance their design processes with input from architectural design instructors and experts in structural concepts. To facilitate this endeavour, a simple visual screening form was introduced to aid in the learning process. The study utilises a newly generated survey, namely 'Structural System Control Form', which is inspired by the rapid visual screening forms, to assess the students' comprehension of structural concepts during a 14-week architectural design studio. Employing a descriptive and correlational research approach, the study assesses the effectiveness of this integrated strategy in enhancing the students' understanding of structural principles. The findings revealed a notable development among students who participated in the integrated approach, highlighting the value of feedback and evaluation from instructors versed in construction. Furthermore, the use of simplified structural models in students' projects improved their understanding of structural concepts and their ability to incorporate them into their architectural representations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent and important consequence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for Behcet's disease (BD) patients. Although various clinical scales are used to diagnose PTS, Villalta scale was accepted as the standard tool to diagnose and grade the severity of PTS. Poor quality of life (Qol) in the general population was defined for patients with PTS, however, studies in BD patients with PTS is limited. Our aim was to compare the performance of different scales to assess venous disease in BD patients with a history of DVT and to assess the relationship with quality of life. Methods: Patients with BD (n = 194, M/F:157/37, age:39.1 ± 9.5 years) with a DVT history were investigated. Villalta, VCSS,CEAP scale and SF 36,Veines scales were used to assess venous disease and QoL respectively. Results: Among BD patients, 120 (61.9 %) patients were classified as having PTS by Villalta and of patients 18% had severe PTS. Half of patients with CEAP score <4 were classified as having PTS. Also, 42% of patients with CEAP>4 and almost two third of VCSS classified severe CVD patients was grouped in severe PTS by Villalta scale. VCSS and Villalta classified PTS patients had decreased disease specific and general Qol scores compared to the patients without PTS. Also, severe PTS group (by VCSS) had decreased veines QoL scores and PCS compared to mild/moderate group. Conclusion: BD patients with DVT have a high risk of PTS. Our results show that both Villalta scale and VCSS should be used to assess venous disease BD patients with DVT. However, VCSS classified severity of PTS can show better correlation with venous disease -specific QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses challenges in teaching earthquake-resistant structural systems to architecture students and seeks to enhance efficiency. Developing a compatible teaching approach is crucial for better collaboration with engineers. The impact of a lack of knowledge about earthquake-resistant systems is more evident in quake-prone regions. The study highlights the importance of hands-on experience in teaching structural theory, fostering better learning and comprehension. The study showcases an undergraduate-level course that diverged from traditional exams. Instead, students undertook a project where groups designed scaled models representing different structural responses, which underwent testing on a handmade shake table. Analysis highlighted demonstrations of various responses like soft stories, dynamic behaviour, pounding and weak columns. The hands-on approach enriched students' practical insights into structural behaviour, aiding informed design choices. This approach enhances overall learning, deepens comprehension, and readies students to apply seismic design principles conscientiously. Learning by doing proves pivotal in mastering earthquake-resistant structural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We describe the demographics, clinical features, disease course, and survival of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) through an international collaboration (GLOBAL‐PAN). Methods: Patients with PAN were recruited between 1990 and 2020 from observational cohorts of nine countries across Europe, Japan, and North America. Eligibility was retrospectively defined using the European Medicines Agency classification algorithm. Patients with PAN related to hepatitis B virus (n = 12) and two monogenic diseases mimicking PAN, deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 enzyme (n = 16) or familial Mediterranean fever (n = 11), were excluded. Data regarding organ involvement, relapse, disease‐related damage, and survival were analyzed. Results: Three hundred fifty‐eight patients (female:male ratio 174:184), including those with systemic PAN (sPAN, n = 282) and cutaneous PAN (n = 76), were included. Twenty‐five were pediatric onset. Mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 44.3 ± 18.1 years. Constitutional symptoms (71.5%), cutaneous involvement (70.5%), musculoskeletal findings (69.1%), and neurologic features (48.0%) were common manifestations. Among patients with sPAN, gastrointestinal involvement and proteinuria over 400 mg/day were reported in 52.2% and 11.2%, respectively. During a median (interquartile range) 59.6 (99.5) months of follow‐up, relapse occurred in 48.5% of patients. One, 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates for sPAN were 97.1%, 94.0%, and 89.0%, respectively. Predictors of death for sPAN included age ≥65 years at diagnosis, serum creatinine at diagnosis >140 μmol/L, gastrointestinal manifestations, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Conclusion: The spectrum of PAN remains a complex, multifaceted disease. Relapse is common. Age ≥65 years and serum creatinine >140 μmol/L at diagnosis, as well as gastrointestinal and CNS involvement, are independent predictors of death in sPAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the existence of miRNAs derived from serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. Our group has previously shown the association of certain miRNAs with FMF. Serum samples of adult and pediatric FMF patients and their age matched controls were used in the study. Serum EVs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry. RNAs were isolated from EVs and levels of miR-197-3p and miR-20a-5p were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). EV characterization using TEM demonstrated fraction of 30–120 nm-sized particles with cup-shaped morphology. Flow cytometry results revealed the CD63 and CD81 positive populations as 53.3% in serum EVs. We showed that miR-197-3p and miR-20a-5p were "circulating miRNAs" and carried in EVs of FMF patients and controls. In FMF patients, level of miR-197-3p was significantly decreased. There was no significant alteration in the level for miR-20a-5p between patients and controls. We showed the differential level of miR-197-3p in serum EVs of the FMF patients. miR-197-3p's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in FMF pathogenesis warrants further investigation. EVs and EV-miRNAs can be identified in FMF patients' sera. Serum EV-miR-197-3p is dysregulated in FMF patients. Serum EV-miR-197-3p might have both diagnostic and therapeutic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Dilek. Mentesoglu, Sibel. Gunaydin, Sibel. Ersoy-Evans, Nilgun. Atakan, Ozay. Gokoz, Omer. Karadag, Saadettin. Kilickap Sir, Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease of unknown origin marked by progressive symmetrical muscle [...]

Objective Data on ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) induced by anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) are scarce. We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcome of these patients in comparison to primary AAV. Methods We performed a retrospective multicentre study including patients with ATD-induced AAV. We focused on ATD-induced microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and compared them with primary MPA by matching each case with four controls by gender and year of diagnosis. Results Forty-five patients with ATD-induced AAV of whom 24 MPA were included. ANCA were positive in 44 patients (98%), including myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA in 21 (47%), proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA in six (13%), and double positive MPO- and PR3-ANCA in 15 (33%). Main clinical manifestations were skin involvement (64%), arthralgia (51%) and glomerulonephritis (20%). ATD was discontinued in 98% of cases, allowing vasculitis remission in seven (16%). All the remaining patients achieved remission after glucocorticoids, in combination with rituximab in 11 (30%) or cyclophosphamide in four (11%). ATD were reintroduced in seven cases (16%) without any subsequent relapse. Compared with 96 matched primary MPA, ATD-induced MPA were younger at diagnosis (48 vs 65 years, P  < 0.001), had more frequent cutaneous involvement (54 vs 25%, P  = 0.007), but less frequent kidney (38 vs 73%, P  = 0.02), and a lower risk of relapse (adjusted HR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01, 0.65, P  = 0.019). Conclusion ATD-induced AAV were mainly MPA with MPO-ANCA, but double MPO- and PR3-ANCA positivity was frequent. The most common manifestations were skin and musculoskeletal manifestations. ATD-induced MPA were less severe and showed a lower risk of relapse than primary MPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the occurrence of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in patients with severe asthma who are being treated with anti-T2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The study involved 30 EGPA patients from different countries who developed the disease while on anti-T2 therapy for severe asthma. The patients were receiving various mAbs, such as omalizumab, benralizumab, mepolizumab, dupilumab, and reslizumab. The article provides demographic, clinical, and treatment-related information about the study population. The findings suggest that EGPA can still develop in these patients despite the use of anti-T2 mAbs, and monitoring blood eosinophil count may be important in predicting disease progression. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between EGPA and anti-T2 mAbs. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: Our understanding of IgG4‐RD and pachymeningitis has grown substantially, but the optimal approach for diagnosis, management, and long‐term outcomes is still an area of uncertainty. Methods: HUVAC is a database for IgG4‐RD patients, this database was retrospectively evaluated for pachymeningeal disease. Demographic, clinical, serological, imaging, histopathological data, and treatment details were re‐interpreted in patients with pachymeningitis. Results: Among 97 patients with IgG4‐RD, 6 (6.2%) had pachymeningitis. None of these patients had extracranial features, and also, in most of the patients, serum IgG4 levels were normal. Tentorium cerebelli and transverse sinus dura were the most commonly involved in the posterior fossa. During 18 months of median follow‐up on steroid+‐rituximab, none of them relapsed as pachymeningitis. Conclusion: Our patients were mainly older males with sole neurological involvement. Non‐specific headache was the most common manifestation, and serum IgG4 levels were not useful for diagnosis. Typical radiology and tentorial thickening should suggest IgG4‐RD and prompt an early biopsy. Moreover, accompanying hypophysitis could also be a clue. With steroids+ rituximab treatment, no relapse related to meningeal involvement was seen in long‐term follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]