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IntroductionCollegiate esports—organized competitive gaming—has expanded rapidly in the United States, drawing in student players, broadcasters, and support staff, as well as university employees. Universities have invested financially in esports, hoping to capitalize on gaming fandom to attract prospective students and enhance campus community integration. Little research, however, addresses collegiate esports fandom in depth.MethodsDrawing on thirty-one in-depth interviews with collegiate esports players, student workers, program directors, and administrators, this article investigates how collegiate esports participants perceive and discuss their fans.ResultsWe identify three central themes related to fans in the dataset: discussions of fans’ role in the collegiate esports environment, comparisons between esports and traditional sports fans, and concerns about the underutilization of fans within collegiate esports spaces. Subsequently, we theorize these themes through existing research on professional esports and traditional collegiate sports fandoms, as well as through the concept of “fan labor,” or how the productive work of fans provides value to the nascent industry.DiscussionThis article thus not only specifically explores how collegiate esports programs are normalizing fan labor as an essential part of their practices, but also questions who benefits from this relationship and how. Investigating collegiate esports fans as an under-researched group additionally provides a new perspective on how fan labor integrates with media industries more broadly.

Objective: To detect the prevalence and associated factors of hypogonadism (HG) among men, who were admitted to urology outpatient clinics for reasons other than sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods: This is a multicentric study designed and conducted by the Turkish Society of Urological Surgery, Andrology Study Group. Male patients between 50 and 75 years of age who were admitted to the urology outpatient clinic for complaints other than sexual dysfunction and whose total testosterone value was measured were included in the study. The correlation between testosterone value and aging male symptoms (AMS) and the international index of erectile function (IIEF) were evaluated. Patient-related factors such as age and comorbidities were also compared between patients with low testosterone values and normal testosterone values. Results: A total of 1021 patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was 69.9±8.6. The most common complaint was non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (52.3%). HG prevalence was 38.5% according to the threshold provided in the European Association of Urology guidelines (

Abstract Background A fine-tuned pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory balance in the follicular unit is essential for cumulus expansion and successful ovulation. While the long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) gene is required for the expansion of cumulus cells (CCs), ovulation, resumption of meiosis and fertilization, the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR-X2) is required for intra-follicle redox balance. This study was planned to determine the expression pattern of VDR-X2 and PTX3 mRNA in CCs isolated from germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII) oocytes of PCOS patients with ovulatory dysfunction. Methods The relative expression of CC-PTX3 and CC-VDR-X2 mRNA were evaluated using qRT-PCR in a total of 79 CC samples collected from individual cumulus-oocyte complex of 40 infertile patients (20 PCOS and 20 non-PCOS normal responders) who underwent ovarian stimulation with the GnRH antagonist protocol. Results Relative PTX3 mRNA expressions of CCMI-control and CCMII-control showed 3- and 9-fold significant upregulation compared to CCGV-control, respectively. The relative PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMII-control increased approximately three fold compared to CCMI-control. Compared to CCGV-pcos, a 3-fold increase was noted in the relative PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMI-pcos and an approximately 4-fold increase in the PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMII-pcos. Relative PTX3 mRNA expression values of CCMII-pcos and CCMI-pcos were similar. A 6-fold upregulation of relative PTX3 mRNA and a 4-fold upregulation of VDR-X2 mRNA were detected in CCMII-control compared to CCMII-pcos. CC-VDR-X2 expression patterns of the PCOS and control groups overlapped with the CC-PTX3 pattern. Fertilization rates of the PCOS group exhibiting failed transcript expression were similar to normal responders. Conclusion The fact that relative CC-PTX3 and CC-VDR mRNA expression does not increase during the transition from MI to MII stage in PCOS as in normal responders suggests that PTX3 and VDR expression may be defective in cumulus cells of PCOS patients with ovulatory dysfunction.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ureteral access sheath (UAS) use and calibration change on stone-free rate and complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Methods: Data from 568 patients undergoing RIRS for kidney or upper ureteral stones were retrospectively included. Firstly, patients were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching, according to UAS usage during RIRS (UAS used [+] 87 and UAS non-used [−] 87 patients). Then all UAS+ patients (n=481) were subdivided according to UAS calibration: 9.5–11.5 Fr, 10–12 Fr, 11–13 Fr, and 13–15 Fr. Primary outcomes of the study were the success and complications of RIRS. Results: Stone-free rate of UAS+ patients (86.2%) was significantly higher than UAS− patients (70.1%) after propensity score matching (p=0.01). Stone-free rate increased with higher caliber UAS (9.5–11.5 Fr: 66.7%; 10–12 Fr: 87.0%; 11–13 Fr: 90.6%; 13–15 Fr: 100%; p

Objective: To determine whether the urinary excretion of podocyte degradation products varies according to PCOS phenotype and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The concentrations of podocalyxin (PDX) and nephrin, chronic markers of podocyte damage, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a marker of acute glomerular damage, were analyzed in the morning urine samples of 50 PCOS patients and 50 healthy controls matched by age and BMI. Albuminuria was assessed by calculating the urine albumin–creatinine ratio (uACR). Results: The PDX, nephrin and NGAL concentrations of PCOS participants were significantly higher than those of the control group. While PDX, nephrin and NGAL levels of classic phenotypes were similar, they were higher than ovulatory and non-hyperandrogenic phenotypes. Significant increases in urinary levels of each podocyte protein were detected in PCOS patients with MetS compared to patients without MetS. A positive significant correlation between podocyte proteins and BMI, systolic blood pressure, testosterone, glucose, HOMA-IR and uACR. After adjusting for age and BMI, podocyte proteins were an independent risk factor for microalbuminuria. The incidence of microalbuminuria in PCOS increased 6-fold compared to controls. The frequency of microalbuminuria was higher in classical phenotypes than in ovulatory phenotype. The frequency of microalbuminuria in PCOS patients with MetS was 6.5 times higher than in PCOS patients without MetS. Conclusions: In PCOS accompanied by hyperandrogenemia or metabolic syndrome, leakage of acute and chronic podocyte breakdown products into the urine becomes more pronounced.

Ship-generated pollutants constitute a significant portion of marine pollution, prompting the International Maritime Organization to regulate this issue. European countries have also adopted the 2000/59/EC directive on port reception facilities, and environmental performance indicators have gained prominence in European ports. This study examines two ports, Ambarlı and Haydarpaşa, located in İstanbul, Türkiye, a European Union candidate country. The research compares port size and computes their waste reception performance (WRP) indices: ship-based WRP, waste-type-based WRP, and waste-amount-based WRP. Additionally, statistical analysis with the Spearman correlation test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U tests are applied to observe the relation between the number of ships and waste reception amounts. This study enhances ship-generated waste management using port performance indicators to mitigate pollution. The performance indices reveal that although Ambarlı's port size is larger than that of Haydarpaşa, the WRP of Haydarpaşa is significantly larger than that of Ambarlı. This difference can be attributed to the greater waste volume generated by general cargo ships compared with container ships. Given the differences between terminal types, it is evident that there is no 'one size fits all' policy approach, and mitigation strategies need to be tailored to the characteristics of each port.

Objective: The presence of sexual dysfunction in male patients further exacerbates the adverse impressions of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the quality of life. The goal of our study was to evaluate the relationship between sex hormons and disease severity, sexual dysfunction, and cognition in male MS patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight MS patients and 14 age- and education-matched healthy controls were included in the study. To assess the cognitive status: California verbal learning test, symbol digit modalities test, revised brief visuospatial memory test, trail-making test, and to evaluate sexual function, male sexuel healt questinore (MSHQ) and international index of erectile function (IIEF) scales were used. Serum Anti-Mullerian hormone level, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and total testosterone levels were evaluated. Results: Serum testosterone levels were significantly lower in the MS group than in the healthy group (4.28±1.20 and 4.50±2.24, respectively; p=0.012). Sexual functions were evaluated using the MSHQ and IIEF, and the MSHQ-ejaculation function scores were statistically significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.014). Erectile function was assessed using the IIEF. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was detected in 11 (39%) patients, and four patients could not provide semen analysis specimens due to severe ED. Brief visuospatial memory test and California Verbal Learning test scores were statistically significantly lower in the ED group than in non-ED group (p=0.008, p=0.008, and p=0.026). Conclusion: The importance of sexual functions and hormones during MS has been demonstrated by both laboratory and cognitive tests.

The current study assessed the effects of covering corn silage with tomato or apple pomace on fermentability and feed quality. The in vitro gas production test was performed using graded 100 mL syringes. Incubation times were 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In vitro gas generation characteristics were significantly altered by TP (tomato pomace) and AP (apple pomace), both alone and in conjunction with PE (polyethylene) films, regardless of their presence. As a result of the effects found on NH3-N concentration, aerobic stability, and yeast activity, TP and AP have the potential to become an eco-friendly alternative to PE films. The gas production from the immediately soluble fraction (a) of corn silage was only affected when the corn silage was covered with a combination of AP and PE compared to the CPE group (p < 0.001). The largest cluster includes correlations of the DOM-TDDM (r = 0.90), DOM-AA (r = 0.88), and Ash-TDDM (r = 0.86) correlations. The most substantial negative correlations were identified between DM-CO2 (r = −82), DM-Yeast (r = −0.79), and CF-DOM (r = −0.79). Nonetheless, the use of pomace as a silage cover presents an inexpensive alternative to plastic films for silage that does not have the environmental problems associated with persistent micro- and nanoplastics.

Objective:We reported the results of retrograde intrarenal surgeries (RIRS) according to multi-center experience and to assess the efficacy and safety of this procedure.Materials and Methods:A total of 1067 patients to whom RIRS operations were performed between 2016 and 2021 were included in the study. The demographic and clinical features of patients, stone properties, per-operative, and post-operative results were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, the success and complication rates of RIRS according to the clinical and demographic properties of the patients were analyzed.Results:The mean age, stone volume, operation time, and hospitalization time were 46.8±15.4, 1011 mm3 (min 19 mm3- max 12.483 mm3), 67.4±30.8 min, and 1.83±2.3 days, respectively. The stone-free (success) rate after RIRS was 74.5%. In multivariate analysis, pre-op pyuria, number of stones, and stone volume had a significant effect on success. There were 251 (23.5%) patients with post-operative complications. The most common complications were hematuria, fever, and urinary tract infections; they comprised 86.8% of all complications. The number of stones, pre-op ESL, and absence of pre-operative DJ stent had a significant effect on complications in multivariate analysis.Conclusion:Retrograde intrarenal surgery is an efficient minimal invasive procedure for treating urinary system stone disease with low morbidity and high success rates. Although the complication rates are mostly insignificant, there may also be severe vital complications.

Abstract Cargo conveyance onboard dry bulk carriers is contemporarily often affiliated to preoperational waiting times, which may affect the income situation of stakeholders and the sustainability of the sector. Therefore, repetitively occurring waiting problems, potentially paired with port congestion phenomena, indicating that just in time (JIT) arrival potential for a distinct or a combination of reasons has not been realised, can be frequently identified. Undesired increment of waiting times and development of port congestion is frequently responded to by an array of measures. JIT arrival concepts, vessel arrival systems (VAS) and virtual arrival (VA) agreements thereby do not strive to eliminate waiting times but facilitate their sensible transformation into additional navigation time. In practice, VAS applications may, however, only enfold their inherent sustainability potential within closely defined delimitations. At the same time, JIT mechanisms and VA agreements may lack acceptance due to impracticability or missing alignment to underlying trade requirements. Therefore, fair but environmentally inefficient arrival mechanisms like the first come first serve (FCFS) concept remain widely applied. As a remedy, a VAS has been conceptualised by diverting from a static to a dynamic time-, distance- and speed JIT concept wherein these parameters are defined by predicted berth and cargo operation availability. A circular based Reporting Line furnished with the functions attributable to the place where line up positions are customarily allocated is fluctuating in correspondence to the time to go until the nearest berthing opportunity becomes available. The concept does not only provide for a dynamically shifting line and corridor to obtain an often highly valued line up position, but for the distance and conditions where under a vessel is going to arrive JIT. The FCFS concept interwoven with unbiased allocating of line-up positions is being retained as an integral part while VA applications are supported.

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

In the current study, we synergistically evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression levels and signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) gene expression levels in diabetic patients without retinopathy, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Background: Adult spinal deformities (ASD) present complex challenges in spine surgery. The diverse nature of these deformities requires a comprehensive understanding of their classification and treatment options. Traditional approaches, such as fusion and rigid stabilization are associated with complications, including screw loosening, breakage, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and pseudoarthrosis. Dynamic stabilization techniques have emerged as promising alternatives, to reduce these complications and preserve spinal motion. Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of dynamic stabilization using the Dynesys system in the surgical treatment of adult degenerative spinal deformities, with a particular emphasis on their classification. Methods: ASDs were classified according to the Berjano–Lamartina (BL) and Silva–Lenke (SL) classifications. We analyzed the efficacy of the Dynesys system in enhancing sagittal balance, radiological parameters, and clinical outcomes in this context. Results: Dynamic stabilization of patients with ASDs using the Dynesys system significantly improved the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores and decreased the complication rates. Patients with BL types 2, 3, and 4 experienced a significant improvement in sagittal balance followed by sagittal vertical axis measurements (p = 0.045, p = 0.015, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: The SL and BL classifications, which were originally developed for rigid spinal stabilization, can be applied in dynamic stabilization. Furthermore, dynamic stabilization using the Dynesys system can be used as an alternative to rigid stabilization in SL levels 2 and 3, and BL types 1, 2, and 3, and in some patients with type 4 ASDs.

The aim of current experiment was to determine the effect of supplementation of urea on the nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of apple pulp silage. Apple pulp obtained from apple with Granny Smith (Malus domestica) varieties was used in the research. Apple pulp were ensiled in special glass jars with 1.5 L capacity. Urea (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% on DM basis) was added homogeneously to apple pulp in triplicate. The experimental silos were placed in a room until opening after 45 day of preservation to determine chemical composition and silage fermentation parameters. The addition of urea to apple pulp reduced the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) whereas the supplementation of urea significantly (P

Stem cell therapy, which has promising results in acute disorders such as stroke, supports treatment by providing rehabilitation in the chronic stage patients. In acute stroke, thrombolytic medical treatment protocols are clearly defined in neurologic emergencies, but in neurologic patients who miss the “thrombolytic treatment intervention window,” or in cases of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, our hands are tied, and we are still unfortunately faced with hopeless clinical implementations. We consider mesenchymal stem cell therapy a viable option in these cases. In recent years, novel research has focused on neuro-stimulants and supportive and combined therapies for stroke. Currently, available treatment options are limited, and only certain patients are eligible for acute treatment. In the scope of our experience, five stroke patients were evaluated in this study, who was treated with a single dose of 1–2 × 106 cells/kg allogenic umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) with the official confirmation of the Turkish Ministry of Health Stem Cell Commission. The patients were followed up for 12 months, and clinical outcomes are recorded. NIH Stroke Scale/Scores (NIHSS) decreased significantly (p = 0.0310), and the Rivermead Assessment Scale (RMA) increased significantly (p = 0.0234) for all patients at the end of the follow-up. All the patients were followed up for 1 year within a rehabilitation program. Major clinical outcome improvements were observed in the overall clinical conditions of the UC-MSC treatment patients. We observed improvement in the patients’ upper extremity and muscle strength, spasticity, and fine motor functions. Considering recent studies in the literature together with our results, allogenic stem cell therapies are introduced as promising novel therapies in terms of their encouraging effects on physiological motor outcomes.

In this study, control (0), 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 mg L-1 ginger essential oil (GEO) (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was added to rumen liquid (RL). Then, the effects of the GEO added to the RL In vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolisable energy (ME), rumen fermentation parameters and methane (CH4) production were examined on these samples. It was determined that the addition of the GEO to RL decreased the in vitro gas production of Trifolium pratense hay (TPH), the OMD and ME contents, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA) and other volatile fatty acids (OVFA) (P

Son yıllarda orman ve şehir yangınlarının artması tüm dünya için önemli bir sorun oluşturmaktadır. Ekolojik ve ekonomik açıdan büyük kayıplara sebep olan yangınlar, karbon döngüsünü bozarak orman dinamiklerine de ciddi zarar vermektedir. Bu doğrultuda yaşamın gerekliliği açısından önemli ekosistemlerden olan ormanların ve doğanın korunması önem arz etmektedir. Orman ve şehir yangınları ile mücadelede yangının erken tespiti büyük kayıpların önüne geçmektedir. Teknolojinin gelişimi ile birlikte yangınların erken tespit edilebilmesi amacıyla insansız hava araçları (İHA), yapay zekâ ve görüntü işleme tekniklerinden yararlanılmaktadır. Çalışmada, yangının erken tespiti üzerinde duruldu ve yangının erken tespit edilebilmesi için insansız hava aracı tasarlandı. Çalışmada, görüntü işleme ve yapay zekâ tekniklerinden yararlanılarak görüntülerde ateş tespiti yapılmakta ve akabinde yangın tespit edilen konum belirlenmektedir. Çalışmada sonuç olarak kullanılan mimarinin karmaşıklık matrisine göre performansı değerlendirilerek, %96 doğruluk, %98 duyarlılık, %89 özgüllük ve %96 kesinlik değerleri bulunmuştur. Gerçekleştirilen çalışma sayesinde yangının erken tespiti sağlanacak ve hızlı müdahale gerçekleştirilecektir.

The Turkology Departments in countries other than Turkey fulfill two functions. First, they aim to equip their students with sufficient Turkish language proficiency. Second, they offer students a university degree from the Language, History and Literature program. Therefore, regarding the students who are studying in these departments, their competence in Turkish language skills on an academic level is significant. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the reading skills self-efficacy of Turkology students studying in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Algeria. The study explored if the students’ reading self-accicay changed in line with any of the variables of country origin, gender, and student achievement level. The research data were collected by adopting the “Reading self-efficacy scale of those who learn Turkish as a foreign language” prepared by Güngör and Kan (2020), and the data obtained was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 package program. According to the results of the study, it was seen that the reading self-efficacy of Bosnia and Herzegovinian students was higher than the Algerians. Additionally, it was found out that as the achievement scores and language proficiency levels of the students increased their reading self-efficacy scores also increased. Next, the self-efficacy scores of the graduate students were found to be higher than those of the undergraduate students. In addition, there was no significant difference between the self-efficacy level of the students participating in the study according to their gender. Finally, based on the findings, suggestions were given to increase the reading self-efficacy of the students at the end of the study.

Introduction: The relationship between inflammation and cancer has long been the focus of researchers' interest. There are many inflammatory markers studied for this purpose in the literature. In this context, we focused on the effects of platelet counts and platelet mass index (PMI) as inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of low-volume localized testicular cancer. Materials and methods: Thirty-eight patients with localized testicular cancer with a mean age of 30.84 ± 5.79 years and 38 patients with varicocele as a control group with a mean age of 32.8 ± 9.7 years were enrolled in the study. Number of platelets, mean platelet volume and value of PMI were calculated from peripheral blood samples obtained. Results: Number of platelets and PMI values were statistically significantly higher in patients with testicular cancer compared with the control group (p

Literature support that vitamin-D is important for different systems of the human body including, but not limited to endocrine and immune systems, vasculature and endothelial function of the body. Male erectile function depends on many factors and can be perceived as a health indicator of the body. Epidemiological data have shown that vitamin-D deficiency is also associated with erectile dysfunction. In this review, our aim is to interpret the mechanisms by which vitamin-D might regulate anatomy and physiology of penis. Evidence showed that vitamin-D is needed for an adequate erectile function. Briefly, vitamin-D is crucial for a better healthy body and sexual activity.

Objective: To monitor changes in cervical parameters before and after laminoplasty surgery. Cervical parameters and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) values that may be affected after laminoplasty were examined before and after surgery. The clinical and radiological course of these values was monitored, and their interaction with all spinal radiological parameters was revealed. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients who underwent clinical and radiological evaluation for 2 years were followed in this study. Neck disability index, visual analog scale, and short form 36 scores were determined to evaluate HRQOL. For radiological parameters, the C0-C2 angle, C2-C7 angle, cervical sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope angle, neck tilt (NT) and thoracic inlet angle were used. The results of the 4-month, 1 year and 2-year follow-ups were statistically evaluated. Results: Both the HRQOL and cervical radiological parameters deteriorated in the first 4 months and returned to normal in the 2nd year. Statistically, all parameters were meaningful (P < 0.05), except for NT. Conclusion: Cervical parameters and HRQOL values, which deteriorated in the early period, recovered in the late period in the long-term follow-up of patients undergoing laminoplasty. The important point is that preoperative cervical parameters suitable for laminoplasty should be present, and spinopelvic parameters should be normal.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate possible factors predicting stone-free status at retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones.Materials and Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was performed using data from 513 patients treated between February 2016 and January 2020 at four referral centers in Turkey. The patients were divided into two groups whether they had no residual stone over 3 mm (Group 1) or had residual stones (Group 2). Pre and peroperative parameters were compared in both groups (Table 1). Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to identify any factors affecting the stone-free rate (Table 2).Results: Overall stone-free rate was 88.5% (454/513). Lower calyx stones and multipl stones were significantly higher in Group 2 (p=0.006, p=0.02, respectively). Also access sheathless procedure rate was significantly higher and the basket catheter useage rate was significantly lower in Group 2 (p=0.04, p

Objective:Ureterorenoscopic stone surgery (USS) is the primary method of ureteral stone treatment. Double-J (JJ) stenting is an integral part of a USS, and most urologists prefer to use it without an extraction string. The probable reason for such preference could be the lack of reliable and sufficient data on JJ stent use with an extraction string.Materials and Methods:A total of 177 patients who underwent USS were divided into four groups: Group 1 men (JJ stent was manually removed), group 2 men (JJ stent was cystoscopically removed), group 3 women (JJ stent was manually removed), and group 4 women (JJ stent was cystoscopically removed). We investigated the impact of two different JJ stent removal techniques on pain perception, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), depressive symptomatology, complications, and cost.Results:Compared to groups 1 and 3, the mean surgery times were higher in groups 2 and 4 (p=0.001). Preoperative LUTS scores were similar in all groups (p>0.05). Postoperative pain scores in groups 3 and 4 were similar (p=0.06), but they were lower in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.004). Postoperative Beck depression inventory scores were lower in groups 1 and 3 (p

Mite species belongs to Tetraychychidae (3); Tenupalpidae (2), Stigmaeidae (1), Tydeiidae (2), (Acari: Prostigmata); Phytoseiidae (10) (Acari: Mesostigmata) and Acaridae (1) (Astigmata) were identified on woody ornamental plants and shrubs in Erzurum (Eastern part of Turkey). The samples were collected from Erzurum (Centrum, Pasinler, Köprüköy, Horasan, Aziziye-Ilıca, Aşkale, Tortum, Uzundere and Çat districts) with a weekly interval between April to October during 2015 and 2016. Five species were phytophagous mites (belong to Tenuipalpidae and Tetranychidae), while the others are considered as predators or feed on microorganisms, neutral in their habitats. Nineteen mite species representing in three orders: Amblyseius andersoni (Chant), Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans), Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Typlodromus cotoneastri (Wainstein), Neoseiulus astutus (Beglyarov), Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) kerkirae Swirski and Ragusa, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki (Wainstein), Paraseiulus soleiger (Ribaga), Neoseiulella tiliarum (Oudemans), Zetzellia mali (Ewing), Tydeus kochi Oudemans, Tydeus californicus (Banks), Tetranychus urticae Koch, Bryobia rubrioculus (Scheuten), Bryobia praetiosa Koch, Cenopalpus pulcher (Canestini & Fanzago) Brevipalpus californicus (Banks), Tyrophagus putrescentiae. These results showed that Erzurum has rich biodiversity especially concerning predatory mite fauna. T. urticae (Schrank), was the most abundant and common phytophagous species (53.11%) while some other species were represented only one specimen (Neoseiulus astutus (Beglyarov) (Phytoseiidae). Most preferred hosts plants were Philadelphus coronarius L. (Hydrangeaceae) (8), Malus coronaria L. (Rosaceae) (7) and Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae) (6) while Syringa vulgaris L. (Oleaceae), Salix sp. (Salicaceae) and Rosa pisiformis (Christ) (Rosaceae) were populated by only (2) and (1) mite species respectively.

Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) caudiglans (Schuster) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was collected from Hippophae salicifolia L. (Elaeagnaceae) leaves in Erzurum during the years 2015-2016. T. (A.) caudiglans is a predatory mite lives on ornamental plants. The samples were extracted by Berlese funnel and cleared in Lacto-phenol solution after that mounted in Hoyer solution. The samples were deposited in the mite collection at Ankara University and Atatürk University Plant Protection Department of Turkey.This is the first record of T. (A.) caudiglans for Phytoseiidae fauna of Turkey. Re-description and illustration of the new record is given.

Objective:Acute scrotum is a urological emergency that can result in loss of the testis if the differential diagnosis is not made immediately. Testicular torsion (TT) and epididymo-orchitis (EO) are the two most common causes of acute scrotum. Our aim was to evaluate the utility of haematological parameters for the diagnosis of both TT and EO and for differential diagnosis of these two conditions.Materials and Methods:Data of 98 patients who applied because of acute scrotum between January 2007 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups: those with TT diagnosis, with EO diagnosis and controls with the diagnosis of other noninflammatory conditions. Demographic data, complete blood count and biochemical parameters at admission were recorded. Values for these parameters along with platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet mass index (PMI) were examined for all groups. The specificity, sensitivity and positive and negative predictive value of parameters that were statistically significant were compared between the groups.Results:Of the 98 patients included in this study, 32 were in the first group, 41 were in the second and 25 were in the third group. The mean neutrophil count in the TT, EO and control groups was 8.7, 7.2 and 5.4, respectively (p=0.001). The mean leukocyte count was 11.8, 10.8 and 8.3 in the TT, EO and control groups, respectively (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in mean lymphocyte count, mean platelet count and PLR, NLR, and PMI between the groups.Conclusion:Although, these tests were insufficient to differentiate TT from EO, we think that they may narrow the indications for emergent exploration for acute scrotum.

Objective:To present our initial experience on laparoscopic transperitoneal nephrectomies and to report the perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with kidney tumor.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively evaluated clinical data, laboratory results and radiological findings of 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic renal surgery performed by a single surgeon in a single center between November 2017 and May 2019. Thoracoabdominopelvic computed tomography was performed in all patients.Results:A total of 40 patients (26 males (65%), 14 females (35%) with a median age of 58.7 years underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal nephrectomy. Sixteen patients underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy (LSN) for nonfunctional kidney, 20 patients with solid renal tumors underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN), and four patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for solid renal mass. The mean operative time was 207.9±79.1, 218.9±57.5 and 175.0±75.0 minutes for LSN, LRN and LPN, respectively. The mean length of hospital stays was 3.0±1.3, 2.7±0.6 and 2.7±1.5 days, respectively. Conversion to open surgery was done in 2 patients who underwent LRN and in two patients who underwent LSN due to intraoperative bleeding and intraperitoneal adhesions, respectively. We experienced postoperative complication only in one patient (2.5%) who underwent LSN.Conclusion:Advances in technology and surgical experience have led to an increase in laparoscopic kidney surgery even for advanced renal tumors. Serious complications may occur mainly in the early stages of the learning curve, but complication rates and operative time significantly decrease by the surgeons’ experience. Complicated and more extensive tumors make surgeons more experienced in advanced laparoscopic treatment techniques.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate the potential use of dried or ensiled paulownia (Paulownia spp.) leaves as roughage source for ruminants. Paulownia tree leaves were collected from one-year-old hybrid (C-125, CAR, and TF-33 clones) trees. Dried paulownia leaves of the clones were different in dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), and nitrogen-free extract (NfE) and similar in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL); however, these values (except EE and ADL) of ensiled leaves were significantly different among the clones. Mean CP, CA, and condensed tannin contents in dried leaves were 15.36, 9.21, and 1.75%, respectively; NDF, ADF, and ADL contents were 38.35, 35.49, and 12.08%, respectively. Mean total volatile fatty acids, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) value in dried leaves were 95.26 mmol/L, 76.34%, and 10.77 MJ/kg, respectively, whereas, CO2 and CH4 production were 54.66 and 29.78 mmol/L, respectively. Buffering capacity and water-soluble carbohydrates varied among the pre-ensiled paulownia leaves, although their means were 395.66 mEq/kg DM and 86.63 g/kg DM, respectively. In ensiled leaves, the pH, lactic acid ratio, and acetic acid ratio were 4.98, 11.23, and 2.56%, respectively, and butyric acid was not detected in any of the silages. Mean values of IVOMD and ME in ensiled leaves were 72.30% and 9.93 MJ/kg, respectively. Dried paulownia leaves are a high-quality alternative forage and the ensiled form is of medium quality. Therefore, paulownia leaves could be used as an alternative roughage source for ruminants.

This research was undertaken with the aim of determining the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) and true dry matter digestibility (TDMD), dry matter intake (DMI), and relative feed value (RFV) of common reed (Phragmites australis) straw. Reed straw was treated with 0% (control), 1%, 2%, and 3% NaOH and stored in 1.5-L glass jars in triplicate for 21 days. NaOH treatment had a significant effect on the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, NDFD and TDMD, DMI, and RFV of the reed straw. While it decreased the cell wall content of the reed straw, it significantly increased the NDFD, TDMD, DMI, and RFV. The neutral detergent fiber content of the reed straw decreased with NaOH treatment in a dose-dependent manner and ranged from 56.03% to 65.05%, whereas the NDFD increased and ranged from 53.10% to 59.99%. Metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility, and TDMD values were improved, ranging from 9.15 to 10.19 MJ/kg DM, 58.46% to 65.05%, and 55.29% to 62.33%, respectively. The estimated RFV and DMI also improved, ranging from 84.70% to 95.58% and from 1.87% to 2.14% of body weight, respectively. The most effective treatment dose of NaOH was 3%. Therefore, it can be suggested that NaOH treatment has the potential to improve the nutritive value of reed straw. However, before large applications, further in vivo investigations are required to determine the effects of NaOH treatment on the feed intake and production of ruminant animals.

Abstract Background Endometrial preparation with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the preferred regimen for clinicians due to the opportunity to schedule the day of embryo transfer and for patients due to the requirement of fewer visits for frozen-warmed embryo transfers (FET). The increasing number of FETs raises the question of the serum P levels required to optimize the pregnancy outcome on the embryo transfer day. Methods This prospective cohort study includes patients who underwent single euploid FET. All patients received HRT with oestradiol valerate (EV) and 100 mg of intramuscular (IM) progesterone (P). FET was scheduled 117–120 h after the first IM administration of 100 mg P. The serum P level was analyzed 1 h before the embryo transfer (ET). In all cycles, only embryos that were biopsied on day 5 were utilized for FET. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was used for comprehensive chromosomal analysis. Results Overall, the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) was 58.9% (99/168). Data were then categorized according to the presence (Group I; n = 99) or the absence (Group II; n = 69) of an ongoing pregnancy. No significant differences regarding, female age, body mass index (BMI), number of previous miscarriages, number of previous live birth, sperm concentration, number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes (MII), rate of fertilized oocytes with two pronuclei (2PN), trophectoderm score, inner cell mass (ICM) score, endometrial thickness (mm), oestrodiol (E2) and P levels prior to IM P administration were found between two groups. The P levels on the day of ET (ng/ml) were significantly higher in Group I (28 (5.6–76.4) vs 16.4 (7.4–60) p = 0.039). The P level on the day of ET was a predictor of a higher OPR (p