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Abstract Background Determination of SARS-CoV-2 variant is significant to prevent the spreads of COVID-19 disease. Methods We aimed to evaluate the variants of SARS-CoV-2 rate in positive patients in Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital (KSS-TRH), Istanbul, Türkiye between 1st January and 30th November 2021 by using RT-PCR method. Results Herein, 825,169 patients were evaluated (male:58.53% and female:41.47%) whether COVID-19 positive or not [( +):21.3% and (−):78.7%] and 175,367 patient was described as positive (53.2%-female and 46.8%-male) by RT-PCR. COVID-19 positive rate is observed highest in the 6–15- and 66–75-year age range. The frequencies were obtained as SARS-CoV-2 positive (without mutation of B.1.1.7 [B.1.1.7 (U.K), E484K, L452R, B.1.351 (S. Africa/Brazil) spike mutations] as 66.1% (n: 115,899), B.1.1.7 Variant as 23.2% (n:40,686), Delta mutation (L452R) variant as 9.8% (n:17,182), B.1.351 variant as 0.8% (n:1370) and E484K as 0.1% (n: 230). In April 2021, general SARS-CoV-2 and B.1.1.7 variant were dominantly observed. Up to July 2021, B.1.617.2 (Delta variant/ Indian variant) and E484K has been not observed. B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been started in February 2021 at the rarest ratio and March 2021 is the top point. September 2021 is the pick point of E484K. African/Brazil variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been started in February 2021 at the rarest ratio and March 2021 is the top point. September 2021 is the pick point of E484K. When the gender type is compared within the variants, women were found to be more prevalent in all varieties. Conclusions The meaning of these mutations is very important to understand the transmission capacity of the COVID-19 disease, pandemic episode, and diagnosis of the virus with mutation types. Understanding the variant type is important for monitoring herd immunity and the spread of the disease.

Background/Aims Few multicenter studies have investigated the efficacy of hemostatic powders in gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of hemostatic powder therapy and the independent factors affecting rebleeding rates. Methods We retrospectively recruited patients who underwent a new hemostatic adhesive powder (UI-EWD; Next-Biomedical) treatment for upper and lower GI bleeding between January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2023. We collected patients’ medical records and bleeding lesions. The primary outcomes were clinical and technical success rates, and the secondary outcomes were early and delayed bleeding rates, refractory bleeding rate, mortality rate, and factors affecting early rebleeding rates. Results This study enrolled 135 patients (age: 67.7±13.6 years, male: 74.1%) from five hospitals. Indications for UI-EWD were peptic ulcers (51.1%), post-procedure-related bleeding (23.0%), and tumor bleeding (19.3%). The clinical and technical success rates were both 97%. The early, delayed, and refractory rebleeding rates were 19.3%, 11.1%, and 12.8%, respectively. Initially elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (p=0.014) and Forrest classification IA or IB compared with IIA or IIB (p=0.036) were factors affecting early rebleeding. Conclusions UI-EWD showed high clinical and technical success rates; however, rebleeding after UI-EWD therapy in patients with initially high BUN levels and active bleeding, according to the Forrest classification, should be considered.

Abstract Objectives Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. YAP (Yes‐associated protein) is a highly expressed protein in NB. Nestin is an important marker of neuronal differentiation in NB. Orthodenticle homeobox (OTX) is a transcription factor and is overexpressed in blastoma‐derived tumors. The aim of this study was to examine the potential roles of YAP‐1, Nestin, and OTX‐2 proteins in prognosis and risk stratification in neuroblastoma Methods Tumor sections of 56 patients with different NB risk groups were analyzed. YAP‐1, Nestin, and OTX‐2 protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in NB patient tissue samples. Results YAP‐1, Nestin, and OTX‐2 protein expression levels were evaluated together with the clinical findings of NB patients. YAP‐1 was expressed in 18% of all tissues, while Nestin was expressed in 20.4%. OTX‐2 protein expression was found in 41.1% of the NB patients. YAP‐1 was expressed in 26.9% of high‐risk and 11.5% of low‐risk patients. Nestin was expressed in 24.4% high‐risk and 33.3% low‐risk patients. OTX‐2 was expressed in 68.2% high‐risk and 60% low‐risk patients.YAP‐1 was shown to provide survival advantages among risk groups. Interpretation The findings of this study support that YAP‐1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for staging and risk‐group assignment of NB patients. YAP‐1 expression in neuroblastoma is associated with significantly poorer survival probabilities and should be considered as a potential therapeutic target. OTX‐2 is a promising predictive biomarker candidate, but its mechanisms need further investigation in neuroblastoma, as nestin expression is not significantly linked to patient survival.

OBJECTIVES: There is no sufficient data to provide a clear picture of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) across Türkiye. This study is the first to present the prognostic outcomes of OHCA cases and the factors associated with these outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a prospective, observational, multicenter design under the leadership of the Emergency Medicine Association of Turkey Resuscitation Study Group. OHCA cases aged 18 years and over who were admitted to 28 centers from Türkiye were included in the study. Survived event, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital discharge, and neurological outcome at discharge were investigated as primary outcomes. RESULTS: One thousand and three patients were included in the final analysis. 61.1% of the patients were male, and the average age was 67.0 ± 15.2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed on 86.5% of the patients in the prehospital period by emergency medical service, and bystander CPR was performed on only 2.9% by nonhealth-care providers. As a result, the survived event rate was found to be 6.9%. The survival rate upon hospital discharge was 4.4%, with 2.7% of patients achieving a good neurological outcome upon discharge. In addition, the overall ROSC and sustained ROSC rates were 45.2% and 33.4%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, male gender, initial shockable rhythm, a shorter prehospital duration of CPR, and the lack of CPR requirement in the emergency department were determined to be independent predictors for the survival to hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: Compared to global data, survival to hospital discharge and good neurological outcome rates appear to be lower in our study. We conclude that this result is related to low bystander CPR rates. Although not the focus of this study, inadequate postresuscitative care and intensive care support should also be discussed in this regard. It is obvious that this issue should be carefully addressed through political moves in the health and social fields.

The attitudes of single and married individuals towards marriage may differ. In this research, the marriage attitudes of married and single individuals were examined in terms of various variables. For this purpose, the marriage attitudes of married and single individuals were examined in terms of gender, marital status, employment status, age, economic level and education level variables. In the research, descriptive survey design, one of the quantitative research methods, was used. The population of this research consists of married and single individuals. The sample group of the research was selected using the random sampling method to reflect the universe. Considering the possible data loss, a total of 383 individuals consisting of 228 female and 155 male participants were selected as the sample group. The "Personal Information Form" and the "Marital Attitudes Scale" were administered to the individuals who participated in the study. Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyse the data obtained from the research. If there was a difference in the results of the analyses, post hoc Tukey and LSD tests were used to see which group the difference came from. According to the results of the analyses, it was found that the variables of marital status, parental marital status, age, socio-economic level and educational level created a statistically significant difference between married and single individuals. In the analyses carried out on the variables of gender and employment status, the difference was not significant. Married persons are more likely to be married than single persons.

Abstract Most CRISPR-based biosensors rely on labeled reporter molecules and expensive equipment for signal readout. A recent approach quantifies analyte concentration by sizing λ DNA reporters via gel electrophoresis, providing a simple solution for label-free detection. Here, we report an alternative strategy for label-free CRISPR-Cas12a, which relies on Cas12a trans-nicking induced supercoil relaxation of dsDNA plasmid reporters to generate a robust and ratiometric readout. The ratiometric CRISPR (rCRISPR) measures the relative percentage of supercoiled plasmid DNA to the relaxed circular DNA by gel electrophoresis for more accurate target concentration quantification. This simple method is two orders of magnitude more sensitive than the typical fluorescent reporter. This self-referenced strategy solves the potential application limitations of previously demonstrated DNA sizing-based CRISPR-Dx without compromising the sensitivity. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of rCRISPR for detecting various model DNA targets such as HPV 16 and real AAV samples, highlighting its feasibility for point-of-care CRISPR-Dx applications.

Abstract Among the risks that cities are exposed to, colonization emerges as a multifaceted concern representing historical and modern dimensions that can significantly impact a city’s urban sustainability. This study explores the diverse implications of colonization on the urban sustainability with a focus on the Ksar of Laghouat in Laghouat city, Algeria. It examines the urban adaptation cycle and the imprint left by the colonial era on the fabric of the city. Utilizing the method of adaptive cycle approach and transfer entropy analysis, our goal is to quantify interaction on the historical and urban development of potential, connectedness, and resilience of Laghouat city. This study enhances the understanding of the Architectural heritage of Algeria and highlights dynamics between traditional and colonial architectural dimensions of Ksar of Laghouat. By assimilating the impact of colonization on the urban development of the city, we aim to improve the resilience and sustainability of Laghouat, through empowering its local community, and providing decision-makers with valuable sustainable strategies and adaptation mechanisms for future urban visions of the city.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining interest in regenerative medicine and biomaterials have been shown to extend EV bioavailability following delivery. Herein, the labeling of both hydrogels and EVs is reported to better understand hydrogel design for sustained EV release into tissues. Shear‐thinning hydrogels are engineered using guest–host (i.e., adamantane–cyclodextrin) modifications to hyaluronic acid (GH), as well as GH hydrogels with the addition of gelatin crosslinked via transglutaminase (GH+Gel) to temporally control hydrogel properties. When labeled with a near‐IR dye and injected into rat myocardial tissue, the GH+Gel hydrogel is retained (>14 days) longer than the GH hydrogel alone (≈7 days), likely due to the added gelatin network. To overcome challenges associated with common EV labeling methods, a highly versatile metabolic labeling methodology is utilized via the incorporation of N‐azidoacetylmannosamine‐tetraacylated during EV synthesis to introduce azide groups that can then be reacted with DBCO dyes. When injected in saline, EVs are cleared within 24 h in hearts; however, hydrogels enhance EV retention, with levels based on hydrogel degradation behavior, namely, >14 days for GH+Gel hydrogel and ≈7 days for GH hydrogel alone. These findings support the use of hydrogels in EV therapies.

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal element in health care, leading to significant advancements across various medical domains, including palliative care and hospice services. These services focus on improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, and AI’s ability to process complex datasets can enhance decision-making and personalize care in these sensitive settings. However, incorporating AI into palliative and hospice care requires careful examination to ensure it reflects the multifaceted nature of these settings. ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to systematically map the landscape of AI in palliative care and hospice settings, focusing on the data diversity and model robustness. The goal is to understand AI’s role, its clinical integration, and the transparency of its development, ultimately providing a foundation for developing AI applications that adhere to established ethical guidelines and principles. MethodsOur scoping review involves six stages: (1) identifying the research question; (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) study selection; (4) charting the data; (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results; and (6) consulting with stakeholders. Searches were conducted across databases including MEDLINE through PubMed, Embase.com, IEEE Xplore, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science Core Collection, covering studies from the inception of each database up to November 1, 2023. We used a comprehensive set of search terms to capture relevant studies, and non-English records were excluded if their abstracts were not in English. Data extraction will follow a systematic approach, and stakeholder consultations will refine the findings. ResultsThe electronic database searches conducted in November 2023 resulted in 4614 studies. After removing duplicates, 330 studies were selected for full-text review to determine their eligibility based on predefined criteria. The extracted data will be organized into a table to aid in crafting a narrative summary. The review is expected to be completed by May 2025. ConclusionsThis scoping review will advance the understanding of AI in palliative care and hospice, focusing on data diversity and model robustness. It will identify gaps and guide future research, contributing to the development of ethically responsible and effective AI applications in these settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/56353

BACKGROUND: Different organs respond differently to cisplatin (CDDP)-induced toxicity. Oleuropein (OLE) is a natural phenolic antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of OLE against CDDP-induced ototoxicity by evaluating expression of genes associated with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and repair in cochlear cells. METHODS: House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells were treated using CDDP, OLE, and OLE–CDDP. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay was used for monitoring cell viability. Deoxyribonucleic acid damage in cells due to the CDDP, OLE, and combination treatments was determined using a flow-cytometric kit. The change in the expression of 84 genes associated with CCDP, OLE, and OLE–CDDP treatments that induced DNA damage was tested using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction array. Changes ≥3-fold were considered significant. RESULTS: House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 cell viability was significantly reduced by CDDP. The OLE–CDDP combination restored the cell viability. Cisplatin increased the H2AX ratio, while OLE–CDDP combination decreased it. Some of the DNA damage-associated genes whose expression was upregulated with CDDP were downregulated with OLE–CDDP, while the expression of genes such as Gadd45g and Rev1 was further downregulated. The expression of DNA repair-related Abl1, Dbd2, Rad52, and Trp53 genes was downregulated with CDDP, whereas their expression was upregulated with OLE–CDDP treatment. CONCLUSION: In cochlear cells, the OLE–CDDP combination downregulated DNA damage-associated gene expression relative to that upregulated mainly by CDDP. The results revealed that OLE has a potential protective effect on CDDP-induced ototoxicity in cochlear cells by altering the expression of DNA damage-related genes.

For almost a century, the term ‘flyways’ has been used to order relations over time and space. It has been used to coordinate scientific research and communication as well as monitoring and management efforts for waterbird conservation. In this article, we revisit the concept of ‘boundary object’ (Star and Griesemer 1989) to investigate how this term ‘flyways’ has been central to common efforts while also having multiple meanings for the actors it connects. The article discusses both contemporary and historical achievements of the term by analysing its underlying knowledge infrastructure. We account for the complex assemblages of social, material, natural, and technical systems that shape how the term ‘flyway’ has been functioning as a boundary object and how this has changed over time. By discussing how the term ‘flyways’ as a boundary object and its underlying knowledge infrastructure shape each other, we empower the actors to define, visualise, communicate, and imagine flyways in more purposeful ways. Our analysis contributes to the literature on boundary objects and knowledge infrastructures by expanding their original definitions, arguing for a co-productive relation between them.

Background. This study aimed to systematically and comprehensively review the effect of various treatment variables on apically extruded debris (AED) during non-surgical root canal retreatment (NSRCRT). Methods. The study protocol is shared in the Open Science Framework database (https://osf. io/kjtdg/?view_only=17060180705745ec9dae9a01614f3880). An electronic search was conducted up to July 2022 to reveal related studies. Two reviewers critically assessed the studies for eligibility against inclusion and exclusion criteria and data extraction. Quantitative data synthesis was performed, and the risk of bias in the studies was also evaluated. Results. Forty-six studies were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta-analysis. Conflicting or limited evidence was found for the effect of sealer type, obturation technique, and solvent use. The manual instrumentation increased the amount of AED compared to rotary instrumentation during the removal of filling materials (P

The Moon and its surrounding cislunar space have numerous unknowns, uncertainties, or partially charted phenomena that need to be investigated to determine the extent to which they affect cislunar communication. These include temperature fluctuations, spacecraft distance and velocity dynamics, surface roughness, and the diversity of propagation mechanisms. To develop robust and dynamically operative Cislunar space networks (CSNs), we need to analyze the communication system by incorporating inclusive models that account for the wide range of possible propagation environments and noise characteristics. In this paper, we consider that the communication signal can be subjected to both Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise, but also to different fading conditions. First, we analyze the communication link by showing the relationship between the brightness temperatures of the Moon and the equivalent noise temperature at the receiver of the Lunar Gateway. We propose to analyze the ergodic capacity and the outage probability, as they are essential metrics for the development of reliable communication. In particular, we model the noise with the additive symmetric alpha-stable distribution, which allows a generic analysis for Gaussian and non-Gaussian signal characteristics. Then, we present the closed-form bounds for the ergodic capacity and the outage probability. Finally, the results show the theoretically and operationally achievable performance bounds for the cislunar communication. To give insight into further designs, we also provide our results with comprehensive system settings that include mission objectives as well as orbital and system dynamics.

Proteinler, aminoasitler tarafından oluşturulan azot içerikli bir besin maddesidir. Vücudumuzda birçok fonksiyona hizmet eden proteinler, sağlıklı bir yaşam için gereklidir. Gün geçtikçe artan dünya nüfusu nedeniyle gıda endüstrisinde bitkisel protein kaynaklarına yönelim hız kazanmıştır. Tüketicilerin hayvansal proteinlere ulaşmasında, artan maliyetler ve sınırlı tedarikler nedenleriyle büyük sıkıntılar çıkabilmektedir. Ayrıca bilinçsiz hayvansal ürün tüketiminin birçok sağlık sorununa neden olduğu bilinmektedir. Çölyak hastalığı veya gluten duyarlılığı gibi sağlık sorunları, bireylerin sağlıklı beslenme yönündeki eğilimleri ve vegan, vejetaryen gibi beslenme tarzları ile bitkisel kaynaklar değer kazanmaktadır. Son zamanlarda bitkisel proteinler, insan beslenmesinde hayvansal kaynağın yanı sıra ürün formülasyonu için fonksiyonel bileşenlerin yerini alan ekonomik ve çok yönlü bir alternatif olarak daha fazla kullanılmaktadır. Bu derleme, bitkisel protein kaynaklarından yağlı tohumlar, tahıllar ve diğer bitkiler hakkında genel bir bilgi vererek bahsedilen bitkisel protein kaynakları ile ilgili gıda alanında yapılan çalışmaları içermektedir.

Sabit yağlar ve uçucu yağlar, yüzyıllardır insanlar tarafından, hastalıkların tedavi edilmesinde, hastalıklardan korunmak amacıyla ve yaşam kalitesini artırmak için kullanılmaktadır. Ayrıca çoğu bitkisel kökenli olan, özellikle bitkilerin yağlı tohumlarından elde edilen yağlar, aromaterapide “taşıyıcı yağ” olarak kullanılmaktadır. Tedavide kullanılan bu yağların yapısı, kalitesi, elde ediliş şekli ve tedaviye uygun olarak seçilmesi, yağın tedaviye olumlu katkı vermesini sağlayan en önemli etmendir. Özellikle yaşlanma karşıtı ürünlerde tercih edilen yağlar antioksidan özellikleri ile ön plana çıkmakta ve bu yönüyle tedaviye destek olmaktadırlar. Çalışmada da bu amaca yönelik olarak piyasada bulunan bazı yağların antioksidan aktivitesi karşılaştırılmıştır. Yöntem olarak 1,1-difenil-2-pikrilhidrazil (DPPH•) radikal süpürücü etki, 2,2’- azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6- sulfonik asit) (ABTS+•) radikal süpürücü etki ve askorbat–Fe (III)-katalizli fosfolipit peroksidasyonunu engelleyici etki tayini yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Deneysel çalışmalarda kullanılan buğday rüşeymi (Triticum sativum), keten tohumu (Linum usitatissimum), nar çekirdeği (Punica granatum), kişniş (Coriandrium sativum), çörek otu (Nigella sativa), sakız kabağı tohumu yağları (Cucurbita sp.) ve zerdeçal ekstresi (Curcuma longa) piyasadan temin edilmiştir. Yapılan çalışmalar sonucunda zerdeçal ekstresi ve buğday rüşeym yağı en aktif yağlar olarak belirlenmişlerdir.

Objective: Pain is associated with most invasive interventions in childhood and considered as an unpleasant condition; thus, it should be relieved. This study aimed at investigating the effect of two different non-pharmacological pain-relief methods on reducing the pain and anxiety associated with intramuscular (IM) injection in children. Methods: This study was a prospective experimental randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study comprised 150 children aged 7 to 12 years who were brought to the pediatric injection room in a university hospital and had IM injection. The children were randomized into the Shotblocker (n=50), cold application (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. Results: The children in the control group felt pain more than did the children in the ShotBlocker and cold application groups. The difference was statistically significant. Assessment of the anxiety level during the IM injection demonstrated that the children in the control group experienced anxiety statistically significantly more than did the children in the ShotBlocker group. Conclusion: The children in the ShotBlocker and cold application groups experienced pain less than did the children in the control group during the IM injection. When compared to the Cold Application method, ShotBlocker method is more effective in reducing IM injection-related pain and fear.

Obesity poses a significant and growing risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), requiring comprehensive evaluation and management strategies. This review explores the intricate relationship between obesity and CKD, emphasizing the diverse phenotypes of obesity, including sarcopenic obesity and metabolically healthy versus unhealthy obesity, and their differential impact on kidney function. We discuss the epidemiological evidence linking elevated body mass index (BMI) with CKD risk while also addressing the paradoxical survival benefits observed in obese CKD patients. Various measures of obesity, such as BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat assessment, are evaluated in the context of CKD progression and outcomes. Mechanistic insights into how obesity promotes renal dysfunction through lipid metabolism, inflammation, and altered renal hemodynamics are elucidated, underscoring the role of adipokines and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Furthermore, the review examines current strategies for assessing kidney function in obese individuals, including the strengths and limitations of filtration markers and predictive equations. The management of obesity and associated comorbidities like arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in CKD patients is discussed. Finally, gaps in the current literature and future research directions aimed at optimizing the management of obesity-related CKD are highlighted, emphasizing the need for personalized therapeutic approaches to mitigate the growing burden of this intertwined epidemic.

Objective: Toothpastes are widely used to protect oral and teeth health. This study aims to examine the cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of whitening toothpastes. Methods: In this study, extracts were prepared according to ISO 10993-12:2021 standard (0.2 g/mL) using whitening and conventional toothpastes. The prepared extracts were added to human gingival fibroblast cell lines (HGF-1) in different dilutions (1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32) and a cytotoxicity test was performed. Antimicrobial analysis of toothpastes was performed on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans using the hole-plate diffusion method. Cell viability and microbial analysis data were examined using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in their composition showed statistically more toxic effects (p < 0.05). The activated carbon toothpastes without SLS showed over 90% cell viability after dilution. Although the dilution rate of toothpastes containing SLS increased, cell viability remained below 70%. All toothpastes used in the study showed antimicrobial effects on S. mutans, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide and SLS produced more antibacterial effects than activated carbon, blue covarine, microparticles, and conventional toothpaste. Conclusions: SLS-containing toothpastes showed more toxicity on HGF-1 cells. Toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite did not show toxic effects on HGF-1 cells. SLS, sodium lauryl sarcosinate and hydrogen peroxide in toothpastes increase antimicrobial effects.

IgG4 subclass antibodies represent the rarest subclass of IgG antibodies, comprising only 3-5% of antibodies circulating in the bloodstream. These antibodies possess unique structural features, notably their ability to undergo a process known as fragment-antigen binding (Fab)-arm exchange, wherein they exchange half-molecules with other IgG4 antibodies. Functionally, IgG4 antibodies primarily block and exert immunomodulatory effects, particularly in the context of IgE isotype-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. In the context of disease, IgG4 antibodies are prominently observed in various autoimmune diseases combined under the term IgG4 autoimmune diseases (IgG4-AID). These diseases include myasthenia gravis (MG) with autoantibodies against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), nodo-paranodopathies with autoantibodies against paranodal and nodal proteins, pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus with antibodies against desmoglein and encephalitis with antibodies against LGI1/CASPR2. Additionally, IgG4 antibodies are a prominent feature in the rare entity of IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD). Intriguingly, both IgG4-AID and IgG4-RD demonstrate a remarkable responsiveness to anti-CD20-mediated B cell depletion therapy (BCDT), suggesting shared underlying immunopathologies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of B cells, antibody subclasses, and their general properties before examining the distinctive characteristics of IgG4 subclass antibodies in the context of health, IgG4-AID and IgG4-RD. Furthermore, we will examine potential therapeutic strategies for these conditions, with a special focus on leveraging insights gained from anti-CD20-mediated BCDT. Through this analysis, we aim to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of IgG4-mediated diseases and identify promising possibilities for targeted therapeutic intervention.

The study aimed to evaluate the pH, water activity (aw), residual nitrite, lactic acid bacteria, Micrococcus/Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae and yeast-mould in fermented sausage samples from different firms. A total of 30 sucuk and 30 heat-treated sucuk samples were taken from 10 different brands with different batch numbers. According to analysis results, all samples, with the exception of some heat-treated sucuk samples from one brand, provided pH values that were within the permitted limit of regulation. For sucuk, mean aw value of only one brand was below 0.90, while aw values for heat-treated sucuk were in the range of 0.928 to 0.957. All samples had residual nitrite levels less than 15 mg/kg (in the range of 7.84-14.80 mg/kg). Yeast-mould and Enterobacteriaceae numbers were often below

Background: We compared Pfannenstiel and midline skin incisions for cesarean hysterectomy in women with confirmed Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders. Aims: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of Pfannenstiel and midline skin incisions in women undergoing cesarean section hysterectomy for suspected placenta accreta at Akdeniz University Hospital between January 2010 and February 2022. Histopathological confirmation was obtained for all cases. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data, along with neonatal outcomes, were extracted from the hospital’s electronic database. Possible complaints related to the incision site or other issues (e.g., vaginal dryness or sexual life) were identified through telephone interviews. Subjects were stratified into Pfannenstiel and midline incision cohorts, with subsequent data comparison. Results: Data from 67 women with a histopathologically confirmed PAS diagnosis were analyzed. Of these, 49 (73.1%) underwent Pfannenstiel incision, and 18 (26.9%) had a midline skin incision. Incisions were based on the surgeon’s experience. Pfannenstiel incision was more common in antepartum hemorrhage, preoperative hemorrhage, and emergency surgery (p = 0.02, p = 0.014, p = 0.002, respectively). Hypogastric artery ligation occurred in 30 cases (61.2%) in the Pfannenstiel group but none in the midline group. Cosmetic dissatisfaction and sexual problems were more prevalent in the midline group (p < 0.05, all). Preoperative and postoperative blood parameters, transfused blood products, and neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Relaparotomy, bladder injury, blood loss, and need for blood transfusion were more prevalent in the Pfannenstiel group, while greater dissatisfaction with the incision was observed in the midline incision group. Midline incision seems to be more favorable in patients with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS). Patients may be informed regarding the worse cosmetic outcomes and possible sexual problems related to vaginal dryness when midline laparotomy is planned. But before opting for a Pfannenstiel incision, patients should receive comprehensive information regarding the potential risks of relaparotomy and bladder injury.

In recent years, the trend toward plant-based beverages has continued to grow rapidly. This study aimed to assess the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge about plant-based beverages, subjective norms, perceived price, environmental protection, animal welfare, availability, and trust on attitudes and buying behavior toward these products. This study was conducted online using a two-part questionnaire prepared by considering the literature. This study included 935 participants, and our findings confirmed that the variable of environmental protection affects the attitude toward these products (β= 0.095; p = 0.007). Furthermore, gender, income level, lactose intolerance, and bloating due to cow’s or sheep’s milk influenced actual buying behavior (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). These findings indicate that people’s increased environmental protection awareness will positively influence attitudes towards plant-based beverages and that individuals who do not experience lactose intolerance and bloating due to cow’s or goat’s milk will have lower actual buying behavior. It was also determined that individuals with lower incomes bought more plant-based beverages. In conclusion, plant-based beverage marketers need to take into account individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and environmental protection awareness when planning their marketing strategies.

Background. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various filling and retreatment techniques for oval-shaped root canals. Methods. Sixty distal roots of mandibular molar teeth were included in the study. The roots were prepared using the ProTaper Next (PTN) X4 rotary system and irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl. The roots were then divided into three groups and filled with Total Fill BC Sealer (FKG Dentaire) using three different techniques (n=20): single cone (SC), GuttaCore (GC), and warm vertical condensation (WVC). The retreatment procedure was performed using two different instrumentation techniques: Reciproc 50 (R50) and PTN X5 (n=10). To analyze the remaining filling material, the roots were divided buccolingually in two parts with the help of diamond separators, and photographs were taken at x16 magnification using a dental operating microscope (DOM). The ratio of the remaining filling materials was calculated using image analysis software and statistically evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results. None of the assessed retreatment procedures completely removed the filling materials from the root canals. For both instrumentation techniques, more root canal filling material remained in the WVC group (P

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has contributed to work-related psychosocial risks in healthcare workers. Aims: To evaluate the perceived need for mental health services and related factors in Turkish healthcare workers practicing in pandemic hospitals. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with healthcare workers at 19 pandemic hospitals in 13 provinces between September and November 2021. The study survey included the evaluation of the perceived need for and utilization of mental health services in the previous year, as well as sociodemographic, health-related, and work-related characteristics, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire, and the Fear of coronavirus disease-2019 scale (FCV-19S). Results: Of 1,556 participants, 522 (33.5%) reported a perceived need for mental health services, but only 133 (8.5%) reported receiving these services. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the perceived need for mental health services revealed significant relationships with lower age, female sex, being a current smoker, having a chronic disease, having a mental disorder, coronavirus disease-2019 contact within the last three months in settings other than the home or workplace, a positive coronavirus disease-2019 vaccination history, being a physician, being a non-physician healthcare professional, and coronavirus disease-2019 contact within the last three months at work. After adjustment for these characteristics, higher General Health Questionnaire-12 and FCV-19S scores and lower WHOQoL-BREF domain scores were related to the perceived need for mental health services in logistic regression analyses. Conclusion: The findings indicate a substantial need for mental health services amongst Turkish healthcare workers during the pandemic and outline participants’ characteristics regarding high-priority groups for the intervention. Future research may focus on developing actions and evaluating their efficiency.

Asthma is a disease characterized by the narrowing of the airways and resulting shortness of breath. Anxiety is a condition that is frequently observed in patients with asthma and causes worsening of symptoms. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has influenced the mental health of many individuals. ‘The aim of this study is to determine the anxiety levels of asthma patients during the pandemic period and to reveal the contribution of these patients' metacognition to anxiety'. This study was planned retrospectively Twenty-eight asthma patients were evaluated for asthmatic symptoms and anxiety levels. before the COVID-19 pandemic and 28 healthy controls were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients were re-evaluated for asthmatic symptoms and anxiety levels. The Asthma Control Test (ACT), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Metacognition Scale-30 (MCS) were applied to all participants to evaluate levels of asthmatic symptoms, anxiety and metacognitive beliefs. During the pandemic, while patients' ACT scores increased significantly (p=0.011), the BAI score decreased significantly (p=0.039), compared to the pre-pandemic values. BAI score was negatively correlated with pre- and post-pandemic ACT scores (p=0.029, p=0.006, respectively). During the pandemic, patients' BAI score and "need to control thoughts" subscale score of MCS-30 were found significantly higher than those of controls (p=0.003). Additionally, patients' anxiety levels during the pandemic were correlated with the metacognitive scale score (p=0.036). Asthma symptoms were observed to remit, and anxiety levels to decrease during the pandemic in asthma patients, compared to the pre-pandemic values. Patients' anxiety levels during the pandemic were found higher than those of controls. Therefore, we consider that current anxiety is related to metacognitive beliefs, and our study findings are important in terms of understanding anxiety developing in asthma patients during the pandemic and reflecting the findings to psychotherapeutic modalities. [Med-Science 2023; 12(2.000): 406-11]

Objective: Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of plasma coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), and it accounts for about 80%-85% of all cases of hemophilia. Plasma-derived therapies or recombinant FVIII concentrates are used to prevent and treat the bleeding symptoms along with FVIIImimicking antibodies. Recently, the European Medicines Agency granted conditional marketing approval for the first gene therapy for hemophilia A. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of coagulation in correcting FVIII deficiency with FVIII-secreting transgenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Materials and Methods: A lentiviral vector encoding a B domaindeleted FVIII cDNA sequence with CD45R0 truncated (CD45R0t) surface marker was designed to develop a transgenic FVIII-expressing primary cell line by transducing MSCs. The efficacy and functionality of the FVIII secreted from the MSCs was assessed with anti-FVIII ELISA, CD45R0t flow cytometry, FVIII western blot, and mixing test analysis in vitro. Results: The findings of this study showed that the transgenic MSCs maintained persistent FVIII secretion. There was no significant difference in FVIII secretion over time, suggesting stable FVIII expression from the MSCs. The functionality of the FVIII protein secreted in the MSC supernatant was demonstrated by applying a mixing test in coagulation analysis. In the mixing test analysis, FVIIIdeficient human plasma products were mixed with either a saline control or FVIII-secreted MSC supernatant. The mean FVIII level of the saline control group was 0.41±0.03 IU/dL, whereas the mean level was 25.41±33.38 IU/dL in the FVIII-secreting MSC supernatant mixed group (p

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Compared to other antipsychotics, it is widely used in developing countries due to its affordable price. Haloperidol has a narrow therapeutic range and variable pharmacokinetics; therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended. For this reason, in this study, an easily applicable, fast, selective, accurate, reliable, and economical LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of haloperidol in human plasma for use in TDM and also method was validated according to European Medicines Agency (EMA) Bioanalytical method validation guidelines. In the developed method, analyte and internal standard were extracted from plasma by salt-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (SALLME) technique and after that injected to the LC system. The limit of quantification of haloperidol was determined as 1 ng/ml. The calibration curve was validated between 1-15 ng/ml, with correlation coefficients >0.99. In addition, the developed method was used to determine drug concentration levels in the plasma of real patients.

The aim of this study was to design a new maneuver called the Mouth Open Swallowing Maneuver (MOSM), and to compare swallowing kinematics and submental muscles activation (SMA) between MOSM and two current approaches used in dysphagia rehabilitation. Fifty healthy volunteers were asked to perform three repetitions of dry swallowing (DS) (control task), the MOSM, the Mendelsohn Maneuver (MM), and the Tongue-Hold Maneuver (THM) during videofluoroscopic swallowing study accompanied with simultaneous SMA recording. Swallowing kinematics were measured by frame-by-frame analysis on hyolaryngeal movement using ImageJ. Swallowing with maximum hyolaryngeal movement and SMA during these tasks was used for comparative analysis. Vertical movement of the hyoid during the MOSM was significantly greater than those observed during the DS and the THM (p0.05). The MOSM as a newly designed maneuver was significantly superior to other maneuvers in increasing vertical hyolaryngeal movement. The THM has as much effect on hyolaryngeal movement as the MM. In this study, the MOSM was shown to be effective in increasing hyolaryngeal movement. ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS); the clinical trial registration number (NCT05579041).

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten intolerance. The main cause of this immune - mediated enteropathy is gluten, a protein mainly present in wheat, rye, barley and spelt. The predisposition to celiac disease is determined by HLA class II genes encoding MHC II heterodimer molecules, more specifically HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. Up to date the exact number of people suffering from celiac disease in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still not known because there is no public registry for this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8/DR4 presence in tested group of patients (n = 23) referred to Polyclinic Atrijum in Sarajevo in period from August 2022. to August 2023. HLA-DQ2 and DQ8/DR4 allele identification was performed using Real-time PCR technique. According to the obtained results a total of 26% (n=6) of tested patients were positive for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8/DR4 alleles. Two of the patients were positive for HLA-DQ2 alleles and four patients were positive for HLA-DQ8/DR4 alleles. To our knowledge this is the first study evaluating the presence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genotypes in tested population in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting hearing aid use in children and investigate how these factors affected their subjective auditory performance.Methods:The study was carried out with 34 children aged three to six years who had mild or moderate sensorineural hearing loss and had used a bilateral hearing aid for at least six months. The daily hearing aid usage times of children were collected with the help of data logging software. Parent-child interactions were assessed with the Maternal Behavior Rating Scale (MBRS) and Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) scores. To assess the parents’ levels of knowledge about hearing devices, the Hearing Aid Awareness Question Form for Parents, which was prepared by the researchers, was used. Finally, to evaluate the subjective hearing performance of the children, the Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) survey was implemented.Results:Strong and significant correlations were found between the MBRS and CBRS scores, the results obtained from some questions in the Hearing Aid Awareness Question Form for Parents, the overall PEACH score, the QUIET subscale score, and the NOISE subscale score (p

The study aimed to investigate the effect of sheep tail fat (STF) on the volatile nitrosamines in a dry fermented sausage (sucuk) with/without autochthonous starter culture (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GM77 and Staphylococcus xylosus GM92). Beef fat (BF) was used as control. The production was carried out under controlled conditions with initial fermentation temperature of 22±1ºC. After production, samples were subjected to pH, aw, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), residual nitrite, instrumental color and nitrosamine analysis. According to results, the use of STF increased TBARS value, while it decreased L* value. The use of starter culture lowered the mean pH below 5.0. On the other hand, mean pH of 5.23 was found in the group without starter culture. Both starter culture and fat type had no significant effect on residual nitrite. N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) content was affected by STF. In contrast, STF showed no significant effect on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA) content of sucuk. Starter culture caused an increase in NDMA levels, while decreasing N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP). According to principal component analysis (PCA), pH, aw, TBARS, NDMA and NPIP located on positive side of the principal component 1 (PC1), while NMEA, residual nitrite, L*, a* and b* values were in negative side of the PC1. In addition, NMEA showed more correlation with BF.

Background: Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is prevalent among young adults, necessitating effective monitoring of musculoskeletal health, particularly among college-aged females. This study aimed to identify physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) characteristics associated with GJH. Methods: A total of 67 participants were assessed: 26 with GJH (mean age 20.06, SD 1.2 years), and 41 without (mean age 20.15, SD 2.2 years). Assessments included hypermobility, anthropometric data, foot posture, balance, flexibility, strength, and HR-QoL. We used the Mann–Whitney test for two independent samples, categorical variables were analyzed with Cramer’s V test. The results indicated that participants with GJH exhibited inferior balance and back muscle static strength endurance but greater flexibility compared to those without GJH. Significant differences were observed in foot posture. However, handgrip strength, explosive strength, and abdominal muscle static strength endurance did not differ significantly between groups. No significant differences were observed in HR-QoL components between the two groups. In conclusion, there appears to be a link between GJH and increased flexibility, impaired balance, reduced back muscle static strength endurance, and altered posture of both feet.

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most remarkable food and drink pollutants in recent years. Disposable cups, which are widely used as single-use containers, have been suspected as the primary sources of MPs found in cold and hot beverages. In this study, the effect of different exposure times (0, 5, 10 and 20 min) and temperatures (4 °C, 50 °C and 80 °C) on MP release from the single-use cups made of four different materials [polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) coated paper cups and expanded polystyrene (EPS)] into the water was investigated. The number of MPs ranged from 126 p/L to 1420 p/L, while the highest and lowest counts were observed in the PP (50 °C for 20 min) and PE-coated paper cups (4 °C 0 min), respectively. Washing the cups with ultrapure water prior to use reduced the MP release by 52–65%. SEM images demonstrated the abrasion on the surface of the disposable cups as a result of hot water exposure. Intensities of FTIR absorbance levels at some wavelengths were decreased by the water treatment, which could be evidence of surface abrasion. The annual MP exposure of consumers was calculated as 18,720–73,840 by the consumption of hot and cold beverages in disposable cups. In conclusion, as the level and potential toxicity of MP exposure in humans are not yet fully known, this study sheds light on the number of MPs transferred to cold and hot beverages from single-use disposable cups.

In this study, the antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging, ferric-reducing, iron (II)-chelating), anti-inflammatory (LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell line), and cytotoxic activities (Du145 and A549 cell lines) of raw fruit, ripe fruit and leaves of the Lycium ferocissimum species were examined. By using high-pressure liquid chromatography, p-OH benzoic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were detected in the ethanol and water extracts. For the most active raw fruit ethanol extract, the IC50 in terms of the DPPH-scavenging activity was 0.57 mg/mL, and the ABTS inhibition percentage was 88.73% at a 3 mg/mL concentration. The raw fruit ethanol extract exhibited significant inhibition of viability in the Du145 cell line in the concentration range of 62.5–1000 µg/mL. Additionally, the extract effectively reduced the LPS-induced inflammation parameters (TNF-α, IFN-γ, PGE 2, and NO) at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The biological activities of L. ferocissimum, which have been elucidated for the first time, have yielded promising results.

The possible applications for human retinal organoids (HROs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) rely on the robustness and transferability of the methodology for their generation. Standardized strategies and parameters to effectively assess, compare, and optimize organoid protocols are starting to be established, but are not yet complete. To advance this, we explored the efficiency and reliability of a differentiation method, called CYST protocol, that facilitates retina generation by forming neuroepithelial cysts from hiPSC clusters. Here, we tested seven different hiPSC lines which reproducibly generated HROs. Histological and ultrastructural analyses indicate that HRO differentiation and maturation are regulated. The different hiPSC lines appeared to be a larger source of variance than experimental rounds. Although previous reports have shown that HROs in several other protocols contain a rather low number of cones, HROs from the CYST protocol are consistently richer in cones and with a comparable ratio of cones, rods, and Müller glia. To provide further insight into HRO cell composition, we studied single cell RNA sequencing data and applied CaSTLe, a transfer learning approach. Additionally, we devised a potential strategy to systematically evaluate different organoid protocols side-by-side through parallel differentiation from the same hiPSC batches: In an explorative study, the CYST protocol was compared to a conceptually different protocol based on the formation of cell aggregates from single hiPSCs. Comparing four hiPSC lines showed that both protocols reproduced key characteristics of retinal epithelial structure and cell composition, but the CYST protocol provided a higher HRO yield. So far, our data suggest that CYST-derived HROs remained stable up to at least day 200, while single hiPSC-derived HROs showed spontaneous pathologic changes by day 200. Overall, our data provide insights into the efficiency, reproducibility, and stability of the CYST protocol for generating HROs, which will be useful for further optimizing organoid systems, as well as for basic and translational research applications.

The lymphatic system (LS) is composed of lymphoid organs and a network of vessels that transport interstitial fluid, antigens, lipids, cholesterol, immune cells, and other materials in the body. Abnormal development or malfunction of the LS has been shown to play a key role in the pathophysiology of many disease states. Thus, improved understanding of the anatomical and molecular characteristics of the LS may provide approaches for disease prevention or treatment. Recent advances harnessing single-cell technologies, clinical imaging, discovery of biomarkers, and computational tools have led to the development of strategies to study the LS. This Review summarizes the outcomes of the NIH workshop entitled “Yet to be Charted: Lymphatic System in Health and Disease,” held in September 2022, with emphasis on major areas for advancement. International experts showcased the current state of knowledge regarding the LS and highlighted remaining challenges and opportunities to advance the field.

Background: Tribbles Homolog 3 (TRIB3) is a member of the pseudokinase family of tribbles and acts as an adaptor protein to regulate different cellular processes. Upregulation of TRIB3 expression was shown either as a favorable or an adverse prognostic factor in various adult malignancies. However, TRIB3 expression has not been examined in pediatric cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant solid tumor of childhood, which affects mostly children under 5 years old. Risk stratification of patients defined by International Neuroblastoma Risk Group was used to determine prognosis and treatment of the disease. This study aimed to examine the relationship between TRIB3 protein expression levels and clinicopathological features and survival of patients. Methods: TRIB3 protein expression was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of neuroblastoma patients (n = 56). Survival analyses were performed with Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests. Association between TRIB3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation. Results: Of the patients, 32.1% were in the low-risk group, 21.4% in the medium-risk group, and 46.4% in the high-risk group. Survival analysis was performed in the entire neuroblastoma patient group and sub-risk groups of neuroblastoma patients. In the entire patient group, there was no significant difference in overall survival ( P = .202) and event-free survival ( P = .172) between TRIB3-positive and -negative patients. However, when survival analyses were performed in each risk group, TRIB3 expression was significantly associated with higher overall survival ( P = .034) and event-free survival ( P = .032) in low-risk group neuroblastoma patients. Nevertheless, no association was found between TRIB3 expression and overall survival ( P = .799) and event-free survival ( P = .448) in high-risk neuroblastoma patients. Furthermore, a significant correlation was identified between 1p36 loss-of-heterozygosity and TRIB3 expression ( P = .030). However, TRIB3 expression did not correlate with other clinicopathological features. Conclusion: TRIB3 expression is a potential predictive biomarker for low-risk neuroblastoma patients.

Objective: To identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection during the vaccination period nationwide in Turkey. Methods: COVID-19 patients followed in the pandemic services across Turkey between January 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022 were investigated retrospectively. Nosocomial COVID-19 was defined as a patient neither diagnosed with COVID-19 nor suspected COVID-19 at the hospital admission and was confirmed COVID-19 ≥5 days after hospital admission. The primary outcome of this study was in-hospital mortality; demographic features and vaccination status was compared between survivors and non-survivors. Results: During the study period, 15 573 COVID-19 patients were followed in 18 centers and 543 (3.5%) patients were nosocomial COVID-19. Most patients with nosocomial COVID-19 (80.4%) were transferred from medical wards. 162 (29.8%) of the patients with nosocomial COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit due to disease severity and 138 (25.4%) of the patients died during hospital stay. Advanced age (≥65 years) and number of comorbid diseases (≥2) was found to be associated with mortality in nosocomial COVID-19 (OR 1.74, 95% Cl 1.11-2.74 and OR 1.60, 95% Cl 1.02-2.56, respectively). Vaccination was associated with survival in nosocomial COVID-19 (OR 0.25, 95% Cl 0.16-0.38). Conclusions: Patients with nosocomial COVID-19 had increased admission to intensive care units and higher mortality rate. Vaccination can decrease the in-hospital mortality rate.

Pulmonary adverse events and drug-induced lung disease (DILD) can occur when treating many conditions. The incidence of DILDs in clinical practice and the variety of radiological findings have increased, mainly due to the increased use of novel therapeutic agents. It is crucial to determine whether the newly emerging clinical and imaging findings in these patients are due to the progression of the underlying disease, infection, pulmonary edema, or drug use, as this will change the patient management. Although the diagnosis of DILD is usually obtained by excluding other possible causes, radiologists should be aware of the imaging findings of DILD. This article reviews the essential radiological results of DILD and summarizes the critical clinical and imaging findings with an emphasis on novel therapeutic agents.

Connectome harmonic decomposition analysis reveals how neuromodulation and the network architecture of the human connectome jointly shape consciousness and distributed functional activation across scales.

Richter’s Transformation is a treatment-resistant and fatal progression from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) to an aggressive lymphoma. Here, the authors show that PRMT5 is upregulated months prior to and after transformation, PRMT5 overexpression in a CLL mouse model leads to increased risk of transformation, and that targeted PRMT5 inhibition prolongs survival and delays disease development.

Abstract Background During non-surgical retreatment process, the products such as dentin debris, root canal fillings, irrigation solutions, microorganisms and remaining pulp tissues can extrude to the apical area and can cause the postoperative pain and flare-up. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluatethe effect of EDDY and manual dynamic activation (MDA) techniques on postoperative pain (PP) associated with retreatment. Methods Ninety patients scheduled for retreatment were treated at a single visit. Non-vital mandibular premolar teeth diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups (n = 45) on the basis of the need for additional irrigation activation procedures (EDDY and MDA). The patients’ post-treatment pain levels were asked to rate the intensity of their pain on a 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS) at the 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd h and 7 days.The data were analyzed using the chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for within-group comparisons and Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the groups by time period. Results The difference in postoperative pain intensity between two groups was statistically significant at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h (p 0.05). Pain intensity after the treatment was lesser in the MDA groupthanin the EDDY group at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Conclusion This study could lead us to conclude that the two activation systems can be used during endodontic retreatment with no difference at PP 7 days later. However, a comparison of the groups indicated that the EDDY resulted in significantly more PP at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04726670.