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The present study aimed to identify and characterize the hydroid fauna in the Gulf of Antalya, Türkiye. This paper reports 35 taxa belonging to 17 families identified in the region. Among the identified species, Clytia brevithecata, Clytia noliformis, Turritopsis nutricula, Scandia gigas and Acauloides ammisatum were recorded for the first time on Turkish coasts. Nineteen taxa – Amphinema rugosum, Coryne eximia, Clytia gracilis, Monotheca obliqua, Eudendrium merulum, Halecium tenellum, Orthopyxis integra, Hydractinia aculeata, Laomedea flexuosa, Laomedea angulata, Dicoryne conferta, Clytia linearis, Eudendrium simplex, Eudendrium capillare, Aglaophenia picardi, Halopteris diaphana, Salacia desmoides, Sertularella ellisii and Hydrodendron mirabile – are new to the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. With the publication of this paper, the number of hydroid species documented along the Turkish coasts has increased to 132, highlighting the importance of these findings. The discovery of new species and the expansion of their range underscores the need for continued research covering different depths to better understand the ecological importance of these organisms and the biodiversity of the marine environment.

Sheep pulmonary adenomatosis (ovine pulmonary adenomatosis, OPA, Jaagsiekte) is a chronic contagious bronchoalveolar carcinoma caused by the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus. Since effective treatment and a vaccination procedure are not currently possible, control and eradication of the disease is difficult. It leads to serious economic losses around the world, therefore studies are currently underway in order to design control and eradication programmes. In this study, levels and changes in selected tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and alphafetoprotein (AFP)-3) and their diagnostic significance were investigated.

This paper describes the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine compounds (DHPs) endowed with good muscle relaxant activity and stability to light. Six new condensed DHPs were synthesized by the microwave irradiation method. A long-chain ester moiety [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] and various substituents on the phenyl ring were demonstrated to affect the muscle relaxant activity occurring in isolated rabbit gastric fundus smooth muscle strips. Forced photodegradation conditions were applied to the molecules according to the ICH rules. The degradation profile of the drugs was monitored by spectrophotometry coupled with the multivariate curve resolution technique. Formation of the oxidized pyridine derivative was observed for all the studied DHPs, except for one compound, which showed very fast degradation and formation of a second photo-product. Pharmacological tests on the molecules showed a good muscle relaxing effect, with a mechanism similar to that of nifedipine, however, proving to be more stable to light.

The present study reports the synthesis, structural characterization and myorelaxant activity evaluation of a series of 16 novel 4-naphthyl-hexahydroquinoline derivatives. The compounds were achieved by one-pot microwave-assisted method via a modified Hantzsch reaction. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by various spectral methods like IR, 1D-2D NMR techniques and mass analysis. X-ray studies of compound 10 provided further evidence for the proposed structure. To evaluate their myorelaxant activities, the Emax and pD2 values of the compounds and nifedipine were determined on isolated rabbit gastric fundus smooth muscle strips. The obtained results indicated that introduction of long chain alkyl groups such as 2-methoxyethyl or 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl moiety to the ester group led to the most active compounds.

Crude oil price is a critical cost factor for manufacturing industries that are of vital importance for economic growth. This study examines the relationship between crude oil prices and the indices of seven Turkish manufacturing sub-sectors over the period 1997:01-2009:12. The error correction model results reveal the long term causality from crude oil prices to chemical petroleum-plastic and basic metal sub-sectors indicating that these sub-sectors are highly sensitive to crude oil prices. We find no causal relationship for other sector indices for short or long time periods.

Thanks to its use independently of time and place during the process of software development and by making it easier to access to information with mobile technologies, cloud based environments attracted the attention of education world and this technology started to be used in various activities. In this study, for programming education, the effects of extracurricular group assignments in cloud based environments on learners were evaluated in terms of group work satisfaction, ease of use and user satisfaction. Within the scope of computer programming education lasting eight weeks, a total of 100 students participated in the study including 34 men and 66 women. Participants were divided into groups of at least three people considering the advantages of cooperative learning in programming education. In this study carried out in both conventional and cloud based environments, between groups factorial design was used as research design. The data collected by questionnaires of opinions of group work were examined with quantitative analysis method. According to the study results extracurricular learning activities as group activity created satisfaction. However, perceptions of easy use of the environment and user satisfaction were partly positive. Despite the similar understandings; male participants were easier to perceive use of cloud computing based environments. Some variables such as class level, satisfaction, computer and internet usage time do not have any effect on satisfaction and perceptions of ease of use. Evening class students stated that they found it easy to use cloud based learning environments and became more satisfied with using these environments besides being happier with group work than daytime students.

Educational materials are commonly used to assist with communication during learning. One of the ways to determine the use of educational materials and their contribution to the learning process is to ask students for their opinions. Student opinions provide useful information regarding various objectives such as making both the learning process and resources more effective, bringing about the necessary improvements and organising the teaching process. In this study, we developed a questionnaire for determining the opinions of information graphics (infographics) readers on information graphics prepared for teaching purposes. This study was conducted in the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year with the participation of 59 students from the Department of Computer and Instructional Technologies Education of the Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education. The students were provided with a questionnaire consisting of 29 items that inquired their opinions on infographics. The collected data were assessed using Principal Component Analysis. Based on the analysis results, a second questionnaire consisting of 23 items and six factors (Learnability, Selection Preferences, Sharing, Basic Presentation Structure, Memorability, and Role in the Learning Process) was developed. According to the study results, the students considered infographics as highly instructive, and described that they help ensure a more lasting learning experience.

Technological developments and changes in how learning is understood have not only changed learning environments, but also how educational materials are developed. Infographics, one of the materials that are becoming increasingly more popular in learning environments, have nowadays become quite commonplace. Demonstrating the understanding of those who design such instructional materials is important with respect to the organisation of learning processes. In this study, we devised a questionnaire that aims to demonstrate the understanding infographic designers have of infographic design. A total of 94 students from the Department of Computer and Instructional Technologies Education of the Kazım Karabekir Faculty of Education took part in this study conducted during the fall semester of the 2013–2014 academic year. The participants were given a questionnaire consisting of 41 items that enquired about the readers’ views regarding infographic design. The collected data were assessed using Principal Component Analysis. Based on the analysis results, a questionnaire form consisting of 27 items and 8 factors (Understanding of Design, Design Process, Copyrights, Introduction, Readability, Sharing, References, Development) was developed.

Abstract Introduction Malignant melanoma is reported to metastasize to all organs of the human body. Although it is common for it to metastasize to the gastrointestinal tract, a melanoma located primarily in the gastric mucosa is an uncommon tumor. Gastrointestinal metastases are rarely diagnosed before death with radiological and endoscopic techniques. Case presentation In this case report the clinical course and treatment of a woman with melanoma of the stomach, without any other detectable primary lesion, is presented and discussed. A 55-year-old Turkish woman presented to our clinic with complaints of muscle pain and bone pain in the left side of her chest. During an upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy, dark cherry-colored, light elevated, round-shaped lesions were taken from her gastric fundus and from the first part of her duodenum. Biopsies from these samples were determined to be malignant melanoma by the pathologist. Conclusion Metastatic malignant melanoma cases should be examined through endoscopy for gastrointestinal metastases.

Abstract Introduction Our aim was to specify the use of mini C-arm fluoroscopy in a woman with schizophrenia who was suffering from abdominal pain because of ingested needles. Case presentation Here we report the case of an 18-year-old Turkish woman with schizophrenia who was admitted to the emergency department with signs of an acute abdomen as a result of ingestion of multiple needles. This is the third case in the literature for which mini C-arm fluoroscopy has been used to localize metallic sewing needles. Conclusion When intentional ingestion occurs, surgery is rarely required. It is hard to localize ingested sewing needles and mini C-arm fluoroscopy is a good alternative when metal detectors are not available for localization of metal sewing needles. We recommend this approach because it helps to avoid unnecessary exploration, shortens the duration of surgery and provides outstanding results.

Abstract Introduction Scrotal calcinosis is a rare benign entity defined as the presence of multiple calcified nodules within the scrotal skin. There are controversies about the origin of this entity. In fact, it is still debatable whether scrotal calcinosis is an idiopathic growth or dystrophic calcification of dartoic muscles. It is also unclear whether scrotal calcinosis originates from inflammation of epidermal cysts affected by mild to moderate inflammation of mononuclear cells, from foreign body granuloma formation followed by resorption of cyst walls or from eccrine epithelial cysts. Case presentation We report a 41-year-old male Turkish patient presenting with a 10-year history of scrotal tumours increasing slowly in size and number. Histopathologically, there was no epithelial lining around the calcified nodules, but there was fibrosis adjacent to atrophic stratified squamous epithelium. Conclusion Results of histopathological examinations suggested that scrotal calcinosis might have been due to resorption of cyst walls. Surgery remains the key for this problem. In cases of non-massive scrotal calcinosis, like the case presented here, excision of the nodules from the affected part of the scrotal wall and repairing the defect with horizontal stitches offer good cosmetic results without relapse.

Nutritional status and its index (Prognostic Nutritional Index, PNI) is an important prognostic factor for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The present study investigated whether PNI it is associated with no-reflow in patients with STEMI. In this retrospective study, 404 patients with STEMI and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were consecutively included, between January 2016 and December 2018. No-reflow phenomenon (NRP) was detected in 103 (25.4%) patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis C-reactive protein (CRP) (odds ratio (OR): 1.693, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.126-2.547, P = .011), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR: 0.777, 95% CI: 0.678-0.891, P < .001), SYNTAX score (OR: 1.114, 95% CI: 1.050-1.183, P = .001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR: 1.033, 95% CI: 1.013-1.055, P = .002), hemoglobin level (OR: 0.572, 95% CI: 0.395-0.827, P = .003), PNI (OR: 0.554, 95% CI: 0.448-0.686, P < .001) were associated with NRP. The area under curve of PNI was significantly higher than albumin (z = 4.747, P < .001) and lymphocyte values (z = 3.481 P < .001). PNI was associated with no-reflow occurrence and mortality. So, PNI may be useful to predict NRP risk in patients with STEMI before pPCI., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background : Ascending aortic aneurysms are one of the primary causes of mortality. However, not much is known about the etiologies of aortic aneurysm. Recently, in hypertensive (HT) patients, blood pressure variability (BPV) has been recommended as a remarkable risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to explore the association between short-term BPV and ascending aortic dilatation (AAD). Methods: In this study, a total of 53 HT patients with AAD (aortic size index [ASI] ≥21 mm/m 2 ) and 126 HT patients with a normal ascending aortic diameter (ASI <21 mm/m 2 ) were included. Baseline, echocardiographic, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring results were compared between groups. Standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of BP were used to determine short-term BPV. Results: Except for daytime SBP values, daytime, nighttime, and 24-h mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP levels were similar between groups. Compared with the HT patients with normal AA, daytime SBP, daytime SD of SBP, 24-h SD of SBP, daytime CV of SBP, and 24-h CV of SBP were significantly higher in HT patients with AAD. Compared with the HT patients with normal AA, the frequency of nondipper pattern was higher and dipper pattern was lower in HT patients with AAD. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the daytime CV of SBP, daytime SD of SBP, 24-h SD of SBP, daytime SBP, and left ventricular mass index were independently associated with AAD. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the daytime CV of SBP levels of >12.95 had a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 59% (area under the curve, 0.659; 95% CI, 0.562-0.756; P = .01); moreover, daytime SD of SBP > 16.4 had sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 61% (AUC, 0.687; 95% CI, 0.591-0.782; P < .001). :Conclusion Increased short-term BPV is independently associated with AAD and may be recommended as a remarkable factor risk for AAD in HT patients.

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS), mainly caused by carotid atherosclerosis, is related to ischemic stroke. We investigated whether C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) was associated with increased severity of carotid stenosis in patients undergoing carotid angiography. A total of 269 patients who were undergoing carotid angiography were included in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups with respect to the severe CAS: group 1 (stenosis < 70%, n = 189) or group II (stenosis ≥ 70%, n = 80). C-reactive protein to albumin ratio was higher in group II compared to group I (0.56 ± 0.25 vs 0.14 ± 0.01, P < .001). The CAR (odds ratio [OR]: 1.051, 95%CI: 1.027-1.076, P < .001), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and total cholesterol levels were independent predictors of severe CAS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) for the CAR to predict severe CAS was 0.798 (95% CI: 0.741-0.854, P < .001). C-reactive to protein albumin ratio was an independent risk factor of severe CAS. Therefore, CAR might be considered a potential index in the severity of carotid artery disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between coronary collateral circulation (CCC) and contrast associated nephropathy (CAN) in very elderly patients. Methods: Patients aged 90 years or older with at least one major occlusion of the coronary artery proximal or mid-section were included in the study. CCC was graded according to the Rentrop classification. CAN was defined as an increase in blood creatinine value of 25% or more on the second day after coronary angiography. Results: Thirty-six patients who met the study criteria were included in the study. In the study group, CAN developed in 12 patients (CAN (+) group), 24 patients did not develop CAN (CAN (-) group). The creatinine levels before coronary angiography were 1.05 ± 0.12 in the CAN (-) group and 1.22 ± 0.14 in the CAN (+) group. Baseline creatinine values were significantly higher in the CAN (+) group ( p = 0.001). The contrast agent used in the CAN (+) group was significantly higher ( p = 0.001). In the CAN (+) group, nine patients (43%) had poor collateral circulation, whereas only three patients (20%) had well-developed collateral circulation. In a logistic regression analysis, the collateral class was not a risk factor for CAN, whereas contrast agent volume and basal creatinine were independent predictors of CAN. Conclusion: We found that CCC grade was not associated with the development of CAN in very old patients, but the amount of contrast agent and pre-procedure creatinine values were independent variables in the development of CAN.

Background: Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between initial serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and right ventricular functions in inferior myocardial infarction (MI) with and without right ventricular involvement., Methods: The study included 61 patients, who presented with acute inferior MI. Twenty-seven patients had right ventricular involvement. Blood samples for BNP were obtained from each patient on admission. Echocardiographic assessments were performed and recorded during the first 12 h. Right ventricular involvement was determined by electrocardiography, conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDI)., Results: In inferior MI with right ventricular involvement, tricuspid annulus planimetric systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricular fractional area change were lower, and left ventricular E/E' ratio was higher. In the group with BNP levels above 400 pg/mL, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter were higher, and left ventricular ejection fraction and TAPSE, indicator of right ventricular systolic function, were lower. The elevated BNP levels were negatively correlated with RSm and TAPSE, while they were positively correlated with the E/E' ratio. The systolic blood pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter during admission were independent predictors of BNP levels., Conclusions: In acute inferior MI, initially increased BNP levels may be valuable in predicting the right ventricle involvement. Higher rates of hypotension, right ventricular dysfunction and increased left ventricle diameters are observed in patients with BNP levels ≥ 400 pg/mL., Competing Interests: None.

Objective: Emergency medicine staff is working at risk of blood-borne infections during their daily practice every time. The risk of transmission is higher when dealing with critically ill patients. Our objective was to find out the prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, in critically ill red-coded emergency department patients., Methods: The study was carried out as prospective observational study between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2013 in a tertiary inner city hospital emergency department in Istanbul, Turkey. Red triage coded patients managed in resuscitation room were enrolled., Results: One thousand patients were included during the study period. Fifty of them were HBV positive. Eighteen patients were HCV positive and 2 had both HBV and HCV. HIV was not recorded. Forty one of them were trauma patients. There were 226 unconscious or uncooperative patients. Prior blood transfusion history was present in 92 of the patients and among them 11 had HBV and 3 had HCV. Four patients or their relatives were aware of their HCV positivity. HBV positivity was already known by the patients or their relatives. Total HBV vaccination ratio was 7.4%., Conclusion: Prevalence of HCV (1.8%) and HBV(5%) seroprevalence in our study group was very low which correlated with the recent literature regarding the Turkish population. HIV was not detected during the study period. This may also be accepted as consistent with the very low number of reported cases in Turkey.