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lncRNA PVT1 silencing inhibits gastric cancer cells’ progression via enhancing chemosensitivity to paclitaxel
No full textGastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high morbidity and the absence of effective therapies. Even though paclitaxel is a powerful anticancer chemotherapy drug, recent studies have indicated its ineffectiveness against GC cells. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PVT1 has a high expression in GC cells and increases the progression of tumors via inducing drug resistance. In the present study, the effects of the siRNA-mediated lncRNA PVT1 gene silencing along with paclitaxel treatment on the rate of apoptosis, growth, and migration of AGS GC cells were investigated. AGS cells were cultured and then transfected with siRNA PVT1 using electroporation. The MTT test was used to examine the effect of treatments on the viability of cultured cells. Furthermore, the flow cytometry method was used to evaluate the impact of treatments on the cell cycle process and apoptosis induction in GC cells. Finally, the mRNA expression of target genes was assessed using the qRT-PCR method. The results showed that lncRNA PVT1 gene suppression, along with paclitaxel treatment, reduces the viability of cancer cells and significantly increases the apoptosis rate of cancer cells and the number of cells arrested in the G2/M phase compared to the control group. Based on the results of qRT-PCR, combined treatment significantly decreased the expression of MMP3, MMP9, MDR1, MRP1, Bcl-2, k-Ras, and c-Myc genes and increased the expression of the Bax gene compared to the control group. The results of our study showed that lncRNA PVT1 gene targeting, together with paclitaxel treatment, induces apoptosis, inhibits growth, alleviates drug resistance, and reduces the migratory capability of GC cells. Therefore, there is a need for further investigations to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach in vivo in animal models. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Educational Needs in Geriatric Medicine Among Health Care Professionals and Medical Students in COST Action 21122 PROGRAMMING: Mixed-Methods Survey Protocol
No full textBackground: The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 21122, PROmoting GeRiAtric Medicine in countries where it is still eMergING (PROGRAMMING) developed an online open survey to assess the educational interests and needs of health care professionals and final-year medical students across participating countries. This survey aims to establish a current baseline for developing educational content on geriatric medicine for nongeriatricians and a framework for its delivery. Objective: This paper describes the aim, development, structure, content, and dissemination of this survey. Methods: The mixed methods electronic survey, initially developed in English through a cocreation process with key stakeholders, was subsequently translated into 24 languages. It received ethics approval from multiple participating countries. Within- and cross-country analyses of the survey data will be conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and content analyses for qualitative data. National and international teams will conduct analyses in parallel exploring responses within a specific country or region, professional category (or among medical students), or setting of work. Basic descriptive statistics and chi-square tests will evaluate differences in knowledge, relevance, and interest in geriatric topics across countries, professions, and settings of work. The effectiveness of formal education in geriatric medicine and clinical rotations in geriatric settings versus the lack thereof in promoting higher self-perceived knowledge on geriatric medicine topics will be explored using binary logistic regression. We will provide basic descriptive statistics (frequencies) of reported barriers to receiving further training in geriatric medicine and the effectiveness of various teaching methods as rated by the respondents and explore differences across countries, professions, and settings using chi-square tests. We will conduct qualitative content analyses of free-text responses to the questions exploring professionals’ and medical students’ thoughts on caring for older people and medical students’ thoughts on becoming geriatricians. Results: The survey included the following sections: Informed Consent, Demographics, Topics and Skills, Medical Students vs. Professionals, Current Profession (for professionals), Previous Education in Geriatric Medicine (for professionals), Education in Geriatric Medicine (for medical students), Interest in Care of Older People or Geriatric Medicine, Suggestions for Courses in Care for Older People or Geriatric Medicine, and Closure. The survey was disseminated between October 9, 2023, and June 5, 2024, and received 6099 responses; after cleaning, there were 5922 (97.1%) responses (n=5474, 92.43% from professionals and n=448, 7.57% from medical students). Conclusions: This survey’s findings will inform educational projects across the PROGRAMMING countries. We will share these findings with national and international stakeholders, including professional societies, medical schools, and other relevant organizations. We will advocate for professional educational curricula to include geriatric topics rated as relevant by the survey respondents and promote clinical rotations in geriatric settings and teaching methods rated as effective by the survey respondents. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Object Detection Model for Ultrasound Applications on Concrete
No full text42nd IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, IMAC 2024-- -- Orlando; FL -- 320889Dynamic ultrasonic waves can be utilized to assess concrete for defects. This study introduces an optimized approach using computer vision algorithms on ultrasound images to assist in localizing and quantifying substantial defects and components. To detect concrete details, the ultrasonic signals are assembled to create 3D images for the concrete material and then converted into 2D so-called B-scans. A computer vision algorithm was trained on a dataset of labeled images that show different levels of delamination as 2D ultrasound images. The algorithm can then analyze new ultrasound images and classify them according to the degree of delamination present. The computer vision techniques that can be used for this purpose include convolutional neural networks (CNN) by applying YOLO V5, commonly used for image classification tasks. In addition to detecting delamination, computer vision techniques can identify other abnormalities in concrete structures, such as cracks, voids, and inclusions. These techniques can help engineers and maintenance professionals to identify and address problems in concrete structures before they lead to more severe issues. The paper will present these methodologies and applications with a case study. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Usability of the mandibular gonial angle measured retrospectively from computed tomography sections in sex estimation
No full textSex estimation is a crucial step in the identification process. This study investigates the forensic potential of the mandibular gonial angle measured on computed tomography (CT) scans for sex estimation. In our study, cranial and maxillofacial images were randomly selected from computed tomography scans with appropriate imaging quality. Cases with maxillofacial morphological deformity, nonadult cases, foreign bodies or motion artifact in radiological images, or a history of surgical intervention due to maxillofacial trauma were excluded. 240 males and 240 females subjects were included in the study. Participants were categorized into three age groups (20-39, 40-59, and 60-80 years) to compare sex-related differences. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way fixed-effects ANOVA to evaluate the effects of sex, age group and their interaction on gonial angle measurements. Normality of distributions was confirmed by the Shapiro-Wilk test (p > 0.05) and homogeneity of variances was verified by Levene's test (p > 0.05). The ANOVA revealed statistically significant main effects for sex (p < 0.001) and age group (p = 0.001) as well as a significant interaction effect (p = 0.048). Effect sizes were calculated using partial eta squared, showing a moderate effect for sex (eta(2) = 0.061) and small effects for age group (eta(2) = 0.029) and the interaction (eta(2) = 0.013). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were performed using Tukey's HSD test. Our findings indicate that female gonial angles are consistently larger than those of males across all age groups. This angular variation as observed in our analysis tends to increase with age. It was also concluded that this increase starts to show statistically significant sexual dimorphism after the age of 40 and that it becomes more dimorphic between the ages of 60-80
Domestication as the driver of lower chronic stress levels in fish in catch-and-release recreational fisheries and aquaculture versus wild conspecifics
No full textThe manipulation of species’ attributes through selective breeding can produce domesticated traits including decreased stress responses (i.e., selecting for high stress resilience). Common carp Cyprinus carpio (“carp”) have been domesticated for centuries, with domesticated forms frequently used to enhance recreational catch-and-release fisheries around the world. In Atlantic salmon Salmo salar (“salmon”), two primary strains are evident, a wild strain and domesticated aquaculture strain. Here, we compared scale cortisol concentrations (a biomarker of fish chronic stress levels) between domesticated carp in catch-and-release pond fisheries and wild carp in waters with no angling. Carp of low scale cortisol concentration were apparent in all sampled populations, suggesting individuals of low stress sensitivity are encountered in both wild and domesticated strains, and in natural and captive environments. Carp with relatively high levels of scale cortisol were, however, only present in wild carp, suggesting high phenotypic variability in their chronic stress responses, with some individuals being highly sensitive to stress. In some wild carp, elevated scale cortisol concentrations could also have been indicative of adaptive responses to their heterogenous environments. We then compared wild versus farmed salmon scale cortisol levels, and found a similar pattern, with relatively high scale cortisol levels only detected in wild fish. These results indicate that while domesticated carp and salmon are exposed to potentially stressful environments, they appear to have some resilience against the adverse effects of chronic stress. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
The climate of the other\: The representation of climate change awareness in subaltern literature
No full textRecognized as one of the most urgent crises of our time, climate change extends far beyond environmental degradation to encompass social, political, and economic dimensions. However, it does not affect all communities equally. This thesis, therefore, aims to explore how climate change awareness is reflected in literature through the experiences of subaltern communities in the Global South, whose voices are often silenced or marginalized within Western-centered climate narratives. In this context, one of the central aims of the thesis is to open up a discussion of the historical, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the climate crisis by using postcolonial ecocritical theory through literary works. All these theoretical perspectives provide the framework for analyzing contemporary novels that depict environmental destruction in postcolonial contexts, such as The Swan Book (2013) by Alexis Wright, Oil on Water (2010) by Helon Habila, Fever Dream (2017) by Samanta Schweblin, and Valli (2022) by Sheela Tomy. Drawing on postcolonial ecocritical theory, this thesis employs key concepts such as subalternity, epistemic violence, and climate colonialism to examine environmental injustice as reflected in contemporary literature. It also revisits the notion of ecophobia in light of the exclusion and vulnerability faced by subaltern communities, offering a distinctive theoretical perspective. Taking all of this into account, the thesis examines how the climate crisis is experienced, represented, and met with various forms of resistance across different geographies, through literary works set in countries such as Australia, Nigeria, Argentina, and India. Beyond its focus on historical and political inequalities, the thesis also engages with the representational gaps that shape climate narratives. It questions the dominant apocalyptic approaches often found in contemporary climate narratives and draws attention to the literary positioning of marginalized subaltern voices that lie outside of these frameworks. In line with this, genre categories such as Cli-Fi, Petrofiction, EcoHorror, and Ecofiction are reconsidered. The study, thus, digs into how the selected novels relate to these genres, how they question their conventions, and how they create space for new narrative forms and perspectives. In conclusion, the most significant contribution of this thesis lies in its centering of the experiences of subaltern communities, frequently overlooked in literary representations of the climate crisis, and in its effort to make visible the representational gap within the ecocritical realm.Günümüzün en acil krizlerinden biri olarak kabul edilen iklim değişikliği, yalnızca çevresel tahribatla sınırlı kalmayıp, sosyal, politik ve ekonomik boyutları da kapsamaktadır. Fakat bu kriz herkesi eşit derecede etkilememektedir. Bu tez, bu nedenle, iklim değişikliği farkındalığının edebiyatta Küresel Güney'deki madun toplulukların deneyimleri aracılığıyla nasıl yansıtıldığını incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır; zira bu toplulukların sesleri, sıklıkla Batı merkezli iklim anlatıları içinde susturulmakta ya da görmezden gelinmektedir. Bu bağlamda, tezin temel hedeflerinden biri, postkolonyal ekokritik kuramı kullanarak iklim krizinin tarihsel, politik, ekonomik ve kültürel boyutlarını edebi eserler aracılığıyla tartışmaya açmaktır. Tüm bu kuramsal bakış açıları, sömürgecilik sonrası süreçte yaşanan çevresel yıkımın edebi temsillerini incelemek üzere, Alexis Wright'ın The Swan Book (2013), Helon Habila'nın Oil on Water (2010), Samanta Schweblin'in Fever Dream (2017) ve Sheela Tomy'nin Valli (2022) adlı çağdaş romanlarına odaklanan çözümlemelere teorik bir zemin sunmaktadır. Bu tez, çevresel adaletsizliği çağdaş anlatılara yansıma biçimleriyle birlikte incelemek amacıyla postkolonyal ekokritik kuramdan yararlanarak madunluk, epistemik şiddet ve iklim sömürgeciliği gibi temel kavramları kuramsal araçlar olarak kullanmaktadır. Ayrıca, ekofobi kavramı, subaltern toplulukların dışlanma ve kırılganlık deneyimleri bağlamında yeniden ele alınarak çalışmaya özgün bir kuramsal katkı sunmaktadır. Tüm bunlar göz önünde bulundurulduğunda, tezde iklim krizinin farklı coğrafyalarda nasıl deneyimlendiği, temsil edildiği ve ne tür direnç biçimleriyle karşılandığı, Avustralya, Nijerya, Arjantin ve Hindistan gibi ülkelerde geçen edebi eserler aracılığıyla incelenmektedir. Bu nedenle bu tez, iklim edebiyatında tarihsel ve siyasal eşitsizliklerin yanı sıra temsil sorunlarını da eleştirel bir çerçevede değerlendirmektedir. Özellikle çağdaş anlatılarda öne çıkan kıyamet merkezli yaklaşımlar sorgulanarak bu çerçevenin dışında kalan, marjinalleştirilmiş madun seslerin edebiyattaki konumuna dikkat çekilmektedir. Bu doğrultuda, İklimkurgu, Petrokurgu, Ekokorku ve Ekokurgu gibi türsel sınıflandırmalar yeniden gözden geçirilip seçilen romanların bu türlerle nasıl ilişki kurduğu ve bu türsel çerçeveleri hangi yönlerden sorgulayarak yeni anlatı biçimlerine ve bakış açılarına nasıl alan açtığı analiz edilmektedir. Sonuç olarak, tezin mevcut literatüre en önemli katkısı, iklim krizine dair edebi anlatılarda sıklıkla görmezden gelinen madun toplulukların deneyimlerini merkeze alması ve bu yolla ekokritik literatürdeki temsil boşluğunu eleştirel bir bakışla görünür kılmasıdır
Successful viral suppression in a two-year-old child with human immunodeficiency virus infection treated with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
No full textBackground. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a major challenge in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management, especially in young children due to medication formulation, administration difficulties, and psychosocial barriers. Single-tablet regimens (STRs) have been shown to improve adherence and viral suppression in adults and adolescents, yet their use in younger children remains limited. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) is an STR with a high genetic barrier to resistance, making it a promising option for pediatric patients with adherence difficulties. Case Presentation. We report a case of a 2-year-old girl with perinatally acquired HIV who experienced persistent viremia despite multiple ART regimens. The mother received zidovudine prophylaxis during delivery, and the infant was started on zidovudine (AZT) prophylaxis on the first day of life. The patient's ART history included AZT monotherapy at birth, followed by combination therapy with lamivudine (3TC), lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), and later tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) with dolutegravir (DTG). Despite these regimens, poor adherence related to medication administration difficulties and caregiver challenges contributed to persistent viremia. A multidisciplinary team approach was implemented to address adherence barriers. Given the patient's ongoing virological failure and resistance mutations (L76V and V179E), off-label use of BIC/FTC/TAF (50mg/200mg/25mg) was approved. The dosage was adjusted based on weight, and medication administration was closely monitored. Within one month of treatment, HIV RNA levels significantly declined from 1,800,000 to 207 copies/mL. Viral suppression was maintained over subsequent three-month intervals, with HIV RNA levels of 35, 40, and 43 copies/mL, alongside immune recovery as indicated by increased CD4 counts. Conclusion. The successful off-label use of BIC/FTC/TAF in a treatment-refractory pediatric HIV case highlights its potential efficacy in young patients facing adherence challenges. Its high genetic barrier to resistance and favorable tolerability make it a promising option when standard therapies fail. Further research is needed to optimize pediatric ART strategies and expand access to STRs globally
ÂVÂZE YAPISINI EDVÂRLAR ÜZERİNDEN ANLAMAK
No full textIn this study, the âvâze structure, identified as a basic category in music theory sources from the Islamic world between the 13th and 17th centuries, was analyzed. In contrast to studies focused on various aspects of the âvâze, such as its conceptual dimensions and philosophical backgrounds, as well as its relations with philosophy and astrology, this study examined the âvâze category in terms of music, addressing its theoretical and analytical dimensions by focusing on Geveşt and Gerdâniye âvâzes. In addition to the analyzed Gerdâniye and Geveşt âvâzes, the pitches and intervals of the Nevrûz, Selmek, Mâye, Şehnâz and Hisâr âvâzes with their modes of intikâl (transmission and movement/seyîr) and foundational elements including their âgâz and karâr pitches along with their modern equivalents were determined and included in the study. In this study, conducted with a qualitative approach; the data was obtained from music theory sources written between the 13th and 17th centuries, thematically cataloged and analyzed. Based on the data obtained from primary sources, it is evident that the âvâzes were not composite structures, unlike the devirs (cycles) and terkîbs, but originated from a single core. These cores could be found within various devir structures, which is why the âvâzes were associated with devirs in edvârs. It is apparent that the âvâzes had their own modes of intikâl, and thus, distinct from other categories, formed a unique classification in music theory sources.Bu çalışmada 13-17. yüzyıllar arasında İslâm coğrafyasına ait müzik teori kaynaklarında temel bir kategori olarak nitelendirilen âvâze yapısı incelenmektedir. Âvâzelerin kavramsal boyutu, bâtınî niteliği, felsefe ve astroloji alanlarıyla olan ilişkisi üzerine yapılmış yayınlardan farklı olarak bu çalışmada âvâze sınıfı müzik alanı bakımından irdelenmekte, teorik ve analitik boyutlarıyla Geveşt ve Gerdâniye âvâzeleri üzerinden ele alınmaktadır. Çözümlemesi yapılan Geveşt ve Gerdâniye âvâzelerine ek olarak Nevrûz, Selmek, Mâye, Şehnâz ve Hisâr âvâzelerinin sesleri ve aralıkları, intikâl şekilleri, asılları, âgâz ve karâr perdeleri ile günümüzdeki perde karşılıkları tespit edilerek çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Nitel araştırma yaklaşımıyla hazırlanan çalışmada, veriler 13. yüzyıl ile 17. yüzyıl arasındaki müzik teori kaynakları üzerinden toplanmış ve tematik olarak kataloglanarak analiz edilmiştir. Birincil kaynaklar üzerinden elde edilen bu veriler doğrultusunda âvâzelerin devir ve terkîb yapılarından farklı olarak birleşim olmadıkları, tek bir asıldan meydana geldikleri, ilgili asılların çeşitli devirlerde de bulunması sebebiyle edvârlarda devirlerle ilişkilendirildikleri, kendilerine özgü intikâl şekillerinin olduğu ve böylelikle diğer kategorilerden ayrışarak müzik teori kaynaklarında özgün bir sınıflama olarak yer aldıkları anlaşılmıştır
Lineer olmayan evrim denklemlerinin çözümünde yenilikçi denklem yöntemleri
No full textBu tez çalışmasının amacı, lineer olmayan evrim denklemlerinin analitik çözümlerinde kullanılan yenilikçi yöntemlerden biri olan Auxiliary (Ek) Denklem Yöntemi'ni ve Fokas denklemini incelemek ve yöntemin (4+1) boyutlu Fokas denklemi üzerinde uygulanabilirliğini göstererek sonuçlar elde etmektir. Tezin ilk bölümünde, giriş kısmı ve iki ana alt başlık bulunmaktadır. '1.1. Lineer Olmayan Kısmi Diferansiyel Denklemler' başlığı altında bu denklemlerle ilgili tanımlar verilirken, '1.2. Hareketli Dalga Denklemleri' başlığı altında ise hareketli dalgalar inceleme konusu olmuştur. Tezin ikinci bölümünde, Auxiliary (Ek) Denklem Yöntemi ayrıntılı olarak, adım adım açıklanmıştır. Tezin son bölümünde, Fokas denklemi incelenmiştir ve (4+1) boyutlu Fokas denklemi üzerinde Auxiliary (Ek) Denklem Yöntemi kullanılarak yeni seyahat eden dalga çözümleri bulunmuştur. Bulunan çözümler, hiperbolik, trigonometrik, üstel ve rasyonel fonksiyonlar cinsinden ifade edilerek çözülmüştür, çözüm fonksiyonlarının üç boyutlu grafikleri Mathematica programı desteğiyle çizilmiştir.The aim of this thesis is to investigate the Auxiliary Equation Method, which is one of the innovative methods used in analytical solutions of nonlinear evolution equations, and the Fokas equation and to obtain results by showing the applicability of the method on the (4+1)-dimensional Fokas equation. In the first part of the thesis, there is an introduction and two main subheadings. Under the title of "1.1. Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations", definitions related to these equations are given, while under the title of "1.2. Travelling Wave Equations", travelling waves are the subject of investigation. In the second part of the thesis, the Auxiliary Equation Method is explained in detail, step by step. In the last part of the thesis, the Fokas equation is analysed and new travelling wave solutions are found by using the Auxiliary Equation Method on the (4+1)-dimensional Fokas equation. The solutions are expressed in terms of hyperbolic, trigonometric, exponential and rational functions and the three dimensional graphs of the solution functions are drawn with the support of Mathematica programme
National Registry for Home Mechanical Ventilation in Children from Turkey
No full textBackground: Advances in neonatal and pediatric intensive care have improved patient survival rates, emphasizing the need for respiratory support in cases of chronic respiratory failure, resulting in the establishment of the Turkish National Pediatric Patients Receiving Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV) Support Registration System in 2023. This study aims to present the initial findings of the registry. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, epidemiological and demographic data were obtained from the registry and compared between invasive ventilation (IV) and non-IV (NIV) groups. Results: The study included 952 patients registered from 23 centers with a median (interquartile range) age of 6.0 (3.0-12.0) years. IV support was observed in 51.1% of patients (n = 486). There was no difference in sex between IV and NIV groups, but a significant difference in age, nutrition, mobility status, and education were observed between the subgroups. The largest patient group had neuromuscular disease, with spinal muscular atrophy being the most common primary diagnosis (15.7%). Most of the caregivers (78.7% in the NIV group and 93.8% in the IV group) received formal training before the initiation of HMV. Conclusion: Turkey's first registry for pediatric HMV patients is introduced. This system helps understand and solve mobility and education issues for these patients in our country. Collaboration with relevant ministries is crucial. In addition, although most of the caregivers have received training before discharge, efforts are still needed to ensure that this rate is 100%. The long-term results will be presented in the future.Turkish Thoracic Society Research Support FundThe authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the Turkish Thoracic Society Research Support Fund in establishing the National Registry System for Home Mechanical Ventilation Support in Children