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Intravenous mitochondrial transplantation as an adjunctive therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy.
No full textDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most prevalent myocardial disorders in various animals. The underlying causes of DCM are complex and often involve multiple contributing mechanisms. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a key factor in the progression of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We investigated whether the transplantation of healthy mitochondria improves cardiac function by enhancing the contractile function of myocytes. A 6-year-old dog with cardiomyopathy received platelet-derived, viable mitochondria from a healthy donor as adjunctive therapy alongside standard medical management. Mitochondria were isolated from platelets and administered as a single intravenous bolus at a dose of 81,125 μg/mL. This procedure was carried out under continuous ECG and vital signs monitoring. Ventricular systolic function was assessed at multiple intervals using conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging. Our study revealed notable improvement in systolic performance as early as two hours post-transplantation of mitochondria, with enhanced contractility sustained up to 24 h. These studies suggest mitochondrial transplantation may offer a promising intervention or adjunct to conventional treatments for cardiac dysfunction. This report presents the first documented case of intravenous mitochondrial transplantation in canine DCM
Clashing aIs: Artificial intelligence literacy and academic integrity in an EFL context
No full textUsing a quantitative correlational approach, this study examined the connection between artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and attitudes towards plagiarism among English Language Teaching (ELT) students in a Turkish higher education context, where English as a foreign language (EFL) is taught. The participants (N = 82) scored high levels of AI literacy, especially in terms of usage, but knowledge of the ethical components, such as data privacy, responsible use, and authorship, was minimal. Their plagiarism attitudes were moderate and nuanced, marked by ethical awareness on one hand and tolerance for self-plagiarism acts on the other. The findings showed no significant relationship between AI literacy and plagiarism attitudes, suggesting that merely using AI does not lead to heightened ethical awareness. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed across gender, academic year, or frequency of AI use, indicating that these factors may be less influential than shared institutional experiences. Lastly, despite its small sample, the study contributes valuable insights into the foundational challenges of ethics integration in AI literacy, particularly for ELT students as future educators. The findings highlight the need for teacher education programs to embed the dimensions of ethical and critical use of AI tools into curricula to prepare students for responsible digital citizenship
The diagnostic and prognostic utility of complete blood count (CBC)-derived indices in dogs with sepsis caused by canine parvoviral infection
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of complete blood count (CBC)-derived indices incorporating red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) parameters in dogs that met the criteria for sepsis due to canine parvovirosis (CP). Fifty-two client-owned dogs with CP and ten healthy controls were enrolled in this study. CBC-derived indices, along with serum CRP and albumin concentrations, were evaluated before (T0) and after treatment (T1 and T3). Dogs meeting the criteria for sepsis exhibited statistically significantly higher RDW/L (P 0.949) and MPV/L (AUC: >0.961). In conclusion, CBC-derived indices incorporating RBC and PLT parameters can provide useful information about the diagnosis and prognosis in dogs with sepsis produced by parvovirus. These findings, if corroborated in larger studies, would support their integration into clinical practice to enhance the early detection and risk stratification in canine sepsis
Corporate social responsibility practices of Islamic banks operating in Afrıcan countries
No full textBu çalışma, Afrika kıtasındaki faaliyet gösteren İslami bankaların kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk (KSS) uygulamalarını incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. İslami bankacılık; şeriata dayansa da Afrika’daki farklı İslami bankalarının KSS stratejilerine ne ölçüde yansıdığı yeterince araştırılmamıştır. Araştırma, misyon ve vizyon beyanı, ürünler ve hizmetler, zekât, hayır ve yardım fonları, çalışanlara, borçlulara ve topluma yönelik taahhütler gibi temel KSS alanlarını belirlemeye odaklanmakta ve bu girişimlerin hem İslami finansın değerleriyle hem de yerel sosyoekonomik ihtiyaçlarla nasıl bir performans sergilediğini değerlendirmektedir. Kamuya açık yıllık raporlara dikkate alıp KSS açıklama endeks analiz edilerek, Jaiz Bank, Al Baraka Bank Mısır, Al Baraka Bank Cezayir, Alsalam Bank Cezayir, Al Baraka Bank Tunus, Bank Zitouna Tunus, Wifak Bank, Faisal İslamic Bank Sudan, Albaraka Bank Sudan, Umnia Bank, Bank Assafa ve Güney Afrika Al Baraka Bank seçilen İslami bankaların KSS uygulamaları karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bu çalışma, Afrika’daki 12 İslami bankanın KSS endeks performansını inceleyerek önemli farklılıkları ortaya koymaktadır. Genel eğilimler, bankalar ve endeks boyutları arasında heterojen bir performans sergilendiğini, misyon ve vizyon beyanı ile borçlulara yönelik taahhütlerin güçlü alanlar olduğunu, ancak zekât ve hayır fonları açıklamalarının en zayıf boyutu oluşturduğunu göstermektedir. Topluma ve çalışanlara yönelik taahhütler ise ülkeler arasında dalgalı bir seyir izlemektedir. Genel performans sıralamasında Al Baraka Bank (Mısır) ile birinci, Albaraka Bank (Güney Afrika) ikinci, Jaiz Bank (Nijerya) ve Faisal Islamic Bank (Sudan) üçüncü sırada yer alırken; Umnia Bank ve Bank Assafa en düşük KSS Endeks skorları almıştır. Sonuç olarak, İslami finansın etik boyutu teoride güçlü olsa da sosyal uygulamalar ve şeffaf açıklamalar heterojen kalmakta; özellikle hayır fonları raporlamasının geliştirilmesi ve sosyal sosyal göstergelerin stratejilere daha fazla entegre edilmesi kritik bir ihtiyaç olarak öne çıkmaktadır.This study aims to examine the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of Islamic banks operating in Africa. While Islamic banking is based on Sharia law, the extent to which this is reflected in the CSR strategies of various Islamic banks in Africa has not been adequately researched. The research focuses on identifying key areas of CSR, such as mission and vision statements, products and services, zakat, charitable and aid funds, and commitments to employees, borrowers, and the community, and assesses how these initiatives align with both the values of Islamic finance and local socioeconomic needs. By analyzing publicly available annual reports and analyzing the CSR disclosure index, we comparatively assessed the CSR practices of selected Islamic banks: Jaiz Bank, Al Baraka Bank Egypt, Al Baraka Bank Algeria, Alsalam Bank Algeria, Al Baraka Bank Tunisia, Bank Zitouna Tunisia, Wifak Bank, Faisal Islamic Bank Sudan, Albaraka Bank Sudan, Umnia Bank, Bank Assafa, and Al Baraka Bank South Africa. This study examines the CSR index performance of 12 Islamic banks in Africa, revealing significant differences. General trends indicate heterogeneity of performance across banks and index dimensions, with mission and vision statements and commitments to borrowers being strong areas, while disclosures of zakat and charitable funds are the weakest dimensions. Commitments to society and employees, however, fluctuate across countries. In terms of overall performance, Al Baraka Bank (Egypt) ranked first, Albaraka Bank (South Africa) second, Jaiz Bank (Nigeria) and Faisal Islamic Bank (Sudan) third, while Umnia Bank and Bank Assafa received the lowest CSR Index scores. Consequently, while the ethical dimension of Islamic finance is theoretically strong, social practices and transparent disclosures remain heterogeneous. Improving reporting for charitable funds and further integrating social indicators into strategies are particularly critical
Tobacco and Neurodegenerative Disorders
No full textThe prevalence of tobacco usage has exhibited a persistent upward trend from historical records to contemporary times. This phenomenon not only impacts the individuals directly engaging in tobacco consumption but also extends its repercussions to bystanders through passive exposure. A spectrum of severe ailments, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diverse malignancies, immune disorders, and diabetes, is closely correlated with prolonged smoking habits. Moreover, the neurological ramifications of tobacco ingestion encompass cerebrovascular disorders, silent cerebral infarctions, and aneurysmal formations. The influence of tobacco use on neurodegenerative conditions exhibits nuanced findings within extant literature. Existing scholarship generally posits smoking as a significant element in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease while also suggesting potential protective and disease-modifying effects in the context of Parkinson's disease. While nicotine stands as a pivotal agent driving these physiological effects of tobacco, there exists conjecture regarding the contributory roles of other constituents in either exacerbating or ameliorating disease trajectories. This chapter evaluates the effects of nicotine and other tobacco products on the development of neurodegenerative disorders via the central nervous system and the blood–brain barrier, as well as the pharmacotherapeutic interventions designed in response to these effects
Comparison of radar absorbing properties of sintered zinc industry wastes in the 2–18 GHz frequency range
No full textThis study investigates the conversion of zinc industry wastes zinc leach residue (ZLR), brass chip waste (BW), and brass flue dust (BFD) into radar-absorbing materials (RAM) for 2–18 GHz applications. The wastes were sintered at 700 °C/3 h and characterized for their physical (grains size and porosity), chemical (XRF), mineralogical (XRD), and electromagnetic (EM) properties. Electrical characterizations were performed with Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and waveguides. BW exhibited the highest dielectric (tan δε) and magnetic (tan δμ) loss tangents, achieving a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of − 35.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.6 GHz at an optimal thickness of 2.5 mm. BFD and ZLR showed moderate RLmin values of − 28.7 dB and − 22.1 dB, respectively, with corresponding EABs of 4.2 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The results demonstrate that BW offers superior microwave absorption, while all three wastes can be effectively repurposed into cost-efficient RAM structures. This approach not only valorises hazardous industrial byproducts but also contributes to sustainable material development and circular economy practices in the metals industry
Microbial transport systems of organic sulfur compounds: Diversity and implications for biocatalysis, healthcare, and environmental biotechnology
No full textThe global sulfur cycle plays a vital role in human health, global warming, and biogeochemistry. Organic sulfur compounds constitute a substantial sulfur reservoir and serve as an energy and/or carbon source for prokaryotes. In addition, microbial interactions with organic sulfur compounds are pivotal for several biotechnological applications in petroleum biorefining, industrial biocatalysis, bioremediation, healthcare, and plant growth promotion. Microbial degradation of organic sulfur compounds is hindered by slow degradation rates, substrate specificity, toxicity of by-products, and challenges in scalability and efficiency. While degradation pathways of some organic sulfur compounds have been elucidated, transport systems involved in their uptake and efflux remain less explored. Regulating the uptake and efflux of organic sulfur compounds in microorganisms can help overcome several of the limitations associated with their transformation. Membrane transporters are not only crucial for the uptake and efflux of organic sulfur compounds but also play a key role in stress tolerance by facilitating the excretion of toxic metabolites. Understanding the intricacies of these transporters provides valuable insights into microbial ecology and the development of strategies for harnessing microbial sulfur metabolism for important biotechnological applications. This review systematically presents the diversity, mechanisms, and potential evolution pathways of microbial membrane transporters involved in organic sulfur compounds acquisition. Furthermore, it highlights and discusses advances in the characterization of transporter systems and current limitations in using transporter systems for fuel biodesulfurization and organic sulfur compound degradation. Eventually, we explore the implications of organic sulfur compounds transporters in biotechnology and identify future research directions toward leveraging the biotechnological potential of microbial sulfur metabolism, fueled by advanced techniques of systems microbiology, metabolic engineering, as well as artificial intelligence
A novel directional curvature sensor based on a hybrid method: FBG and V-grooved polymer fiber
No full textConventional fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors can measure curvature magnitude but cannot detect bending direction. Conversely, polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors with structured surfaces can detect direction but lack spectral resolution. Thus, there is a need for a compact sensing system that can measure both curvature magnitude and direction simultaneously. This study presents a hybrid optical sensor that combines a spiral-wound FBG with a V-grooved POF to achieve dual-parameter sensing. A single-mode photosensitive FBG was inscribed using the phase mask method and wrapped around a PMMA-based POF with pre-formed V-grooves. Curvature was applied bi-directionally over a range of 0–14.5 m−1, and four sensor configurations were analyzed using spectral shift and analog voltage readings. The hybrid sensor demonstrated stable curvature sensitivity of approximately 86.6 pm/m−1, enabling reliable direction discrimination. Concave bending produced analog voltages consistently above 2 V, while convex curvature yielded values below this threshold. Unlike FBG-only structures, the proposed design provides dual-mode output with high repeatability and minimal spectral noise under repeated loading. This compact sensor simultaneously detects curvature and direction without requiring multilayer alignment or metal coatings. Its analog compatibility and structural simplicity make it ideal for real-time, multidimensional monitoring in structural health, wearable technologies, and robotics applications
Application of oil/water microemulsions containing lavender or bay leaf essential oil to preserve freshly squeezed orange juice
No full textThis study investigated the effects of microemulsions (MEs) containing lavender (LEO) and bay leaf essential oils (DEO) as natural preservatives for freshly squeezed orange juice (FOJ). For this purpose, MEs of LEO with starch (LN) and soy protein (LS), and MEs of DEO with amylopectin (DA) and gum arabic (DG), at a concentration of 0.5%, were added to the FOJ, and the storage stability of the products was examined. Yeast-mold counts of LS, DA, and DG samples were lower than the control at the end of 28 days of storage at 4 degrees C. Based on the kinetic study, MEs exhibited an inhibitory effect on B. cereus, S. aureus, and E. coli strains, with no significant inhibition observed for the A. acidoterrestris strain during 60 min of incubation. ME addition resulted in a significant increase in total phenolic content in FOJ, ranging from 23.3% to 85.9%. Camphor, linalyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate, and nerol were distinctive volatiles of FOJ with LEO based MEs. DEO based MEs can be distinguished by alpha-terpinene, pinocarvone, linalyl propionate, eugenol, methyl eugenol, and beta-elemene. DEO demonstrated a superior preservative effect at the same concentration, without negatively impacting the aromatic properties of FOJ, compared to LEO.Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Universit
Association of household food insecurity with overweight and obesity in children and adolescent with disabilities
No full textHousehold food insecurity is associated with an increased risk of obesity in children and adolescents. Households that include children and adolescents with disabilities may be more vulnerable to food insecurity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between household food insecurity and general and abdominal obesity in children and adolescents with disabilities. In this cross-sectional study, data was collected through face-to-face interviews from 106 parents and children/adolescents. To collect the data, the Descriptive Information Form and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale were used. Body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) of children/adolescents were measured by the researchers. Body Mass Index Z score (BMIz), WC Z score (WCz) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The significance level of statistical tests was accepted as p +1 SD and WHtR >= 0.5 were 46.2 % and 50.0 %, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, moderate and severe food insecurity was associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity according to the BMIz (AOR: 6.48, 95 % CI: 1.76;23.90, p:0.005), and WCz (AOR: 9.41, 95 % CI: 2.24;39.47, p:0.002). It was also associated with higher rates of abdominal obesity according to the WHtR (AOR: 7.12, 95 % CI: 1.74;29.20, p:0.006). Moderate/severe household food insecurity was found to be significantly associated with increased odds of general and abdominal obesity in children and adolescents with disabilities