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Confirmation of the presence of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 in Türkiye (Araneae, Pisauridae) with a new record
No full textThe presence of the spider genus Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 in Türkiye is confirmed and first record of D. plantarius (Clerck, 1757) is given. Dolomedes is known from an old but unverified record in Türkiye and it remains absent from the latest checklists. Here, we briefly summarize the information on this genus in Türkiye with newly collected materials. A morphological diagnosis and comparative photographs of male and female are provided for D. plantarius. Also, an updated map of its distribution in Türkiye is given
Synthesis and properties of carbon black (cb)-added polyacrylonitrile (pan)/nickel foam (nf) flexible electrodes by electrospinning, and their supercapacitive performance
No full textThis research study presents the successful preparation of polyacrylonitrile/nickel foam (PAN/NF) and carbon black (CB)-added polyacrylonitrile/nickel foam (CB:PAN/NF) electrodes using an electrospinning method, along with a comprehensive discussion of their remarkable supercapacitive performances. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations demonstrate a robust adhesion between polyacrylonitrile fibers and nickel foam, attributable to the application of an annealing process. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) studies validate the elemental composition of the electrodes. To further characterize the structural properties, additional analyses are conducted utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Structural characterizations indicate that both the incorporation of carbon black and the carbonization process yield beneficial contributions to the overall material properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) are employed to evaluate the thermal stability of the electrodes. Electrochemical investigations are performed using various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky (MS), all in a 1 M aqueous KOH solution. The addition of carbon black (CB) significantly improves the performance of the PAN/NF electrode, increasing the specific capacitance from 76.5 to 226.9 F g-1. This study also examines the reaction kinetics that characterize the energy storage mechanisms of the electrodes. The enhancement of the electroactive surface area in PAN/NF due to CB loading is also confirmed by EIS analysis. In the existing literature, many studies focus on the direct use of PAN and its derivatives as electrode materials. However, this study is the first to investigate the energy storage capabilities of PAN in combination with a current collector, specifically nickel foam (NF). The results of this study provide strong evidence for CB:PAN/NF as a promising electrode material in flexible supercapacitors
Investigation of LBX1, TIMP2, GPR126 and CHD7 gene polymorphisms in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients
No full textStudy Design Prospective genetic cohort study. Objective Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal disorder affecting individuals aged 10-18 years without other underlying health conditions. This study aimed to examine the potential etiologic association between AIS and polymorphisms in the LBX1 (rs11190870, rs625039, rs11598564), TIMP2 (rs8179090), GPR126 (rs6570507), and CHD7 (rs121434341) genes in Turkish patients. Additionally, the relationships of these polymorphisms with sex, age, age at diagnosis, and Cobb angle were evaluated. Methods The study included 301 individuals: 201 patients with AIS (aged 10-18 years, Cobb angle >= 10 degrees, no genetic disorders or related diseases), and 100 healthy controls (aged 10-18 years, no scoliosis diagnosis). The study analyzed rs625039, rs11598564, rs6570507, rs121434341, rs11190870, and rs8179090 polymorphisms in patients with AIS and controls using RT-PCR, confirmed the SNP regions through DNA sequencing, and performed statistical analysis. Results In this study, the rs11190870 polymorphism of the LBX1 gene demonstrated a statistically significant difference between patients with AIS and the control group (P < .001), but no significance was observed for the other polymorphisms analyzed. Sex-based analysis revealed a significant association for the LBX1 rs11598564 polymorphism, with a higher frequency observed in females (P = .029); no significant differences were identified for the other polymorphisms in terms of sex. The rs8179090 and rs121434341 polymorphisms, previously associated with AIS in other populations, showed no statistically significant association in the present study cohort. Conclusion The LBX1 gene rs11190870 polymorphism was found to be associated with AIS in Turkish patients
Streptomyces antarcticus sp. nov., isolated from horseshoe island, antarctica
No full textThree novel actinobacterial strains, H27-S2T, H34-AA3 and H34-S5, were isolated from soil samples collected on Horseshoe Island, Antarctica, as part of an effort to discover new Streptomyces species with industrial and pharmaceutical relevance. A genome-based comparative analysis was conducted to characterize the strains. The pairwise comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed their affiliation with the genus Streptomyces, with the highest sequence identity values of 99.7-99.8% with Streptomyces avidinii NBRC 13429T. However, genome-based taxonomic analyses, including digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses, confirmed that these strains represent a novel species within the genus Streptomyces. A comprehensive genome annotation revealed that the strains possess extensive biosynthetic capabilities, particularly for secondary metabolites, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, heavy metal resistance genes and stress adaptation systems for survival in cold environments. Their metabolic potential includes aromatic compound degradation, indicating a promising role in bioremediation, while their secondary metabolite gene clusters suggest potential applications in pharmaceutical and clinical research. Given their ability to thrive in extreme Antarctic conditions, these strains may contribute to advancements in cryotechnology and enzyme production for industrial applications. Based on phylogenomic analyses, these strains represent a novel Streptomyces species, for which the name Streptomyces antarcticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H27-S2T (=DSM 114983T=CGMCC 4.7867T).Presidency of the Republic of TurkiyeMinistry of Industry and Technolog
Pre-earthquake kidney function is a predictor of outcomes in earthquake-related crush syndrome
No full textBackground The devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmara & scedil;, T & uuml;rkiye, in February 2024, caused extensive trauma and loss of lives, causing unique challenges in the management of earthquake-related crush syndrome. The current study investigates the prognostic value of pre-earthquake kidney function for mortality prediction in patients diagnosed with crush syndrome. Methods A multi-center retrospective analysis was performed using data from 469 patients treated at 46 nephrology clinics. Pre-earthquake Kidney function, defined by serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels, was obtained from pre-earthquake health records. Clinical findings, laboratory parameters, complications, and survival probabilities were analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results The mean age of participants was 42.56 +/- 16.92 years (Non-survivors: 50.46 +/- 20.03 years, Survivors: 42.34 +/- 16.80 years (p = 0.172)). The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.8%. Non-survivors exhibited significantly higher pre-earthquake creatinine levels than survivors (1.04 +/- 0.61 mg/dL vs. 0.77 +/- 0.33 mg/dL, p = 0.03), with lower eGFR (85.2 +/- 34.7 mL/min/1.73 m(2 )vs. 115.8 +/- 39.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2 ), p = 0.008). Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher incidences of AKI (92.3% vs. 61.6%, p = 0.037) and more severe metabolic disturbances, including hyperkalemia (5.41 +/- 1.72 mmol/L vs. 5.13 +/- 0.98 mmol/L, p = 0.008). Regression analysis revealed that pre-earthquake creatinine (HR: 9.121, 95% CI: 2.686-30.970, p < 0.001) and potassium levels at admission (HR: 3.338, 95% CI: 1.540-7.232, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions Pre-earthquake kidney function significantly predicts mortality in crush syndrome patients, highlighting the importance of baseline kidney assessment in disaster preparedness
Longitudinal assessment of disease burden in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: A multicenter study of activity and damage scores
No full textIntroduction Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (jSLE) is a rare pediatric rheumatic disease characterized by systemic inflammation that can lead to organ damage. Compared to adults, it often has a more severe course in children. Both disease activity and treatments may result in temporary or permanent damage.Objectives To evaluate risk factors associated with damage occurrence in patients with jSLE.Methods This multicenter, retrospective study included patients with jSLE followed for at least 12 months. Low-dose corticosteroid therapy was defined as prednisolone 0.01-0.03 mg/kg/day (max 7.5 mg/day). The annual cumulative steroid dose was calculated by dividing the total steroid intake by 365.25 times the number of follow-up years. Collected data included SLEDAI and SDI scores at initial and final visits, laboratory parameters, and flare characteristics.Results A total of 158 patients (86.7% female) from 17 centers were included. Median age at diagnosis was 13.8 years, with a median follow-up of 35 months. Organ damage was present in 14 patients at diagnosis and in 23 at final visit. Damage types included proteinuria, cognitive dysfunction (each 3.2%), and others such as cataracts, erosive arthritis, avascular necrosis, optic atrophy, and vertebral collapse. Patients with damage had significantly higher SLEDAI scores at both time points, delayed transition to low-dose steroids, and a lower rate of achieving Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) (p = .006).Conclusion Persistent disease activity and delayed control are major contributors to organ damage in jSLE. Early and sustained disease suppression is critical to prevent long-term complications
Safety and efficacy of cladribine in patients discontinuing fingolimod due to elevated transaminase levels: The finclad study
No full textBackground: Elevated liver enzymes pose a significant challenge for patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) undergoing treatment with fingolimod. Cladribine has demonstrated comparable efficacy with a more favorable safety profile in terms of hepatotoxicity risk. However, there is still limited data regarding the transition from fingolimod to cladribine for patients with elevated transaminase levels. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of cladribine in pwMS who are discontinuing fingolimod due to elevated liver enzyme levels. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included 45 pwMS who transitioned from fingolimod to cladribine because their AST/ALT levels were greater than three times the upper limit of normal. Clinical data, liver function tests, and disease activity parameters were collected at predefined time points. Disease activity was assessed based on relapse rates and radiological findings, which included new or enlarging T2 lesions and gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Results: Both AST and ALT levels normalized and remained within the normal range after transition to cladribine (p < 0.001) with no reports of liver-related adverse events. During three months of follow-up, 86.7 % of patients maintained effective disease control, five patients had relapses, and one showed signs of radiological activity. A longer washout period was significantly associated with the presence of disease activity (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Cladribine emerges as a safe and effective option for pwMS discontinuing fingolimod due to hepatotoxicity concerns. To optimize treatment outcomes, implementing shorter washout periods alongside close monitoring is essential to prevent disease reactivation
Exploring tarhana's prebiotic potential using different flours in an in vitro fermentation model
No full textTarhana, a traditional fermented food important to Turkish and Central Asian cuisines, is known for its unique composition of yoghurt, flour, vegetables, and herbs, and its potential health benefits through fermentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate tarhana's potential prebiotic and postbiotic properties using an in vitro colonic fermentation model. We explored how ingredient variations, particularly flour types and fermentation methods, influence gut microbial diversity and metabolite production. Tarhana was prepared using wheat, chickpea, einkorn, and purple potato flours, fermented with baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or chickpea sourdough. Gut microbial composition and levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) were analysed following in vitro colonic fermentation. Flour type and fermentation method significantly influenced gut microbial composition and metabolite production. Sourdough-fermented tarhana made with purple potato (q = 1.23 x 10-7), chickpea (q = 1.23 x 10-7), and einkorn (q = 2.51 x 10-7) flours reduced Veillonella levels compared to baker's yeast variants. Sourdough purple potato tarhana also decreased Escherichia-Shigella levels in faecal samples, which were higher in baker's yeast-fermented faecal samples (q = 0.003). SCFA levels, particularly acetate and propionate, were higher in chickpea and purple potato tarhana fermented faecal samples, with sourdough variants showing the strongest effects. Bifidobacterium abundance increased in einkorn sourdough tarhana, while chickpea flour tarhana slightly increased isobutyrate levels. This study demonstrates that specific flour types combined with sourdough fermentation enhance tarhana's functional properties by promoting beneficial microbial shifts and increasing SCFA production. These findings suggest tarhana's potential as a personalized functional food to support gut health, warranting further validation through clinical trials
Emerging west nile virus infections in Türkiye
No full textPurpose Turkiye experienced its largest West Nile virus (WNV) infection outbreak in 2024. We described the clinical and laboratory features of human cases with WNV infection collected from eleven tertiary hospitals in Turkiye in 2024. Methods The clinical characteristics of the patients were gathered using a structured form in the retrospective study. According to the ECDC case definition of WNV infections, the patients were classified as 'confirmed' or 'probable' cases. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for possible mortality predictors in WNV infections were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of the 51 patients was 63.3 +/- 13.6 years, and 37 (72.5%) were male. Twenty-six cases (51%) were confirmed, and 49% were probable WNV infection. Forty-eight patients (94.1%) had WNV neuroinvasive disease: 24 (47%) were diagnosed with meningoencephalitis, 20 (39.2%) with encephalitis, one (2%) with meningitis, and seven (13.7%) with acute flaccid paralysis. Twenty patients (39.2%) had movement disorders (tremor, myoclonus, bradykinesia, or rigidity). The case fatality rate was 17.6%. In multivariate analysis, older age (OR: 1.09, CI: 1.03-1.19, p = 0.042) and secondary bacterial infection during hospitalization (OR: 10, CI: 1.55-64.95, p = 0.015) were associated with fatality. Conclusion We highlighted the increasing number of cases and diagnostic challenges by describing the highest number of the patients with WNV infections in Turkiye. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals, facilitating access to diagnostic tests, and developing rapid, reliable, and easily applicable tests would enable early diagnosis and help improve outcomes
Sustainable textiles colored with tea waste in the printing process
No full textThe primary aim of the study is to explore the use of tea waste, a natural and sustainable material, as an alternative to synthetic dyes that pose risks to human health and the environment in the printing process of 100% cotton fabrics. For this purpose, tea waste was processed using an extraction method to obtain a natural dye extract, which was then added to the printing paste to carry out the printing process. To enhance the wash durability of fabrics dyed with the natural dye derived from tea waste, a softener formulation was modified by incorporating different ratios of quaternary ammonium compounds. The study investigated the applicability of tea waste extract in dyeing 100% cotton woven fabrics and examined the wash fastness of these fabrics. Fastness tests were conducted on the dyed fabrics in accordance with relevant standards, and the results showed that the fastness values were at the highest levels based on the gray scale evaluation. SEM was employed to perform characterization analyses on tea waste and fabric samples. Additionally, SEM-EDX was used to analyze the elemental composition of the materials. According to thes test results, it was found that cotton fabric dyed using tea waste as a natural dye pigment had the highest K/S value when compared to untreated fabric. Fastness properties did not change significantly after application or washing processes. According to SEM analysis, it was determined that the chemical particles of the printing paste were located between the fibers of the treated samples. By repurposing tea waste for use in textile finishing, the study contributes to the production of sustainable textile products