Uludag University Academic Repository
Not a member yet
50710 research outputs found
Sort by
Efficacy and safety of doxorubicin-ifosfamide versus gemcitabine-docetaxel as first-line therapy in advanced nonuterine leiomyosarcoma: A multicenter real-world study
No full textNonuterine leiomyosarcoma (NU-LMS) is a rare and biologically distinct subtype of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) with clinical behavior differing from that of uterine leiomyosarcoma. In advanced or metastatic STS, immunotherapy has demonstrated only modest activity, and chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment. However, there is a persistent unmet need for more effective and better-tolerated options in this population. This multicenter, retrospective study included 150 patients with histologically confirmed metastatic NU-LMS who received first-line doxorubicin-ifosfamide (AI) or gemcitabine-docetaxel (GD) at 26 oncology centers in Turkey between 2010 and 2024. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models. Of 150 patients, 79 received AI and 71 received GD. Median OS for the entire cohort was 21.0 months. Median OS was 22.0 months with AI and 19.1 months with GD (p = .18), median progression-free survival was 7.3 versus 6.1 months (p = .66), and overall response rate was 25.3% versus 29.6% (p = .58), indicating no statistically significant differences in efficacy between the two regimens. Hematologic toxicities were less frequent with GD. AI and GD demonstrated comparable efficacy as first-line regimens for advanced or metastatic NU-LMS, with fewer hematologic toxicities observed for GD. Tumor location may have prognostic implications. These findings support individualized treatment selection and highlight the need for prospective studies in this rare and understudied sarcoma subtype, while the recent LMS-04 trial underscores the importance of future comparisons with doxorubicin-trabectedin to further refine first-line strategies in LMS
Functional response of abamectin and bifenazate resistant and native populations of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the impact of acaricides on the predatory capacities of native (NP) and acaricide-resistant (RP) populations of Amblyseius swirskii AthiasHenriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). The RP was obtained in a previous study through six successive selections of abamectin and bifenazate from the NP of A. swirskii, resulting in a 25-fold resistance level. The functional and numerical responses of the NP and RP populations were evaluated under untreated conditions (control) and after treatment with the recommended concentration (100 ml/100 L distilled water) of an abamectin+bifenazate mixture at 27 +/- 1 degrees C, under a 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod and 80 +/- 5% relative humidity. The functional and numerical responses, as well as the related parameters of NP and RP females, were analyzed in response to different egg densities of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Tetranychidae). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the untreated RP and NP and the treated RP exhibited a Type II functional response, whereas the treated NP exhibited a Type III functional response. The handling times for T. urticae eggs were recorded as 0.0454 and 0.0376 hours for the untreated NP and RP, respectively, while they were calculated as 0.0420 and 0.0381 hours for the treated NP and RP, respectively. The handling time (Th) increased significantly in NP after acaricide treatment. The Th value of RP was not affected by acaricide treatment. The attack rate coefficients (alpha) varied considerably among the populations and treatments, with the highest value observed in the untreated RP (1.27), followed by the treated RP (1.13), the untreated NP (1.00), and the treated NP (0.71). Under untreated conditions, A. swirskii exhibited a higher alpha value in the RP population than the NP population. Our findings indicate that the resistant A. swirskii population can effectively feed on T. urticae eggs and oviposit, even at low prey densities and under acaricide-treated conditions
Prediction of compressive strengths of Portland cement with random forest, support vector machine and gradient boosting models
No full textThis study presents machine learning models to predict compressive strengths of 924 CEM I 42.5 R type Portland cements. Particularly the utilized machine learning algorithms are adaptive network-based fuzzy inference systems, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Light Gradient Boosting and Categorical Boosting. For machine learning, collected data contained 15 input features that show the physical and chemical properties of the cements. The compressive strengths at 1, 2, 7 and 28 days were defined as the output parameters. Models for each hydration day were trained with 748 data points and tested with 176 data points. Then, compressive strength test results and machine learning predictions were compared using statistical methods such as R-squared, mean absolute percentage error and root-mean-square error. The results indicate that Gradient Boosting models, in particular, accurately predict compressive strength, demonstrating that it is possible to estimate compressive strength without mechanical tests. In our developed Gradient Boosting model, the RMSE accuracy exceeds 95%, further supporting its reliability. The developed machine learning models offer substantial savings in both time and cost for compressive strength estimation
Exploring pediatric onset still's disease patient journey and parental perceptions in Türkiye through a survey
No full textObjective This survey-based study aimed to explore the journey to the diagnosis and management of children with pediatric onset Still's disease (PoSD) in Turkiye. This sought to understand parents' perceptions, feelings, and expectations, enabling the identification of unmet needs and fostering improvements in PoSD care. Methods A 42-question survey was administered to patients (< 21 years) with PoSD or their parents (the primary caregiver of each child younger than middle school age) by pediatric rheumatologists, during their clinic visits between January and May 2024. Data were descriptively analyzed. Results The study included 39 children (mean age: 9.92 +/- 4.93 years; 66.7% female). Ten children and 29 parents completed the survey. Persistent fever (84.6%), swollen joints and rash (64.1% each) were the most common initial manifestations. No patient received the diagnosis of PoSD at their initial visit: two-thirds were referred to other physicians and one-third were misdiagnosed, primarily with other inflammatory conditions (15.4%) and infections (12.8%). The median diagnostic delay was 1 (1-4) months. At the time of the survey, 21 patients (53.8%) had been receiving biologics (monthly (n = 10), bimonthly or weekly (n = 5, each) injections); 19 patients were compliant with this treatment. Seven patients (17.9%) had used biologics in past. PoSD substantially affected psychological well-being (33.3%) and daily tasks (13%). Fifteen of 26 school-age children missed school for a mean of 17.7 +/- 15.9 days/year due to PoSD. Most parents (90%) had not heard of PoSD at the time of diagnosis. Overall, 28% of parents hardly accepted the diagnosis. PoSD worsening in the future was their main concern (68.9%). The parents'/patients' primary expectation was to achieve a cure (82.1%). The main sources of information for parents were the physicians treating their children (96.6%), internet (72.4%) and other patient relatives (20.7%). Conclusion This survey of the PoSD patient journey in Turkiye identified several areas of improvement for better disease management. It underscores the need for enhanced continuous medical education for physicians and parental awareness of PoSD, higher access to credible information resources, and greater parental engagement in activities organized by pediatric rheumatology associations. Collecting quantitative and qualitative data on various aspects of PoSD could further refine approaches to optimize patient care.Novartis Turkiy
Concentrations, temporal variations, human exposures and source identifications of pcdd/fs from an urban site employing passive air samplers in Bursa, Türkiye
Get PDFPolychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) are toxic, long-lasting pollutants that accumulate in human fat tissue, posing significant health risks. The obtained data were evaluated based on congener profiles and levels, possible sources, seasonal concentration changes, health risks and atmospheric transport. This study investigated atmospheric PCDD/F levels in an urban site from June 2022 to June 2023 using three passive air samplers (PASs) in Bursa, T & uuml;rkiye. Monthly samples were taken using three passive air samplers. The findings demonstrated the utility of PAS as a cost-effective and reliable monitoring device. Seasonal average concentrations were 324.66 f 51.87 fg/m3 in spring, 234.79 f 57.57 fg/m3 in summer, 363.07 f 77.99 fg/m3 in fall and 479.88 f 73.20 fg/m3 in winter. The yearly mean concentration value was 341.50 f 108.27 fg/m3. The measured concentrations in this study corresponded closely to those reported for regions with similar characteristics. The most dominant congeners observed during the sampling period were OCDD, OCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD. The measured concentrations indicated no threatening situation in the risk evaluation. Pollutant transport was determined to be mostly local, suggesting limited long-range movement after employing the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified vehicle emissions, residential heating and industrial combustion as key sources of PCDD/Fs. Seasonal variation and source analysis emphasized the effect of human activities and meteorological patterns. This study contributes to understanding urban air pollution and supports future efforts to manage PCDD/F emissions in similar regions
Performance of x and inverted v bracing systems in controlling progressive collapse of reinforced concrete buildings
Get PDFProgressive collapse can lead to partial or total failure of structures under extreme events such as explosions or earthquakes. While brace systems effectively enhance lateral stiffness, their use in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is limited due to detailing challenges at connection points. This study evaluates the influence of X and inverted V bracing systems on the progressive collapse behavior of RC buildings and investigates the effectiveness of optimally placed X-bracing configurations under multiple column removal scenarios. Three groups of 9-, 12-, and 15-story RC buildings, designed per the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC2018), were modeled using the Applied Element Method (AEM) in the ELS software. The first group included unbraced reference models. The second group comprised 54 fully braced models using X and inverted V configurations, subjected to three distinct column removal scenarios. The third group included 27 models with X bracing placed only in selected bays to determine optimal configurations for collapse prevention. Nonlinear dynamic analysis of 84 models revealed that both the reference buildings and those with inverted V bracing experienced progressive collapse, with maximum top displacements reaching over 65 cm. In contrast, fully braced X systems effectively prevented collapse, reducing displacements to below 10 cm. Optimized Xbracing layouts, applied to only 30-50 % of the bays, achieved comparable performance while reducing material usage and detailing complexity. This study demonstrates the superiority of RC X-bracing in enhancing progressive collapse resistance and provides practical recommendations for optimal placement in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings
Acrylamide mitigation in cereal-based foods: A comprehensive review of enzymatic treatments, additives and novel technologies
Get PDFAcrylamide is a compound formed during the heat processing of carbohydrate-rich foods as a result of the Maillard reaction, and it poses significant health risks. It is classified as a potential carcinogen and neurotoxic agent, with long-term dietary intake raising serious public health concerns. As acrylamide is commonly found in a variety of processed foods, the development of specific and effective mitigation strategies is crucial to protect public health and meet regulatory requirements. Enzymatic methods, natural additives, and novel technologies have gained prominence in reducing acrylamide levels in cereals. The enzyme asparaginase prevents acrylamide formation by converting asparagine into aspartic acid before the Maillard reaction begins, while glucose oxidase inhibits acrylamide production by lowering glucose levels. Studies have shown that these enzymatic treatments provide effective and industry-compatible solutions with minimal sensory alterations. Certain natural additives, such as rosemary and green tea extracts, achieve similar effects by inhibiting the Maillard reaction or neutralizing free radicals. Innovative technologies, including microwave heating, radio frequency application, vacuum baking, infrared heating, and ultrasound, have demonstrated success in reducing acrylamide-provided that their use is carefully controlled to minimize impacts on sensory quality. Advances in food processing technologies continue to enhance the efficiency and scalability of these approaches. However, most studies have evaluated these strategies in isolation, with limited assessment of the economic feasibility and sensory impacts of integrated approaches. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of enzymatic, additive-based, and technological acrylamide mitigation strategies, focusing not only on their mechanisms of action but also on practical aspects such as industrial applicability, economic considerations, and sensory effects. The aim is to offer practical insights to guide future research and assist food producers in selecting the most suitable combination of strategies for acrylamide reduction. Future studies should focus on optimizing multi-strategy mitigation techniques and evaluating potential trade-offs in large-scale applications.Gazi Üniversites
Effect of indigenous cheese isolates via co-culture fermentation models on metabolic and lipidomic interactions of dairy cream
No full textThis study investigated the fermentation characteristics of native lactic acid bacteria, specifically Levilactobacillus brevis, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, isolated from Mihalic cheese, alongside commercial culture (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides. subsp. cremoris), in a lacto-fermented milk fat emulsion system. The alterations in fatty acid composition were assessed for their prophylactic potential and pro-lipidomic interactions. Findings revealed that the population of the isolated lactic acid bacteria ranged from 6.48 to 8.63 log10 cfu/g, with the viability of the microorganisms maintained throughout the storage period. Correlation plot analysis conducted to elucidate the interaction between microorganism counts and fatty acid composition indicated a positive correlation between free fatty acids and lactic acid bacteria on the M17 agar, as well as between saturated fatty acids (ƩSFA) and lactic acid bacteria on the MRS agar, with statistical significance at p<0.05
High-speed cu-doped zns/n-si heterojunction photodiode for enhanced uv detection
Get PDFUltraviolet (UV) photodetectors are crucial for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to advanced optical systems. However, achieving both high sensitivity and fast response in the UV range remains challenging. We present a high-speed UV photodiode based on a Cu-doped ZnS thin film grown on n-Si by thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) deposition. Introducing Cu into ZnS significantly improved the film's crystallinity and induced p-type behavior in ZnS, forming a robust p-n heterojunction with the n-Si. The Cu-doped device exhibits enhanced optoelectronic performance, with a peak responsivity of approximately 149 mA/W (corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of similar to 49 %) under UV illumination, as well as rapid transient response characteristics (rise time similar to 6.6 mu s and fall time similar to 291 mu s). The-3 dB bandwidth reaches about 7 kHz, demonstrating significant highspeed performance. These performance metrics are competitive with the latest state-of-the-art UV photodetectors (see Table 5), highlighting the efficacy of Cu doping and TVA fabrication in advancing ZnS-based photodiodes. Overall, the ZnS:Cu/n-Si photodiode combines high sensitivity and speed, showing potential for future UV sensing technologies and integration into next-generation UV optoelectronic systems
Structural characterization, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory profile of a novel triazole-linked ferrocene hybrid of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid
No full text18 beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a pentacyclic triterpene which was obtained from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra known for its diverse pharmaceutical applications. The primary aim of this study is to enhance the pharmaceutical properties of GA by modifying it with a 1,2,3-triazole-functionalized ferrocene moiety. The hybrid compound 3 was synthesized by amide functionalization of GA at the C-30 position with ferrocene, linked via a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole bridge. Additionally, the C-3 hydroxyl group of GA was converted into an acetyl ester. The hybrid compound 3 was characterized using FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C) and HR-MS. The aim of the modification was to enhance the cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory effects of GA. 1,2,3,-Triazole substituted ferrocene (1), C-3 acetylated GA and the hybrid compound 3 were tested on A549, MCF-7, HCT-116, and PC-3 cancer cell lines. MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells showed the highest sensitivity to the compounds. Compound 3 showed more cytotoxicity than both GA and compound 1 with IC50 values of 23.97 and 50 mu M in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells, respectively. Morphological analysis indicated that compound 3 induced apoptotic cell death. In addition, the inhibitory effect of compounds on carbonic anhydrase I-II isoenzymes (hCAI-II), acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) enzymes, and alpha-glucosidase was tested. According to the results, compound 3, exhibited the strongest inhibitory properties for all enzymes tested with IC50 values of 0.0323, 0.3058, 0.0078, 0.0090 and 0.0120 mu M, respectively. Molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the ligand-target protein interactions. Incorporating an organometallic sandwich-like compound ferrocene into GA via a 1,2,3-triazole bridge appears to be an effective strategy for modifying and enhancing its bioactivity