Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Institutional Repository
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Single-center experience and evaluation of rare ıntracranial abscesses in childhood
No full textAbstract Background Intracranial abscess (IA) is a rare disorder in childhood. Clinical manifestations of brain abscess include headache, fever, and focal neurological deficits. This study aimed to examine the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings in children with IA. Methods Children admitted to the pediatric infection service with a diagnosis of IA between 2011 and 2022 were included in the study. Abscesses were divided into two groups: infratentorial and supratentorial. Demographic characteristics of the patients, complaints, MRI findings, and follow-up data were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results The study included a total of 23 patients, 9 (39.1%) of whom were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 79.3 ± 65.4 months. The most common complaints were headache (39.1%), fever (91.3%), focal neurological deficits (60.9%), seizures, loss of consciousness (26.1%), and meningitis findings (60.9%). The most frequent etiology was post-operative procedures (30.4%), followed by a history of meningomyelocele (13%), and congenital heart disease (8.7%). On MRI, 68.7% of the supratentorial abscesses were multiple and commonly localized in the frontal and parietal regions. Treatment included ceftriaxone (82.6%), vancomycin (65.2%), meropenem (43.5%), metronidazole (34.8%), and linezolid (17.4%). The median hospitalization duration for patients was 32 days (range: 14–150). Of the patients, 34.8% were hospitalized and followed in the intensive care unit, and neurosurgery performed surgical interventions in 60.9% of cases, with evacuation in 21.7% of cases. In cultures, the causative agent was identified on average within 4 ± 1.3 days. Recurrence of abscess occurred in three (13%) cases, and 13% of cases had residual sequelae. Conclusions Intracranial abscess is a rare infectious disease that can result in long-term neurological deficits requiring extended follow-up and treatment. A correct and effective approach also positively impacts the prognosis of patients. </jats:sec
SOSYAL İZOLASYONUN NEDEN OLDUĞU STRESİN OKSİDATİF STRES BELİRTEÇLERİ VE ÖĞRENME İLE İLİŞKİLİ NÖROGRANİN/ CAMKII/CREB PROTEİNLERİNE ETKİSİ
No full textAMAÇ: Sosyal izolasyon (Sİ) hem insanlar için hem de ratlar gibi sosyal hayvanlar için önemli bir stres faktörüdür. Sİ stresine maruz kalan ratların davranışsal bozukluklar gösterdiği ve kognitif fonksiyonlarının bozulduğu bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı erken dönemde oluşturulan Sİ stresinin öğrenme ve hafızayı nasıl etkilediğini ve sinaptik proteinlerde meydana gelen değişiklikleri incelemektir. GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: Çalışmada 21 günlük 20 adet erkek Wistar albino cinsi rat kullanıldı. Ratlar rastgele 2 gruba ayrıldı: 1) Kontrol grubu (n=10), 2) Sİ grubu (n=10). Sİ doğum sonrası 21. günde sütten kesmenin ilk gününden itibaren 6 hafta boyunca her sıçanın farklı kafeslerde barındırılmasıyla gerçekleştirildi. Kontrol grubu hayvanları ise her kafeste 3-4 sıçan olacak şekilde ve sosyal etkileşimin gerçekleşeceği standart koşullarda barındırıldı. 6 haftalık süre sonunda öğrenme ve hafızayı değerlendirmek için Morris su labirent (MWM) testi kullanıldı. Test sonunda ratlar feda edilerek hipokampüs dokuları toplandı. Doku malondialdehid (MDA) ve indirgenmiş glutatyon (GSH) seviyeleri spektrofotometrik olarak ve nörogranin, kalsiyum/kalmodulin bağımlı protein kinaz tip II (CaMKII), Döngüsel AMP (cAMP) cevap elementine bağlanan protein (CREB) ve Beyinden türeyen nörotrofik faktör (BDNF) seviyeleri ELISA ile değerlendirildi. BULGULAR: Sİ ve kontrol grubu arasında MWM testinde öğrenme ve hafıza açısından fark saptanmadı. Hipokampüs dokusunda nörogranin, CaMKII ve CREB düzeyleri gruplar arasında farklı değildi. Sİ yapılan grupta hipokampüs MDA düzeyi artarken, GSH ve BDNF düzeyleri azaldı. SONUÇ: Çalışmamızda sütten kesme sonrası oluşturulan altı haftalık Sİ stresinin öğrenme ve hafıza bozukluğuna neden olmadan hipokampüste oksidatif stresi arttırdığı, BDNF düzeylerini düşürdüğü ve diğer sinaptik proteinleri değiştirmediği gösterildi.</jats:p
Evaluating Climate Change Effects on Coastal Tourism over the Black Sea Region by Using the Summer Simmer Index
No full textClimate change will have a tremendous effect on tourism activities. Tourism revenue plays a crucial role in the Turkish economy; therefore, it is vital to assess the impacts of climate change on tourism. This research aims to investigate the effects of climate change on seaside tourism on the Black Sea region in Türkiye. The summer simmer index (SSI) was utilized to determine the climatic comfort conditions in the summer months. Meteorological data, over 30 years, was used to observe the impact of climate change. Mann–Kendall trend analysis and Şen’s innovative trend analysis were applied to reveal the trends. As a result, SSI zones were computed as zones 1, 2, 3, and 4. Zone 4 was rarely observed. Thermal comfort conditions in the summer were found to not pose a health threat to tourists. Both trend methods determined an upward trend of SSI scores in Akçakoca, Samsun, Rize, and Hopa. These destinations are becoming more favorable in terms of seaside tourism due to climate change. The results of this study can be used for destination marketing. Tourism decision makers may benefit from these results for developing coastal tourism in this region.</jats:p
Fault Classification and Precise Fault Location Detection in 400 kV High-Voltage Power Transmission Lines Using Machine Learning Algorithms
No full textFault detection, classification, and precise location identification in power transmission lines are critical issues for energy transmission and power systems. Accurate fault diagnosis is essential for system stability and safety as it enables rapid problem resolution and minimizes interruptions in electrical energy supply. The characteristic parameters of mixed-conductor power transmission lines connected to the grid were calculated using the relevant line data. Based on these parameters, a dataset was created with computer-derived values. This dataset included variations in arc resistance and the short circuit power of the corresponding bus, facilitating the performance testing of various machine learning algorithms. It was observed that the correct determination of the faulty phase was of high importance in the correct determination of the fault position. For this reason, a gradual structure was preferred. It was achieved with a 100 percent success rate in fault detection with the ensemble bagged algorithm. It was obtained with the neural network algorithm with a 99.97 percent success rate in faulty phase detection. The most successful location results were obtained with the interaction linear algorithm with 0.0066 MAE for phase-to-phase faults and the stepwise linear algorithm with 0.0308 MAE for phase ground faults. Using the proposed algorithm, fault locations were identified with a maximum error of 26 m for phase-to-ground faults and 110 m for phase-to-phase faults on a transmission line with a mixed conductor of approximately 178 km. Additionally, we compared the training and testing results of several machine learning algorithms metrics including the accuracy, total error, mean absolute error, root mean square, and root mean square error to provide informed recommendations based on their performance. The findings aim to guide users in selecting the most effective machine learning models for predicting failures in transmission lines.</jats:p
Comparison of the Macro Chain Transfer Agent and the Macro Azo Initiator Based on the Poly(3-hydroxy Butyrate) in the Polymerization Kinetics of Methyl Methacrylate
No full textPoly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) derivatives are attractive for sustainable polymer production, yet their role in controlling radical polymerization kinetics remains underexplored. In this study, we compare the polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using two PHB-based macroinitiators: a macro chain transfer agent (PHB-macro reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)) and a macroazo initiator (PHBai). RAFT polymerizations (PHB-R-PMMA) were conducted at 70 °C with PHB-macro RAFT in the presence of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile), while conventional free radical polymerizations (PHBaiPMMA) were carried out using PHBai under identical conditions. The RAFT system exhibited a slightly lower overall rate constant (k = 1.11 × 10-4 L/mol·s) compared to the azo-initiated system (k = 1.28 × 10-4 L/mol·s). Both systems showed a gradual decrease in the PHB content over time, indicating effective copolymer formation with increasing MMA incorporation. Activation energies for PHB-macro RAFT and PHBai were calculated as 0.88 and 1.05 kJ/mol, respectively, demonstrating RAFT's superior control over molecular architecture. The resulting PHB-PMMA block copolymers offer promising applications in orthopedic surgery (e.g., bone cements), packaging, medical implants, drug delivery, and dental materials. This study provides the first direct comparison of PHB-based macro RAFT and azo systems for MMA polymerization, highlighting RAFT's advantage in achieving controlled polymer architectures and expanding biomedical and industrial utility
Relationship between bleeding risk and arterial stiffness in patients with cerebral aneurysms
No full textA comprehensive risk factor assessment evaluating the susceptibility of cerebral aneurysms (CAs) to rupture has not yet been established. Therefore, the clinical management of unruptured CAs remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess whether arterial stiffness was associated with rupture risk in patients with CAs.Following magnetic resonance angiography, 49 patients with CAs and subarachnoid haemorrhage and ruptured CAs (confirmed via digital subtraction angiography) were included in the study. Arterial stiffness was measured using the VaSera VS-1000 vascular scanning system and expressed as cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) values. The CAVI values were compared between the patient groups.The mean age of the cerebrovascular aneurysm group was 51 ± 11 years, while that of the cerebrovascular aneurysmal haemorrhage group was 58 ± 12 (p = 0.308) years. Left and right CAVI values were significantly higher in the cerebrovascular aneurysm group (p < 0.05 for both). The CAVI values were positively correlated with haemorrhagic CA (p < 0.05).This study revealed that increased arterial stiffness was associated with an increased risk of haemorrhage in patients with CAs. This result demonstrates the importance of evaluating arterial stiffness as an informative parameter for treatment and follow-up decisions in patients with CAs
The Recent Development in the Diagnosis of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>
No full textABSTRACTMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains a global health issue and continues to rank among the leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide. Its persistence is primarily attributed to the microorganism's challenging and time‐consuming diagnosis and treatment, which drives the need for new diagnostic tests. The development of rapid, highly sensitive point‐of‐care (POC) tests is crucial, as these tests address the limitations of traditional methods, which are lengthy and exhibit low sensitivity. Early and rapid diagnostic tests ensure timely diagnoses and treatments for individuals while playing a pivotal role in preventing the spread of MTB and curbing societal transmission. These diagnostic tests significantly impact TB diagnosis and treatment, potentially breaking the chain of transmission and presenting a promising step toward combating the infection. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for MTB detection continue to attract significant attention in the literature and show promise for widespread application. However, they face challenges such as limited accessibility and usability, particularly in underdeveloped countries. The implementation of rapid tests requires careful consideration of time and resource efficiency compared with traditional tests. This study reviews the diagnostic tests developed for MTB detection, tracing their evolution from the past to the present.</jats:p
Discovery of Hydrazine Clubbed Thiazoles as Potential Antidiabetic Agents: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies
No full textABSTRACTIn this study, hydrazine clubbed thiazole derivatives (3a–3j) were obtained by Hantzsch thiazole synthesis and characterized by MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The inhibitory potentials of the derivatives against diabetes‐related enzymes such as aldose reductase (AR), α‐glycosidase (α‐GLY), and α‐amylase (α‐AMY) were experimentally determined, and the results were supported by molecular docking. The results showed that the derivatives (3a–3j) displayed varied degree of potential inhibitory activity, with KI values covering the following ranges: 5.47 ± 0.53 to 23.89 ± 1.46 nM for AR and 1.76 ± 0.01 to 24.81 ± 0.15 μM for α‐GLY, and with IC50 values 4.94–28.17 μM for α‐AMY, as compared to standard epalrestat and acarbose (KI: 34.53 ± 2.52 nM for AR and 23.53 ± 2.72 μM for α‐GLY, respectively). The selective activity of these derivatives on antidiabetic enzymes may be important for the treatment of diabetes and may lead to the development of alternative new compounds for this purpose.</jats:p
How valid and reliable are teachers’ assessments of gifted students?
No full textTeachers' perceptions, attitudes, and opinions about students, curricula, or evaluation methods contribute to the development of students’ talents. Thus, researchers often collect data from teachers to identify gifted students, determine educational practices to meet the students’ needs and assess gifted education programs. Researchers often develop measurement tools or utilize existing ones to collect valid and reliable data from teachers. This systematic literature review screened online databases to investigate measurement tools for teachers developed from 2017 to 2024. We combined the keywords “scale”, “instrument”, “questionnaire”, “inventory”, “gifted,” and "teacher" to screen Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. We categorized the measurement tools based on their intended use and analyzed seventeen instruments across themes including identification/nomination, attitude-behavior-perception, and knowledge and opinion. Nearly half of these studies employed exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity, although some relied on the more superficial face validity. Overall, the studies demonstrated high reliability and validity, but simple analyses should be repeated to further enhance the robustness of measurement instruments.</jats:p
Rıza Şah’ın İran’ı Modernleştirme Politikası: Kadınların Örtü ve Çarşafının Yasaklanması
No full textRıza Şah, İran’da iktidarı ele geçirdikten sonra amacı, Batı’yı örnek alarak siyasi, iktisadi, toplumsal ve ideolojik alanlarda ülkenin modernleşmesini sağlamaktı. Bunun için ordu, bürokrasi, ekonomi ve sanayi başta olmak üzere birçok alanda reformlar yaptı. Daha sonra erkek ve kadın giyiminin de modern bir görünüme kavuşması için yeni düzenlemeler yaptı. Bu sebeple önce erkeklere tek tip kıyafet giymeyi zorunlu kıldı. 1934 yılında Türkiye’yi ziyaret ettikten sonra ise Atatürk reformlarından ve Türk kadının giyiminden çok etkilenen Şah, ülkesine döndükten sonra İranlı kadınların Türk kadınları gibi giyinmeleri için hazırlıklara başladı. Şah’a göre kadınların örtü ve çarşafları hem ülkenin ilerlemesi önünde büyük bir engel hem de “gericiliği” çağrıştırıyordu. Bu sebeple İranlı kadınların örtülerini çıkarmaları için bilhassa gazete ve dergiler üzerinden propagandalar yaptı. Şah’ı, bu süreçte Avrupa’da eğitim görmüş bazı aydınlar, bazı kadınlar ve bürokratlar desteklediler. Nihayet Şah, Ocak 1936’da İranlı kadınların örtü giyerek sokağa çıkmalarını yasakladı. Örtü yasağına başta bazı kadınlar olmak üzere din adamları da tepki gösterdiler. Şah’ın örtü yasağı kararından vazgeçmesi için din adamları büyük çaba harcadılar. Ancak Şah, bu kararından vazgeçmeyince din adamları, Şiraz, Horasan ve Meşhed gibi İran’ın bazı şehirlerinde protesto gösterileri düzenlediler. Bu gösteriler sırasında birçok muhalif hayatını kaybetmesine rağmen Şah, geri adım atmadı.</jats:p