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The relationship between acromegaly and hepatic steatosis: insights from FibroScan imaging
No full textPurpose: The relationship between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and acromegaly is unclear due to the complex metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH). GH stimulates gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and lipolysis, increasing free fatty acids, a risk factor for MASLD, but may also protect against hepatic fat accumulation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of acromegaly and GH levels on liver steatosis and fibrosis using non-invasive FibroScan imaging. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 58 patients with acromegaly, 61 age- and sex-matched metabolically comparable controls, and 82 healthy controls. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed via controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography. Moderate to severe steatosis was defined as CAP > 260 dB/m, and significant fibrosis as LSM ≥ 8.0 kPa. Results: Both acromegaly patients and metabolically healthy individuals exhibited lower CAP (241.8 ± 50.0 and 231.7 ± 51.9 dB/m) and LSM (4.7 ± 1.4 and 4.8 ± 1.8 kPa) scores than metabolically matched controls (CAP 281.7 ± 61.2 dB/m; LSM 5.5 ± 1.8 kPa; CAP p < 0.001; LSM p = 0.012). Moderate-to-severe steatosis was observed in 36.2% of acromegaly patients, 27.7% of healthy individuals, and 68.8% of metabolically matched controls (p < 0.001), while significant liver fibrosis occurred in 5.2%, 7.3%, and 14.7%, respectively (p = 0.154). GH levels were lower in acromegaly patients with MASLD (p < 0.001) compared to those without. CAP correlated negatively with GH and positively with BMI, waist circumference, and triglycerides, whereas LSM correlated positively with age, BMI, and triglycerides. Conclusions: Hepatic steatosis was less frequent in acromegaly than in metabolically comparable individuals, and GH was inversely associated with hepatic steatosis scores, possibly suggesting a protective role of GH independent of metabolic comorbidities
Innovative integration of corrugated absorbers, PCM, and reflectors for enhanced water yield in solar distillation: A comprehensive 4E analysis
No full textFreshwater scarcity remains a major challenge in arid and remote regions, where conventional desalination is either expensive or energy-intensive. Solar distillation is a sustainable alternative, though its productivity is often limited by insufficient heat absorption and thermal losses. In this study, a hemispherical solar still was enhanced by integrating three key modifications: a corrugated absorber to increase heat transfer surface area, phase change material (PCM) to store and release heat during off-sunshine hours, and external reflectors to redirect additional sunlight toward the basin. Three still configurations were experimentally evaluated under identical climatic conditions in El Oued, Algeria: a reference hemispherical still, a still with a corrugated absorber, and a still with the combined corrugated absorber, PCM, and external reflectors. The daily freshwater yield increased from 4.50 L/m2 for the reference still to 6.70 L/m2 (48.9% improvement) with the corrugated absorber, and to 8.60 L/m2 (91.1% improvement) when PCM and reflectors were also included. Energy efficiency improved from 39.14% to 58.16% and 74.51% for the same systems, while exergy efficiency increased from 0.07% to 0.22% and 0.31%, respectively. The cost of freshwater decreased to $0.006 per litre for the fully enhanced design, with the shortest payback period of 23 days. These results demonstrate that combining absorber surface enhancement, thermal energy storage, and solar concentration significantly improves productivity, efficiency, and economic viability of hemispherical solar distillers. The novelty of this work lies in the combined integration of surface-area enhancement, thermal storage, and solar radiation concentration in a hemispherical still, experimentally demonstrated under identical conditions and assessed through a comprehensive 4E evaluation
Serum and cervical flushing fluid eicosapentaenoic acid levels in patients with unexplained infertility versus healthy controls
No full textTo compare the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in venous blood and cervical flushing fluid between patients with unexplained infertility and a control group, marking the first investigation of its kind in the literature. Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Education and Research Hospital-based cross-sectional study. This study was conducted with a total of 66 women (35 with unexplained infertility and 31 healthy controls) between 20 and 45 who attended the outpatient gynecology clinic between January 2023 and January 2024. Samples for EPA were collected in the midluteal phase and stored at −80°C, analyzed using EPA's ELISA kits. Baseline demographic and hormonal parameters were similar between the unexplained infertility and control groups. Serum EPA levels were lower in the unexplained infertility group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, cervical flushing fluid EPA concentrations were significantly reduced in women with unexplained infertility (p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between serum and cervical EPA levels (Spearman's ρ = 0.13, p = 0.28). In multivariate analysis, unexplained infertility independently predicted lower cervical EPA concentrations, explaining approximately one-third of the total variance (R2 = 34.3%). Cervical flushing fluid EPA levels were significantly lower in the unexplained infertility group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that local anti-inflammatory lipid imbalance in the cervical microenvironment may contribute to fertility impairment. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential role of EPA as a biomarker or therapeutic target in reproductive disorders
Identification of the biological properties of three novel lytic bacteriophages capable of infecting Bacillus anthracis: Novel members of the class Caudoviricetes
No full textBacillus anthracis spores can remain viable for many years in regions where anthrax cases are reported or where deceased animals are buried. Anthrax occurrences may be more common in areas where livestock farming is a primary source of livelihood. In this study, 43 Bacillus anthracis isolates were used, which were isolated from samples collected in different provinces of Türkiye. Three lytic bacteriophages(BaTR8, BaTR13, and BaTR16) were isolated from environmental soil samples. These three lytic bacteriophages' biological properties (host range, burst size, and phage morphology) were defined, and molecular methods were used to determine their genomic structures. It was determined that three lytic phages were able to infect 84.1 % of the host bacteria and formed clear phage plaques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis identified them as siphoviruses. Bacteriophage genome lengths ranged from 35587 to 37369 kb, and the GC content was approximately 35 %. The genome structures of the three phages were analyzed, determining that they contained 58–62 ORFs and did not encode any tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses of the bacteriophages were performed based on whole-genome sequences and conserved signature genes (major capsid, portal, and terminase large subunit proteins), and the phages were taxonomically classified within the class Caudoviricetes. The three phages isolated in this study, together with the Athena phage, which infects Bacillus anthracis, were determined to form a new cluster distinct from the Wbetavirus and Hubeivirus genera. Our study presents, for the first time, the results of a detailed evaluation of Bacillus anthracis phages isolated from Türkiye
Prognostic significance of the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in patients with hodgkin lymphoma
No full textBackground and Objectives: Interest in biomarkers reflecting the inflammatory nature of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) in patients with HL. Materials and Methods: In this study, 105 patients diagnosed with classical HL at the Hematology Clinic of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine between January 2015 and April 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the SIRI cut-off value. Results: A high SIRI (≥3.78) was significantly associated with advanced disease stage, poor performance status, higher IPS-7 and IPS-3 scores, non-response or partial response to treatment, relapse, and increased mortality. A positive correlation was found between SIRI and IPS 7 scores (p < 0.001, rho = 0.355). In the univariate analysis for progression-free survival (PFS), hemoglobin, IPS 7 score, and SIRI were identified as prognostic factors; in the multivariate analysis, high SIRI was identified as an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.033). In the univariate analysis for overall survival (OS), age, hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count, IPS 7 score, and SIRI were identified as prognostic factors; and, in the multivariate analysis, age over 45 and high SIRI were identified as independent prognostic factors (p = 0.016, p = 0.012). In the survival analysis, high SIRI levels were associated with shorter PFS and OS (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Additionally, PFS and OS durations were shorter in patients with high IPS 7 scores (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A high SIRI prior to treatment was identified as an independent prognostic factor in HL patients and was associated with shorter PFS and OS. This index may help identify high-risk patients and assist clinicians in their decision-making processes by enabling individualized risk assessment
Biopolymer-based encapsulation approach: the effect of sea buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides l.) oil carried by chitosan on fish fillet quality
No full textIn this study, the effects of chitosan (Ch) coatings encapsulated using an ultrasonic emulsification method with sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) essential oil (HrEo) on the shelf life and quality parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets, in terms of microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory properties, were investigated. Characterization data and FT-IR findings revealed that the Ch-loaded nanoemulsion (NE) is an oil-in-water (O/W) type, microstructurally homogeneous, low polydispersity index (PDI), stable viscosity and optical properties, acidic pH, and sufficient electrostatic stability. Ch supports the stability of the NE by enhancing both physicochemical stability and interdroplet electrostatic interactions. It was determined that the encapsulation system (HrEo-N) prepared inhibited microbiological growth in fillets and had a positive effect on sensory and color parameters. Similarly, it showed a positive effect on chemical parameters and played an inhibitory role in the increases in these parameters. All these findings show that the combined effect of HrEo-N increases the functionality of the Ch film. As a result of the successful combination of the antibacterial effect of HrEo-N and the antioxidant properties of Ch, a coating material with both antibacterial and antioxidant properties has been developed
Berberine alleviated methotrexate-induced oxidative and inflammatory lung injury by modulating Nrf2 signaling in rats
No full textMethotrexate (MTX), a medication commonly utilised in the management of autoimmune disorders and cancer, has been observed to precipitate pulmonary tissue injury when administered over an extended period. This may result in a range of adverse effects, including psychological and physiological distress, in patients. Berberine (BER), a molecule that has been employed in traditional therapeutic practices for centuries, is an alkaloid derivative with a multitude of pharmacological activities. The objective of the present study was to examine the therapeutic potential of BER in counteracting pulmonotoxicity induced by systemic MTX administration for the first time. In this experimental model, rats were subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg of MTX on the first day in order to induce lung injury. Following this, the rats were then administered BER treatments at doses of 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg for a period of three consecutive days. Administration of MTX resulted in a significant suppression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels in the lung tissue of rats when compared to the control group (∼7.0 fold; p < 0.01). Furthermore, MTX administration significantly induced lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress levels in comparison with the control group, leading to severe pulmonary histopathological symptoms (p < 0.001). Conversely, the administration of BER treatments led to a significant alleviation of degenerative biochemical and histopathological findings, achieved by modulating Nrf2 signalling (p < 0.05). Consequently, the present findings imply that BER may exert a positive effect on MTX-induced oxidative pulmonary damage, at least in part, by modulating the Nrf2 pathway
Nonlocal MGT photo-thermoelasticity: Rotating magnetized semiconductor half-space under ultrafast laser excitation
No full textThis study addresses a key gap in modeling coupled photo-thermoelastic wave propagation in semiconductor materials by introducing an advanced theoretical framework that incorporates nonlocal thermal effects, rotational dynamics, and magneto-thermoelastic coupling, factors often overlooked in classical and generalized thermoelastic theories. Specifically, it proposes a novel nonlocal photo-thermoelastic model that integrates the Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) heat equation with a Guyer–Krumhansl-type extension of Green–Naghdi Type III (GN-III) heat conduction to investigate wave propagation in a rotating semiconductor half-space subjected to a uniform magnetic field and photothermal excitation. The framework introduces a nonlocal thermal length-scale parameter to capture microstructural interactions and ensures finite thermal wave speeds, addressing critical limitations of classical and generalized thermoelastic theories. The governing equations, accounting for Coriolis and centrifugal forces, Lorentz-force coupling, and carrier diffusion dynamics, are solved analytically using the normal mode method. Numerical simulations for silicon reveal that nonlocality reduces peak normal stress by over 70 % and enhances thermal penetration depth by more than sixfold. Rotation induces phase reversal in displacement and amplifies subsurface carrier density by up to 75 times, while the magnetic field modulates shear stress by over 200 % and enables active control of wave attenuation. Furthermore, the model accurately captures the delayed carrier response due to finite recombination times. These quantified enhancements demonstrate that the proposed framework provides a more physically realistic and predictive tool for designing high-performance semiconductor devices in extreme multi-physics environments, such as space-grade photovoltaics, MEMS gyroscopes, and magneto-optoelectronic systems
Modelling collapse and debris distribution in explosive demolition: application to a 12-story building
No full textIn the modern construction sector, an increasing number of structures deviate from aesthetic, safety, and economic principles, necessitating efficient demolition processes. While explosive demolition of high-rise buildings has become a practical solution, the resulting collapse mechanisms and debris distribution remain difficult to predict. Existing studies primarily analyze explosive demolition by focusing on the removal of load-bearing elements or modeling explosive effects. However, most of these studies involve hypothetical structures with simple and symmetrical layouts, often overlooking the debris generated post-demolition. This study focuses on an integrated approach encompassing two fundamental dimensions: (1) predicting the structure’s collapse mechanism, and (2) predicting the state of debris for post-demolition planning. A real 12-story residential building was selected as a pilot case. A finite element model was created using AutoCAD 3D and LS-PrePost. The explicit method in the LS-DYNA software was employed for dynamic analysis. Simulation results obtained with LS-DYNA were compared with actual demolition data to validate the model for both the demolition mechanism and the resulting debris volume. The results demonstrate that the proposed method predicts the collapse mechanism and debris distribution with 88% accuracy. This method can be applied to various structures, serving as an effective tool for forecasting demolition outcomes
Research on the visualization method of lithology intelligent recognition based on deep learning using mine tunnel images
No full textAn image processing and deep learning method for identifying different types of rock images was proposed. Preprocessing, such as rock image acquisition, gray scaling, Gaussian blurring, and feature dimensionality reduction, was conducted to extract useful feature information and recognize and classify rock images using TensorFlow-based convolutional neural network (CNN) and PyQt5. A rock image dataset was established and separated into workouts, confirmation sets, and test sets. The framework was subsequently compiled and trained. The categorization approach was evaluated using image data from the validation and test datasets, and key metrics, such as accuracy, precision, and recall, were analyzed. Finally, the classification model conducted a probabilistic analysis of the measured data to determine the equivalent lithological type for each image. The experimental results indicated that the method combining deep learning, TensorFlow-based CNN, and PyQt5 to recognize and classify rock images has an accuracy rate of up to 98.8%, and can be successfully utilized for rock image recognition. The system can be extended to geological exploration, mine engineering, and other rock and mineral resource development to more efficiently and accurately recognize rock samples. Moreover, it can match them with the intelligent support design system to effectively improve the reliability and economy of the support scheme. The system can serve as a reference for supporting the design of other mining and underground space projects.