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Predictors of relapse and disability in nmosd, mogad, and double-seronegative demyelinating syndromes: An international multicenter retrospective cohort study
No full textBackgroundThis international multicenter retrospective cohort study investigated predictors of relapse, acute attack severity, and six-month disability in patients with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD, MOGAD, and double-seronegative demyelinating syndromes.MethodsWe analyzed 238 patients (132 NMOSD, 69 MOGAD, 37 double-seronegative). Clinical features, CSF findings, and timing of acute and maintenance therapies were evaluated as prognostic markers.ResultsIn NMOSD, female sex, delayed initiation of acute therapy, need for plasma exchange, and inflammatory CSF changes were associated with greater disability at the nadir of the first attack. Older age and longer disease duration predicted higher six-month disability, while oral corticosteroid tapering was protective. Higher EDSS at onset was associated with poorer six-month recovery. No factor significantly predicted relapse. In MOGAD, optic neuritis at onset and early IVMP were associated with lower six-month disability and higher recovery rates, whereas post-IVMP corticosteroid tapering correlated with higher six-month disability. CSF pleocytosis correlated with favorable recovery. Higher EDSS at onset predicted worse six-month outcomes. Early initiation of maintenance therapy reduced relapse risk although overall use versus none was not statistically conclusive. In double-seronegative patients, short steroid tapers, elevated CSF glucose, antecedent infections or vaccinations, and delayed maintenance therapy were associated with worse six-month recovery though no independent predictors were confirmed in multivariable analyses.ConclusionsPrognostic factors differed across subgroups. NMOSD outcomes were influenced by age, disease duration, and steroid tapering; MOGAD outcomes by onset phenotype, early therapy, and maintenance treatment; and seronegative outcomes by treatment timing and immune antecedents. These findings emphasize early, tailored therapy and distinct subgroup-specific prognostic considerations in antibody-mediated and seronegative demyelinating disorders
Investigating circGPRC5A-mediated regulation of circGPRC5A gene expression in breast cancer
No full textMeme kanseri, dünya genelinde en sık teşhis edilen kanser türü olup, kansere bağlı ölümlerin başlıca nedenlerinden biridir. Bu hastalığın patolojisi yalnızca genetik mutasyonlarla değil, aynı zamanda birçok genin ekspresyonundaki düzensizlikle de ilişkilendirilmiştir. Bu genlerden biri olan GPRC5A (G proteinine bağlı reseptör kodlayan gen), çeşitli kanser türlerinde rol oynamakta olup, meme dokusunda tümör baskılayıcı bir işlev gördüğü düşünülmektedir. Kovalent olarak kapalı halkasal yapıya sahip kodlamayan RNA’lar sınıfına ait olan halkasal RNA’lar (circRNA’lar), GPRC5A ekspresyonundaki düzensizliğe katılan yeni düzenleyici moleküller olarak tanımlanmıştır. Özellikle, circGPRC5A’nın, GPRC5A mRNA’sını hedef alan belirli mikroRNA’lara sünger gibi bağlanarak, circRNA–miRNA–mRNA ekseni aracılığıyla bu rolü çeşitli kanser türlerinde oynadığı gösterilmiştir. Bu mekanizma diğer bazı kanser türlerinde önerilmiş olsa da, meme kanserindeki rolü hâlâ belirsizliğini korumaktadır. Bu nedenle, bu çalışmanın amacı, meme kanseri hücrelerinde circGPRC5A’nın ekspresyonunu değerlendirmek ve GPRC5A üzerindeki olası düzenleyici rolünü araştırmaktır. Bu amaçla, MCF7 ve MDA-MB-231 meme kanseri hücre hatları ile normal meme epitelyal hücre hattı olan MCF10A kullanılmıştır. Bu hücrelerden toplam RNA izole edilmiş, cDNA’ya dönüştürülmüş ve circGPRC5A ile GPRC5A’nın ekspresyon seviyeleri qRT-PCR yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, circGPRC5A ve GPRC5A'nın her ikisinin de kanser hücre hatlarında sağlıklı MCF10A hücrelerine kıyasla ifade azaldığını ve MDA-MB-231 hücrelerinde MCF7’ye göre daha düşük ifade düzeyleri sergilendiğini ortaya koymuştur. circGPRC5A ve GPRC5A arasındaki paralel ekspresyon modeli potansiyel bir düzenleyici ilişkiye işaret etmektedir. Devamında yapılan in silico analizde, meme kanserinde circGPRC5A ve GPRC5A ile etkileşime girebilecek en güçlü aday olarak miR-214-3p belirlenmiştir. Ancak, miR-214-3p'nin gözlemlenen ekspresyon düzeyi beklenenden farklı olmuştur. Bu korelasyonun altında yatan moleküler mekanizmaların aydınlatılması, meme kanserinde tümör baskılayıcı genlerin post-transkripsiyonel düzeydeki düzenlenmesine dair önemli bilgiler sağlayabilir.Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally and a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Its pathology has been associated not only genetic mutations with but also with the dysregulation of numerous genes. One gene of interest is GPRC5A (G protein-coupled receptor-encoding), which has been implicated in various types of cancer and is considered to function as a tumor suppressor in breast tissue. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of covalently closed non-coding RNAs, have been identified as novel regulatory molecules involved in the dysregulation of GPRC5A. Specifically, circGPRC5A has been elucidated to play this role in various types of cancer through the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA axis by sponging specific microRNAs that target GPRC5A mRNA, thereby influencing its expression. Although this mechanism has been proposed in other types of cancer, its implication in breast cancer remains undetermined. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of circGPRC5A and investigate its potential regulatory role over GPRC5A expression in breast cancer cells. For this purpose, breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as the breast epithelial cell line MCF10A, were used. Total RNA was extracted from these cells, converted into cDNA, and the expression levels of circGPRC5A and GPRC5A mRNA were quantified using qRT-PCR. The results revealed that both circGPRC5A and GPRC5A were downregulated in cancer cell lines compared to MCF10A, with lower expression levels observed in MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF7. The parallel expression patterns between circGPRC5A and GPRC5A suggested a potential regulatory link. Subsequently, an in silico analysis identified miR-214-3p as the most promising candidate involved in a circGPRC5A–miRNA–GPRC5A regulatory axis in breast cancer. However, the observed expression level of miR-214-3p was opposite to what was expected. Further investigation is required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this correlation, as it may provide valuable insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of tumor suppressor genes in breast cancer
Exploring knowledge production and policy shifts in global higher education
No full textHigher education is undergoing significant transformation in response to global pressures such as policy shifts, internationalization, and changing governance models. As institutions adapt to these trends, they must find ways to balance academic excellence with equity, sustainability, and responsiveness to societal needs. The production and dissemination of knowledge play a central role in shaping how universities contribute to global challenges. These shifts demand reimagined curricula, cross-border collaboration, and inclusive leadership to ensure higher education remains a driver of progress and innovation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for aligning institutional practices with the broader goals of global development and social impact. Exploring Knowledge Production and Policy Shifts in Global Higher Education examines the essential dimensions shaping higher education amidst current global trends in policy, governance, and internationalization, with a focus on how knowledge production contributes to these dynamics and influences the evolving role of higher education. It provides a comprehensive overview of how institutions can respond to global challenges. Covering topics such as curriculum reform, knowledge development, and sustainable development, this book is an excellent resource for scholars, educators, policymakers, institutional leaders, and more
Enhancing capacitive self-sensing ability of cement mortar by designing electrode configuration
No full textCapacitance-based measurement, which enables self-sensing without the need for any conductive additives, is very advantageous for the construction and building sector as it can be applied both in existing and newly constructed structures. In this study, the most effective electrode configuration has been investigated to detect the most effective self-sensing ability. Capacitive self-sensing measurements were conducted in a 10.3-kPa to 41.2-kPa stress regime during loading and subsequent unloading at progressively increasing stress levels. Aluminum foil acting as the electrode was attached to the mortar plate using dielectric film. The capacitance was measured by an LCR meter. The most effective configuration for self-sensing was determined by varying the area of the coplanar electrodes and the distances between them. The sensing effectiveness increased with decreasing electrode width, such that the highest effectiveness was obtained when the width was 1.5 cm. Moreover, the effectiveness increased with decreasing inter-electrode distance, such that the highest effectiveness was obtained when the distance is 10 cm. With the optimum electrode design, the highest sensing effectiveness of 4.4% was reached. So, the most effective capacitive self-sensing is achieved by positioning the electrodes closest to the area where the load is applied and keeping the electrode area low
Evaluation of the biodegradability of bioplastics under different environmental conditions
No full textBu tezde, biyobozunur polimerlerin farklı çevresel koşullarda bozunma davranışlarını inceleyen dört iş paketi gerçekleştirilmiştir. İlk iş paketinde, PLA filmleri ASTM D5988-18 standardına göre saf toprakta 90 gün süreyle inkübe edilmiş ve fiziksel, kimyasal ve morfolojik değişimleri FTIR, SEM ve kütle kaybı analizleriyle değerlendirilmiştir. İkinci iş paketinde, elektro çekim yöntemiyle üretilmiş mikrolifli yüzeyler, aynı standart altında 180 gün boyunca toprakta bozunmaya bırakılmış, süreç CO₂ salınımı ve SEM analizleriyle izlenmiştir. Üçüncü ve dördüncü iş paketi kapsamında, PLA filmi ve eriyikten çekim yöntemiyle üretilmiş PHB multifilament ipliklerin, arıtma çamuru, vermikompost gibi azotça zengin katkılar içeren toprak ortamlardaki bozunma davranışları araştırılmıştır. Bu süreçte, CO₂ salınımı ölçümleri, SEM ve FTIR analizleri kullanılarak numuneler üzerindeki morfolojik ve kimyasal değişiklikler değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları, organik katkıların (özellikle arıtma çamuru ve vermikompost) topraktaki mikrobiyal aktiviteyi ve azot içeriğini artırarak PLA'nın bozunma oranını belirgin şekilde yükselttiğini göstermiştir. 28 °C’de 180 gün boyunca saf toprakta %6 oranında bozunan PLA, katkılı topraklarda sırasıyla %40 ve %45 oranlarında bozunmuştur. Buna karşın, PHB numuneleri saf toprakta 75–90 gün içinde tamamen bozunurken, katkılı ortamlarda bozunma süresi uzamış, bu durum mikrobiyal seçicilik ile arıtma çamuru ve vermikompost içerisinde bulunan organik maddelerin öncelikli tüketilmesiyle açıklanmıştır. Kristalinite derecesi arttıkça bozunma hızının azaldığı gözlemlenmiş, üretim yöntemiyle ilişkili morfolojik farklılıkların biyobozunma performansını doğrudan etkilediği anlaşılmıştır. Elektro çekim yöntemiyle üretilen PHB’ler, yüksek yüzey alanlarına rağmen daha yavaş bozunurken, eriyikten çekimle elde edilen PHB'ler 20 gün içinde tamamen parçalanmıştır. PHB/PBS (75/25) karışımının yavaş bozunması, PBS’nin dirençli yapısı ile ilişkilendirilmiştir. Bu tez, biyoplastiklerin çevresel bozunma davranışlarını; üretim yöntemleri, toprak özellikleri ve organik katkılar ışığında bütüncül şekilde değerlendirmekte ve biyobozunur malzemelerin sürdürülebilir atık yönetimi stratejileri geliştirme sürecine katkı sunmaktadır.In this thesis, four work packages were conducted to investigate the degradation behavior of biodegradable polymers under different environmental conditions. In the first work package, PLA films were incubated in pure soil for 90 days under ambient conditions in accordance with ASTM D5988-18, and their physical, chemical, and morphological changes were evaluated using FTIR, SEM, and mass loss analyses. In the second work package, electrospun microfibrous surfaces were subjected to soil degradation under the same standard for 180 days, and the process was monitored through CO₂ evolution and SEM analysis. The third and fourth work packages focused on examining the degradation behavior of PLA films and melt-spun PHB multifilament yarns in nitrogen-rich soil environments enriched with sewage sludge and vermicompost. During these studies, CO₂ measurements, SEM imaging, and FTIR spectroscopy were used to assess the morphological and chemical changes of the materials. The results showed that the addition of organic amendments (particularly sewage sludge and vermicompost) significantly increased microbial activity and nitrogen content in the soil, which markedly enhanced the degradation rate of PLA. While PLA degraded only by 6% in pure soil after 180 days at 28 °C, the degradation rate increased to 40% and 45% in sludge- and vermicompost-enriched soils, respectively. In contrast, PHB samples fully degraded within 75–90 days in pure soil, but degradation slowed down in the amended soils. This was attributed to microbial selectivity and the preferential consumption of easily degradable organic matter. An inverse relationship between crystallinity and degradation rate was observed, indicating that morphological differences related to production methods directly influenced biodegradation performance. Although electrospun PHB samples had high surface areas, they degraded more slowly than melt-spun PHBs, which fully disintegrated within 20–45 days. The slower degradation of the PHB/PBS (75/25) blend was associated with the inherent resistance of PBS to biodegradation, whereas the PHB/PBS (90/10) blend and pure PHB samples degraded more rapidly
Investigation of nosema spp. and some important viral diseases in honey bee (apis mellifera l.) colonies in the greater caucasus region of azerbaijan: The first molecular detection and analysis of viral diseases of honey bee
No full textParasitic and viral factors seen in beekeeping farms are among the most critical causes of colony losses in honey bees. Within the scope of this study, Nosema spp microsporidial disease, one of the bee diseases that is important for bee health in Azerbaijan, and nine bee viruses that are important in colony losses. The presence of acute bee paralysis virus, Black Queen cell virus, Chronic bee paralysis virus, Deformed wing virus, Filamentous virus, Kashmir bee virus, Sacbrood virus, Israel acute bee paralysis virus and Varroa destructor 1-virus was investigated. For this purpose, adult bee samples taken from various beekeeping farms in Gabala province in the Greater Caucasus region of Azerbaijan were examined with microscopic and molecular methods, and the presence of Nosema ceranae, DWV-A, SBV, AmFV, DWV-B, and BQCV was detected in the farms. DWV-A, SBV, AmFV, DWV-B, and BQCV viruses were sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Phylogenetic analysis was mainly based on comparison of nucleotide similarities with isolates obtained from Genbank; the highest identity (100%) was between the BQCV isolate and the South African isolates. In addition, 99% identity was recorded with the SBV isolate and the Turkish isolate, VDV-1 with Georgia, and AmFV with the Argentinian isolates. Amino acid similarity with a 100% value was observed between Albania and Turkey with BQCV isolation, and between Turkey and SBV isolation. Additionally, DWV showed similarity with Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel.Institute of Zoology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Azerbaijan Republi
The effect of increasing doses of iron on the development and some nutrient content of bean plant grown in hydroponic system
No full textBu çalışmada, sera şartlarında hidroponik sisteme artan demir (40-80-120-160-200 µM) dozları uygulanmıştır. Fasulye (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) bitkisinin gelişimi ve kimi besin elementi içeriğine etkilerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yapılan analiz sonuçlarına göre artan dozlarda Fe uygulaması; fasulye bitkisi yapraklarının kuru madde, Fe ve Zn konsantrasyonlarında artış sağlayarak olumlu yönde etki ederken, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn ve B konsantrasyonlarında azalma göstermiş ve olumsuz yönde etki ettiği belirlenmiştir. Artan dozlarda Fe uygulamasının fasulye bitkisi köklerinin başta Fe olmak üzere P, K, Na, Mg ve Mn konsantrasyonlarında artış göstererek olumlu etkide bulunduğu ancak kökün N, Ca, Cu, Zn ve B konsantrasyonunda azalma göstererek olumsuz yönde etkilediği görülmüştür. En yüksek ortalama kuru madde miktarı (62,67 g) Fe5 dozundan, en düşük ortalama kuru madde miktarı (36,27 g) ise Fe1 dozundan sağlanmıştır. Demir ve kimi makro ve mikro elementler arasındaki antagonistik ilişkinin köklerde Fe birikimine neden olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Yapılan çalışma sonucuna göre en yüksek Fe5 (200 µM) dozuna kadar bitki gelişimi ve kuru madde miktarında artış söz konusu olmasına rağmen diğer besin elementlerinin alımında azalma görülmesi nedeniyle demir uygulamasında bir limit doz bulunması gerekmektedir. Demir alımında artış Fe4 (160 µM) dozuna kadar sağlanmış olsa da diğer besin elementleri arasındaki etkileşim düşünüldüğünde Fe3 (120 µM) dozunun fasulye bitkisi için ideal demir dozu olabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır.In this study, increasing doses of iron (40-80-120-160-200 µM) were applied to the hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions. It was aimed to determine the development of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plant and its effect on some nutrient element content. According to the analysis results, increasing doses of Fe application positively affected the dry matter, Fe and Zn concentrations of bean plant leaves, while it decreased the N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn and B concentrations and had a negative effect. It was observed that increasing doses of Fe application had a positive effect by increasing the concentrations of Fe, P, K, Na, Mg and Mn in the roots of the bean plant, but it had a negative effect by decreasing the concentrations of N, Ca, Cu, Zn and B in the root. The highest average dry matter amount (62.67 g) was obtained from the Fe5 dose, and the lowest average dry matter amount (36.27 g) was obtained from the Fe1 dose. It has been determined that the antagonistic relationship between iron and some macro and micro elements causes Fe accumulation in the roots. According to the results of the study, although there is an increase in plant growth and dry matter amount up to the highest Fe5 (200 µM) dose, there is a decrease in the intake of other nutrients, so a limit dose should be found in iron application. Although an increase in iron uptake was achieved up to the dose of Fe4 (160 µM), considering the interaction between other nutritional elements, it was concluded that the dose of Fe3 (120 µM) may be the ideal iron dose for bean plants
Sludge-based carbon as an effective admixture in alkali-activated cementitious composites to shield electromagnetic radiation
No full textThis study first utilizes pyrolyzed municipal sludge (PMS) to prepare waste-based alkali-activated cementitious composites (ACC) with enhanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties. The effect of PMS content on the EMI shielding effectiveness of the ACC was systematically investigated. The PMS used in this study features an amorphous carbon structure and ion oxides, which contribute positively to the shielding performance. Both the real and imaginary components of permittivity increase with higher PMS content, indicating enhanced dielectric and conductive properties. When PMS content is below 12 wt%, absorption is the dominant shielding mechanism; however, reflection becomes dominant when the content exceeds 12 wt%. The skin depths of the ACC are smaller than the specimen thickness and decrease with increasing frequency, further enhancing EMI shielding effectiveness. The maximum total shielding effectiveness (SET) achieved was 20.8-25.3 dB over the X-band, approximately five times higher than ACC without PMS. Across all PMS content levels, absorption loss (SEA) is the primary contributor to SET. The shielding mechanisms include conduction loss and polarization loss, such as defect-induced interfacial polarization, dipolar polarization, and molecular currents. This study discovers a new approach to using municipal sludge as an EMI shielding admixture and contributes to global sustainability in the construction industry.National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
52205183China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
2024M75120
Kinesio taping, wrist splinting, and epicondylitis bandaging in managing lateral epicondylitis: A prospective comparative study
No full textBackground: We assessed the treatment outcomes of patients assigned by sequential randomization to 3 groups: epicondylitis bandaging, wrist dorsiflexion splinting, and kinesio taping. Material/Methods: Fifty-four patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis were included in the study and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=18): epicondylitis bandage, wrist dorsiflexion splint, and kinesio tape. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog score (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder (DASH) score, PRTEE (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation) score, and hand grip strength at baseline and at 3 and 6 weeks. Results: Lateral epicondylitis was diagnosed in the right elbow in 40 patients and the left elbow in 14 patients. Lateral epicondylitis was on the dominant side in 39 patients and on the opposite side in 15. When the VAS, PRTEE, DASH, and wrist grip strengths of the patients who used epicondylitis bandage, wrist dorsiflexion splint, and kinesio tape in the treatment were compared, no significant difference was found between the results before treatment and at 3 and 6 weeks after treatment. Conclusions: We found no significant differences between conservative treatment of lateral epicondylitis via epicondylitis bandage, wrist dorsiflexion splint, and kinesio tape at baseline and at 3 and 6 weeks after treatment as assessed by VAS, DASH score, PRTEE score, and hand grip strength
Lungs performance-based optimization with opposite and quasi-opposite-based learning
No full textOptimizasyon algoritmalarının sonraki süreçlerde geliştirilmesi ve iyileştirilmesi konusu birçok bilim dalında geniş bir çalışma alanını oluşturmaktadır. Bu algoritmaların ilk tasarımında ele alınamayan ya da değerlendirilemeyen birçok geliştirme metodu daha sonra algoritmalar ile birlikte kullanılarak yeni algoritmalar geliştirilmekte ve daha iyi yakınsama eğrileri ve süreleri elde edilebilmektedir. Bu çalışmada algoritma geliştirme metotlarından biri olan karşıt ve yarı-karşıt tabanlı öğrenme kavramı ele alınmıştır. Bu kavram, rastgele oluşturulan çözümler yerine, onların karşıt konumlarındaki bireyleri dikkate alarak daha hızlı ve kararlı sonuçlara ulaşmayı amaçlamaktadır. Karşıt tabanlı öğrenme kavramının temelinde algoritmanın ilk popülasyonunun yarısı rastgele oluşturulurken diğer yarısının ise karşıt konumlara yerleştirilmesi yatar. Bu işlem yarı-karşıt tabanlı öğrenmede ise rastgele birey ve bu bireyin karşıt konumu arasındaki bir bölgede başka bir birey oluşturularak, bu bireylerin uygunlukları karşılaştırılıp uygunluğu iyi olan bireyin popülasyona katılması şeklinde uygulanır. Bu iyileştirme yapılarının son yıllarda ortaya atılan akciğer performansına dayalı optimizasyon algoritması ile birlikte kullanılmasıyla, klasik algoritma üzerindeki etkileri kıyaslama fonksiyonları üzerinden tartışılmıştır. Önerilen OLPO (Opposite-based LPO) ve QOLPO (Quasi-opposite-based LPO) algoritmalarının performansı, 12 adet CEC 2022 kıyaslama fonksiyonu üzerinde 30 tekrar (run) ve 20 boyut (dimension) kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir.Developing and improving optimization algorithms in later processes constitutes a wide field of study in many branches of science. Many development methods that could not be considered or evaluated in the initial design of these algorithms are later used together with the algorithms to develop new algorithms and obtain better convergence curves and times. This study discusses the concept of opposite and quasi-opposite-based learning, which aims to accelerate convergence by evaluating both candidate solutions and their opposite counterparts in the search space. The basis of the opposite-based learning concept is that half of the initial population of the algorithm is randomly generated while the other half is placed in opposing positions. This process is applied in quasi-opposite-based learning by creating another individual in a region between a random individual and the opposite position of this individual, comparing the suitability of these individuals, and adding the individual with better suitability to the population. Using these improvement structures and the lung performance-based optimization algorithm put forward in recent years, their effects on the classical algorithm are discussed through comparison functions. The performance of the proposed OLPO (Opposite-based LPO) and QOLPO (Quasi-opposite-based LPO) algorithms is evaluated on 12 CEC 2022 benchmark functions using 30 runs and 20 dimensions.Kütahya Dumlupınar Üniversitesi, Akıllı Sistemler Tasarımı Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi (ASTAM