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Prevention of Liver Damage in Rats by Artichoke Leaf Extract, Colchicine and Pioglitazone
No full textObject & imath;veThe aim of the study was to comparatively investigate the protective effects of artichoke leaf extract, colchicine and pioglitazone in bile duct obstruction-induced liver fibrosis in rats.MethodsIn this study, 35 healthy male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1 (sham), Group 2 (control), Group 3 (artichoke leaf extract), Group 4 (colchicine), and Group 5 (pioglitazone). Except for the sham group (Group 1), all animals underwent bile duct ligation, followed by administration of the respective test substances for seven consecutive days. Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson Trichrome, and silver impregnation were used to demonstrate structural and fibrotic changes in the liver. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining methods for AFP for liver regeneration, TNF-alpha for inflammation, and p53 and caspase-3 for apoptosis.ResultsIn the control group, ALT, AST and total bilirubin (1131 +/- 484.1; 3074 +/- 683.2; 8.78 +/- 0.32) levels were high. On the other hand, these values were decreased in the treated groups, more significantly in the artichoke leaf extract (141.43 +/- 44.9; 266.29 +/- 55.6; 4.83 +/- 0.47) group. This was consistent with the macroscopic and histomorphological findings.Conclus & imath;onIt was thought that these agents could be used as alternative methods in clinical treatment because the biochemical, structural and fibrotic changes that develop in the liver due to bile duct ligation were improved in the treatment groups, especially in the artichoke leaf extract group.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK)Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK). The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this articl
Young anatomists perceptions of aorta-celiac trunk models and their use in anatomical education training
No full textBackgroundAnatomical variations of the aorta-celiac trunk are highly relevant in abdominal surgery and interventional radiology. Traditional CT-A images may fall short in conveying these complex structures. This study investigates whether patient-specific 3D models can enhance resident-level understanding of aorta-celiac trunk anatomy and support surgical education.MethodsIn this study, CT-A images of 1,000 adults aged between 18 and 60 were evaluated. Celiac trunk patterns were classified into eight types, and 3D solid models were created for each. In this study, seven residents were presented with eight stations, each showcasing an aorta-celiac trunk pattern in both CT-A and 1:1 scale solid model formats. The participants were asked to assess each format individually, identifying the variations, describing structural characteristics, and evaluating their educational value.ResultsThe vascular origin measurement values, when compared to the actual anatomical values of the corresponding cases, showed that the models were 1:1 identical replicas. According to the survey results, although 85.71% of the residents were aware of 3D printing and anatomical models, they lacked knowledge about the computer programs used to create these models. All residents agreed that the aorta-celiac trunk models enhanced their understanding of the vascular source and improved pattern recognition when compared to conventional cross-sectional CT-A imaging. Eight carousel-based stations provided qualitative assessments, with results showing the usefulness of celiac trunk models when used as anatomical tools for detecting pattern type (p = 0.018), determining the number of branches of the celiac trunk (p = 0.026), visualizing celiac trunk variations more clearly (p = 0.017), clearly observing the diameters of branches arising from the celiac trunk (p = 0.043), understanding the presence of variations in the celiac trunk (p = 0.018), and effectively explaining celiac trunk variations to residents (p = 0.018). Across all cases, participants' scores for understanding anatomical variations were significantly higher when using the 3D model; moreover, residents judged the 3D models to be substantially more useful than conventional twodimensional CTangiography slices for studying the celiac trunk.Conclusion3D aorta-celiac trunk models can improve anatomy education by offering tangible, high-fidelity representations that enhance visuospatial understanding. These models provide clear, demonstrative feedback, allowing learners to accurately grasp complex anatomical relationships. Specifically, the plastic-like material used to replicate celiac trunk vascular structures enables precise visualization of the origin, branching patterns, shapes, and angles-facilitating a well-structured and spatially coherent learning experience
Impact of melamine exposure on apoptotic proteins and oxidative stress markers in mouse hepatic tissue
No full textMost melamine studies have focused on renal toxicity and its effects on the liver are still not well known. We investigated the apoptotic and oxidative effects of melamine on the liver using thirty BALB/c mice, divided into three groups. The control group received saline, while the low-dose melamine (LDM) group was given 400 mg/kg (1/8 LD50) and the high-dose melamine (HDM) group received 1600 mg/kg (1/2 LD50) intragastrically (0.25 ml) for 5 consecutive days. Liver Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expressions were analyzed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, and also at the gene level by quantitative Real-Time PCR. In addition, total antioxidant (TAS), total oxidant (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels in liver tissues were measured spectrophotometrically. The immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3 was higher in the LDM and HDM groups compared to the control group (p = 0.002). TOS and OSI levels were increased significantly (P <0.05) in the HDM group as compared to controls. Bcl-2 ELISA levels in the HDM group increased significantly compared to the control (P = 0.0024). Caspase-3 values increased significantly in the HDM group compared to the control (P < 0.0001) and LDM (P = 0.0016) groups. This study provides evidence that exposure to melamine induces oxidative stress and increases apoptosis in the liver. In conclusion, we suggest that both apoptotic and anti-apoptotic mechanisms may be disrupted at high melamine exposures, which has not been reported extensively in previous publications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Kırıkkale Üniversitesi, KU, (2019/053
Comprehensive Assessment of Pain and Physiological Parameters of Sympathetic Blockade to Accurately Determine the Success of High Thoracic Erector Spinae Plane Block
No full textBackground/Objectives: High thoracic erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel technique for managing chronic radicular and sympathetically mediated pain. Although physiological changes, such as increased skin temperature, perfusion index (PI), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), are known to reflect ESPB-induced sympatholysis, their predictive value for analgesic success remains unclear. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate whether these objective indicators of sympathetic blockade are associated with the clinical success of high thoracic ESPB. Methods: The sample of this prospective, observational study consisted of 35 adult patients with chronic radicular pain undergoing a high thoracic ESPB procedure. Pre- and post-procedure assessments included bilateral skin temperature, PI, ONSD measurements, and administration of a visual analog scale (VAS). Patients with a greater than 50% decrease in VAS score were deemed responders to the procedure. Results: Of the 35 patients, 29 (82.9%) were responders. The patients' post-procedure ipsilateral skin temperature (p 0.05). There was also no significant correlation between VAS score and changes in PI, ONSD, or skin temperature (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, although high thoracic ESPB resulted in measurable physiological changes suggestive of sympathetic blockade, these changes did not predict clinical analgesic success
Search for a heavy pseudoscalar Higgs boson decaying to a 125 GeV Higgs boson and a Z boson in final states with two tau and two light leptons in proton-proton collisions at TeV
No full textA search for a heavy pseudoscalar Higgs boson, A, decaying to a 125 GeV Higgs boson h and a Z boson is presented. The h boson is identified via its decay to a pair of tau leptons, while the Z boson is identified via its decay to a pair of electrons or muons. The search targets the production of the A boson via the gluon-gluon fusion process, gg ? A, and in association with bottom quarks,. The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb?1 collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of TeV. Constraints are set on the product of the cross sections of the A production mechanisms and the A ? Zh decay branching fraction. The observed (expected) upper limit at 95% confidence level ranges from 0.049 (0.060) pb to 1.02 (0.79) pb for the gg ? A process and from 0.053 (0.059) pb to 0.79 (0.61) pb for the process in the probed range of the A boson mass, mA, from 225 GeV to 1 TeV. The results of the search are used to constrain parameters within the benchmark scenario of the minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model. Values of tan ? below 2.2 are excluded in this scenario at 95% confidence level for all mA values in the range from 225 to 350 GeV. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Sustainable production of microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose from textile waste using HCl and NaOH/Urea treatment
No full textBio-nanomaterials are gaining increasing attention due to their renewable and eco-friendly characteristics. Among these, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) stands out as one of the most advanced materials for applications in food, healthcare, composite production, and beyond. In this study, NCC was successfully extracted from cotton-based textile waste using a combination of chemical and mechanical methods. The cellulose fibers were first hydrolyzed using a dilute HCl solution, neutralized, and then dried, resulting in microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with diameters ranging from 7 to 15 mu m and lengths up to 300 mu m (as observed via optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, SEM). To achieve nanoscale dimensions, NaOH/urea solution with mechanical treatment was applied, resulting in the successful extraction of NCC in the supernatant, particularly under room-temperature conditions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis confirmed the presence of nanostructures (average sizes ranging from 120 nm to 750 nm), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis verified the nanoscale range (diameters between 2 and 4 nm and lengths from 200 nm to 1 mu m). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the conversion of cellulose I to cellulose II, confirming the successful transformation into NCC. For the first time, NCC was obtained from undyed cotton textile wastes using NaOH/urea treatment after HCl hydrolysis, eliminating the need for pre-treatment and intermediate steps.TUBITAK-2219 International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program [1059B192300439, TUBITAK-2219]; International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship ProgramThis study was carried out within the scope of the study titled Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of PLA Matrix Biocomposites Reinforced with Micro and Nanocrystalline Cellulose Obtained from Waste Textile Products-1059B192300439 funded by the TUBITAK-2219 International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program
Anomalous heating rate and kinetic analysis in the thermoluminescence of GdCa4O(BO3)3
No full textThis study investigates the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of GdCa4O(BO3)3 phosphors under beta irradiation, highlighting their potential for dosimetric applications. A prominent glow peak at 175 degrees C was observed, demonstrating consistent sensitivity under preheating conditions. TL glow peaks were studied using variable heating rate (VHR), Tm-Tstop, initial rise (IR), and computerized glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) methods. Eight distinct trap levels with activation energies ranging from 0.92 to 1.28 eV were identified, confirming the material's diverse trap-depth distribution. The dose-response behavior exhibited superlinear characteristics, with a minimum detectable dose (MDD) of 74.4 mGy, making it suitable for low-dose monitoring. Observed anomalous heating rate effects were explained using the semi-localized transition (SLT) model. These findings position GdCa4O(BO3)3 as a promising candidate for luminescence-based technologies.Turkish Scientific Research Council [223M036 , TUBI-TAK-1001 ]This study was supported by the Turkish Scientific Research Council with the project numbered 223M036 '' within the scope of theTUBI-TAK-1001 '' project
The Role of Empathy in Psychotherapy Effectiveness and Therapeutic Alliance: A Systematic Review
No full textEmpati her ne kadar genellikle, bir kişinin diğerinin duygularını, deneyimlerini, motivasyonunu veya bakış açısını anlaması olarak ifade edilse de diğer kişiye karşı genel olarak duyarlılık ve farkındalık içerisinde olmakta empati olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Empati insan etkileşimi içerisinde önemli bir yere sahip olmakla birlikte doğal olarak psikoterapi ortamı içinde önemli bileşenlerinden biridir. Bu araştırmada terapistin empatisiyle, terapötik ittifak ve psikoterapi etkililiği arasındaki ilişkiyi araştıran çalışmalar incelenerek sistematik bir gözden geçirme yapmak amaçlanmıştır. Bu hedef doğrultusunda PubMed, Google Akademik, Web of Science ve ScienceDirect veri tabanlarından son 15 yıl içerisindeki söz konusu konuyu inceleyen araştırmalar, belli anahtar kelimeler kullanılarak taranmıştır. Ulaşılan tarama sonuçları dahil edilme ve dışlama kriterlerinden geçirildikten sonra kalan 20 makale sistematik gözden geçirmeye dahil edilmiştir. Çalışmaların bulguları; katılımcıların özellikleri ve sahip oldukları psikopatolojiler, terapistlerin uyguladıkları psikoterapi türleri ve tasarladıkları araştırma desenlerinden bağımsız olarak terapistin empatisiyle, terapötik ittifak ve psikoterapinin etkililiğinin ilişkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Terapistlerin, danışanlar tarafından algılanan empati seviyesi yükseldikçe psikoterapinin etkililiği olarak tanımlanan depresif semptomların şiddeti, alkol ve madde kullanım miktarı azalmıştır. Empatinin psikoterapinin etkililiğiyle doğrudan bir ilişkisi olduğu görülse de aynı zamanda dolaylı bir etkisi de bulunmaktadır. Buna göre, terapistin gösterdiği empati, terapötik iş birliğini geliştirmekte ve terapötik iş birliği de psikoterapinin etkililiğini olumlu yönde etkilemektedir. Ayrıca psikoterapide empatinin kullanımı sadece yüz yüze ortamlar için değil, çevrim içi ortamlar için de önemlidir ve psikoterapinin etkililiğinde önemli bir faktördür.Although empathy is often described as understanding another person's emotions, experiences, motivations, or perspective, it is also defined as being generally sensitive and aware of the other person. Empathy plays a significant role in human interactions and is inherently a crucial component within the psychotherapy setting. This study aims to systematically review research examining the relationship between therapist empathy, therapeutic alliance, and psychotherapy effectiveness. To achieve this goal, research articles from the past 15 years on this topic were searched using specific keywords in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to the search results, 20 articles were included in the systematic review. The findings of these studies indicate that, regardless of participants' characteristics, their psychopathologies, the types of psychotherapy employed by therapists, or the research designs used, therapist empathy, therapeutic alliance, and psychotherapy effectiveness are interrelated. As the level of empathy perceived by clients increases, the severity of depressive symptoms, and the amounts of alcohol and substance use decrease. While empathy has a direct relationship with psychotherapy effectiveness, it also has an indirect effect. Specifically, therapist empathy enhances therapeutic collaboration, which in turn positively affects psychotherapy effectiveness. Furthermore, the use of empathy in psychotherapy is important not only in face-to-face settings but also in online environments, making it a significant factor in psychotherapy effectiveness
Comparison of forearm and intra-arterial blood pressure measurements according to body and arm positions in obese patients
No full textRationaleNoninvasive blood pressure (BP) monitoring is very important also difficult for accurate diagnosis and monitor of obese patients.AimsThe study aimed to assess the agreement between forearm arm BP and intra-arterial BP values in a different body and arm positions in obese patients.MethodsThe descriptive study was carried out on 60 intensive care patients with a body mass index above 30 kg/m2 who were monitored with invasive radial BP in the general and surgical intensive care units. BP values obtained from the upper arm and forearm with different arm and body positions were compared with intra-arterial BP results. Bland-Altman analysis and correlation coefficient were used for the accuracy of upper and forearm noninvasive BP reading in different positions.ResultsThe best agreement was found between the forearm systolic BP in the supine and half-sitting position with the arm down and intra-arterial BP values. Also, the best agreement in diastolic BP was found between the half-sitting and half-sitting position with the arm down and intra-arterial BP.ConclusionsForearm systolic BP measurement, especially in the supine and half-sitting position with the arm below the heart level position, was best agreement with intra-arterial measurement, regarded as the gold standard. For this reason, it is more appropriate to use forearm BP measurement in obese patients monitored in intensive care to obtain accurate results
Phonological development of children with cochlear implants
No full textPhonological processes are examples of normal simplified articulation seen in all children during the language and speech sound acquisition phase, and their frequency decreases and disappears with age. They are of concern when they are used beyond the expected time frames or when the simplification processes do not follow the typical substitutions. The aim of this study was to examine the phonological development and consonant acquisition of Turkish-speaking children with CI and compare the results with normative data. Comparisons were made according to the duration of CI use and also according to the age of CI. Therefore, 52 participants were analysed, first divided into 4 groups according to duration of CI use and then into 2 groups according to age of CI. Phonology skills were evaluated with the Bankson-Bernthal Phonology Test. In children with CI, 1373 consonant production errors were detected. There were 28 phonological processes corresponding to these errors. The most common phonological processes were Initial Consonant Deletion, Cluster Reduction, Final Consonant Deletion, Vowel Lengthening, Devoicing, Assimilation, Nasalization and Dentalization. The most errors occurred in fricative and voiced sounds, and the fewest errors occurred in bilabial consonants (/b,/p,/m/). This study demonstrated that CI performed before the age of three years and continued use of CI over an extended period of time have beneficial impacts on the development of phonological skills. This study is thought to enhance the existing research on the acquisition of consonants and phonological development in Turkish-speaking children with CI, a topic that currently lacks sufficient information