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Brominated flame retardant BDE-99 promotes apoptosis by intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in rat liver
No full textThis study examined in vivo effects of 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99) on the liver of Wistar Albino rats (250-300 gr) in doses of 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg for ten days by gavage. Our objective was to investigate the effects of BDE-99 on the apoptotic process in the liver. Previous studies have shown that BDE-99 causes accumulation and oxidative damage in various tissues, especially the liver. Although the primary mechanism of BDE-99 toxicity is known to involve oxidative stress, limited information is available on its specific impact on apoptosis. Therefore, immunoreactivity of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), Vimentin and Topoisomeraz2A (TOP2A) and Topoisomeraz2B (TOP2B) and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) were determined in the liver. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Catalase (CAT) activities were measured in the liver. qRT-PCR analyses for the p53, Bax, Bcl-2, PCNA and Vimentin genes were carried out from paraffin-embedded liver tissues. Cell membrane damage, hypertrophy, endothelial injury, mononuclear cell infiltration in the liver were determined by Hematoxylin & Eosin. Immunoreactivity of TUNEL, Vimentin, TOP2A and TOP2B increased in both doses, but immunoreactivity of PCNA significantly increased only 0.1 mg/kg BDE-99 dose (p < 0.05). SOD and GPX activities increased but CAT activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver. Bax, Bcl-2, PCNA, Vimentin gene expressions increased in a dose-dependent manner and p53 expression increased only in 0.1 mg/kg BDE-99. In conclusion, our results point out BDE-99 inducing apoptosis of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in rat liver and indicate that exposure to BDE-99 is possible to be a potential risk factor for liver diseases.Trakya University Scientific Research Committee [2017/85]Funding: The study was supported by the Trakya University Scientific Research Committee with project number 2017/85
Relations Among Self-Esteem, Perceived Stress, Positive Affect and College Belongingness: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Mediation Study
No full textThe phenomenon of school belongingness and the psychological constructs that predict this phenomenon have long attracted the attention of researchers. Although cross-sectional studies have investigated the links between these variables, their lack of simultaneous treatment in longitudinal studies has left a gap in the existing literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationships between self-esteem, positive affect, perceived stress, and college belongingness. To achieve this, we conducted a two-wave cross-lagged panel study to examine whether positive affect and perceived stress act as mediators in the association between self-esteem and college belongingness. The study participants consisted of 255 college students (Mean age = 20.23, SD = 2.49). The findings of this study indicated that positive affect and perceived stress play significant mediating roles in the longitudinal association between self-esteem and college belongingness. To put it simply, self-esteem indirectly predicts college belongingness through the intermediary factors of positive affect and perceived stress. This longitudinal study highlights the potential impact of self-esteem on students’ levels of positive affect and perceived stress, underscoring the substantial mediator roles of positive affect and perceived stress as predictors of college belongingness. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Experiences of Patients Underwent Bariatric Surgery: A Qualitative Research
No full textObjective: Bariatric surgery team members need to gain insight into bariatric patients’ individual experiences to ensure that they have realistic expectations about the surgery and better understanding of the changes following surgery. The study aimed to investigate the ex- periences of patients who have underwent bariatric surgery before the operation, their status of deciding on surgical treatment, and their ex- periences after the surgical process.Material and Methods: The study was conducted as a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study using a semi-structured in-depth individual interview method. Ethical permission was obtained. The study was conducted between June and August 2020, in a tertiary hospital in Türkiye, with patients who un- derwent bariatric surgery and were followed up (n=18). The study data were collected by using the personal form and semi-structured inter- view form. The data analysis method was used with the MAXQDA 2020-Qualitative Analyses program, and Colaizzi’s 7-step analysis pro- cess was used to ensure reliability. Results: When the interviews with the patients who underwent bariatric surgery were analyzed seven themes were determined. The seven themes were as follows: (1) phys- ical effects of obesity, (2) psychological effects of obesity, (3) social ef- fects of obesity, (4) decision to undergo surgery, (5) physical effects of bariatric surgery, (6) psychological effects of bariatric surgery, (7) so- cial effects of bariatric surgery. Conclusion: It was found that obesity negatively affects the health of patients, and that patients’ eating habits, activity and mobility levels, ability to perform daily living activities, body image and self-confidence improved after the operation
Results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures at surgical clinics: A multicenter observational study in Türkiye
No full textBACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive endoscopic procedure used mainly to treat hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) diseases. The need for ERCP has increased with the rising number of HPB diseases over the past decade. Thus, due to increased demand, ERCP is performed at more centers. Currently, it is performed by general surgeons, gastroenterology and invasive radiology specialists in the United States and Europe as recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). AIM To present the results of ERCP procedures from fourteen surgical centers in Turkiye. METHODS Fourteen surgical centers performing ERCP were included in the present study. The age, gender, ERCP indication, success status, post-ERCP complications, ERCP reports and the files of 66993 patients who underwent ERCP were collected from the participating centers. The results are discussed according to the targets declared by the BSG, which are volume load per annum, proportion of successful cannulation (> 85%), bile duct clearance rate (> 75%), stenting rate for strictures (> 80%) and complications (< 6%). RESULTS A total of 66993 ERCP procedures were performed in the centers included in the study up to August 2024. 29250 (43.6%) of the procedures were performed urgently, especially for suppurative cholangitis, biliary tract injuries, etc. The remaining 37743 (56.4%) cases were performed electively. 50.2% of the patients were female and 49.8% were male. The average ages were 56.5 years for women and 55.9 years for men. General anesthesia was used in 84.1% of the patients while sedation was used in 15.9%. The indications were bile duct stone (78.7%), pancreatic tumor (3.9%), papillary tumor (3.3%), cholangiocarcinoma (2.6%), Oddi sphincter dysfunction (2.4%), bile leakage after cholecystectomy (2%), bile leakage after hydatid cyst surgery (1.9%), biliary stricture (1.7%), and other diseases (3.1%). Hyperamylasemia and post-ERCP pancreatitis were the most common complications as observed in 8.1% of the patients. They were usually self-limited and responded to supportive measures. The frequency of the other complications was also consistent with the literature. CONCLUSION There is a huge shortage of ERCP endoscopists worldwide due to insufficient ERCP training and centers especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. As patients requiring ERCP usually present to surgical practitioners, the incorporation of surgeons into this training program is an effective and reliable solution. The BSG recommends the incorporation of surgeons and radiologists in addition to gastroenterology specialists. This study is the first to present the results of ERCP procedures from fourteen surgical centers throughout T & uuml;rkiye. The results suggest that the surgical centers included were able to achieve the targets set by the BSG. This study demonstrated that the surgical ERCP units in the present work have reached satisfactory results and provided a reliable and successful ERCP service. There are currently no issues regarding the validity and appropriateness of the surgeons performing ERCP. Therefore, ERCP training should be encouraged in surgeons and more surgical ERCP centers should be provided
Investigation of Older Adults' Perspectives on Nutrition and Food Availability Processes with a Community-Based Approach
No full textAim: The aim of the study is to investigate the attitudes of older adults towards nutrition and food availability processes and to offer solutions with a community-based approach to these attitudes. Material and Method: This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological design. Sixteen older adults (8 women and 8 men) aged 65-80 years participated in the study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants on an online platform. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in 3 themes (dietary preferences, attitudes towards food access and future expectations about nutrition) and 5 sub-themes (food consumption habits and food choice, attitudes towards food choice, attitudes towards food waste, attitudes towards food shopping). Results: According to the findings of the study, the majority of the participants prepared meals at home, ate two meals a day and paid attention to consume vegetables, fruits and meat products on a weekly basis. However, it was concluded that economic inadequacies limit food purchasing power and food choices are mostly shaped by price-performance balance. Participants were sensitive about paying attention to the expiration date; however, knowledge-based behaviors such as label reading and sustainable packaging preference were found to be at a more limited level. Although conscious attitudes towards preventing food waste are widespread, it was stated that some products are given up due to budget constraints, despite acting in a planned manner during the shopping process. It was found that the main expectations of the participants regarding nutrition were concentrated on increasing their pensions, ensuring access to affordable food, and being able to consume more meat and meat products in particular. Conclusion: This study found that older adults generally make informed food choices, but are forced to be price-oriented due to economic constraints, suggesting the need for community-based interventions in these areas
An impact assessment of tax exemptions implemented within the scope of r&d incentives in technoparks in turkey: the case of edirne
No full textTeknolojiyi üretebilme ve kullanabilme becerileri, ülkeleri uluslararası alanda ekonomik ve askerî açıdan avantajlı bir konuma getirebilmektedir. Kendi kendine yeten bir ülke olabilmenin temel adımlarından biri teknolojik gelişmeleri takip edebilmek, teknolojiyi sadece tüketen değil aynı zaman üreten bir ülke olabilmektir. Günümüzde teknolojik gelişmeleri takip etmeyen bir ülkenin uluslararası arenada başarılı bir ülke örneği olması mümkün değildir. Bu gibi sebeplerle ülkeler yüksek teknoloji ve katma değeri yüksek ürünler üretmeye önem vermektedir. Aksi durumda sadece teknoloji tüketen bir konumda yer alınabilmektedir. Ülkemizde teknolojik bilgi üretiminin sağlanmasıyla uluslararası rekabette etkin bir rol oynamak, üretim yöntemlerinde yenilikler sağlayabilmek, ürün kalite standartlarının artırılarak üretim maliyetlerini düşürmek, ticarileştirilebilir teknolojik ürünler ortaya çıkarmak, teknoloji transferine olanak hazırlamak ve bu alanlarda çalışabilecek vasıflı işgücü için istihdam sağlamak gibi amaçlarla Teknoloji Geliştirme Bölgeleri modeli uygulanmaktadır. Teknoloji geliştirme bölgelerinde teknoparklar kurulur, teknoparklardaki süreçler yönetici şirket tarafından yönetilir. Yönetici şirket bakanlıklar tarafından belirtilen amaçlara ulaşabilmek için girişimcilere sağlanan teşviklerin uygulanmasından sorumludur. Bu çalışmanın sonucunda sınırlılıklar da göz önünde bulundurularak bu teşvik sisteminin verimli bir uygulama olduğu görülmüştür.The ability to produce and use
Evaluating Large Language Models for imaging modality selection: Potential to reduce unnecessary contrast agent use and radiation exposure
No full textIntroduction: Large Language Models (LLMs) represent a transformative leap in artificial intelligence with the potential to revolutionize radiologic decision-making. This study uniquely evaluates the performance of various LLMs from different vendors in selecting appropriate imaging modalities and comparing their responses with those of clinicians across different specialties and radiologists with different experience levels. Methods: In a cross-sectional experimental design, 120 clinical scenarios derived from ACR AC and 120 Multifaceted practice-oriented clinical scenarios (including breast, cardiac, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neuro, thoracic, genitourinary, vascular sections) were assessed using three different prompts. The performance of four LLMs from different vendors were evaluated and compared with four clinicians (emergency physician, cardiologist, internist and general surgeon) and four radiologists with different experience level. Also, the performances of LLMs contrast agent use and X-ray-containing imaging modality selection were evaluated. The responses were categorized according to ACR AC. Short and long-term reproducibility were assessed in the same clinical scenarios. Results: All LLMs yielded identical modality recommendations across the three distinct prompts (kappa = 1). In ACR clinical scenarios, DeepSeek-R1 identified the appropriate imaging modality in 98.3 % of cases, achieving superior accuracy without inter-model differences (p > 0.006). In realistic scenarios, DeepSeek-R1 again led, matching board-certified junior radiologist performance and exceeding clinician and resident performance. The short-term reproducibility ranged from kappa = 0.773 to 0.886, with long-term reproducibility spanning kappa = 0.507 to 0.787. Discussion: This study underscores that LLMs have remarkable potential for selecting appropriate imaging modalities for different clinical scenarios related to various sections and their valuable contributions as supportive tools in clinical practice in this field
Novel tryptamine decorated cyclotriphosphazene derived Schiff base compounds: Synthesis, characterization and molecular docking studies
No full textIn this study, new cyclotriphosphazene derivative Schiff base compounds including tryptamine units were synthesized for the first time. The structures of all compounds (2-9) were characterized by FT-IR, mass, 1H and 31P NMR spectra. In addition, the solid-state structure and geometry of salicylaldehyde-substituted cyclotriphosphazene compound 6 using as the precursor were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Molecular docking studies were performed to elucidate the interactions between target molecules and the compounds under investigation, aiming to assess their therapeutic potential and predict their biological activities. Screening results revealed significant interactions between the compounds and key protein structures, including IGFBP, PI3K, LE, JAK3, and PTP-2, which are involved in critical cellular processes. Furthermore, in silico evaluations were conducted to analyze the physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological profiles of synthesized compounds
Refugees/Immigrants and leishmaniasis in the world's largest hosting country, Türkiye: A systematic review
No full textBackground This systematic literature analysis discusses cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in T & uuml;rkiye, emphasizing the increasing importance of species determination studies and epidemiological research due to the emergence of new causative agents post-2010. It highlights the influx of immigrants and refugees into T & uuml;rkiye, particularly from the neighboring countries where conflict occur.Materials and methods The study conducted a systematic review of research on leishmaniasis among refugees/immigrants in T & uuml;rkiye between 2010 and 2022. A search in literature was carried out via English (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) and Turkish (TRDizin, and Council of Higher Education Thesis Center) databases published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2022. Two reviewers assessed the full-text articles to determine final eligibility.Results A total of 1,356 studies were identified, and 20 studies for CL, two studies for CL/VL and one study for VL (23 studies, 25 data set) were included in this systematic review. In these 22 studies, a total of 4,337 positive CL cases were reported. Among these positives 1,381 cases were diagnosed in Turkish individuals. The remaining 2,956 positive CL cases were the immigrants from different countries including Syria (n=2,925), Iraq (n=13), Afghanistan (n=7), Somalia (n=4), Iran (n=3) and one case each of Libya, Turkmenistan, Tunisia and Morocco. We also identified the presence of 94 positive visceral leishmaniasis cases, with 75 cases being among Turkish individuals and 19 cases among Syrian refugees in three studies.Conclusions The systematic review underscores the significance of international epidemiological data sharing and robust health monitoring systems to manage the global public health threat posed by leishmaniasis and other infectious diseases related to population movements
Toxicological risk assessment and sources of heavy metal(loid)s using compositional data analysis, Astore River Basin, Himalaya
No full textHimalayan rivers were observed to be more vulnerable having irregular water flows, flooding, and contamination due to various stresses, including climate change, urbanization, and industrial development. This study investigated the occurrence, sources, ecological, and health-based ramifications for heavy metal(loid)s (HM), i.e., As, Cu, Zn, Co, Pb, Sb, Cr, Cd, Mn, and Ni in the Astore river basin (ARB), Himalayas, Pakistan. Results of HM contamination index (HCI) estimations suggested that 2.43 %, 12.2 %, and 24.4 % of water samples from the Astore and Rupal valleys may pose strong, moderate, and low toxicity risks, respectively. Pb, Cu, and Cd contribute more to the aquatic toxicity than any other HM included in the ecological risk index (ERI) estimations. Children are the most vulnerable age group to health ailments caused by HM. Statistical analyses revealed that geogenic sources mainly contribute to HM, except for Ni and Cr, which are mainly derived from anthropic sources in ARB.King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [RSPD2025R666]This work was funded by Researchers Supporting Project number (RSPD2025R666) , King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia