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A critical vocabulary for future architectural criticism based on the peripheral unfocused vision of Sancaklar Mosque, Istanbul
No full textThis article serves as a platform to invent critical vocabulary for future architectural criticisms, using the Sancaklar Mosque in Istanbul as a compelling case study. The main argument of the article is to show how architects need to understand minimalism in detail. It challenges the use of Minimalism drawing inspiration from Christopher Alexander's paradigms of 'Wholeness'. The study investigates the mosque from various viewpoints, such as ontology, topography, anchoring and emplacement, body and entanglement, temporality and spatiality of time, the cosmogony of light and earth, embodiment, motility, atmosphere, and emotions. The synergistic relationality interprets wholes as dynamic, generative fields sustained by intensive parts that integrally belong to and support the whole. The authors delineate a particular approach to research and criticism based on a 'peripheral unfocused' vision suggested by Ehrenzweig. The study's underlying seminal phenomenological concepts include 'erlebnis,' lifeworld, and 'Dasein.' Ultimately, it argues that Minimalism alone is not a sufficient tool for modern architectural aesthetics to render a building effective, but it sustains the synergistic relationality within the whole. It deals with its architecture's sensory, semantic, and corporeal metaphorical qualities and discusses the mosque in the general context of phenomenology. In conclusion this article seeks the "inner language" of Sancaklar Mosque, as Pallasmaa calls it, and finds it in the building's integration with nature, space, people and even the philosophy of its function
Securing and optimizing IoT offloading with blockchain and deep reinforcement learning in multi-user environments
No full textThe growth of the Internet of Things (IoT)-related innovations has resulted in the invention of numerous IoT objects. However, the resource limitations of individual items remain a challenge that can be overcome through offloading. A key limitation of previous research is the absence of an integrated offloading framework that can operate securely in offline/online environments. The security and calculated online/offline offloading issues in a multi-user IoT-fog-cloud system with blockchain are investigated in this article at the same time. First, we provide a reliable access control system utilizing blockchain to enhance offloading security. This technique can guard cloud resources against unauthorized offloading practices. Next, we define a computation offloading issue by optimizing the offloading decisions, allocating computing resources and radio bandwidth, and intelligent contract use to address the computation management of authorized mobile devices. This optimization challenge focuses on the long-term system costs of latency, energy use, and intelligent contract charge among all mobile devices. We create a new Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) technique employing a double-dueling Q-network to address the suggested offloading problem. We provide a Markov Decision Process (MDP)-based DRL solution to the IoT offloading-enabled blockchain dilemma. The supposed system works in both online and offline settings, and when operating online, we use the Post Decision State (PDS) method. The contributions of this work include a new integrated offloading framework that can operate in offline/online environments while preserving security and a novel approach that incorporates fog platforms into IoT blockchain-enabled networks for improved system efficiency. Our method outperforms four benchmarks in cost by 5.1%, computational overhead by 4.1%, energy use by 3.3%, task failure rate by 3.6%, and latency by 3.9% on average
Exergy and economic analysis of evacuated tube heat pipe solar collector and parabolic trough solar collectors based power, cooling and hydrogen production
No full textThe presented study deals with the thermodynamic efficiency and economic analysis of solar collector supported power, hydrogen production and ejector cooling system from a holistic perspective. In the experimental study, two different integrated solar collectors were used for the thermal energy produced. Among the solar collectors used, ETHPSC was preferred for preheating. The thermal energy required for ORC and ejector cooling units is obtained from PTC. In the presented system, an alkaline water electrolyzer developed for hydrogen production is used. In the experimental study based on sustainable green hydrogen production, the energy and exergy efficiencies of the whole system are calculated as 12.25 % and 9.85 %, respectively. Moreover, the annual hydrogen production is calculated as 22.02 kg. In addition, the cost of unit hydrogen production is calculated as 2.075 $/kgH2, and the sustainability index is calculated as 1.109
Premenstrual sendroma sahip kadınlarda klinik pilatesin fiziksel uygunluk parametreleri, semptom şiddeti ve kinezyofobi üzerine etkileri
Get PDFMenstrüasyondan önce oluşan premenstrual sendrom (PMS), etiyolojisi kesin olarak bilinmeyen bir psikonöroendokrinel sendromdur (Takeda, 2023). PMS semptomları, menstrual döngünün son 7-10 gününde başlar ve menstrüasyonun başlamasıyla birlikte 2-4 gün içinde sona erer. Göğüslerde şişkinlik ve hassasiyet, yorgunluk, baş ağrısı şikayeti ve kilo alma gibi fiziksel semptomlar ve duygu-durum bozukluğu hali, sinirlilik ve stres gibi psikolojik duygusal belirtileri ile ortaya çıkar ve genellikle menstrüasyonun başlamasıyla semptomlar kaybolur (Dilbaz & Aksan, 2021). PMS, vücutta çeşitli biyolojik ve psikolojik değişikliklere yol açarak, vücut kompozisyonu, genel fiziksel dayanıklılığı, esneklik, enduransı olumsuz etkileyebilir (Abedy vd., 2014) Yapılan çalışmalarda düzenli egzersizin PMS semptomlarının yönetiminde ve şiddetinin azaltılmasında etkin olduğu gösterilmiştir (Bağlan Yentür vd., 2024; ElDeeb vd., 2020; Jadhakhan vd., 2023; Oksuz & Unal, 2017; Yesildere Saglam & Orsal, 2020). Literatürde PMS'nin klinik pilates temelli egzersiz eğitimi ile fiziksel uygunluk parametreleri ve kinezyofobi üzerindeki etkisini kapsamlı bir şekilde inceleyen limitli sayıda çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bu nedenle çalışmamızda klinik pilates temelli egzersiz programının fonksiyonel uygunluk parametreleri, semptom şiddeti ve kinezyofobi üzerine etkisinin araştırılması hedeflenmiştir. Çalışmamıza Atlas Üniversitesi Hastanesi kadın doğum polikliniğine başvuran ve tarafımıza PMS tanısı ile yönlendirilen gönüllülük esası ile çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden ve dahil edilme kriterlerine uyan 40 katılımcı dahil edildi. Katılımcılar klinik pilates ve kontrol olmak üzere iki gruba randomize edildi. Çalışma Fizyotherapy Vadistanbul Clinic Pilates Wellness Center'da gerçekleştirildi. Tüm katılımcıların vücut kompozisyonu 'bel çevresi, kalça çevresi ve bel/kalça oranı ölçümü' ile; fiziksel uygunluk parametreleri '6 dakika yürüme testi (6DYT)' ile; esneklik parametresi 'Otur-Uzan Testi' ile; enduransları parametresi 'Gövde Fleksiyon, Lateral Köprü, Modifiye Biering-Sorensen, Prone Bridge' testleri ile; PMS semptom şiddeti 'Premenstrual Sendrom Ölçeği (PMSÖ) ile; kinezyofobi 'Tampa Kinezyofobi Ölçeği (TKÖ)' ile değerlendirildi. 8 hafta boyunca yürütülen bu çalışmada klinik pilates ve kontrol gruplarına genel iyilik halini arttıracak öneriler verildi. Klinik pilates grubundaki katılımcılara bu önerilere ek olarak menstrual siklus bitiminde başlanacak şekilde; 8 hafta boyunca, haftada 2 kez olmak üzere toplam 16 seans, her seans 50 dakikalık süpervize klinik pilates temelli egzersiz eğitimi verildi. Tüm değerlendirmeler 8. haftanın sonunda tekrar edildi. Veri analizi için SPSS v.26 programı kullanıldı. Shapiro-Wilk testi verilerin normal dağılım gösterip göstermediğini analiz etmek için kullanıldı. χ2-testi ile niteliksel değişkenlerin analizi yorumlandı. Normal dağılım gösteren sayısal verilerde grup içi karşılaştırmalarda: Paired Sample T-test, gruplar arası karşılaştırmalarda Independent Samples T-test kullanıldı. Normal dağılım göstermeyen veya ordinal verilerde grup içi karşılaştırmalarda Wilcoxon testi; gruplar arası karşılaştırmalarda Mann Whitney U testi kullanıldı. Tüm analizler için istatistiksel olarak anlamlılık düzeyi p<0,05 olarak kabul edildi. 8 haftalık eğitim sonrasında sadece klinik pilates grubunda vücut kompozisyonu, fonksiyonel kapasite, endurans, PMSÖ tüm alt parametreleri ve total skorunda ve TKÖ'de elde edilen gelişmeler istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulundu (p<0,05). Her iki grupta sadece esneklik değerinde olumlu yönde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı gelişmeler saptandı (p<0,05). Tedavi sonrası esneklik fark değerinde klinik pilates grubunda kontrol grubuna kıyasla istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulundu (p<0,05). Sonuç olarak; her yaştan bireye uygun, egzersiz çeşitliliği sunan ve motivasyonu artırarak katılım oranını yükselten pilates temelli egzersiz eğitiminin, özellikle PMS gibi durumların yönetiminde, fiziksel ve psikolojik semptomları yönetme potansiyeline sahip bir yaklaşım olarak önerilebilir. Hem fiziksel hem de mental sağlık üzerinde olumlu etkiler sağladığı çalışmamızda gösterilen düşük-orta yoğunluklu ve güvenli bir egzersiz türü olan klinik pilatesin, bireysel rehabilitasyon programları oluşturulurken alternatif bir egzersiz modalitesi olarak seçilebilmesi konusunda farkındalığı artıracağımızı düşünmekteyiz. Anahtar kelimeler: Endurans, esneklik, fiziksel uygunluk, fonksiyonel kapasite, kinezyofobi, klinik pilates, premenstrual sendrom, premenstrual semptom, vücut kompozisyonuPMS, which occurs before menstruation, is a psychoneuroendocrine syndrome of unknown etiology (Takeda, 2023). PMS symptoms start in the last 7-10 days of the cycle and end in 2-4 days after the onset of menstruation. This menstrual cycle continues repeatedly. It occurs with physical symptoms such as breast bloating and tenderness, fatigue, headache and weight gain, and psychological mood symptoms such as depressed mood, irritability, and stress, and symptoms usually disappear with the onset of menstruation (Dilbaz & Aksan, 2021). PMS may lead to various biological and psychological changes in the body, negatively affecting body composition, general physical endurance, flexibility, endurance (Abedy et al., 2014) Studies have shown that regular exercise reduces the severity of PMS symptoms (Bağlan Yentür et al., 2024; ElDeeb et al., 2020; Jadhakhan et al., 2023; Oksuz & Unal, 2017; Yesildere Saglam & Orsal, 2020). There are a limited number of studies in the literature examining the effect of PMS on physical fitness parameters and kinesiophobia with clinical pilates-based exercise training. Due to the limited number of studies in the literature on individuals with PMS, it was aimed to investigate the effect of a clinical pilates-based exercise programme on functional fitness parameters, symptom severity, and kinesiophobia. Our study included 40 participants who applied to obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient clinic, were referred from Atlas University Hospital to us with a diagnosis of PMS, voluntarily accepted to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were randomised into two groups, clinical pilates and control. The study was conducted at Fizyotherapy Vadistanbul Clinic Pilates Wellness Center. Body composition of all participants was measured by 'waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio measurement'; physical fitness parameters were measured by '6-minute walk test (6MWT)'; flexibility parameter was measured by 'Sit and Reach Test'; endurance parameter was assessed by 'Trunk Flexion, Lateral Bridge, Modified Biering-Sorensen, Prone Bridge' tests; PMS symptom severity was assessed by 'Premenstrual Syndrome Scale' (PMSS); kinesiophobia was assessed by 'Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS)'. In this 8-week study, clinical pilates and control groups were given recommendations to increase general well-being. In addition to these recommendations, participants in the clinical pilates group were given supervised clinical pilates-based exercise training for a total of 16 sessions, twice a week for 8 weeks, each session lasting 50 minutes, starting at the end of the menstrual cycle. All evaluations were repeated at the end of 8 weeks. SPSS v.26 program was used for data analysis. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to analyze whether the data showed normal distribution. The analysis of qualitative variables was interpreted with χ2-test. In intragroup comparisons in numerical data showing normal distribution: Paired Sample T-test and Independent Samples T-test was used for intergroup comparisons. For non-normally distributed or ordinal data, Wilcoxon test was used for intra-group comparisons and Mann Whitney U test for inter-group comparisons. Statistical significance level was accepted as p<0.05 for all analyzes. After 8 weeks of training, improvements in body composition, functional capacity, endurance, all sub-parameters and total score of PMSÖ and TQS were statistically significant only in the clinical pilates group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In both groups, statistically significant improvements were found only in the flexibility value (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the post-treatment flexibility difference value in the clinical pilates group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion; Pilates-based exercise training, which is suitable for individuals of all ages, offers a variety of exercises and increases the participation rate by increasing motivation, can be recommended as an approach that has the potential to manage physical and psychological symptoms, especially in the management of conditions such as PMS. We think that clinical pilates, which is a low-medium intensity and safe type of exercise shown in our study to have positive effects on both physical and mental health, will raise awareness about the possibility of choosing clinical pilates as an alternative exercise modality when creating individual rehabilitation programs. Keywords: Endurance, flexibility, physical fitness, functional capacity, kinesiophobia, clinical pilates, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual symptom, body compositio
Strategic multi-criteria assessment for cold chain logistics optimization in the aviation sector
No full textAviation cold chain logistics forms the focus of this study, which introduces a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for optimizing sustainable operations, uniquely integrating the newly developed Multi-Objective Seagull-Moth-Salp Swarm Algorithm (MO-SMSA) with K-Means clustering and the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). By explicitly addressing the simultaneous demands of sustainability, cost efficiency, operational feasibility, regulatory compliance, and technological integration, the research fills a critical methodological gap in aviation logistics optimization. Qualitative thematic analysis of expert interviews uncovers persistent industry challenges, including the cost-sustainability trade-off, high capital requirements for advanced technology adoption, and regulatory asymmetries across international markets. The methodology applies rigorous data preprocessing and min-max normalization to ensure reproducibility, clusters solutions into efficiency-driven, sustainability-oriented, and technology-enhanced categories, and then employs PROMETHEE to prioritize alternatives, with AI-driven predictive maintenance emerging as the leading solution. The novelty of MO-SMSA lies in its ability to dynamically adapt to shifting decision-maker priorities through scenario analysis and sensitivity testing, capturing complex trade-offs under diverse operational contexts such as high-demand vaccine distribution and general perishable goods transport. Results demonstrate that combining AI, IoT-enabled monitoring, and sustainable packaging yields the most balanced gains in efficiency, environmental performance, and compliance readiness. This study advances the literature by introducing a replicable, practitioner-friendly decision-support model that leverages a cutting-edge optimization algorithm, offering actionable insights for logistics managers, policymakers, and sustainability advocates seeking to strengthen resilience and competitiveness in aviation cold chain operations
Geriatrik popülasyonda ses özellikleri ve presbifaji arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi
Get PDFBu çalışma geriatrik popülasyonda ses özellikleri ve presbifaji arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemeyi amaçlamıştır. Bu amaçla 65 yaş üstü 96 katılımcının dahil edilerek disfaji risk skoruna göre yutma bozukluğu olan ve olmayan bireyler arasında akustik, aerodinamik ses parametreleri, yutma performansları ve nütrisyonel değerlendirmeler arasında bir fark olup olmadığı araştırılmıştır. İncelenen akustik parametreler, F0, jitter, shimmer, harmonik gürültü oranı, aerodinamik parametreler ise maksimum fonasyon süresi (MPT) ve S/Z oranı olup yutma performansı ise EAT-10 ve zamanlı su yutma testiyle ölçülmüştür. Disfajisi olan bireylerde MPT istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ölçüde daha düşüktür. Ayrıca artan yaş ile MPT düşmüş, diadokinetik hız testindeki kelimeleri artiküle etme süresi artmıştır. Sonuçlar, azalmış solunum desteği ve kontrolünün, ağız hareket açıklığı ve koordinasyonunun azalması, vokal kıvrım kapanmasının ve vokal kıvrım addüksiyonu sırasında hava akımı kontrol eksikliklerinin yaşlı popülasyonda disfaji için risk faktörleri olduğunu göstermektedir.This study aimed to examine the relationship between voice characteristics and presbyphagia in a geriatric population. For this purpose, 96 participants over the age of 65 years were included and it was investigated whether there was a difference between individuals with and without swallowing disorders according to dysphagia risk score between acoustic, aerodynamic sound parameters, swallowing performances, and nutritional evaluations. Acoustic parameters analyzed were F0, jitter, shimmer, harmonic noise ratio, aerodynamic parameters were maximum phonation time (MPT) and S/Z ratio, and swallowing performance was measured by EAT-10 and timed water swallowing test. MPT was statistically significantly lower in individuals with dysphagia. In addition, MPT decreased with increasing age, and the time to articulate words in the diadokinetic rate test increased. The results suggest that reduced respiratory support and control, decreased mouth range of motion and coordination, vocal fold closure and airflow control deficits during vocal fold adduction are risk factors for dysphagia in the elderly population
İnfertilite tedavisi alan kadınların beslenme bilgi düzeylerinin değerlendirilmesi
No full textBu çalışmanın amacı infertilite tedavisine başvuran kadınların beslenme bilgi düzeylerini belirlemektir. Eylül - Kasım 2024 tarihleri arasında Hitit Üniversitesi Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Tüp Bebek Merkezi'ne başvuran 19-45 yaş arası kadınlar ile yüz yüz anket yöntemi kullanılarak yapılan bu çalışmaya 195 kişi katılmıştır. Katılımcılar, gönüllü beyanlarına dayalı olarak Yetişkinler için Beslenme Bilgi Düzeyi Ölçeği (YETBİD)'i doldurmuşlardır. Ölçekte katılımcıların sosyodemografik özellikleri, temel beslenme ve besin-sağlık ilişkisi bilgileri, besin tercihleri ölçülmüştür. Araştırmaya katılan kadınların yaş ortalaması 30,14±5,09 yıldır. Boy ortalamaları 162,04±6,35 cm, ağırlık ortalamaları 68,04±12,31 kg ve ortalama Beden Kütle İndeks (BKİ)'leri 25,91±4,43 kg/m² olarak saptanmış. YETBİD ölçeğinde 195 kişi arasında 3 kişi çok iyi bilgi seviyesinde, 44 kişi çok iyi besin tercihi kategorisindedir. Temel Beslenme ve Besin-Sağlık Bilgisi ölçeğine yanıt veren kişilerin %11,28'i kötü bilgi seviyesine sahiptir. Besin Tercihi ölçeğinde ise katılımcıların %3,5'inin kötü besin tercihi seviyesinde olduğu saptanmıştır. Çalışmada infertil kadınların büyük bir çoğunluğunun yeterli düzeyde beslenme bilgisine sahip olmadığı sonucuna varılmıştır. Katılımcıların çoğunluğunun beslenme bilgi düzeyleri "orta" düzeydedir. İnfertil kadınların beslenme bilgi seviyelerinin arttırılması ve beslenmenin önemi konusunda bilinçlendirilmesi, tedavinin başarısı açısından önemlidir. Katılımcıların çoğunluğunun beslenme ile ilgili yeterli düzeyde eğitim almadığı görülmektedir.This study aims to evaluate the nutritional knowledge levels of women receiving infertility treatment. Conducted between September and November 2024, the research involved face-to-face surveys with women aged 19–45 who applied to the IVF Center at Hitit University Training and Research Hospital. A total of 195 participants voluntarily completed the Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (YETBİD), which assesses sociodemographic characteristics, basic nutrition and food-health knowledge, and food preferences. The participants had an average age of 30.14±5.09 years, with a mean height of 162.04±6.35 cm, weight of 68.04±12.31 kg, and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated as 25.91±4.43 kg/m². According to the YETBİD scale, only 3 individuals demonstrated a "very good" level of nutritional knowledge, while 44 participants were categorized as having "very good" food preferences. Regarding the Basic Nutrition and Food-Health Knowledge Scale, 11.28% of the respondents exhibited a "poor" knowledge level. On the Food Preference Scale, 3.5% of the participants were determined to have "poor" food preference levels. The findings indicate that the majority of infertile women lack sufficient nutritional knowledge. Most participants were found to have a "moderate" level of nutritional knowledge. Enhancing the nutritional knowledge of women undergoing infertility treatment and increasing awareness about the role of nutrition is essential for treatment success. Furthermore, the results revealed that the majority of participants had not received adequate education regarding nutrition
Gelişimsel dil bozukluğu olan ve olmayan çocuklarda çalışma belleğinin matematik performansına etkisinin karşılaştırılması
Get PDFBu araştırmada amaç, Gelişimsel Dil Bozukluğu (GDB) olan ve Tipik Gelişim Gösteren (TGG) çocukların çalışma belleği performanslarının rutin olmayan sözel problemlerdeki matematiksel performanslarına etkisini incelemektir. Araştırmaya Türkçe Okul Çağı Dil Gelişimi Testi (TODİL)'e göre, GDB olduğu saptanan (n=26) ve TGG (n=26) 6- 8.11 ay yaş aralığındaki toplam 52 çocuk dahil edilmiştir. Katılımcılara WISC-R Zeka Testi; Çalışma Belleği Ölçeği (ÇBÖ) ve rutin olmayan matematiksel problemler uygulanmıştır. GDB olan çocukların ÇB kapasiteleri (sözel, görsel ve toplam) (p<0.05) ve rutin olmayan sözel problemlerdeki matematiksel performansları (p<0.05) TGG akranlarına kıyasla istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ölçüde düşük bulunmuştur. Regresyon analizinde, ÇB alt testleri (r=0.527) ve TODİL-Organize Etme bileşke puanının (r=0.419), matematiksel performans ile ilişkili olduğu görülmektedir. 6 yaş- 8 yaş 11 ay arası çocuklarda GDB; rutin olmayan sözel problemlerdeki matematiksel performansı ve ÇB'yi olumsuz etkilemektedir. TODİL-Organize Etme bileşke puanı ve ÇB becerileri, katılımcıların rutin olmayan sözel problemlerdeki matematiksel performansları üzerinde belirleyici bir role sahiptir.The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of working memory performance on mathematical performance in non-routine verbal problems in children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Typically Developing (TD) children. The study included a total of 52 children aged between 6 and 8 years and 11 months, identified as having DLD (n=26) and as TD (n=26) according to the Test of Language Development-Primary: Fourth Edition (TOLD-P4). Participants were assessed using the WISC-R Intelligence Test, Working Memory Scale (WMS) and non-routine mathematical problems were administered. The working memory capacities (verbal, visual, and total) (p<0.05) and mathematical performance in nonroutine verbal problems (p<0.05) of children with DLD were found to be statistically significantly lower compared to their TD peers. Regression analysis showed that the working memory sub-tests (r=0.527) and the TOLD-P4 Organizing score (r=0.419) were related to mathematical performance. DLD negatively affects mathematical performance and working memory in children aged 6 years to 8 years and 11 months. The TOLD-P4 Organizing score and working memory skills play a decisive role in the participants mathematical performance in non-routine verbal problem
Evaluation of retinal and choroidal structures in patients with ulcerative colitis
No full textPurpose To evaluate the macula, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, retinal layers, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods A total of 92 patients were included in this study, with 40 in the UC group and 52 in the control group. RNFL, retinal layer, and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements were performed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Choroidal thickness (CT) and CVI were acquired using the enhanced depth imaging mode of SD-OCT. UC disease activity was assessed according to the Mayo endoscopic score. Results The mean values of the CMT, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform, and outer nuclear layer thickness in the UC group were significantly thinner than the control (p < 0.05, each). While CT values at three different areas were higher in the UC group, only the temporal CT value was significant between groups (p = 0.004). The luminal area (LA) and CVI were significantly lower in the UC group compared with the controls (p < 0.05, each). The stromal area was significantly higher in the UC group than controls (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses between the Mayo disease activity index and LA, subfoveal, and temporal CT values revealed moderate positive correlations (p = 0.009, r = 484; p = 0.003, r = 545; p = 0.007, r = 497, respectively). Conclusion UC patients have altered retinal and choroidal structures. Further research on the association between disease activity and choroidal vascular structures may contribute to these findings
PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors and Chemotherapy Synergy: Impact on Drug Resistance and PD-L1 Expression in Breast Cancer-Immune Cell Co-Cultures
Get PDFBreast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. In recent years, immunotherapy, a key targeted treatment strategy, has gained prominence in the management of this disease. Immune cells within the tumor microenvironment can significantly affect treatment outcomes. Among immunotherapeutic approaches, or programmed death protein 1(PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)-targeted therapies are increasingly recognized for their role in modulating cancer-immune system interactions. This study investigated the impact of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibition on the expression of drug resistance-related proteins in an in vitro breast cancer model incorporating immune cells. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines were used as breast cancer cells, while THP-1 and Jurkat cells represented monocytes and lymphocytes, respectively. The effects of paclitaxel (PTX), doxorubicin (Dox), and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (BMS-1166 and Human PD-L1 Inhibitor IV (PI4)) on cell viability were evaluated using an MTT assay, and the IC50 values were determined. Flow cytometry was used to analyze PD-1/PD-L1 expression and the drug resistance proteins ABCG2 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, breast cancer resistance protein), MDR-1 (multidrug resistance protein 1), and MRP-1 (multidrug resistance-associated protein 1) across co-culture models. Based on the results, Dox reduced PD-L1 expression in all groups except for MDA-MB-231:THP-1, while generally lowering drug resistance protein levels, except in MDA-MB-231:Jurkat. BMS-1166 significantly decreased cell viability and enhanced chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity. Interestingly, in the MDA-MB-231:Jurkat co-culture, both inhibitors reduced PD-L1 but increased drug resistance protein expression. Paclitaxel's effect on PD-L1 varied depending on the immune context. These findings highlight that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents differentially affect PD-L1 and drug resistance-related protein expression depending on the immune cell composition within the tumor microenvironment