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Thoracic paravertebral versus serratus anterior plane block in thoracic surgery—a randomized trial
No full textKronik Öngörülemeyen Hafif Strese Maruz Bırakılan Sıçanlarda Sistemik Beksarotenin Depresyon ve Anksiyete Benzeri Davranışlar Üzerine Etkisi
No full textThe Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block: A Narrative Review
No full textIntroductionThe sacral erector spinae plane (S-ESP) block is a recently described regional anesthesia technique that targets sacral dermatomes. First reported in 2019, it has been increasingly explored as a potential option for perioperative analgesia in surgeries involving the sacral, perineal, and pelvic regions. This review aims to summarize and critically appraise the current anatomical, technical, and clinical evidence on the S-ESP block, outlining its mechanisms of action, approaches, efficacy, and safety while identifying research gaps and future directions.MethodsWe performed a narrative review integrating anatomical descriptions, sonographic techniques, and available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical efficacy of the S-ESP block. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid (Medline) from inception to July 21, 2025, without language or date restrictions. Full-text RCTs investigating ultrasound-guided S-ESP blocks for perioperative analgesia were reviewed and summarized.ResultsFourteen RCTs (published 2023-2025) were included, conducted predominantly in Turkey, India, and Egypt, spanning pediatric (6 months to 12 years) and adult populations undergoing circumcision, hypospadias repair, hemorrhoidectomy, pilonidal sinus surgery, transurethral resection of prostate, lumbar discectomy, and total hip arthroplasty. Most pediatric trials compared midline S-ESP with caudal or penile blocks, generally demonstrating a longer time to first rescue analgesia and reduced postoperative analgesic consumption, although one study reported a superior duration with caudal block. In adults, the S-ESP block consistently reduced pain scores and opioid requirements.ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that both midline and paramedian S-ESP techniques are technically feasible, appear safe in the short term, and provide clinically relevant postoperative analgesia in selected pediatric urogenital, adult anorectal, and orthopedic surgeries. However, heterogeneity in techniques, small single-center samples, and a narrow range of indications limit its generalizability. Large, multicenter RCTs with standardized protocols are needed to clarify the optimal approaches, dosing strategies, and comparative role of S-ESP block versus established neuraxial and peripheral techniques
Towards sustainable housing in Tunisia: Optimizing passive and hybrid ventilation strategies across various climatic zones
No full textIn response to the increasing demand for energy-efficient housing in Tunisia, this study applies Design Builder simulations to investigate the effectiveness of passive and hybrid ventilation strategies in a representative dwelling situated in three distinct climate zones: temperate Mediterranean (Tabarka), Mediterranean (Sousse), and hot arid (Tozeur). The scenarios explored include optimized natural ventilation (based on window operation, scheduling, and opening temperature), phase change materials (PCMs), a solar chimney, reflective roofing, and a hybrid ventilation system, all evaluated against a conventional mechanical ventilation baseline. Results indicate that optimized natural ventilation is particularly effective, reducing annual energy consumption by 38.4–42.6 % and lowering CO₂ emissions by 6–10.8 %, depending on the region. While the hybrid ventilation system increased energy use by 14–16 %, it significantly improved thermal comfort, as reflected by enhanced PMV and PPD indices and by raising the proportion of comfortable occupied hours to nearly 76 %. Economically, optimized natural ventilation achieved the greatest savings, reaching 42.96 TD/m² in Tozeur, compared with 28.71 TD/m² for the hybrid approach. These findings highlight the substantial potential of climate-responsive passive and hybrid strategies to advance sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible residential buildings in Tunisia
MXene-Based Wearable Contact Lenses: Integrating Smart Technology into Vision Care
No full textMXene-based smart contact lenses seamlessly combine real-time biosensing, therapeutic functions, and enhanced user comfort, revolutionizing ocular health monitoring and treatment. The use of transparent MXene films enables features like photothermal therapy, antimicrobial protection, and dehydration resistance, significantly improving eye protection and disease management. While stability, scalability, and wireless integration pose hurdles, ongoing advancements suggest these lenses hold tremendous potential for transforming digital healthcare and ophthalmic care
Effective adsorption of uranium (VI) onto thermally-activated Oltu clay: kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic insights
No full textThis study investigates the adsorption of uranium (VI) ions onto thermally activated Oltu clay (TAOC) produced through single-step calcination at 700 degrees C. The effects of solution pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were systematically examined. Characterization by FTIR and SEM confirmed surface modifications induced by thermal activation and revealed evidence of uranium uptake. TAOC achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 35.97 mg g(-1) and removal efficiencies exceeding 96%, with equilibrium established after approximately 2 h under the optimum condition of pH 3. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and was best described by the Freundlich isotherm, indicating heterogeneous multilayer uptake. Thermodynamic parameters revealed a spontaneous and exothermic mechanism (Delta H = - 90.79 kJ mol(-1)), reflecting strong interactions between U(VI) ions and the activated clay surface. These results highlight TAOC as a low-cost, locally available, and sustainable material with high efficiency, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms governing uranium adsorption and indicating its suitability for uranium removal and environmental remediation applications
Corrosion and wear performance of powder metallurgical Ti-ZrO<sub>2</sub> composites
No full textTi-xZrO2 (x: 10 and 20, wt.%) composites are produced at high density (98.2 %) by spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the corrosion and wear resistance of each composite is examined according to the change in the amount of reinforcement. SPS process under the sintering conditions is achieved at a sintering temperature of 1,000 degrees C for 10 min under a pressure of 30 MPa. Microstructural characterization reveals out that ZrO2 particles as the secondary phase are homogeneously distributed in the metallic matrix and no new phase is formed between metal (Ti) and ceramic based materials (ZrO2). Mechanical test findings indicate that a reinforcement level of 20 wt.% ZrO2 reaches its highest value (933 HV) among the materials studied. Potentiodynamic measurements reveal that the corrosion resistance of the composites increases due to the increasing amount of ZrO2 in their interaction with the Ringer's solution. Also, it is determined that as ceramic reinforcement increases, microhardness increases, and not only the coefficient of friction but also the wear rate decreases during tribological interaction with the 20 wt.% ZrO2 particles counterpart material under dry friction conditions
Quantum Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for co-ordinated (F,G)-convex functions
No full textThe Hermite–Hadamard inequality was first considered for convex functions and has been studied extensively. In this paper, we prove the quantum Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities for F-convex functions and co-ordinated (F,G)-convex functions. The outcomes raised in this paper are extensions and generalizations of comparable results in the literature
Molecular calculations of refrigerants using theoretical methods: energy and exergy analysis of R450A compounts
No full textIn this study, the thermodynamic performance (COP, exergy efficiency, exergy destruction, compressor work, and condenser heat release) of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E)), and R450A refrigerants at different compressor pressure ratios was investigated. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the efficiency and sustainability of these refrigerants in automotive air conditioning systems. Additionally, the molecular structures, electronic properties, and molecular electrostatic potential surface maps of R134a, R1234ze(E), and R450A used in automotive air conditioning systems were calculated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the Gaussian software package. The computational results were then correlated with thermodynamic performance indicators to explain the observed differences among the refrigerants. It was found that R1234ze(E) exhibited the highest COP and exergy efficiency, indicating superior thermodynamic performance, while R450A showed the highest exergy destruction, highlighting potential trade-offs between efficiency and environmental sustainability. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting environmentally friendly and efficient refrigerants in automotive applications
Testicular Microlithiasis in Pediatric Patients
No full textObjective: Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is characterized by parenchymal calcifications, identified as hyperechoic, shadowless foci measuring between 1 and 3 mm in diameter within the testicular parenchyma. This condition is typically detected incidentally through ultrasonography in rare inguinal-scrotal disorders in pediatric patients. TM has been linked to various pathological conditions of the testis, notably an elevated risk of tumor development. A retrospective review of TM cases was conducted to assess clinical features and long-term follow-up outcomes.Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted over a 12-year period involving children diagnosed with TM through scrotal Doppler ultrasonography at our outpatient clinic. Medical records were examined to evaluate patient age, indications for ultrasound, associations with inguinal-scrotal pathologies, and follow-up findings.Results: In this study, fifty-six patients aged between 2 and 17 years (median age of 9 years) were included. Bilateral TM was observed in all cases, except for 15 patients who exhibited unilateral foci. Among the participants, 27 patients (48.2%) presented with concomitant inguinal-scrotal pathology, while 3 patients (5.3%) had systemic disease. Notably, microlithiasis and Leydig cell tumors were identified in one patient who underwent ultrasonography due to testicular pain.Conclusion: TM is predominantly bilateral and of the classic type, with testicular pain potentially indicating its presence. Ultrasonography is generally adequate for both the diagnosis and monitoring of testicular microlithiasis. An association with testicular tumors is noted, particularly within the pediatric population. Given that both benign and malignant lesions are linked to TM, studies involving larger populations and extended follow-up periods are warranted.Keywords : Child, Leydig cell tumor, testicular microlithiasis, ultrasonogrphy</div