bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Quality Sleep and Its Relationship With Physical and Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spytska Liana
Published: September 2024

This review aims to systematically examine the relationship between sleep quality and its impact on physical and mental health, and to assess the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for the treatment of sleep disorders. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, focusing on articles published between 2001 and 2023. The review synthesized information from 52 studies using methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization to assess indicators of sleep quality, their impact on health, and the effectiveness of different psychotherapeutic treatments. The review found that optimal sleep quality, characterized by adequate duration, continuity, and depth, is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. Poor sleep quality was found to contribute significantly to the development and exacerbation of many health problems, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy was identified as an effective psychotherapeutic approach for improving sleep quality and managing sleep disorders, while hypnotherapy is not recommended. The findings highlight the critical role of sleep in maintaining health and the potential of targeted psychotherapeutic interventions to improve sleep quality. Given the reciprocal relationship between sleep and health, healthcare providers should prioritize the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders. Further research should focus on long-term clinical trials to establish causal relationships and the sustainability of treatment effects, promoting wider application of these findings in clinical practice.
Interplay Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile on Poor Sleep Quality in Adolescents
Authors: Shahi Maedeh Talebi Mazrae , Amiri Sohrab
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective Adolescence is an important period of development, the main goal of this research was to investigate whether lifestyle can mediate the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and sleep quality.Methods This multicenter study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024. The target population was adolescent girls between 12–18 years old. A total of 318 adolescents participated in this study in person. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was first used to check the relationships between research variables. Next, linear regression was used to draw predictive relationships based on independent and dependent variables. To investigate the mediator variable, path analysis was used and the result of the Sobel test was used.Results The R2 showed that 22% of the variance of poor sleep quality was explained by the predictor variables. Among of predictor variables in the model, health-promoting lifestyle profile and maladaptive strategies were significant and predicted poor sleep quality. The mediation role of a health-promoting lifestyle in the relationship between adaptive emotion regulation strategies and poor sleep quality was significant, the coefficient of the indirect path was equal to -0.18 and the Sobel test was equal to -4.68.Conclusions Current research has shown that cognitive emotion regulation strategies are related to poor sleep quality and this effect is mediated by a healthy lifestyle.
Unlocking the Potential: Attitudes of Tertiary Level EFL Learners Towards Using AI in Language Learning
Authors: Korkmaz Hüsem , Akbıyık Murat
Published: September 2024

In the current era of rapid change in which AI has become inevitable in foreign language education as in many aspects of life, this study, which aims to examine EFL learners’ attitudes towards AI and to analyse its future potential, was conducted with the participation of 772 English preparatory year students studying at A2, B1, and B2 levels in the schools of foreign languages of a state and a private (foundation) university in Türkiye. The data for the study were collected online through an attitude scale (MALL:AI) and an open-ended survey question. Quantitative results revealed that the participants had moderate attitudes towards the use of AI in EFL learning, with no clear tendency towards positive attitudes. While university type and gender were not found to be significant determinants of attitudes, engineering and natural sciences students showed more positive attitudes towards AI in EFL learning than those in the humanities and social sciences. In terms of proficiency level, A2 level participants reflected lower attitudes in the behavioural factor than B1 and B2 levels. Qualitatively, it was found that students had overwhelmingly positive perspectives on the use of AI, shared some negative approaches with reservations, and offered concrete suggestions for the integration of AI into ELT. With its intriguing findings, the present study sheds light on further studies and paves the way for educational administrators and EFL instructors to better make use of AI in language education.
The Effect of The Flipped Classroom Model on Student Opinions and Reading Comprehension Skills in Teaching Turkish to Foreigners
Authors: Şimşek Ayşe , Bakır Sıddık
Published: September 2024

In this study, it was aimed to reveal effect of flipped classroom model, one of the new models in language teaching, on student opinions and reading comprehension skills in teaching Turkish to foreigners. The research, prepared according to the mixed method, was conducted for 12 weeks with 37 students studying at B1 and B2 level at Atatürk University TÖMER (Turkish Teaching Center) in Erzurum, Türkiye, in 2021-2022 Academic Year. In the experimental phase of the research, a quasi-experimental research design with a control group, which is frequently used among experimental designs, was used. During the 12 weeks which the experimental application was carried out, the subjects were taught in experimental group in line with the functioning of flipped classroom model (FLP). In the other group (control group), it was processed in accordance with curriculum specified in current program. In qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with experimental group students to learn their opinions about the model. According to the research results, when post-test success scores of the two groups were evaluated, it was seen that there was a statistically significant difference in favor of group to which the FLP model was applied. According to findings obtained from interviews with the students who experienced the model, it was seen that the students generally expressed positive opinions.
Psychological Interventions for Chronic Pain: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Koh Eun-Mi
Published: September 2024

Background: There is a continuous increase in the number of studies showing that psychological interventions help reduce chronic pain. Systematic review studies that analyze the effect are also increasing. The aim of this umbrella review was to synthesise the best available research evidence for the effectiveness of standardised psychological interventon for adults with chronic pain.Methods: Using MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane CENTRAL search engines, four systematic reviews met the study criteria, including 60 randomized control trials and 7,025 patients with chronic pain.Results: Compared to waiting control and treatment as usual, psychological interventions displayed medium effect sizes for pain intensity (SMD −0.35, CI −0.42 to −0.29, 4 reviews, N=4,061), pain disability (SMD −0.44, CI −0.51 to −0.36, 3 reviews, N=2,609), and physical functioning (SMD 0.38, CI 0.29 to 0.48, 2 reviews, N=1,699). Additionally, psychological interventions exhibited a medium effect size in reducing pain intensity (SMD −0.34, CI −0.42 to −0.26, 2 reviews, N=2,508) and pain disability (SMD −0.43, CI −0.51 to −0.35, 2 reviews, N=2,563) in chronic low back pain.Conclusions: The results reaffirm that psychological interventions, along with drug or conventional treatments, can be helpful in managing chronic pain.
Efficacy of Ecological Momentary Intervention Tailored to Drinking Motives for Reducing Problematic Drinking in Young Adults
Authors: Kim Hee-Eun , Shim Eun-Jung
Published: September 2024

Background: Brief interventions can inform young problematic drinkers about the risks associated with alcohol use. Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs), which provide feedback closer to the point of drinking, may help to translate the internal changes made from these brief interventions into actual behavior.Methods: Thirty-six problematic drinkers aged 19∼34 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), Standard EMI, or Tailored EMI. Participants in all groups completed two daily EMAs for four weeks following a single-session intervention. They reported their drinking intentions and motives for the current day, and their alcohol consumption and drinking motives from the previous day. The Standard EMI group received feedback on the general negative consequences of drinking, while the Tailored EMI group received feedback specifically tailored to their drinking motives based on their EMA responses.Results: Problematic drinking, along with related variables (e.g., drinking behavior, alcohol consumption, negative consequences, alcohol expectancies, and drinking motives) was reduced across all groups.Conclusions: Further research is needed on the potential of monitoring drinking behavior to reduce problematic drinking and how to improve tailored EMI.
A inclusão (tácita) do município à competência legislativa para proteção e defesa da saúde: análise sob o binômio urgência e popularização
Authors: da Silva Denner Pereira , de Lima Lucas Gabriel Martins
Published: September 2024

Objective: this study analyzes the federalist decentralization materialized by decisions of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court rendered during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. In this context, the aim is to consider the possibility of tacitly including municipalities within the concurrent legislative competence in the area of health, based on the elements of popularization and urgency. Methods: the study is based on bibliographic research – legal and public health doctrine – and legislative research, as well as ex post facto research, analyzing the causes and effects of Direct Action of Unconstitutionality 6.341, Allegation of Violation of Fundamental Precept 672, and Original Civil Action 3.451, all grounded in cooperative federalism. Results: as a result, the recognition of the municipality's duty to legislate in defense of health, especially in the inertia of other entities and limited only by regulatory agencies, and the existence of a delaying clash between legislative incompetence, urgency and popularization of the health system. Conclusion: it was concluded that the municipality was tacitly included in the legislative competence in the area of health by the decisions of the STF.
Submission: 01/23/24| Review: 08/16/24| Approval: 08/16/24
Supporting evidence-based judicial decisions on health care in Brazil: an experience report
Authors: De Toledo Isabela Porto , Pacheco Rafael Leite , Martimbianco Ana Luiza Cabrera , Latorraca Carolina de Oliveira Cruz , Borges Silva Roberta , Colpani Verônica , Riera Rachel
Published: September 2024

Objective: The main objective of this study is to report on the implementation and results of the “Supporting Health-Related Judicial Decisions in Brazil” project conducted at the Health Technology Assessment Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês through the “Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Institucional do Sistema Único de Saúde”, in Brazil. Methods: This study is an experience report of a project conducted at the Health Technology Assessment Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês. Results: The activities of the project occurred in 2023 and included two online training courses on primary studies and systematic reviews, 11 one-day workshops with technical-scientific content for members of the Technical Support Centers for the Judiciary (NATJus), 40 online technical-scientific consultations for magistrates on a digital platform, 11 technical-scientific reports addressing the most legally claimed technologies in Brazil; two methodological tools, a national forum (hybrid event), 10 chat-based mentorships for NATJus members; and the maintenance of an open-access blog, by publishing news on relevant topics on law and health. Discussion and conclusion: This project has contributed to the improvement of the judicial decision-making process by providing a range of activities aimed at aiding the prioritization of health technologies that are clearly effective and safe over those that are ineffective, harmful, or have uncertain effects.
Submission: 04/09/24| Review: 06/29/24| Approval: 08/18/24
Resistance to Being Listed Industrial Heritage? The Conflicts and Dilemma of Heritage-Making During Land Banking in Guangzhou
Authors: Tan Xiaohong , Altrock Uwe
Published: September 2024

Amid rapid urban regeneration over the past decade, industrial heritage conservation in China has garnered increasing attention, focusing more on the reuse of listed buildings than on conflicts in the inscription process. This article examines the conflicts and dilemmas between urban redevelopment and industrial heritage conservation during the inscription process in China, through five case studies in Guangzhou. It aims to provide both an understanding of conflicts and institutional challenges posed by land banking, and insights into stakeholder dynamics, the role of media and NGOs, and the implementation of cultural heritage assessments. Grounded in the Institutional Analysis and Development framework, the empirical studies reveal that institutional conflicts, particularly resistance from land development centers and former factory owners, often stem from financial motivations. This resistance can lead to the premature demolition of potential heritage sites but also drive institutional innovations. Guangzhou’s introduction of the Wenping assessment system integrates industrial heritage identification with land banking and urban regeneration planning, aiming to protect heritage from hasty demolitions. Media coverage and NGO advocacy have been instrumental in heritage-making and prompting policy responses. The adaptive reuse of industrial heritage sites into creative industrial parks faces challenges from their temporary nature and land banking pressures, underscoring the need for policies ensuring stable and enduring reuse. Ambiguous responsibilities and fragmented management systems further impede effective heritage conservation.
Psychological Safety of the Educational Environment: Formation of Directions and Development Prospects
Authors: Baeva I.A.
Published: September 2024

Psychological problems of safety in the modern world have acquired an extremely high relevance due to the growing spectrum of threats present in the socio-cultural environment. Research on the problems of psychological safety of the educational environment and its subjects is one of the areas of achieving the goal set by the decree of President V. V. Putin on the national development goals of Russia until 2030. The purpose of this publication is to analyze the history, current state and prospects for the development of this area in educational psychology and other areas of psychological research. Research design. Research in this area began at the end of the 20th century and is actively continuing today. In 2003, we developed and defended the concept of psychological safety of the educational environment, assessment methods and creation technologies, which still serve as a guide for new theoretical and practical developments. Results. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, we argue that it is a safe educational environment that maintains the state of human psychological safety. Safety means the presence of certain conditions necessary for life, development and activity. The educational environment is a set of conditions in which the formation and development of a person occurs throughout their entire life. A modern student interacts with many social environments: family, street, media environment, Internet environment, educational environment of a school and additional education organizations, etc.
Lower extremity osseointegration — a review of the current experiences and expectations
Authors: Gross Jason D. , Grunfeld Matan , Rozbruch S. Robert , Reif Taylor J. , Hoellwarth Jason S.
Published: September 2024

Transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees (TOFA), an alternative approach to limb-loss rehabilitation, offers an enhanced quality of life and mobility, overcoming some challenges associated with amputation. This review presents evolution, surgical techniques, patient selection principles, and outcomes associated with TOFA. Notable points include the recognition that press-fit osseointegration techniques and implants achieve the quality of life and mobility improvements with a single surgical episode. Infection remains the most common adverse event, but uncommonly requires additional surgery, and rarely requires implant removal. Press-fit osseointegration has proven suitable for rehabilitating a broad range of patients with pelvic, transfemoral, or transtibial amputation performed to manage trauma, cancer, infection, chronic pain, and deformity. This technigue is safe for patients with vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, short residual bones, and osteoporotic residual bones. This article serves as a central resource for understanding the principles and techniques of osseointegration.
Contemporary use of 3D printed jigs and guides for osteotomies around the knee: a systematic review
Authors: Walker Jared , Wang Yuheng , Green Nicholas , Erbulut Deniz , Alttahir Mustafa , Tetsworth Kevin
Published: September 2024

Background. With improved accessibility of imaging and additive manufacturing, custom targeting guides and jigs are now widely accepted across many areas of orthopaedics. During orthopedic surgery, patient-specific guides assist in the accurate drilling and cutting of bone in conjunction with meticulous pre-operative planning. Given their increased uptake, it is important to define the lessons learned from recent clinical experience, and to document the reported benefits when using this technology intra-operatively.
The aim of this review is to evaluate the potential benefits of patient-specific guides for osteotomies about the knee, and to clarify what evidence currently exists to support their use.
Methods. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for studies investigating the use of intra-operative patient-specific guides for realignment osteotomies about the knee. Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised studies, observational studies, case series, and case reports, as well as in vitro studies, were included. Screening was conducted with the Covidence software, and risk of bias was assessed with the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.
Results. A total of 38 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria: 21 of these included patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) for high tibial osteotomy, 6 with distal femoral osteotomy, 4 — for combined tibial/femoral rotational corrective osteotomies, 4 — in double-level osteotomies, and 6 — for intra-articular osteotomies. The main outcomes reported were accuracy of surgical correction, typically with reference to pre-operative plans, and execution accuracy based on radiographic measurements. Other common outcomes were operative time, intra-operative fluoroscopy, and operative costs. Many studies were observational in nature, with no control groups available for suitable comparison.
Conclusions. For corrective osteotomies about the knee, the literature suggests PSI has very strong potential to improve accuracy in achieving pre-operative targets. This was reported for both opening and closing wedge osteotomies of the femur, and for high tibial osteotomy. Some contradictory results have been reported for high tibial osteotomy, based on limited evidence from small studies that in many instances lacked controls for comparative analysis. Additional controlled trials are necessary to confirm the benefits of PSI for osteotomies about the knee, considering it has not yet been conclusively validated. The literature currently available indicates PSI can improve the accuracy of corrective osteotomies about the knee.
Radiological assessment of pulmonary vascular changes and gastrointestinal changes in patients with COVID-19 referred to a tertiary health care center in Chennai, India: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Sathishkumar Hariharan , Faizal Afwaan , Majith Abdul , Raj Vishnu , Venkataramani Agathiyanathan
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide since its emergence in 2019. Although primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can also affect other organ systems, including the vascular and gastrointestinal systems. COVID-19 is linked to both venous and arterial thrombosis, and numerous studies have indicated a heightened risk of pulmonary embolism. Autopsies have revealed pulmonary vasculature thrombosis and bowel ischemia in patients with COVID-19.
AIM: To assess radiological pulmonary vascular changes, specifically pulmonary embolism, and gastrointestinal changes in patients with COVID-19 referred to a tertiary healthcare center in Chennai, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography pulmonary angiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen were conducted in 100 patients with COVID-19 who met the selection criteria. A radiologist with 5 years of experience evaluated pulmonary vascular and bowel changes. Subsequently, statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of the relationship between patients with COVID-19 and the occurrence of pulmonary vascular and bowel changes.
RESULTS: In this study, 11 patients exhibited pulmonary thromboembolism, and 7 showed significant bowel changes such as bowel wall thickening, mesenteric ischemia, and omental infarction, indicative of potential gastrointestinal involvement of patients with COVID-19. A positive correlation was found between pulmonary embolism prevalence in patients with COVID-19. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed at a mean of 11 days from disease onset. Of the 24 patients with severe acute respiratory illness, 7 showed pulmonary embolism, detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography. In addition, of the 10 patients on mechanical ventilation, pulmonary embolism was found in 7. Among the seven patients with bowel changes, four had pulmonary embolism, as detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography, indicating a significant association between the two concomitant complications. The observed bowel changes were attributed to intravascular thrombosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, pulmonary emboli and bowel changes often occur in patients with COVID-19. Multivariate analyses also revealed a connection between invasive mechanical ventilation and pulmonary embolism. The results indicate that patients with severe COVID-19 may also experience concurrent acute pulmonary embolism. Thus, for these patients, the use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography instead of standard non-contrast computed tomography may aid in treatment decision-making.
The Impact of Model Misspecification on Phylogenetic Network Inference
Authors: Cao Zhen , Li Meng , Ogilvie Huw , Nakhleh Luay
Published: September 2024

The development of statistical methods to infer species phylogenies with reticulations (species networks) has led to many discoveries of gene flow between distinct species. These methods typically assume only incomplete lineage sorting and introgression. Given that phylogenetic networks can be arbitrarily complex, these methods might compensate for model misspecification by increasing the number of dimensions beyond the true value. Herein, we explore the effect of potential model misspecification, including the negligence of gene tree estimation error (GTEE) and assumption of a single substitution rate for all genomic loci, on the accuracy of phylogenetic network inference using both simulated and biological data. In particular, we assess the accuracy of estimated phylogenetic networks as well as test statistics for determining whether a network is the correct evolutionary history, as opposed to the simpler model that is a tree.
We found that while GTEE negatively impacts the performance of test statistics to determine the “treeness” of the evolutionary history of a data set, running those tests on triplets of taxa and correcting for multiple-testing significantly ameliorates the problem. We also found that accounting for substitution rate heterogeneity improves the reliability of full Bayesian inference methods of phylogenetic networks, whereas summary statistic methods are robust to GTEE and rate heterogeneity, though currently require manual inspection to determine the network complexity.
Burdur-Pamucak yöresi doğal kızılçam meşcereleri için meşcere boy gelişiminin modellenmesi
Authors: Carus Serdar , Karakaş Sahra
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışmada, Burdur-Pamucak yöresinde yer alan doğal yoldan gelmiş kızılçam (Pinus brutia Ten.) meşcerelerinden alınan 74 örnek nokta verisi ile literatürde çok kullanılan toplam 20 adet meşcere boy gelişimi modelinin tahmin başarıları karşılaştırılmıştır. Araştırmada, örnek nokta verileri iki alt gruba ayrılmış olup, birinci grup (n=50 ve yaklaşık %70) model geliştirmek için, ikinci grup ise (n=24 ve yaklaşık %30) geliştirilen modellerin uygunluğu test edilmiştir. Meşcere boy gelişimi modelleri parametre sayısı bakımından iki (n=7), üç (n=10) ya da dört parametreli (n=3) olmak üzere üç gruba ayrılmış ve tek ağaç boyu tahminlerindeki performansları, altı farklı istatistiksel ölçüt (Ortalama mutlak hata (2.04), Maksimum mutlak hata (8.81), Hata karelerinin ortalamasının karekökü (2.75), Belirtme katsayısı (0.706), Ortalama hata (-0.18) ve Akaike bilgi ölçütü (915.30)) kullanılarak karşılaştırılmıştır. Test edilen modeller içinde en başarılı sonuçlar sırasıyla, 3 Parametreli Seber- Wild, 3 Parametreli Seber- Wild ve 4 Parametreli Zeide tarafından geliştirilen modeller ile elde edilmiştir. Bağımsız veri seti ile yapılan değerlendirmede de yakın sonuçlar bulunmuştur. Çalışmada geliştirilen ve başarılı bulunan modeller kullanılarak, Pamucak Orman İşletme Şefliği sınırları içerisinde yer alan benzer özelliklere sahip doğal kızılçam meşcereleri için göğüs çapı yardımıyla tek ağaç boyunun güvenle tahmin edilmesi mümkündür.
The effect of resin type on the properties of fibreboards coated with digilam decor papers used in interior design
Authors: Uğur Celal
Published: September 2024

The decorative paper industry is a highly competitive industrial sector. Manufacturers of impregnated paper for face-laminated medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and particleboard need to significantly reduce production costs to increase profit margins. Melamine formaldehyde resin (MF) formulations are a costly raw material widely used for impregnating and coating such papers. In this study, the effect of resin-impregnated digilam decor paper on the physical, mechanical and surface properties of MDF board was investigated using a new melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin formulation.100% melamine (MF), 100% urea formaldehyde (UF) and 50% MF + 50% UF resin were used in the impregnation process of the digilam decorative papers. In physical properties, the minimum water absorption and thickness swelling values after 24 hours of soaking in water are 21.93% and 1.81% in UF, 16.84% and 1.22% in MF, 13.79% and 1.22% in UF+MF, respectively. In mechanical properties, the values of bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending were obtained as 32.14 and 3957.73 N/mm2, in UF, 40.39 and 6983.82 N/mm2 in MF, and 36.96 and 5290.06 N/mm2 in UF+MF, respectively. The results of simple statistical analysis of the data obtained from the surface tests have determined that the resistance values against staining, water vapor and scratching on the board scovered with digilam decorative papers produced using MF and UF + MF meet the limits required in the relevant standards. As a result, the boards covered with MF impregnated digilam decorative papers showed better performance than the boards coated with UF and UF+MF impregnated digilam decorative papers.
Yaban hayatı araç çarpışmalarının zamansal ve mekânsal analizi: Ankara-Çankırı Karayolu
Authors: Özcan Ali Uğur , Aytaş İbrahim , Kuter Semih
Published: September 2024

Ulaşım ağları habitatları parçalayarak yaban hayvanları üzerinde olumsuz etkilere yol açmaktadır. Bu etkilerden belki de en önemlisi yaban hayatı araç çarpışmalarıdır (YHAÇ). YHAÇ’ndan sadece yaban hayvanları etkilenmez aynı zamanda insanlara da maddi ve manevi etkilere sahiptir. Bu çalışma ile Ankara-Çankırı Karayolu’nun 50 kilometrelik kısmında; i) YHAÇ sonucu meydana gelen kazaların yerlerinin belirlenmesi, ii) sıcak noktaların tanımlanması hedeflenmiştir. Bu amaç için haftada bir kez YHAÇ verileri toplanmıştır. YHAÇ yerlerine ait sıcak noktaları için CrimeStat3 yazılımı ile nüve yoğunluk haritaları oluşturulmuştur. YHAÇ sonucunda 10 türden, 114 adet orta ve büyük memeli kaydedilmiştir. En fazla ölen türler, kirpi (Erinaceus concolor Martin, 1838) (n = 43), tilki (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) (n = 34) ve sansar (Martes foina Erxleben, 1777) (n = 18) olmuştur. Yaban hayatı araç çarpışmaları sıcak noktalar haritasında beş adet çok yüksek, bir adet yüksek ve iki adet de orta yoğunlukta kümelenme meydana gelmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları biyolojik çeşitliliğin korunmasına ve YHAÇ’nin azaltılmasına katkı sağlayacaktır. Yaban hayatı araç çarpışmalarının konumunun, zamanının ve sıklığının bilinmesi, çarpışmaların azaltılması için ulaşım planlamalarının yapılmasında önem arz etmektedir.
Epoksi esaslı kompozitlerin mekanik ve fiziksel özellikleri üzerine sodyum hidroksit ile modifiye edilmiş farklı güçlendirici malzemelerin etkisi
Authors: Yalman Mustafa Kadir , Atar İlkay , Mengeloğlu Fatih
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışmada; epoksi- doğal lif kompozitlerinin fiziksel ve mekanik özellikleri üzerine lif türü, güçlendirici malzeme yapısı ve kullanılan liflerin alkali ile modifikasyonu işleminin etkileri incelenmiştir. Güçlendirici malzeme olarak; dokuma ve dokuma olmayan (keçe) yapıdaki tekstil yüzeyler kullanılmıştır. Kullanılan güçlendirici malzemeler kenevir ve jüt liflerinden elde edilmiştir. Liflere %5 NaOH solüsyonunda modifikasyon işlemi uygulanmıştır. Kompozit örnekler; vakum infüzyon yöntemi ile 8 farklı kombinasyonda üretilmiştir. Üretilen örneklerin; çekme direnci, çekmede elastikiyet modülü, kopmada uzama, eğilme direnci, eğilmede elastikiyet modülü, darbe direnci, su alma özellikleri ve yoğunluk değerleri ölçülmüştür. Yapılan çalışma sonucunda; üretilen kompozitlerde dokuma kumaş kullanımı ile keçe kullanımına kıyasla daha yüksek çekme, eğilme ve darbe direnci tespit edilmiştir. Buna karşılık dokuma kumaş ile üretilen kompozitler daha yüksek oranda su alma özellikleri göstermiştir. Dokuma kumaş ile üretilen kompozitler incelendiğinde; kenevir lifi içeren örneklerin, jüt lifi içeren örneklere göre daha yüksek mekanik özellikler sergilediği görülmüştür. Keçe ile üretilen kompozitlerde ise; jüt lifi içeren örnekler, kenevir lifi içeren örneklere göre daha yüksek mekanik özellikler sergilemiştir. Kompozit üretiminde vakum infüzyon yönteminin kullanılması ve diğer değişkenlerin etkisi sonucunda elde edilen grupların matris/güçlendirici malzeme oranı sabit tutulamamıştır. Alkali modifikasyonu ve keçe kullanımı sonucunda üretilen kompozitlerin içerdiği güçlendirici malzeme oranında azalma meydana gelmiştir. Kompozit örneklerin içerdiği güçlendirici malzeme oranının yükselmesiyle kompozitlerin mekanik özelliklerinin yükseldiği, bununla birlikte su alma özelliklerinin de arttığı gözlemlenmiştir.
A note on electrometer intercomparison: a routine quality assurance check
Authors: Gloi Aime M. , Kibisu Patrice L.
Published: September 2024

Background: This study evaluates the accuracy of the Max-4000 and Model 206 electrometers in measuring ionization readings during radiation therapy dosimetry. The goal is to assess their performance and reliability to determine if they can provide interchangeable and reliable measurements. These comparisons are crucial to ensure accurate radiation dose delivery to patients, improving treatment outcomes and patient safety in clinical settings.
Methods: Measurements were conducted using a Varian TrueBeam Edge at different photon energies (6 MV, 6 FFF, 10 MV, and 10 FFF) and field sizes ranging from 3.0 to 30.0 cm. The setup included a solid water phantom with an ionization chamber positioned at 5 cm depth and a 95 cm source-to-surface distance. Both electrometers, ADCL calibrated, were compared for accuracy and precision using the Bland-Altman method, regression analysis, and correlation analysis.
Results: The stability of individual charge readings was within ±0.005% for all energies, field sizes, and electrometers. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of -0.0282 [0.0158 to -0.0405, 95% confidence interval (CI)] with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.999 (p<0.001) for 6 MV, -0.0345 [0.0283 to -0.0408, 95% CI] with an R² of 0.999 (p<0.001) for 6 FFF, -0.0373 [0.0305 to -0.0441, 95% CI] with an R² of 0.999 (p<0.001) for 10 MV, and -0.00454 [0.00360 to -0.0127, 95% CI] with an R² of 0.999 (p<0.001) for 10 FFF.
Conclusions: this study establishes a framework for comparing two ADCL electrometers using Bland-Altman analysis, linear regression, and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE).
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antibiotic combination against colistin resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from patients of a tertiary care hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Sharmin , Shamsuzzaman S. M.
Published: September 2024

Background: Emerging resistance to colistin in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates is of growing concern as these-strain are simultaneously resistant to most antimicrobial agents. Colistin is considered as last resort for treating severe bacterial infections caused by gram negative multidrug resistant bacteria. Since current treatment option for these strains are extremely limited, different antimicrobial combinations were used to see their efficacy against colistin resistant A. baumannii both in vitro and in vivo.
Methods: Cross-sectional study was done in the department of Microbiology, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh from July, 2017 to June, 2018. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by disc-diffusion technique and MIC. Colistin resistance genes were detected by PCR. In vitro activity of colistin, tigecycline, imipenem, amikacin and their combinations were evaluated by agar dilution method. Rat septicemic models were made using the colistin resistant A. baumannii and effectiveness of antibiotic combinations were tested in rats.
Results: Among 32 isolated A. baumannii 12.5% were colistin resistant. All colistin resistant A. baumannii were positive for lpxA, lpxC, pmrA, pmrB genes; 75% were positive for lpxD gene, 50% were positive for pmrC gene. The proportions of synergy observed in colistin-tigecycline, colistin-imipenem, colistin-amikacin and imipenem-amikacin were 75%, 50%, 50% and 25% respectively in vitro. The best in vivo result appeared in group treated with colistin-tigecycline combination where 100% bacterial clearance from rats was observed while colistin-imipenem combination showed 83.33% clearance.
Conclusion: Colistin plus tigecycline or colistin plus imipenem may be alternative treatment option against colistin resistant A. baumannii infection.
Association between platelet aggregation parameters and primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Agarwal Ruchika , Singh Shivangi , Dhawan Pallavi , Narang Ajay , Gupta Preeti , Namrata  , Khan Sadaf
Published: September 2024

Background: The aim of the research was to study association between platelet aggregation parameters and primary open angle glaucoma.
Methods: An analytical cross sectional study with comparison group was conducted on 120 patients (60 cases, 60 controls). All enrolled patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination which included visual acuity assessment and refractive error testing, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with Goldmann's applanation tonometer, Gonioscopy using Sussman 4 mirror gonioscope, optic nerve head examination by slit lamp and biomicroscopy using +90D lens, visual field analysis and mean deviation assessment using automated perimeter in both eyes, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis by optical coherence tomography (OCT), complete blood count (CBC) analysis for the study of platelet aggregation parameters, platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR).
Results: Based on the direction of assessment, PCT was evaluated for prediction of glaucoma, a cut off of PCT <0.203 was found to be 83.3% sensitive and 53.3% specific. Severity of POAG did not show any significant association with any of the platelet aggregation parameters.
Conclusions: In the present study, we did not find a significant association of different platelet parameters with severity of POAG either.
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in generalized anxiety disorder: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kalva L. Tejaswini , Jannabhatla V. B. Kasyapa , Anusha Nageli , Tirupathe Sunanda
Published: September 2024

Background: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive anxiety affecting daily activities for at least six months, often accompanied by restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep difficulties. Insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are linked to psychiatric disorders due to their impact on the central nervous system. This study aims to assess IR and MetS prevalence in GAD patients and explore their relationship with GAD severity.
Methods: In a six-month cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center in southern India, 66 patients aged 18-60 diagnosed with GAD per DSM-5 criteria were included. Exclusion criteria were other psychiatric disorders, significant medical conditions, and specific medication use. GAD severity was assessed using the Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A). IR was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula, with a value of 2.5 or higher indicating significant IR. MetS was diagnosed based on the International Diabetes Federation's criteria.
Results: Among the 66 participants (59.1% female, mean age 43.41 years), 39.4% had severe GAD. Significant IR was present in 39.4% of participants, while 34.8% met the criteria for MetS. No significant correlation was found between GAD severity and IR or MetS, although a sedentary lifestyle was notably higher in GAD patients (57.6%).
Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of IR and MetS among GAD patients, without a significant correlation with GAD severity. Routine metabolic screening and integrated management strategies are recommended for GAD patients to address both mental and metabolic health concerns.
Multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria in surgical site infection of cancer patients: a cause of concern
Authors: Mattoo Harshita , Siddiqui Nazneen S. , Khaparkhuntikar Mukta N.
Published: September 2024

Background: A number of variables contribute to the high frequency of surgical site infections (SSI) in cancer patients and the presence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in SSI’s exacerbates the condition. MDR in cancer patients exacerbates SSI problems like extended hospital stays, higher costs and more challenging treatment of these organism, which lowers survival. This study was done to identify antibiotic and microbial resistance in pus samples obtained from post operative SSI cases of cancer patients so that empirical treatment could be started in cancer patients.
Methods: The study was carried out in the department of microbiology, Government Cancer Hospital during the period from January 2022 to December 2022. A total 82 pus samples were collected and processed for culture, identification as per standard recommended procedures and antibiotic susceptibility testing were carried out on isolates as per clinical laboratory standard institute (CLSI) guidelines.
Results: A total of 82 specimens were cultured. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were most commonly encountered. A high level of resistance to various antibiotics was noted among Gram negative bacteria.
Conclusions: The current investigation demonstrated microbiological profile in cancer patients. There exists an unmet need for surveillance of MDR bacteria, as well as for the implementation of effective antimicrobial regimens and antibiotic stewardship programs.
Tamoxifen-associated liver hematoma in early-stage breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Nhu Duong Y. Vo , Benyarko Ato Kwamena , Joshi Advait , Lade Ananya , Himaid Abdullah , Savaliya Bansi , Lewis Magnus Jude , Gunti Anuhya Tejaswi , Simsek Bahadir , Khillan Ratesh
Published: September 2024

A 44-year-old African American female with a previous medical history of major depressive disorder presented to the hospital with a dense feeling on her right breast following self-examination. Pathology report after right breast lumpectomy revealed the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (ER+, PR+ and HER2-) of the right breast. Nine months after the diagnosis, a combination of local radiotherapy with chemotherapy with tamoxifen (20 mg tablet/day) was started. Two months post tamoxifen initiation, the patient presented at the hospital with right upper quadrant abdominal pain with sharp and stabbing characteristics, radiating to the right shoulder. Abdominal/pelvic CT with contrast revealed that the patient developed a 25×58×85 mm subcapsular hematoma of the right anterior lobe of the liver. Our case suggests the development of liver hematoma with thrombocytopenia associated with tamoxifen therapy. Following tamoxifen administration, there was a significant drop in the platelet count from 139×109 /L to 69×109/L between day 1 and day 3 in our patient. Tamoxifen either alone or given concurrently with chemotherapy may increase the risk of thrombosis. Our patient presented with clumps on day 2. Even though our patient experienced liver hematoma on tamoxifen, studies have shown that the concurrent use of tamoxifen with direct anticoagulants showed a similar risk compared with aromatase inhibitors.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure in an adult secondary to autoimmune hepatitis: a case report
Authors: Molina Calderón Alonso José , Tamay David Godínez , Hernández Yari Esilde Baeza
Published: September 2024

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare inflammatory liver disease mediated by the immune system and characterized by circulating autoantibodies. It can progress to cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure if the diagnosis is overlooked and treatment is delayed. A 35-year-old male was hospitalized for fever and jaundice. A liver ultrasound documented chronic liver disease with signs of portal hypertension and ascites. An evaluation for the etiology of chronic liver disease ruled out Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver, alcohol, hepatotoxic drug use were denied, leading to the request for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), which were positive, guiding us towards the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, experiencing acute decompensation of chronic liver disease associated with the rapid onset of multiorgan failure secondary to urinary tract infection. AIH can progress to cirrhosis and terminal liver failure. In this case, our patient was asymptomatic before hospital admission, presenting with jaundice and fever, diagnosing chronic liver disease secondary to autoimmune hepatitis presenting acute-on-chronic liver failure secondary to complicated urinary tract infection. The treatment for AIH is oral corticosteroids. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated without success, resulting in a fatal outcome. AIH is a disease that needs to be diagnosed by ruling out the main causes of chronic liver disease as it can initially present asymptomatically and, if untreated, can evolve into acute liver failure, chronic liver disease, and acute-on-chronic liver failure, which can be avoided with timely corticosteroid treatment.
Laparoscopic mirror cholecystectomy: gallbladder lithiasis in a patient with situs inversus
Authors: Castro Sosa Monica , Hernandez Sosa Reyger , González Yazmin G.
Published: September 2024

The location of the organs with respect to the midline of the body is known as situs, situs inversus refers to the sagittal inversion of the thoracoabdominal organs with an incidence of 0.01% of the population. A 51-year-old female with a history of SIT, refers colic in the left hypochondrium associated with the intake of cholecystokinetic food, vesicular lithiasis is diagnosed by ultrasound, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed with placement of 12 mm trocars in the umbilical and subxiphoid region slightly lateralized to the left, 5 mm trocars below the costal margin left midclavicular line and on the left flank anterior axillary line. Deletion of the Pitx2 transcription factor disrupts normal morphogenesis and develops visceral asymmetry. The risk of developing gallstones is the same as the rest of the population; which presents classic symptoms, 30% will present epigastric pain, 10% will present pain in the right hypochondrium and the rest will present pain in the left upper quadrant, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment. In this genetic anomaly, it is important to know the changes in the clinical presentation for a timely diagnosis. Modifications in the technique and anatomical arrangement represent a challenge for the surgical team, which is why an experienced team with extensive knowledge of biliary anatomy is required to avoid the risk of injury. Cation of the organs with respect to the midline of the body is known as situs, situs inversus refers to the sagittal inversion of the thoracoabdominal organs with an incidence of 0.01% of the population, 1/10,000-20,000 births. A 51-year-old female with a history of SIT, refers colic in the left hypochondrium associated with the intake of cholecystokinetic food, vesicular lithiasis is diagnosed, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed with placement of 12 mm trocars in the umbilical and subxiphoid region slightly lateralized to the left, 5 mm trocars below the costal margin left midclavicular line and on the left flank anterior axillary line. Conventional mirror cholecystectomy was performed. Deletion of the Pitx2 transcription factor disrupts normal morphogenesis and develops visceral asymmetry. The risk of developing gallstones is the same as the rest of the population; which presents classic symptoms, 30% will present epigastric pain, 10% will present pain in the right hypochondrium and the rest will present pain in the left upper quadrant, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for surgical resolution, the main change in the surgical technique is the placement of the trocars. In this genetic anomaly, it is important to know the changes in the clinical presentation for a timely diagnosis. Modifications in the technique and anatomical arrangement represent a challenge for the surgical team, which is why an experienced team with extensive knowledge of biliary anatomy is required to avoid the risk of injury.