Showing papers by "Başkent University published in 2016"

The Rise of the Network Society - The Information Age: Economy, Society, and Culture

Abstract: Castell’s book is the first part of his milstone “The Information Age: Economy Society, and Culture” work. The author states that, the triology was prepared to be a single book, but then with the contributions of the editor, it was divided into three books by making each part of the study a separate book. In this particular book, Castells presents an easily understandable and comprehensive analysis by examining the economic, social, and cultural changes that caused by the Network Society. He does this by being as realistic as possible and reaching a clear conclusion by supporting all of his claims with various statistics and examples.

Reduced Graphene Oxide-GelMA Hybrid Hydrogels as Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.

Abstract: Biomaterials currently used in cardiac tissue engineering have certain limitations, such as lack of electrical conductivity and appropriate mechanical properties, which are two parameters playing a key role in regulating cardiac cell behavior. Here, the myocardial tissue constructs are engineered based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-incorporated gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hybrid hydrogels. The incorporation of rGO into the GelMA matrix significantly enhances the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the material. Moreover, cells cultured on composite rGO-GelMA scaffolds exhibit better biological activities such as cell viability, proliferation, and maturation compared to ones cultured on GelMA hydrogels. Cardiomyocytes show stronger contractility and faster spontaneous beating rate on rGO-GelMA hydrogel sheets compared to those on pristine GelMA hydrogels, as well as GO-GelMA hydrogel sheets with similar mechanical property and particle concentration. Our strategy of integrating rGO within a biocompatible hydrogel is expected to be broadly applicable for future biomaterial designs to improve tissue engineering outcomes. The engineered cardiac tissue constructs using rGO incorporated hybrid hydrogels can potentially provide high-fidelity tissue models for drug studies and the investigations of cardiac tissue development and/or disease processes in vitro.

Evaluation and comparison of the new swept source OCT-based IOLMaster 700 with the IOLMaster 500

Abstract: Purpose To compare the measurements and failure rates obtained with a new swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based biometry to IOLMaster 500. Setting Eye Clinic, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. Design Observational cross-sectional study and evaluation of a new diagnostic technology. Methods 188 eyes of 101 subjects were included in the study. Measurements of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal power (K1 and K2) and the measurement failure rate with the new Zeiss IOLMaster 700 were compared with those obtained with the IOLMaster 500. The results were evaluated using Bland–Altman analyses. The differences between both methods were assessed using the paired samples t test, and their correlation was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results The mean age was 68.32±12.71 years and the male/female ratio was 29/72. The agreements between two devices were outstanding regarding AL (ICC=1.0), ACD (ICC=0.920), K1 (ICC=0.992) and K2 (ICC=0.989) values. IOLMaster 700 was able to measure ACD AL, K1 and K2 in all eyes within high-quality SD limits of the manufacturer. IOLMaster 500 was able to measure ACD in 175 eyes, whereas measurements were not possible in the remaining 13 eyes. AL measurements were not possible for 17 eyes with IOLMaster 500. Nine of these eyes had posterior subcapsular cataracts and eight had dense nuclear cataracts. Conclusions Although the agreement between the two devices was excellent, the IOLMaster 700 was more effective in obtaining biometric measurements in eyes with posterior subcapsular and dense nuclear cataracts.

Color stainability of CAD/CAM and nanocomposite resin materials.

Abstract: Statement of problem The color stainability of recently introduced computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) hybrid ceramic and resin nanoceramic is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of coffee staining on the color of 3 different CAD/CAM restorative materials and a nanocomposite resin. Material and methods Specimens from a hybrid dental ceramic (VITA Enamic), a resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate), a lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max CAD), and a nanocomposite resin (Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal) were evaluated for color change due to thermocycling in coffee (n=5). Specimens 0.5 to 0.7 mm and 1 to 1.2 mm in thickness were thermocycled for 5000 cycles. CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE 00 ) due to thermocycling in coffee were calculated using the color coordinates obtained from a spectroradiometer. ANCOVA was used to analyze the color differences among the materials with thickness as the covariate. Significant differences at average thickness were analyzed with the Tukey-Kramer test. Results For color difference due to staining, thickness was a significant covariate ( P P 00 ) at mean thickness were 4.34 for the nanohybrid composite resin, 3.66 for the resin nanoceramic, 1.35 for the hybrid ceramic, and 0.43 for the lithium disilicate ceramic. Conclusion When exposed to hot and cold coffee, the color change was beyond clinical acceptability for the tested resin nanoceramic and nanocomposite resin materials. The average color change of the hybrid ceramic was clinically perceivable over the tested thickness values. The color change of lithium disilicate ceramic was not clinically perceivable at any tested thickness.

A Review of KDD99 Dataset Usage in Intrusion Detection and Machine Learning between 2010 and 2015

Abstract: Although KDD99 dataset is more than 15 years old, it is still widely used in academic research. To investigate wide usage of this dataset in Machine Learning Research (MLR) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS); this study reviews 149 research articles from 65 journals indexed in Science Citation In- dex Expanded and Emerging Sources Citation Index during the last six years (2010–2015). If we include papers presented in other indexes and conferences, number of studies would be tripled. The number of published studies shows that KDD99 is the most used dataset in IDS and machine learning areas, and it is the de facto dataset for these research areas. To show recent usage of KDD99 and the related sub-dataset (NSL-KDD) in IDS and MLR, the following de- scriptive statistics about the reviewed studies are given: main contribution of articles, the applied algorithms,

Toll-like receptors in pathophysiology of liver diseases

Abstract: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that participate in host defense by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns alongside inflammatory processes by recognizing damage associated molecular patterns. Given constant exposure to pathogens from gut, strict control of TLR-associated signaling pathways is essential in the liver, which otherwise may lead to inappropriate production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferons and may generate a predisposition to several autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The liver is considered to be a site of tolerance induction rather than immunity induction, with specificity in hepatic cell functions and distribution of TLR. Recent data emphasize significant contribution of TLR signaling in chronic liver diseases via complex immune responses mediating hepatocyte (i.e., hepatocellular injury and regeneration) or hepatic stellate cell (i.e., fibrosis and cirrhosis) inflammatory or immune pathologies. Herein, we review the available data on TLR signaling, hepatic expression of TLRs and associated ligands, as well as the contribution of TLRs to the pathophysiology of hepatic diseases.

A Predictive Model of Mortality in Patients With Bloodstream Infections due to Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

Abstract: Objective To develop a score to predict mortality in patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Patients and Methods A multinational retrospective cohort study (INCREMENT project) was performed from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2013. Patients with clinically relevant monomicrobial BSIs due to CPE were included and randomly assigned to either a derivation cohort (DC) or a validation cohort (VC). The variables were assessed on the day the susceptibility results were available, and the predictive score was developed using hierarchical logistic regression. The main outcome variable was 14-day all-cause mortality. The predictive ability of the model and scores were measured by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated for different cutoffs of the score. Results The DC and VC included 314 and 154 patients, respectively. The final logistic regression model of the DC included the following variables: severe sepsis or shock at presentation (5 points); Pitt score of 6 or more (4 points); Charlson comorbidity index of 2 or more (3 points); source of BSI other than urinary or biliary tract (3 points); inappropriate empirical therapy and inappropriate early targeted therapy (2 points). The score exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.74-0.85) in the DC and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73-0.88) in the VC. The results for 30-day all-cause mortality were similar. Conclusion A validated score predictive of early mortality in patients with BSIs due to CPE was developed. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01 764490.

Knowledge building and the quantity, content and quality of the interaction and participation of students in an online collaborative learning environment

Abstract: The processes of knowledge building, the interaction and participation of students in an online collaborative learning environment and the relations among them are investigated. The investigation involved a procedure carried out over 14 weeks in an online collaborative learning environment. During the procedure, the knowledge building process was executed over Knowledge Forum and the planning process over Moodle LMS. The scaffolds, quantity, content and quality of interaction and participation, and relations between scaffolds and the quantity of interaction and participation were reviewed. The participants were 145 prospective teachers. In this research, a convergent parallel design method was employed. Data were collected from multiple sources, including the log records and the content analysis of Knowledge Forum postings. Development was observed in terms of the use of opinion building and expressing forms and note creation and build-on of the students in the knowledge building processes within the online collaborative learning environment. Furthermore, most of the academic content and the quality of interaction and participation were indicators of progress of the individual student and groups of students. There was a significant increase in the quality of interaction and participation from the beginning of the term to the end of term. It is suggested that the 14-week knowledge building process contributed to learning. It was found that there was a significant relation between the use of opinion building and expressing forms and the creation and build-on of notes by the students. Results show that the course offered in an online collaborative knowledge building environment contributed to opinion building and expression, the quantity, content and quality of interaction and participation, and thus the learning of students. We developed a rubric to assess quality in a more profound and holistic way.We designed an online collaborative learning environment.Note creation/build-on and academic-related content and quality reveal improvement.Different but intertwined indicators affect each other.An online collaborative knowledge building environment contributes to learning.

Effect of cement space on the marginal fit of CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic zirconia crowns.

Abstract: Statement of problem Monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) have recently become a common practice for the restoration of posterior teeth. The marginal fit of monolithic zirconia crowns may be affected by different cement space parameters set in the CAD software. Information is scarce regarding the effect of cement space on the marginal fit of monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated with CAD-CAM technology. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of cement space on the marginal fit of CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic zirconia crowns before cementation. Material and methods Fifteen right maxillary first molar typodont teeth with standardized anatomic preparations for complete-coverage ceramic crowns were scanned with a 3-dimensional laboratory scanner. Crowns were designed 3-dimensionally using software and then milled from presintered monolithic zirconia blocks in a computer numerical control dental milling machine. The cement space was set at 25 μm around the margins for all groups, and additional cement space starting 1 mm above the finish lines of the teeth was set at 30 μm for group 25-30, 40 μm for group 25-40, and 50 μm for group 25-50 in the CAD software. A total of 120 images (3 groups, 5 crowns per group, 8 sites per crown) were measured for vertical marginal discrepancy under a stereoscopic zoom microscope and the data were statistically analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05). Results The results showed that different cement space values had statistically significant effect on the mean vertical marginal discrepancy value of tested crowns ( P Conclusions Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the cement space had a significant effect on the marginal fit of CAD-CAM-fabricated monolithic zirconia crowns. The marginal fit improved as the cement space decreased.

Extended use up to 5 years of the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant: comparison to levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal implant.

Abstract: Study question Is it possible to extend the use of the 3-year one-rod etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant to 5 years? Summary answer The extended use of the one-rod ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant showed 100% efficacy in years 4 and 5. What is known already The initial regulated trials on the ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant conducted in the 1990 s were designed to measure cumulative 3-year efficacy. The ENG-implant has both well established safety and efficacy for up to 3 years. Pharmacokinetic data on ENG show high levels at 3 years and some previous clinical research confirms efficacy beyond the current approved duration of 3 years. Today, many women, because the labeled duration has been reached, have the ENG implant removed at 3 years, increasing costs, inconvenience and risks. Study design size, duration For the first 3 years, this study was an open-label, multi-centre randomized trial comparing the 3-year ENG implant to the 5-year levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing implant. After 3 years, a subset of 390 ENG participants, consented to extended use. We compared efficacy, side effects and removal procedures of both implants. We used Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis. We included an observational cohort of copper intrauterine device (IUD) users as non-users of hormonal contraceptive method for comparative purposes. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study took place in family planning clinics in seven countries worldwide. Women were enlisted after an eligibility check and informed consent, and 1328 women were enrolled: 390, 522 and 416 in the ENG-implant, LNG-implant and IUD groups, respectively. Main results and the role of chance Over 200 women used the ENG implant for at least 5 years. No pregnancies occurred during the additional 2 years of follow up in the ENG or LNG implant group. The overall 5-year K-M cumulative pregnancy rates for ENG- and LNG- implants were 0.6 per 100 women-years (W-Y) [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2-1.8] and 0.8 per 100 W-Y [95% CI: 0.2-2.3], respectively. Complaints of bleeding changes were similar; however, ENG-users were more likely than LNG-users to experience heavy bleeding (p Limitations, reasons for caution Few women were ≤19 years old or nulligravida. Although there was no weight limit for enrolment in the study, the number of women ≥70 kg were few. Wider implications of the findings The results from this study corroborate previous evidence showing high contraceptive efficacy through 4 years for the ENG-implant. Data through 5 years are a novel contribution and further proof of the product's capability to provide safe and effective contraception that rivals the current 5-year LNG-subdermal implant. The findings provide valuable information for policy makers, family planning programmers and clinicians that the ENG-releasing subdermal implant is still highly effective up to 5 years after insertion. Compared to previous efforts, our study population was geographically diverse and our study had the highest number of participants completing at least 5 years of use. Trial registration The trial was registered as ISRCTN33378571. Study funding/competing interests The contraceptive devices and funds for conduct of the study were provided by the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/World Health Organization (WHO)/UNICEF/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR), WHO. This report contains the collective views of an international group of experts, and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the WHO. All stated authors have no conflict of interest, except Dr Hubacher who reported grants from United States Agency for International Development, during the conduct of the study; other from Advisory Boards (Teva, Bayer, OCON), outside the submitted work.

Do probiotics have a role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate clinical evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).MethodsA systematic search was conducted to review the results of all randomized,...

The Associations of Dyadic Coping and Relationship Satisfaction Vary between and within Nations: A 35-Nation Study

Abstract: Objective: Theories about how couples help each other to cope with stress, such as the systemic transactional model of dyadic coping, suggest that the cultural context in which couples live influences how their coping behavior affects their relationship satisfaction. In contrast to the theoretical assumptions, a recent meta-analysis provides evidence that neither culture, nor gender, influences the association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction, at least based on their samples of couples living in North America and West Europe. Thus, it is an open questions whether the theoretical assumptions of cultural influences are false or whether cultural influences on couple behavior just occur in cultures outside of the Western world. Method: In order to examine the cultural influence, using a sample of married individuals (N = 7,973) from 35 nations, we used multilevel modeling to test whether the positive association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction varies across nations and whether gender might moderate the association. Results: Results reveal that the association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction varies between nations. In addition, results show that in some nations the association is higher for men and in other nations it is higher for women. Conclusions: Cultural and gender differences across the globe influence how couples’ coping behavior affects relationship outcomes. This crucial finding indicates that couple relationship education programs and interventions need to be culturally adapted, as skill trainings such as dyadic coping lead to differential effects on relationship satisfaction based on the culture in which couples live.

Pregnancy and sickle cell disease: A review of the current literature

Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hereditary disease worldwide, presenting with anemia and intermittent severe pain. Pregnancy in a patient with SCD is associated with high levels of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality; the maternal and fetal death rates during pregnancy can attain 11.4% and 20%, respectively. Patient care has improved over time. However, certain management issues remain unresolved; these include the optimum policy in terms of prophylactic blood transfusion, and the use of antiplatelet drugs. Such issues are attributable to the heterogeneous nature of clinical SCD features, and the limitations of uncontrolled and prospective trials. In this review, we seek to facilitate a better understanding of relevant issues via creation of a comparative data profile extracted from current studies. This report may also encourage the drafting of standard operating procedure for management of pregnancy in SCD patients.

Astrophysical flows near f(T) gravity black holes

Abstract: In this paper, we study the accretion process for fluids flowing near a black hole in the context of f(T) teleparallel gravity. Specifically, by performing a dynamical analysis by a Hamiltonian system, we are able to find the sonic points. After that, we consider different isothermal test fluids in order to study the accretion process when they are falling onto the black hole. We find that these flows can be classified according to the equation of state and the black hole features. Results are compared in f(T) and f(R) gravity.

Calibration transfer in temperature modulated gas sensor arrays

Abstract: Shifts in working temperature are an important issue that prevents the successful transfer of calibration models from one chemical instrument to another. This effect is of special relevance when working with gas sensor arrays modulated in temperature. In this paper, we study the use of multivariate techniques to transfer the calibration model from a temperature modulated gas sensor array to another when a global change of temperature occurs. To do so, we built 12 identical master sensor arrays composed of three different types of commercial Figaro sensors and acquired a dataset of sensor responses to three pure substances (ethanol, acetone and butanone) dosed at 7 concentrations. The master arrays are then shifted in temperature (from −50 to 50 °C, ΔT = 10 °C) and considered as slave arrays. Data correction is performed for an increasing number of transfer samples with 4 different calibration transfer techniques: Direct Standardization, Piece-wise Direct Standardization, Orthogonal Signal Correction and Generalized Least Squares Weighting. In order to evaluate the performance of the calibration transfer, we compare the Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) of master and slave arrays, for each instrument correction. Best results are obtained from Piece-wise Direct standardization, which exhibits the lower RMSEP values after correction for the smaller number of transfer samples.

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pediatric Renal Transplantation and the Impact of Chemoprophylaxis With (Val-)Ganciclovir

Abstract: BackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) replication and disease, with its associated morbidity and poor transplant outcome, represents a serious threat to transplant recipients. The pediatric kidney transplant population is at a particularly increased risk of CMV infection.MethodsWe therefore analyzed CMV e

Rethinking Migration in the Context of Precarity: The Case of Turkey

Abstract: Migrants with undocumented/irregular statuses constitute one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of living and working conditions. This paper critically engages with the discussions on precarity in relation to irregular migrant labour in Turkey. It addresses the living and working conditions of migrant workers as a particular form of work and life, who can be seen as representing the new precariat of Turkey. The number of immigrants has grown in Turkey since the late 1980s, and with the mass influx of Syrian migrants since 2011 the public visibility of migration and associated precarity has increased as well. Deriving from such a context, the article adopts a theoretical and empirical analysis of the relationship between precarity and migration in the Turkish context by critically evaluating migrant workers’ work and life experiences (including migrants’ contestations of their everyday life).

Effect of mirror therapy on upper extremity motor function in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: [Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mirror therapy combined with a conventional rehabilitation program on upper extremity motor and functional recovery in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one hemiplegic patients were included. The patients were randomly assigned to a mirror (n=16) or conventional group (n=15). The patients in both groups underwent conventional therapy for 4 weeks (60-120 minutes/day, 5 days/week). The mirror group received mirror therapy, consisting of periodic flexion and extension movements of the wrist and fingers on the non-paralyzed side. The patients in the conventional group performed the same exercises against the non-reflecting face of the mirror. The patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment by a blinded assessor using the Brunnstrom stage, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) upper extremity score, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) self-care score. [Results] There was an improvement in Brunnstrom stage and the FIM self-care score in both groups, but the post-treatment FMA score was significantly higher in the mirror therapy group than in the conventional treatment group. [Conclusion] Mirror therapy in addition to a conventional rehabilitation program was found to provide additional benefit in motor recovery of the upper extremity in stroke patients.

A RSM-Based Multi-Response Optimization Application for Determining Optimal Mix Proportions of Standard Ready-Mixed Concrete

Abstract: In this study, design of experiment methodology was applied to the optimization of mixing the proportions of standard ready-mixed concrete (SC). The mixture proportion modeled by using response surface methodology (RSM) was determined as the function of variables such as aggregate mixture ratio, water-to-cement ratio and the percentage of super plasticizer content. The results show that water-to-cementitious material ratio causing the highest variation in responses is the most important factor, and aggregate mixture ratio is designated as the second most important factor. The results show also that the responses of convection heat transfer coefficient and the percent of air content are significantly affected by the synergistic effect of linear term of water-to-cement ratio and the antagonistic effect of quadratic term of water-to-cement ratio. Early comprehensive strength is significantly affected by the synergistic effect of linear term of ratio of water to cement materials and the synergistic effect of linear terms of aggregate mixture rate. Finally, three variables formulated using regression analyses were simultaneously optimized by utilizing RSM-based desirability function method.

A functional HOTAIR rs12826786 C>T polymorphism is associated with breast cancer susceptibility and poor clinicopathological characteristics in a Turkish population: a hospital-based case-control study.

Abstract: Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is pervasively overexpressed and correlated with tumor invasion, progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis in various human cancers including breast cancer (BC) that plays a role as an oncogenic molecule. A common functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs12826786 C>T) at the HOTAIR promoter has been reported to influence HOTAIR expression and gastric adenocarcinoma susceptibility, but relation of HOTAIR rs12826786 C>T polymorphism with BC susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics has yet to be reported. To explore the association of the HOTAIR rs12826786 C>T polymorphism with the risk of BC in a Turkish population, a hospital-based case-control study was carried out consisting of 123 BC patients and 122 age-matched healthy controls. HOTAIR rs12826786 C>T polymorphism was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using TaqMan assay. We found that women carrying TT genotype of HOTAIR rs12826786 C>T polymorphism had an increased risk of developing BC in both codominant (odds ratio (OR) = 2.24, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.05-4.81, P = 0.02) and recessive (OR = 2.49, 95 % CI 1.25-4.97, P = 0.008) inheritance models. Moreover, TT genotype of HOTAIR rs12826786 C>T polymorphism was significantly related with multiple clinicopathological characteristics concerned with worse BC progression such as advanced TNM stage (III and IV), larger tumor size (T3 and T4), and distant metastasis (M1), as well as poor histological grade (III) (P T polymorphism might play crucial roles in genetic susceptibility and poor prognosis for BC in Turkish population, further independent studies are needed to confirm our results in a larger series, as well as in patients of distinct populations.

Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy, manual therapy, and Kinesio taping in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome

Abstract: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a major contributing factor of shoulder pain; and treatment approaches (Kinesio® taping [KT], Exercise [EX], manual therapy [MT], and high-intensity laser therapy [HILT]) have been developed to treat the pain. The key objective of this study was to compare the effects of KT, MT, and HILT on the pain, the range of motion (ROM), and the functioning in patients with SAIS. Seventy patients with SAIS were randomly divided into four groups based on the treatment(s) each group received [EX (n = 15), KT + EX (n = 20), MT + KT + EX (n = 16), and MT + KT + HILT + EX (n = 19)]. All the patients were assessed before and at the end of the treatment (15th day). The main outcome assessments included the evaluation of severity of pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) and shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation ROM measurements by a universal goniometry. Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to measure pain and disability associated with shoulder pathology. Statistically significant differences were found in the treatment results of all parameters in MT + KT + EX and HILT + MT + KT + EX groups (p < 0.05). When the means of ROM and SPADI results of three groups were compared, statistically significant differences were found between all the groups (p < 0.05). These differences were significant especially between the groups MT + KT + EX and KT + EX (p < 0.05) and HILT + MT + KT + EX and KT + EX (p < 0.05). HILT and MT were found to be more effective in minimizing pain and disability and increasing ROM in patients with SAIS. Further studies with follow-up periods are required to determine the advantages of these treatments conclusively.

Engineering long shelf life multi-layer biologically active surfaces on microfluidic devices for point of care applications

Abstract: Although materials and engineered surfaces are broadly utilized in creating assays and devices with wide applications in diagnostics, preservation of these immuno-functionalized surfaces on microfluidic devices remains a significant challenge to create reliable repeatable assays that would facilitate patient care in resource-constrained settings at the point-of-care (POC), where reliable electricity and refrigeration are lacking. To address this challenge, we present an innovative approach to stabilize surfaces on-chip with multiple layers of immunochemistry. The functionality of microfluidic devices using the presented method is evaluated at room temperature for up to 6-month shelf life. We integrated the preserved microfluidic devices with a lensless complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging platform to count CD4+ T cells from a drop of unprocessed whole blood targeting applications at the POC such as HIV management and monitoring. The developed immunochemistry stabilization method can potentially be applied broadly to other diagnostic immuno-assays such as viral load measurements, chemotherapy monitoring, and biomarker detection for cancer patients at the POC.

Treatment response evaluation using the mean apparent diffusion coefficient in cervical cancer patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Abstract: PURPOSE To investigate the pre- and posttreatment mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean ) of cervical cancer tumors treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and evaluate their correlation with recurrence and survival rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-four patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent multiparametric 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including T2 -weighted, fat-saturated T2 -weighted, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences before and after treatment. Posttreatment MR images were acquired within a median of 3.2 months (range, 2.8-4.1 months) after completing CRT. We assessed the impact of primary tumor pre- and posttreatment ADC values on prognostic factors and treatment outcomes. RESULTS The pre- and posttreatment ADCmean values were 0.882 ± 0.096 × 10(-3) mm(2) /sec and 1.159 ± 0.168 × 10(-3) mm(2) /sec, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The median percent ADC change was 33.7% (range, 5.0-70.0%). Patients with disease recurrence had lower ADC values, both pretreatment (0.822 ± 0.096 × 10(-3) mm(2) /sec vs. 0.936 ± 0.058 × 10(-3) mm(2) /sec; P < 0.001) and posttreatment (1.060 ± 0.116 × 10(-3) mm(2) /sec vs. 1.248 ± 0.160 × 10(-3) mm(2) /sec; P < 0.001). The ADC change was lower in patients with recurrence (25.7% ± 13.0% vs. 42.8% ± 15.7; P < 0.001) than in patients without recurrence. In multivariate analysis, pelvic lymph node metastasis and pretreatment ADCmean were prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). ADC change between pre- and posttreatment DW-MRI was a prognostic factor for OS. CONCLUSION DWI parameters, measured before and after treatment, may be useful prognostic biomarkers for tumor burden, recurrence, and survival in cervical cancer patients treated with CRT. The primary tumor pretreatment ADCmean is an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:1010-1019.

Factors effecting influenza vaccination uptake among health care workers: A multi-center cross-sectional study

Abstract: The present study aimed to identify factors affecting vaccination against influenza among health professionals. We used a multi-centre cross-sectional design to conduct an online self-administered questionnaire with physicians and nurses at state and foundation university hospitals in the south-east of Turkey, between 1 January 2015 and 1 February 2015. The five participating hospitals provided staff email address lists filtered for physicians and nurses. The questionnaire comprised multiple choice questions covering demographic data, knowledge sources, and Likert-type items on factors affecting vaccination against influenza. The target response rate was 20 %. In total, 642 (22 %) of 2870 health professionals (1220 physicians and 1650 nurses) responded to the questionnaire. Participants’ mean age was 29.6 ± 9.2 years (range 17–62 years); 177 (28.2 %) were physicians and 448 (71.3 %) were nurses. The rate of regular vaccination was 9.2 % (15.2 % for physicians and 8.2 % for nurses). Increasing age, longer work duration in health services, being male, being a physician, working in an internal medicine department, having a chronic disease, and living with a person over 65 years old significantly increased vaccination compliance (p < 0.05). We found differences between vaccine compliant and non-compliant groups for expected benefit from vaccination, social influences, and personal efficacy (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed differences between the groups in perceptions of personal risks, side effects, and efficacy of the vaccine (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found that important factors influencing vaccination behavior were work place, colleagues’ opinions, having a chronic disease, belief that vaccination was effective, and belief that flu can be prevented by natural ways. Numerous factors influence health professionals’ decisions about influenza vaccination. Strategies to increase the ratio of vaccination among physicians and nurses should consider all of these factors to increase the likelihood of success.

Role of new biomarkers for predicting renal scarring in vesicoureteral reflux: NGAL, KIM-1, and L-FABP

Abstract: Reflux nephropathy is the most serious complication of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) The aim of this study was to assess the role of urinary levels of neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL),kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and liver-type fatty-acid-binding protein (L-FABP) in the early diagnosis of reflux nephropathy in patients with VUR This study assessed 123 patients with primary VUR and 30 healthy children as a control group The children were divided into five groups: Group A, patients with VUR and renal parenchymal scarring (RPS); Group B, patients with VUR and without RPS; Group C, patients with RPS and resolved VUR; Group D, patients with resolved VUR and without RPS; Group E, healthy reference group Median urinary NGAL (uNGAL)/Creatinine (Cr) was significantly higher in patients with than those without RPS and the control group (p = 00001) Median uKIM-1/Cr was similar in all groups (p = 0417) Median uL-FABP/Cr was significantly higher in patients with RPS than in the reference group (p < 005) Urinary NGAL levels may be used as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for predicting renal scarring in reflux nephropathy