Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Oviductal Cells Adhesion Test For Bull Semen Quality Assessment And Fertility Prediction Ofendangered Breeds: Proposal Of A Simplified Method, Calogero Stelletta, Koray Teki̇n, Beste Çi̇l, Juri Vencato, Giulia Gollin, Giancarlo Bertoli, Lucillo Cestaro, Stefano Romagnoli, Ali̇ Daşkin

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Classical procedures for semen evaluation in breeding soundness examination require time and are costly. The evaluation techniques with CASA are limited due to the lack of standardization among laboratories and data analysis methods. Recent studies have contradictory conclusions on the actual predictive ability of this method alone regarding fertility. Finding a simple and objective test that can give the maximum correlation between in vitro and in vivo results has been the main focus of novel research. In this study, we aimed to develop a repeatable protocol of sperm adhesion test using oviductal explant (AOC) and the results were compared with …

The Prevalence Of Seven Crucial Honeybee Viruses Using Multiplex Rt-Pcr And Theirphylogenetic Analysis, Abdurrahman Anil Çağirgan, Zafer Yazici

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Honey bee viruses may be of severe adverse effect on bee colonies. Till now, more than twenty honey bee viruses have been identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of seven honey bee viruses, namely Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), deformed wing virus (DWV), sacbrood virus (SBV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), and chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) using a multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR). A total of 111 apiaries were randomly selected and adult bees and larvae samples were obtained from seemingly healthy colonies …

Effect Of Rice Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles And Rice Gluten Meal Along With Enzyme Supplementation On The Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Production Efficiency, And Cost Economics Of Broiler Chicken Production, Om Prakash Dinani, Pramod Kumar Tyagi, Nasir Akbar Mir, Asit Baran Mandal, Divya Sharma, Rokade Jaydip Jaywant

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding rice distillers dried grains with solubles (rDDGS) and rice gluten meal (RGM) combination with enzyme supplementation on the production performance of broiler chickens. The experimental diets consisted of the following: T1 (no rDDGS/RGM/enzyme), T2 (no rDDGS/RGM, multienzyme), T3 (12.5% rDDGS, 15.0% RGM, no enzyme), T4 (12.5% rDDGS, 15.0% RGM, protease enzyme), T5 (10.0% rDDGS, 12.5% RGM, no enzyme), and T6 (10.0% rDDGS, 12.5% RGM, protease enzyme). Each treatment was assigned 6 replicate groups of birds randomly with 8 birds in each group (48 birds/ treatment). The results revealed the poor …

The Effect Of Ellagic Acid On Performance, Digestibility, Egg Quality, Cecal Bacterial Flora,Antioxidant Activity, And Some Blood Parameters In Laying Quails Reared At Differenttemperatures, Seda İflazoğlu Mutlu, Talat Güler

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, the effect of ellagic acid on the performance, egg quality, digestibility, cecal microflora, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and biochemical parameters in quails reared under normal conditions and at high environmental temperatures was investigated. The animals (n = 240; 5-weeks old) reared at 2 environmental temperatures [thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS)] and in 4 diet groups containing different ellagic acid doses (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were randomly assigned to 8 groups according to the 2 × 4 factorial design. Feed intake, egg weight, and egg production were higher (P < 0.001) and feed conversion (P < 0.01) was better in the TN groups compared to the HS groups. Egg (P < 0.01) and shell weights (P < 0.001) were higher in the TN groups compared to the HS groups. The effect of ellagic acid supplementation on shell weight was statistically significant in the TN and HS groups (P < 0.05). The effects of environmental temperature and the supplementation of ellagic acid on digestibility of dry matter (P < 0.05), ether extract (P < 0.01), and crude protein (P < 0.01) were statistically significant in the TN and HS groups. Supplementation of ellagic acid reduced the total coliform bacteria count (P < 0.01) and increased the total lactic acid bacteria count (P < 0.001) in the cecum. Serum MDA levels increased with heat stress (P < 0.001) and decreased with the supplementation of ellagic acid (P < 0.001). The effect of environmental temperature on serum glucose (P < 0.001), cholesterol (P < 0.05), total protein (P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.001), sodium (P < 0.05), and magnesium was significant. In conclusion, the supplementation of ellagic acid decreased oxidative stress and total coliform bacteria count and improved the feed conversion and egg quality in quails under heat stress. Moreover, ellagic acid increased the digestibility of nutrients and had a positive effect on lactic acid bacteria. It was observed in this study that these beneficial effects of ellagic acid increased with an increasing dose, and 400 mg/kg was the most effective dose.

Determination Of Slaughter And Carcass Traits In Male Turkish Anatolian Buffaloes Atdifferent Slaughter Weights, Zafer Ulutaş, Azi̇z Şahi̇n, Yüksel Aksoy, Emre Uğurlutepe

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Nowadays, deficits in red meat resources in Turkey are caused by the import of red meat from different countries. Anatolian buffaloes used in this research are a species that can contribute to red meat production in Turkey. This study was performed to determine the slaughter and carcass traits of Anatolian buffaloes at different slaughter weights. Twenty weaned male Anatolian buffalo calves of about 5 months old, at an average live weight of 100 kg, were used as the animal specimen in the present study. The calves were fed with 30:70 roughage (alfalfa hay = 18.07% crude protein, 2186.90 kcal kg$^{-1}$ …

Mortality In Some Domesticated Pigeons (Columba Livia) From Jammu, India, Syed Mehmood, Nawab Nashiruddullah, Jafrin Ara Ahmed

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Although pigeons are reared for recreational purposes in Jammu region, disease occurrence is sparsely documented. Based on clinical signs, lesions and laboratory investigation, approximately 600 out of 4000 (15%) domestic pigeons were found to be disease affected. Necropsy of 60 birds was conducted to determine the cause of death. Haemoproteus columbae demonstrated within erythrocytes and various development stages in tissue and endothelial schizogony caused majority deaths due to pneumonia and hepatitis (45%) accompanied by severe vascular and tissue reaction. Newcastle disease (20%) confirmed by positive serum haemagglutination inhibition manifested in a severe neurological form with characteristic cerebral malacia and demyelination. …

Effect Of Lipase And Bile Acids On Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, And Meatquality In Broilers On Energy-Diluted Diets, Muhammad Shoaib, Shaukat Ali Bhatti, Haq Nawaz, Muhammad Saif-Ur-Rehman

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bile acid and lipase alone and in combination form on growth performance and meat quality parameter of broilers reared on low-energy diet. Five hundred and twenty day-old broiler birds were divided into eight treatments with 5 replicates of 13 birds each to evaluate the effects of lipase alone and its combination with bile acids as emulsifier in broilers reared on 75 and 150 kcal/kg reduced-energy diets. Eight diets-PC (positive control), NC1 (negative control 1), NC1L (NC1 + lipase at 0.015%), NC1LB (NC1 + lipase at 0.015% + bile acids …

Effect Of Light Sources On Productivity, Welfare Aspects, And Economic Evaluation Ofcommercial Layers, Fazal Raziq, Jibran Hussain, Athar Mahmud, Khalid Javed

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present study was aimed to evaluate the influence of incandescent, fluorescent, and light emitting diode (LED) lights on the productive efficiency and economic aspects of laying hens. For this, 216 laying hens were distributed into three groups of light sources with six replicates each. Each replicate consisted of 12 birds. The data were analyzed in SAS 9.1 (SAS InstituteInc., Cary, NC, USA) by applying one-way ANOVA technique, and significant means were compared through least significant difference test. In the present study, LED light significantly improved the body weight, body weight gain, percentage of egg production, FCR per dozen and …

Investigation Of G1 (C.260g>A) Polymorphism In Exon 1 Of Gdf9 Gene In Turkish Sheepbreed Karayaka, Koray Kirikçi, Mehmet Aki̇f Çam, Levent Mercan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

GDF9 is an essential gene for normal follicular development and prolificacy in sheep. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic polymorphism and G1 mutation of GDF9 gene exon 1 in 100 Karayaka ewes, belonging to four subpopulations in the Black Sea Region provinces of Turkey. Based on DNA sequence results, two alleles (A and G) and two genotypes (GG and GA) were determined with the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified fragments (PCR-RFLP) method. The frequencies of mutant (A) and wild-type (G) alleles were detected as 0.10 and 0.90. The frequencies of GG and GA genotypes …

Do Initial Hematologic Indices Predict The Severity Of Covid-19 Patients?, Ali̇ Asan, Yasemi̇n Üstündağ, Ni̇zameddi̇n Koca, Abdullah Şi̇mşek, Hali̇l Erkan Sayan, Hülya Parildar, Burcu Dalyan Ci̇lo, Kağan Huysal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the initial hematological findings analyzed on admission in confirmed COVID-19 patients who were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), to predict possible hematological indices. Materials and methods: Initial neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), red cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR), mean platelet volume to platelet ratio, and lymphocyte multiplied by platelet count (LYM × PLT), of 695 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were investigated and comparisons were made between the mild/moderate and severe groups. Results: The proportion of COVID-19 cases admitted …

Hydroxychloroquine Plus Azithromycin And Early Hospital Admission Are Beneficial Incovid-19 Patients: Turkish Experience With Real-Life Data, Eli̇f Tanriverdi̇, Mustafa Çörtük, Bi̇nnaz Zeynep Yildirim, Efsun Gonca Uğur Chousein, Demet Turan, Hali̇t Çinarka, Mehmet Aki̇f Özgül, Erdoğan Çeti̇nkaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: New treatment regimens for COVID-19, which has threatened the world recently, continue to be investigated. Although some of the treatments are promising, it is thought to be early to state that there is definitive treatment. Experiences and treatment protocol studies from treatment centers are still important. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors affecting the treatment process of the first cases followed in our clinic. Materials and methods: The consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were analyzed in this retrospective and cross-sectional study. Data were recorded from the electronic and written files of patients. Results: Eighty-three patients …

Efficacy Of Convalescent Plasma According To Blood Groups In Covid-19 Patients, Tuba Hacibeki̇roğlu, Yasi̇n Kalpakçi, Ahmed Ci̇had Genç, İlhan Hacibeki̇roğlu, Cenk Sunu, Adem Saricaoğlu, Yakup Tomak, Oğuz Karabay, Mehmet Köroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In this study, we aim to investigate the efficacy of convalescent plasma (CP) according to blood groups (BGs) in the treatment of critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight critically ill and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sakarya University, Medical Faculty were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who received anti-A antibody (Ab) containing CP (BG O and B) and those who did not receive CP containing anti-A Ab (BG A and AB). Results: Among the 28 patients, 13 patients received anti-A Ab …

Projecting The Course Of Covid-19 In Turkey: A Probabilistic Modeling Approach, Aybar Can Acar, Ahmet Görkem Er, Hüseyi̇n Cahi̇t Burduroğlu, Seher Nur Sülkü, Yeşi̇m Aydin Son, Levent Akin, Serhat Ünal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The COVID-19 pandemic originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and became one of the worst global health crises ever. While struggling with the unknown nature of this novel coronavirus, many researchers and groups attempted to project the progress of the pandemic using empirical or mechanistic models, each one having its drawbacks. The first confirmed cases were announced early in March, and since then, serious containment measures have taken place in Turkey. Materials and methods: Here, we present a different approach, a Bayesian negative binomial multilevel model with mixed effects, for the projection of the COVID-19 pandemic and we …

Prognostic Factors For 30-Days Mortality In Eighty Years Aged And Older Critically Illpatients: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Umut Sabri̇ Kasapoğlu, Osman Kaçmaz, Abdullah Gök, Meri̇h Yildiz Eglen, Hasan Şayan, Fati̇h Çolak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nowadays, with the rise in average life expectancy, the rate of hospitalization of the older population in intensive care unit (ICU) is gradually increasing. Unfortunately, there are no ideal combination of prognostic factors predicting the mortality in older patients admitted to the ICU. In the present study, we aim to determine the prognostic factors and their impacts on short-time mortality in older critically ill patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2019 and February 2020. We included 133 patients aged ≥80 years and hospitalized ≥24 h in the ICU. Results: A total of 133 …

Heart Rate Turbulence Measurements In Patients With Dipper And Non-Dipperhypertension: The Effects Of Autonomic Functions, Çağlar Alp, Mehmet Tolga Doğru, Vahi̇t Demi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hypertensive patients have shown autonomic dysfunction that is closely associated with the measurements of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT). We aimed to show the alterations of HRV and HRT measurements in patients with both dipper and non-dipper hypertension. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study consisting of one hundred and twenty-three participants (mean age ± SD, 55.7 ± 14.8 years; range, 18-90 years). The participants were divided into two groups: Group1: The patients with dipper hypertension, Group2: The patients with non-dipper hypertension. Two cardiologists performed HRV and HRT using 24-h electrocardiography (ECG) Holter and …

The Investigation Of Adrenal Involvement In Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacterbaumannii Sepsis: Experimental Mouse Model, Esma Eryilmaz Eren, Gökçen Di̇nç, Olgun Kontaş, Emi̇ne Alp Meşe, Mehmet Doğanay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In the last years, incidence of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis is increasing with high mortality. However, it is not clear whether this is due to inadequate antimicrobial choice or a more severe clinical course. We aimed to evaluate the inflammation and adrenal involvement in the carbapenem resistant A. baumannii by using experimental mouse model sepsis. Materials and methods: Balb/c female mice were randomly put into control and three sepsis groups (A. baumannii susceptible to carbapenem-CSAB-, A. baumannii resistant to carbapenem-CRAB-, Escherichia coli). A total of sixty mice were included in this study with each group having 15 mice. …

New Neurologic Deficit And Recovery Rates In The Treatment Of Complex Pediatric Spine Deformities Exceeding 100 Degrees Or Treated By Vertebral Column Resection (Vcr), Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Henry Ofori Duah, Kwadwo P. Yankey, Lawrence G. Lenke, Paul Sponseller, Daniel J. Sucato, Amer F. Samdani, Peter Newton, Suken Shah, Mark A. Erickson, Harry Akoto, Brenda Sides, Munish Gupta, Fox Pediatric Spinal Deformity Study

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Study design

Prospective multicenter international observational study.

Objective

To investigate incidence of new neurologic deficit (NND) and the long-term recovery patterns following complex pediatric spine deformity surgery.

Summary of background data

The SRS M&M reports identify pediatric patients as having higher rate of new neurologic deficit compared with adults, while congenital and neuromuscular deformities are associated with higher new neurologic risks. Very few studies have had the large numbers of pediatric patients with curves exceeding 100 deg to ascertain the new neurologic deficit (NND) rates and recovery patterns as it relates to curve laterality and diagnosis.

Method

The FOX pediatric …

Postoperative Pulmonary Complications In Complex Pediatric And Adult Spine Deformity: A Retrospective Review Of Consecutive Patients Treated At A Single Site In West Africa, Irene Wulff, Henry Ofori Duah, Henry O. Tutu, Gerhard Ofori-Amankwah, Kawdwo P. Yankey, Mabel Adobea Owiredu, Halima Bidemi Yahaya, Harry Akoto, Audrey Oteng-Yeboah, Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Focos Spine Research Group

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Study Design: Retrospective review of consecutive series. Objectives: This study sought to assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of pulmonary complication following complex spine deformity surgery in a low-resourced setting in West Africa. Methods: Data of 276 complex spine deformity patients aged 3 to 25 years who were treated consecutively was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into 2 groups during data analysis based on pulmonary complication status: group 1: yes versus group 2: no. Comparative descriptive and inferential analysis were performed to compare the 2 groups. Results: The incidence of pulmonary complication was 17/276 (6.1%) in group 1. A …

De Novo Prediction Of Drug–Target Interactions Using Laplacian Regularized Schatten P-Norm Minimization, Gaoyan Wu, Mengyun Yang, Yaohang Li, Jianxin Wang

Computer Science Faculty Publications

In pharmaceutical sciences, a crucial step of the drug discovery is the identification of drug–target interactions (DTIs). However, only a small portion of the DTIs have been experimentally validated. Moreover, it is an extremely laborious, expensive, and time-consuming procedure to capture new interactions between drugs and targets through traditional biochemical experiments. Therefore, designing computational methods for predicting potential interactions to guide the experimental verification is of practical significance, especially for de novo situation. In this article, we propose a new algorithm, namely Laplacian regularized Schatten p-norm minimization (LRSpNM), to predict potential target proteins for novel drugs and potential drugs for …

Adaptive Physics-Based Non-Rigid Registration For Immersive Image-Guided Neuronavigation Systems, Fotis Drakopoulos, Christos Tsolakis, Angelos Angelopoulos, Yixun Liu, Chengjun Yao, Kyriaki Rafailia Kavazidi, Nikolaos Foroglou, Andrey Fedorov, Sarah Frisken, Ron Kikinis, Alexandra Golby, Nikos Chrisochoides

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Objective: In image-guided neurosurgery, co-registered preoperative anatomical, functional, and diffusion tensor imaging can be used to facilitate a safe resection of brain tumors in eloquent areas of the brain. However, the brain deforms during surgery, particularly in the presence of tumor resection. Non-Rigid Registration (NRR) of the preoperative image data can be used to create a registered image that captures the deformation in the intraoperative image while maintaining the quality of the preoperative image. Using clinical data, this paper reports the results of a comparison of the accuracy and performance among several non-rigid registration methods for handling brain deformation. A …

A Tool For Segmentation Of Secondary Structures In 3d Cryo-Em Density Map Components Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks, Yongcheng Mu, Salim Sazzed, Maytha Alshammari, Jiangwen Sun, Jing He

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Although cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has been successfully used to derive atomic structures for many proteins, it is still challenging to derive atomic structures when the resolution of cryo-EM density maps is in the medium resolution range, such as 5–10 Å. Detection of protein secondary structures, such as helices and β-sheets, from cryo-EM density maps provides constraints for deriving atomic structures from such maps. As more deep learning methodologies are being developed for solving various molecular problems, effective tools are needed for users to access them. We have developed an effective software bundle, DeepSSETracer, for the detection of protein secondary structure …

Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy Versus Thrombolysis In Patients With Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis - A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Michael K W Lichtenberg, Stefan Stahlhoff, Katarzyna Młyńczak, Dominik Golicki, Paul Gagne, Mahmood K Razavi, Rick De Graaf, Raghu Kolluri, Katarzyna Kolasa

Heart and Vascular Articles

Background: This study sought to compare effectiveness and safety of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) and thrombolysis alone (THR) in patients with acute or subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IfDVT). Patients and methods: Observational and randomized trials, published between January 2001 to February 2019 were identified by searching MEDLINE. Studies on deep venous thrombosis (DVT) treated with either THR or PMT adjunctive to conventional anticoagulation and compressive intervention were included. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to assess effectiveness outcomes of successful lysis and primary patency, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), valvular reflux, recurrent DVT, as well as safety outcomes of major bleeding, hematuria, …

A 3d Nanostructured Calcium-Aluminum-Silicate Scaffold With Hierarchical Meso-Macroporosity For Bone Tissue Regeneration: Fabrication, Sintering Behavior, Surface Modification And In Vitro Studies, Ashkan Bigham, Amir Hamed Aghajanian, Mehdi Movahedi, Mansoureh Sattary, Mohammad Rafienia, Lobat Tayebi

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

This is a comprehensive study reporting the fabrication of highly porous Gehlenite scaffold (Ca₂Al₂SiO₇)—both with and without surface modification—for the first time. The sintering temperature of Gehlenite scaffolds was optimized. Next, the optimized Gehlenite scaffold was coated by polycaprolactone (PCL)-Forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) nanocomposite to improve the scaffold’s brittleness and biological properties. 1375 °C was found to be the optimized sintering temperature by which the Gehlenite scaffold was consolidated. Different PCL and Forsterite concentrations were separately applied on the optimized scaffold to yield a complete nanocomposite coating without clogging the macroporous structure. …

Macro-And Micromechanical Modelling Of Ha-Elastin Scaffold Fabricated Using Freeze Drying Technique, Matin Mohammadzadeh Rad, Saeed Saber-Samandari, Mojtaba Sadighi, Lobat Tayebi, Mohammad Mohammadi Aghdam, Amirsalar Khandan

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

In Vitro Study Of Surface Alterations To Polyetheretherketone And Titanium And Their Effect Upon Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Maryam Gheisarifar, Geoffrey A. Thompson, Carl Drago, Fahimeh Tabatabaei, Morteza Rasoulianboroujeni

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Statement of problem

Soft-tissue attachment to different surfaces may play a pivotal role in the long-term success of dental implants. However, studies on the issue, especially on newer materials, are sparse.

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the viability and adhesion of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on different implant abutment materials with specific surface modifications.

Material and methods

One hundred and fifty specimens in 6 experimental groups were evaluated: smooth-machined titanium alloy (Ti), laser-modified titanium (TiL), smooth-machined polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (P), laser-modified PEEK (PL), plasma-treated PEEK (PP), laser- and plasma-treated PEEK (PLP). Machined Ti was considered …

Concurrent Application Of Conductive Biopolymeric Chitosan/ Polyvinyl Alcohol/ Mwcnts Nanofibers, Intracellular Signaling Manipulating Molecules And Electrical Stimulation For More Effective Cardiac Tissue Engineering, Ali Abedi, Behnaz Bakhshandeh, Ali Babaie, Javad Mohammadnejad, Sadaf Vahdat, Reza Mombeiny, Seyed Reza Moosavi, Javid Amini, Lobat Tayebi

School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications

Fabrication of appropriate electro-conductive scaffold, application of small molecules (SMs), electrical stimulation (ES), and stem cells are steps forward in cardiac tissue engineering. Herein, for the first time, all mentioned factors have been taken into account concurrently regarding the differentiation of unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) into cardiac cells. To accomplish this goal, electrospun composite scaffolds made of chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs; ranged from 0 to 2.5% w/w) were fabricated. After analyzing mechanical, electrical, and biological properties, the best MWCNTs portion was selected. Of note, the addition of 2%w/w MWCNTs to the CS/PVA …

Targeted Teacher Education To Improve Primary Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge And Understanding Of Uv And Effective Sun Protection Measures For Children, Joseph J. Scott, Robyn S. Johnston, Natasha Bear, Sonia Gregory, Sally Blane, Mark Strickland, Jill Darby, Elin S. Gray

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Teachers are responsible for children at school during peak ultraviolet (UV) times of the day. It is paramount that teachers have knowledge and understanding of UV to effectively protect themselves and their students. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a short intervention on preservice teachers’ sun protective behaviours, knowledge and perceived skill to teach sun safety. Participants (n =161; median age=20 years) attended a 45-minute preservice teacher sun safety intervention and completed pre- and post-test surveys. Post-intervention, most participants indicated they felt: i) more informed about the dangers of UV and risks of developing …

Risk Factors For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Regional United States Case-Control Study., Angeline S Andrew, Walter G Bradley, Daniel Peipert, Tanya Butt, Kwadwo Amoako, Erik P Pioro, Rup Tandan, John Novak, Adam Quick, K Doug Pugar, Komal Sawlani, Bashar Katirji, Todd A Hayes, Pamela Cazzolli, Jiang Gui, Paul Mehta, D Kevin Horton, Elijah W Stommel

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

Most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are considered sporadic, without a known genetic basis, and environmental exposures are thought to play a causal role. To learn more about sporadic ALS etiology, we recruited n = 188 ALS patients from northern New England and Ohio and matched controls 2:1 from the general population of the same regions. Questionnaires evaluated the association between a variety of lifestyle, behavioral (ie, hobbies and activities), and occupational factors and the risk of ALS, including the duration of time between exposure and ALS onset, and exposure frequency. Head trauma was associated with increased ALS risk (adjusted …

Annual Cost Burden By Level Of Relapse Severity In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis., Jacqueline Nicholas, Huanxue Zhou, Chinmay Deshpande

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

INTRODUCTION: The severity of relapses varies in multiple sclerosis (MS) and may lead to a differential cost burden. This study aimed to characterize the direct healthcare costs associated with relapses in patients with MS by the level of relapse severity.

METHODS: This retrospective analysis used claims data extracted from the MarketScan

RESULTS: In total, 8775 patients with MS were analyzed: 6341 (72%) in the NR cohort, 1929 (22%) in the MMR cohort, and 505 (6%) in the SR cohort. Overall, patients were mostly female (76%), mean age was 50 years, and 25% were on a disease-modifying therapy. Mean (standard deviation …

Re: "Psychiatric Medication Users By Age And Sex"., Kelsey Sicker

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

No abstract provided.