Kırıkkale University

Homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation in alkaptonuria (AKU) causes injuries in various organs including the kidney. We present a case of a 9-year-old girl initially diagnosed with AKU-related nephropathy due to proteinuria found in her urine analyses. Despite 1 month of ramipril treatment, the patient's proteinuria progressed, and as a result, kidney biopsy and nitisinone treatment were planned. In addition, we controlled her proteinuria with urine albumin measurement. After finding a normal urine albumin level in the 24-h urine sample, we realized that the patient was misdiagnosed with proteinuria because of HGA interference with urine protein level measurement using benzethonium. The patient's treatment for kidney injury was canceled. Urine albumin level was measured as normal 2 months later, confirming proteinuria was a false-positive test result. AKU-related nephropathy should be evaluated with urine albumin measurement instead of protein. In this way, the complication risk of unnecessary interventions and pharmacotherapies can be avoided.

Current chelation treatments used for cadmium poisoning may cause some serious side effects. Thus, safer novel treatments could be promising for clinical use. This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol on Cd toxicity. Four groups of 10 mice were formed: Groups I and III were cadmium‐free, while groups II and IV received 50 mg/L cadmium in drinking water. Groups III and IV received daily cannabidiol (25 mg/kg) via intragastric gavage. After 30 days, the animals were killed, and blood and tissue samples were collected. Oxidative stress and inflammation markers, including glutathione, catalase, myeloperoxidase, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6, were analysed using ELISA. Additionally, histological evaluations of the liver, kidney and testis were performed. Cadmium exposure reduced glutathione and catalase levels in the blood, liver, kidney and testis, while increasing myeloperoxidase. Cannabidiol mitigated these effects on oxidative stress markers. Cannabidiol also reduced the increase in proinflammatory cytokines. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced liver and kidney damage in cannabidiol‐treated groups compared to cadmium‐only groups. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed CBD had no protective effect on the testicular tissue against Cd toxicity. Our results indicate that cannabidiol protects against some toxic effects of cadmium. If confirmed by future studies, cannabidiol may be proposed as a novel treatment for cadmium toxicity.

Objective This in vitro study aims to evaluate the effect of placing polyethylene fibers used in large Class II MOD (mesio‐occlusion‐distal) cavities into different flowable resin composites and in different positions on the fracture resistance of the restoration. Materials and Methods Ninety healthy human molars were used in the study. No treatment was performed on 10 of these teeth and they were used as the control group. The other 80 teeth were divided into 8 groups by opening large MOD cavities ( n = 10). The groups were divided into 4 main groups according to the use of fiber strips; no fiber, placed in the buccolingual direction, placed in the mesiodistal direction, and placed in an “O” shape on all walls. Each main group was divided into two subgroups according to the use of the nanofill flowable composite or flowable short fiber resin composite (SFRC) as the base material. All teeth were aged with a thermal cycler and then fractured with a universal testing machine. Fracture types were recorded in terms of fracture strength and repairability. Kruskal–Wallis, one‐way ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests were used to compare fracture strength values ( p < 0.05). Results The highest fracture resistance was observed in the control group (2888.67 ± 395.43 N). The control group was significantly higher than all groups except the 7th and 8th groups ( p < 0.05). Among the restored groups, the highest mean fracture resistance values were observed in the 8th group (2463.92 ± 332.37 N). The 8th group was statistically significantly higher than the 1st and 2nd groups ( p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between any of the other restored groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusions The application of polyethylene fiber in the treatment of teeth with large MOD cavities in different positions did not result in a significant difference in fracture resistance.

Social movements encompass the collective actions of groups gathered under the same goal, operating within a specific organizational structure to reflect their thoughts and views through a series of actions. Social movements are expected to exhibit characteristics of violence, rationality, continuity, and public benefit. The successful performance of social movements is contingent upon their ability to embody these characteristics. The primary motivation of this research is to render the performance of social movements measurable and comparable, aiming to determine their effectiveness. The underlying motivation for this approach is to move beyond subjective evaluations of social movements and instead treat them as structured decision-making processes. The core objective is to develop a decision support system for assessing the performance of social movements and facilitating insights into the performance of movements within a country or region. In this way, the performance evaluation processes of social movements are enhanced, fostering the development of more informed and deliberate social movements. To determine the performance of social movements, the type-2 neutrosophic number (T2NN)–Schweizer Sklar (SS)–symmetry point of criterion (SPC)–evaluation based on relative utility and nonlinear standardization (ERUNS)–(T2NN-SS-SPC-ERUNS) hybrid model is developed and proposed in this research. The T2NN-SS-weighted arithmetic mean aggregation operator is used to combine expert evaluations. The weights of criteria are calculated using the T2NN-SPC method. Performance rankings of social movements are determined using the T2NN-ERUNS method. An algorithm for the three-stage T2NN-SS-SPC-ERUNS hybrid model is developed to evaluate the performance of social movements in Türkiye through a case study. The robustness and consistency of the proposed hybrid method are supported by scenarios. As a result of the research, the “Early Retirement Scheme Victims” social movement is identified as having the highest performance among social movements in Türkiye.

Background: Milk is known to contain some natural antioxidants, but limited literature is available on the antioxidant/oxidant content of flavored milks, which are commonly consumed in children > 12 months of age. Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress indices of children’s follow-up formulas (> 12 months) and flavored milks. Materials and Methods: Milk samples (plain milk [n = 3], cocoa milk [n = 9], chocolate milk [n = 4], strawberry milk [n = 12], banana milk [n = 13], honey milk [n = 2], and children’s follow-up formula [> 12 months] [n = 8]) between January and March 2021 were included in the study. TAS and TOS levels were measured using commercially available kits (Relassay, Turkey) and Mindray BS300 Auto Biochemistry AnalyzerTM (China). All analyses were carried out in duplicate. The OSI value (arbitrary unit) was calculated. Results: In this study, TOS values (μmol/L) of milk samples showed a significant difference between all groups (p<0.05) and the lowest was in plain milk (14.90 ± 3.66 μmol/L). There was a difference in TOS values between plain milk and cocoa milk (p=0.007) and between plain milk and chocolate milk (p=0.035). There was a significant difference in TAS values between the groups (p<0.001), and the highest TAS values were observed in chocolate milk (2.64 ± 0.02 mmol/L) and cocoa milk (2.35 ± 0.45 mmol/L), respectively. The differences in TAS values were found between banana–cocoa milks (p<0.001), banana–chocolate milks (p=0.007), and strawberry–cocoa milks (p=0.033). There was a difference between the OSI values of the groups (p<0.001), the lowest values were found in cocoa milk (2.57 ± 0.47) and chocolate milk (2.22 ± 0.46), respectively. The difference in OSI values was found between chocolate–banana milk (p=0.006) and cocoa–banana milk (p=0.001). A positive correlation (r = 0.945; p<0.001) was found between TAS and energy content of follow-up formulas (> 12 months). Positive correlations were found between TAS and fat content (r = 0.679; p=0.044) and saturated fat content (r = 0722; 0.028) of cocoa milk. There was no significant correlation between OSI and any macronutrient and energy in milk groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Cocoa and chocolate milks have the highest antioxidant and oxidant capacity and the lowest oxidative stress index. However, plain milk had the lowest oxidant capacity. Furthermore, the linear relationship between the energy content of the follow-up formula and oxidant capacity indicates the importance of adequate-balanced and functional consumption of these milks.

This study aimed to determine the effects of the dietary Spirulina platensis supplementation and egg storage period on egg quality traits, blastoderm characteristics and hatching results of Mast geese. For this purpose, the control group was fed the standard enterprise diet, while the experimental group received the same diet supplemented with 0.5% S. platensis . Quality traits of the eggs (shape index, shell thickness, breaking strength, albumen/yolk ratio, albumen index and yolk colour) were evaluated according to diet groups. Except for the yolk ratio of these traits, the mean values obtained from the experimental group were higher than the mean values obtained from the control group ( p < 0.05; p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation of S. platensis did not affect blastoderm diameter (BD) but significantly increased the blastoderm viable cells (BVCs) ( p < 0.001). Although early embryonic mortality (EEM) was statistically significantly affected by diet groups and storage time, late embryonic mortality (LEM) was affected only by diet groups ( p < 0.001). Dietary S. platensis supplementation significantly increased pipped (PIP) classified under the LEM ( p < 0.001). Storage period affected internal and external egg traits at different statistical significance levels. As the storage time increased, the breaking strength ( p < 0.05), albumen ratio, albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit decreased ( p < 0.01; p < 0.001), while the yolk ratio, and albumen pH increased ( p < 0.001). An increase in BD, and a decrease in BVCs were determined with prolonged storage period ( p < 0.001). In the classification of LEM, the storage period significantly affected unabsorbed yolk sac (UYS) and the PIP. With prolonged storage time, UYS and PIP significantly increased ( p < 0.05; p < 0.01), which is classified under LEM. According to these results, we suggest that S. platensis supplementation to goose diets would be beneficial, but the detailed further studies are needed for more effective results.

Congenital abnormalities of the upper airway, which stretch from the nasal oropharynx to the subglottis, commonly cause morphological and functional blockage in infants and young children. This can lead to severe breathing problems. Typical congenital disabilities of the upper airway will be discussed in relation to their anatomical origins. Choanal atresia, pyriform aperture stenosis, and rare cancers like glioma, encephalocele, teratoma, and dermoid are just a few of the possible causes. Laryngomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, and subglottic stenosis are the most common upper airway congenital abnormalities. The most frequent form of laryngeal malformation present at birth is laryngomalacia. Usually, the first signs of inspiratory stridor do not appear until 2 weeks after birth, and they go away by the time a baby is 18 months old. The standard treatment for most cases is observation. In severe cases, surgical treatment is necessary. Idiopathic paralysis of both voice cords is common. Paralysis can be the result of a problem in the central nervous system. The third most frequent laryngeal defect is subglottic stenosis, which is present at birth. In term infants, it is characterized as a cricoid diameter of less than 4 mm, and in premature infants, less than 3 mm. This is the most prevalent cause of tracheotomy in infants and is characterized by abnormal larynx development. Diagnosis is typically made using flexible endoscopy. The severity of an illness determines how it is treated.

Several factors can contribute to adult taste and smell disorders, including metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, neurological disorders, inflammatory conditions of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses, head trauma and surgery, infections, chemical exposures, medications, and normal aging. Flavor perception can be significantly impacted by problems with taste and smell, which can lower quality of life and make it difficult to obtain enough nourishment. Many things that people think are flavor flaws are, in fact, the result of a problem with their sense of smell. The flavor is a multisensory experience originating from the food’s aroma, taste, texture, and warmth. When food is introduced to the mouth, it stimulates several different taste buds. Disorders of the oral cavity and mucosa, such as infections, inflammation, and radiation-induced mucositis, can diminish the ability to taste. Since taste buds are typically considered radioresistant, the microvilli of the taste buds are likely to be the site of harm during irradiation. Hypogeusia and cacogeusia are often the result of neglectful dental care. Secondary taste bud involvement is a potential cause of taste abnormalities caused by infections with viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Otorrhea refers to the discharge of fluid from the ear. It can occur due to issues in the external ear canal or middle ear problems involving a perforation in the tympanic membrane. To discern the primary reasons behind otorrhea in children, a thorough examination and medical history are essential. The majority of children experiencing otorrhea are typically diagnosed with bacterial otitis externa or acute otitis media featuring a perforated tympanic membrane. Also, button batteries require emergent removal because pressure necrosis and/or severe burns from residual electric current or leakage of caustic contents may rapidly lead to extensive damage to adjacent structures. Patients who appear unwell or exhibit otorrhea following head trauma necessitate immediate and thorough efforts to diagnose and address potential life-threatening factors contributing to otorrhea, such as basilar skull fractures, necrotizing otitis externa, or infectious complications associated with acute otitis media. Otorrhea presents a common challenge for otolaryngologists, with its causes ranging from relatively harmless to severe and life-threatening conditions. Consequently, an accurate determination of the underlying cause becomes paramount in establishing an effective treatment plan. In this discussion, we will focus on the most prevalent causes of otorrhea in children and provide guidance on decision-making for management based on a precise diagnosis.

Deterioration of the sense of smell can be either quantitative (a reduction in intensity) or qualitative (a change in quality or degree of distortion). To a greater extent than via history, olfactory testing can reveal quantitative impairment (such as distortion). Clinical olfactory testing presents a patient with an olfactory probe to his or her nose and records the individual’s reaction. This type of evaluation is sometimes called “psychophysical testing.” Patients undergoing olfactory testing should be cooperative, able to follow directions, and articulate their preferences. Odor identification and odor discrimination tests are examples of suprathreshold olfactory testing. Olfactory threshold tests fall into a similar category. Supranasal tests are more likely to evaluate the central processing of olfactory information. In contrast, odor threshold tests are more likely to evaluate the peripheral olfactory ability (such as the conductive and sensorineural function of the nose). Consequently, olfactory testing might consist of both odor threshold tests and suprathreshold tests. The olfactory epithelium may not receive odorants if a mass blocks the nasal cavity. Nasal polyps, inverted papilloma, and other nasal tumors are the most prevalent conditions. Infectious and inflammatory diseases exacerbate central abnormalities in olfaction and transmission.

Computational thinking (CT) has gained more value for individuals in a world reshaped by digital transformation in the last decade. Therefore, educators and researchers are trying to integrate CT into teaching practices. Efforts to teach CT are increasing, especially in basic courses widely included in school curricula. The focus of this study is the integration of CT into science teaching in the flipped classroom model. In this context, the effects of flipped computational science laboratory (Flipped-CSL) activities carried out with teacher candidates on CT skills, laboratory entrepreneurship, and attitude were investigated. An intertwined mixed research design, in which quantitative and qualitative data were evaluated together, was used in the study. Findings showed that flipped-CSL activities were effective for teacher candidates and improved their CT skills, laboratory entrepreneurship, and attitudes significantly and positively. The results of this study include the practical use of flipped-CSL activities when planning laboratory activities for school science subjects to improve CT skills. Implications for using of flipped-CSL activities in science education were discussed, and suggestions were made regarding the results.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and mass disaster, universities have had to continue their courses with distance education. Internet servers in educational institutions slowed down for some periods, and courses could not be processed. The interruptions are due to the intensity of users on the servers and the internet congestion in the country during some time periods. For these reasons, the course time scheduling problem for distance education is discussed in this study. This study aims to balance the number of users in the system to prevent internet congestion. To solve the problem, two different mathematical models are developed. The first model obtains the balanced course scheduling for any time period. The second model is provided by the course assignment, considering internet congestion that occurred during any period. The proposed models were tested in a real case study dealing with the charting of courses offered in all departments of the engineering faculty of a university in Turkey. A problem-specific heuristic model is developed to solve the problem since a solution could not be obtained from the mathematical models in polynomial time due to the large size of the actual data set. The comparative results obtained from mathematical models and problem-specific heuristics are reported, and their performance is discussed. According to the comparative results, problem-specific heuristic outperforms mathematical models in obtaining a balanced schedule and solution time.

ChatGPT's advanced text generation capability has significant potential for the development of innovative and effective pedagogical strategies in mathematics teaching. The integration of ChatGPT into the mathematical story-focused 5E lesson plan preparation process is a concrete reflection of this potential. The success of this integration depends primarily on how mathematics teachers and pre-service teachers interact with and perceive ChatGPT. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the interactions of three mathematics teachers and three pre-service teachers with ChatGPT during the process of preparing mathematical story-focused 5E lesson plans. The research aims to evaluate the qualities of the prompts created by the participants in this process, the benefits provided by ChatGPT, and the participants' metaphorical perceptions of ChatGPT. Open-ended questionnaires and focus group interviews were conducted, and participants' prompt archives were also analyzed. The data analysis incorporated a meticulously conducted inter-rater reliability assessment between a human expert and ChatGPT. The results revealed that the participants used ChatGPT differently, with particularly large variations in the number of prompts. Some participants created a large number of prompts, while others worked with much fewer prompts, but it was observed that creating a large number of prompts did not always translate into benefits. Factors like originality, time management, self-efficacy, and ChatGPT's mathematical performance were identified as limiting factors. Perceptions of ChatGPT varied, with some participants viewing it as an assistant and others associating it with cheating. Based on these findings, recommendations for effectively using ChatGPT are provided.

Fractional Kinetic equations (FKEs) including a wide variety of special functions are widely and successfully applied indescribing and solving many important problems of physics and astrophysics. In this present work, the solutions of a FKEsof the generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function using the Laplace transform are derived and examined.

The application of pesticides may adversely impact a variety of non-target organisms. The use of side-effect-free herbal remedies to protect against the toxicity of harmful pesticides such as etoxazole has gained attention in recent times. The current study aimed to reveal the potential mitigating efficacy of Achillea millefolium L. extract against etoxazole toxicity in Allium cepa L. A. cepa bulbs in the control group were applied with tap water, while bulbs in the treatment groups were applied with etoxazole at dose of 0.5 m/L and two different doses of A. millefolium extract (200 mg/L and 400 mg/L). The impact of the treatments on certain parameters was evaluated. The molecular docking analysis was employed to investigate the potential interactions of etoxazole with DNA species, DNA topoisomerases, tubulin proteins, glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase, and protochlorophyllide reductase. The phenolic profile of A. millefolium was assessed. Etoxazole exposure reduced rooting percentage, root length, weight gain, mitotic index, and levels of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Conversely, etoxazole treatment led to an increase in chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei occurrence. The most frequently observed chromosomal aberrations induced by etoxazole, which serve as bioindicators of genotoxicity, were fragment, vagrant chromosome, sticky chromosome, unequal chromatin distribution, bridge, reverse polarization, and vacuolated nucleus. The levels of malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities were also elevated. Epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, thickened cortex cell wall, and thickened conduction tissue were the meristematic cell disorders triggered by etoxazole. Molecular docking studies showed that etoxazole can interact directly with DNA, tubulins, and the enzymes mentioned above. A. millefolium extract was found to contain a substantial quantity of phenolic compounds. A. millefolium extract, when co-administered with etoxazole, attenuated all toxic effects of etoxazole dose-dependently. In conclusion, A. millefolium may potentially serve as a reliable pharmacological shield against the toxicity of pesticides in non-target organisms.

The vestibular system is a sophisticated network of structures and nerve pathways that play a role in our feeling of proprioception and balance. These functions involve detecting the head’s position and acceleration in all directions and the corresponding eye movements and posture adjustments. The reflexes are known as the vestibulo-ocular and vestibulospinal reflexes. The central vestibular system processes signals from the inner ear’s peripheral vestibular system to enable reflexes through the neural pathways in the brain. The membranous labyrinth is encased by perilymph and hangs from the bony labyrinth by fragile connective tissue strands. The structure includes an anterior chamber and the cochlear duct, which is responsible for hearing and connects to the peripheral vestibular apparatus by the round saccule. The peripheral vestibular system comprises the saccule, utricle, and semicircular canals. Most sensory nerve fibers from the hair cells end in the vestibular nuclei on the bottom of the fourth ventricle. Their boundaries are as follows: medially by the pontine reticular formation, laterally by the restiform body, rostrally by the brachium conjunctivum, and ventrally by the nucleus and spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve. Upon entering the brainstem at the inner aspect of the restiform body, the central processes of the primary afferent vestibular neurons split into an ascending and a descending branch.

There are sensory fibers as well as motor fibers in the facial nerve. Motor axons innervate the stapedius muscle and muscles that control face expression. The lacrimal and oral cavity glands are supplied by parasympathetic fibers that travel to the ganglia. Anxieties, pinna, and tympanic membrane get innervation from the sensory component. The taste buds on the front two-thirds of the tongue are likewise transmitted by the facial nerve. The facial nerve leaves the brain stem at the cerebellopontine angle, which is located on its ventrolateral surface. This system consists of a proper facial nerve and an intermediate nerve. The intermediate nerve carries a sensory and parasympathetic visceromotor component, in contrast to the purely motor and tiny general somatic afferent components of the true facial nerve. The facial nerve anatomy consists of intracranial, intra-temporal, and extratemporal components related to the temporal bone and the cranium.

The internal ear, sometimes called the labyrinth of the ear, is where a person’s hearing and balancing systems are located. The inner ear consists of the vestibule, cochlea, and semicircular canals. The semicircular canals detect rotating motions, whereas the vestibule detects linear acceleration. Corti’s organ in the cochlea converts acoustic impulses into neural impulses transmitted to the brain through the vestibulocochlear nerve. To transfer sound and detect movement, the exterior, intermediate, and internal auditory structures must coordinate their sensitive functions. Ear development is complex and extensive, involving all three germ layers and a long process of embryonic patterning. Different developmental mechanisms give rise to the typical morphology of each anatomical division of the ear. A fetus can hear at a functional level by approximately 26 weeks of gestation, while ear development continues after delivery. Disruptions to normal developmental processes can cause various congenital disabilities and abnormalities in anatomy.