Mustafa Kemal University

Multilingual individuals seem to possess a rich linguistic repertoire and utilise different languages for different purposes in various environments. Although analysing linguistic landscapes has great potential to provide insight into the nature of language use and could contribute significantly to language learning and teaching, less attention has been paid to studies in this direction. Considering this research gap, the current study set out to map translanguaging practices in public and digital spaces by bringing together academics, inservice teachers and teacher candidates in a multinational telecollaboration project. Analysis of the posts on Edmodo and illustrations collected during the project showed three main translanguaging practices: (a) flexible language use in social spaces, (b) crosslinguistic translanguaging practices in public spaces, and (c) unitary translanguaging practices in digital spaces. Quantitative analyses revealed positive attitudes regarding crosslinguistic awareness and the benefits of multilingual practises in the classroom. The study provides several implications for policymakers, researchers, and classroom practitioners.

The effects of climate change on crop yields are anticipated to be significant. This study evaluates the potential impacts of climate change on cotton and maize yields in Kırıkhan, Türkiye. In order to estimate temperature and precipitation changes in both the near (2020–2060) and far future (2060–2100) periods, downscaled global climate model (GCM) outputs were used. These outputs were derived based on two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) scenarios. The projected climate data were then used in the AquaCrop crop yield simulation model. The results indicate an estimated temperature increase of 2.2 °C and 3.0 °C for SSP2-4.5, and 2.6 °C and 5.4 °C for SSP5-8.5 in the near and far future periods, respectively. In addition, annual precipitation is estimated to decrease in both scenarios. According to the AquaCrop model simulations, yield declines were estimated for cotton and maize under both scenarios. The estimated yield losses for cotton in the near and far future periods are 4% and 9% for SSP2-4.5, 8% and 19% for SSP5-8.5, respectively. Maize yield losses for the same periods are estimated to be 10% and 14% for SSP2-4.5, and 16% and 30% for SSP5-8.5, respectively. These findings highlight the potential threat of climate change to agricultural productivity in Kırıkhan. Given the estimated yield losses, proactive measures to mitigate climate change and develop adaptation strategies are crucial to ensuring future agricultural sustainability in the region.

Background HIV is a globally prevalent infection for which there is currently no cure or vaccine. As the number of individuals with HIV infection increases, so does the number of individuals wishing to have children despite being infected. This situation has highlighted issues related to couples where one partner is infected while the other is not (serodiscordant couples) and couples where both partners are positive. Major issues include pregnancy complications, transmission to the child, and potential side effects of the ART treatment on the health of the child. Women living with HIV who become pregnant or contract the virus during pregnancy are at risk for both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially if the virus is not adequately controlled. Additionally, there is a risk of vertical transmission through breastfeeding during pregnancy and postpartum. To mitigate the consequences of HIV during pregnancy, it is ideal to start with prepregnancy counseling and plan pregnancies during periods of minimal viral load using appropriate methods. Aims and Objective There are limited studies and shared experiences regarding fertility status and issues of HIV/AIDS patients, especially in Turkey. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the fertility status of HIV/AIDS patients and their partners followed up in our clinic, shed light on the encountered issues, and share our experiences. Methods This retrospective, observational, single-center cross-sectional study included HIV/AIDS patients and their partners followed at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University (MKÜ) Medical Faculty Hospital from January 2018 to December 2023. Demographic data of the patients, their sexual orientations, HIV/AIDS status of their partners and children, treatments received, CD4 cell counts, and viral load data were retrospectively obtained from the automation system of our hospital and patient files. Results Among the couples, there were 21 pairs where both partners were HIV positive, 10 pairs where the woman was HIV positive and the man was seronegative (serodiscordant), and 5 pairs where the man was HIV positive and the woman was seronegative. In our study, eight couples with both partners HIV positive had nine children, and six couples with women who were HIV positive (serodiscordant) had ten children. The five couples with men who were HIV positive (serodiscordant) had six children. No vertical transmission was observed in our study, but three patients did not attend regular follow-ups. During the follow-up period, no seroconversion was detected in the partners of serodiscordant patients. The average gestational age was 38 weeks, and the average birth weight was 2873 ± 349 grams. Result Among the couples, there were 21 pairs where both partners were HIV positive, 10 pairs where the woman was HIV positive and the man was seronegative (serodiskordant), and 5 pairs where the man was HIV positive and the woman was seronegative. In our study, eight couples with both partners HIV positive had nine children, and six couples with women who were HIV positive serodiskordant had ten children. The five couples with men who were HIV positive serodiskordant had six children. No vertical transmission was observed in our study, but three patients did not attend regular follow-ups. During the follow-up period, no seroconversion was detected in the partners of serodiskordant patients. The average gestational age was 38 weeks, and the average birth weight was 2873 ± 349 grams. Conclusion Our study found no vertical transmission and no seroconversion in partners of serodiscordant couples. Issues related to pregnancy in HIV-positive couples can be managed with pre-pregnancy counseling by specialists, protective methods, appropriate ART, and perinatal follow- up.

Distichochlamys genus, belonging to the ginger family, are native to Vietnam and there has not been many research mentioned about biological properties of this genus. In this study, essential oils were extracted from the rhizomes of Distichochlamys benenica (DBEO) and Distichochlamys citrea (DCEO), and the components were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Further, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory activity of these essential oils was evaluated in vitro using nitric oxide inhibitory assay and in silico via binding with the inflammatory cyclooxygenase proteins (COX-1 and COX-2). The main constituents of DBEO and DCEO, according to the results, were 1,8-cineole, (E)-citral and (Z)-citral. The nitric oxide release was inhibited by DBEO and DCEO, with IC 50 values of 27.13±2.43 and 37.44±3.02 µg/ mL, respectively. Moreover, the COX-1 and COX-2 proteins formed strong bonds with 1,8-cineole, (E)- citral, and (Z)-citral, whose free energies roughly ranged from –54.78 to –84.08 kcal/mol. These results suggested that by inhibiting multiple inflammatory proteins, DBEO and DCEO may have a promising anti-inflammatory effect. graphical abstract Fullsize Image

The effects of flower-shaped hybrid nano biocatalyst (hFe-NFs) from coordination between horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme and Fe2+ ions on the free-radical polymerization reactions of three different vinyl monomers (styrene, methylmethacrylate and acrylamide) were investigated. Polymerizations of styrene and methylmethacrylate (MMA) were performed under emulsion conditions using three different surfactants in the presence of acetylacetone (AcAc) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) initiator. Polymerization of water soluble acrylamide was accomplished under surfactant-free media. According to the obtained outcomes, hFe-NFs exhibited higher catalytic activity towards polymerization of vinyl monomers compared to the free-HRP enzyme in terms of yields and the number average molecular weights (Mn) of the synthesized polymers. hFe-NFs also demonstrated very high thermal stability. While optimum polymerization of styrene was achieved at room temperature (RT), the highest polymerization yields for acrylamide and MMA were respectively accomplished at 70 and 60 ºC in which free-HRP enzyme loses its catalytic activity. Preparation of the flower-shaped hFe-NFs, therefore, enables inexpensive and stable catalyst system for free-radical polymerization of vinyl monomers compared to free-HRP enzyme. Increasing catalytic activity and stability of hFe-NFs at higher reaction temperatures are very crucial for utilization of these types of catalysts in both scientific and industrial purposes.

Purpose The current study investigated the impact of a brief online Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) on mindfulness, psychological skills, and performance in student-athletes. Method A total of 30 participants were assigned to either an experimental group (M age = 20.04, SD = 3.06) or a control group (M age = 20.00, SD = 2.46), with 15 student-athletes in each group. All participants responded to the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport (MIS), the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28), and the Self-Rated Performance Inventory as pre-tests and post-tests. Additionally, a subset of ten experimental group participants participated in a focus group interview. Results 2 × 2 mixed-design ANOVAs revealed significant improvements in athletic coping skills, coping with adversity, confidence and achievement motivation, and performance. However, no significant effects were observed for mindfulness, coachability, concentration, goal setting/mental preparation, peaking under pressure, or freedom from worry. Qualitative findings from the focus group interview indicated enhancements in concentration, emotion regulation, sleep quality, awareness, and mindfulness. Conclusion In conclusion, the six-day MSPE intervention holds promise for enhancing mindfulness, psychological skills, and performance in student-athletes.

Objectives This study aims to assess the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mothers affected by the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and to explore the influence of spiritual well-being and other factors on their Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) levels. Methods The study’s sample consisted of mothers invited to participate voluntarily through online social media platforms between October-December 2023. The Mother Information Form, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Control List, Post-Traumatic Growth Scale, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) were used as data collection instruments. ResultsA total of 303 mothers participated in this study. The mean total PTSD score was 49.35 (SD: 19.76), and 83.5% of mothers were categorized under severe anxiety levels. There was a statistically significant weak and positive relationship between PTSD and PTG levels (r: 0.282, P:0.000). When the predictors of PTG are considered, the spiritual well-being of mothers significantly predicts PTG (F: 43.944, P: 0.000). It accounts for 12.7% (R Square = 0.127) of the variance in mothers’ PTG. Conclusions Mothers showed high PTSD levels 9 months after the earthquakes, but alongside these high levels, it has a positive relation with their PTG, which may show mothers becoming stronger after their traumatic experience. Study results showed the mothers’ spiritual levels were a significant predictor for PTG.

Introduction Topical therapies are used in almost all patients with psoriasis. A novel fixed topical combination cream (GN-037) with a lower concentration (0.0356%) of clobetasol 17-propionate (CP) was developed together with urea, salicylic acid, and retinoic acid to provide a better benefit–risk ratio. The present multicenter randomized double-blind vehicle-controlled parallel group phase 2 study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of GN-037 in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis (MMPP). Methods Patients ( n = 190) were randomized (2:2:1) to receive GN-037 or CP or vehicle (V) cream twice daily to a selected target body lesion for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was treatment success defined as percentage of patients with at least two-grade improvement in Investigator’s Global Assessment Score (IGA) and IGA score equal to 0 or 1 evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 in each arm compared with baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and safety were evaluated throughout the study. Results GN-037 demonstrated statistically significant superiority over V throughout the study. At week 4, treatment success was achieved in 37.9% of patients in the GN-037 arm compared with 29.2% and 9.1% in the CP and V arms, respectively. At least two-grade improvement compared with baseline was achieved by 57.6%, 72.7%, and 80.3% of the patients in the GN-037 arm for erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling, respectively. The mean changes in affected BSA were −2.1 ± 2.9, −1.8 ± 2.4, and −0.5 ± 1.6 in the GN-037, CP, and V arms, respectively. The TEAEs were similar among the arms and the most frequently observed TEAEs were Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) increase in all arms. Conclusions GN-037 was more effective than V in achieving primary and all secondary endpoints throughout the study. Safety data did not reveal any new safety concerns with the combination cream product. Therefore, 4 weeks of GN-037 treatment demonstrated an excellent efficacy and safety profile in patients with MMPP. Trial Registration number ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05706870.

Tigecycline is a last-resort antimicrobial in humans. Tetracyclines are the most widely used antimicrobials in livestock. Mobile tigecycline resistance genes [tet(X)] are disseminated worldwide, and tetracycline use may have promoted the selection of tet(X) genes. Thus, the selective pressure on tet(X) genes and their plasmids in livestock must be elucidated. We performed a retrospective study to clarify the prevalence of tigecycline-resistant Escherichia coli from pigs in Thailand. Screening for tigecycline resistance was performed on 107 E. coli strains from 25 samples, and tet(X)-carrying plasmids were characterized. tet(X) genes were cloned and expressed in E. coli. Bacterial growth rate in the presence of tetracycline as a result of the presence of tet(X) genes was also evaluated. Thirty-two tet(X4)-harboring tigecycline-resistant E. coli strains were detected in 10/25 samples (40%). The tet(X4) genes were carried on various Inc-type plasmids and flanked by ISCR2. The tet(X)-carrying plasmids were transferred to E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Acquisition of tet(X) genes and their plasmids improved bacterial growth in the presence of tetracycline. In summary, tetracycline use exerts selective pressure on tet(X) genes and their various backbone plasmids; therefore, a reduced amount of tetracycline use is important to limit the spreading of tet(X) genes.

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the treatment of choice for patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes as it reduces mortality and prevents recurrent thrombotic complications. The assessment of both ischaemic burden and bleeding risk is crucial in deciding which DAPT to choose and how long it should be continued. Objectives: The aim of our study was to perform prospective clinical follow-up of patients receiving fixed-dose combination therapy (ASA 75 mg + clopidogrel 75 mg). Our study is a multicentric, cross-sectional, observational, cohort study. Methods: A total of 1500 patients who were started on fixed-dose combination DAPT for acute or chronic coronary syndrome were included in the study. Primary endpoints were hospitalization for any reason, hospitalization for cardiovascular cause, acute myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization and bleeding; the secondary endpoints were death for any reason or cardiovascular cause and stroke. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results: Median age was 63 years; 78.5% of the patients were receiving DAPT treatment for acute coronary syndrome. The rates of hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons, acute myocardial infartion, stent thrombosis and target-vessel revascularization were 7.9%, 2.3%, 1.3% and 4.2%, respectively. While the rate of BARC type 1 bleeding was 3.3%, the rate of BARC type 5, 3, or 2 bleeding was 0.6%. The secondary endpoints which were death from any cause, cardiovascular death and stroke were 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows that fixed-dose combination therapy is effective and safe in appropriately selected patients with acute or chronic coronary syndromes.

Although lycanthropy is a medical term and a psychological phenomenon, depicted in myths and literature as the metamorphosis of divine or human beings into various animals, the political theory has viewed it as a space to explore the biopolitical strategies of assimilation or exclusion in a sovereign state. This research focuses on Jo Nesbø’s Macbeth (2018), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play which addresses the anxieties about being human at a time when humanism has been deeply challenged. Informed by Agamben views on the ‘wolf-man’ and homo sacer, together with Derrida’s shrewd insights on ‘political bestiary’ which conveys the shared ‘outlaw’ status of the beast and the sovereign, this study explores Nesbø’s Macbeth in relation to Shakespeare’s infinite complexities to reveal the lycanthrope, a liminal being, who is pushed to the threshold of community to live permanently under threat of expulsion and annihilation or who transforms into a beast to survive in the contemporary political climate.

Objective To compare the efficiency and accuracy of freehand and three‐dimensionally printed (3DP) guide‐facilitated fluoroscopic‐assisted Kirschner wire placement in the femoral capitis performed by novice and experienced surgeons. Sample population 3DP models of five skeletally immature dog femurs were replicated. Methods Virtual surgical planning was done to position three parallel, virtual Kirschner wires inserted from the lateral subtrochanteric surface of the femur, coursing proximomedially through the femoral neck to engage the central capitis without penetrating the subchondral bone. Patient‐specific guides were designed and 3DP to facilitate optimal Kirschner wire placement in each femoral model. Four faculty surgeons and four surgery residents performed freehand fluoroscopic‐assisted wire placement in the femoral models. Wire placement was repeated ≥1 month later using the 3DP guides. Surgical time, number of times wires were redirected, number of fluoroscopy images acquired and Likert scores from the participants were recorded. Post‐procedural CTs of the femur models were used to assess wire placement by 3D analysis. Results The number of fluoroscopy images was greater ( p < .001) and procedure time was longer ( p < .001) for freehand applications, while Likert scores were greater ( p < .001) for 3DP‐guide applications. Wire placement was more accurate with 3DP guides. Subchondral bone penetration occurred more frequently during freehand applications ( p < .01). Conclusion 3DP patient‐specific guides resulted in faster, simpler, and more accurate Kirschner wire placement than freehand placement for both novice and experienced surgeons. Further cadaveric and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the utility of 3DP patient‐specific guides to facilitate minimally invasive fluoroscopic‐assisted femoral capital physeal fracture stabilization in dogs.

Danofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic approved for use in fish. It can be used for bacterial infections in fish of all body sizes. However, physiological differences in fish depending on size may change the pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin and therefore its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, the change in the pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in rainbow trout of various body sizes was revealed for the first time. The objective of this investigation was to compare the plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in rainbow trout of different body sizes. The study was conducted at 14 ± 0.5 °C in fish of small, medium, and large body size and danofloxacin was administered orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Concentrations of this antimicrobial in tissues and plasma were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector. The plasma elimination half-life (t1/2ʎz), volume of distribution (Vdarea/F), total clearance (CL/F), peak concentration (Cmax), and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–last) were 27.42 h, 4.65 L/kg, 0.12 L/h/kg, 2.53 µg/mL, and 82.46 h·µg/mL, respectively. Plasma t1/2ʎz, AUC0–last and Cmax increased concomitantly with trout growth, whereas CL/F and Vdarea/F decreased. Concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues were higher than in plasma. Cmax and AUC0–last were significantly higher in large sizes compared to small and medium sizes in all tissues. The scaling factor in small, medium, and large fish was 1.0 for bacteria with MIC thresholds of 0.57, 0.79, and 1.01 µg/mL, respectively. These results show that therapeutic efficacy increases with body size. However, since increases in danofloxacin concentration in tissues of large fish may affect withdrawal time, attention should be paid to the risk of tissue residue.

Foreign language teachers and textbook companies have an increasing number of missions to unfold the evolving global crises such as ethnic conflict, social inequality, terrorism, forced migration, wars and poverty. This chapter employs document analysis technique to collect data from two English language course book series (A1-C1) used at the tertiary level in Türkiye. Accordingly, this chapter follows content analysis technique to report on the global issues. The results indicate that the course books include topics dominantly on environmental and health education, socio-economic issues but scarcely on peace education. Therefore, this chapter presents methodological and pedagogical implications for language teachers, textbook authors and companies to use Language of Peace Approach (LPA) to respond to such crises since LPA intends to enhance knowledge, shape attitudes and hone skills in a multicultural and interdependent world. Finally, this chapter offers the integration of peace education into language teaching to raise learners’ awareness of peace and conflict towards refugees.