Integrative analysis of ex vivo studies and microarray reveals the novel inhibitor effects of trehalose on the pathogenesis of pterygium

Pterygium is a frequent eye surface condition that is characterized by a high rate of proliferation, fibrovascular development, cellular migration, corneal infiltration, and angiogenesis. We investigated that ex vivo primary pterygium and conjunctival cell cultures were generated to analyze the effect of trehalose on cellular proliferation. After trehalose treatment, we performed microarray analysis to evaluate changes in the mRNA profile. We analyzed gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways to identify hub genes that changed expression levels after treatment and were associated with pterygium development. We selected three genes to verify their expression levels using qRT-PCR. The study also evaluated the impact of trehalose treatment on cell migration through a wound-healing assay. Our results suggested that pterygium cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by trehalose. 2354 DEG were identified in pterygium and conjunctiva cells treated with trehalose compared to untreated groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs are involved in proliferation, vasculature development, and cell migration. We identified ten hub genes including upregulated (RANBP3L, SLC5A3, RERG, ANKRD1, DHCR7, RAB27B, GPRC5B, MSMO1, ASPN, DRAM1) and downregulated (TNC, PTGS2, GREM2, NPTX1, NR4A1, HMOX1, CXCL12, IL6, MYH2, TXNIP). Microarray analysis and functional investigations suggest that trehalose affects the pathogenesis of pterygium by modifying the expression of genes involved in crucial pathways related to cell function. Trehalose inhibits the migratory ability of primary pterygium cells and affects cellular processes in the progression and development of pterygium. Furthermore, microarray analysis revealed that trehalose affects the expression of genes that play an essential role in the pathogenesis of pterygium.imageThis study was supported by the Scientific Research Coordination Unit of Pamukkale University under project number 2021TIPF016. Inci K is supported by YOK 100/2000 PhD Scholarship Program and TUBITAK BIDEB 2211-A National Doctoral Fellowship Program.Scientific Research Coordination Unit of Pamukkale University [2021TIPF016]; YOK [100/2000]; National Doctoral Fellowship Program; TUBITAK National Doctoral Fellowship Program [BIDEB 2211-A

Öğretmenlerin teknoloji kullanımında temel yeterlilikleri ile öğretmenlerin teknostres düzeyleri arasındaki ilişki

Bu araştırmanın amacı, öğretmenlerin teknoloji kullanımındaki temel becerileri ile teknostres düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemektir. İlişkisel tarama modeli, bu çalışmanın temel analitik çerçevesini oluşturmuştur. Çalışma kapsamında, Denizli ilinin Pamukkale ve Merkezefendi ilçelerindeki resmi okullarda görev yapan 145 öğretmenden görüş alınmıştır. “Öğretmenlerin teknoloji kullanımındaki temel teknolojik yeterliliklerini ölçen "Temel Teknolojik Yeterlilik Ölçeği" ve öğretmenlerin teknostres düzeylerini belirlemek için kullanılan "Teknostres Düzeyi Belirleme Ölçeği" ile elde edilen veriler, normal dağılım gösterdiği için parametrik testler kullanılmıştır. Her iki ölçeğin genel ortalama puanları ve alt boyutlarına ait ortalama puanlara bakıldığında kadın öğretmenlerde teknostres düzeyinin daha yüksek olduğu, teknolojik yeterlikler bakımından ise erkek öğretmenlerin düzeyinin daha yüksek olduğu göze çarpmaktadır. Teknostres ölçeğinin teknik konu odaklı alt boyutunda mesleki kıdemi 1-20 yıl olan öğretmenlerin düzeylerinin mesleki kıdemi 21 yıl ve üstü olan öğretmenlere göre anlamlı bir fark ile daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Öğretmenlerin teknostres seviyesi genel ortalama puanları ile teknolojik yeterlilikler genel ortalama puanları arasında negatif yönde orta düzeyde bir ilişki bulunduğu görülmüştür. Öğretmenlerin teknolojik yeterlikleri genel ortalamaları ile kişisel kaynaklı stres durumları arasında negatif yönde yüksek düzeyde bir ilişki bulunduğu görülmüştür. Öğretmenlerin teknolojik yeterlik düzeyleri ile teknostres ölçeğinin alt boyutları arasındaki ilişkilere bakıldığında en güçlü ilişkinin kişisel kaynaklı stres konusu ile ilgili olduğu görülmektedir. Öğretmenlerin teknolojik yeterlik düzeylerini arttırmalarına yönelik çalışmalar yapılması önerilmiştir

Ortaokul öğrencilerinin akademik erteleme davranışları ve yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamları arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi

This study aims to determine the relationship between the academic procrastination behaviors of secondary school students and the level of realization of constructivist learning environment characteristics. In addition, it aims to determine the predictive power of the level of realization of constructivist learning environment characteristics on academic procrastination behaviors. The research was conducted according to the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The study data were collected with the Academic Procrastination Behavior Scale of Secondary School Students and the Constructivist Learning Environments Scale. The sample group of the study consisted of a total of 1505 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who were selected through stratified sampling and who were continuing their education in official/state secondary schools in Karaköprü, Haliliye, and Eyyübiye central districts of Şanlıurfa province in the 2022-2023 academic year. It was determined that the data obtained from both scales had a normal distribution. Accordingly, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the relationship between the scores obtained from the scales and the sub-dimensions of the scales. Simple linear regression analysis was used to solve the sub-problems related to prediction. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, it was determined that the students who participated in the study thought that they showed academic procrastination behaviors "rarely" and the features of the constructivist learning environment were "sometimes" realized according to the data obtained from the students. As a result of the analyses made on the total scores obtained from the scales, it was determined that the relationship between the frequency level of realization of the constructivist learning environment characteristics and academic procrastination behaviors was a significant negative relationship at a moderate level. As a result of the regression analysis, it was found that the frequency level of constructivist learning environment characteristics was a significant predictor of students' academic procrastination behaviors. It was determined that the predictor (independent) variable constructivist learning environments explained 10% of students' academic procrastination behaviors. In this context, it can be said that as the level of realization of constructivist learning environment characteristics increases, the frequency level of students' academic procrastination behaviors decreases. In this context, it can be said that as the level of realization of constructivist learning environment characteristics increases, the frequency level of students' academic procrastination behaviors decreases. In addition, it was determined that there were significant negative relationships between the level of realization of constructivist learning environment features and the frequency levels of academic procrastination behavior according to the variables of gender, grade level, socio-economic level of the environment where the school is located, and duration of social media use.Bu çalışmanın amacı, ortaokul öğrencilerinin akademik erteleme davranışları ile yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamı özelliklerinin gerçekleşme düzeyi arasındaki ilişkileri tespit etmektir. Bununla birlikte yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamı özelliklerinin gerçekleşme düzeyinin akademik erteleme davranışları üzerindeki yordayıcı gücünü belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel tarama modeline göre yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın verileri Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Akademik Erteleme Davranışı Ölçeği ve Yapılandırmacı Öğrenme Ortamları Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklem grubunu tabakalı örnekleme yoluyla seçilen 2022-2023 eğitim öğretim yılında Şanlıurfa ili Karaköprü, Haliliye ve Eyyübiye merkez ilçelerinde yer alan resmi/devlet ortaokullarında öğrenimlerine devam eden 6. 7. ve 8. sınıf toplam 1505 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Her iki ölçekten elde edilen verilerin normal dağılıma sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu doğrultuda ölçeklerden ve ölçeklerin alt boyutlarından elde edilen puanlar arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek amacıyla Pearson Momentler Çarpım Korelasyon katsayısı hesaplanmıştır. Yordama ile ilgili alt problemlerin çözümü için basit doğrusal regresyon analizi yapılmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin analizi sonucunda, araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin akademik erteleme davranışlarını "nadiren" gösterdiklerini düşündükleri ve öğrencilerden elde edilen verilere göre yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamının özelliklerinin ise "bazen" gerçekleştiği belirlenmiştir. Ölçeklerden elde edilen toplam puanlar üzerinden yapılan analizler sonucunda, yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamı özelliklerinin gerçekleşme sıklık düzeyi ile akademik erteleme davranışları arasındaki ilişkinin orta düzeyde negatif yönlü anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu saptanmıştır. Regresyon analizi sonucunda, yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamı özelliklerinin gerçekleşme sıklık düzeyinin öğrencilerin akademik erteleme davranışlarının anlamlı bir yordayıcısı olduğu bulunmuştur. Yordayan (bağımsız) değişken yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamlarının gerçekleşme sıklık düzeyinin öğrencilerin akademik erteleme davranışlarının %10'unu açıkladığı belirlenmiştir. Bu bağlamda yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamı özelliklerinin gerçekleşme düzeyi artıkça öğrencilerin akademik erteleme davranışlarının sıklık düzeyinin azaldığı söylenebilir. Bununla birlikte cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi, okulun bulunduğu çevrenin sosyo-ekonomik düzeyi ve sosyal medya kullanım süresi değişkenlerine göre yapılandırmacı öğrenme ortamı özelliklerinin gerçekleşme düzeyi ile akademik erteleme davranış sıklık düzeyleri arasında da anlamlı negatif yönde ilişkiler olduğu belirlenmiştir

Gender roles as predictive factors on labor pain: a cross-sectional study

Labor is a complex, subjective experience, and all factors that influence pain should be considered to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. This study aimed to determine whether gender roles were predictive of labor pain. The study has a descriptive and cross-sectional design. It was carried out in a delivery room of a city hospital in Turkey between September 2019 and September 2020. The study sample consisted of 231 primiparous women presenting for labor and delivery. Data were gathered with a descriptive characteristics form, Visual Analogue Scale and The Bem Sex-Role Inventory. Descriptive statistics and simple regression analysis were employed to analyze the obtained data. Regression analysis demonstrated that gender roles were predictive of labor pain in the latent, active, and transitional stages, but not in the second stage. Gender roles were most responsible for labor pain in the latent phase. Results of the study revealed that gender roles may be useful variables to predict women's labor pain, and contributed to the relevant literature. Nurses and midwives offering care for labor pain should consider gender roles as a factor affecting labor pain. It is also necessary to individualize the supporting care given during labor.We thank to the women who participated in the study

The Prevalence of Tobacco Product Use Among Students in the Faculty of Medicine at Pamukkale University and Their Views on the Smoke-Free Campus Implementation

OBJECTIVE: Tobacco use is an important risk factor for more than 20 types of cancer, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and many other health problems. Cigarettes are one of the most commonly used tobacco products in the world, and they can cause both physical and mental addiction. Adolescence is known to be the highest-risk period in terms of addiction among all age groups. As a result, smoke-free campus practices have become even more important in universities. This study investigates the prevalence of smoking among Pamukkale Medical School students and their views and behaviors regarding smoke-free campus practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 548 medical students at Pamukkale Universıty Faculty of Medicine during the academic year 2021-2022, between April 1-29, 2022. A face-to-face interview was conducted. Students’ smoking status and their views about a smoke-free campus were assessed. In the questionnaire, the independent variables were socio-demo-graphic characteristics, duration of staying in a smoke-free environment, smoking status in the place of residence, areas where smoking is most common, Fagerström nicotine dependence level, knowledge about smoke-free campus applications and campuses with the smoke-free application. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 package program was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics are presented with numbers and percentages for categorical variables, while the arithmetic mean and standard deviation are used for continuous variables. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables,and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis was used to test the compatibility of data to normal distribution. RESULTS: The student smoking rate increased significantly as the number of semesters increased (P = .021). The smoking rate of male students was higher than that of female students (P = .001). The smoking rate of students living with their family or relatives was lower (P = .020). Smokers (14.7%) were more likely to have heard about the introduction of smoke-free zones on campus than nonsmokers (11%) (P = .280). 81.4% of students affirmed the statement, “The number of smoke-free rooms should be increased,” and 84.3% responded, “I support the existence of smoke-free spaces.” Nonsmoking students (90.8%) are more likely to agree that smoke-free spaces should be increased than those who smoke (57.7%) (P .001). Among the students, 17.6% of nonsmokers and 37.8% of smokers find the information about smoke-free spaces sufficient (P .001). The rate of those who consider smoke-free space inspections to be sufficient is lower for nonsmoking students than for nonsmokers (P = .017). Nonsmokers (89.5%) support the existence of smoke-free spaces to a higher degree than smokers (71.2%) (P .001). CONCLUSION: One-third of Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine students smoke, and smoking rates are higher among men and those who do not live with family or relatives. All participants strongly support the existence of smoke-free zones (84.3%), while a pro-portion of tobacco users (31.4%) support the implementation of a smoke-free campus. Student opinions of the smoke-free zones and the smoke-free campus application are more positive among nonsmokers than smokers. © 2024, AVES. All rights reserved

The non-minimally coupled symmetric teleparallel gravity with electromagnetic field

We construct a symmetric teleparallel gravity model which is non-minimally coupled with electromagnetic field in four dimensions inspired by its Riemannian equivalent. We derive the field equations by taking the variation of this model, which is written here for the first time. Then, we find some classes of spherically symmetric static solutions by the coincident gauge of symmetric teleparallel spacetime.DAS:The data cannot be made publicly available upon publication due to legal restrictions preventing unrestricted public distribution. The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the authors

Artırılmış gerçeklik uygulamalarının bibliyometrik analiz ve meta sentez yöntemi ile incelenmesi

Gelişen ve değişen teknoloji birçok alanda olduğu gibi pazarlama alanını da derinden etkilemiştir. İşletmelerin pazarlama stratejilerindeki değişim, tüketicilerin istek ve ihtiyaçlarındaki değişimin ve teknolojik yeniliklerin bir sonucudur. Bu çalışmamızda Artırılmış Gerçeklik uygulamalarının bibliyometrik analiz ile hangi alanlarda kullanıldığı, işletmelere sunmuş oldukları avantaj ve dezavantajları ve teknolojinin tüketiciler üzerindeki etkileri analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma verilerine 2000-2024 yılları arasında “Augmented Reality and Marketing”, “AR Marketing”, “Augmented Reality Marketing” anahtar kelimeleri ile Web of Science veri tabanından ulaşılmıştır. Veri tabanından elde edilen 1269 çalışma VOSviewer programında analiz edilmiştir. İkinci çalışma olarak tercih edilen meta sentez analizi 1269 çalışma içinden elde edilen 494 nitel çalışmalar üzerinde gerçekleşmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre artırılmış gerçeklik ile ilgili bilimsel çalışmaların her yıl arttığı, teknoloji uygulamaları alanında daha fazla çalışmalar yapıldığı ve pazarlama, turizm ve eğitim alanlarında yapılan çalışmalar da artırılmış gerçeklik uygulamalarının avantaj ve dezavantajlarının daha fazla vurgulandığı belirlenmiştir. İlgili alandaki çalışmalar işletmelerin artırılmış gerçeklik teknolojilerini faaliyet alanlarına dahil ederek müşteri etkileşimi ve rekabet avantajı sağlayabilecekleri yönündedir. Bu teknoloji, fiziksel mağazaları ziyaret edemeyen müşterilere ürünler hakkında ayrıntılı bilgi ve destek sunarak, bilinçli satın alma kararları vermelerine yardımcı olmaktadır. Çalışma artırılmış gerçeklik uygulamalarının sunmuş olduğu avantaj ve dezavantajlar, sınır ve zorluklar göz önünde bulundurularak gelecek çalışmalara katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.Developing and changing technology has deeply affected the field of marketing, as in many other fields. The change in marketing strategies of businesses is a result of the change in consumers' wants and needs and technological innovations. In this study, the areas in which Augmented Reality applications are used, the advantages and disadvantages they offer to businesses, and the effects of technology on consumers were analyzed through bibliometric analysis. Research data was accessed from the Web of Science database with the keywords "Augmented Reality and Marketing", "AR Marketing", "Augmented Reality Marketing" between 2000 and 2024. 1269 studies obtained from the database were analyzed in the VOSviewer program. The meta synthesis analysis, which was preferred as the second study, was carried out on 494 qualitative studies obtained from 1269 studies. According to the research results, it has been determined that scientific studies on augmented reality increase every year, more studies are conducted in the field of technology applications, and the advantages and disadvantages of augmented reality applications are more emphasized in studies conducted in the fields of marketing, tourism and education. Studies in the relevant field indicate that businesses can provide customer interaction and competitive advantage by incorporating augmented reality technologies into their fields of activity. This technology helps customers who cannot visit physical stores make informed purchasing decisions by providing detailed information and support about products. It is thought that the study will contribute to future studies by taking into account the advantages and disadvantages, limits and difficulties offered by augmented reality applications

Recent Studies on Alkoxides Grafted Mesoporous Silica Materials as Catalysts in Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley Reductions: A Review

This review provides a comprehensive survey of the preparation and application of homogeneous and heterogeneous boron and indium alkoxide catalysts and typical Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction process techniques that are usually employed in the production of alcohol. A significant number of preparation and application methods are now available for various heterogeneous catalysts synthesized with some mesoporous silica nanoparticles. In this review article, preparation, characterization, application and advantages of boron and indium alkoxides grafted metal-free mesoporous heterogeneous catalysts are discussed. Also, recent research on applying mesoporous MCM-41 and SBA-15 to heterogeneous catalysis in synthesizing heterogeneous MPV catalysts has been reviewed. The potential heterogeneous catalysts that could be derived from the grafting of alkoxides on mesoporous materials, methods of preparing solid boron and indium alkoxide catalysts, as well as reusability and leaching analysis are discussed in detail. We think that the development of new, environmentally friendly, efficient, and selective catalytic procedures for carbonyl reduction and alcohol formation, represents a fundamental research aim in synthetic chemistry. In this context, this review can make an important contribution to organic synthesis

Mindfulness-based empathy training supported by Obese Simulation Suit: Randomized Controlled Trial

Nursing serves as the foundation of patient-centered healthcare services, and the empathetic connections formed between nurses and patients are integral to delivering quality care. In this context, the mental well-being and empathy levels of nurses significantly impact the efficiency of healthcare services and patient contentment. This study investigates the impact of mindfulness-based empathy training and obese simulation suits on nursing students' attitudes and empathy levels towards obese patients. The research, conducted as a randomized controlled trial, encompassed 84 nursing students and employed the Attitude Scale Towards Obese Patients, Jefferson Empathy Scale for Nursing Students, and Descriptive Information Form. Data analysis involved two-factor ANOVA for mixed measurements. The study revealed significant interaction effects between group and time concerning nursing students' attitudes towards obese individuals [F(1,70) = 43.281, p 0.05] as well as their empathy levels towards obese individuals [F(1,70) = 15.657, p 0.05]. The experimental group exhibited a noteworthy increase in both attitudes and empathy levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, Single Factor ANOVA for Repeated Measures revealed a statistically significant difference in the experimental group's attitudes and empathy scores across pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments [p 0.01, partial eta 2 = 0.492 and 0.186, respectively]. These findings underscore the effectiveness of these interventions in enhancing essential nursing competencies necessary for providing comprehensive patient care. Thus, integrating these methods into the curriculum is recommended to cultivate more positive attitudes and heightened empathy among nursing students, particularly concerning obese patients, throughout their educational journey.Inonu UniversityNo Statement Availabl

Hand fatigability, self-reported fatigue, and functionality in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study

Background: The individual experience of fatigue and fatigability in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can vary greatly, beyond the high prevalence of fatigue in MS. Although fatigue is known as a common symptom that affects and potentially limits individuals with MS, it has recently been determined that fatigability also causes consequences that limit individuals' daily lives. The purpose of this study was to compare the associations between self-reported levels of fatigue, measured fatigability, and estimates of functional capacity in people with MS and sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. Methods: Twenty-three individuals with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) diagnosis and 23 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. To examine the fatigability level Dynamic and Static Fatigue Index were used for gross and pinch-grip, and manual dexterity and functionality levels the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), and Dexterity Questionnaire-24 (DextQ24) were used. While the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) were used to examine selfreported fatigue, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess emotional status. Results: There was no difference between RRMS and healthy individuals in terms of fatigability levels (p > 0.05). While the relationship between Static and Dynamic Fatigue Index gross grip fatigability and FSS and FIS was not found to be statistically significant, the relationship between non-dominant side pinch grip Static Fatigue Index and FSS and FIS was significant. In addition, the relationship between the non-dominant side gross grip Static Fatigue Index and the DextQ-24 dressing and daily activities subsections, and the dominant side pinch grip Dynamic Fatigue Index and the television/compact disk/digital video disk subsection of DextQ-24 was significant (p 0.05). Conclusion: Fatigability was related to daily life upper limb use for gross grip and self-reported fatigue for pinch grip in individuals with RRMS. It was concluded that future studies focusing on hand fatigability could also consider manual dexterity and self-reported fatigue in individuals with MS from the early-stage. Clarifying the relationship of between fatigability and self-reported fatigue to functioning will allow clinicians to plan more appropriate and directed treatment approaches for individuals with RRMS.Pamukkale University Scientific Research Projects Coordination [2018SABE032]This study was funded by Pamukkale University Scientific Research Projects Coordination (Project No: 2018SABE032)