Friedmann Equation for Brans Dicke Cosmology

In the context of Brans-Dicke scalar tensor theory of gravitation, the cosmological Friedmann equation which relates the expansion rate $H$ of the universe to the various fractions of energy density is analyzed rigorously. It is shown that Brans-Dicke scalar tensor theory of gravitation brings a negligible correction to the matter density component of Friedmann equation. Besides, in addition to $\Omega_{\Lambda}$ and $\Omega_{M}$ in standard Einstein cosmology, another density parameter, $\Omega_{_{\Delta}}$, is expected by the theory. This implies that if $\Omega_{_{\Delta}}$ is found to be nonzero, data will favor this model instead of the standard Einstein cosmological model with cosmological constant and will enable more accurate predictions for the rate of change of Newtonian gravitational constant in the future.Comment: minor reference change

Recent advances in Pichia pastoris as host for heterologous expression system for lipases : a review

The production of heterologous lipases is one of the most promising strategies to increase the productivity of the bioprocesses and to reduce costs, with the final objective that more industrial lipase applications could be implemented. In this chapter, an overview of the new success in synthetic biology, with traditional molecular genetic techniques and bioprocess engineering in the last 5 years in the cell factory Pichia pastoris, the most promising host system for heterologous lipase production, is presented. The goals get on heterologous Candida antarctica, Rhizopus oryzae, and Candida rugosa lipases, three of the most common lipases used in biocatalysis, are showed. Finally, new cell factories producing heterologous lipases are presented

Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis: Optimizing Laboratory Procedures and Test Interpretation through a Clinical Audit and Global Survey of Practices

Purpose: The success of vasectomy is determined by the outcome of a post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA). This article describes a step-by-step procedure to perform PVSA accurately, report data from patients who underwent post vasectomy semen analysis between 2015 and 2021 experience, along with results from an international online survey on clinical practice. Materials and methods: We present a detailed step-by-step protocol for performing and interpretating PVSA testing, along with recommendations for proficiency testing, competency assessment for performing PVSA, and clinical and laboratory scenarios. Moreover, we conducted an analysis of 1,114 PVSA performed at the Cleveland Clinic's Andrology Laboratory and an online survey to understand clinician responses to the PVSA results in various countries. Results: Results from our clinical experience showed that 92.1% of patients passed PVSA, with 7.9% being further tested. A total of 78 experts from 19 countries participated in the survey, and the majority reported to use time from vasectomy rather than the number of ejaculations as criterion to request PVSA. A high percentage of responders reported permitting unprotected intercourse only if PVSA samples show azoospermia while, in the presence of few non-motile sperm, the majority of responders suggested using alternative contraception, followed by another PVSA. In the presence of motile sperm, the majority of participants asked for further PVSA testing. Repeat vasectomy was mainly recommended if motile sperm were observed after multiple PVSA's. A large percentage reported to recommend a second PVSA due to the possibility of legal actions. Conclusions: Our results highlighted varying clinical practices around the globe, with controversy over the significance of non-motile sperm in the PVSA sample. Our data suggest that less stringent AUA guidelines would help improve test compliance. A large longitudinal multi-center study would clarify various doubts related to timing and interpretation of PVSA and would also help us to understand, and perhaps predict, recanalization and the potential for future failure of a vasectomy

A fractional calculus approach to investigate the alpha decay processes

In this study, the nuclear decay equation is taken under consideration by making use of fractional calculus. In this context, the first-order time derivative is changed to a Caputo fractional derivative hence, the resulting equation is the time fractional nuclear decay equation. The solution of this equation is obtained in terms of Mittag-Leffler function which plays an important role to study the non-Markovian feature of physical processes. As an application of this time fractional formalism, alpha decay half-life values have been calculated for Pb, Po, Rn, Ra, Th and U isotopes. Consequently, the theoretical half-life values have been obtained in consistent with the experimental data. The dependence of the order of fractional derivative µ being a measure of fractality of time, on the nuclear structure has been established. In the investigations carried out, we have arrived to the conclusion that for the µ values which are closed to one, where time becomes homogenous and continuous, the shell closure effects are predominant and that the fractional derivative order µ (i.e., fractality of time) and nuclear structure are closely related to each other. © 2013 World Scientific Publishing Company

Helicobacter pylori infection is an avoidable risk factor for parkinson’s disease [Parkinson hastaliği için önlenebilir bir risk faktörü olarak helicobacter pylori enfeksiyonu]

Introductio

Gallstone ileus as an unexpected complication of cholelithiasis: Diagnostic difficulties and treatment [Kolelitiazisin beklenmedik komplikasyonu, safra taşi ileusu: Tani zorluklari ve tedavi]

PubMed ID: 20849052BACKGROUND Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, mostly in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with 12 gallstone ileus cases and discuss current opinion as reported in the literature. METHODS Data of 12 patients operated between January 1998 and January 2008 with gallstone ileus were retrospectively studied. RESULTS There were 12 cases (9 F, 75%; 3 M, 25%) with a mean age of 63.6 (50-80) years. Median duration of symptoms before admission to the hospital was 4.1 (1-15) days. Preoperative diagnosis was made in only five cases (41.6%). Enterolithotomy was done in nine cases (75%). Enterolithotomy and resection of the small intestine - required for decubital necrosis from the gallstone - was performed in one case (8.3%). In one case (8.3%), enterolithotomy was completed in one stage with cholecystectomy and closure of the fistula during acute surgery, and in another case (8.3%), enterolithotomy + primary suturing of the jejunal perforation was performed. There were two (16.6%) perioperative mortalities. CONCLUSION Gallstone ileus remains a diagnostic challenge despite advances in imaging techniques, and pre-operative diagnosis is often delayed. Gallstone ileus should be suspected in all cases admitted to the emergency service with acute intestinal obstruction with a history of cholelithiasis, especially in the elderly and females

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the ABILHAND Questionnaire in Rheumatoid Arthritis Individuals, Based on Rasch Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the ABILHAND questionnaire in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [ABILHAND-RA (TR)] using the Rasch analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 90 individuals (15 males, 75 females; mean age 51.8±10.9 years; range, 20 to 65 years) diagnosed as RA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were included. The ABILHAND-RA (TR) was used to determine manual ability, while disease activity was evaluated by the use of Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). Jamar hand dynamometer and pinch-meter were used to examine grip and pinch strength of the participants. Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) and Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) measured hand disability level. Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to assess quality of life. ABILHAND-RA (TR) results were analyzed using the Rasch analysis method. RESULTS: Item 20 was excluded from the 27-item ABILHAND-RA (TR) as 96% of the individuals rated this item as "easy". The new set of 18 items (7 subtests and 11 items) were found to sustain item invariance and fit to the Rasch model. Significant relationships were found between ABILHAND-RA (TR) and DAS28, bilateral grip strength, NHPT dominant side results, DHI, and NHP. CONCLUSION: Turkish version of the ABILHAND-RA was found to be clinically valid, reliable, and sensitive enough to be used in clinical evaluations, rehabilitation interventions, and for progression follow-up in individuals with RA