Effect of Stirrup Spacing and Polypropylene Fiber Ratio on Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams

In this study, the effect of the change of stirrup ratio and polypropylene (PP) fiber ratio on the behavior of reinforced concrete beams was investigated. The variables of this study consisting of without stirrup, spacing up to 20 %, 40 % and 80 % of beam depth as stirrup spacing and 0.125 % and 0.500 % of the weight of reinforced concrete beam were used as PP fiber ratios. In the context of experimental study, 1/2 scaled 12 reinforced concrete beams were tested with 4-point bending mechanism. In the light of the obtained data, the load-displacement, stiffness and energy absorption graphs were plotted. The results were interpreted comparatively. According to the results, it is observed that the PP fiber additive significantly changed the behavior of the reinforced concrete beams, and the fiber effect decreased in proportion to the increase of the stirrup rate. It has been observed that the cracks spread more to the beam surfaces with the increase of PP fibers. In addition, the increase in the fiber ratio especially in the non-stirrup beams increases the bending capacity

Depression, Neuroplasticity and Neurotrophic Factors

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder. There is still very little known about the neurobiological alterations that underlie the pathophysiology of depression. Recently, neuroplasticity hypothesis is added to monoamine hypothesis and neurotransmitter receptor hypothesis which are among the theories about the biological etiology of depression. Neuroplasticity can be defined as alterations in structural properties and functions of neurons and synapses depending on various internal and external stimuli. Neurotrophic factors are molecules important for development and protection of neurons. The neuron needs the neurotrophic factors synthesized by itself for survival, differentiation and neuroplasticity. Hippocampus is one of the brain regions with highest level of neuroplasticity. Brain imaging studies reveal that there is hippocampal volume reduction in depression. This reduction may be due to stress induced alterations in neurogenesis and neurotrophic factor expression in hippocampus. Pharmacologic and somatic antidepressant treatments increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotrophic factor expression and reverse effects of stress on hippocampal atrophy. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the mostly studied neurotrophic factor in depression. There are data about decreased levels of BDNF in depression. Many studies suggest that BDNF is the “common final pathway” for actions of different antidepressants and chronic antidepressant treatment can enhance neurogenesis in adult hippocampus regulating plasticity and neurotrophin signalling pathways important in neuronal survival

Assessment of apigenin-7-glucoside and luteolin-7-glucoside as multi-targeted agents against Alzheimer's disease: a molecular docking study

Although the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in society, unfortunately, no definite progress has been made in treating this disease yet. In this study, the potential of apigenin-7-glucoside (A7G) and luteolin-7-glucoside (L7G) to be used as multi-targeted agents in AD was investigated by molecular docking calculations against the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and 42-residue beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ). A7G and L7G exhibited very high binding affinity (-9.42 and -9.60 kcal/mol for A7G; -9.30 and -9.90 kcal/mol for L7G) to AChE and BChE, respectively, while the affinities of these two flavonoid glycosides towards APP and Aβ peptide (-6.10 and -6.0 kcal/mol for A7G; -6.30 and -6.10 kcal/mol for L7G) were moderately strong. Compared to rivastigmine, A7G and L7G exhibited a highly significant binding affinity, even stronger than rivastigmine, for AChE and BChE. Although A7G showed a more drug-like physicochemical character than L7G, both ligands were within the normal range for ADMET and did not show high affinity for cellular proteins, according to the results of SwissTarget analysis. According to the STITCH interaction analysis, both ligands had the potential to inhibit enzymes predominantly in the inflammatory pathway (ADIPOQ, NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3). As a result, A7G and L7G exhibit multi-targeted agent properties in AD. Our results should also be verified by experimental enzyme inhibition studies, which may be performed simultaneously on AChE, BChE, APP, and Aβ peptides

N-Methyl D-Aspartic Acid (NMDA) Receptors and Depression

The monoaminergic hypothesis of depression has provided the basis for extensive research into the pathophysiology of mood disorders and has been of great significance for the development of effective antidepressants. Current antidepressant treatments not only increase serotonin and/or noradrenaline bioavailability but also originate adaptive changes increasing synaptic plasticity. Novel approaches to depression and to antidepressant therapy are now focused on intracellular targets that regulate neuroplasticity and cell survival. Accumulating evidence indicates that there is an anatomical substrate for such a devastating neuropsychiatric disease as major depression. Loss of synaptic plasticity and hippocampal atrophy appear to be prominent features of this highly prevalent disorder. A combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors make hippocampal neurons more vulnerable to stress. Abundant experimental evidence indicates that stress causes neuronal damage in brain regions, notably in hippocampal subfields. Stress-induced activation of glutamatergic transmission may induce neuronal cell death through excessive stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. Recent studies mention that the increase of nitric oxide synthesis and inflammation in major depression may contribute to neurotoxicity through NMDA receptor. Both standard antidepressants and NMDA receptor antagonists are able to prevent stress-induced neuronal damage. NMDA antagonists are effective in widely used animal models of depression and some of them appear to be effective also in the few clinical trials performed to date. We are still far from understanding the complex cellular and molecular events involved in mood disorders. There appears to be an emerging role for glutamate neurotransmission in the search for the pathogenesis of major depression. Attenuation of NMDA receptor function mechanism appears to be a promising target in the search for a more effective antidepressant therapy

The Usability of Memoirs in Educational Process According to History Teachers

DergiPark: 326099trakyasobedThis study is conducted in order to investigate the history teachers’ viewpoints related to the usability of memoirs as instructional tools in history lessons. In the study, which is conducted using descriptive analysis approach, typical state/durum sampling method, which is among purposeful sampling methods of qualitative research, is preferred. An open-ended question form prepared by the researchers is used as the data collection tool in the study. The data is analyzed, in accordance with the descriptive analysis approach, following these steps; (1) Creating a framework for descriptive analysis, (2) Processing the data according to the thematic framework, (3) Defining the findings (4) Interpreting the findings. As a result of the analyses, history teachers’ points of view on the usability of memoirs in educational process are interpreted under the themes “Having Knowledge”, “Positive and Negative Aspects”, “Usability in Accordance with Lessons” and “Available Dimensions”. Finally, history teachers’ points of view on the usability of memoirs in educational process are compared with related studies in literature and several suggestions are made on the issueBu araştırma, tarih derslerinde hatıratların eğitimsel bir araç olarak kullanılma durumları ile ilgili tarih öğretmenlerinin görüşlerinin incelenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Betimsel analiz yaklaşımı kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen araştırmada çalışma grubu belirlenirken nitel araştırmanın amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden tipik durum örneklemesi yöntemi tercih edilmiştir. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulmuş açık uçlu soru formu kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama aracından elde edilen veriler; betimsel analiz yaklaşımına uygun bir şekilde; (1) Betimsel analiz için bir çerçeve oluşturma, (2) Tematik çerçeveye göre verilerin işlenmesi, (3) Bulguların tanımlanması ve (4) Bulguların yorumlanması aşamaları takip edilerek analiz edilmiştir. Analizler sonucunda tarih öğretmenlerinin hatıratların kullanılabilirliği ile ilgili görüşleri “Bilgi Sahibi Olma Durumları”, “Olumlu ve Olumsuz Yönler”, “Derslere Göre Kullanılabilirlik Durumları” ve “Hangi Boyutlarda Kullanılabileceği” temaları altında yorumlanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda hatıratların eğitim-öğretim sürecinde kullanılmalarına ilişkin çeşitli öneriler sunulmuştu

Regulation of growth and some key physiological processes in salt-stressed maize (Zea mays L.) plants by exogenous application of asparagine and glycerol

Maize seedlings were subjected to concentrations of 0 and 100mM of NaCl in Hoagland’s nutrient solution medium in plastic pots containing perlite. Two levels of asparagine (5 and 10 mM) and glycerol (20 and 40 mM) were sprayed onto the leaves of maize seedlings 10 days after germination. Saline stress caused considerable decline in total dry mass, chlorophyll content and relativewater content in the maize plants. It increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase as well as electrolyte leakage, but did not alter the activity of non-specific peroxidise. Foliar application of asparagine or glycerol was found to be effective in checking shoot growth inhibition under NaCl stress. Exogenously applied asparagine or glycerol reduced superoxide dismutase, non-specific peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities in salt-stressed maize plants compared to those not treated with these organic compounds. Salinity increased Na+ contents but reduced those of K+, Ca2+ and P in the roots of the used genotype of maize. Foliar application of asparagine or glycerol increased the contents of K+, Ca2+ and P, but it reduced that of Na+ in salt-stressed maize plants as compared to those of the salt-stressed plants not supplied with glycerol or asparagine. Glycerol was more effective than asparagine in improving salinity tolerance of maize plants in terms of growth and physiological attributes measured in the present study

Long-term prognosis of patients with heart failure: Follow-up results of journey HF-TR study population

Background: Despite advances in therapeutic management of patients with heart failure, there is still an increasing morbidity and mortality all over the world. In this study, we aimed to present the 3-year follow-up outcomes of patients included in the Journey HF-TR study in 2016 that has evaluated the clinical characteristics and management of patients with acute heart failure admitted to the hospital and present a national registry data. Methods: The study was designed retrospectively between November 2016 and December 2019. Patient data included in the previously published Journey HF-TR study were used. Among 1606 patients, 1484 patients were included due to dropout of 122 patients due to inhospital death and due to exclusion of 173 due to incomplete data. The study included 1311 patients. Age, gender, concomitant chronic conditions, precipitating factors, New York Heart Association, and left ventricular ejection fraction factors were adjusted in the Cox regression analysis. Results: During the 3-year follow-up period, the ratio of hospitalization and mortality was 70.5% and 52.1%, respectively. Common causes of mortality were acute decompensation of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. Angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, statin, and sacubitril/valsartan were found to reduce mortality. Hospitalization due to acute decompensated heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, lung diseases, oncological diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases was associated with the increased risk of mortality. Implantation of cardiac devices also reduced the mortality. Conclusions: Despite advances in therapeutic management of patients with heart failure, our study demonstrated that the long-term mortality still is high. Much more efforts are needed to improve the inhospital and long-term survival of patients with chronic heart failure

Effects of diosmine-hesperidine on experimental colonic anastomosis

Aim: Our goal was to determine the effects of a diosmine-hesperidine combination on wound healing in a rat model of colonic anastomosis. Materials and methods: In this study, 20 Wistar Albino female rats were randomized into four experimental groups containing fi ve rats in each group. A segment of 1 cm of colon was excised 4 cm proximally to the peritoneal refl ection in all rats without carrying out any mechanical or antibacterial bowel preparation. Colonic anastomosis was performed with interrupted, inverting sutures of 6/0 polypropylene. Beginning from the fi rst postoperative day, the rats in Groups II and IV received 100 mg/kg per day of diosmine-hesperidine via orogastic route by 4F fi ne feeding catheter. Results: A signifi cant difference was detected between groups in terms of their hydroxyproline levels (p<0.05); the hydroxyproline level of Group I was signifi cantly lower than that of the other groups while no signifi cant difference was noted between Groups II and III. Conclusion: The administration of diosmine-hesperidine increased the amount of collagen and bursting pressures at the anastomotic site and thus had favorable infl uences on the healing of colonic anastomosis

TARİHİ SİLLE SUBAŞI HAMAMI TAŞIYICI SİSTEM ANALİZİ

TARİHİ SİLLE SUBAŞI HAMAMI TAŞIYICI SİSTEM ANALİZİÖzetBu çalışmada, 19. yüzyıl Osmanlı Dönemi’nde inşa edilen ve Konya İli Selçuklu İlçesi’ne bağlı Sille Ak Mahallesi’nde bulunan tarihi Subaşı Hamamı’nın mevcut durum değerlendirmesi yapılıp, yapının statik ve dinamik yükler altındaki durumu incelenmiştir. Yapının üç boyutlu modeli oluşturulmuş, sonlu elemanlar yöntemine göre lineer analizi yapılmış ve taşıyıcı elemanları üzerinde oluşan gerilmeler ile yerdeğiştirmeler incelenmiştir. Subaşı Hamamı mimari açıdan kesit ve iç tasvir olarak iki sıcaklık, iki ılıklık ve bir su deposundan oluşmaktadır. İki sıcaklık ve iki ılıklık mekanının üzeri tuğladan yapılmış kubbeden, su deposunun üzeri ise beşik tonoz ile örtülmüştür. 19.5x18 metre boyutuna sahip olan hamamın yapılan araştırma, inceleme ve analiz sonucunda, yapının mevcut kesitlerinin büyük olmasından dolayı basınç ve kesme gerilmelerine karşı yeterli dayanımının olduğu; kubbe, beşik tonoz ve kapı köşelerinde bazı çatlakların oluştuğu; modal analiz sonunda mod şekilleri incelendiğinde en fazla zorlanan kısmın beşik tonoz olduğu tespit edilmiştir.Anahtar Kelimeler: Tarihi Yapı, Yığma Yapı, Taşıyıcı Sistem Analizi, Statik Lineer AnalizSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL SILLE SUBASI BATH AbstractIn this study, the present situation of the historical Subasi Bath, which was built in the 19th century Ottoman Period and located in the Sille Ak District of the Selcuklu District of Konya Province, was evaluated and the status of the building under static and dynamic loads was examined. A three-dimensional model of the structure was created using a computer program, a linear analysis was made according to the finite element method, and the stresses and displacements on the carrier elements were examined. Subasi Bath consists of two the hottest rooms, two the tepidity rooms and one water reservoir in terms of architectural cross-section and internal depiction. The hottest and the tepidity rooms spaces are covered with a dome made of brick, while the water tank is covered with a cradle vault. As a result of the research, examination and analysis of the bath, which has a size of 19.5x18 meters, it has sufficient resistance against pressure and shear stresses due to the big cross sections of the building; there are some cracks in the dome, cradle vault and door corners; When the modal analysis was examined, the most critical part was found to be the cradle vault.Keywords: Historical Structure, Masonry Structure, Structural Analysis, Static Analysi

The assessment of twin pregnancies delivered in our clinic: three-year experience

Objective: Twin pregnancies constitute 1–2% of all pregnancies. With the recent developments in assisted reproductive technologies, the incidence of multiple pregnancy has increased. Preterm labor is held responsible for the poor neonatal outcomes primarily. In our study, we aimed to assess fetal-maternal outcomes of twin pregnancies seen in our clinic. Methods: One hundred and thirty twin pregnancy cases out of 4241 pregnant women who delivered in our clinic between 01.01.2017 and 01.01.2020 were included in the study. The labor records of the patients were reviewed retrospectively and their data for age, week of gestation, delivery type, birth weight, fetal sex, chorionicity characteristics and laboratory parameters were recorded. Definitive statistics and SPSS 21.0 for statistical analyses were used to evaluate the data obtained from the study. The data were presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation). Results: The incidence of twin pregnancy was found 3%. In the ultrasonographic imaging evaluated during diagnosis, 27.7% of the cases were monochorionic and 72% of them were dichorionic. Of the pregnant women, 12.3% were at term and 87.7% were at preterm period. When the preterm fetuses were evaluated, 37.7% of 114 preterm fetuses were delivered at late preterm period, 29.2% of them at mid-preterm period and 20.8% at premature preterm period. The rates of treatment pregnancy (pregnancy provided by ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technologies) and spontaneous twin pregnancy were 20% and 80%, respectively. Mean maternal age was found 31.3. When evaluated in terms of maternal morbidity, preterm labor and premature rupture of membrane were the most common problems. Mean newborn weight was 1832g and 59.3% of the newborns had low birth weight and 21.8% of them had very low birth weight. While one fetus had transverse presentation in 12.5% of the patients, at least one fetus had breech presentation in 53.1% of the cases and 34.4% of the cases had head-head presentation. Conclusion: Twin pregnancies are characterized by the increased feto-maternal risks. Therefore, both antenatal and intrapartum management should be maintained diligently