Preparation of Improved Turkish DataSet for Sentiment Analysis in Social Media

A public dataset, with a variety of properties suitable for sentiment analysis [1], event prediction, trend detection and other text mining applications, is needed in order to be able to successfully perform analysis studies. The vast majority of data on social media is text-based and it is not possible to directly apply machine learning processes into these raw data, since several different processes are required to prepare the data before the implementation of the algorithms. For example, different misspellings of same word enlarge the word vector space unnecessarily, thereby it leads to reduce the success of the algorithm and increase the computational power requirement. This paper presents an improved Turkish dataset with an effective spelling correction algorithm based on Hadoop [2]. The collected data is recorded on the Hadoop Distributed File System and the text based data is processed by MapReduce programming model. This method is suitable for the storage and processing of large sized text based social media data. In this study, movie reviews have been automatically recorded with Apache ManifoldCF (MCF) [3] and data clusters have been created. Various methods compared such as Levenshtein and Fuzzy String Matching have been proposed to create a public dataset from collected data. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm, which can be used as an open source dataset in sentiment analysis studies, have been performed successfully to the detection and correction of spelling errors.Comment: Presented at CMES201

The effect of anesthetic agents used in oocyte collection on intracytoplasmic sperm injection results in patients treated for infertility due to male factor

Aim: Different anesthetic methods and agents are used for transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedures (TORP) in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). In our study, we evaluated prospectively the effect of propofol and thiopental sodium during TORP on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) results in the spouses of patients with male factor indication.Material and Methods: The study was approved by the ethics committee with Protocol No. 2019-21-07 on dated October 28, 2019. Sixty female patients who underwent TORP for intracytoplasmic sperm injection were included in the study. Anesthesia was randomized into two groups according to propofol (GP) or thiopental sodium (GT) used for induction and maintenance anesthesia. Patients' demographic data, effects of the anesthetic drug used on hemodynamics and nausea and vomiting, laboratory parameters including fertilization rate, cleavage rate, optimal embryo rate and implantation rate, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded.Results: Sixty patients, including the propofol group (n:30) and the thiopental sodium group (n:30), were evaluated. Mean age, body mass index and motile sperm count were similar in both groups. Mean arterial pressures and nausea and vomiting rates were lower in GP (p<0.05). Although intracytoplasmic sperm injection, pronucleus, MII oocyte values were statistically significantly higher in GP, B-HCG and clinical pregnancy outcomes were similar in both groups.Discussion: Our findings revealed that propofol and thiopental sodium, the anesthetic agents used in transvaginal oocyte collection procedure before ICSI treatment, had similar effects on clinical pregnancy. The results of our study are similar to many studies in the literature

The Effects of Separate and Combined Use of PGF2α and GnRH Hormones and the Addition of Βeta-Carotene on Fertility Parameters in Dairy Cows with Ovarian Cysts

Background: Ovarian cysts are commonly observed pathologies, which interfere with normal cyclic activity and adversely affect fertility in cows. Beta-carotene is effective in the reduction of reproductive problems by inducing the natural defence mechanisms of the body. There are several methods that can be used for the treatment of ovarian cysts. The separate and combined use of GnRH and PGF2α commonly uses in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Therefore, in the presented study the effects of Beta-carotene (βC) addition for the treatment of ovarian cysts either with GnRH solely or GnRH and PGF2α in combination on the fertility parameters of dairy cows were investigated.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Seventy-six Holstein Friesian cows having ovarian cysts diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) were divided into three groups. Cows in Group I (GI, n = 27), were injected with GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im), PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5 mL, im) and βC (20 mL/cow, into 4 regions by im route). In Group II (GII, n = 25) GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) and PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5mL, im) were administrated while GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) solely in Group III (GIII, n = 24). Cysts were monitored via USG, and blood samples were collected on the on day of treatment (day 0) and on the 7th and 14th days following the administrations. Cows shoving oestrous were inseminated and pregnancy diagnoses were performed on the 40th day following insemination. Treatment results showed that there were statistically no significant differences between GI and GII (P &gt; 0.05). Only numerical difference obtained in time from therapy to pregnancy and overall pregnancy index (P &gt; 0.05). Overall pregnancy rate (85 %), first service pregnancy rates (40 %) and overall pregnancy index (2.11) in GI were found significantly higher than GIII (53.3 %; 20 %; 4.12) [P &lt; 0.05]. No significant difference was observed in progesterone (P4) levels between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). It was found that βC administrations significantly increased βC levels in GI than GII and GIII on the 7th and 14th days (P &lt; 0.05).Discussion: One of the most common problems encountered in modern dairy production is the development of ovarian cysts. Treatments for ovarian cyst are numerous and variable, and have changed considerably over the years. In the present study, GnRH and PGF2α were administered together as a combination, and as a result of this combined use, higher percentages were obtained for both pregnancy rate and fertility parameters in GI and GII, in comparison to the group administered with GnRH alone (GIII). Better outcome from combination therapy (GnRH and PGF2α) may be due to the fact that luteal thickening in the walls of cysts was determined by ultrasonography, but P4 values were not identified immediately and the treatments were not categorized in accord with these values. No statistically significant differences were determined between GI and GII concerning the fertility parameters investigated, however numerical and proportional differences were observed. βC levels were significantly higher on day 7 and 14 after treatment in GI which were administered βC additionally to the treatment protocol for ovarian cysts. This statistical difference suggests that administration of βC in combination therapy is also effective in the treatment of ovarian cysts. In conclusion, it was determined that high pregnancy rates were obtained by the combined treatment of ovarian cysts (GnRH + PGF2α) and number of inseminations per conception were at desired limits. Better percentile and numerical fertility parameters were achieved in the group, which additionally received βC, high numbers of infertility cases, βC supplementation could be a viable option for treatment

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Transversalis Fascia Plane Block (TFPB) and Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAPB) on Postoperative Pain in Caesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Study

Objective:Postoperative peripheral trunk blocks are used for multimodal analgesia in caesarean sections. This trial was planned to compare the efficacy of transversalis fascia plane block (TFPB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.Method:In this prospective trial, ASA II-III risk group patients between the ages of 20-50 years who were scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were evaluated. Demographic data, duration of operation, presence of intraoperative and postoperative nausea & vomiting, pruritus, duration of first analgesia requirement, visual analogue scale (VAS) values for 24 hours postoperatively, paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, the total amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used were recorded.Results:Patients were randomized into two groups: TFPB (75, 50%) and TAPB (75, 50%) groups. There was no significant difference in demographic data, comorbidity, ASA classification and operation times between the two groups (p>0.05). When the duration of the first postoperative analgesia requirement was evaluated, it was higher in the TFPB group (p<0.05). The 24-hour pain scores (VAS 6th hour and VAS 12th hour) were lower in the TFPB group (p<0.05). The amounts of paracetamol, diclofenac and total NSAIDs were higher in the TAPB group (p<0.05).Conclusion:USG-guided bilateral TFPB is more effective than TABP for postoperative analgesia in caesarean sections

Splenectomy in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Analysis of 109 cases

Objectives: Splenectomy is performed in order to provide the treatment in the patients with severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, refractory to medical treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the postoperatif and longterm outcomes in the patients who underwent splenectomy with the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.Materials and Methods: Between 2001-2010 at Dicle University Medical Faculty, General Surgery Department, a retrospective review of the 109 patients who had undergone splenectomy for ITP was reviewed. Age, gender, presence of accessory spleens and location, duration of the operation, number of preoperative platelet tranfusion, number of preoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, long-term outcomes, morbidity and mortality were recorded.Results: The mean age was 37.10 ± 16.62 (16-72), and there were 88 (80.7%) female and 21 (19.3%) male patients. The mean operation time was 44.87 ± 10:32 (30-120) minutes. The average postoperative blood and preoperative platelet transfusion were 1.63 ± 0.85 (0-3) and 2.01 ± 0.71 (1-3) units, respectively. The accessory spleens were encountered in 20 (18.3%) patients at the ultrasonographic examination. And also the accessory spleens were encountered in 23 (21.1%) patients during operation and confirmed with histopathologic examination. The most common localization of accessory spleens were splenic hilus. The postoperative complications were occurred in 16 patients (14.7%) and the most complication was atelectasia. The mean length of hospital stay was 4:56 ± 2:45 (2-12) days. Patients were followed for an average of 28 (9-48) months. At the follow-up period, 1 (0.9 %) patient had died.Conclusion: Splenectomy can be performed safely in the treatment of the patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura unresponsive to medical treatment. Long-term good results can be obtained with splenectomy in these patients. The accessory spleens should not be overlooked to prevent recurrences

Quercetin abrogates chemoresistance in melanoma cells by modulating ΔNp73

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The alkylating agent Dacarbazine (DTIC) has been used in the treatment of melanoma for decades, but when used as a monotherapy for cancer only moderate response rates are achieved. Recently, the clinical use of Temozolomide (TMZ) has become the more commonly used analog of DTIC-related oral agents because of its greater bioavailability and ability to cross the blood brain barrier. The response rates achieved by TMZ are also unsatisfactory, so there is great interest in identifying compounds that could be used in combination therapy. We have previously demonstrated that the bioflavonoid quercetin (Qct) promoted a p53-mediated response and sensitized melanoma to DTIC. Here we demonstrate that Qct also sensitizes cells to TMZ and propose a mechanism that involves the modulation of a truncated p53 family member, ΔNp73.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>DB-1 melanoma (p53 wildtype), and SK Mel 28 (p53 mutant) cell lines were treated with TMZ (400 μM) for 48 hrs followed by Qct (75 μM) for 24 hrs. Cell death was determined by Annexin V-FITC staining and immunocytochemical analysis was carried out to determine protein translocation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After treatment with TMZ, DB-1 cells demonstrated increased phosphorylation of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53. However, the cells were resistant to TMZ-induced apoptosis and the resistance was associated with an increase in nuclear localization of ΔNp73. Qct treatment in combination with TMZ abolished drug insensitivity and caused a more than additive induction of apoptosis compared to either treatment alone. Treatment with Qct, caused redistribution of ΔNp73 into the cytoplasm and nucleus, which has been associated with increased p53 transcriptional activity. Knockdown of ΔNp73 restored PARP cleavage in the TMZ treated cells, confirming its anti-apoptotic role. The response to treatment was predominantly p53 mediated as the p53 mutant SK Mel 28 cells showed no significant enhancement of apoptosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrates that Qct can sensitize cells to TMZ and that the mechanisms of sensitization involve modulation of p53 family members.</p

Antifungal Activity of Microbial Secondary Metabolites

Secondary metabolites are well known for their ability to impede other microorganisms. Reanalysis of a screen of natural products using the Caenorhabditis elegans-Candida albicans infection model identified twelve microbial secondary metabolites capable of conferring an increase in survival to infected nematodes. In this screen, the two compound treatments conferring the highest survival rates were members of the epipolythiodioxopiperazine (ETP) family of fungal secondary metabolites, acetylgliotoxin and a derivative of hyalodendrin. The abundance of fungal secondary metabolites indentified in this screen prompted further studies investigating the interaction between opportunistic pathogenic fungi and Aspergillus fumigatus, because of the ability of the fungus to produce a plethora of secondary metabolites, including the well studied ETP gliotoxin. We found that cell-free supernatant of A. fumigatus was able to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans through the production of a secreted product. Comparative studies between a wild-type and an A. fumigatus ΔgliP strain unable to synthesize gliotoxin demonstrate that this secondary metabolite is the major factor responsible for the inhibition. Although toxic to organisms, gliotoxin conferred an increase in survival to C. albicans-infected C. elegans in a dose dependent manner. As A. fumigatus produces gliotoxin in vivo, we propose that in addition to being a virulence factor, gliotoxin may also provide an advantage to A. fumigatus when infecting a host that harbors other opportunistic fungi

Surface-Associated Plasminogen Binding of Cryptococcus neoformans Promotes Extracellular Matrix Invasion

BACKGROUND:The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is a leading cause of illness and death in persons with predisposing factors, including: malignancies, solid organ transplants, and corticosteroid use. C. neoformans is ubiquitous in the environment and enters into the lungs via inhalation, where it can disseminate through the bloodstream and penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in a difficult to treat and often-fatal infection of the brain, called meningoencephalitis. Plasminogen is a highly abundant protein found in the plasma component of blood and is necessary for the degradation of fibrin, collagen, and other structural components of tissues. This fibrinolytic system is utilized by cancer cells during metastasis and several pathogenic species of bacteria have been found to manipulate the host plasminogen system to facilitate invasion of tissues during infection by modifying the activation of this process through the binding of plasminogen at their surface. METHODOLOGY:The invasion of the brain and the central nervous system by penetration of the protective blood-brain barrier is a prerequisite to the establishment of meningoencephalitis by the opportunistic fungal pathogen C. neoformans. In this study, we examined the ability of C. neoformans to subvert the host plasminogen system to facilitate tissue barrier invasion. Through a combination of biochemical, cell biology, and proteomic approaches, we have shown that C. neoformans utilizes the host plasminogen system to cross tissue barriers, providing support for the hypothesis that plasminogen-binding may contribute to the invasion of the blood-brain barrier by penetration of the brain endothelial cells and underlying matrix. In addition, we have identified the cell wall-associated proteins that serve as plasminogen receptors and characterized both the plasminogen-binding and plasmin-activation potential for this significant human pathogen. CONCLUSIONS:The results of this study provide evidence for the cooperative role of multiple virulence determinants in C. neoformans pathogenesis and suggest new avenues for the development of anti-infective agents in the prevention of fungal tissue invasion