Effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation in women with urgency urinary incontinence: a randomized sham-controlled study

Background and Purpose The present study aims to investigate the effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on urinary symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), quality of life (QoL), sexual function, perception of subjective improvement (PSI), and satisfaction in urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Materials and Methods The randomized sham-controlled study design was employed in this study. Women aged 18-65 years, who were diagnosed with UUI, were randomly allocated into the NMES (external NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15) and sham groups (sham NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15). Both groups performed the application for 30 min, three days a week for eight weeks. Urinary symptoms were evaluated by using the International Incontinence Consultation Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a 3-day bladder diary. PFMS was assessed using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), QoL using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and sexual function using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). The PSI and satisfaction were questioned. Results There was a higher level of decrease in the ICIQ-SF score, the mean number of voids/night and UI, all scores related to the KHQ (excluding interpersonal relationships), and a higher level of increase in maximum voiding volume, MOS scores, PISQ-12-emotional, PISQ-12-physical, and PISQ-12-total scores in the NMES group when compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). PSI and satisfaction were at higher levels in the NMES group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). Conclusions External NMES was an effective and complementary method in reducing urinary symptoms and improving PFMS, QoL, sexual function, PSI, and satisfaction level in women with UUI

Predicting mechanical properties in geopolymer mortars, including novel precursor combinations, through XGBoost method

Concrete is the most widely used material in the building industry due to its affordability, durability, and strength. However, considering carbon emissions, it is believed that concrete will be replaced by geopolymers in the future. As numerous parameters significantly affect the strength of geopolymers, the performance of potential algorithms for strength prediction needs to be evaluated for different binders to select an appropriate algorithm. This study employs machine learning approaches to provide the best prediction method for the flexural strength and compressive strength of geopolymers. A new dataset containing 533 compressive strength and 533 flexural strength values of geopolymers with different binders such as waste glass (GW), obsidian (OB), and fly ash was created. The best prediction solution, with R2 = 0.981 for compressive strength and R2 = 0.898 for flexural strength, was obtained from the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. Additionally, several other machine learning models were employed, including linear regression, k-nearest neighbors, deep neural network, and random forest, with corresponding determination coefficient (R2) values of 0.763, 0.804, 0.93, and 0.96, respectively. These models were trained and evaluated using a dataset encompassing features such as binder types, age, and heat, to forecast the mechanical properties of geopolymers. Among these models, XGBoost demonstrated the highest R2 value, indicating superior performance in predicting both compressive and flexural strengths. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the selection of appropriate machine learning algorithms for predicting mechanical properties in geopolymers, thus contributing to advancements in sustainable construction materials

Validade e confiabilidade da versão turca da escala de avaliação do Ambiente de Aprendizagem Clínica, Supervisão e Professor de Enfermagem (CLES+T)

Aim: A methodological type of study was conducted for the purpose of investigating the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) evaluation scale of the clinical learning environment of students, clinical nurses, and educators. Methods: Sample was comprised of 602 Turkish nursing students with clinical practice experience at the hospital. The CLES+T, developed by Saarikoski, was used for data collection. Language equivalency, internal consistency, item-total correlation, and structure validity were conducted within the scope of the validity and reliability study on the CLES +T scale. Results: It was determined that item-total correlations of four items were lower than 0.30, and those items were removed from the scale as a result of item analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.93-0.99; item total point correlations of the scale varied between 0.45 and 0.66; six factors were identified in the CLES+T factor analysis study, with a total variance explained by these six factors of 64%. Conclusion: According to the findings of the research, the CLES+T Turkish version was found to be a valid and reliable scale, which can be used to evaluate satisfaction of nursing students with their clinical education in TurkeyObjetivo: Um estudo do tipo metodológico foi desenvolvido com o propósito de investigar a validade e a confiabilidade da versão turca da escala de avaliação do Ambiente de Aprendizagem Clínica, Supervisão e Professor de Enfermagem (CLES + T) no ambiente de aprendizagem clínica de estudantes, enfermeiros clínicos e educadores. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 602 estudantes de enfermagem turcos com experiência na prática clínica hospitalar. O CLES + T, desenvolvido por Saarikoski, foi utilizado para coleta de dados. Equivalência de linguagem, consistência interna, correlação item-total e validade de estrutura foram avaliados no escopo do estudo de validade e confiabilidade na escala CLES + T. Resultados: As correlações item-total de quatro itens foram inferiores a 0,30, e tais itens foram removidos da escala como resultado da análise de itens. O valor alfa de Cronbach da escala foi de 0,93-0,99; as correlações itemtotal da escala variaram entre 0,45 e 0,66; seis fatores foram identificados na análise fatorial da escala, com uma variância total explicada por esses seis fatores de 64%. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados da pesquisa, a versão turca do escala CLES+T foi considerada válida e confiável, a qual pode ser usada para avaliar a satisfação de estudantes de enfermagem com sua educação clínica na Turquia.Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio de tipo metodológico con el fin de investigar la validez y la fiabilidad de la versión turca de la escala de evaluación del entorno de aprendizaje clínico, la supervisión y la enfermera docente (CLES + T) del entorno clínico de aprendizaje de estudiantes, enfermeras clínicas, y docentes. Métodos: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 602 estudiantes de enfermería turcos con experiencia en práctica clínica en el hospital. Se utilizó el CLES + T, desarrollado por Saarikoski, para la recopilación de datos. Se realizaron la equivalencia idiomática, la consistencia interna, la correlación ítem-total y la validez de la estructura dentro del alcance del estudio de validez y confiabilidad en la escala CLES + T. Resultados: se determinó que las correlaciones ítem-total de cuatro ítems eran inferiores a 0.30, y se eliminaron de la escala como resultado del análisis. El valor alfa de Cronbach de la escala fue 0.93-0.99; las correlaciones de puntos totales de los ítems de la escala variaron entre 0.45 y 0.66; se identificaron seis factores en el estudio de análisis del factor CLES + T, con una varianza total explicada por estos seis factores del 64%. Conclusión: según los resultados de la investigación, se encontró que la versión turca de CLES + T era una escala válida y confiable, que se puede utilizar para evaluar la satisfacción de los estudiantes de enfermería con su educación clínica en Turquí

Muharrem Hilmi Sırrî’nin Dîvân’ında Aşk kavramı

Muharrem Hilmi Sırrî (Kösetürkmen) (1878-1964), Osmanlı Devleti’nin son döneminde yaşamış, tasavvuf ilmine dair birçok eser kaleme almış ve bu alana dönemi itibariyle önemli katkılar sağlamış bir mutasavvıftır. O, sadece tarikat faaliyetleri yürüten bir şeyh değil, aynı zamanda tasavvufi kavramları şiir diliyle açıklayan bir şairdir. Makalemizin konusunu teşkil eden ve tasavvuf literatürünün en temel kavramlardan biri olan “aşk” kavramını Dîvân’ında birçok şiirinde kullanmış ve bu kavramı kendi üslubuyla açıklamıştır. Muharrem Hilmi Efendi, aşk kavramı hakkında yazdığı şiirlerinde aşk ve âşığın sıfatları, maşuk, aşkın fayda ve zararları, aşkın insanı eğiten tarafları ve aşkın tasavvuftaki yeri gibi birçok konuya değinmiştir. Muharrem Hilmi Efendi gibi Dîvân sahibi bir mutasavvıfın aşk kavramı hakkındaki görüşleri üzerine daha önce yapılmış müstakil bir çalışma olmamasından dolayı, bu makalenin ilgili alan ve literatür için önemli olacağı düşünülmektedir. Bu çalışmadaki amacımız Muharrem Hilmi Efendi’nin aşk kavramı ekseninde yazdığı şiirleri akademik bir bakış açısıyla ele almak, bunların tasavvufi anlam ve değeri üzerinde durmak ve bu kavram hakkındaki kişisel görüşünü ortaya koymaktır. Bu bağlamda çalışmamızda ilk olarak aşkın genel bir tarifi ve tanıtımı yapılmış, daha sonra Muharrem Hilmi Efendi’nin konuyla ilgili şiirleri incelenerek kişisel yorumları açıklanmıştır

Assessment of plasma and tissue fibronectin EIIIB splice variant expressions measured serially using RT-PCR in a wound model of rabbits

Background: Fibronectin (FN) is an indispensable part of the extracellular matrix. During regeneration or wound healing, the plasma form of FN is incorporated into the fibrin clots to form a temporary fibrin-FN matrix, and also locally synthesized cellular FN migrates to the clot to regenerate the injured tissue. We aimed to examine wound tissue FN EIIIB and plasma FN EIIIB expression levels in an experimental wound healing model in rabbits. Methods: Plasma and tissue EIIIB splice variant expressions were measured serially with RT-qPCR in a cutaneous wound model of rabbits. Results: Tissue FN expression increased as beginning on day 3 and continued to increase on days 6 and 9, reaching maximum expression at day 12 before starting to decrease. On the contrary to the tissue levels, plasma FN levels gradually decreased until day 15 when expression returned to the initial values. Conclusion: The findings of the current study support that tissue EIIIB expression level increases during wound healing; and plasma EIIIB expression level decreases minimal changed. This is in contrast to reports where plasma FN provisionally helps ECM formation. Therefore, our data show an essential role of EIIIB at the tissue level in accelerating the wound healing process. The RT-qPCR method in our experimental setup can provide more accurate and precise results compared to the antibody-based methods

GE Interaction and Stability Analysis in Some Basma Type Oriental Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Lines

Turkey has long been the leader in oriental tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) production in the world. Standard cultivars are needed to increase the yield and quality of tobacco production. This study aimed to determine the most stable cultivar candidates by evaluating the performances of tobacco genotypes grown in different environmental conditions. Field trials were carried out in Bafra district of Samsun Province, the district with most tobacco production in Mid-Black Sea Region, and Evciler, Karayaka and Gümüşhacıköy where the Basma type oriental tobaccos areproduced. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with three replications in 2017. The study material consisted of 21 lines selected by morphological characteristics and identified by DNA fingerprinting analysis and four standard cultivars/lines. Chemical analyses were carried out using the HPLC method. The stability of genotypes was determined by regression coefficient (bi), regression constant (a), determination coefficient (r2), coefficient of variation (CV) and deviation from regression (S2d) parameters using the leaf yield, quality grade index, nicotine and sugar content values. The ERB-6, ERB-7, ERB-11, ERB-13, ERB-16, ERB-18, ERB-21 and ERB-30 lines were considered the prominent candidates based on the stability parameters and other traits investigated. Therefore, future studies should be continued using the aforementioned lines. In conclusion, much more detailed studies are needed on hopeful cultivar candidates determined as stable for production areas of the Basma type oriental tobacco

Orta yaş sedanter kadınlarda sekiz haftalık step-aerobik egzersizinin bazı fiziksel uygunluk parametrelerine etkilerinin değerlendirilmesi

This study was conducted to evaluation of the effect of eight-week step-aerobic exercise program on some fitness parameters at middle-aged sedentary women. Subjects consist of 15 voluntary-healthy sedentary women mean aged 39,33&plusmn;4,67 years. A step-aerobic program of three times a week, each of which lasted 45-55 minutes, was performed by the subjects throughout eight week. The intensity of the exercise was determined a 50-60% of maximum heart rate. Body weights, body mass index, heart rate during rest, heart rate after a five-minute treadmill, flexibilities, anaerobic power, aerobic capacities, back-leg strengths, right-left hand grip strengths, body fat rates, systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the subjects were measured before and after the exercise program. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out with Paired t-test. At the end of the study, a significant decrease was determined in the heart rate during rest, and after a five-minute treadmill, body fat rates and systolic blood pressures of the subjects. A significant increase was determined in the flexibility, anaerobic power, aerobic capacities, leg strengths right and left hand grip strengths of the subjects.Consequently, it was found out that an exercise which is done properly and throughout a long period has positive effects on fitness parameters of middle aged femalesOrta yaş sedanter bayanlara 8 haftalık step-aerobik egzersiz programının bazı fiziksel uygunluk parametrelerine etkisini incelemek amacı ile yapılan &ccedil;alışmaya yaş ortalamaları 39,33&plusmn;4,67 yıl olan sağlıklı 15 bayan, g&ouml;n&uuml;ll&uuml; olarak katılmıştır. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Araştırma grubuna haftada 3 g&uuml;n 45&ndash;55 dakika s&uuml;reli, %50&ndash;60 şiddetinde step-aerobik egzersiz programı uygulandı. Katılımcıların, egzersiz programı &ouml;ncesi ve sonrası, v&uuml;cut ağırlıkları, v&uuml;cut kitle indeksleri, istirahat durumundaki nabızları, beş dakika y&uuml;r&uuml;y&uuml;ş bandı sonrası nabızları, esneklikleri, anaerobik g&uuml;&ccedil;leri, aerobik kapasiteleri, sırt-bacak kuvvetleri, el kavrama kuvvetleri, v&uuml;cut yağ y&uuml;zdeleri, sistolik ve diastolik kan basın&ccedil;ları &ouml;l&ccedil;&uuml;ld&uuml;. Verilerin istatistiksel analizi paired t-testi ile yapıldı. &Ccedil;alışma sonunda araştırma grubunun istirahat durumundaki nabızları, beş dakika y&uuml;r&uuml;y&uuml;ş bandı sonrası nabızları, v&uuml;cut yağ y&uuml;zdeleri, sistolik kan basın&ccedil;ları değerlerinde anlamlı bir azalma tespit edilirken esneklik, anaerobik g&uuml;&ccedil;, aerobik kapasite, bacak kuvveti, sağ ve sol kavrama kuvveti değerlerinde anlamlı bir artış, tespit edilmiştir. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sonu&ccedil; olarak d&uuml;zenli ve uzun s&uuml;reli yapılan step-aerobik egzersizin orta yaş sedanter bayanlarda fiziksel uygunluk parametrelerine pozitif etkileri olduğu tespit edilmiştir

Effect of the ‘‘Search AV’’ feature on left ventricular longitudinal deformation and ProBNP levels in patients with implanted dualchamber pacemakers

Introduction: Dual-chamber pacemaker implantation in patients with high grade AV block is a lifesaving intervention. Unfortunately, one of the most important drawbacks is its ventricular stimulation and the resultant LV systolic dysfunction due to left bundle brunch block. In recent years, in order to avoid these drawbacks and to potentialize patients’ own intrinsic conduction, novel algorithms have been developed by multiple pacemaker manufacturers. ‘‘Search AV’’ is one of the algorithms.1-3 This study’s objective is to evaluate whether LV longitudinal deformation (assessed with automated function imaging-AFI) will improve after engagement of the Search AV function. Secondary objective was comparison of serum ProBNP values levels. Patients and Methods: It is a cross-over design study where patients remained on solely pacemaker stimulation for the first 30 days. During the second month, Search AV was engaged, and the abovementioned parameters were evaluated. At zero-point, basic pacemaker and echocardiographic parameter were measured. After 30 days, patients are switched to the “Search AV” group. After 4 weeks, the second time battery control, Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) based AFI with LV longitudinal strain analysis was performed and ProBNP were measured. Echopac were analyzed with the program again. Results: In subgroup analysis, when the cut off value for RV pacing rate was considered to be %40, in the group of ventricular pacing rate %40 and below, the decrement of ProBNP was found to be more significant by comparing %40 and higher pacing rate group (p=0.001). The decrement of AFI values at the end of the 2nd month were not statistically significant (p=0.189). However, when the cut off value for RV pacing rate was considered to be %30 the AFI value which demonstrates the improvement of LV function showed significant increasement (p=0.031) likewise statistically significant decrement of ProBNP values (p=0.027). Conclusion: Search AV is one these algorithms which reduces ventricular artificial stimulation with compromising patients’ lifes. When adjusting these algorithms, target the RV pacing rate should be below % 30, not % 40 as mentioned in the previously published papers. Indeed, further long-term prospective studies with homogenous patients are needed to prove this argument

Mechanical and radiation attenuation properties of conventional and heavy concrete with diverse aggregate and water/cement ratios

Ovim istraživanjem predstavljaju se rezultati sveobuhvatnog laboratorijskog rada kojemu je cilj ispitati mehanička svojstva i svojstva smanjenja zračenja teških betona u kojima se kao agregat koristio pirit, krom i magnetit te betona normalne težine koji su se proizveli s tri različita vodocementna omjera (v/c = 0,4/0,5/0,6). U laboratoriju su provedena ispitivanja tlačne čvrstoće, brzine prolaska ultrazvuka, eksperimentalni modul elastičnosti te koeficijenta prigušenja mase tih betona. Na temelju provedenih ispitivanja utvrđeno je da betoni normalne težine i teški betoni imaju slično ponašanje u smislu tlačne čvrstoće i modula elastičnosti. U slučaju teških betona (njihovi v/c omjeri povećani su uslijed konstantne količine vode te smanjene količine cementa), gustoća se povećava zbog povećanja količine agregata veće gustoće u odnosu na cement u sastavu betona. To je razlog zašto teški betoni koji su proizvedeni s većim v/c omjerom te koji su manje čvrstoće mogu apsorbirati više rendgenskih zraka. Koeficijenti prigušenja mase konvergiraju pri visokim energetskim razinama kod teških i normalnih betona različitih gustoća.This paper presents the results of comprehensive laboratory work conducted for investigating the mechanical and radiation attenuation characteristics of heavyweight concrete produced with pyrite, chromium, and magnetite aggregates and normal weight concretes produced with three different water/ cement (w/c) ratios. Various experiments were conducted to determine the compressive strengths, ultrasound transmission velocities, experimental elasticity modules, and mass attenuation coefficients of these concretes. Heavy and normal weight concretes exhibited similar behaviour in terms of compressive strength and elasticity modules. In heavyweight concretes, with increased w/c ratios (by keeping the amount of water constant and decreasing the amount of cement), the corresponding density increased due to the increase in the amount of high-density aggregates rather than cement in the composition of concrete. Thus, heavyweight concretes produced with a high w/c ratio and low strength can absorb more X-rays. Mass attenuation coefficients converge in heavy and normal weight concretes with different densities at high energy levels