Argumentation and Formal Reasoning Skillsin an Argumentation-Based Guided Inquiry Course

AbstractThe development of argumentation skills and scientific reasoning abilities is examined in an introductory inquiry-based physics class. The role of competing theories teaching strategy in fostering the acquisition of argumentation and formal reasoning skills is investigated. A repeated measures MANOVA analysis shows that argumentation skills improve during instruction which includes student exercises with competing theories strategie

Does COVID-19 cause or worsen LUT dysfunction, what are the mechanisms and possible treatments? ICI-RS 2023

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and produced a worldwide pandemic in 2020. There have been 770,875,433 confirmed cases and 6,959,316 attributed deaths worldwide until September 19, 2023. The virus can also affect the lower urinary tract (LUT) leading to bladder inflammation and producing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in both the acute and chronic phases of disease. Methods: At the 2023 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS), the literature relating to COVID-19 and bladder dysfunction was reviewed. The LUTSreported, as well as the pathophysiology of these bladder symptoms, were the subject of considerable discussion. A number of different topics were discussed including lower LUTS reported in COVID-19, how SARS-CoV-2 may infect and affect the urinary tract, and proposed mechanisms for how viral infection result in new, worsened, and in some persisting LUTS. Conclusions: The workshop discussed the interaction between the virus and the immune system, covering current evidence supporting theories underlying the causes of acute and chronic LUTS related to COVID-19 infection. Research questions for further investigation were suggested and identified

The Effect of Phospholipids (Surfactant) on Adhesion and Biomechanical Properties of Tendon: A Rat Achilles Tendon Repair Model

Adhesion of the tendon is a major challenge for the orthopedic surgeon during tendon repair. Manipulation of biological environment is one of the concepts to prevent adhesion. Lots of biochemicals have been studied for this purpose. We aimed to determine the effect of phospholipids on adhesion and biomechanical properties of tendon in an animal tendon repair model. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Achilles tendons of rats were cut and repaired. Phospholipids were applied at two different dosages. Tendon adhesion was determined histopathologically and biomechanical test was performed. At macroscopic evaluation of adhesion, there are statistically significant differences between multiple-dose phospholipid injection group and Control group and also hyaluronic acid group and Control group ( < 0.008). At microscopic evaluation of adhesion, there was no statistically significant difference ( > 0.008). Ultimate strength was highest at hyaluronic acid injection group and lowest at multiple-dose phospholipid injection group. Single-dose phospholipids (surfactant) application may have a beneficial effect on the tendon adhesion. Although multiple applications of phospholipids seem the most effective regime to reduce the tendon adhesion among groups, it deteriorated the biomechanical properties of tendon

Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis: Presenting with Intermittent Scrotal Pain and Hydrocele

Paratesticular mesotheliomas are very rare tumors. In this paper, we present the management of a 38-year-old male patient with paratesticular malignant mesothelioma who was initially misdiagnosed and treated as recurrent epididymitis. After the final pathology report defining paratesticular mesothelioma during scrotal exploration, he underwent radical orchiectomy and hemiscrotal excision as a complementary, secondary procedure. His metastatic workup did not show any dissemination. Therefore, he did not receive any adjuvant treatment and remained disease-free for more than 2 years

ICS educational module: The practice of uroflowmetry in adults

Aim: To present the body of evidence behind the International Continence Society (ICS) educational module on “Practice of uroflowmetry in adults” which consists of a PowerPoint® presentation. Methods: This evidence review has been prepared by a working group instituted by the ICS Urodynamics Committee. The method used included systematic literature review, consensus formation by the members of the Working Group, and review by members of the ICS Urodynamics Committee core panel. Results: A total of 104 articles were included in this systematic review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Evidence analysis was conducted along the following themes: physiology of voiding, pathophysiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction, technique of uroflowmetry, quality check of the uroflowmetry test, interpretation and reporting of uroflowmetry findings. Conclusions: Uroflowmetry is the most commonly utilized diagnostic test in the evaluation of adults presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. The practice of uroflowmetry exhibits variations which might lead to inconclusive or inaccurate assessments. The ICS educational module on the Practice of Uroflowmetry in Adults provides up-to-date and evidence-based guidance in an effort to establish standards in the technique, interpretation, and reporting of uroflowmetry

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Hyperprolactinemia in Children and Adolescents: National Survey

Conclusion: We present the largest cohort of children and adolescents with hyperprolactinemia in the literature to date. Hyperprolactinemia is more common in females and cabergoline is highly effective and practical to use in adolescents, due to its biweekly dosing. Indications for surgery in pediatric cases need to be revised

UNDERSTANDING CELLULAR INNOVATION AND COMPLEXITY WITH A NETWORK PERSPECTIVE

Biological systems are composed of numerous interconnected elements that form intricate networks, facilitating the proper functioning of living organisms. By examining these networks, we can uncover the mechanisms through which genotypes give rise to diverse phenotypes. As these networks evolve, new genes and proteins emerge, while existing ones are repurposed, duplicated, or lost, leading to the continuous reshaping of genotype-phenotype landscapes. While certain properties of genetic networks remain conserved across species, the integration of clade- or species-specific genes is critical for understanding unique phenotypes and adaptations to diverse environments and stressors. Furthermore, thousands of noncanonical open reading frames (nORFs), which have been omitted from genome annotations have been shown to be transcribed and translated, potentially impacting cellular network structures and phenotypes. However, nORFs have been less studied compared to canonical ORFs, leaving a significant knowledge gap in our understanding of their biological roles. In this dissertation, we first delve deeper into the complex relationships and conserved properties of genetic interaction profile similarity networks, which represent functional similarities based on gene deletion phenotypes in similar biological backgrounds. We pinpoint modules that are vital for information transfer and the indirect relationships between these modules, demonstrating a preserved hierarchical structure of cellular networks enabling efficient signal propagation. Next, to study the transcription of nORFs, we construct an extended coexpression network in yeast and investigate the mechanisms by which nORFs get integrated into coexpression networks, as well as the genomic context influencing their emergence and cellular functions. Finally, we investigate a specific evolutionarily novel ORF, YBR196C-A, dissecting its transcriptional and structural evolution to study YBR196C-A’s potential cellular roles. This thorough examination illuminates the ORF’s origin, its transcriptional regulation, and the folding process resulting in stable tertiary structures, while also providing insights into its possible roles within cellular membranes. Our findings significantly enhance our understanding of communication within cellular networks, the incorporation of new genetic components into these networks, and the interplay between gene transcription, protein folding, and cellular functionality. This knowledge offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of adaptation and evolution, laying the foundation for future research in evolutionary systems biology

Examination of Gender Differences on Cognitive and Motivational Factors that Influence 8th Graders' Science Achievement in Turkey

WOS: 000366174600008We examined the influence of several students' cognitive and motivational factors on 8th graders' science achievement and also gender differences on factors that significantly contribute to the science achievement model. A total of 99 girls and 83 boys responded all the instruments used in this study. Results showed that girls outperformed boys on science achievement. Furthermore, regression analyses showed a model including initial conceptual knowledge, scientific reasoning, and utility value of science as independent variables best predicted science achievement. Results also showed girls and boys did not differ on initial conceptual knowledge and scientific reasoning but on utility value of science. Implications for science education were discussed according to the findings.Kocaeli University Scientific Research Projects DepartmentKocaeli University [HDP2014/09]This research was supported by Kocaeli University Scientific Research Projects Department under research project number # HDP2014/09

Laparoscopic Resection of Cholecystocolic Fistula and Subtotal Cholecystectomy by Tri-Staple in a Type V Mirizzi Syndrome

The Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is an impacted stone in the cystic duct or Hartmann’s pouch that mechanically obstructs the common bile duct (CBD). We would like to report laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (SC) and resection of cholecystocolic fistula by the help of Tri-Staple™ in a case with type V MS and cholecystocolic fistula, for first time in the literature. A 24-year-old man was admitted to emergency department with the complaint of abdominal pain, intermittent fever, jaundice, and diarrhea. Two months ago with the same complaint, ERCP was performed. Laparoscopic resection of cholecystocolic fistula and subtotal cholecystectomy were performed by the help of Tri-Staple. At the eight-month follow-up, he was symptom-free with normal liver function tests. In a patient with type V MS and cholecystocolic fistula, laparoscopic resection of cholecystocolic fistula and SC can be performed by using Tri-Staple safely

Laparoscopic Resection of Cholecystocolic Fistula and Subtotal Cholecystectomy by Tri-Staple in a Type V Mirizzi Syndrome

The Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is an impacted stone in the cystic duct or Hartmann’s pouch that mechanically obstructs the common bile duct (CBD). We would like to report laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (SC) and resection of cholecystocolic fistula by the help of Tri-Staple™ in a case with type V MS and cholecystocolic fistula, for first time in the literature. A 24-year-old man was admitted to emergency department with the complaint of abdominal pain, intermittent fever, jaundice, and diarrhea. Two months ago with the same complaint, ERCP was performed. Laparoscopic resection of cholecystocolic fistula and subtotal cholecystectomy were performed by the help of Tri-Staple. At the eight-month follow-up, he was symptom-free with normal liver function tests. In a patient with type V MS and cholecystocolic fistula, laparoscopic resection of cholecystocolic fistula and SC can be performed by using Tri-Staple safely