Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species

To enrich spatio-temporal information on the distribution of alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, a collective effort by 173 marine scientists was made to provide unpublished records and make them open access to the scientific community. Through this effort, we collected and harmonized a dataset of 12,649 records. It includes 247 taxa, of which 217 are Animalia, 25 Plantae and 5 Chromista, from 23 countries surrounding the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Chordata was the most abundant taxonomic group, followed by Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Annelida. In terms of species records, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, Saurida lessepsianus, Pterois miles, Upeneus moluccensis, Charybdis (Archias) longicollis, and Caulerpa cylindracea were the most numerous. The temporal distribution of the records ranges from 1973 to 2022, with 44% of the records in 2020–2021. Lethrinus borbonicus is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, while Pomatoschistus quagga, Caulerpa cylindracea, Grateloupia turuturu, and Misophria pallida are first records for the Black Sea; Kapraunia schneideri is recorded for the second time in the Mediterranean and for the first time in Israel; Prionospio depauperata and Pseudonereis anomala are reported for the first time from the Sea of Marmara. Many first country records are also included, namely: Amathia verticillata (Montenegro), Ampithoe valida (Italy), Antithamnion amphigeneum (Greece), Clavelina oblonga (Tunisia and Slovenia), Dendostrea cf. folium (Syria), Epinephelus fasciatus (Tunisia), Ganonema farinosum (Montenegro), Macrorhynchia philippina (Tunisia), Marenzelleria neglecta (Romania), Paratapes textilis (Tunisia), and Botrylloides diegensis (Tunisia).peer-reviewe

SOME DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF ALKALI ACTIVATED MATERIALS (AAM) PRODUCED WITH CERAMIC POWDER AND MICRO CALCITE

This study aims to produce alkali-activated materials (AAM) under different curing conditions using a ceramic powder (CP) instead of a blast furnace slag (BFS) and a micro calcite (McK) instead of a calcareous aggregate. The water/binder (W/B) ratios of the AAMs range from 0.30-0.42 and the sodium silicate (SS) ratios range from 15%-60%. They were subjected to curing process in 80 °C water and in an oven, in the air, and with a chemical curing method. Consequently, it was observed that an increase in the ratios of SS and W/B and using 25% McK with a spherical structure, increased the workability. An increase in the CP and McK usage ratios reduced the 28-day compressive strengths. Using the CP while designing the AAMs, which were exposed to sodium sulfate and sulfuric acid, reduced the losses in strength. Also, an increase in the CP ratio has a positive influence on the AAM as it increases the high-temperature endurance of the mortars. For conventional concrete, permeability in freeze-thaw resistance is an important factor for AAMs. Hence, using McK in AAMs increases the freeze-thaw resistance. Consequently, it was observed that using a CP up to 40% influences the AAM positively

Design of orthopedic support material containing diclofenac sodium microparticles: preparation and characterization of microparticles and application to orthopedic support material

WOS: 000319221300004The aim of this study is preparation and characterization of diclofenac sodium microparticles and their application to the orthopedic support materials. The microparticles were obtained using spray drying method involving ethyl cellulose as shell material. The morphology, particle size, drug loading capacity and in vitro release characteristics of the drug microparticles were optimized for impregnation diclofenac sodium microparticles onto the orthopedic support materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the drug microparticles and the treated fabrics with microparticles. SEM images illustrated that the microparticles were spherical in shape and also fixed onto the orthopedic support materials. Furthermore, the resistance of materials containing microparticles to washing were also investigated. Finally, in vitro drug release studies of microparticles and textile impregnated with microparticles were done. This study suggested that textile systems containing diclofenac sodium microparticles could have a potential for long-term therapy for rheumatic disorders.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [109M272]; Scientific Research Department of Dokuz Eylul UniversityDokuz Eylul University [2009.KB.FEN.019]; TUBITAKTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK); Scientific Research Department of Dokuz Eylul UniversityDokuz Eylul UniversityThis work was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK; Project Number 109M272) and the Scientific Research Department of Dokuz Eylul University (Project No: 2009.KB.FEN.019). We are grateful to the financial support from TUBITAK and the Scientific Research Department of Dokuz Eylul University

Preparation of naproxen-ethyl cellulose microparticles by spray-drying technique and their application to textile materials

WOS: 000343927700005PubMed ID: 24861324The objective of this study is to develop a new textile-based drug delivery system containing naproxen (NAP) microparticles and to evaluate the potential of the system as the carrier of NAP for topical delivery. Microparticles were prepared by spray-drying using an aqueous ethyl cellulose dispersion. The drug content and entrapment efficiency, particle size and distribution, particle morphology and in vitro drug release characteristics of microparticles were optimized for the application of microparticles onto the textile fabrics. Microparticles had spherical shape in the range of 10-15 mu m and a narrow particle size distribution. NAP encapsulated in microparticles was in the amorphous or partially crystalline nature. Microparticles were tightly fixed onto the textile fabrics. In vitro drug release exhibited biphasic release profile with an initial burst followed by a very slow release. Skin permeation profiles were observed to follow near zero-order release kinetics.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [109M272]This work has been supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) in frame of the Project Number 109M272

Prespecialist perceptions of three-dimensional heart models in anatomical education

Purpose: This article aims to discuss the use of three-dimensional (3D) printed models of vascular variation cases as an educational tool for undergraduate and postgraduate anatomy students. Methods: This advanced study involved ten anatomy assistants who were provided with five distinct cases of congenital cardiovascular variations, each accompanied by a computed tomography angiography (CT-A) and 1:1 solid model format. The residents were asked to generate perceptions for both formats and then compare these perceptions based on identifying the variation, defining the structural features, and evaluating relevant educational perspectives. Results: The vascular origin measurement values compared to the statistically evaluated real values of the related cases showed that models were 1:1 identical copies. Qualitative assessment feedback from five stations supported the usefulness of 3D models as educational tools for organ anatomy, simulation of variational structures, and overall medical education and anatomy training. Models showcasing different anatomical variations such as aortic arch with Type 2 pattern, a right-sided aortic arch with Type 2 pattern, an aberrant right subclavian artery, arteria lusoria in thorax, and a left coronary artery originating from pulmonary trunk in an Alcapa type pattern allow for better analysis due to their complex anatomies, thus optimizing the study of variation-specific anatomy. The perception level in the 3D model contained higher points in all of the nine parameters, namely identification of cardiovascular variations, defining the vessel with anomaly, aortic arch branch count and appearance order, feasibility of using it in peers and student education. 3D models received a score 9.1 points, while CT-A images were rated at 4.8 out of 10. Conclusion: 3D printed anatomical models of variational cardiovascular anatomy serve as essential components of anatomy training and postgraduate clinical perception by granting demonstrative feedback and a superior comprehension of the visuospatial relationship between the anatomical structures

Volumetric decrease of pancreas after abdominal irradiation, it is time to consider pancreas as an organ at risk for radiotherapy planning

Abstract Background Volumetric shrinkage of normal tissues such as salivary glands, kidneys, hippocampus are observed after radiotherapy. We aimed to assess the alterations in pancreatic volume of patients who received abdominal radiotherapy and define pancreas as an organ at risk for radiation treatment planning. Material-methods Forty-nine patients operated for gastric adenocarcinoma who received adjuvant abdominal radiotherapy were in the study group, 27 patients with early stage disease who did not need adjuvant treatment after surgery comprised the control group. An experienced radiologist contoured the pancreas of all the patients from computed tomographies imported to the planning system obtained either for radiation planning purpose or for follow-up after surgery. The same procedure was repeated one year later for both groups. Measured volume of the pancreas was expressed in cm3. Results Mean pancreatic volumes were similar in both groups at the onset of the study, 51,34 ± 20,33 cm3, and 50,12 ± 23,75 cm3 in the irradiated and the control groups respectively (p = 0,63). One year later, mean pancreatic volumes were significantly decreased in each group; 22,48 ± 10,53 cm3, 44,18 ± 23,08 cm3 respectively, p < 0,001. However, the decrease in pancreatic volume was significantly more pronounced in the irradiated group in comparison to the control group, p < 0,001. Conclusion Volumetric decrease in normal tissues after radiotherapy is responsible for loss of organ function and radiation related late side effects. Although pancreas is a radiation sensitive organ losing its volume and function after radiation exposure, it is not yet considered as an organ at risk for radiation treatment planning. Pancreas should be contoured as an organ at risk, dose-volume histogram for the organ should be created, and safe organ doses should be determined. This is the first study declaring pancreas as an organ at risk for radiation toxicity and the necessity of defining dose constraints for the organ

Osteoporosis development and vertebral fractures after abdominal irradiation in patients with gastric cancer

Abstract Background Decrease in bone mineral density, osteoporosis development, bone toxicity and resulting insufficiency fractures as late effect of radiotherapy are not well known. Osteoporosis development related to radiotherapy has not been investigated properly and insufficiency fractures are rarely reported for vertebral bones. Methods Ninety-seven patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were evaluated for adjuvant treatment after surgery. While 73 out of 97 patients treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy comprised the study group, 24 out of 97 patients with early stage disease without need of adjuvant treatment comprised the control group. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of lumbar spine and femoral neck were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry after surgery, and one year later in both groups. Results There was statistically significant decline in BMDs after one year in each group itself, however the decline in BMDs of the patients in the irradiated group was more pronounced when compared with the patients in the control group; p values were 0.02 for the decline in BMDs of lumbar spine, and 0.01 for femoral neck respectively. Insufficiency fractures were observed only in the irradiated patients (7 out of 73 patients) with a cumulative incidence of 9.6%. Conclusions Abdominal irradiation as in the adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer results in decrease in BMD and osteoporosis. Insufficiency fracture risk in the radiation exposed vertabral bones is increased. Calcium and vitamin D replacement and other measures for prevention of osteoporosis and insufficiency fractures should be considered after abdominal irradiation

PET/CT Positivity Has Lower Survival in Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

65th Annual Meeting of the American-Association-for-the-Study-of-Liver-Diseases -- NOV 07-11, 2014 -- Boston, MAWOS: 000344483802145…Amer Assoc Study Liver Di

Using Spraying as an Alternative Method for Transferring Capsules Containing Shea Butter to Denim and Non-Denim Fabrics

The aim of this study was to prepare microcapsules and transfer them to denim and non-denim trousers using different application methods. For this purpose, shea butter as active agent was encapsulated in an ethyl cellulose shell using the spray dryer method, and capsule optimisation was studied. A morphological assessment showed that the capsules had a smooth surface and were spherical in shape. The homogenous size distribution of the capsules was supported by laser diffraction analysis. The capsules showed a narrow size distribution, and the mean particle size of optimum formulations of shea butter was 390 nm. Denim fabrics were treated with shea butter capsules using the methods of exhaustion and spraying in order to compare these application methods. The presence of capsules on the fabrics was tested after five wash cycles. The comparison of application methods found similar preferred characteristics for both the exhaustion and spraying methods. However, the spraying method was found to be more sustainable, because it allows working with low liquor ratios in less water, with lower chemical consumption and less waste than the exhaustion method, which requires working with a high liquor ratio. This study showed that the spraying method can be used as an alternative to other application methods in the market for reducing energy consumption, and shea butter capsules can provide moisturising properties to the fabrics.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [1501 TEYDEB -3180260]This study is supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), 1501 TEYDEB -3180260 project number