In-situ measurements of the optical absorption of dioxythiophene-based conjugated polymers

Conjugated polymers can be reversibly doped by electrochemical means. This doping introduces new sub-bandgap optical absorption bands in the polymer while decreasing the bandgap absorption. To study this behavior, we have prepared an electrochemical cell allowing measurements of the optical properties of the polymer. The cell consists of a thin polymer film deposited on gold-coated Mylar behind which is another polymer that serves as a counterelectrode. An infrared transparent window protects the upper polymer from ambient air. By adding a gel electrolyte and making electrical connections to the polymer-on-gold films, one may study electrochromism in a wide spectral range. As the cell voltage (the potential difference between the two electrodes) changes, the doping level of the conjugated polymer films is changed reversibly. Our experiments address electrochromism in poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxy-thiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(3,4-dimethyl-propylene-dioxy-thiophene) (PProDOT-Me$_2$). This closed electrochemical cell allows the study of the doping induced sub-bandgap features (polaronic and bipolaronic modes) in these easily oxidized and highly redox switchable polymers. We also study the changes in cell spectra as a function of polymer thickness and investigate strategies to obtain cleaner spectra, minimizing the contributions of water and gel electrolyte features

Electrochemical impedance analysis of a PEDOT : PSS-based textile energy storage device

A textile-based energy storage device with electroactive PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate)) polymer functioning as a solid-state polyelectrolyte has been developed. The device was fabricated on textile fabric with two plies of stainless-steel electroconductive yarn as the electrodes. In this study, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance analysis were used to investigate ionic and electronic activities in the bulk of PEDOT:PSS and at its interfaces with stainless steel yarn electrodes. The complex behavior of ionic and electronic origins was observed in the interfacial region between the conductive polymer and the electrodes. The migration and diffusion of the ions involved were confirmed by the presence of the Warburg element with a phase shift of 45° (n = 0.5). Two different equivalent circuit models were found by simulating the model with the experimental results: (QR)(QR)(QR) for uncharged and (QR)(QR)(Q(RW)) for charged samples. The analyses also showed that the further the distance between electrodes, the lower the capacitance of the cell. The distribution of polymer on the cell surface also played important role to change the capacitance of the device. The results of this work may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism and how to improve the performance of the device

Risk factors for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis recurrence after patient-tailored treatment: Do we need an escalating treatment algorithm?

Objective: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, relapsing, benign inflammatory breast disease. Due to the conflicting etiology and differential diagnosis, the effect of varied treatment regimens on high recurrence is controversial. Therefore, we aimed to report our clinical experience in determining risk factors for recurrence after patient-tailored treatment. Methods: This study evaluated 122 patients diagnosed with IGM according to sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, clinical presentation, time of diagnosis and radiological examinations, treatment management, and outcomes. The patients were classified into three groups based on curative treatment settings: medical therapy alone, surgery alone, and combined therapy. Results: The rates of patients receiving medical therapy alone, surgical therapy alone, and combined therapy were 23, 15.6, and 62.4%, respectively. Low vitamin B-12 levels, accompanying rheumatological disease, complaints-fistulae, number of complaints >= 3, presence of erythema nodosum, multicentricity, and treatment modality had a significant effect on disease recurrence (p = 3 complaints, 2 times greater for the presence of multicentricity, 2.3 times greater for the presence of erythema nodosum, and 4.5 times greater for the patients receiving medical therapy alone. Conclusion: Describing a low-risk patient profile can be an alternative while choosing monotherapy methods. For IGM patients at high risk of recurrence, an escalating treatment system may be effective in preventing relapses

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition is associated with rapamycin resistance

Rapamycin analogues have antitumor efficacy in several tumor types, however few patients demonstrate tumor regression. Thus, there is a pressing need for markers of intrinsic response/resistance and rational combination therapies. We hypothesized that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers rapamycin resistance. We found that the epithelial marker E-cadherin protein is higher in rapamycin sensitive (RS) cells and mesenchymal breast cancer cell lines selected by transcriptional EMT signatures are less sensitive to rapamycin. MCF7 cells, transfected with constitutively active mutant Snail, had increased rapamycin resistance (RR) compared to cells transfected with wild-type Snail. Conversely, we transfected two RR mesenchymal cell lines—ACHN and MDA-MB-231—with miR-200b/c or ZEB1 siRNA to promote mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. This induced E-cadherin expression in both cell lines, and ACHN demonstrated a significant increase in RS. Treatment of ACHN and MDA-MB-231 with trametinib modulated EMT in ACHN cells in vitro. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 and ACHN xenografts with trametinib in combination with rapamycin resulted in significant growth inhibition in both but without an apparent effect on EMT. Future studies are needed to determine whether EMT status is predictive of sensitivity to rapalogs and to determine whether combination therapy with EMT modulating agents can enhance antitumor effects of PI3K/mTOR inhibitors

Anesthesia Management in Total Hip Replacement

Hip fracture is usually seen in advanced age. Due to the presence of metastases in elderly patients, the density of bones decreases, and the possibility of fracture increases. Cytokines, released from osteoclasts resulting in post-bony destruction, cause pain by activating pain receptors; hence, pain-related motion restriction may occur. Bone marrow suppression and medulla spinalis pressure may be seen in metastatic bone tumors. Three major complications can be observed in hip fracture operations: (1) perioperative bleeding, (2) bone cementum implantation syndrome and (3) thromboembolism. These indicate superiority of general anesthesia: 1 –controlled respiration. 2 –Invasive interventions to be performed during shock treatment can be made more easily and smoothly. 3 – The safest way to ensure that patients remain immobilized on the operating table. 4 – Hemodynamic parameters can be better controlled. Regional anesthesia has benefits such as allowing early mobilization and postoperative pain control and few complications such as hypoxia, deep vein thrombosis and consciousness blurring. Various regional anesthesia methods such as spinal, epidural, combined spinal-epidural and peripheral nerve blocks are applied. The knowledge and experience of the anesthetist, the general condition and the mental state of the patient, the skill of the surgeon and the type of surgery determine the type of the anesthesia

Biofilm forming capacity and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. with the icaA/icaD/bap genotype isolated from ocular surface of patients with diabetes

IntroductionBacterial biofilm is an exopolysaccharide matrix that is produced by bacteria while they adhere on abiotic or biotic surfaces. The bacteria living in this matrix are more resistant to antibiotics than planctonic bacteria. The biofilm formation property of the bacteria is determined by genes; and this is related to virulence of the microorganism. In ophthalmology, biofilms form especially on abiotic surfaces such as silicon tubes, contact lenses, intraocular lenses etc. AimOur aim was to investigate genotypic and phenotypic structures of biofilms that are produced by Staphylococcus spp., which was obtained from the eyes of diabetic patients and determine the effect on antibiotic susceptibility.MethodsThe study group was comprised with 83 isolates from diabetic patients and 21 isolates from non-diabetic patients. Presumptive isolates were detected and confirmed by a microbial identification system VITEK II. Automated EcoRI Ribotyping was performed. Biofilm production was detected by Congo Red Agar Plate and Microtiter Plate Assay. Disc diffusion method was used for determination of antibiotic susceptibility of isolates. ResultsOut of the 83 isolates from diabetic patients, 25 were weakly (30%), 20 were moderately (24%), and 25 were strongly (30%) biofilm positive. Seven isolates of S. aureus, 11 isolates of S.epidermidis, 2 isolates of S. warneri, 3 isolates of S.hominis, and 2 isolates of S.lugdunensis were identified as strong biofilm producers. Out of the 83 Staphylococcus isolates, 37 were cefuroxime, 18 ciprofloxacin, 11 vancomycin, 12 gatifloxacin, and 18 moxifloxacin resistant. In total, 37 strains were resistant to three or more antibiotics. There was a statistically significant relation between biofilm formation and multidrug resistance (against three or more antibiotics,p<0.001). In nondiabetic patients, 15(71%) isolates were non adherent or weakly adherent, and 2(10%) were strongly adherent biofilm positive. ConclusionIn conclusion, bacterial conjunctival flora of patients with diabetes is likely to produce biofilm. Biofilm formation is associated with multidrug rsistance in patients with diabetes

Rutin check-up muayenesi ile insidental tiroid nodulü ve tiroid kanseri saptanma oranı: Tek merkezli çalışma

Objective: Check-up examinations have gained importance in the last decade and become a common reason for people to refer to healthcare institutions to seek medical help. Thyroid nodules are frequently detected during check-up examinations. This study aimed to determine the frequency of thyroid nodules and the rate of thyroid cancer development in patients presenting for a check-up and to define the role of variables in thyroid cancer detection. Method: The computer database of the patients, who applied for a check-up examination, was systematically screened, and the records of thyroid ultrasonography (US) were accessed. Patients with any known history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer and those using medication for an existing thyroid disease were excluded. The demographic data, thyroid US reports, cytology and histopathology results, and free t3 (fT3), free t4 (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were evaluated and recorded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 25. Results: Of the 30,449 check-up patients, 24,362 were evaluated. Incidental thyroid nodules were detected in 5.645 (23.17%) patients. The mean BMI of these patients was 56±2.01 kg/m², and their mean TSH, fT3 and fT4 values were 2.87±0.45 mIU/mL, 3.76±0.87 pg/mL and 1.23±0.24 pg/mL, respectively. The mean nodule size was 1.31±0.56 mm. While 2.936 (52.01%) of the nodules were solid, 1.377 (24.39%) were cystic and 1.332 (23.59%) were mixed. Of all the nodules, 1.916 (33.94%) were in the TIRADS 2 category, 3.273 (57.98%) in the TIRADS 3 category, 234 (4.31%) in the TIRADS 4a category, 114 (1.27%) in the TIRADS 4b category, 72 (1.27%) in the TIRADS 4c category, and 36 (0.63%) in the TIRADS 5 category. For 392 patients that underwent a biopsy, the results were reported as benign for 224 (57.14%), suspected malignancy for 100 (25.51%), and malignant for 68 (17.34%). The rates of patients diagnosed with papillary, follicular and medullary thyroid cancers were 63.15%, 34.21% and 2.63%, respectively. When the multinominal logistic regression analysis was applied to all significant variables in the univariate analysis, the risk of thyroid cancer was increased 1.7-fold by increased BMI [odds ratio (OR): 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.96], 1.8- fold by female gender [OR: 1.79, (CI): 1.21-2.67], 1.6-fold by solid structure nodule type [OR: 1.62, (CI): 1.27-3.54], 2.7-fold by increased nodule size [OR: 2.71, (CI): 1.11-3.31], and 4.7-fold by increased TIRADS [OR: 4.73, (CI): 1.76-7.31]. Conclusion: The main difficulty in evaluating and managing thyroid nodules is to avoid the inappropriate overuse of thyroid US, thyroid biopsy, and surgery while trying to identify clinically significant malignant nodules. Concerning the diagnosis of thyroid cancer through a checkup examination, the data obtained as a result of more detailed studies should be evaluated, and it should be kept in mind that the increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer in the last three decades may be due to not only overdiagnosis but also a real increase in incidence. However, considering that early diagnosis of thyroid cancer without lymph node involvement can reduce both surgical complications and prevent the risks of radioactive iodine treatment, it is concluded that thyroid cancer being detected at an early stage constitutes an important advantage for the healthy population undergoing a check-up.Amaç: Check-up muayeneleri son on yılda önem kazanmış ve tıbbi yardım isteme amaçlı sağlık kurumlarına başvuruların en yaygın nedenleri arasında yerini almıştır. Tiroid nodülleri, check-up muayenesi sırasında sıklıkla tespit edilmektedir. Çalışmamızın amacı, check-up muayenesine başvuran bireylerde tiroid nodülü sıklığını ve tiroid kanseri gelişme oranını belirlemek ve tiroid kanseri saptanmasında değişkenlerin rolünü tanımlamaktır. Yöntem: Check-up muayenesi için başvuran hastaların bilgisayar database kayıtları sistematik biçimde taranarak, tiroid ultrasonografisi (USG) yapılan hasta kayıtlarına erişildi. Öncesinde bilinen herhangi bir tiroid hastalığı veya tiroid kanseri öyküsü olan ve mevcut bir tiroid hastalığı için ilaç kullanan hastalar çalışma dışı bırakıldı. Hasta grubunun demografik bilgileri, tiroid USG raporları, sitoloji ve histopatoloji sonuçları ile serbest T3 (sT3), serbest T4 (sT4) ve tiroid stimulan hormon (TSH) düzeyleri değerlendirilerek kaydedildi. Vücut kitle indeksleri (VKİ) hesaplandı. Veriler, SPSS 25 istatistik paket programı ile analiz edildi. Bulgular: Otuz bin dört yüz kırk dokuz check-up hastasının 24.362’si değerlendirildi. Beş bin altı yüz kırk beş (%23,17) hastada insidental tiroid nodülü saptandı. Bu hastaların ortalama VKİ’si 56±2,01 kg/m², TSH değeri 2,87±0,45 mIU/mL, sT3 değeri 3,76±0,87 pg/mL ve sT4 değeri 1,23±0,24 pg/mL idi. Ortalama nodül boyutu 1,31±0,56 mm iken, nodüllerin 2,936’sı (%52,01) solid nodül, 1,377’si (%24,39) kistik nodül, 1,332’si (%23,59) mikst nodül olarak gözlendi. Nodüllerin 1,916’sı (%33,94) TIRADS 2, 3,273’ü (%57,98) TIRADS 3,234’ü (%4,31) TIRADS 4a, 114’ü (%1,27) TIRADS 4b, 72’si (%1,27) TIRADS 4c ve 36’sı (%0,63) TIRADS 5 kategorisindeydi. Biyopsi yapılan 392 hastanın 224’ünün (%57,14) sonucu benign, 100’ünün (%25,51) şüpheli malign ve 68’inin (%17,34) malign olarak raporlandı. Papiller tiroid kanseri tanısı konulan hastaların oranı %63,15, foliküler tiroid kanseri %34,21 ve medüller tiroid kanseri %2,63 olarak tespit edildi. Univariate analizlerde anlamlı bulunan tüm değişkenlere multinominal lojistik regresyon analizi uygulandığında artan VKİ’nin 1,7 kat [olasılık oranı (OO): 1,71, %95 güven aralığı (GA): 1,43-2,96], kadın cinsiyetin 1,8 kat [OO: 1,79, (GA): 1,21-2,67], solid nodül yapısının 1,6 kat [OO: 1,62, (GA): 1,27-3,54], artan nodül çapının 2,7 kat [OO: 2,71, (GA): 1,11-3,31], ve artan TIRADS skorunun 4,7 kat [OO: 4,73, (GA): 1,76-7,31] tiroid kanseri gelişimini artırıcı etkisi olduğu tespit edildi. Sonuç: Tiroid nodüllerini değerlendirme ve yönetmedeki ana zorluk bir yandan tiroid US, tiroid biyopsisi ve cerrahinin uygunsuz aşırı kullanımından kaçınırken, diğer yandan klinik olarak önemli malign olanları tanımlamaya çalışmaktır. Check-up muayenesi ile tiroid kanseri tanısı koyma ile ilgili olarak, daha ayrıntılı çalışmaların sonucunda elde edilen veriler değerlendirilmeli ve son otuz yılda tiroid kanseri insidansının artmasının sadece aşırı tanıdan değil, gerçek bir insidans artışından kaynaklanabileceği akılda tutulmalıdır. Öte yandan lenf nodu tutulumsuz erken tanı tiroid kanseri ile hem cerrahi komplikasyonların azaltılabileceği hem de radyoaktif iyot tedavisinin risklerinden korunabileceği göz önünde bulundurulduğunda, evrece erken yakalanmış tiroid kanserlerinin, checkup amacıyla başvuran sağlıklı popülasyon için önemli bir avantaj olduğu kanısına varılmıştır

Crime Mapping and Geographical Information Systems in Crime Analysis

As essential apparatus in crime analysis, crime mapping and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are being progressively more accepted by police agencies. Development in technology and the accessibility of geographic data sources make it feasible for police departments to use GIS and crime mapping. GIS and crime mapping can be utilized as devices to discover reasons contributing to crime, and hence let law enforcement agencies proactively take action against the crime problems before they become challenging. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review of Geographical Information System and Crime Mapping in Crime Analysis and to propose policy recommendations regarding to implementation of crime mapping and GIS. To achieve this purpose, first a historical evaluation of GIS and crime mapping will be rendered and then the importance of place will be explained in terms of assessing crime problems accurately

Examination of Routine Activities Theory by the property crime

The studies on crime prevention, causes of crime and the theories associated with it are very essential topics in criminology. Routine Activities Theory (RAT) is also the basis for the many criminological theories. Although it has some shortcomings it is very usual that the theorists and practitioners on crime prevention can benefit from such a strong theory. This study explains the applicability of Routine Activities Theory in prevention and reducing of property crimes in the context of some parameters related to burglary and auto theft incidents in US. The study aims to give some information of the routine activity theory and investigate its relationship with prevention of property crimes. The results of study suggest that Routine Activity Theory may be used as a useful tool by crime reduction or prevention practitioners to evaluate crime problems and also take routine precautions and measures that reduce crime opportunities in people’s daily activities