Investigation of base excision repair gene variants in late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Base excision repair (BER) defects and concomitant oxidative DNA damage accumulation play a role in the etiology and progression of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). However, it is not known whether genetic variant(s) of specific BER genes contribute to reduced BER activity in LOAD patients and whether they are associated with risk, development and/or progression of LOAD. Therefore, we performed targeted next generation sequencing for three BER genes, uracil glycosylase (UNG), endonuclease VIII-like DNA glycosylase 1 (NEIL1) and polymerase β (POLβ) including promoter, exonic and intronic regions in peripheral blood samples and postmortem brain tissues (temporal cortex, TC and cerebellum, CE) from LOAD patients, high-pathology control and cognitively normal age-matched controls. In addition, the known LOAD risk factor, APOE was included in this study to test whether any BER gene variants associate with APOE variants, particularly APOE ε4. We show that UNG carry five significant variants (rs1610925, rs2268406, rs80001089, rs1018782 and rs1018783) in blood samples of Turkish LOAD patients compared to age-matched controls and one of them (UNG rs80001089) is also significant in TC from Brazilian LOAD patients (p<0.05). The significant variants present only in CE and TC from LOAD are UNG rs2569987 and POLβ rs1012381950, respectively. There is also significant epistatic relationship (p = 0.0410) between UNG rs80001089 and NEIL1 rs7182283 in TC from LOAD subjects. Our results suggest that significant BER gene variants may be associated with the risk of LOAD in non-APOE ε4 carriers. On the other hand, there are no significant UNG, NEIL1 and POLβ variants that could affect their protein level and function, suggesting that there may be other factors such as post-transcriptional or–translational modifications responsible for the reduced activities and protein levels of these genes in LOAD pathogenesis. Further studies with increased sample size are needed to confirm the relationship between BER variants and LOAD risk.

Cytotoxicity screening of supercritical fluid extracted seaweeds and phenylpropanoids

Detached leaves of Posidonia oceanica and Zostera marina creating nuisance at the shores were extracted by means of supercritical CO2 enriched with a co-solvent, compared with that of soxhlet extraction. The extracts and their active compounds which are phenylpropanoids (chicoric, p-coumaric, rosmarinic, benzoic, ferulic and caffeic acids) were screened for cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines including human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3), Mus musculus neuroblastoma (Neuro 2A) cell lines and African green monkey kidney (VERO) as healthy cell line. Supercritical CO2 extracts proved to be more active than soxhlet counterparts. Particularly, Zostera marina extract obtained by supercritical CO2 at 250 bar, 80 °C, 20% co-solvent and a total flow rate of 15 g/min revealed the best IC50 values of 25, 20, 8 μg/ml in neuroblastoma, colon and cervix cancer cell lines. Among the major compounds tested, p-coumaric acid exhibited the highest cytotoxic against colon and cervix cell lines by with IC50 values of 25, 11 μg/ml. As for the effects on healthy cells, the extract was not cytotoxic indicating a selective cytotoxicity. Obtained supercritical CO2 extracts can be utilized as a supplement for preventive purposes.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles via Cynara scolymus leaf extracts: The characterization, anticancer potential with photodynamic therapy in MCF7 cells

In this study, we report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaf extracts of Cynara scolymus (Artichoke) using microwave irradiation and the evaluation of its anti-cancer potential with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Silver nanoparticles formation was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Silver nanoparticles formation was also investigated the surface charge, particle size and distribution using zetasizer analysis. The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs and/or PDT was studied by MTT assay and migration by the scratch assay. The apoptotic inducing ability of the AgNPs and/or PDT was investigated by intracellular ROS analysis, antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), Hoechst staining and Bax/Bcl-2 analysis using western blotting. The mean particle size of produced AgNPs was found 98.47±2.04 nm with low polydispersity (0.301±0.033). Zeta potential values of AgNPs show -32.3± 0.8 mV. These results clearly indicate the successful formation of AgNPs for cellular uptake. Mitochondrial damage and intracellular ROS production were observed upon treatment with AgNPs (10μg/mL) and PDT (0.5 mJ/cm²) showed significant reducing cell migration, expression of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2. Significantly, biosynthesized AgNPs showed a broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity with PDT therapy and therefore represent promoting ROS generation by modulating mitochondrial apoptosis induction in MCF7 breast cancer cells.

Is European Medicines Agency (EMA) sepsis criteria accurate for neonatal sepsis diagnosis or do we need new criteria?

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is a lack of clear definition for neonatal sepsis. The Pediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) developed consensus criteria to ensure a standardization for neonatal sepsis definition. However, there is no evidence supporting the accuracy of the EMA sepsis criteria in neonatal sepsis diagnosis. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EMA sepsis criteria for proven neonatal sepsis.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2015 to November 2018. Infants with a gestational age over 34th weeks, diagnosed with clinical sepsis and received antibiotics according to the EMA criteria or experienced neonatologists' opinion were included. Blood culture or multiplex real time-PCR or 16S-rRNA positive infants were accepted as "proven sepsis". The predictive performance of EMA criteria for proven sepsis was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve measures of receiver operator characteristic curves. Data-mining methods were used for further analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 245 included infants, the EMA criteria were positive in 97 infants (39.6%), while proven sepsis was diagnosed in 113 infants (46.1%). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the EMA criteria for proven sepsis were 44.2% (95%CI: 34.9-53.9), 64.4% (95%CI: 55.6-72.5), 55.1% (95%CI: 46.6-59.4) respectively. None of the clinical and laboratory parameters had sufficient performance individually in terms of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy measures. The diagnostic performance was similar when different clinical findings were added to the EMA sepsis criteria or assessment of the score was interpreted in different ways.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlighted that clinician opinion and standard laboratory tests are limited in the neonatal sepsis diagnosis. The EMA criteria also did not efficiently meet the diagnostic accuracy measures for neonatal sepsis. A predictive sepsis definition and rapid bedside point-of care tests are urgently needed.

Spatiotemporal expression and regulation of FoxO1 in mouse uterus during peri-implantation period

Recent studies indicate that FoxO1 has roles in female reproductive system, especially in maternal endometrium. Although various cellular aspects and molecular pathways have been identified, the exact molecular characteristics of embryo implantation are still not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate uterine expression and regulation of FoxO1 during peri-implantation period in mice. Experimental mouse models including, normal pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, artificial decidualization, and delayed implantation and activation were performed. Our results showed that FoxO1 expression was spatiotemporal in mouse endometrial tissue throughout peri-implantation period and its expression was significantly upregulated in luminal and glandular epithelium at the time of implantation. Moreover, on day 5 morning (09:00 AM) of pregnancy, expression of FoxO1 was cytoplasmic in endometrial luminal epithelial cells where embryo homing takes place. With progressing time on day 5 evening (19:00 PM) of pregnancy FoxO1 expression was nuclear in luminal epithelium at implantation site. Pseudopregnancy and artificial decidualization models indicated that FoxO1 expression was regulated by pregnancy hormones. Delayed implantation and activation model indicated that FoxO1 expression at the time of implantation is dependent upon activation status of blastocyst due to E2 induction and uterine sensitivity to implantation. In conclusion, our findings highlight a perspective for FoxO1 expression and regulation in mouse uterus during peri-implantation period indicating that its expression is regulated by implanting embryo and pregnancy hormones.

Comparing the effects of conventional and microwave roasting methods for bioactive composition and the sensory quality of cold-pressed orange seed oil

This study aims to report the composition of bioactives and volatile aromatic compounds, and determine the descriptive sensory properties of cold-pressed orange seed oil. The effects of oven pre-roasting and microwave pre-roasting of the seeds before cold pressing were compared. Thirteen sensory parameters were used to define the oil samples. The major bioactive components of the orange seed oils were naringin, hesperidin, and trans-ferulic acid. Flavonoids constituted the main phenolic class with 78.5% and 74.4%, followed by phenolic acids with 21.4% and 25.5% in the oven and microwave pre-roasted oil samples. The mean concentration of hesperidin and naringin varied from 903.4 to 909.6 mg/kg and from 234.3 to 299.8 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed for the first time in the literature that orange seed oil contains some volatile aromatic compounds and glycosylated flavanones that could have functional properties. Hence, cold-pressed orange seed oil could be suggested as the new potential health-promoting oil.

Development of rapid dipstick assay for food pathogens, Salmonella, by optimized parameters

Salmonella is among the very important pathogens threating the human and animal health. Rapid and easy detection of these pathogens is crucial. In this context, antibody (Ab) based lateral flow assays (LFAs) which are simple immunochromatographic point of care test kits were developed by gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as labelling agent for Salmonella detection. For that purpose some critical parameters such as reagent concentrations on the capture zones, conjugate concentrations and ideal membrane type needed for LFAs for whole cell detection were tested for naked eye analysis. Therefore, prepared LFAs were applied to the live and heat inactivated cells when they were used alone or included in different bacterial mixtures. Among the test platforms, membrane 180 (M180) was found as an ideal membrane and 36 nm GNPs showed highly good labelling in the developed LFAs. Diluted conjugates and low concentrations of reagents affected the test signal negatively. Salmonella was detected in different bacterial mixtures, selectively in 4-5 min. The best recognized species by used Ab were S. enteritidis and S. infantis. 5 × 105 S. typhimurium cells were also determined as a limit of detection of this study with mentioned parameters.

Gene expression analysis of bud burst process in European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) using RNA-Seq

The control of bud burst process depending on temperature is crucial factor in woody perennial plants to survive in unfavorable ecological conditions. Although it has important economic and agronomic values, little information is available on the molecular mechanism of the bud burst process in Corylus avellana. Here for the first time, we conducted a de novo transcriptome-based experiment using eco-dormant leaf bud tissues. Four transcriptome libraries were constructed from the leaf bud tissues and sequenced via Illumina platform. Transcriptome analysis revealed 86,394 unigenes with a mean length of 1189 nt and an N50 of 1916 nt. Among these unigenes, 63,854 (73.78%) of them were annotated by at least one database. De novo assembled transcripts were enriched in phenylpropanoid metabolism, phytohormone biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways. Analyses of phytohormone-associated genes revealed important changes during bud burst, in response to gibberellic acid, auxin, and brassinosteroids. Approximately 2163 putative transcription factors were predicted, of which the largest number of unique transcripts belonged to the MYB transcription factor family. These results contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of bud burst genes in perennial plants.

Self-Healable Supramolecular Vanadium Pentoxide Reinforced Polydimethylsiloxane-Graft-Polyurethane Composites

The self-healing ability can be imparted to the polymers by different mechanisms. In this study, self-healing polydimethylsiloxane-graft-polyurethane (PDMS-g-PUR)/Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanofiber supramolecular polymer composites based on a reversible hydrogen bonding mechanism are prepared. V₂O₅ nanofibers are synthesized via colloidal route and characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM techniques. In order to prepare PDMS-g-PUR, linear aliphatic PUR having one ⁻COOH functional group (PUR-COOH) is synthesized and grafted onto aminopropyl functionalized PDMS by EDC/HCl coupling reaction. PUR-COOH and PDMS-g-PUR are characterized by ¹H NMR, FTIR. PDMS-g-PUR/V₂O₅ nanofiber composites are prepared and characterized by DSC/TGA, FTIR, and tensile tests. The self-healing ability of PDMS-graft-PUR and composites are determined by mechanical tests and optical microscope. Tensile strength data obtained from mechanical tests show that healing efficiencies of PDMS-g-PUR increase with healing time and reach 85.4 ± 1.2 % after waiting 120 min at 50 °C. The addition of V₂O₅ nanofibers enhances the mechanical properties and healing efficiency of the PDMS-g-PUR. An increase of healing efficiency and max tensile strength from 85.4 ± 1.2% to 95.3 ± 0.4% and 113.08 ± 5.24 kPa to 1443.40 ± 8.96 kPa is observed after the addition of 10 wt % V₂O₅ nanofiber into the polymer.

Characterization of genetic diversity in Turkish common bean gene pool using phenotypic and whole-genome DArTseq-generated silicoDArT marker information

Turkey presents a great diversity of common bean landraces in farmers' fields. We collected 183 common bean accessions from 19 different Turkish geographic regions and 5 scarlet runner bean accessions to investigate their genetic diversity and population structure using phenotypic information (growth habit, and seed weight, flower color, bracteole shape and size, pod shape and leaf shape and color), geographic provenance and 12,557 silicoDArT markers. A total of 24.14% markers were found novel. For the entire population (188 accessions), the expected heterozygosity was 0.078 and overall gene diversity, Fst and Fis were 0.14, 0.55 and 1, respectively. Using marker information, model-based structure, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) algorithms clustered the 188 accessions into two main populations A (predominant) and B, and 5 unclassified genotypes, representing 3 meaningful heterotic groups for breeding purposes. Phenotypic information clearly distinguished these populations; population A and B, respectively, were bigger (>40g/100 seeds) and smaller (<40g/100 seeds) seed-sized. The unclassified population was pure and only contained climbing genotypes with 100 seed weight 2-3 times greater than populations A and B. Clustering was mainly based on A: seed weight, B: growth habit, C: geographical provinces and D: flower color. Mean kinship was generally low, but population B was more diverse than population A. Overall, a useful level of gene and genotypic diversity was observed in this work and can be used by the scientific community in breeding efforts to develop superior common bean strains.

Fitting of dynamic recurrent neural network models to sensory stimulus-response data

We present a theoretical study aiming at model fitting for sensory neurons. Conventional neural network training approaches are not applicable to this problem due to lack of continuous data. Although the stimulus can be considered as a smooth time-dependent variable, the associated response will be a set of neural spike timings (roughly the instants of successive action potential peaks) that have no amplitude information. A recurrent neural network model can be fitted to such a stimulus-response data pair by using the maximum likelihood estimation method where the likelihood function is derived from Poisson statistics of neural spiking. The universal approximation feature of the recurrent dynamical neuron network models allows us to describe excitatory-inhibitory characteristics of an actual sensory neural network with any desired number of neurons. The stimulus data are generated by a phased cosine Fourier series having a fixed amplitude and frequency but a randomly shot phase. Various values of amplitude, stimulus component size, and sample size are applied in order to examine the effect of the stimulus to the identification process. Results are presented in tabular and graphical forms at the end of this text. In addition, to demonstrate the success of this research, a study involving the same model, nominal parameters and stimulus structure, and another study that works on different models are compared to that of this research.

Oral propranolol for prevention of threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROPROP): protocol of a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease observed in extremely premature infants characterised by visioning-threatening retinal vessel proliferation. Propranolol, a drug used for decades in newborn infants with heart diseases, hypertension and thyrotoxicosis and licenced for infantile haemangiomas, may be effective in halting progression of ROP to severe stages, as suggested by preliminary data from small studies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

ROPROP is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, placebo-controlled double-blind, randomised controlled trial aiming to assess the safety and efficacy of orally administered propranolol to reduce the risk of threshold ROP (stage 3) in extremely preterm infants at 48 weeks postmenstrual age (primary objective) and the rate of infants requiring local interventions for severe ROP (secondary objective). Key inclusion criteria: gestational age <28 weeks, birth weight <1250 g, postmenstrual age ≥31 and <37 weeks, incipient ROP (stage 1 or 2, with or without plus disease) and written informed consent by parents or legal guardian. Key exclusion criteria: requirement for open-label propranolol treatment, major congenital malformations (including those with cerebrovascular malformations), known chromosomal anomalies, colobomas and other eye malformations, atrioventricular block grade 2 or 3 and comedication with antiarrhythmics, clonidine, insulin (pharmacodynamic interaction), phenobarbital or rifampicin (pharmacokinetic interaction). The intervention consists of oral propranolol-hydrochloride (1.6 mg/kg/day in three to four divided dosages) or placebo until discharge, for a maximum of 10 weeks. Analysis is by intention to treat.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has received ethical and regulatory approval. Results will be published after peer review irrespective of the study outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT03083431 , EudraCT# 2017-002124-24 (EUCTR), 00013730 (DRKS); Pre-results.

Molecular phylogenetic species in Alternaria pathogens infecting pistachio and wild relatives

Many important pathogens of crops worldwide are members of section Alternaria within the genus Alternaria. Representative species in this section such as Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima, and Alternaria arborescens show high variability, intermediate characters and plasticity in morphological features, which makes species identification difficult. The aim of this study was to characterize Alternaria species associated with pistachio and wild relatives in Turkey using molecular phylogenetics. One hundred isolates of Alternaria spp. from pistachio and wild relatives from Turkey were investigated. In addition, standard morphological reference isolates and Alternaria blight pathogens of pistachio from USA were included. Sequence data from major allergen a1, ATPase, endopolygalacturanase, and anonymous regions OPA1.3 and SCAR2 were obtained. Gene trees were estimated based on maximum parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and bayesian inference methods. Species tree estimation was performed based on Yule speciation and strict molecular clock assumption. Among the collection of Alternaria spp. from Turkey, only one A. arborescens isolate and three isolates which were morphologically A. alternata/A. arborescens intermediate types, but, phylogenetically close to A. arborescens were discovered. While A. alternata and A. tenuissima formed one phylogenetic species, A. alternata/tenuissima were phylogenetically distinct from A. arborescens. Furthermore, a TaqI restriction site in the endopolygalacturanase gene was explored as a novel diagnosis for identification of A. alternata/tenuissima and A. arborescens. All these molecular phylogenetic approaches allow to distinguish morphologically similar Alternaria pathogens and molecular phylogenies of Alternaria pathogens from pistachio and wild relatives in Turkey are described for the first time.

Capillary pericytes express α-smooth muscle actin, which requires prevention of filamentous-actin depolymerization for detection

Recent evidence suggests that capillary pericytes are contractile and play a crucial role in the regulation of microcirculation. However, failure to detect components of the contractile apparatus in capillary pericytes, most notably α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), has questioned these findings. Using strategies that allow rapid filamentous-actin (F-actin) fixation (i.e. snap freeze fixation with methanol at -20°C) or prevent F-actin depolymerization (i.e. with F-actin stabilizing agents), we demonstrate that pericytes on mouse retinal capillaries, including those in intermediate and deeper plexus, express α-SMA. Junctional pericytes were more frequently α-SMA-positive relative to pericytes on linear capillary segments. Intravitreal administration of short interfering RNA (α-SMA-siRNA) suppressed α-SMA expression preferentially in high order branch capillary pericytes, confirming the existence of a smaller pool of α-SMA in distal capillary pericytes that is quickly lost by depolymerization. We conclude that capillary pericytes do express α-SMA, which rapidly depolymerizes during tissue fixation thus evading detection by immunolabeling.

Recovery of facial expressions using functional electrical stimulation after full-face transplantation

BACKGROUND

We assessed the recovery of 2 face transplantation patients with measures of complexity during neuromuscular rehabilitation. Cognitive rehabilitation methods and functional electrical stimulation were used to improve facial emotional expressions of full-face transplantation patients for 5 months. Rehabilitation and analyses were conducted at approximately 3 years after full facial transplantation in the patient group. We report complexity analysis of surface electromyography signals of these two patients in comparison to the results of 10 healthy individuals.

METHODS

Facial surface electromyography data were collected during 6 basic emotional expressions and 4 primary facial movements from 2 full-face transplantation patients and 10 healthy individuals to determine a strategy of functional electrical stimulation and understand the mechanisms of rehabilitation. A new personalized rehabilitation technique was developed using the wavelet packet method. Rehabilitation sessions were applied twice a month for 5 months. Subsequently, motor and functional progress was assessed by comparing the fuzzy entropy of surface electromyography data against the results obtained from patients before rehabilitation and the mean results obtained from 10 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

At the end of personalized rehabilitation, the patient group showed improvements in their facial symmetry and their ability to perform basic facial expressions and primary facial movements. Similarity in the pattern of fuzzy entropy for facial expressions between the patient group and healthy individuals increased. Synkinesis was detected during primary facial movements in the patient group, and one patient showed synkinesis during the happiness expression. Synkinesis in the lower face region of one of the patients was eliminated for the lid tightening movement.

CONCLUSIONS

The recovery of emotional expressions after personalized rehabilitation was satisfactory to the patients. The assessment with complexity analysis of sEMG data can be used for developing new neurorehabilitation techniques and detecting synkinesis after full-face transplantation.

The Bogazici face database: Standardized photographs of Turkish faces with supporting materials

Many sets of human facial photographs produced in Western cultures are available for scientific research. We report here on the development of a face database of Turkish undergraduate student targets. High-resolution standardized photographs were taken and supported by the following materials: (a) basic demographic and appearance-related information, (b) two types of landmark configurations (for Webmorph and geometric morphometrics (GM)), (c) facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) measurement, (d) information on photography parameters, (e) perceptual norms provided by raters. We also provide various analyses and visualizations of facial variation based on rating norms using GM. Finally, we found that there is sexual dimorphism in fWHR in our sample but that this is accounted for by body mass index. We present the pattern of associations between rating norms, GM and fWHR measurements. The database and supporting materials are freely available for scientific research purposes.

A simple and fast method for discrimination of phage and antibiotic contaminants in raw milk by using Raman spectroscopy

Phage and antibiotic in raw milk poses significant risks for starter culture activity in fermented products. Therefore, rapid detection of phage and antibiotic contaminations in raw milk is a crucial process in dairy science. For this purpose, a preliminary novel method for detection of phage and antibiotic was developed by using Raman spectroscopy. Streptococcus thermophilus phages and ampicillin which are quite important elements in dairy industry were used as model. The phage and antibiotic samples were added to raw milk separately, and Raman measurements were carried out. The obtained spectra were processed with a chemometric method. In this study, it has been demonstrated that the presence of phage has a titer sufficient to stop the fermentation (107 pfu/ml), and antibiotic in a concentration which inhibits the growth of starter cultures (0.5 µg/ml) in raw milk could be discriminated through Raman spectroscopy with a short analysis time (30 min).

A mobile and web-based clinical decision support and monitoring system for diabetes mellitus patients in primary care: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physicians' guideline use rates for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diabetes mellitus (DM) is very low. Time constraints, patient overpopulation, and complex guidelines require alternative solutions for real time patient monitoring. Rapidly evolving e-health technology combined with clinical decision support and monitoring systems (CDSMS) provides an effective solution to these problems. The purpose of the study is to develop a user-friendly, comprehensive, fully integrated web and mobile-based Clinical Decision Support and Monitoring System (CDSMS) for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of DM diseases which is used by physicians and patients in primary care and to determine the effectiveness of the system.

METHODS

The CDSMS will be based on evidence-based guidelines for DM disease. A web and mobile-based application will be developed in which the physician will remotely monitor patient data through mobile applications in real time. The developed CDSMS will be tested in two stages. In the first stage, the usability, understandability, and adequacy of the application will be determined. Five primary care physicians will use the developed application for at least 16 DM patients. Necessary improvements will be made according to physician feedback. In the second phase, a parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be implemented. DM diagnosed patients will be recruited for the CDSMS trial by their primary care physicians. Ten physicians and their 439 patients will be involved in the study. Eligible participants will be assigned to intervention and control groups with simple randomization. The significance level will be accepted as p < 0.05. In the intervention group, the system will make recommendations on patient monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment. These recommendations will be implemented at the physician's discretion. Patients in the control group will be treated by physicians according to current DM treatment standards. Patients in both groups will be monitored for 6 months. Patient data will be compared between 0th and 6th month of the study. . Clinical and laboratory outcomes will be assessed in person while others will be self-assessed online.

DISCUSSION

The developed system will be the first of its kind to utilize evidence based guidelines to provide health services to DM patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02917226 . 28 September 2016.

Vitamin D receptor is present on the neuronal plasma membrane and is co-localized with amyloid precursor protein, ADAM10 or Nicastrin

Our recent study indicated that vitamin D and its receptors are important parts of the amyloid processing pathway in neurons. Yet the role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in amyloid pathogenesis is complex and all regulations over the production of amyloid beta cannot be explained solely with the transcriptional regulatory properties of VDR. Given that we hypothesized that VDR might exist on the neuronal plasma membrane in close proximity with amyloid precursor protein (APP) and secretase complexes. The present study primarily focused on the localization of VDR in neurons and its interaction with amyloid pathology-related proteins. The localization of VDR on neuronal membranes and its co-localization with target proteins were investigated with cell surface staining followed by immunofluorescence labelling. The FpClass was used for protein-protein interaction prediction. Our results demonstrated the localization of VDR on the neuronal plasma membrane and the co-localization of VDR and APP or ADAM10 or Nicastrin and limited co-localization of VDR and PS1. E-cadherin interaction with APP or the γ-secretase complex may involve NOTCH1, NUMB, or FHL2, according to FpClass. This suggested complex might also include VDR, which greatly contributes to Ca⁺² hemostasis with its ligand vitamin D. Consequently, we suggested that VDR might be a member of this complex also with its own non-genomic action and that it can regulate the APP processing pathway in this way in neurons.

Spreading, proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells on chitosan scaffolds immobilized with RGD or fibronectin

Nowadays, human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) became more attractive for therapeutic purposes because of their high proliferation and differentiation potential. Thus, coupling the desired cellular characteristics of hDPSCs with good biomaterial properties of the chitosan scaffolds provide an interesting approach for tissue engineering applications. On the other hand, scaffold surface modification is also needed to promote stem cell adhesion since chitosan lacks adhesion motifs to support direct cell anchorage. In this study, hDPSCs were isolated from third molars of healthy female individuals (aged 16-25) with enzymatic digestion. For cell culture studies, the chitosan scaffolds which have approximately 9 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness with interconnected structure were prepared by freeze-drying. To support cellular attachment the scaffolds were covalently immobilized with either RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) or fibronectin (Fn) molecules. Cells were seeded on chitosan scaffolds with or without immobilized RGD and fibronectin. Cell attachment, spreading, adhesion behaviors and proliferation capacity were examined by scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining and PrestoBlue® assays, respectively. In addition, differentiation potential of hDPSCs on Fn immobilized chitosan scaffolds was determined with real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that chitosan scaffolds were not able to support stem cell attachment. hDPSCs on chitosan scaffolds formed spheroids more quickly and the size of spheroids were smaller than on chitosan-RGD while Fn-immobilized chitosan scaffolds strongly supported cellular attachment but not odontogenic differentiation. The results suggest that the Fn-immobilized chitosan scaffolds may serve as good three-dimensional substrates for dental pulp stem cell attachment and proliferation. In the case of dental regeneration, they must be supported by appropriate biosignals to induce odontogenic differentiation.

DEK protein level is a biomarker of CD138positive normal and malignant plasma cells

Overexpression of DEK oncogene is associated with increased proliferation of carcinoma cells and it is observed in several solid tumors due to the amplification of the 6p22.3 chromosomal region where DEK locates. Although the same chromosomal amplification occurs in multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell neoplasm, whether the expression and the copy number of the DEK gene are affected in MM remains elusive. We show that despite the increased copy number in CD138positive MM cells (4 out of 41 MM samples), DEK mRNA expression was down-regulated compared with that in CD138negative bone marrow (BM) cells of the same patients (P<0.0001). DEK protein was not detectable by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in CD138positive normal plasma cells or in malignant plasma cells of MM patients (n = 56) whereas it was widely expressed in normal and neoplastic B-cells. Stable knockdown or overexpression of DEK in CD138positive MM cell lines did not affect the proliferation and viability of the cells profoundly in the presence or absence of chemotherapeutic agent melphalan whereas knockdown of DEK moderately but significantly increased the expression level of CD138 (p<0.01). Decreased DEK expression in plasma cells suggests a potential role of this gene in plasma cell development and lack of detectable DEK protein by IHC could be used as a biomarker for normal and malignant plasma cells.

Artificial neural network and SARIMA based models for power load forecasting in Turkish electricity market

Load information plays an important role in deregulated electricity markets, since it is the primary factor to make critical decisions on production planning, day-to-day operations, unit commitment and economic dispatch. Being able to predict the load for a short term, which covers one hour to a few days, equips power generation facilities and traders with an advantage. With the deregulation of electricity markets, a variety of short term load forecasting models are developed. Deregulation in Turkish Electricity Market has started in 2001 and liberalization is still in progress with rules being effective in its predefined schedule. However, there is a very limited number of studies for Turkish Market. In this study, we introduce two different models for current Turkish Market using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and present their comparative performances. Building models that cope with the dynamic nature of deregulated market and are able to run in real-time is the main contribution of this study. We also use our ANN based model to evaluate the effect of several factors, which are claimed to have effect on electrical load.

A gamma-distribution convolution model of 99mTc-MIBI thyroid time-activity curves

BACKGROUND

The convolution approach to thyroid time-activity curve (TAC) data fitting with a gamma distribution convolution (GDC) TAC model following bolus intravenous injection is presented and applied to 99mTc-MIBI data. The GDC model is a convolution of two gamma distribution functions that simultaneously models the distribution and washout kinetics of the radiotracer. The GDC model was fitted to thyroid region of interest (ROI) TAC data from 1 min per frame 99mTc-MIBI image series for 90 min; GDC models were generated for three patients having left and right thyroid lobe and total thyroid ROIs, and were contrasted with washout-only models, i.e., less complete models. GDC model accuracy was tested using 10 Monte Carlo simulations for each clinical ROI.

RESULTS

The nine clinical GDC models, obtained from least counting error of counting, exhibited corrected (for 6 parameters) fit errors ranging from 0.998% to 1.82%. The range of all thyroid mean residence times (MRTs) was 212 to 699 min, which from noise injected simulations of each case had an average coefficient of variation of 0.7% and a not statistically significant accuracy error of 0.5% (p = 0.5, 2-sample paired t test). The slowest MRT value (699 min) was from a single thyroid lobe with a tissue diagnosed parathyroid adenoma also seen on scanning as retained marker. The two total thyroid ROIs without substantial pathology had MRT values of 278 and 350 min overlapping a published 99mTc-MIBI thyroid MRT value. One combined value and four unrelated washout-only models were tested and exhibited R-squared values for MRT with the GDC, i.e., a more complete concentration model, ranging from 0.0183 to 0.9395.

CONCLUSIONS

The GDC models had a small enough TAC noise-image misregistration (0.8%) that they have a plausible use as simulations of thyroid activity for querying performance of other models such as washout models, for altered ROI size, noise, administered dose, and image framing rates. Indeed, of the four washout-only models tested, no single model approached the apparent accuracy of the GDC model using only 90 min of data. Ninety minutes is a long gamma-camera acquisition time for a patient, but a short a time for most kinetic models. Consequently, the results should be regarded as preliminary.

Investigation of Multi-Input Multi-Output Robust Control Methods to Handle Parametric Uncertainties in Autopilot Design

Some level of uncertainty is unavoidable in acquiring the mass, geometry parameters and stability derivatives of an aerial vehicle. In certain instances tiny perturbations of these could potentially cause considerable variations in flight characteristics. This research considers the impact of varying these parameters altogether. This is a generalization of examining the effects of particular parameters on selected modes present in existing literature. Conventional autopilot designs commonly assume that each flight channel is independent and develop single-input single-output (SISO) controllers for every one, that are utilized in parallel for actual flight. It is demonstrated that an attitude controller built like this can function flawlessly on separate nominal cases, but can become unstable with a perturbation no more than 2%. Two robust multi-input multi-output (MIMO) design strategies, specifically loop-shaping and μ-synthesis are outlined as potential substitutes and are observed to handle large parametric changes of 30% while preserving decent performance. Duplicating the loop-shaping procedure for the outer loop, a complete flight control system is formed. It is confirmed through software-in-the-loop (SIL) verifications utilizing blade element theory (BET) that the autopilot is capable of navigation and landing exposed to high parametric variations and powerful winds.

Invasion Potential of Two Tropical Physalis Species in Arid and Semi-Arid Climates: Effect of Water-Salinity Stress and Soil Types on Growth and Fecundity

Invasive plants are recognized for their impressive abilities to withstand adverse environmental conditions however, all invaders do not express the similar abilities. Therefore, survival, growth, nutrient uptake and fecundity of two co-occurring, invasive Physalis species were tested under water and salinity stresses, and different soil textures in the current study. Five different water stress levels (100, 75, 50, 25, and 12.5% pot water contents), four different soil salinity levels (0, 3, 6, and 12 dSm^-1) and four different soil textures (67% clay, 50% clay, silt clay loam and sandy loam) were included in three different pot experiments. Both weeds survived under all levels of water stress except 12.5% water contents and on all soil types however, behaved differently under increasing salinity. The weeds responded similarly to salinity up till 3 dSm^-1 whereas, P. philadelphica survived for longer time than P. angulata under remaining salinity regimes. Water and salinity stress hampered the growth and fecundity of both weeds while, soil textures had slight effect. Both weeds preferred clay textured soils for better growth and nutrient uptake however, interactive effect of weeds and soil textures was non-significant. P. angulata accumulated higher K and Na while P. philadelphica accrued more Ca and Mg as well as maintained better K/Na ratio. P. angulata accumulated more Na and P under salinity stress while, P. philadelphica accrued higher K and Mg, and maintained higher K/Na ratio. Collectively, highest nutrient accumulation was observed under stress free conditions and on clay textured soils. P. philadelphica exhibited higher reproductive output under all experimental conditions than P. angulata. It is predicted that P. philadelphica will be more problematic under optimal water supply and high salinity while P. angulata can better adapt water limited environments. The results indicate that both weeds have considerable potential to further expand their ranges in semi-arid regions of Turkey.