Extracellular Matrix Sulfation in the Tumor Microenvironment Stimulates Cancer Stemness and Invasiveness.

Tumor extracellular matrices (ECM) exhibit aberrant changes in composition and mechanics compared to normal tissues. Proteoglycans (PG) are vital regulators of cellular signaling in the ECM with the ability to modulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation via their sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) side chains. However, their role on tumor cell behavior is controversial.

Development and Characterization of Decellularized Lung Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels.

The use of extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels in tissue engineering has become increasingly popular, as they can mimic cells' natural environment in vitro. However, maintaining the native biochemical content of the ECM, achieving mechanical stability, and comprehending the impact of the decellularization process on the mechanical properties of the ECM hydrogels are challenging. Here, a pipeline for decellularization of bovine lung tissue using two different protocols, downstream characterization of the effectiveness of decellularization, fabrication of reconstituted decellularized lung ECM hydrogels and assessment of their mechanical and cytocompatibility properties were described.

Protective effect of valproic acid on ischemia-reperfusion induced spinal cord injury in a rat model.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects of valproic acid (VPA) on rat spinal cord tissue in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury model created by abdominal aorta occlusion.

Materials And Methods: Sprague Dawley rat (male sex) weighing 190-260 g divided into four experimental groups: control only underwent laparotomy, sham group, pre-IR injury (200 mg/kg dose), and post-IR injury (300 mg/kg) VPA. We measured serum levels of TNF-, IL-6, IL-1, IL-18, Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), and serum Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) ratio, and tissue expression of Bax and Bcl2, Caspase3, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio.

Investigation of the effect of social support perceived by workplace employees on anxiety and job satisfaction during COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of stress and anxiety at work.

Objective: To examine the effects of the support provided to the employees by the workplaces about the depression, anxiety, stress, job satisfaction of the employees during the COVID-19.

Method: The inclusion criterias were as follows: being between 18 and 65 years old, working at the time of the survey.

Evaluation of colon mucosa using screening colonoscopy and flexible spectral imaging color enhancement in patients with long lasting ulcerative colitis.

Aim: To determine which flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) channel best visualizes colon mucosa in ulcerative colitis (UC) and to compare FICE imaging with standard imaging.

Methods: The study enrolled patients with ulcerative colitis in remission who had inflammatory bowel disease for at least 8 years. All patients underwent screening colonoscopy.

Effects of Masai Barefoot Technology Footwear Compared with Barefoot and Oxford Footwear on Gait.

Background: Shoes, with their biomechanical features, affect the human body and function as clothing that protects the foot. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes on gait in healthy, young individuals compared with bare feet and classic stable shoes.

Methods: The study was conducted in 67 healthy females aged 18 to 30 years.

Evaluation of vestibular functions and balance in Edirne Band musicians.

Background: It has been found that intense noise may affect the peripheral vestibular system and consequently causes problems in balance mechanisms.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to chronic noise on vestibular functions and balance in Edirne Band musicians.

Methods: Twenty-two individuals working in the Edirne Band for at least 5 years and a control group of 22 individuals working at Trakya University with similar sociodemographic characteristics were included.

A rare condition in the third trimester of pregnancy: Ovarian torsion.

Ovarian torsion (OT) during pregnancy is a rare condition that can cause maternal and fetal morbidity. Although the etiology of the disease is not fully understood, predisposing factors include increased ovarian size, free mobility, and long pedicle. The incidence of the disease increases after ovarian stimulation for the treatment of fertility.

Musculoskeletal problems in academicians and related factors in Turkey.

Background And Objective: Musculoskeletal problems are a common health problem with professional and ergonomic features. This study's purpose was to investigate the musculoskeletal problems distribution and related factors among academicians.

Methods: This study was performed by using a personal and professional information questionnaire, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form.

How necessary is the computerized brain tomography in minor head trauma?

Background: Head trauma is a health problem that may be observed in all age groups, and it may cause significant losses in terms of health and economy. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the abnormal computerized brain tomography (CBT) prevalence and the rate of admission to brain surgery clinics in patients who applied to the Emergency Service Department for CBT due to minor head trauma.

Methods: In the present study, the patients who were admitted to Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Emergency Service Department between January 1st, 2017, and December 31st, 2017, due to head trauma and in who CBT was performed were examined retrospectively.

Temporomandibular joint disorder determined by Fonseca anamnestic index and associated factors in 18- to 27-year-old university students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and associated risk factors.

Methods: This study was conducted using 212 university students. Based on the Fonseca anamnestic index, the population was divided into two groups: those with TMD and those without TMD.

Musculoskeletal problems and attitudes towards footwear among university students.

Background And Objective: Footwear preferences and habits may be related to musculoskeletal system problems. This study was designed to determine the relationship between the selection of footwear, musculoskeletal problems and the affecting factors among university students from that different division.

Methods: Four hundred and sixty-six university students in the divisions of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation, Nursing and Business Administration participated in this study.

Melatonin: is it an effective antioxidant for pulmonary contusion?

Background: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of melatonin on pulmonary contusion (PC) caused by isolated blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) in an experimental rat model.

Materials And Methods: A total of 49 rats were divided into three groups: control group (CG), trauma group (TG), and melatonin group (MG). PC was induced by isolated BTT for all the groups except the control group.

Effects of ballet training of children in Turkey on foot anthropometric measurements and medial longitudinal arc development.

Objective: To investigate the effects of ballet training on foot structure and the formation of the medial longitudinal arc in childhood, and the association of body mass index with structural change secondary to ballet training.

Methods: This study was conducted at Öykü Ballet and Dance School and Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey, from September 2007 to November 2008, and comprised girl students who were taking ballet classes, and a group of those who were not taking such who acted as the controls. Static footprints of both feet of all participants were taken with an ink paedogram.

The effects of IL-18BP on mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in renal injury induced by infrarenal aortic occlusion.

Background: Renal injury is an important complication of infrarenal aortic occlusion (IAO), which is mainly encountered during the postoperative period. Aortic clamping procedure may lead to turbulent blood flow and eventually vasoconstriction at renal arterial level of the abdominal aorta. IL-18BP has well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Prevalence of Incidentally Detected Idiopathic Misty Mesentery on Multidetector Computed Tomography: Can Obesity Be the Triggering Cause?

Purpose: Misty mesentery appearance is commonly reported in daily practice, usually as a secondary finding of various pathological entities, but sometimes it is encountered as an isolated finding that cannot be attributed to any other disease entity. We aimed to assess the prevalence of cases with incidentally detected idiopathic misty mesentery on computed tomography (CT) and to summarize the pathologies leading to this appearance.

Methods: Medical records and initial and follow-up CT features of patients with misty mesentery appearance between January 2011 and January 2013 were analysed.

Are we using drugs rationally? A survey study from Turkey.

Objectives: To investigate the rational use of drugs from patient's perspective.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Afyon Kocatepe University Training and Research Hospital between February and March 2013. Data were collected with a questionnaire.

An unusual infection of cervicofacial area caused by dental pathology: flesh-eating syndrome.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the cervicofacial area is highly rare, but physicians should be familiar with the presentation of this situation owing to the suddenness of its beginning, the rapidness of its spread, and ending with high mortality and morbidity. In this article, 5 patients with NF admitted to emergency department with dental pathology history were discussed with a review of the literature. The purpose of this case series is to raise awareness about NF of the cervicofacial area caused by dental pathologies.

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema: rare and fatal complications of asthma.

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax (SBSP) and pneumomediastinum are complications rarely observed synchronously during an acute asthma attack. It is a clinical condition that manifests itself with serious respiratory distress and must be rapidly diagnosed and treated. Although bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax has already been reported in asthma patients in the literature, its concurrence with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum is extremely rare except for iatrogenic conditions.