Pubmed
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/22
Browse
644 results
Search Results
Article The Association of Systemic Inflammation Index with Parathormone Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study(Dustri-Verlag Dr Karl Feistle, 2026) Dheir, Hamad; Demir, Mehmet Emin; Çağlayan, Feyza Bayrakdar; Islam, Mahmud; Çankaya, EmreAim: Abnormal parathormone (PTH) levels are common in patients undergoing hemodialysis and have been linked to adverse outcomes. This study investigated the association between the systemic inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Materials and methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 225 patients undergoing HD at a single center. Demographic data, comorbidities, dialysis vintage, and laboratory values were obtained from medical records. Patients were stratified into three groups based on PTH level according to KDI-GO CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) guideline targets: PTH1 (< 150 pg/ mL), PTH2 (150-600 pg/mL), and PTH3 (> 600 pg/mL). The SII and NLR were calculated from complete blood counts. We compared the clinical characteristics across the PTH groups and used logistic regression to identify independent predictors of PTH levels outside the target range. Results: Of the 225 patients (mean age 61.3 +/- 17.5 years; 53.3% male), 17.3% were in the PTH1 group, 55.6% in PTH2, and 27.1% in PTH3. Patients in the PTH1 (low PTH) group were older and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus than those in the target PTH group (p < 0.05). Serum calcium and phosphate levels were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin levels were significantly higher in both the PTH1 and PTH3 groups compared to the PTH2 group (p < 0.05 for both). Accordingly, the novel inflammatory indices differed by PTH category: the median SII and NLR values were lowest in the PTH2 group and significantly elevated in both the low PTH and high PTH groups (PTH1 and PTH3, p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression, higher SII (p = 0.002) and NLR (p = 0.045) were independently associated with PTH levels outside the 150-600 pg/mL target range, even after adjusting for age, diabetes, CRP, ferritin, calcium, and phosphorus. HD duration showed a significant inverse correlation with PTH in the PTH1 group (r = -0.245, p = 0.022) but was not an independent predictor of PTH category overall. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with PTH levels below or above the recommended target range demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers (CRP and ferritin) and higher SII/NLR values, indicating a state of increased systemic inflammation. The SII and NLR were independent predictors of out-of-range PTH levels. These easily obtained indices may be useful for assessing inflammation in HD patients with altered mineral metabolism. Further research is warranted to determine whether addressing inflammation can modulate PTH levels or improve outcomes in this population.Article Inhibitory Activity of Silver Nanoparticles on Staphylococcus Aureus Growth and α-Hemolysin Gene Expression(Springer, 2026) Karahan, Zehra Can; Yousif Al-Abayechi, Al-Hasan Ali; AL-Khairo, Mazin Yashkur Zaki; Abood, Meethaq SattarBackground Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections in humans. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as MRSA, has created an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents; however, their effects on key virulence factors, such as alpha-hemolysin (Hla), have not been fully characterized. Objective This study aimed to isolate S. aureus from clinical samples, synthesize AgNPs, and evaluate their antibacterial activity and ability to inhibit the expression of Hla virulence genes. Methodology Atotal of 250 clinical samples (urine, burns, and sputum) were collected. S. aureus was confirmed by culture, biochemical reactions, the API20 system, Vitek2, and PCR. The morphology and characterization of the AgNPs were prepared using the chemical reduction method and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FT-IR. Results Among the 250 specimens screened, 44 (17.6%) harbored S. aureus, and the isolation rates were similar regardless of the sample type. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs ranged up to 14.41 mm inhibition zone was impressive. The MIC and MBC of AgNPs were determined to be 8 and 64 & micro;g/mL, respectively. The expression of Hla gene was also downregulated in the AgNP group compared to that in the untreated control group, according to real-time PCR data. Conclusion Chemically synthesized AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-virulence activities against clinical S. aureus isolates and significantly suppressed Hla gene expression. This dual action highlights their potential as therapeutic agents against S. aureus infections, warranting further investigation of their mechanisms of action.Article Hybrid Sequential Processing of Mixed Sn-Pb Narrow-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells(Royal Soc Chemistry, 2026) Yerci, Selcuk; Dehnavi, Mohammad; Sessolo, Michele; Saygili, Yasemin; Bolink, Henk; Ventosinos, FedericoHybrid vapor-solution sequential deposition of perovskites is a well-established method that enables large-area processing of perovskite films and solar cells. In this study, for the first time, we applied the hybrid sequential deposition method to the fabrication of narrow-bandgap mixed Sn-Pb perovskite films. We obtained compact, large-grained perovskite films with power conversion efficiency values exceeding 10% under 1 sun illumination with hole-transport-material-free devices. The applied method eliminates the oxidative degradation risks of solvents during perovskite formation and provides an easy way to develop additive and passivation strategies to improve photovoltaic properties.Article Decreased Olfactory Function Is Associated With Mortality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis(w B Saunders Co-Elsevier Inc, 2026) Bal, Ayşe Zeynep; Turgay, Gülay; Tekinyildiz, Merve; Sezer, SirenObjectives: Several studies have suggested that hemodialysis (HD) patients with olfactory impairment are associated with poor quality of life and malnutrition. However, to date, the association of olfactory impairment with mortality has not yet been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factors affecting olfactory function, inflammatory and nutritional parameters, and mortality in HD patients. Methods: A total of 102 HD patients were assessed for olfactory function using the Sniffin' Sticks test, alongside demographic, nutritional, and inflammatory parameters. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on odor scores: impaired group (severe olfactory dysfunction, <= 6 odors) and nonimpaired group (mild-moderate/normal olfactory function, >= 7 odors). Patients were followed for 1 year. Results: Impaired group, comprising patients with severe olfactory dysfunction, exhibited significantly lower albumin levels (P = .021) and higher C-reactive protein levels (P < .001) compared to nonimpaired group. Nutritional status, as measured by Subjective Global Assessment, was also poorer in the impaired group (P = .010). Over a 1-year follow-up period, mortality was higher in the impaired group, with 12 deaths, compared to 6 deaths in the nonimpaired group. In the multivariate analysis, total olfactory score emerged as an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 0.73; P = .032). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a survival advantage for the nonimpaired group, and the log-rank test confirmed that this difference was statistically significant (P < .009). Conclusions: The findings suggest that olfactory dysfunction in HD patients is closely linked to malnutrition, inflammation, and increased mortality. These results highlight the potential of olfactory function as a prognostic marker in HD patients.Article Bioactive Copper-Doped Natural Hydroxyapatite Quantum Dots/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites in 3D-Printed PCL Scaffolds for Superior Osteogenic and Angiogenic Performance in Bone Tissue Engineering(Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2026) Maleki-Ghaleh, Hossein; Khanmohammadi, Mehdi; Swieszkowski, Wojciech; Adibkia, Khosro; Volpi, Marina; Paczesny, Jan; Shahriyari, FatemehThis study introduces a sustainable scaffold designed by integrating copper-doped natural hydroxyapatite quantum dots (Cu-HA QDs) and graphene oxide (GO) into a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix using 3D printing technology, to address the dual requirements of osteogenesis and angiogenesis in large bone defects. Synchrotron SAXS/WAXS and HR-TEM investigations of the Cu-HA QDs exhibited a highly crystalline hexagonal structure with distinct QD architecture, and core-level HR-XPS analysis confirmed the substitution of Cu2+ for Ca2+ within the HA lattice. Incorporating Cu-HA-GO nanocomposites significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the PCL scaffolds, including enhanced wettability, accelerated hydrolytic degradation, and increased mechanical stiffness. Under basal culture conditions, the PCL/Cu-HA-GO scaffolds significantly promoted mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix mineralization. Under basal culture conditions, the PCL/Cu-HA-GO scaffolds significantly stimulated mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix mineralization. Furthermore, robust osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression was observed, along with pronounced osteocalcin expression and extensive CD31-positive capillary network formation, underscoring the scaffold's unique ability to stimulate bone formation and vascular ingrowth simultaneously. These results present the 3D-printed PCL/Cu-HA-GO scaffolds as a promising, sustainable, dual-functional scaffold with superior osteogenic and angiogenic performance, offering an effective alternative for critical-size bone-defect regeneration.Article Advances in Stabilizing Lipid-Based Nanoparticles: The Central Role of Lyophilization(Elsevier, 2026) Gallego, Idoia; Pedraz, José Luis; Bautista-Lopez, Irene; Enriquez-Rodriguez, Lucia; Maldonado, Iván; Lafuente-Merchan, Markel; Ramalingam, MuruganLipid-based nanoparticles (L-bNPs) have become a key platform in nanomedicine, enabling advances in drug delivery, gene therapy, and vaccine development. However, their widespread clinical application remains limited by their poor long-term stability, especially when stored in aqueous media. This review provides a comprehensive overview of long-term storage strategies for L-bNPs, with a particular focus on lyophilization (freeze-drying), which has emerged as the most widely adopted and effective stabilization method in the biopharmaceutical industry. The review begins with a classification of lipid-based nanoparticles and their medical applications, followed by an analysis of key storage challenges and a detailed exploration of freeze-drying processes, including critical parameters such as cryoprotectant selection, vial type, and the lipid composition of the formulation. Additionally, novel approaches such as spin freeze-drying are discussed for their potential to optimize solvent distribution and product morphology. Other long-term storage methods-including cryopreservation and atomization-based drying techniques such as spray-drying and supercritical fluid drying (SCFD)- are also examined for their potential benefits. Spray congealing, though still under development for L-bNPs, is highlighted for its promising performance in related lipid-based systems. While lyophilization remains the gold standard, the choice of method must be tailored to the physicochemical properties of the L-bNPs and their intended therapeutic use. Future perspectives highlight the need for more standardized protocols and advanced analytical tools to ensure stability and effectiveness across storage and transport conditions.Article Unpacking Women’s Worries about Leadership: The Interplay of Perceived Sexism and Organizational Support(SAGE Publications Inc, 2026) Metin Camgoz, Selin; Yilmaz, Berru Ayse; Metin-Orta, IremBackground Despite significant advancements in workplace equality, gender-based discrimination continues to hinder women's leadership aspirations and potential. In many non-Western societies, cultural and institutional structures intensify the influence of sexism on women's professional experiences.Objective This study explores how benevolent and hostile sexism, together with perceived organizational support, affect female employees' worries about leadership roles. It also examines whether organizational support moderates the relationship between sexism and leadership-related anxieties.Methods Data were collected from 201 full-time female employees working in various occupations in Türkiye. An online survey included the Worries about Leadership scale, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Perceived/Experienced Sexism Scale. Hypotheses were tested using moderation analysis via the PROCESS macro.Results Benevolent sexism and perceived organizational support were both negatively associated with worries about leadership. Perceived organizational support moderated the effect of benevolent sexism on leadership worries, such that higher support reduced its impact, demonstrating a crossover effect. Specifically, benevolent sexism was linked to fewer leadership worries when organizational support was low but associated with more worries when support was high. However, hostile sexism showed no main or interaction effect with POS on WAL.Conclusion This study highlights the complex role of benevolent sexism in shaping women's leadership concerns, showing both its potentially protective and harmful effects. It also emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches that go beyond generic organizational support to actively challenge subtle sexism and promote gender-inclusive leadership readiness in non-Western contexts.Article Citation - WoS: 30Citation - Scopus: 40Software Code Smell Prediction Model Using Shannon, Renyi and Tsallis Entropies(MDPI, 2018) Blazauskas, Tomas; Gupta, Aakanshi; Misra, Sanjay; Suri, Bharti; Kumar, Vijay; Damasevicius, RobertasThe current era demands high quality software in a limited time period to achieve new goals and heights. To meet user requirements, the source codes undergo frequent modifications which can generate the bad smells in software that deteriorate the quality and reliability of software. Source code of the open source software is easily accessible by any developer, thus frequently modifiable. In this paper, we have proposed a mathematical model to predict the bad smells using the concept of entropy as defined by the Information Theory. Open-source software Apache Abdera is taken into consideration for calculating the bad smells. Bad smells are collected using a detection tool from sub components of the Apache Abdera project, and different measures of entropy (Shannon, Renyi and Tsallis entropy). By applying non-linear regression techniques, the bad smells that can arise in the future versions of software are predicted based on the observed bad smells and entropy measures. The proposed model has been validated using goodness of fit parameters (prediction error, bias, variation, and Root Mean Squared Prediction Error (RMSPE)). The values of model performance statistics (R-2, adjusted R-2, Mean Square Error (MSE) and standard error) also justify the proposed model. We have compared the results of the prediction model with the observed results on real data. The results of the model might be helpful for software development industries and future researchers.Article Prognostic Value of the C-Reactive Protein-Albumin-Lymphocyte (CALLY) Index for 1-Year Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation(MDPI, 2026) Guney, Murat Can; Suygun, Hakan; Turinay Ertop, Zeynep Seyma; Polat, Melike; Bozkurt, Engin; Ayhan, Huseyin; Keles, TelatObjectives: Systemic inflammation, malnutrition, and immune dysregulation have emerged as important determinants of long-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index is a novel immunonutritional biomarker that integrates these pathophysiological domains; however, its prognostic value in TAVI patients has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the CALLY index and 1-year mortality after TAVI. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 532 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI at a tertiary-care center between 2014 and 2023. Baseline laboratory parameters were obtained before the procedure, and the CALLY index was calculated as (albumin & times; lymphocyte count)/(C-reactive protein & times; 10). The primary endpoint was 1-year mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the discriminative ability of the CALLY index and conventional surgical risk scores. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results: During the 1-year follow-up period, 85 patients (15.9%) died. Patients who died had significantly lower baseline CALLY index values compared to survivors (p < 0.001). The CALLY index demonstrated good discriminative performance for 1-year mortality (AUC: 0.797), outperforming EuroSCORE II (AUC: 0.705) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score (AUC: 0.619). A CALLY cut-off value of 0.45, derived using Youden's index, was associated with a more than threefold increased risk of mortality. In multivariable analysis, the CALLY index remained independently associated with 1-year mortality, along with EuroSCORE II and more than mild mitral regurgitation. Conclusions: The CALLY index is a strong and independent predictor of 1-year mortality after TAVI and provides incremental prognostic value beyond conventional surgical risk scores. Given its simplicity and reliance on routinely available laboratory parameters, the CALLY index may serve as a practical tool for long-term risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVI.Article Citation - WoS: 20Citation - Scopus: 25Quantitative Quality Evaluation of Software Products by Considering Summary and Comments Entropy of a Reported Bug(MDPI, 2019) Misra, Sanjay; Kumari, Madhu; Misra, Ananya; Damasevicius, Robertas; Fernandez Sanz, Luis; Sanz, Luis Fernandez; Singh, V. B.A software bug is characterized by its attributes. Various prediction models have been developed using these attributes to enhance the quality of software products. The reporting of bugs leads to high irregular patterns. The repository size is also increasing with enormous rate, resulting in uncertainty and irregularities. These uncertainty and irregularities are termed as veracity in the context of big data. In order to quantify these irregular and uncertain patterns, the authors have appliedentropy-based measures of the terms reported in the summary and the comments submitted by the users. Both uncertainties and irregular patterns have been taken care of byentropy-based measures. In this paper, the authors considered that the bug fixing process does not only depend upon the calendar time, testing effort and testing coverage, but it also depends on the bug summary description and comments. The paper proposed bug dependency-based mathematical models by considering the summary description of bugs and comments submitted by users in terms of the entropy-based measures. The models were validated on different Eclipse project products. The models proposed in the literature have different types of growth curves. The models mainly follow exponential, S-shaped or mixtures of both types of curves. In this paper, the proposed models were compared with the modelsfollowingexponential, S-shaped and mixtures of both types of curves.