Browsing by Publisher "Frontiers Media S.A."

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    Out-of-reference range thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in levothyroxine-treated primary hypothyroid patients: A multicenter observational study
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2017) Yavuz D.G.; Yazici D.; Keskin L.; Atmaca A.; Sancak S.; Saraç F.; Şahin I.; Dikbaş O.; Hekimsoy Z.; Yalin S.; Uygur M.; Yilmaz M.; Yirmibeşcik S.; Asmaz Ö.
    Objective: Although levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy for hypothyroidism has been established as safe, inexpensive and effective, many studies from different countries reported out-of-reference range thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values for the hypothyroid patients under LT4 treatment. The aim of this study was to determine TSH levels of primary hypothyroid patients under LT4 treatment and to assess self-reported compliance with daily LT4 intake in tertiary care centers in Turkey. Design: In this cross-sectional, observational study, adult patients with primary hypothyroidism, receiving LT4 treatment for at least 6 months, were included. The patients were from 12 tertiary care centers in 9 cities of Turkey. TSH and free T4 levels were recorded from patient files and self-reported compliance with daily LT4 intake was assessed by interviewing the subjects at the last visit. Results: A total of 1,755 subjects (46 ± 13 years; F/M: 89.9/10.1%) with primary hypothyroidism were enrolled. Of the hypothyroid subjects, 44.8% had out-of-reference range serum TSH levels. TSH values were over the reference range (TSH > 4 mIU/L) in 26.2% and were under the reference range (TSH < 0.5 mIU/L) in 18.6% of the patients. Total duration of LT4 treatment was 5.9 ± 4.7 years and mean dose was 1.2 ± 0.6 μg/kg/day. Non-compliant patients (31.1%) had higher TSH levels (6.9 ± 16 vs 3.8 ± 0.9 mIU/L, P = 0.01) compared to compliant patients. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that nearly half of the hypothyroid patients had out-of-reference range serum TSH values, despite under LT4 treatment. Compliance with LT4 treatment seems to be one of the major determinants to reach the target TSH levels in hypothyroid patients. © 2017 Yavuz, Yazici, Keskin, Atmaca, Sancak, Saraç, Şahin, Dikbaş, Hekimsoy, Yalin, Uygur, Yilmaz, Yirmibeşcik and Asmaz.
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    A New Network for the Advancement of Marine Biotechnology in Europe and Beyond
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2020) Rotter A.; Bacu A.; Barbier M.; Bertoni F.; Bones A.M.; Cancela M.L.; Carlsson J.; Carvalho M.F.; Cegłowska M.; Dalay M.C.; Dailianis T.; Deniz I.; Drakulovic D.; Dubnika A.; Einarsson H.; Erdoğan A.; Eroldoğan O.T.; Ezra D.; Fazi S.; FitzGerald R.J.; Gargan L.M.; Gaudêncio S.P.; Ivošević DeNardis N.; Joksimovic D.; Kataržytė M.; Kotta J.; Mandalakis M.; Matijošytė I.; Mazur-Marzec H.; Massa-Gallucci A.; Mehiri M.; Nielsen S.L.; Novoveská L.; Overlingė D.; Portman M.E.; Pyrc K.; Rebours C.; Reinsch T.; Reyes F.; Rinkevich B.; Robbens J.; Rudovica V.; Sabotič J.; Safarik I.; Talve S.; Tasdemir D.; Schneider X.T.; Thomas O.P.; Toruńska-Sitarz A.; Varese G.C.; Vasquez M.I.
    Marine organisms produce a vast diversity of metabolites with biological activities useful for humans, e.g., cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, insecticidal, herbicidal, anticancer, pro-osteogenic and pro-regenerative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, cholesterol-lowering, nutritional, photoprotective, horticultural or other beneficial properties. These metabolites could help satisfy the increasing demand for alternative sources of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food, feed, and novel bio-based products. In addition, marine biomass itself can serve as the source material for the production of various bulk commodities (e.g., biofuels, bioplastics, biomaterials). The sustainable exploitation of marine bio-resources and the development of biomolecules and polymers are also known as the growing field of marine biotechnology. Up to now, over 35,000 natural products have been characterized from marine organisms, but many more are yet to be uncovered, as the vast diversity of biota in the marine systems remains largely unexplored. Since marine biotechnology is still in its infancy, there is a need to create effective, operational, inclusive, sustainable, transnational and transdisciplinary networks with a serious and ambitious commitment for knowledge transfer, training provision, dissemination of best practices and identification of the emerging technological trends through science communication activities. A collaborative (net)work is today compelling to provide innovative solutions and products that can be commercialized to contribute to the circular bioeconomy. This perspective article highlights the importance of establishing such collaborative frameworks using the example of Ocean4Biotech, an Action within the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) that connects all and any stakeholders with an interest in marine biotechnology in Europe and beyond. © Copyright © 2020 Rotter, Bacu, Barbier, Bertoni, Bones, Cancela, Carlsson, Carvalho, Cegłowska, Dalay, Dailianis, Deniz, Drakulovic, Dubnika, Einarsson, Erdoğan, Eroldoğan, Ezra, Fazi, FitzGerald, Gargan, Gaudêncio, Ivošević DeNardis, Joksimovic, Kataržytė, Kotta, Mandalakis, Matijošytė, Mazur-Marzec, Massa-Gallucci, Mehiri, Nielsen, Novoveská, Overlingė, Portman, Pyrc, Rebours, Reinsch, Reyes, Rinkevich, Robbens, Rudovica, Sabotič, Safarik, Talve, Tasdemir, Schneider, Thomas, Toruńska-Sitarz, Varese and Vasquez.
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    Modeling macroalgal forest distribution at mediterranean scale: Present status, drivers of changes and insights for conservation and management
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2020) Fabbrizzi E.; Scardi M.; Ballesteros E.; Benedetti-Cecchi L.; Cebrian E.; Ceccherelli G.; De Leo F.; Deidun A.; Guarnieri G.; Falace A.; Fraissinet S.; Giommi C.; Mačić V.; Mangialajo L.; Mannino A.M.; Piazzi L.; Ramdani M.; Rilov G.; Rindi L.; Rizzo L.; Sarà G.; Souissi J.B.; Taskin E.; Fraschetti S.
    Macroalgal forests are one of the most productive and valuable marine ecosystems, but yet strongly exposed to fragmentation and loss. Detailed large-scale information on their distribution is largely lacking, hindering conservation initiatives. In this study, a systematic effort to combine spatial data on Cystoseira C. Agardh canopies (Fucales, Phaeophyta) was carried out to develop a Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) at Mediterranean scale, providing critical tools to improve site prioritization for their management, restoration and protection. A georeferenced database on the occurrence of 20 Cystoseira species was produced collecting all the available information from published and grey literature, web data portals and co-authors personal data. Data were associated to 55 predictor variable layers in the (ASCII) raster format and were used in order to develop the HSM by means of a Random Forest, a very effective Machine Learning technique. Knowledge about the distribution of Cystoseira canopies was available for about the 14% of the Mediterranean coastline. Absence data were available only for the 2% of the basin. Despite these gaps, our HSM showed high accuracy levels in reproducing Cystoseira distribution so that the first continuous maps of the habitat across the entire basin was produced. Misclassification errors mainly occurred in the eastern and southern part of the basin, where large gaps of knowledge emerged. The most relevant drivers were the geomorphological ones, followed by anthropogenic variables proxies of pollution and urbanization. Our model shows the importance of data sharing to combine a large number of spatial and environmental data, allowing to individuate areas with high probability of Cystoseira occurrence as suitable for its presence. This approach encourages the use of this modeling tool for the prediction of Cystoseira distribution and for supporting and planning conservation and management initiatives. The step forward is to refine the spatial information of presence-absence data about Cystoseira canopies and of environmental predictors in order to address species-specific assessments. © 2020 Fabbrizzi, Scardi, Ballesteros, Benedetti-Cecchi, Cebrian, Ceccherelli, De Leo, Deidun, Guarnieri, Falace, Fraissinet, Giommi, Mačić, Mangialajo, Mannino, Piazzi, Ramdani, Rilov, Rindi, Rizzo, Sarà, Souissi, Taskin and Fraschetti.
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    E-Cadherin: An Important Functional Molecule at Respiratory Barrier Between Defence and Dysfunction
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Yuksel H.; Ocalan M.; Yilmaz O.
    While breathing, many microorganisms, harmful environmental particles, allergens, and environmental pollutants enter the human airways. The human respiratory tract is lined with epithelial cells that act as a functional barrier to these harmful factors and provide homeostasis between external and internal environment. Intercellular epithelial junctional proteins play a role in the formation of the barrier. E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent adhesion molecule and one of the most important molecules involved in intercellular epithelial barier formation. E-cadherin is not only physical barrier element but also regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and the immune response to environmental noxious agents through various transcription factors. In this study, we aimed to review the role of E-cadherin in the formation of airway epithelial barier, its status as a result of exposure to various environmental triggers, and respiratory diseases associated with its dysfunction. Moreover, the situations in which its abnormal activation can be noxious would be discussed. © Copyright © 2021 Yuksel, Ocalan and Yilmaz.
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    Effects of Natural and Anthropogenic Stressors on Fucalean Brown Seaweeds Across Different Spatial Scales in the Mediterranean Sea
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Orfanidis S.; Rindi F.; Cebrian E.; Fraschetti S.; Nasto I.; Taskin E.; Bianchelli S.; Papathanasiou V.; Kosmidou M.; Caragnano A.; Tsioli S.; Ratti S.; Fabbrizzi E.; Verdura J.; Tamburello L.; Beqiraj S.; Kashta L.; Sota D.; Papadimitriou A.; Mahmoudi E.; Kiçaj H.; Georgiadis K.; Hannachi A.; Danovaro R.
    Algal habitat-forming forests composed of fucalean brown seaweeds (Cystoseira, Ericaria, and Gongolaria) have severely declined along the Mediterranean coasts, endangering the maintenance of essential ecosystem services. Numerous factors determine the loss of these assemblages and operate at different spatial scales, which must be identified to plan conservation and restoration actions. To explore the critical stressors (natural and anthropogenic) that may cause habitat degradation, we investigated (a) the patterns of variability of fucalean forests in percentage cover (abundance) at three spatial scales (location, forest, transect) by visual estimates and or photographic sampling to identify relevant spatial scales of variation, (b) the correlation between semi-quantitative anthropogenic stressors, individually or cumulatively (MA-LUSI index), including natural stressors (confinement, sea urchin grazing), and percentage cover of functional groups (perennial, semi-perennial) at forest spatial scale. The results showed that impacts from mariculture and urbanization seem to be the main stressors affecting habitat-forming species. In particular, while mariculture, urbanization, and cumulative anthropogenic stress negatively correlated with the percentage cover of perennial fucalean species, the same stressors were positively correlated with the percentage cover of the semi-perennial Cystoseira compressa and C. compressa subsp. pustulata. Our results indicate that human impacts can determine spatial patterns in these fragmented and heterogeneous marine habitats, thus stressing the need of carefully considering scale-dependent ecological processes to support conservation and restoration. © Copyright © 2021 Orfanidis, Rindi, Cebrian, Fraschetti, Nasto, Taskin, Bianchelli, Papathanasiou, Kosmidou, Caragnano, Tsioli, Ratti, Fabbrizzi, Verdura, Tamburello, Beqiraj, Kashta, Sota, Papadimitriou, Mahmoudi, Kiçaj, Georgiadis, Hannachi and Danovaro.
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    A New Tool for Faster Construction of Marine Biotechnology Collaborative Networks
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Rotter A.; Gaudêncio S.P.; Klun K.; Macher J.-N.; Thomas O.P.; Deniz I.; Edwards C.; Grigalionyte-Bembič E.; Ljubešić Z.; Robbens J.; Varese G.C.; Vasquez M.I.
    The increasing and rapid development in technologies, infrastructures, computational power, data availability and information flow has enabled rapid scientific advances. These entail transdisciplinary collaborations that maximize sharing of data and knowledge and, consequently, results, and possible technology transfer. However, in emerging scientific fields it is sometimes difficult to provide all necessary expertise within existing collaborative circles. This is especially true for marine biotechnology that directly addresses global societal challenges. This article describes the creation of a platform dedicated to facilitating the formation of short or mid-term collaborative networks in marine biotechnology. This online platform (https://www.ocean4biotech.eu/map/) enables experts (researchers and members of the marine biotechnology community in general) to have the possibility to showcase their expertise with the aim of being integrated into new collaborations/consortia on the one hand, or to use it as a search tool to complement the expertise in planned/running collaborations, on the other. The platform was created within the Ocean4Biotech (European transdisciplinary networking platform for marine biotechnology) Action, funded under the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST). To build the platform, an inquiry was developed to identify experts in marine biotechnology and its adjunct fields, to define their expertise, to highlight their infrastructures and facilities and to pinpoint the main bottlenecks in this field. The inquiry was open to all experts in the broad field of marine biotechnology, including non-members of the consortium. The inquiry (https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/UKVsBNtD) remains open for insertion of additional expertise and the resulting interactive map can be used as a display and search tool for establishing new collaborations. © Copyright © 2021 Rotter, Gaudêncio, Klun, Macher, Thomas, Deniz, Edwards, Grigalionyte-Bembič, Ljubešić, Robbens, Varese and Vasquez.
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    Epidemiological, Clinical, and Laboratory Features of Children With COVID-19 in Turkey
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Karbuz A.; Akkoc G.; Bedir Demirdag T.; Yilmaz Ciftdogan D.; Ozer A.; Cakir D.; Hancerli Torun S.; Kepenekli E.; Erat T.; Dalgic N.; Ilbay S.; Karaaslan A.; Erdeniz E.H.; Aygun F.D.; Bozdemir S.E.; Hatipoglu N.; Emiroglu M.; Sahbudak Bal Z.; Ciftci E.; Bayhan G.I.; Gayretli Aydin Z.G.; Ocal Demir S.; Kilic O.; Hacimustafaoglu M.; Sener Okur D.; Sen S.; Yahsi A.; Akturk H.; Cetin B.; Sutcu M.; Kara M.; Uygun H.; Tural Kara T.; Korukluoglu G.; Akgun O.; Üstündağ G.; Demir Mis M.; Sali E.; Kaba O.; Yakut N.; Kılıc O.; Kanik M.K.; Cetin C.; Dursun A.; Cicek M.; Kockuzu E.; Sevketoglu E.; Alkan G.; Guner Ozenen G.; İnce E.; Baydar Z.; Ozkaya A.K.; Ovali H.F.; Tekeli S.; Celebi S.; Cubukcu B.; Bal A.; Khalilova F.; Kose M.; Hatipoglu H.U.; Dalkiran T.; Turgut M.; Basak Altas A.; Selcuk Duru H.N.; Aksay A.; Saglam S.; Sari Yanartas M.; Ergenc Z.; Akin Y.; Duzenli Kar Y.; Sahin S.; Tuteroz S.K.; Bilen N.M.; Ozdemir H.; Senoglu M.C.; Pariltan Kucukalioglu B.; Besli G.E.; Kara Y.; Turan C.; Selbest Demirtas B.; Celikyurt A.; Cosgun Y.; Elevli M.; Sahin A.; Bahtiyar Oguz S.; Somer A.; Karadag B.; Demirhan R.; Turk Dagi H.; Kurugol Z.; Taskin E.C.; Sahiner A.; Yesil E.; Ekemen Keles Y.; Sarikaya R.; Erdem Eralp E.; Ozkinay F.; Konca H.K.; Yilmaz S.; Gokdemir Y.; Arga G.; Ozen S.; Coksuer F.; Vatansever G.; Tezer H.; Kara A.
    Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by pediatric infectious disease specialists from 32 different hospitals from all over Turkey by case record forms. Pediatric cases who were diagnosed as COVID-19 between March 16, 2020, and June 15, 2020 were included. Case characteristics including age, sex, dates of disease onset and diagnosis, family, and contact information were recorded. Clinical data, including the duration and severity of symptoms, were also collected. Laboratory parameters like biochemical tests and complete blood count, chest X-ray, and chest computed tomography (CT) were determined. Results: There were 1,156 confirmed pediatric COVID-19 cases. In total, male cases constituted 50.3% (n = 582) and females constituted 49.7% (n = 574). The median age of the confirmed cases was 10.75 years (4.5–14.6). Of the total cases, 90 were younger than 1 year of age (7.8%), 108 were 1–3 years of age (9.3%), 148 were 3–6 years of age (12.8%), 298 were 6–12 years of age (25.8%), 233 were 12–15 years of age (20.2%), and 268 cases were older than 15 years of age (23.2%). The most common symptom of the patients at the first visit was fever (50.4%) (n = 583) for a median of 2 days (IQR: 1–3 days). Fever was median at 38.4°C (38.0–38.7°C). The second most common symptom was cough (n = 543, 46.9%). The other common symptoms were sore throat (n = 143, 12.4%), myalgia (n = 141, 12.2%), dyspnea (n = 118, 10.2%), diarrhea (n = 112, 9.7%), stomachache (n = 71, 6.1%), and nasal discharge (n = 63, 5.4%). When patients were classified according to disease severity, 263 (22.7%) patients were asymptomatic, 668 (57.7%) patients had mild disease, 209 (18.1%) had moderate disease, and 16 (1.5%) cases had severe disease. One hundred and forty-nine (12.9%) cases had underlying diseases among the total cases; 56% of the patients who had severe disease had an underlying condition (p < 0.01). The need for hospitalization did not differ between patients who had an underlying condition and those who do not have (p = 0.38), but the need for intensive care was higher in patients who had an underlying condition (p < 0.01). Forty-seven (31.5%) of the cases having underlying conditions had asthma or lung disease (38 of them had asthma). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the largest pediatric data about confirmed COVID-19 cases. Children from all ages appear to be susceptible to COVID-19, and there is a significant difference in symptomatology and laboratory findings by means of age distribution. © Copyright © 2021 Karbuz.
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    The Essentials of Marine Biotechnology
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Rotter A.; Barbier M.; Bertoni F.; Bones A.M.; Cancela M.L.; Carlsson J.; Carvalho M.F.; Cegłowska M.; Chirivella-Martorell J.; Conk Dalay M.; Cueto M.; Dailianis T.; Deniz I.; Díaz-Marrero A.R.; Drakulovic D.; Dubnika A.; Edwards C.; Einarsson H.; Erdoǧan A.; Eroldoǧan O.T.; Ezra D.; Fazi S.; FitzGerald R.J.; Gargan L.M.; Gaudêncio S.P.; Gligora Udovič M.; Ivošević DeNardis N.; Jónsdóttir R.; Kataržytė M.; Klun K.; Kotta J.; Ktari L.; Ljubešić Z.; Lukić Bilela L.; Mandalakis M.; Massa-Gallucci A.; Matijošytė I.; Mazur-Marzec H.; Mehiri M.; Nielsen S.L.; Novoveská L.; Overlingė D.; Perale G.; Ramasamy P.; Rebours C.; Reinsch T.; Reyes F.; Rinkevich B.; Robbens J.; Röttinger E.; Rudovica V.; Sabotič J.; Safarik I.; Talve S.; Tasdemir D.; Theodotou Schneider X.; Thomas O.P.; Toruńska-Sitarz A.; Varese G.C.; Vasquez M.I.
    Coastal countries have traditionally relied on the existing marine resources (e.g., fishing, food, transport, recreation, and tourism) as well as tried to support new economic endeavors (ocean energy, desalination for water supply, and seabed mining). Modern societies and lifestyle resulted in an increased demand for dietary diversity, better health and well-being, new biomedicines, natural cosmeceuticals, environmental conservation, and sustainable energy sources. These societal needs stimulated the interest of researchers on the diverse and underexplored marine environments as promising and sustainable sources of biomolecules and biomass, and they are addressed by the emerging field of marine (blue) biotechnology. Blue biotechnology provides opportunities for a wide range of initiatives of commercial interest for the pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, food, feed, agricultural, and related industries. This article synthesizes the essence, opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges encountered in marine biotechnology and outlines the attainment and valorization of directly derived or bio-inspired products from marine organisms. First, the concept of bioeconomy is introduced. Then, the diversity of marine bioresources including an overview of the most prominent marine organisms and their potential for biotechnological uses are described. This is followed by introducing methodologies for exploration of these resources and the main use case scenarios in energy, food and feed, agronomy, bioremediation and climate change, cosmeceuticals, bio-inspired materials, healthcare, and well-being sectors. The key aspects in the fields of legislation and funding are provided, with the emphasis on the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement at all levels of biotechnology development. Finally, vital overarching concepts, such as the quadruple helix and Responsible Research and Innovation principle are highlighted as important to follow within the marine biotechnology field. The authors of this review are collaborating under the European Commission-funded Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action Ocean4Biotech – European transdisciplinary networking platform for marine biotechnology and focus the study on the European state of affairs. © Copyright © 2021 Rotter, Barbier, Bertoni, Bones, Cancela, Carlsson, Carvalho, Cegłowska, Chirivella-Martorell, Conk Dalay, Cueto, Dailianis, Deniz, Díaz-Marrero, Drakulovic, Dubnika, Edwards, Einarsson, Erdoǧan, Eroldoǧan, Ezra, Fazi, FitzGerald, Gargan, Gaudêncio, Gligora Udovič, Ivošević DeNardis, Jónsdóttir, Kataržytė, Klun, Kotta, Ktari, Ljubešić, Lukić Bilela, Mandalakis, Massa-Gallucci, Matijošytė, Mazur-Marzec, Mehiri, Nielsen, Novoveská, Overlingė, Perale, Ramasamy, Rebours, Reinsch, Reyes, Rinkevich, Robbens, Röttinger, Rudovica, Sabotič, Safarik, Talve, Tasdemir, Theodotou Schneider, Thomas, Toruńska-Sitarz, Varese and Vasquez.
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    Spelling Changes and Fluorescent Tagging With Prime Editing Vectors for Plants
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) Wang L.; Kaya H.B.; Zhang N.; Rai R.; Willmann M.R.; Carpenter S.C.D.; Read A.C.; Martin F.; Fei Z.; Leach J.E.; Martin G.B.; Bogdanove A.J.
    Prime editing is an adaptation of the CRISPR-Cas system that uses a Cas9(H840A)-reverse transcriptase fusion and a guide RNA amended with template and primer binding site sequences to achieve RNA-templated conversion of the target DNA, allowing specified substitutions, insertions, and deletions. In the first report of prime editing in plants, a variety of edits in rice and wheat were described, including insertions up to 15 bp. Several studies in rice quickly followed, but none reported a larger insertion. Here, we report easy-to-use vectors for prime editing in dicots as well as monocots, their validation in Nicotiana benthamiana, rice, and Arabidopsis, and an insertion of 66 bp that enabled split-GFP fluorescent tagging. Copyright © 2021 Wang, Kaya, Zhang, Rai, Willmann, Carpenter, Read, Martin, Fei, Leach, Martin and Bogdanove.
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    Investigating the Association Between Adolescent Internet Addiction and Parental Attitudes
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Bilge M.; Uçan G.; Baydur H.
    Objectives: In this study, the association between parents’ attitudes and internet addiction among adolescent high school students was investigated through some sociodemographic variables. Methods: The research was carried out with 385 students studying in four high schools in western Turkey. Sociodemographic characteristics, parental attitude scale and internet addiction scale were used in the study. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis and structural equation modeling analysis were applied. Results: The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between the combined mean score obtained from the Parental Attitude Scale and the mean score obtained from the Internet Addiction Scale, and that authoritarian parenting attitude increases the risk of internet addiction [OR = 1.70 (95% CI: 1.33–2.18)]. In the structural equation modeling analysis, the model summary fit values were determined to be at a good level (χ2/df = 2.86, GFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.073) regarding the relationship between parental attitude and internet addiction. Conclusion: Adolescents’ internet addiction levels changes related to their parents’ democratic attitude evolve. Copyright © 2022 Bilge, Uçan and Baydur.
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    Leishmania kinetoplast DNA contributes to parasite burden in infected macrophages: Critical role of the cGAS-STING-TBK1 signaling pathway in macrophage parasitemia
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Yilmaz I.C.; Dunuroglu E.; Ayanoglu I.C.; Ipekoglu E.M.; Yildirim M.; Girginkardesler N.; Ozbel Y.; Toz S.; Ozbilgin A.; Aykut G.; Gursel I.; Gursel M.
    Leishmania parasites harbor a unique network of circular DNA known as kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). The role of kDNA in leishmania infections is poorly understood. Herein, we show that kDNA delivery to the cytosol of Leishmania major infected THP-1 macrophages provoked increased parasite loads when compared to untreated cells, hinting at the involvement of cytosolic DNA sensors in facilitating parasite evasion from the immune system. Parasite proliferation was significantly hindered in cGAS- STING- and TBK-1 knockout THP-1 macrophages when compared to wild type cells. Nanostring nCounter gene expression analysis on L. major infected wild type versus knockout cells revealed that some of the most upregulated genes including, Granulysin (GNLY), Chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1), Sialomucin core protein 24 (CD164), SLAM Family Member 7 (SLAMF7), insulin-like growth factor receptor 2 (IGF2R) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) were identical in infected cGAS and TBK1 knockout cells, implying their involvement in parasite control. Amlexanox treatment (a TBK1 inhibitor) of L. major infected wild type cells inhibited both the percentage and the parasite load of infected THP-1 cells and delayed footpad swelling in parasite infected mice. Collectively, these results suggest that leishmania parasites might hijack the cGAS-STING-TBK1 signaling pathway to their own advantage and the TBK1 inhibitor amlexanox could be of interest as a candidate drug in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Copyright © 2022 Yilmaz, Dunuroglu, Ayanoglu, Ipekoglu, Yildirim, Girginkardesler, Ozbel, Toz, Ozbilgin, Aykut, Gursel and Gursel.
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    Development and Implementation of the AIDA International Registry for Patients With VEXAS Syndrome
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Vitale A.; Caggiano V.; Della Casa F.; Hernández-Rodríguez J.; Frassi M.; Monti S.; Tufan A.; Telesca S.; Conticini E.; Ragab G.; Lopalco G.; Almaghlouth I.; Pereira R.M.R.; Yildirim D.; Cattalini M.; Marino A.; Giani T.; La Torre F.; Ruscitti P.; Aragona E.; Wiesik-Szewczyk E.; Del Giudice E.; Sfikakis P.P.; Govoni M.; Emmi G.; Maggio M.C.; Giacomelli R.; Ciccia F.; Conti G.; Ait-Idir D.; Lomater C.; Sabato V.; Piga M.; Sahin A.; Opris-Belinski D.; Ionescu R.; Bartoloni E.; Franceschini F.; Parronchi P.; de Paulis A.; Espinosa G.; Maier A.; Sebastiani G.D.; Insalaco A.; Shahram F.; Sfriso P.; Minoia F.; Alessio M.; Makowska J.; Hatemi G.; Akkoç N.; Li Gobbi F.; Gidaro A.; Olivieri A.N.; Al-Mayouf S.M.; Erten S.; Gentileschi S.; Vasi I.; Tarsia M.; Mahmoud A.A.-M.A.; Frediani B.; Fares Alzahrani M.; Laymouna A.H.; Ricci F.; Cardinale F.; Jahnz-Rózyk K.; Tosi G.M.; Crisafulli F.; Balistreri A.; Dagostin M.A.; Ghanema M.; Gaggiano C.; Sota J.; Di Cola I.; Fabiani C.; Giardini H.A.M.; Renieri A.; Fabbiani A.; Carrer A.; Bocchia M.; Caroni F.; Rigante D.; Cantarini L.
    Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) international Registry dedicated to Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic (VEXAS) syndrome, describing its design, construction, and modalities of dissemination. Methods: This Registry is a clinical, physician-driven, population- and electronic-based instrument designed for the retrospective and prospective collection of real-life data. Data gathering is based on the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool and is intended to obtain real-world evidence for daily patients' management. The Registry may potentially communicate with other on-line tools dedicated to VEXAS syndrome, thus enhancing international collaboration and data sharing for research purposes. The Registry is practical enough to be easily modified to meet future needs regarding VEXAS syndrome. Results: To date (April 22nd, 2022), 113 Centers from 23 Countries in 4 continents have been involved; 324 users (114 Principal Investigators, 205 Site Investigators, 2 Lead Investigators, and 3 data managers) are currently able to access the registry for data entry (or data sharing) and collection. The Registry includes 4,952 fields organized into 18 instruments designed to fully describe patient's details about demographics, clinical manifestations, symptoms, histologic details about skin and bone marrow biopsies and aspirate, laboratory features, complications, comorbidities, therapies, and healthcare access. Conclusion: This international Registry for patients with VEXAS syndrome will allow the achievement of a comprehensive knowledge about this new disease, with the final goal to obtain real-world evidence for daily clinical practice, especially in relation to the comprehension of this disease about the natural history and the possible therapeutic approaches. This Project can be found on https://clinicaltrials.gov NCT05200715. Copyright © 2022 Vitale, Caggiano, Della Casa, Hernández-Rodríguez, Frassi, Monti, Tufan, Telesca, Conticini, Ragab, Lopalco, Almaghlouth, Pereira, Yildirim, Cattalini, Marino, Giani, La Torre, Ruscitti, Aragona, Wiesik-Szewczyk, Del Giudice, Sfikakis, Govoni, Emmi, Maggio, Giacomelli, Ciccia, Conti, Ait-Idir, Lomater, Sabato, Piga, Sahin, Opris-Belinski, Ionescu, Bartoloni, Franceschini, Parronchi, de Paulis, Espinosa, Maier, Sebastiani, Insalaco, Shahram, Sfriso, Minoia, Alessio, Makowska, Hatemi, Akkoç, Li Gobbi, Gidaro, Olivieri, Al-Mayouf, Erten, Gentileschi, Vasi, Tarsia, Mahmoud, Frediani, Fares Alzahrani, Laymouna, Ricci, Cardinale, Jahnz-Rózyk, Tosi, Crisafulli, Balistreri, Dagostin, Ghanema, Gaggiano, Sota, Di Cola, Fabiani, Giardini, Renieri, Fabbiani, Carrer, Bocchia, Caroni, Rigante and Cantarini.
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    Early Immunomodulatory Effects of Different Natural Surfactant Preparations in Preterms With Respiratory Distress
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Yalaz M.; Tanriverdi S.; Uygur Ö.; Altun Köroğlu Ö.; Azarsiz E.; Aksu G.; Kültürsay N.
    Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common respiratory disease in premature infants. Exogenous natural surfactant preparations are used in the treatment of RDS. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that surfactant plays an immunoregulatory role. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate cytokine and chemokine response following three different regimens of natural surfactant treatment in preterm newborns with RDS. Methods: Premature newborns below 32 weeks of gestation who were intubated for RDS and given early surfactant rescue therapy were included in the study. Newborns were randomly divided into three groups and Beractant 100 mg/kg (B-100), Poractant alfa 100 mg/kg (Pα-100) and Poractant alfa 200 mg/kg (Pα-200) were administered intratracheally. Blood samples and transtracheal aspirates (TA) were collected just before and 4–6 h after the surfactant treatment. Total eosinophil count, inducible T Cell alpha chemoattractant (ITaC), macrophage inflammatory protein 3 beta (MIP3b), interleukins (IL) 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), eotaxin and tumor necrosis factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) were measured from blood and tracheal aspirate samples. Results: A total of 45 infants, 15 in each group, were included in the study. Mean gestational age, birth weight, antenatal, demographic and clinical characteristics of the study groups were similar. IFNγ concentration and eosinophil counts in TA decreased after surfactant replacement in all groups, especially in the infants treated with Pα-100 and Pα-200. Eotaxin, TGF beta and IL-8 concentrations in TA increased significantly in the infants treated with Pα-100 and Pα-200. IL-9 levels in TA decreased in the B-100 group but increased in the Pα-100 and Pα-200 groups. Blood levels of cytokines and chemokines showed significantly decreased levels of ITaC and MIP3b only in the B-100 group, but no significant change was observed in the Pα-100 and Pα-200 groups. Conclusion: In our study, the different immunomodulatory effects of natural surfactant preparations on newborn lung is proven. We found that Poractant α, one of the natural surfactant preparations, shifted the lung immune system toward TH2. Copyright © 2022 Yalaz, Tanriverdi, Uygur, Altun Köroğlu, Azarsiz, Aksu and Kültürsay.
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    The association of antiviral drugs with COVID-19 morbidity: The retrospective analysis of a nationwide COVID-19 cohort
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Babayigit C.; Kokturk N.; Kul S.; Cetinkaya P.D.; Atis Nayci S.; Argun Baris S.; Karcioglu O.; Aysert P.; Irmak I.; Akbas Yuksel A.; Sekibag Y.; Baydar Toprak O.; Azak E.; Mulamahmutoglu S.; Cuhadaroglu C.; Demirel A.; Kerget B.; Baran Ketencioglu B.; Ozger H.S.; Ozkan G.; Ture Z.; Ergan B.; Avkan Oguz V.; Kilinc O.; Ercelik M.; Ulukavak Ciftci T.; Alici O.; Nurlu Temel E.; Ataoglu O.; Aydin A.; Cetiner Bahcetepe D.; Gullu Y.T.; Fakili F.; Deveci F.; Kose N.; Tor M.M.; Gunluoglu G.; Altin S.; Turgut T.; Tuna T.; Ozturk O.; Dikensoy O.; Yildiz Gulhan P.; Basyigit I.; Boyaci H.; Oguzulgen I.K.; Borekci S.; Gemicioglu B.; Bayraktar F.; Elbek O.; Hanta I.; Kuzu Okur H.; Sagcan G.; Uzun O.; Akgun M.; Altinisik G.; Dursun B.; Cakir Edis E.; Gulhan E.; Oner Eyuboglu F.; Gultekin O.; Havlucu Y.; Ozkan M.; Sakar Coskun A.; Sayiner A.; Kalyoncu A.F.; Itil O.; Bayram H.
    Background and objectives: Although several repurposed antiviral drugs have been used for the treatment of COVID-19, only a few such as remdesivir and molnupiravir have shown promising effects. The objectives of our study were to investigate the association of repurposed antiviral drugs with COVID-19 morbidity. Methods: Patients admitted to 26 different hospitals located in 16 different provinces between March 11–July 18, 2020, were enrolled. Case definition was based on WHO criteria. Patients were managed according to the guidelines by Scientific Board of Ministry of Health of Turkey. Primary outcomes were length of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, and intubation. Results: We retrospectively evaluated 1,472 COVID-19 adult patients; 57.1% were men (mean age = 51.9 ± 17.7years). A total of 210 (14.3%) had severe pneumonia, 115 (7.8%) were admitted to ICUs, and 69 (4.7%) were intubated during hospitalization. The median (interquartile range) of duration of hospitalization, including ICU admission, was 7 (5–12) days. Favipiravir (n = 328), lopinavir/ritonavir (n = 55), and oseltamivir (n = 761) were administered as antiviral agents, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ, n = 1,382) and azithromycin (n = 738) were used for their immunomodulatory activity. Lopinavir/ritonavir (β [95% CI]: 4.71 [2.31–7.11]; p = 0.001), favipiravir (β [95% CI]: 3.55 [2.56–4.55]; p = 0.001) and HCQ (β [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.02–1.67]; p = 0.046) were associated with increased risk of lengthy hospital stays. Furthermore, favipiravir was associated with increased risks of ICU admission (OR [95% CI]: 3.02 [1.70–5.35]; p = 0.001) and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement (OR [95% CI]: 2.94 [1.28–6.75]; p = 0.011). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that antiviral drugs including lopinavir, ritonavir, and favipiravir were associated with negative clinical outcomes such as increased risks for lengthy hospital stay, ICU admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement. Therefore, repurposing such agents without proven clinical evidence might not be the best approach for COVID-19 treatment. Copyright © 2022 Babayigit, Kokturk, Kul, Cetinkaya, Atis Nayci, Argun Baris, Karcioglu, Aysert, Irmak, Akbas Yuksel, Sekibag, Baydar Toprak, Azak, Mulamahmutoglu, Cuhadaroglu, Demirel, Kerget, Baran Ketencioglu, Ozger, Ozkan, Ture, Ergan, Avkan Oguz, Kilinc, Ercelik, Ulukavak Ciftci, Alici, Nurlu Temel, Ataoglu, Aydin, Cetiner Bahcetepe, Gullu, Fakili, Deveci, Kose, Tor, Gunluoglu, Altin, Turgut, Tuna, Ozturk, Dikensoy, Yildiz Gulhan, Basyigit, Boyaci, Oguzulgen, Borekci, Gemicioglu, Bayraktar, Elbek, Hanta, Kuzu Okur, Sagcan, Uzun, Akgun, Altinisik, Dursun, Cakir Edis, Gulhan, Oner Eyuboglu, Gultekin, Havlucu, Ozkan, Sakar Coskun, Sayiner, Kalyoncu, Itil and Bayram.
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    Narcissism on interpersonal circumplex model: Reactions to imaginary abandonment and rejection
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Şen-Pakyürek G.; Barışkın E.
    Aim: Narcissism is a direct result of the lack of self-expression. Thus, this trait is enshrined in cycles of strategies to protect self-worth in interpersonal relationships. The aim of the present study was to understand in what way narcissistic individuals understand their interactions with themselves and others. Method: The study included two groups comprising high grandiose narcissism (GN, n = 43) and high vulnerable narcissism (VN, n = 44). The participants who received scores that were one standard deviation (SD) above the mean, either on the PNI-grandiosity or on the PNI-vulnerable dimensions, constituted the GN and VN groups among 518 students (Age: M = 23.57, Sd = 2.13). Results: The chi-square test was performed to evaluate the dimensions of narcissism with respect to responses of the participants and their partners (behavioral, cognitive, and emotional). The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) was administered to evaluate narcissistic characteristics. The “Criticism Story” of the Story Completion Inventory in Romantic Relationships (SCIRR) was used for criticism. The circular pattern between the responses of the participants and their partners was examined using the Interpersonal Schemas Scale (ISS). The results revealed that the vulnerable group gave more complementary responses emotionally and made more complementary predictions in terms of the expected reactions from the romantic partner than the grandiose group. Discussion: The results were discussed in reference to the basic self-esteem-protecting motivations of the groups. Copyright © 2022 Şen-Pakyürek and Barışkın.
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    Graphene-bioactive glass composites: Structural, Vickers hardness, and gamma-ray attenuation characteristics
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2023) Deliormanli A.M.; ALMisned G.; Ene A.; Tekin H.O.
    Introduction: Graphene-based materials have gained increasing attention for use in radiation attenuation applications. In this study, pristine graphene nanoplatelet-containing (1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) borate-based bioactive glass composites were prepared. Methods: Structural properties, Vickers microhardness, and gamma-ray radiation shielding properties of the fabricated composites were examined in detail. Results and Discussion: Results revealed that the inclusion of the graphene in the glass matrix led to a decrease in the bulk density of the glass-based composites from 2.41 to 2.31 g/cm3. Similarly, a decrease in Vickers hardness was obtained as the graphene concentration was increased due to a convoluted effect of the non-uniform distribution of graphene nanoplatelets in the bioactive glass matrix and the higher residual porosity. Vickers hardness of the bare and the 10 wt% graphene-containing bioactive glass discs were measured to be 5.03 ± 0.28 GPa and 1.87 ± 0.56 GPa, respectively. On the other hand, the incorporation of graphene starting from 3 wt% decreased the crack propagation after indentation which may be attributed to an increase in fracture toughness. In the study, fundamental gamma ray absorption properties of graphene-containing bioactive glasses were examined in the 0.015–15 MeV incident photon energy range. For this purpose, the Py-MLBUF code was employed to determine gamma ray absorption parameters. Results showed that linear attenuation coefficients of the glass-based composites decreased due to a decrease in the density of the samples. On the other hand, as graphene was incorporated into the bioactive glass structure, exposure buildup factor and energy absorption buildup factor values increased. The growing graphene ratio in the glass structure contributed negatively to the photon’s tendency to interact with the material. Copyright © 2023 Deliormanli, ALMisned, Ene and Tekin.
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    Exploring genetic diversity and population structure of a large grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) germplasm collection in Türkiye
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2023) Kaya H.B.; Dilli Y.; Oncu-Oner T.; Ünal A.
    Grapevine (Vitis Vinifera L.) has been one of the significant perennial crops in widespread temperate climate regions since its domestication around 6000 years ago. Grapevine and its products, particularly wine, table grapes, and raisins, have significant economic importance not only in grapevine-growing countries but also worldwide. Grapevine cultivation in Türkiye dates back to ancient times, and Anatolia is considered one of the main grapevine migration routes around the Mediterranean basin. Turkish germplasm collection, conserved at the Turkish Viticulture Research Institutes, includes cultivars and wild relatives mainly collected in Türkiye, breeding lines, rootstock varieties, and mutants, but also cultivars of international origin. Genotyping with high-throughput markers enables the investigation of genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium, which are crucial for applying genomic-assisted breeding. Here, we present the results of a high-throughput genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) study of 341 genotypes from grapevine germplasm collection at Manisa Viticulture Research Institute. A total of 272,962 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers on the nineteen chromosomes were identified using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology. The high‐density coverage of SNPs resulted in an average of 14,366 markers per chromosome, an average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.23 and an expected heterozygosity (He) value of 0.28 indicating the genetic diversity within 341 genotypes. LD decayed very fast when r2 was between 0.45 and 0.2 and became flat when r2 was 0.05. The average LD decay for the entire genome was 30 kb when r2 = 0.2. The PCA and structure analysis did not distinguish the grapevine genotypes based on different origins, highlighting the occurrence of gene flow and a high amount of admixture. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results indicated a high level of genetic differentiation within populations, while variation among populations was extremely low. This study provides comprehensive information on the genetic diversity and population structure of Turkish grapevine genotypes. Copyright © 2023 Kaya, Dilli, Oncu-Oner and Ünal.