Examination of the association of muscle dysmorphia (bigorexia) and social physique anxiety in the male bodybuilders.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the association between social physique anxiety and muscular dystrophy in bodybuilders. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 384 male bodybuilders. FINDINGS: 5.7% of the participants reported muscular dystrophy. Younger age and use of protein powder were associated with higher scores on the muscle dysmorphic disorder Inventory. Higher muscular dystrophy was associated with higher social physique anxiety. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Young male bodybuilders using protein powder are at increased risk to suffer from social physique anxiety and muscular dystrophy.

Evaluation of Ti-Mn Alloys for Additive Manufacturing Using High-Throughput Experimental Assays and Gaussian Process Regression.

Compositionally graded cylinders of Ti-Mn alloys were produced using the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) technique, with Mn content varying from 0 to 12 wt.% along the cylinder axis. The cylinders were subjected to different post-build heat treatments to produce a large sample library of a-b microstructures. The microstructures in the sample library were studied using back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their mechanical properties were evaluated using spherical indentation stress-strain protocols. These protocols revealed that the microstructures exhibited features with averaged chord lengths in the range of 0.17-1.78 mm, and beta content in the range of 20-83 vol.%. The estimated values of the Young's moduli and tensile yield strengths from spherical indentation were found to vary in the ranges of 97-130 GPa and 828-1864 MPa, respectively. The combined use of the LENS technique along with the spherical indentation protocols was found to facilitate the rapid exploration of material and process spaces. Analyses of the correlations between the process conditions, several key microstructural features, and the measured material properties were performed via Gaussian process regression (GPR). These data-driven statistical models provided valuable insights into the underlying correlations between these variables.

Context Aware Machine Learning Approaches for Modeling Elastic Localization in Three-Dimensional Composite Microstructures.

The response of a composite material is the result of a complex interplay between the prevailing mechanics and the heterogenous structure at disparate spatial and temporal scales. Understanding and capturing the multiscale phenomena is critical for materials modeling and can be pursued both by physical simulation-based modeling as well as data-driven machine learning-based modeling. In this work, we build machine learning-based data models as surrogate models for approximating the microscale elastic response as a function of the material microstructure (also called the elastic localization linkage). In building these surrogate models, we particularly focus on understanding the role of contexts, as a link to the higher scale information that most evidently influences and determines the microscale response. As a result of context modeling, we find that machine learning systems with context awareness not only outperform previous best results, but also extend the parallelism of model training so as to maximize the computational efficiency.

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VITAMIN D STATUS AND HYPOCALCEMIA AFTER TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY?

CONTEXT: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism through parathormone-dependent process. Deficiency of this important nutrient may be associated with hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of vitamin D in predicting hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign or malignant thyroid disease were included in this prospective study. The association between preoperative vitamin D status and the development of hypocalcemia were investigated. RESULTS: Biochemical and symptomatic hypocalcemia were found in 28 (18.7%) and 22 (14.7%) patients, respectively. Preoperative vit D level was found significantly lower in patients with biochemical (p = 0.006) and clinical (p < 0.001) hypocalcemia in comparison to normocalcemic patients. The patients who had <10 ng/mL vit D level (severe deficiency) developed significantly more biochemical and clinical hypocalcemia than the patients with serum vit D level higher than 10 ng/mL (p = 0.030 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia is multifactorial, vit D deficiency, particularly severe form, is significantly associated with the development of biochemical and clinical hypocalcemia. Vit D supplementation can prevent this unwanted complication in such patients.

Abnormal high-energy phosphate molecule metabolism during regional brain activation in patients with bipolar disorder.

Converging evidence suggests bioenergetic abnormalities in bipolar disorder (BD). In the brain, phosphocreatine (PCr) acts a reservoir of high-energy phosphate (HEP) bonds, and creatine kinases (CK) catalyze the transfer of HEP from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to PCr and from PCr back to ATP, at times of increased need. This study examined the activity of this mechanism in BD by measuring the levels of HEP molecules during a stimulus paradigm that increased local energy demand. Twenty-three patients diagnosed with BD-I and 22 healthy controls (HC) were included. Levels of phosphorus metabolites were measured at baseline and during visual stimulation in the occipital lobe using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 4T. Changes in metabolite levels showed different patterns between the groups. During stimulation, HC had significant reductions in PCr but not in ATP, as expected. In contrast, BD patients had significant reductions in ATP but not in PCr. In addition, PCr/ATP ratio was lower at baseline in patients, and there was a higher change in this measure during stimulation. This pattern suggests a disease-related failure to replenish ATP from PCr through CK enzyme catalysis during tissue activation. Further studies measuring the CK flux in BD are required to confirm and extend this finding.

Machine learning approaches for elastic localization linkages in high-contrast composite materials.

There has been a growing recognition of the opportunities afforded by advanced data science and informatics approaches in addressing the computational demands of modeling and simulation of multiscale materials science phenomena. More specifically, the mining of microstructure-property relationships by various methods in machine learning and data mining opens exciting new opportunities that can potentially result in a fast and efficient material design. This work explores and presents multiple viable approaches for computationally efficient predictions of the microscale elastic strain fields in a three-dimensional (3-D) voxel-based microstructure volume element (MVE). Advanced concepts in machine learning and data mining, including feature extraction, feature ranking and selection, and regression modeling, are explored as data experiments. Improvements are demonstrated in a gradually escalated fashion achieved by (1) feature descriptors introduced to represent voxel neighborhood characteristics, (2) a reduced set of descriptors with top importance, and (3) an ensemble-based regression technique.

'Stigma: the cul-de-sac of the double bind' the perspective of Turkiye; a phenomenological study.

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the stigmatization experienced by individuals with mental health problems (IMHP) and the relationships between stigmas associated with mental health problems, psychiatric diagnoses, treatments, and social environments and their consequences. Thirty-three IMHP were recruited from outpatient and day clinics at the psychiatry department of a university hospital within a 5-month time period for this qualitative, descriptive study. Data were gathered using a structured interview form with open-ended questions to explore the changes in everyday life experienced by IMHP during the course of their illness. Data were analysed using the Colaizzi method of analysis. Our findings show that almost all IMHP were concerned about being stigmatized by others, society, their family, and health care professionals. Another concern that IMHP reported was self-stigmatization. Stigmatization serves as a barrier to treatment adherence and socialization in IMHP. Furthermore, stigmatization has a significant impact on the lives of IMHP, and methods of coping with stigmatization are commonly ineffective. However, stigmatization can be reduced by dealing with the illness, IMHP, their relatives, and professionals in an unprejudiced manner.

Characterization of Anatolian traditional quince cultivars, based on microsatellite markers.

We conducted simple sequence repeat (SSR) analyses of 15 traditional quince (Cydonia oblonga) cultivars from Anatolian gene sources for molecular characterization and investigation of genetic relationships. Three pear and two apple cultivars were used as references for SSR locus data analysis and to determine allele profiles between species. Eight SSR loci that were developed from apple and pear were used, and a total of 44 alleles were found among quince cultivars. The CH01F02 locus was found to have the highest identification probability, while the CH04E03 locus had the lowest identification probability. Analysis of similarity ratios between quince cultivars showed that the lowest similarity ratio was 18% (Esme-Bardacik ± k), while the highest similarity ratio was 87% (Bursa-Osmancik ± k and Osmancik ± k-Viranyadevi). In the phylogenetic dendrogram, Esme quince showed separate branching from other quince cultivars, and no synonymous accessions were found. These results suggest that SSR markers from pear and apple could be used to determine genetic variation among quince cultivars. These findings can be used to guide future quince breeding and management studies.

Molecular analysis of East Anatolian traditional plum and cherry accessions using SSR markers.

We conducted SSR analyses of 59 accessions, including 29 traditional plum (Prunus domestica), 24 sweet cherry (Prunus avium), and 1 sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) selected from East Anatolian gene sources and 3 plum and 2 cherry reference accessions for molecular characterization and investigation of genetic relationships. Eight SSR loci [1 developed from the apricot (UDAp-404), 4 from the peach (UDP96-010, UDP96-001, UDP96-019, Pchgms1) and 3 from the cherry (UCD-CH13, UCD-CH17, UCD-CH31) genome] for plum accessions and 9 SSR loci [5 developed from the cherry (PS12A02, UCD-CH13, UCD-CH17, UCD-CH31, UCD-CH21), 3 from the peach (Pchgms1, UDP96-001, UDP96-005) and 1 from the plum (CPSCT010) genome] for cherry accessions were used for genetic identification. A total of 66 and 65 alleles were obtained in the genetic analyses of 31 plum and 28 cherry accessions, respectively. The number of alleles revealed by SSR analysis ranged from 4 to 14 alleles per locus, with a mean value of 8.25 in plum accessions, and from 5 to 10 alleles per locus with a mean value of 7.2 in cherry accessions. Only one case of synonym was identified among the cherry accessions, while no case of synonym was observed among the plum accessions. Genomic SSR markers used in discrimination of plum and cherry accessions showed high cross-species transferability in the Prunus genus. Because of their appreciable polymorphism and cross species transferability, the SSR markers that we evaluated in this study will be useful for studies involving fingerprinting of cherry and plum cultivars.

Psychodrama: an innovative way of improving self-awareness of nurses.

The aim of this educational session was to form a group interaction model for improving the self-awareness of nurses via psychodrama. The structured group interaction session was conducted three times, with three separate groups, during the 'Intensive Care Nursing' training programme at a teaching hospital in Ankara. An assessment was made using the written records and observations of the group director and co-directors and feedback from nurses regarding the session. The nurses were highly motivated, adapting readily to the learning environment and following the instructions without difficulty. They were able to describe their personal experience with a specific patient and also to identify the fundamental emotion engendered by that interaction. Their feedback regarding the session was favourable. The psychodrama technique helped the nurses to understand themselves, to explore the perspective of others and to make the connection between their own thoughts/feelings and those of their patients. Psychodrama can be an effective teaching tool in addressing the communication issues that arise in nursing.

First Report of Leaf Blotch on Sorghum Caused by Bipolaris spicifera in Turkey.

In July 2009, a leaf blotch disease was observed on sorghum in Sakarya Province, Turkey. Disease incidence and severity were rated at 45% and 25 to 75%, respectively. Typical symptoms included elliptical, straw-colored, necrotic lesions with darker margins. The lesions eventually coalesced, resulting in drying of leaves. A fungus was isolated from the lesions on potato dextrose agar (PDA) incubated under near ultraviolet light for 12 h daily at 22°C for 2 weeks. Flexuous conidiophores of the fungus were solitary or produced in small groups. They were geniculate with numerous well-defined scars, medium to dark brown, ≥300 µm long, and 4 to 9 µm thick. Five to eight or more conidia were produced on the apices of the conidiophores. The conidia were straight, oblong or cylindrical, rounded at the ends, golden brown at maturity except for a small area just above the dark scar, pseudoseptate, and 20 to 31 × 7.5 to 12.5 µm (1). The causal fungus was identified as Bipolaris spicifera (Bain) Subram. (teleomorph Cochliobolus spicifer Nelson). The identification was confirmed with specific PCR primers (Bipol-1 F: 5'-CAGTTGCAATCAGCGTCAGT-3', R: 5'-AAGACAAAAACGCCCAACAC-3', Bipol-2 F: 5'-GTGTTGGGCGTTTTTGTCTT-3', R: 5'-CCTACCTGATCCGAGGTCAA-3', Bipol-3 F: 5'-GATGAAGAACGCAGCGAAAT-3', R: 5'-AAGACAAAAACGCCCAACAC-3'). These primers were designed by the authors using Primer3 primer design software and sequences of B. spicifera found in GenBank. PCR products were amplified from nuclear DNA of the cultured fungus and were sequenced after cleaning with a Beckman 8000 CEQ DNA sequencer. Sequences amplified using Bipol-1 and Bipol-2 showed 99 to 100% similarity with B. spicifera sequences from GenBank. The DNA sequence amplified using Bipol-2 was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. HQ538774). B. spicifera has been reported previously as pathogenic in Africa, North and South America, Asia, Australia, Oceania, and the West Indies on Agrostis, Avena, Cymbopogon, Cynodon, Dactylis, Desmostachya, Eleusine, Holcus, Hordeum, Oryza, Panicum, Pennisetum, Phleum, Poa, Saccharum, Sorghum, Triticum, and Zea spp. (3). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and Sorghum × sudangrass hybrid cultivars. From PDA cultures, conidia were collected in sterile distilled water with a concentration of 3% Tween 20. Twenty-five plants (five per pot) were inoculated by spraying the conidia (105 ml-1) onto 21-day-old plants, which were then maintained at 25 ± 2°C in a greenhouse following 48 h in a humid chamber. The test was repeated once. Control plants were sprayed with sterile distilled water. Typical symptoms (2) were obtained from all inoculated plants 7 days after inoculation. No symptoms developed on the control plants. The pathogen was reisolated from inoculated leaves to fulfill Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. spicifera on sorghum in Turkey. References: (1) M. B. Ellis. Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Surrey, England, 1971. (2) H. Koo et al. Plant Pathol. J. 19:133, 2003. (3) A. Sivanesan. Mycologia Papers 158:1, 1987.

Genetic characterization of pea (Pisum sativum) germplasm from Turkey using morphological and SSR markers.

The need for the conservation of plant genetic resources has been widely accepted. Germplasm characterization and evaluation yield information for more efficient utilization of these valuable resources. The aim of the present study was to characterize the pea germplasm conserved at the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute of Turkey using morphological and simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based molecular approaches. Genetic characterization of 30 pea genotypes collected from different regions of Turkey and 10 commercial pea cultivars was performed using the criteria of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) (TG 7/9 Pisum sativum), and with 10 SSR markers. We originally tested 15 SSR markers; 10 of these markers were selected on the basis of high polymorphism information content in the molecular assays. Sixty-one alleles were detected at the 10 loci. The number of alleles per SSR locus ranged from 3 (PVSBE2) to 12 (AB53), with a mean of 6.1 alleles. The most informative loci were AB53 (12 alleles), AA355 (9 alleles), AD270 (8 alleles), A9 (7 alleles), AD61 (7 alleles), and AB25 (6 alleles). The UPGMA dendrogram defined by SSR markers revealed genetic relatedness of the pea genotypes. These findings can be used to guide future breeding studies and germplasm management of these pea genotypes.

The effect of high-flux hemodialysis on dialysis-associated amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). In this study, depending on the idea that the clearance of middle and high molecular weight toxins could be improved, we aimed to investigate the effect of high-flux dialyzer on clearance of beta-2 microglobulin (beta2-MG) and calcium (Ca) phosphorus (P) metabolism in patients under HD treatment. Forty-eight patients with ESRD under chronic HD treatment were included in the study. All patients were randomized into two groups, and HD was performed with low-flux or high-flux dialyzer for 6 months. In the high-flux group, the reduction of beta2-MG and P levels during dialysis was significantly higher when compared with the low-flux group (p<0.001). During the follow-up period, while beta2-MG levels decreased significantly in the high-flux group (p<0.05), there was an increase in the low-flux group (p<0.05). As a result, our findings suggest that use of high-flux dialyzer can be an efficient alternative in terms of controlling the clearance of beta2-MG and impaired Ca and P metabolism. These beneficial effects of high-flux dialyzers are probably mediated by the improved clearance of middle and high molecular weight toxins.

Membranous nephropathy associated with acute myeloid leukemia.

Membranous nephropathy is the most common cause of adult-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Glomerular disease has been reported to occur in association with a wide variety of malignancies, particularly carcinomas and lymphomas. With the case reported here, we relate acute myeloid leukemia with membranous glomerulonephritis, depending on the previous literature reports about the association of malignancies and glomerulopathies.

Clinical, angiographic, and sonographic findings after structured treatment of cerebral vasospasm and their relation to final outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To report the early clinical results, quantitative angiographic and sonographic findings, and final outcome in patients with symptomatic vasospasm who had undergone surgical occlusion of the aneurysm and a structured protocol including aggressive intensive care management, endovascular procedures (EP), and barbiturate coma (BC). RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients (19 women, 11 men, age: 51 +/- 8 years) underwent 38 EP for the treatment of 81 vascular territories (15 balloon dilatations and 66 papaverine infusions). Overall angiographic vasospasm in the intradural ICA improved significantly from 44.7 +/- 19.8% to 16.5 +/- 16%, in the MCA from 44.2 +/- 14.7% to 14.4 +/- 14%, and in the ACA from 38.7 +/- 18.6% to 13.3 +/- 12%. Mean flow velocities (Vm) in the MCA and ACA decreased significantly from 135 +/- 48 cm/sec to 87 +/- 32 cm/sec and from 110 +/- 36 cm/sec to 84 +/- 30 cm/sec, respectively. No significant Vm improvement in the ICA could be demonstrated. Six patients (20%) developed intractable vasospasm after repeated EP and five patients underwent BC. The correlation coefficient between percentage of angiographic vasospasm and Vm increase was -0.19 (p = NS) for the ICA, 0.2 (p < 0.001) for the MCA, and 0.3 (p < 0.05) for the ACA. Correlation coefficient between percentages of angiographic and sonographic improvement was -0.12 (p = NS) for the ICA, 0.42 (p < 0.001), and 0.1 (p < 0.05) for the ACA. Early clinical improvement after EP was observed in 73% of patients and was significantly associated with favourable outcome (GOS 4-5). Sixteen patients (53%) had a GOS 5, six patients (20%) a GOS 4, six patients (20%) a GOS 3, and two patients (6.6%) died as consequence of devastating vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in vessel diameter and increases of Vm during vasospasm correlate weakly. In spite of the fact that significant differences in vessel diameter and Vm were demonstrated after treatment, a moderately good correlation between percentages of angiographic and Vm improvement was observed only in the M1 segments. In our experience, a reduction of mortality and disabilities can be achieved with a maximal structured treatment of vasospasm. Early clinical improvement after endovascular treatment is strongly associated with favourable outcome, nevertheless, cost-benefit and controlled trials are necessary to evaluate these techniques.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral vasospasm: assessment of treatment effect by cerebral angiography and transcranial colour Doppler sonography.

In a retrospective study of 30 consecutive patients with symptomatic vasospasm the mean degree of narrowing as compared to the initial angiogram was 35% (+/- 24%) in 12 intradural internal carotid arteries (ICA), 42% (+/- 17%) in 42 proximal middle cerebral (MCA) and 38% (+/- 19%) in 27 anterior cerebral arteries (ACA). The corresponding increase in mean flow velocities from baseline values obtained by transcranial colour Doppler sonography (TCD) within 12 h of the first angiogram to the time of clinical vasospasm was considerably higher, with 49% (+/- 34%) in the ICA 119% (+/- 92%) in the MCA and 147% (+/- 170%) in the ACA. Following superselective intra-arterial papaverine application in 66 arteries and balloon angioplasty of 15 arteries, 78 (96.3%) of 81 dilated. Sustained clinical improvement was achieved in 22 patients (73.3%). The mean reversal of angiographic vasospasm was 71% for the ICA (range 10-100%), 81% for the MCA (range 9-100%) and 82% (range 0-100%) for the A1 segment. The mean reduction of flow velocities after treatment was much less with 23% (+/- 21%) in the ICA, 32% (+/- 24%) in the MCA and 25% (+/- 22%) in the A1 segment.

Tributary venosinus occlusion and septic cavernous sinus thrombosis: CT and MR findings.

PURPOSE: In autopsy reports of patients who died of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, tributary venosinus occlusion has been a common finding related to intracranial inflammatory complications. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the MR and CT appearance of septic cavernous sinus thrombosis and tributary venous occlusion. METHODS: Over a period of 7 years, eight patients with septic cavernous sinus thrombosis were examined by contrast-enhanced thin-section CT. The CT scans of these eight patients and those of 30 healthy control subjects were assessed independently and subjectively by two blinded readers to ascertain the presence, size, and density of areas of nonopacification within the cavernous sinus and the presence of filling defects and dilation of tributary veins and venous sinuses. In six subjects, MR images supplemented by a contrast-enhanced spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state (SPGR) sequence were assessed with respect to the presence of filling defects, expansion, and signal abnormalities within the cavernous sinus and tributary veins and sinuses. The MR and CT findings were compared. RESULTS: The CT studies of the eight patients were consistently differentiated from those of the control subjects by the two readers. Contrast-enhanced CT findings in patients included areas of nonopacification that were present within the cavernous sinus bilaterally in six cases and unilaterally in two. The size of the filling defects exceeded 7 mm in 76% of thrombosed cavernous sinuses compared with 9% of control subjects. The mean density of filling defects in patients differed significantly from those in control subjects. Comparison of the MR and CT findings in six cases showed the contrast-enhanced SPGR sequence to be equivalent to CT with respect to delineation of filling defects. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced high-resolution CT findings indicate that venosinus thrombosis associated with septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is not restricted to the superior ophthalmic vein and is more common than previously assumed. A contrast-enhanced SPGR MR sequence may be used as a reliable alternative to establish the diagnosis of cavernous sinus and tributary venosinus thrombosis.

High resolution computed tomographic findings in pulmonary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Although chest radiographs usually provide adequate information for the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis, minimal exudative tuberculosis can be overlooked on standard chest radiographs. The aim of the present study was to assess the findings of active pulmonary tuberculosis on high resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scans, and to evaluate their possible use in determining disease activity. METHODS: Thirty two patients with newly diagnosed active pulmonary tuberculosis and 34 patients with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis were examined. The diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis was based on positive acid fast bacilli in sputum and bronchial washing smears or cultures and/or changes on serial radiographs obtained during treatment. RESULTS: With HRCT scanning centrilobular lesions (n = 29), "tree-in-bud" appearance (n = 23), and macronodules 5-8 mm in diameter (n = 22) were most commonly seen in cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. HRCT scans showed fibrotic lesions (n = 34), distortion of bronchovascular structures (n = 32), emphysema (n = 28), and bronchiectasis (n = 24) in patients with inactive tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Centrilobular densities in and around the small airways and "tree-in-bud" appearances were the most characteristic CT features of disease activity. HRCT scanning clearly differentiated old fibrotic lesions from new active lesions and demonstrated early bronchogenic spread. These findings may be of value in decisions on treatment.