Adnan Menderes University Research Articles

Utilization of Computed Tomography at the Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Research and Application Hospital: An Analysis of Preliminary Results on Patient Demographics and Case Distribution

This study examines the distribution of computed tomography (CT) usage at Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Research and Application Hospital between 2023 and 2024. CT, a widely adopted diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, allows for detailed imaging of internal organs and anatomical structures, enhancing the diagnosis of complex cases. The study analyzed data from 143 animals, including dogs, cats, and other species, to assess the frequency of CT scans based on species, age, sex, breed, and imaged anatomical regions. A total of 350 CT scans were reviewed, with dogs (n=87) undergoing the majority of scans (200), followed by cats (n=50) with 175 scans, and other species accounting for 26 scans. Cranium, thorax, and abdomen were the most frequently imaged regions across all species. The study found that older animals, particularly large-breed dogs and male cats, required more imaging, while younger animals (0-6 months) underwent fewer CT scans. The findings emphasize the need for tailored diagnostic approaches based on species, age, and sex to improve early detection and treatment outcomes in veterinary practice. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for expanding CT use in non-traditional veterinary species, with the goal of improving diagnostic precision. The results provide important insights for enhancing veterinary services through the strategic application of CT imaging.

Assessing genotypic diversity by multivariate analysis and predicting useful selection ranges using decision tree in soybean (Glycine max L.)

The existence of sufficient genetic variability and knowing the suitable selection criterion ranges are indispensable requirements of breeding studies. This study aimed to explore genetic diversity in ten F2 populations (heterozygous–heterogeneous), five parents, and three commercial check cultivars by multivariate methods and to predict useful selection ranges using a decision tree model for further breeding studies. Hybridizations were made in 2019, F1 populations were grown, and F2 seeds were obtained in 2020. Genotypes were grown according to an Augmented Randomized Complete-Block Design in 2021 at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Agriculture. Results revealed considerable genetic diversity and transgressive segregation in key characteristics across the F2 populations. Seed yields of F2 plants are higher than those of the parents. The seed protein and oil content of the F2 plants were not different from the parents and commercial checks. Higher phenotypic than genotypic variance indicated a high influence of environment on the inheritance of all studied characteristics. The highest broad heritability was observed in the number of shattered pods per plant (94.81 %) and the lowest in infertile pods per plant (2.16 %). Seed yield showed a significant and positive genotypic correlation with the number of fertile pods per plant (0.61**) and a significant negative association with the number of fertile branches per plant (−0.53**). Principal component analysis (PCA) of 14 quantitative characteristics showed that soybean genotypes separated by the first four components contributed 71.12 % of total genetic variation, with important yield-attributing characteristics present in PC1 and PC3, while important seed quality characteristics were noted in PC2. The decision tree model indicated that genotypes with high yield and optimum quality could be obtained by selecting the number of fertile pods 87–119 per plant and a hundred-seed weight greater than 14.55 g.

Clinicopathological significance of mutation profile detected by next generation sequencing in different metastatic organs of non-small cell lung cancers

BackgroundThe primary tumor and it’s metastases show heterogeneity in molecular studies for targeted therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The study aimed to identify somatic mutations in biopsies from NSCLC patients’ metastatic organs using Next-Generation Sequencing(NGS) and examine their association with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and methodsThe study included 128 NSCLC patients and, NGS was performed on tumor biopsies from different metastatic organs at Molecular Pathology laboratory of the Department of Medical Pathology in Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine. The age, gender, histopathological diagnoses, metastatic organs, smoking and mutation status were all recorded, along with the analysis results of 72 genes and 4149 primers in the panel of the NGS system. Results53.9 % of the cases had a history of smoking and patients with brain metastases had a higher smoking rate(p=0.000). The most common occurrence(39.8 %) was lymph node metastasis, followed by brain(19.5 %). There was a strong correlation between mutation presence and metastasis in the liver(p=0.012), bone(p=0.002), and pleura(p=0.008). Smokers had a higher frequency of KRAS(p=0.000) and TP53(p=0.001) mutations. Brain metastases showed a statistically significant NF1 mutation(p=0.001), while the liver exhibited a significant BRAF mutation(p=0.000). NF1-TP53, PTEN-TP53 and NF1-PTEN were the most common concomitant mutations and, the brain was the most common metastatic organ in which they occurred. ConclusionOur results suggest prizing assessing detected mutations, in the prediction, follow-up and management of metastases, especially in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The assessment also needs to consider the tumor's mutation status in metastatic organs. New therapeutic agents targeting NF1 mutations will be available in the future to treat NSCLC, especially in metastases.

Characteristics and Prevalence of Surgical Diseases in Avian Species within Aydın Province: A Study of Domestic and Wildlife Birds

Objective: The aim of this study is to present descriptive information on surgical cases observed in avian species. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 125 domestic and wild avian species of various ages, genders, species, and breeds, which were presented to the clinics of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University. Species, breed, age, and gender information were recorded for each animal, and comprehensive clinical examinations, including inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and radiography, were performed to assess their overall condition. Definitive, suspected, or symptomatic diagnoses were established, and diseases were categorized and presented under specific headings such as fracture, dislocation, infection, soft tissue injury, mass, wound, paralysis, and other diseases. The medical and/or surgical treatments were administered based on the specific disease classification. Results: The study material consisted of a total of 125 avian cases, which were categorized and evaluated as follows: 53 [n=53 (42.4%)] fractures, 2 [n=2 (1.6%)] luxations, 13 [n=13 (10.4%)] infections, 11 [n=11 (8.8%)] soft tissue injuries, 12 [n=12 (9.6%)] masses (cysts/tumors), 22 [n=22 (17.6%)] wounds, 6 [n=6 (4.8%)] paralysis cases, and 6 [n=6 (4.8%)] other diseases. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the prevalence and clinical presentations of surgical diseases in avian species. It also offers valuable information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Acute Effects of Caffeine and Taurine on Linear and Nonlinear Measures of the Cardiovascular System in Young Adults

The use of beverages containing caffeine has increased significantly in recent years due to their stimulant effects. The aim of this study was to determine the possible adverse effects of caffeine and taurine on young adults’ cardiovascular systems using linear and nonlinear parameters for this analysis. This study was carried out with 56 students from Aydın Adnan Menderes University. The participants were divided into four main groups: caffeine, taurine, caffeine + taurine, and a control. Blood pressure and electrocardiogram measurements were performed before the ingredients were consumed. After 30 and 60 min, the measurements were repeated. Linear and nonlinear analyses were performed on the heart rate variability data 60 min after consumption. Compared with taurine and the combination of caffeine + taurine, caffeine was found to have the most adverse effects on the hemodynamic parameters and the linear and nonlinear parameters of heart rate variability in the young adult participants. It was also found that the presence of taurine may have repressed the adverse effects of caffeine.

Genetic Diversity of Blastocystis in Diarrheal Cases: Identification of Subtypes and Alleles

Blastocystis spp. are the most common intestinal protozoan parasites detected in human stool samples. While identified long before today, its pathogenicity remains controversial. It is generally asymptomatic but in symptomatic cases, many gastrointestinal symptoms, especially diarrhea, have been associated with Blastocystis infection. In recent years, the relationship between the symptoms observed in cases and Blastocystis subtypes (ST) has been reported. The aim of this study was to detect Blastocystis in diarrheal cases admitted to the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology Laboratory, to determine subtypes and allele diversity and to investigate its relationship with clinical symptoms. For this purpose, diarrheal stool samples of 200 cases were included in the study and their demographic characteristics (age, gender, residence) and clinical findings (abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea-vomiting, weakness, weight loss, anal itching, rash, urticaria) were recorded. Blastocystis was detected by direct microscope method (DM) and by molecular analyses which were performed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subtype diversity was determined based on DNA sequence analysis by PCR targeting the Blastocystis ribosomal ribonucleic acid small subunit (SSU rRNA) gene. In addition, alleles related to Blastocystis subtypes were determined and statistically compared between all data and clinical findings. In the current study, Blastocystis was detected in 31 (15.5%) samples by DM and in 35 (17.5%) samples by PCR specific to the Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene among 200 diarrheal stool samples. No statistical difference was detected between Blastocystis and demographic characteristics. Dyspepsia and nausea-vomiting symptoms differed significantly in cases with Blastocystis compared to negative ones (p= 0.0025, p= 0.0498). Blastocystis subtype was detected in 33 samples by SSU rRNA sequence analysis, and the subtype distribution was ST1 (n= 10, 30.3%), ST2 (n= 4, 12.1%) and ST3 (n= 19, 57.6%). In the statistical evaluation between clinical findings and Blastocystis subtypes, a relationship was found between dyspepsia and Blastocystis ST3 (p= 0.0039). The allele diversity of Blastocystis subtypes was determined as allele 4 (10/10) in all ST1, allele 11 (2/4) and 12 (2/4) in ST2, allele 34 (14/19), 36 (4/19), and 38 (1/19) in ST3. In conclusion, our study provides important data on the molecular epidemiological characteristics of the Blastocystis by determining positivity, subtypes and alleles in diarrheal cases. Therefore, within the scope of the one health approach, comprehensive molecular epidemiological studies are required to determine the presence and genotypes of Blastocystis in human, animal and environmental samples.

Evaluation of the functional and radiologic outcomes in talus fractures following surgery.

The long-term outcome of talus fractures is not yet sufficiently favorable despite improved resources and growing experience. With increasing fracture severity, the complication rate increases. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-to-long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes using the scoring system and imaging archive in patients with talus fractures who were surgically treated in our hospital. The mid- to long-term outcomes of patients with talus fractures admitted to Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020 and treated surgically were analyzed using satisfaction and functional scoring systems. Demographic data of the patients enrolled in our study indicated that talus fractures primarily developed in young males (p<0.05). The scores obtained from American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring were consistent with patients' long-term consequences, such as avascular necrosis and post-traumatic arthritis (p<0.05). The rates of avascular necrosis and post-traumatic arthritis were lower, whereas AOFAS scores were higher in patients in whom the reduction quality was within the exact anatomical limits (p<0.05). The Hawkins sign had a positive predictive significance in patients free of avascular necrosis (p<0.05). Higher AOFAS scores were observed in patients treated with a single surgical incision (p<0.05). The timing of the surgery did not influence the results (p>0.05). The outcomes of patients treated surgically for talus fracture depended on the quality of reduction. In the mid-to-long term, the satisfaction scores of our patients with talus fractures who had undergone surgical treatment were rated as moderate.

Climate Change Awareness in Pregnant Women: A Qualitative Study

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the awareness of climate change in pregnant women. Methods: In this study, a qualitative research approach was adopted. A phenomenological research design was used to conduct the study. The research was carried out with pregnant women who applied to the pregnant outpatient clinic of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital between 01.09.2022 and 15.09.2022. With qualitative research, a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers was used to determine the climate change awareness among pregnant women. A total of 12 pregnant women were interviewed by audio recording. Interviews were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2022 program. The thematic analysis of the interviews identified 6 main themes. While analyzing the data, descriptive analysis technique was used. This study was based on COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research. Results: It has been seen that most of pregnant women follow the news and developments about climate change occasionally. Pregnant women, who stated that the causes related to climate change are generally caused by humans, expressed the necessity of educating people and raising their awareness in taking precautions against climate change. It was found that the knowledge of pregnant women about the impact of climate change, which negatively affects health in many ways, on maternal and child health during pregnancy was incomplete and insufficient. Discussion: It was determined that the awareness of pregnant women about climate change was formed but was not sufficient. It is thought that the study will support the literature in raising awareness about climate change.

THE IRON OXIDE (FE2O3NPS) AND GRAPHENE OXIDE (GONPS) NANOPARTICULES PRIMING TREATMENTS ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS OF SALINITY DURING GERMINATION OF THE SOYBEAN

Nanoparticles containing essential plant nutrients, including micronutrients, can be effective in improving germination characteristics. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate seed germination characteristics by priming application. The study was conducted at the Field Crops Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Adnan Menderes University. For this study, the germination characteristics of soybean seeds were investigated in four different priming treatments (control, Fe2O3NPs, Graphene oxide, Potassium humate) in both saline and non-saline conditions. The results of the study showed that Fe2O3NPs, graphene oxide, and potassium humate had positive and significant effects under both conditions. It was also determined that saline conditions caused a decrease in the observed properties. Among these priming treatments, almost all traits, such as germination percentage (77.19%), root length (31.74 mm), and hypocotyl length (67.01 mm), were observed in the Iron oxide NPs treatment. The study revealed a significant and positive effect of priming applications on the germination percentage and the examined characteristics in both environments.

Larvicidal Activity of Some Aromatic Thiosemicarbazone and Metal Complexes [Ni (II), Cu (II), Co (II)] Against Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae.

A series of aromatic thiosemicarbazone-oxime [TP1 and TP2] derivatives and their Ni(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) complexes were synthesized, and their larvicidal activity was evaluated against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae. The efficacy of these substances to Aedes albopictus larvae has been demonstrated for the first time. Laboratory colonized Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae were subjected to larvicidal activity tests. Larval mortality rates at 24 and 48 hours were recorded and LC50 values were calculated. The study was carried out at Aydın Adnan Menderes University in 2021. For Aedes aegypti, LC50 of TP1 and its Co(II) complex were 15.41, 9.75, μg/mL whereas for TP2 and its Co(II) complex, LC50 were 21.62, 20.50 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h respectively. For Aedes albopictus, TP1 and its Co(II) complex showed an LC50 of 12.06, 8.75 μg/mL, whereas TP2 and its Co(II) complex showed an LC50 of 32.87, 25.48 μg/mL, for 24, and 48 h respectively. Both TP1 and TP2 compounds and their Co(II) complexes presented high efficacy against the larvae; it can be said that C=S groups in thiosemicarbazone derivatives are effective in showing activity and for this reason, studies should be continued to make these components effective.

Comparison of molecular analysis results determined by next-generation sequencing to immunohistochemical indicators and clinicopathological parameters in prostate adenocarcinomas.

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in males, frequently leading to mortality. Multiple genetic factors play roles in prostate cancer pathogenesis. Demonstration of pathological pathways and customised treatment options have been possible with next-generation sequencing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships of the changes in the prostate cancer pathways genes with the pathological, immunohistochemical and the clinical parameters. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Among the prostate needle biopsy materials investigated in Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, thirty-one cases, who had been analysed using the next-generation sequencing system, were included in this study. As a result of statistical analysis, a significant relationship was found between the pathogenic mutation detected in androgen receptor and Breast Cancer Gene 2 genes and tumour volume. In all cases with a pathogenic mutation in the androgen receptor gene, a pathogenic mutation in the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog gene was also observed and a significant relationship was found between them. Castration resistance was observed in cases with high tumour volume, and a statistically significant difference was found. A statistically significant relationship was found between tumour volume and Ki-67 expression. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between the castration resistance and Ki-67, c-erbB2 expressions. A statistically significant relationship was found between Ki-67 and c-erbB2. Regarding prognosis prediction and treatment, identifying the molecular changes in genes playing roles in prostate cancer with next-generation sequencing is very important.

EXAMINATION OF NEUTROPHIL/LYMPHOCYTE (NLR), MONOCYTE/LYMPHOCYTE (MLR), AND PLATELET/LYMPHOCYTE (PLR) RATIOS BETWEEN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND VASCULAR DEMENTIA

Background: The present study aims to investigate whether proinflammatory marker ratios in whole blood differ in these two dementia diseases. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: &#x0D; This study will involve Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) patients who were treated as outpatients in the outpatient clinic and inpatients in the ward of the Neurology Department of Adnan Menderes University Hospital. The patients’ diagnoses will be scanned in the hospital information system. The admission blood results of patients who presented between January 2018 and September 2020 will be included, and the patients’ hemogram results will be scanned retrospectively. Neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, and platelet/lymphocyte ratios in the hemogram results will be calculated and recorded.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; In the AD-VaD comparison of the patients participating in the study, a significant difference was identified between the variability of platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) and NLRs (NLR) (p

THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SOWING TIMES ON THE PHENOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SEED YIELD OF THE PEA

The pea is a legume with a high protein content and high nutritional value. In recent times, it has come to be&#x0D; consumed as a frozen and canned food as well as fresh. It has a special place among legumes because of its&#x0D; suitability for crop rotation. In Turkey, it is mostly grown as a winter crop in the western regions. Sowing&#x0D; takes place in the fall for the winter growing season. Determining the best sowing time is vital to avoid cold&#x0D; damage. This study was conducted over two years in 2020-21 and 2021-22 growing seasons in the field crops&#x0D; trial fields of Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Agriculture. During the study, the dry matter&#x0D; values and GDD (growing degree days) of four pea cultivars (Giresun, Mayer, Local 1 and Local 2) were&#x0D; calculated at four phenological periods (emergence, flowering, pod set and maturity) for three different sowing&#x0D; times (November 1, November 20 and December 10). In addition, the yield and yield characteristics and&#x0D; protein content were analyzed. Among the four varieties, Mayer (1.95t ha-1) recorded the highest yield value,&#x0D; while Giresun (25.6%) achieved the highest protein content. The number of days to maturity, dry matter&#x0D; content and GDD values of the varieties at the different phenological periods varied with the sowing time.&#x0D; Higher GDD and dry matter content levels were measured in early sowing. The later the sowing, the shorter&#x0D; the period from pod set to maturation and the lower the dry matter content.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RADIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES TO DETECT OSTEOLYTIC LESIONS, FRACTURES, AND OSTEOPOROSIS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA PATIENTS

Aim: Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of clonal plasmacytes. Osteolytic lesions represent a criterion for symptomatic myeloma and are associated with bone loss, pathological fractures, and osteoporosis. Skeletal surveys with other sophisticated techniques and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are used to screen lytic lesions, and bone mineral loss, respectively. Here, we aimed to investigate the rates of detection regarding osteolytic lesions and bone mineral loss by several imaging techniques.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in Adnan Menderes University Hospital/Turkey, between the years 2004- 2020. Three-hundred and ten symptomatic myeloma patients were screened retrospectively. The results of radiological techniques were recorded. The detection rate of osteolytic lesions, fractures, and plasmacytomas by imaging techniques, as well as bone mineral loss with DEXA was recorded. Also, associations with gender, myeloma type, lytic lesions, and osteoporosis were investigated.&#x0D; Results: Skeletal survey and PET-CT detected lytic lesions in 71.3% and 81.2% of patients, respectively. PET-CT had a sensitivity of 96.1% and specificity of 90.6% to detect lytic lesions. MRI was only used for patients with suspicious fractures and detected them for all patients who underwent MRI. The osteoporosis rate was 83.1% for 113 patients who underwent DEXA. Any association between lytic lesions and gender/myeloma type was not detected. &#x0D; Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that osteolytic lesions are not correlated with gender or myeloma type. PET-CT is a sensitive and specific method for detecting osteolytic lesions. Although DEXA is sensitive, its specificity is limited to detect osteoporosis in patients with lytic lesions.

Conventional videolaryngoscope versus 3D printed videolaryngoscope

&lt;b&gt;Background and objectives:&lt;/b&gt; In patients with Covid-19, using a video laryngoscope as an alternative to direct laryngoscopy is recommended to protect the intubator from infection and reduce intubation failures due to personal protective equipment. The cost of video laryngoscopes limits their availability in all healthcare institutions. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 3D printed video laryngoscope and conventional video laryngoscope on intubation.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; 30 ASA I-II patients who were not considered to have a difficult airway were included in the study after obtaining the ethics committee approval from Adnan Menderes University Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, group 1 and group 2. After the induction of anesthesia under standard monitoring, the Cormack Lehane score was recorded by direct laryngoscopy in all patients. Patients in group 1 were intubated with a 3D-printed video laryngoscope. In contrast, patients in group 2 were intubated with a conventional video laryngoscope (STORZ C-mac videolaryngoscope). Intubation time, number of attempts, and hemodynamic values of patients with early postoperative complications were recorded. The data were recorded and statistically evaluated.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; There were no significant differences between the groups regarding demographic data, BMI, and hemodynamic data. The Cormack Lehane score was calculated as 1.6±0.51 in group 1 and 1.4±0.51 in group 2 (p=0.38). Intubation times of the groups were 32.6±18 s and 27.06±11.37 s, respectively (p=0.4). The number of intubation attempts was 1.2±0.63 in group 1 and 1±0.01 in group 2 (p=0.31). The image quality of the camera by the intubator, intubation conditions, and intubation satisfaction was similar in the two groups.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;Comparing a 3D-printed videolaryngoscope with a conventional videolaryngoscope, no differences were observed in intubation times, number of intubation attempts, hemodynamic changes, and early postoperative complications. Intubation satisfaction values by the practitioner were found to be similar. It was concluded that the 3D-printed videolaryngoscope, which is cost-effective and easy to access, can be used instead of conventional videolaryngoscope in patients with a normal airway.

Examination of Sports Self-Regulation, Motivational Determination, and Decision-Making Styles in University Students

The aim of this research is to examine the sports self-regulation skills and decision-making skills of students studying at sports science faculties. The study was carried out with a sample group of 224 volunteer participants from Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Sports Sciences. 35.7% (n=80) of the participants were women and 64.3% (n=144) were men. In the study, it was collected with the "Sports Self-Regulation Scale" to measure sports self-regulation skills, the "Motivational Determination Scale" and the "Rational and Decision-Making Styles Scale" to measure decision-making skills. In the analysis of the data, mean, standard deviation, minimum-maximum-median were calculated from descriptive statistics. Mann Whitney U was used in intergroup comparisons and Spearman Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between variables. Linear regression analysis was performed with the variables found significant in univariate analyses. According to the results obtained, students' sports self-regulation skills predict their motivational determination. Again, students' sports self-regulation skills predict both rational decision-making and intuitive decision-making styles. While women have a more intuitive decision-making style than men, men have a more rational decision-making style than women. According to the data obtained in the research, it is recommended that self-regulation trainings should be conducted to improve students' decision-making skills.

Effect of Potassium Humate on Soybean Germination Traits Under Salinity Stress Conditions

This study investigated the effects of salinity and K-humate concentrations on soybean germination. The findings contribute to our knowledge of soybean germination under salt stress and the potential use of potassium humate. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Field Crops at Adnan Menderes University, Turkey. Seeds were surface-sterilized and placed on filter paper in Petri dishes. Different concentrations of water (control), NaCl solution (3 dS m-1), and K-humate solution were added. The experiment followed a factorial design with two factors and four replications. K-humate had a positive impact on germination rate. Significant differences were observed among control, salinity, and salinity * K-humate applications. Salinity reduced germination percentage. K-humate mitigated the negative effects of salinity, improving germination. These findings suggest the potential use of K-humate to enhance seedling establishment and overall plant productivity in salinity-affected environments.

The effects of intratesticular injection of sodium chloride on liveweights, reproductive characteristics, and histological appearance of testes in goat kids

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratesticular injection (ITI) of sodium chloride (NaCl) at two different concentrations for supressing reproductive development in goat kids at two months of age. The experiment was carried out at the experimental unit of Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Çine Vocational School, located in Çine, Aydın, Turkey. The experimental groups were control (C, n = 9), a single ITI of 20% NaCl (T1, n = 8) or 40% NaCl (T2, n = 8). The growth, reproductive characteristics, and histological appearance of the testis in the kids were examined up to nine months of age in different periods. The live weights, scrotal circumference, semen and sexual behavior characteristics were not different among groups. The histogical findings were observed in both testes at nine months of age. Greater intensity of destruction was observed in the testes of T1 and T2 kids than that of C kids. High levels of tubular degeneration were detected in testicular tissue samples in T1 and T2 groups. Based on the results, however, it was concluded that neither 20 nor 40% concentrations of NaCl did ensure the castration effect in the goat kids.

THE PREVALENCE OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG MIDWIFERY STUDENTS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFESTYLE

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its relationship with lifestyle among undergraduate midwifery students at Aydin Adnan Menderes University. 288 undergraduate female midwifery students were recruited for the study. While data on the anthropometric, socio-demographic, menstrual and lifestyle characteristics of the participants were collected by using data collection form, the premenstrual syndrome scale was utilised to determine the presence/absence of PMS in each participant. Student’s T test, Mann Whitney U test, Pearson’s Chi-square test, Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test and multiple logistic regression analysis via Backward LR procedure were employed in comparing the groups with and without PMS and determining the best predicting factors for PMS. The prevalence of PMS among the participants was 51.3%. Additionally, whereas; fast-food consumption, taking vitamin /mineral supplements, poor income and expense balance, generally feeling stressed, irregular sleep and feeling pain during menstruation had a statistically significant positive relationship with PMS, consumption of white meat was found to be negatively related with PMS. A significant proportion of the study’s population suffered from PMS. Therefore, more attention from healthcare providers on the subject, the incorporation of PMS-related topics into educational curricula, social support and lifestyle modifications are recommended.

The Mediating Role of Brand Love on The Relationship Between Consumer Ethnocentrism and Brand Loyalty with Structural Equation Modelling

Purpose Main aim of this study is to examine the relationship among young consumers etnocentrisim, brand love and brand loyalty. The effect of coffee shop selection criteria and ethnocentric tendencies and brand love on brand loyalty is also studied among university students in this paper. Results of study show there is strong relationship among ethnocentric tendencies, brand love and brand loyalty. The study aims to Design/methodology/approach Data was collected among 285 graduate and post graduate students in Aydın, Turkey. It was analyzed by using confirmatory structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The study's findings indicate a significant relationship between ethnocentric tendencies, brand love, and brand loyalty. Additionally, brand love partially mediates the link between customer ethnocentrism and brand loyalty. Research limitations/implications The sample was relatively limited and it involved participants from only one of Aydın Adnan Menderes University students. Keywords:consumer ethnocentrism, brand love, brand loyalty, structural equation modeling