Comparison of microbiota and volatile organic compounds in milk from different sheep breeds.

In this study, we compared the microbiota and volatile organic compounds (VOC) present in the milk obtained from 3 different sheep breeds, namely Merino, Lacaune, and Assaf. Udder milk was collected from 21 animals, 7 from each breed. Bacterial microflora was determined metagenomically by extracting the DNA from the milk and analyzing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was used to analyze VOC. The metagenomic analysis revealed (for Merino, Lacaune, and Assaf milk, respectively) Firmicutes (66.32, 69.36, and 57.08%), Actinobacteria (19.09, 7.67, and 19.40%), Proteobacteria (13.76, 21.06, and 22.19%), and Bacteroidetes (0.84, 1.91, and 1.33%) phyla in the milk samples. Lactobacillus was highly abundant in the milk of 3 breeds (29.64, 43.50, and 18.70%). The genera constituting more than 2% of all bacteria in all groups were Jeotgalicoccus (7.19, 5.34, and 10.77%), Enterococcus (5.18, 9.78, and 3.64%), and Corynebacterium (4.08, 3.00, and 13.44%). A total of 32 different VOC were identified by headspace solid-phase microextration analysis with 9, 30, and 24 different compounds from Merino, Lacaune, and Assaf breeds, respectively. Although ketone was the most abundant compound in Merino milk (71.84%), hydrocarbons were the most detected in Lacaune and Assaf milk (37.18% and 55.42%, respectively). A positive correlation was found between acetone, which was detected at the highest level in all groups, with Salinicoccus, Alloiococcus, Psychrobacter, and Dietzia. In addition, a negative correlation was found between the Lactobacillus genus, detected at the highest level in all groups, with methyl cyclopentane, 3-methylheptane, octane, decane, 3,3-dimethyloctane, and dodecane. Thus, differences were observed in the bacterial microflora and VOC in the sheep milk from different breeds under different feeding and breeding conditions.

Integration of electrodialysis with renewable energy sources for sustainable freshwater production: A review.

There is an increasing demand for clean water as the population of the earth is exponentially increasing. Many countries are facing water shortage problems, which are bound to become more prevalent in upcoming years. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate sustainable methods to produce clean water for drinking, irrigation, agriculture and domestic use. Electrodialysis uses electricity and specialized membranes to separate ionic substances from water. This practice can be used for desalination and wastewater treatment. To make the process more sustainable, electrodialysis can be coupled with renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power. Photo-electrodialysis and photovoltaic-electrodialysis are two methods commonly used to couple solar energy with the electrodialysis process. However, these processes are dependent on the availability of sunlight and wind as weather conditions and the positioning of the sun vary by time. Electrodialysis is more favourable for brackish water desalination instead of seawater desalination as it has a lower energy requirement. Desalinating brackish water (1000-5000 ppm) has an energy requirement in the range of 0.4-4 kWh/m3. This review paper summarizes the fundamental concepts of electrodialysis technology and its integration with renewable energy sources such as photo electrodialysis, photovoltaic assisted electrodialysis, reversible electrodialysis/electrodialysis and wind energy-driven electrodialysis. Some aspects that have been considered are the freshwater capacity, specific energy and costs of the hybrid systems.

Satisfaction in rhinoplasty: the possible impact of anxiety and functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is a complex but commonly applied surgical procedure. Patient satisfaction is the least discussed but one of the most important determinants of surgical success. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the patient satisfaction together with surgeon satisfaction were the main goals of this study. The roles of anxiety, gender, age and follow-up period were also studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 53 eligible patients operated by the first two authors within the previous 2 years were enrolled in the study. The medical records were reviewed for demographic data as well as the details of the surgical procedure. Functional and esthetic satisfactions of the patients were evaluated by VAS and ROE respectively. Surgeon satisfaction was evaluated by VAS in crosswise manner. Anxiety was measured by STAI_s and STAI_t scales. RESULTS: The analysis concerning esthetic results as well as functional results did not reveal any significant difference between the two surgeons (p = 0.132, p = 0.43 respectively). ROE scores were significantly different among patients with "good" and "very good" functional results. The difference between surgeon satisfaction and patient satisfaction was found to be insignificant (p = 0.273). Correlation analysis yielded a positive correlation between STAI_I and STAI_II (Pearson r = 0.335, p = 0.014) but not between STAI scores and ROE scores. Moreover, there was no relation between anxiety scores and the functional results. Likely, gender as well as age, follow-up, and surgical technique were not found to have any effect on patient satisfaction either. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction is preferential in rhinoplasty. In our patient series, patient satisfaction was shown to be correlated with functional outcome but not with surgeon satisfaction. Anxiety was not found to have a significant impact on results of rhinoplasty. Our results should be interpreted cautiously keeping in mind that our patients' primary drive for rhinoplasty was functional.

Impact Assessment and Environmental Evaluation of Various Ammonia Production Processes.

In the current study, conventional resources-based ammonia generation routes are comparatively studied through a comprehensive life cycle assessment. The selected ammonia generation options range from mostly used steam methane reforming to partial oxidation of heavy oil. The chosen ammonia synthesis process is the most common commercially available Haber-Bosch process. The essential energy input for the methods are used from various conventional resources such as coal, nuclear, natural gas and heavy oil. Using the life cycle assessment methodology, the environmental impacts of selected methods are identified and quantified from cradle to gate. The life cycle assessment outcomes of the conventional resources based ammonia production routes show that nuclear electrolysis-based ammonia generation method yields the lowest global warming and climate change impacts while the coal-based electrolysis options bring higher environmental problems. The calculated greenhouse gas emission from nuclear-based electrolysis is 0.48 kg CO2 equivalent while it is 13.6 kg CO2 per kg of ammonia for coal-based electrolysis method.

Nasal type natural killer T-cell lymphoma involving nasooropharynx and larynx.

Lymphoma is one of the malignant non-squamous tumors involving the head and neck. Lymphomas in this region are mostly B-cell type in origin and usually seen in Waldeyer's ring. In this article, we report a 45-year-old female case of primary natural killer T cell lymphoma-nasal type involving the nasooropharynx and larynx. This is a very rare entity with poor prognosis.

Bacterial microbiome diversity along poultry slaughtering lines: insights from chicken carcasses and environmental sources.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the bacterial diversity of chicken carcasses and their surrounding environment at various stages along a poultry slaughter line. Material and Methods: Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was employed to assess the shifts in bacterial community diversity at both phylum and genus levels. Samples were collected from September to November 2021, targeting carcass surfaces at various operational stages (post-defeathering, post-evisceration, post-water chilling, and post-cooling), as well as from the internal environments and air of these units. The study took place in a vertically integrated poultry slaughterhouse in Konya, Turkey. Results: Microbial diversity increased after the chilling and storage stages as a result of redistribution of the microorganisms after the physical effect of the slaughtering stages. The final product sample taken after storage had the highest bacterial abundance. The abundance at this stage was found to be strongly correlated with that at other slaughtering stages, as well as with the abundance in chilling water and on the personnel's hands. The common genera in chicken carcasses during slaughter stages were Macrococcus, Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Psychrobacter, Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Ligilactobacillus. Microbiome data in environmental samples indicated that the genera in highest relative abundance were Bacillus, Anoxybacillus, Acinetobacter and Psychrobacter. In air samples, the storage room had the highest diversity and in this place Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were in the majority. Conclusion: This study may provide some useful information to pinpoint the critical contamination sources in the poultry slaughtering process.

Toward a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy: The Case of Energy Transition in Qatar.

The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive perspective on the development of a long-term low-emission development strategy for Qatar, in line with the Paris Agreement. The methodology used in this paper takes a holistic approach by analyzing national strategies, structures, and mitigation measures from other countries, and synthesizing these with Qatar's unique context in terms of its economy, energy production, and consumption, as well as its energy-related emission profile and characteristics. The findings of this paper identify key considerations and elements that policymakers would need to take into account when developing a long-term low-emission vision for Qatar, with a particular emphasis on its energy sector. The policy implications of this study are significant for policymakers in Qatar, as well as for other countries facing similar challenges in their transition to a sustainable future. This paper contributes to the discourse on energy transition in Qatar and provides insights that can inform the development of potential routes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Qatar's energy system. It serves as a foundation for further research and analysis and can contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable policies and strategies for low-emission development in Qatar and beyond.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Trefoil Factor Family Peptides and Sinonasal Inflammation.

The trefoil factor family (TFF) is a relatively new family of peptides. In some studies, an association between trefoil factors and inflammatory diseases of the nasal and paranasal sinuses has been suggested. However, it is still not clear whether there is a relationship between trefoil peptides and inflammation of the respiratory tract. The aims of this study are to determine the presence of TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3 in the nasal mucosa and investigate their relationships with inflammation by using rat models of various sinonasal inflammations. Nasal tampon, lipopolysaccharide, and ovalbumin were used to generate rat models of sinonasal inflammation, i.e., rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The study was conducted on seventy rats in seven groups, each with ten rats: four groups with rhinosinusitis, two groups with allergic rhinitis, and a control group. Histological evaluation of sinonasal mucosa from all rats was performed, and Trefoil factors were investigated using immunohistochemical methods. All three TFF peptides were detected in rat nasal mucosa by histological evaluation. No significant differences in the trefoil factor scores were observed among the study groups. A significant correlation between the TFF1 and TFF3 scores and loss of cilia was identified (p < 0.05). In conclusion, no direct relationship between sinonasal inflammation and TFF scores was observed. However, a possible association between the TFF and epithelial damage or regeneration in sinonasal inflammation can be suggested based on the correlation observed between the TFF1 and TFF3 scores and scores of cilia loss.

Emerging trends in direct air capture of CO2: a review of technology options targeting net-zero emissions.

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has compelled researchers and policymakers to seek urgent solutions to address the current global climate change challenges. In order to keep the global mean temperature at approximately 1.5 °C above the preindustrial era, the world needs increased deployment of negative emission technologies. Among all the negative emissions technologies reported, direct air capture (DAC) is positioned to deliver the needed CO2 removal in the atmosphere. DAC technology is independent of the emissions origin, and the capture machine can be located close to the storage or utilization sites or in a location where renewable energy is abundant or where the price of energy is low-cost. Notwithstanding these inherent qualities, DAC technology still has a few drawbacks that need to be addressed before the technology can be widely deployed. As a result, this review focuses on emerging trends in direct air capture (DAC) of CO2, the main drivers of DAC systems, and the required development for commercialization. The main findings point to undeniable facts that DAC's overall system energy requirement is high, and it is the main bottleneck in DAC commercialization.

Impacts of ultrasonication time and surfactants on stability and optical properties of CuO, Fe3O4, and CNTs/water nanofluids for spectrum selective applications.

The prime objective of the present experimental work is to evaluate the impact of ultrasonication time and surfactants on the optical characteristics (transmittance and absorbance) and stability of CuO/water, CNTs/water, and Fe3O4/water nanofluids to be used in spectrum selective applications. Two-step method with various ultrasonication times (30 min, 60 min, and 90 min) was employed to prepare nanofluids (having volume fractions of 0.004 % and 0.0004 %). Furthermore, various surfactants (anionic, cationic, and polymer) were added to the base fluid. The study results revealed that surfactants have a significant effect on the stability of nanofluids over ultrasonication time. The nanofluids prepared using sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) have the highest zeta potential values than other surfactants used in the experimentation. The increase in transmittance of nanofluid was more prominent for lower concentration (0.0004 %) after one week of preparation. The concentration of nanoparticles, ultrasonication time, temperature, and surfactants influenced the optical characteristics of nanofluids. The most stabled CNTs nanofluid with 0.004 % concentration and 90 min of ultrasonication obtained an average of 67.6 % and 74.6 % higher absorbance than stabled CuO and Fe3O4 nanofluids, respectively. The irradiance transmitted through nanofluid was strongly dependent on the concentration and type of nanoparticles.

Comparison of meat quality characteristics of dry aged lamb loins and optimization of dry aging process.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, meat quality, oxidative stability and sensory properties of lamb meat during 0, 7 and 14 day of the dry aging process. The M. longissimus lumborum (LL) and M. longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles from male Akkaraman lambs were used. The pH values of the LT and LL cuts were not changed during the aging periods. The LT cuts had significantly higher weight loss, a* and b* values, and lower shear force compared to the LL cuts. However, dry aging led to greater decreases in shear force in the LL cuts on 7th day of aging. The total mesophilic aerobic counts, total psychrophilic counts, Enterobacteriaceae counts, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast-mold counts were increased during the aging process. The sensory panel scoring showed a significant difference in the LL cuts and no significant difference in the LT cuts compared to the control group. There were significant changes in sensory panel scores for the LL cuts, whereas there were no significant changes for the LT cuts according to the non-aged samples. In conclusion, dry aging improved the quality of both cuts, however, the LL muscle of lamb was more suitable for dry aging. Moreover, 7 days were sufficient to produce the desired sensory properties in the lamb loins. Increasing the aging time from 7 to 14 days did not appreciably affect the sensory attributes or tenderness.

Submandibular gland pleomorphic adenoma in a seven-year-old child: a case report.

Salivary gland neoplasms are rare in the pediatric age group. Pleomorphic adenomas in the submandibular gland are rarer. In this article, we present a seven-year-old female with a slowly growing mass in her right submandibular area. The firm, mobile and painless mass was about 2x3 cm in size and with bimanual palpation it was indiscriminated from the submandibular gland. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast revealed a heterogeneous and minimally lobulated mass within the submandibular gland with clearly defined borders. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma and we performed right submandibular gland excision under general anesthesia. The histopathological diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma with sparse mitotic figures that may be interpreted as having a potential of malignant transformation. This patient who was followed up for one year without any complication is to our knowledge the youngest case cited in the English-language literature.

Salivary α-amylase levels in vertigo: Can it be an autonomic dysfunction?

We aim to demonstrate possible autonomic dysfunction based on salivary α-amylase measurements during and after the vertigo attacks associated with Ménière disease (MD) and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Patients admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of vertigo attacks caused by either MD (n = 15) or BPPV (n = 9) constituted the study groups. The control group (n = 10) consisted of volunteer patients admitted to the emergency department with minor soft-tissue trauma. The first saliva samples were obtained immediately during the attacks and the second and third samples were obtained on the third and fifteenth days of the attack, respectively. In the controls, the first sample was obtained after admission to the hospital and the second sample was obtained on the third day. Salivary α-amylase levels were evaluated. The difference between salivary α-amylase levels in patients with MD and BPPV was not significant. The amylase value measured early after the BPPV attack was significantly lower than that of the controls (p = 0.008). Although not significant, an undulating pattern of salivary α-amylase levels was observed with both diseases. An autonomic imbalance could be partly demonstrated by salivary α-amylase measurement early after the attack in patients with BPPV. Therefore, amylase may be a promising marker that is worth further investigation.

Effect of Pregnancy on Vocal Cord Histology: An Animal Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Voice may be affected during the period of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. However, the exact mechanisms leading to the phonatory changes have not yet uncovered. AIMS: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible histological changes in the vocal cords of the pregnant rats in three separate trimesters. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experiment. METHODS: Twenty-five Wistar-Albino female rats were divided into four groups: control group, pregnancy day 7 (Group 1), pregnancy day 14 (Group 2) and pregnancy day 20 (Group 3). The laryngeal specimens were obtained under general anesthesia. Histological assessment was performed using Hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue. A stereological analysis of vocal cord tissue was performed using a NIS-Elements D32 Imaging Software. RESULTS: Lamina propria was observed to be edematous, and the lamina propria area was thickened starting from the second trimester. Glycosaminoglycans were observed to increase in the second trimester. Although none was encountered in the control, mast cells were observed in the lamina propria layer of the vocal cord starting in the muscular layer in the first trimester proceed to the subepithelial region as degranulated just before term. The covering epithelium remained unchanged throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Lamina propria thickening may be attributed to both edema and increased glycosaminoglycans. The presence of mast cells in the cordal tissue may induce edema during pregnancy in rats.

Effect of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on the tensile strength and pressure resistance of tracheal anastomoses ex vivo.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on tracheal anastomoses in terms of increased tension and intraluminal pressure ex vivo. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo experimental study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center (Department of Otolaryngology). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty sheep tracheas were used. Four cartilage rings were resected from the tracheas that were 20 cm in length. End-to-end anastomoses were performed by using Vicryl only (group 1), Vicryl and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (group 2), and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate only (group 3). The amount of force to break off the anastomosis and the amount of intraluminal pressure to arouse air leakage through the anastomosis were measured. RESULTS: The mean force required to break off was 171.9 ± 29.7 N in group 1, 164.8 ± 26 N in group 2, and 13.52 ± 2 N in group 3. The mean force required to break off in group 3 was significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 2 (P = .008 and P = .008, respectively). The mean pressure required to cause air leakage was 49.6 ± 9.1 mm Hg in group 1, 113 ± 14.4 mm Hg in group 2, and 15 ± 4.2 mm Hg in group 3. Group 2 was found to be more resistant to intraluminal pressure than groups 1 and 3 (P = .008 and P = .008, respectively). CONCLUSION: n-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate had no significant effect on tensile strength. However, its application on the suture line provided extra pressure resistance ex vivo. We believe that further studies need to be conducted to investigate its long-term effects and histological impact on tracheal anastomoses in vivo.

Outcomes from Cyanoacrylate Use in Tracheal Anastomosis in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the histologic effects of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and metacryloxisulfolane (MS) comonomer on tracheal anastomosis in vivo on a rat model of tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experiment. Rat model of tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. SETTING: Animal laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed in 28 Wistar albino rats. Rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control (n = 14), in which anastomoses were performed with 8/0 Vicryl, and study (n = 14), in which NBCA and MS comonomer was used in addition to 8/0 Vicryl to perform anastomosis. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed on day 7 and the remaining on day 28 for gross and histologic examination. RESULTS: Indurations at the site of anastomoses were detected in all rats of study group. Slight narrowing at the site of anastomosis was observed in 8 rats of the study group and in only 1 of the control group. The difference was significant on day 28 (P = .021). The inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly increased in the study group on day 28 (P = .022). Epithelial regeneration was found to be worse in the study group on day 28 (P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: The use of NBCA and MS comonomer increased the inflammation in rat tracheal anastomosis with respect to inflammatory cell count and epithelial regeneration. So the use of NBCA and MS comonomer in tracheal surgery cannot be recommended yet in the light of our data.

Malignant eccrine spiradenoma of the external ear.

Eccrine spiradenoma is a benign tumor of sweat gland origin. Malignant eccrine spiradenoma is a rare neoplasm which almost always arises from a pre-existing spiradenoma lesion. In this article, we present a patient with malignant eccrine spiradenoma of the auricula with a prior diagnosis as benign eccrine spiradenoma. Although malignant transformation is usually associated with aggressive behavior, we did not detect recurrence or metastasis in four years of follow-up after performing wide excision.

Bilateral Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis and Otitis Media.

Sigmoid sinus thrombosis is a rare complication of otitis media and is known to be unilateral. In this report, we present a case of bilateral sigmoid sinus thrombosis secondary to bilateral otitis. To the best of our knowledge, there are no bilateral-simultaneous cases reported in literature to date. Here, the diagnosis of and treatment for the disease as well as predisposing factors are discussed.

Facial, cervical, and mediastinal emphysema of the clarinet player: case report.

BACKGROUND: Cervicofacial emphysema may arise due to the leakage of air from a defect in the aerodigestive tract to the fascial layers of neck and face. Rarely, it may be caused by insufflation of air through the Stensen's duct. CASE REPORT: We present a case with diffuse facial, cervical and mediastinal emphysema due to playing a wind instrument immediately after a facial trauma. There was no mucosal defect or laceration noticed by examination which could explain the origin of the emphysema. Despite the widespread cervicofacial emphysema with mediastinal involvement, the patient significantly improved within 48 hours without any intervention. CONCLUSION: Even though cervicofacial emphysema ameliorates spontaneously, increased care must be taken, especially when there is pneumomediastinum and/or pneumothorax.

Effect of heparin on inflammation: an animal model of tracheal stents.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of systemic heparin on tracheal and wound healing. STUDY DESIGN: An animal experiment using a tracheal stent model. METHODS: Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups; a heparin group (n = 10) that received 210 U/kg/d heparin sodium, and a saline group (n = 10) that received 0.1 mL of 9% NaCl. Stents of 1 cm in length made of 8F feeding tube were placed into the tracheas of rats in both groups and stayed in place for 10 days. Ten days after removal of the stents, the rats were sacrificed and the tracheas were harvested. Histological evaluations of the tracheas were performed with respect to inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: We observed significantly milder inflammation in the heparin group compared to the saline group in terms of inflammatory cell count, fibroblastic proliferation, edema, and vascularity at the site where the tracheal incision was made (P < .05). Inflammation tended to be of a lesser extent in the stent site in the heparin group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate that heparin does inhibit fibroblast proliferation, inflammatory cell count, edema, and angiogenesis in this animal model. We believe that future studies can elucidate on laryngotracheal wound healing as well as their molecular mechanisms.