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Background/Objectives: The sella turcica is a key anatomical landmark due to its close relationship with the pituitary gland and surrounding structures. This study aimed to compare morphometric characteristics of the sella turcica in autopsy cases according to sex and to develop machine learning (ML)-based sex estimation models using these measurements. Methods: This study included 230 individuals (115 males, 115 females). Sella turcica morphometric measurements (length, depth, anteroposterior, and transverse diameters) were analyzed. In addition, associations with age, height, and weight were evaluated. Sex differences and correlations were assessed using non-parametric tests. Generalized additive models were applied to evaluate non-linear effects of height and weight, and ML algorithms (LR, RF, SVM, XGBoost) were used for sex classification with 10-fold cross-validation. Results: Data from 230 individuals (115 males, 115 females) were analyzed. All sella turcica dimensions were significantly greater in males (p < 0.001). Height showed strong positive correlations with all measurements, whereas weight showed weaker associations and age was not significant. Generalized additive models demonstrated high performance for length and anteroposterior diameter (adjusted R2 ≈ 0.956), high performance for transverse diameter (R2 = 0.936), and moderate performance for depth (R2 = 0.700), with significant non-linear effects of height and weight. ML models achieved high accuracy (>95%), with SVM performing best (accuracy: 0.991; AUC: 0.997), and transverse diameter identified as the most important predictor. Conclusions: Sella turcica morphometry demonstrates strong sexual dimorphism and is primarily influenced by body size parameters, particularly height. Non-linear modelling approaches such as GAM effectively capture complex anatomical relationships, while ML models, especially SVM, provide promising sex estimation. Among all variables, transverse diameter emerges as the most robust and consistent predictor, highlighting its potential utility in forensic and anthropological applications.

Accurate crop yield prediction is essential for stabilizing food supply chains and reducing the uncertainties in financial risks related to agricultural production. Yet, it is even more essential to understand how crop yield models make predictions depending on their relationship to Earth Observation (EO) indicators. This study presents a state-of-the-art explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) method to estimate corn yield prediction over the Corn Belt in the continental United States (CONUS). We utilize the recently introduced Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (KAN) architecture, which offers an interpretable alternative to the traditional Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) approach by utilizing learnable spline-based activation functions instead of fixed ones. By including a KAN in our crop yield prediction framework, we are able to achieve high prediction accuracy and identify the temporal drivers behind crop yield variability. We create a multi-source dataset that includes biophysical parameters along the crop phenology, as well as meteorological, topographic, and soil parameters to perform end-of-season and in-season predictions of county-level corn yields between 2016–2023. The performance of the KAN model is compared with the commonly used traditional machine learning (ML) models and its architecture-wise equivalent MLP. The KAN-based crop yield model outperforms the other models, achieving an R2 of 0.85, an RMSE of 0.84 t/ha, and an MAE of 0.62 t/ha (compared to MLP: R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 0.95 t/ha, and MAE = 0.71 t/ha). In addition to end-of-season predictions, the KAN model also proves effective for in-season yield forecasting. Notably, even three months prior to harvest, the KAN model demonstrates strong performance in in-season yield forecasting, achieving an R2 of 0.82, an MAE of 0.74 t/ha, and an RMSE of 0.98 t/ha. These results indicate that the model maintains a high level of explanatory power relative to its final performance. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of the KAN model as a reliable tool for early yield estimation, offering valuable insights for agricultural planning and decision-making.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for isolated ostial left anterior descending artery (LAD) lesions remains technically difficult. Accurate ostial stenting (AOS) aims to prevent involvement of the left main coronary artery (LMCA), while crossover stenting (COS) ensures complete ostial coverage but may increase procedural complexity. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent AOS or COS for ostial LAD disease. From 2014 to 2025, patients who underwent PCI for ostial LAD lesions were retrospectively collected. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI). This large-scale multicenter (n = 12) observational study included a total of 1,167 consecutive patients [men: 859 (73.6%), mean age: 61.70 ± 12.73 years] with ostial LAD lesions who underwent PCI; 590 (50.6%) of the cases were revascularized with AOS, and 577 (49.4%) were treated with COS. The incidences of MACE (18.1 vs 9.5%, p <0.001), TVMI (9.2 vs 4.7%, p = 0.003), and clinically driven TLR (10.7 vs 4.2%, p <0.001) were notably higher in the AOS group compared to the COS group. Treatment (AOS) (HR:2.469, p <0.001), chronic kidney disease (HR:1.832, p = 0.003), reduced LVEF (HR:1.016, p = 0.042), SYNTAX score (HR:1.089, p <0.001), lack of intravascular imaging (HR:1.451, p = 0.049), direct stenting (HR:2.171, p = 0.001), stent length (HR:1.036, p = 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of MACE. In conclusion, this nonrandomized study suggests that COS was associated with better long-term MACE, TVMI, and clinically driven TLR rates compared with AOS in patients with ostial LAD disease. [Display omitted]

Introduction The Both Column Fixation Corridor (BCFC) and Both Column Screws (BCS) represent innovative concepts in orthopedic surgery, yet they have not been extensively studied in the literature. This study aims to validate the BCFC as a consistent fixation pathway across genders, evaluate its axial fluoroscopic visualization, and investigate gender-specific anatomical variations for surgical planning. Materials and methods In this study, pelvic CT data from 400 adults (200 males, 200 females) were analyzed using Fujifilm-Synapse 3D software. In the initial step, axial fluoroscopic visualization of the corridor was simulated, and the optimal antegrade entry point (OAEP) was identified. Subsequently, virtual placement of anterior and posterior screws (aBCS, pBCS) was performed radiologically within the corridor. Measurements included screw thickness (R), length (L), distances to the spina iliaca anterior superior (SIAS-aBCS, SIAS-pBCS), and the caudo-cranial (CCT) and centro-lateral (CLT) fluoroscopic tilts required for axial visualization of the BCFC and its OAEP. Results Fluoroscopic axial visualization of the BCFC and identification of the OAEP were successfully achieved in all models, enabling the placement of both anterior and posterior screws across genders. Measurements revealed the following average values for female and male pelvises, respectively: aBCS thicknesses were 6.5 ± 0.8 mm and 7.9 ± 0.9 mm ( p  < 0.001); lengths were 131.6 ± 8.8 mm and 146.8 ± 9.9 mm ( p  < 0.001); pBCS thicknesses were 6.5 ± 0.8 mm and 7.5 ± 0.7 mm ( p  < 0.001); lengths were 132.6 ± 9.7 mm and 148.3 ± 9.6 mm ( p  < 0.001); caudo-cranial tilts were 42.8°± 5.4 and 39.5°± 5.2 ( p  < 0.001); and centro-lateral tilts were 43.1°± 4.3 and 40.0°± 5.3 ( p  < 0.001). SIAS-pBCS distances were 38.5 ± 6.9 mm and 40.7 ± 7.5 mm ( p  = 0.003), while SIAS-aBCS distances were 29.7 ± 6.9 mm and 30.2 ± 6.7 mm ( p  = 0.467). All parameters, except for the SIAS-aBCS distance, exhibited statistically significant gender-specific differences. Conclusion The Both Column Fixation Corridor is a universally valid and consistent osseous fixation pathway present in both genders. It is suitable for the placement of two screws in pelvic and acetabular surgery, with careful consideration of gender-specific anatomical differences to optimize its application.

The Taurus Mountain is one of the most important karstic region of the world and dolines are characteristics landforms of this area. However, the number and distribution of doline are unknown in the study area. The aims of this study are to explain the total number of dolines, distribution of doline density, effects of slope conditions and the change of doline orientation in the Taurus Mountains. According to the 1/25000 scale topographic maps utilized in this study, a total of 140,070 dolines were determined in a 13,189 km2 area on eleven high karstic plateaus bordered by steep slopes and deep gorges. These plateaus are substantially affected by highly-faulted and jointed systems and about 80% of each plateau is covered with neritic limestone. The dolines are located at an elevation between 10 and 2870 m. Average elevation of all dolines is 1842 m. 90% of dolines are located between 1300 and 2270 m and only 5% of dolines found under 1330 m. According to this results, the densest doline zone corresponds to the alpine and periglacial zone above the treeline. Doline density reaches > 100 doline/km2 on Mt. Anamas and the Seyran, Geyik and Akdağ ranges as well as the Taşeli plateau. Maximum density (187 doline/km2) is found on the Akdağ Mountains. However, 66% of the study area is characterized by low density, 29.9% with moderate density, 3.4% with high density and 0.7% with very high density. The highest doline densities are seen on gentle slopes (15°–25°/km2) and steep slopes (> 35°/km2) are limited doline distribution. According to the rose diagram formed by the azimuths of the long axis of the dolines at the Central Taurus, two direction are dominant in doline orientations (NW–SE and NE–SW). However, dominant directions are NE-SW at eastern, NE–SW and NW–SE at central and NW-SE at western part of the Central Taurus. According to this elongations, doline orientations are formed an arc which is formed by tectonic evolution of the Central Taurus.

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the General Rehabilitation Adherence Scale (GRAS) in individuals with osteoarthritis receiving physiotherapy. Eighty-eight individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis and undergoing physiotherapy participated in the study. The scale was translated using a forward-backward translation procedure and assessed for content validity. Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate model fit. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Content validity indices indicated adequate item relevance. Factor analyses supported a two-factor structure with acceptable model fit indices. Internal consistency was acceptable for the overall scale and subscales. Test-retest reliability demonstrated good to excellent stability over time (ICC > 0.80). The findings indicate that the Turkish GRAS is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing rehabilitation adherence in individuals with osteoarthritis. The Turkish version of the GRAS is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating adherence behaviors in individuals with osteoarthritis receiving physiotherapy. Its use may assist clinicians in identifying patients at risk of poor rehabilitation engagement and may support individualized intervention planning to optimize functional outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07107412. Registry date: 30/07/2025. Registry link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07107412.

Objective: Axolotls possess remarkable regenerative capabilities, including the ability to regenerate the brain, spinal cord, internal organs, lateral line system cells, and inner ear hair cells. However, following metamorphosis, their regenerative capacity diminishes, accompanied by changes in auditory function. This study aimed to objectively assess these changes to enhance understanding of the relationship between metamorphosis, regeneration, and auditory function, with potential implications for regenerative biology and auditory research. Additionally, 3-month-old rats were included as a comparative model for evaluating auditory function. Methods: Auditory function in axolotls (maximum length: 20 cm) and 3-month-old rats was evaluated using auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. ABR measurements were conducted on axolotls both pre- and post-metamorphosis using tone burst stimuli at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 600 Hz, and 800 Hz. In rats, measurements were taken at 8, 12, 16, and 20 kHz frequencies. Results: ABR recordings in axolotls pre- and post-metamorphosis revealed that 600 Hz produced the most consistent wave morphology. Wave II latencies were significantly longer before metamorphosis compared to after metamorphosis, indicating alterations in auditory processing. In contrast, 3-month-old rats exhibited stable auditory thresholds across all tested frequencies, demonstrating consistent auditory function. Conclusion: This study presents the first successful application of ABR methodology for evaluating auditory function in axolotls, providing a comparative analysis with auditory function in 3-month-old rats. Significant changes in auditory function were observed in axolotls following metamorphosis, indicating a decline in auditory capabilities concurrent with the reduction in regenerative capacity. These findings underscore the feasibility of using ABR testing in axolotls and highlight important implications for auditory function research across different species. Keywords: Ambystoma mexicanum, axolotl hearing, regeneration, rat hearing, animal experimentation

Serious games—games that have additional purposes rather than only entertainment—aim to educate people, solve, and plan several real-life tasks and circumstances in an interactive, efficient, and user-friendly way. Emergency training and planning provide structured curricula, rule-based action items, and interdisciplinary collaborative entities to imitate and teach real-life tasks. This rule-based structure enables the curricula to be transferred into other systematic learning platforms. Although emergency training includes these highly structured and repetitive action responses, a general framework to map the training scenarios’ actions, roles, and collaborative structures to serious games’ game mechanics and game dialogues, is still not available. To address this issue, in this study, a scenario-based game generator, which maps domain-oriented tasks to game rules and game mechanics, was developed. Also, two serious games (i.e., Hospital game and BioGarden game) addressing the training mechanisms of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNe) domain, were developed by both the game developers and the scenario-based game generator for comparative analysis. Finally, the outcomes of these games were mapped to the virtual reality environment to provide a thorough training program. To test the usability, immersion, presence, and technology acceptance aspects of the proposed game generator’s outcomes, 15 game developer participants tested a complete set of games and answered the questionnaires of the corresponding phenomenon. The results show that although the game generator has higher CPU time and memory usage, it highly outperforms the game development pipeline performance of the game developers and provides usable and immersive games. Thus, this study provides a promising game generator which bridges the CBRNe practitioners and game developers to transform real-life training scenarios into video games efficiently and quickly.

This study aimed to present changes in hydration status of orienteering athletes during a two-day race. Twenty elite male orienteers voluntarily participated in the study during a two-day race. Athletes’ hydration status was measured two consecutive race days via urine specific gravity (USG) and fluid consumption was followed. There was a significant main effect of time on USG values (F 2.32−20.89 =3.70, p  = 0.04, η2 = 0.29, ES = Large). USG values increased from the day one morning (1.019 ± 0.008) to post-race on day two (1.026 ± 0.003) ( p  = 0.04), from 3 h post-race on day one (1.018 ± 0.007) to post-race on day two (1.026 ± 0.003) ( p  = 0.01) and pre (1.019 ± 0.004) to post-race (1.026 ± 0.003) on day two ( p  = 0.001). Both races worsened hydration level of the athletes and they could not rehydrate post-race on day two despite fluid intake ad libitum . These findings suggest that orienteering athletes presented hypohydration following consecutive races as suggested by USG values on day two. Therefore, specific rehydration plan could be developed and applied for proper hydration status in these athletes. Clinical trial number : Clinical trial number is not applicable for this study.

Existing CHA₂DS₂-VASc-based scores incompletely capture the prognostic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and of graded renal dysfunction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We acknowledge that the score's development in a high-risk, high-comorbidity cohort may produce optimistic performance estimates that require attenuation through external validation. We aimed to develop a novel COPD-augmented R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA (COPD-R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA) score that systematically integrates quantitative renal function and COPD, and to internally assess its discriminative performance for one-year all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, 622 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis (2018-2024) were analyzed. The COPD-R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA score was constructed as a prespecified clinical tool by augmenting the R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA framework with COPD (1 point) and refining renal dysfunction into two graded estimated glomerular filtration rate strata (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²: 1 point; eGFR < 30: 2 points). Discriminative performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with bootstrap internal validation (2,000 resamples) and compared with established CHA₂DS₂-VASc-based scores. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent prognostic value of the score treated as a continuous variable. The COPD-R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA score demonstrated encouraging discriminative ability for one-year all-cause mortality (apparent area under the curve [AUC] 0.946, 95% CI 0.926-0.971). As a prespecified tool with fixed component weights, bootstrap internal validation confirmed negligible optimism (mean optimism - 0.00014), with bias-corrected AUC identical to the apparent value. The addition of COPD significantly improved mortality discrimination over the R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA score (ΔAUC + 0.033, p = 0.0001). For one-year MACE, the apparent AUC was 0.806 (95% CI 0.765-0.852); the addition of COPD did not significantly enhance MACE discrimination (ΔAUC + 0.001, p = 0.853). In multivariable analysis, each one‑point increase in the COPD-R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA score was independently associated with 3.52-fold higher odds of one-year mortality (95% CI 2.45-5.06, p < 0.001) and 2.02-fold higher odds of MACE (95% CI 1.67-2.46, p < 0.001). The bias-corrected AUC of the full multivariable model was 0.973 (95% CI 0.962-0.984) for mortality and 0.795 (95% CI 0.752-0.841) for MACE. The COPD-R₂CHA₂DS₂-VA score demonstrated encouraging discriminative ability for one-year all-cause mortality after TAVI in this single-center development cohort (apparent AUC 0.946). However, this high discriminative performance is likely influenced by the elevated comorbidity burden in our cohort and the single-center design, and should be interpreted as an upper-bound estimate. The addition of COPD provides a statistically significant but clinically modest incremental improvement for mortality (ΔAUC + 0.033, p = 0.0001), with no significant enhancement for MACE (ΔAUC + 0.001, p = 0.853). These findings are preliminary and hypothesis-generating; urgent external validation in diverse, prospective cohorts is essential before any clinical application can be considered. At present, this score should be regarded as a development-phase, hypothesis-generating tool that complements rather than replaces guideline-recommended instruments such as STS-PROM and EuroSCORE II. The score's clinical utility remains unproven.