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Abstract BAG-1 interacts with multiple partners, particularly with c-Raf, and promotes cancer cell survival. Hence, modulating the BAG-1-associated interactions with novel inhibitors could provide benefit for cancer therapy. Using HDX-MS, we first demonstrate the higher-order structure of BAG-1S and identify a potential “druggable” site on its BAG domain. An LC-MS/MS-coupled cell-free binding experiment is then used to map the BAG-1S:c-Raf interface, uncovering a 20-amino acid-length region of BAG-1S that is most likely to interact with c-Raf. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments reveal that K149 and L156 are hot spots for BAG-1S:c-Raf interaction, and their substitutions with alanine attenuate the survival of MCF-7 cells. We then show that a peptide derived from the BAG-1S-interacting c-Raf region hinders BAG domain-associated partners. The peptide, engineered with a cell-penetrating peptide motif, can penetrate cells, and it induces apoptosis in cancer cells. The anticancer activity of the peptide might lead to improved treatments for BAG-1-overexpressed and/or MAPK-driven tumors.

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the long-term color stability of single-shade composite resins when exposed to simulated intraoral conditions, including staining, brushing, and thermal cycling. Additionally, the study compared the performance of spectrophotometry and cross-polarized (CP) photography in detecting color changes, focusing on their applicability for both clinical and research purposes. Materials and methods The study employed five single-shade composite resins (Omnichroma; OMN, Zenchroma; ZNC, Vittra APS Unique; VTR, Charisma One; CHR, and Essentia Universal; ESU) and one multi-shade composite resin (Filtek Z550: FLT) for testing. The specimens were subjected to thermal cycling, staining, and brushing to simulate intraoral conditions. Color measurements were conducted using a spectrophotometer and CP photography at the initial baseline (t0) and following each subsequent procedure 10-day (t1) and 1-year simulated staining, brushing and thermal cycling (t2). Color differences (ΔE1, ΔE2) were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk for normality, ANOVA and paired t-tests for parametric data, and Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests for non-parametric data. Method consistency was evaluated with the Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (p

Adil yargılanma hakkı, suç isnadı altındaki kişiye ceza muhakemesinde tanınan önemli bir haktır. Taraf olduğumuz Avrupa İnsan Hakları Sözleşmesi’nin 6’ncı maddesinde düzenlenen bu hak, ulusal hukukumuzda da Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Anayasası’nın 36’ncı maddesinde açıkça tanınmıştır. Adil yargılanma hakkı, alt unsur olarak çeşitli hak ve ilkeler içeren karma bir yapıya sahiptir. Alt unsurlarından çelişmeli yargılama ve silahların eşitliği ilkeleri önemli bir yere sahip olup yine adil yargılama hakkı kapsamındaki savunma ve müdafiden yararlanma haklarıyla yakından ilişkilidir. Çünkü adil bir ceza yargılaması için ceza muhakemesi sürecinde riayet edilmesi gereken ilkelerden olan çelişmeli yargılama ve silahların eşitliğinin gerçekleşmesinde, savunma ve müdafiden yararlanma hakları kritik bir konuma sahiptir. Öyle ki, anılan hak ve ilkeler birlikte adil yargılanma hakkının temelini oluşturmaktadırlar. Bu doğrultudaki önemlerine istinaden, çalışmada, ceza muhakemesinde adil bir yargılamanın gerçekleştirilmesinde çelişmeli yargılama ve silahların eşitliği ilkeleri bakımından müdafiin önemi incelenmiştir.

Abstract In this study, the in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity of two zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPc1 and ZnPc2) was systematically examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, focusing on PDT-induced cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inhibition of angiogenic processes. Both the ZnPcs demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity in the absence of light, confirming their safety as photosensitizers. ZnPc-PDT led to significant cell death via apoptosis. ZnPc1 exhibited enhanced ROS generation, particularly at elevated concentrations. Furthermore, ZnPc1-mediated PDT showed more pronounced inhibition of endothelial cell migration, invasion, and capillary-like tube formation than ZnPc2. Wound-healing assays revealed a substantial delay in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration following ZnPc1-PDT, which also displayed a more significant inhibition of VEGF-induced directional migration and invasion. Endothelial tube formation was more effectively disrupted by ZnPc1-PDT, even at lower concentrations, compared to ZnPc2. Collectively, these findings highlight the superior cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic properties of ZnPc1 compared with ZnPc2, highlighting its potential as a highly effective photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. The ability of ZnPc1 to simultaneously target tumor cells and disrupt angiogenesis establishes it as a potent candidate for integrated cancer therapies that combine both antitumor and antiangiogenic strategies, offering a more effective approach to combat cancer progression.

Abstract Background Patients with a brain tumor experience high levels of anxiety because of the fear of remaining functional and neuropsychological sequelae. This situation affects the postoperative quality of recovery. This study was conducted to determine the effect of surgical fear and sleep quality on the postoperative quality of recovery and pain. Method This cross-sectional study was completed with 101 patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent craniotomy under general anesthesia for a brain tumor between October 2020 and August 2021 in a university hospital. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Surgical Fear Scale, Richard Champell Sleep Scale, Quality of Recovery Questionnaire, and Patient Follow-up Form. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to reveal the determinants of postoperative quality of recovery. Results The mean fear of surgery score of women was higher than men, and sleep quality and postoperative quality of recovery were lower than men (p = 0.045). A moderate negative correlation between fear of surgery and sleep quality was found (r = -0.377; p = 0.000). There was a weak negative correlation between fear of surgery and postoperative recovery quality (r = -0.252; p = 0.011), and a weak positive correlation between preoperative sleep quality and recovery quality (r = 0.297; p = 0.003). The variables of fear, sleep, duration of hospital stay, pain, and age were found to be statistically the best predictors of postoperative quality of recovery (R2 = 0.295; p = 0.000). Conclusion As a result, surgical fear, sleep deprivation, and pain during the perioperative period negatively impact recovery quality and prolong the healing process. Psychological preparation by starting from the pre-operative period, providing sleep and rest, evaluation, and management of postoperative pain would contribute to the early recovery and discharge of patients.

Objective: Methotrexate (MTX) is a highly effective chemotherapy for cancer. This drug has a gonadotoxic effect, mainly in the testes and ovaries. Our study used histopathological and immunohistochemical methods to assess the potential damage to testicular and ovarian tissue caused by MTX use. Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats, both male and female, were used in our study. Four sets of rats; control male, MTX male, control female, and MTX female were created. The male and female MTX-treated groups received a single intraperitoneal dose of 20 mg/kg MTX. The testes and ovaries of rats sacrificed under general anesthesia were extracted and histopathologically analyzed. In addition, the immunoreactivity intensities of stem cell factor (SCF), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and SIRT-1 in both tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: Johnsen's testicular biopsy score in the testicular seminiferous tubules was significantly lower in the MTX group than in the control group (p

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different polishing systems on the color stability of single-shade composite resin after coffee immersion, brushing cycles, and re-polishing.Materials & Methods: A total of 40 disc-shaped single-shade composite resin (Omnichroma, Tokuyama, Japan) specimens were prepared using a standard mold. One-step (OneGloss, Shofu, USA), two-step (Clearfil Twist Dia, Kuraray, Japan), multi-step (OptiDisc, Kerr, USA) polishing systems were applied to each group (n=10) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. No polishing procedure was applied to the Control group. Representing 6 months and 1 year of clinical use, specimens were immersed in coffee solution (6–12 days) and subjected to brushing cycles (5000–10000 cycles). The specimens were then re-polished by applying the same polishing procedures as initially applied. Color measurements were repeated in all periods, and color change values were calculated with the CIEDE2000 formulation. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was used for between group comparison, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used as a post-hoc test. Statistical significance was accepted as p

The effort to understand the universal features of language often brings linguistic typology studies, which develop by identifying common structural features among languages, to the forefront. These studies focus on the general features of languages while features that fall outside of generalizations, in other words, those that are less frequently seen in languages, are labeled as exceptions to generalizations. However, features that are considered exceptions to the generalizations have a vital role in revealing the limits of linguistic variety. In this study, the features that are exceptions to the generalizations, categorized by the the terms rara, rarissima, infrequent and unique, are gathered under the title of ‘rare linguistic features’. World Atlas of Language Structures online database was used to determine the rare language features Turkish has compared to the world languages and to categorize the resulting features based on Cysouw’s (2011) threshold of ≤7.2%. According to the data obtained, three rare infrequent features were determined in Turkish: the simultaneous presence of high front rounded vowel /y/ and middle front rounded /ø/ phonemes in the inventory (%4), evidentiality being a part of the tense system (%5.7) and having no definite article but indefinite article.

It has been aimed to compare the level of cell-free nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, and miRNA) concentrations in laryngeal cancer patients with the control group composed of healthy individuals. It has been utilized 46 patients with laryngeal carcinoma who were previously diagnosed and treated were included and 46 healthy individuals were included as a control group. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from all participants. DNA, RNA, and miRNA were fluorometrically measured. We applied Mann Whitney U test to compare both groups and the adjusted general lineal model to identify associations between nucleic acid concentrations and tumor stages. Circulating cell-free microRNA and RNA concentrations in the laryngeal cancer patients were significantly different (p

This observational cohort study investigated the potential of a novel sperm-washing medium (SWM) enriched with serotonin (5-HT), L-carnitine (L-C), and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to enhance sperm motility and reduce DNA damage. It compared this innovative medium (5-HT/L-C/CoQ10 SWM) with two widely used commercial media (SWM 1 and SWM 2). Ninety-eight volunteers from an infertility clinic provided semen samples, which were divided into three aliquots for analysis in different SWMs: group 1, SWM was composed of hydroxyethyl piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), sodium bicarbonate, human serum albumin (HSA), taurine, and gentamicin sulfate (SWM 1); group 2, SWM was composed of HEPES, sodium bicarbonate, and HSA (SWM 2); and group 3, SWM was composed of HEPES-buffered human tubal fluid supplemented with 5-HT, L-C, and CoQ10 (5-HT/L-C/CoQ10 SWM). Sperm motility was categorized as progressive, nonprogressive, or immotile. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and DNA fragmentation were also assessed. There were no significant differences in total or progressive sperm motility among the groups. Spermatozoa in group 3 exhibited reduced apoptosis, necrosis, and ROS levels and increased viability. No significant differences were observed in the DNA fragmentation index among groups. The 5-HT/L-C/CoQ10 SWM reduced sperm oxidative stress and apoptosis compared with those of the two commercially available SWMs, suggesting that 5-HT/L-C/CoQ10 SWM could be useful for enhancing in vitro fertilization success rates.

Patients with end-stage renal disease face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. For patients who are candidates for renal transplantation (RT), major surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are associated with cardiac complications as well as higher rates of post-operative complications, including the need for large amounts of blood transfusion, worsening kidney function, infection, and graft rejection. Studies have shown that blood transfusions can increase the risk of graft rejection due to immune system activation. Off-pump CABG (OPCAB), also known as beating heart surgery, is a technique in which a heart–lung machine is not used, and the heart continues to beat throughout the procedure. The main advantage of OPCAB surgery compared to on-pump CABG (ONCAB) is that it requires fewer blood product transfusions and has fewer renal, pulmonary, and hematological complications. This case series uniquely discusses two patients who underwent successful beating heart CABG without blood transfusion, followed by RT.

Abstract Background The temperature changes, chemical agents, and brushing activity that resin composite restorations are exposed to in the oral environment can cause changes in surface roughness. In this study, the aim was to investigate in vitro the clinical one-year surface roughness changes of different types of composites (flowable or conventional) from the same companies by subjecting them to immersion in solutions, brushing, and thermal cycling procedures to simulate intraoral conditions. Methods Four different resin composite brands were included in the study using both their conventional (Charisma Smart, 3M Filtek Ultimate Universal, Omnichroma, Beautifil II) and flowable resin composites (Charisma Flow, 3M Filtek Ultimate Flowable, Omnichroma Flow, Beautifil Flow Plus F00), giving 4 groups with 2 types of resin composite in each. 40 samples were prepared for each group/resin type, for a total of 320 samples. After initial surface roughness measurements by a mechanical profilometer, the samples were divided into 4 subgroups (n = 10) and immersed in solutions (distilled water, tea, coffee, or wine) for 12 days. The samples were then subjected to 10,000 cycles of brushing simulation and 10,000 cycles of thermal aging. Surface roughness measurements were repeated after the procedures. For statistical analysis, the 3-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used (p

Studying genes associated with exercise-related physiological systems and metabolic pathways has proven to be an effective method for identifying genetic markers associated with enhanced athletic performance. One of the extensively studied genes in genetics is "Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)" which has a significant role in regulating blood pressure, plasma volume, and the development of cardiac and skeletal muscle. The objective of this study was to determine the different results and genetic variations in the effects of ACE gene polymorphisms on the performance of the 30m sprint test and the arrowhead agility drill test in active adult males after a 6-week training program. Following the manufacturer's instructions, genomic DNA was extracted from participant mouth swab samples using the Buccalyse DNA Extraction Kit from Isohelix. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 application was used to perform statistical analysis on the research data. The findings indicate that 45.7% of the participants possess the I/D genotype, 31.4% possess the I/I genotype, and 22.9% possess the D/D genotype. There was no notable disparity in the performance of the arrowhead agility test and the 30 m sprint test among the different genotype groups (p

Soybean is an important industrial oilseed plant. As a relatively fast, flexible, cheap, and viable method, mutation breeding, which induces significant random genetic variations, is a widely used method in crop science. In the present study, we investigated physiological para - meters, genetic variability, yield, and quality properties of salinity-tolerant mutant plants derived from Ataem-7 and S04-05 soybean varieties by Cs-137 gamma radiation-induced mutations. The SM4 and SM3 mutants exhibited a greater genetic distance than all other salinity tolerant mutants did. SM3 mutant presented 16.8% lower lipid peroxidation under salinity stress. The most significant photosynthetic pigment increase was detected for chlorophyll b in SM4 and SM3 mutants, with values of 1.88 and 2.07-fold, respectively. The SM3 mutant exhibited the highest yield, at 437.6 kg/ha in the M3 generation, while AM1 presented the highest yield in the M4 generation. The AM1 mutant also had the highest pod count by 122.2 per plant. In the AM1 mutant, the photosynthetic pigment increase was 16.69% for chlorophyll a, 37.9% for chlorophyll b and 22.9% for total chlorophyll. These results provide a basis for future investi- gations in soybean mutation breeding studies for salinity stress tolerance, and also indicate the effectiveness of mutation breeding methods in agricultural breeding programs.

INTRODUCTION: In animal models of obesity, adipocyte-derived versican, and macrophage-derived biglycan play a crucial role in mediating adipose tissue inflammation. The aim was to investigate levels of versican and biglycan in obese children and any potential association with body adipose tissue and hepatosteatosis. METHODS: Serum levels of versican, biglycan, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by ELISA. Fat deposition in the liver, spleen, and subcutaneous adipose tissue was calculated using the IDEAL-IQ sequences in magnetic resonance images. Bioimpedance analysis was performed using the Tanita BC 418 MA device. RESULTS: The study included 36 obese and 30 healthy children. The age of obese children was 13.6 (7.5-17.9) years, while the age of normal weight children was 13.0 (7.2-17.9) years (p=0.693). Serum levels of versican, hsCRP, and IL-6 were higher in the obese group (p=0.044, p=0.039, p=0.024, respectively), while no significant difference was found in biglycan levels between the groups. There was a positive correlation between versican, biglycan, hsCRP, and IL-6 (r=0.381 p=0.002, r=0.281 p=0.036, rho=0.426 p=0.001, r=0.424 p=0.001, rho=0.305 p=0.017, rho=0.748 p32% provided a predictive sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 70.5% for hepatosteatosis [area under the curve (AUC): 0.819, p1.75 yielded a predictive sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 69.8% for predicting hepatosteatosis (AUC: 0.789, p

المخلص: أهداف البحث: يعد مؤشر نمط الحياة للبحر الأبيض المتوسط أداة قياسية تستخدم لتقييم مدى التزام الفرد بنمط الحياة للبحر الأبيض المتوسط الصحي المعروف بفوائده المتعددة. ويميز هذا المؤشر عن غيره من المقاييس المماثلة أنه يجمع بين تقييم النظام الغذائي ونمط الحياة في تقييم واحد شامل. طرق البحث: تم تطبيق استبانة على 300 فرد تتراوح أعمارهم بين 19 و 65 عاما. ثم أعيد تطبيق الاستبيانات على 87 شخصا شاركوا في البحث. أرسل الاستبيان، الذي تضمن معلومات عامة ومؤشر نمط الحياة للبحر الأبيض المتوسط ومعلومات عن القياسات الأنثروبولوجية، إلى مستخدمي منصة إلكترونية. تم تحويل المقياس إلى النموذج التركي المعمول به من قبل مجموعة خبراء. تم تقييم موثوقية إعادة الاختبار باستخدام معامل الارتباط داخل الطبقة. كما تم حساب معاملات كابا وتقديم رسوم بلاند-ألتمان لكل بند لتقييم الموثوقية. النتائج: تم حساب متوسط درجات الاستبيان قبل وبعد إعادة التقييم، وبلغت 14.5 ± 3.68 و 14.3 ± 3.81 على التوالي. وبلغ معامل الارتباط البيني (ر) لاختبار موثوقية إعادة الاختبار 0.817. الاستنتاجات: أكدت هذه الدراسة موثوقية وصحة النسخة التركية من مؤشر نمط الحياة للبحر الأبيض المتوسط. وتعد هذه أول دراسة تقوم بترجمة هذا المؤشر إلى لغة أخرى، مما يفتح المجال لتكييفه مع لغات أخرى مستقبلا. Abstract: Objective: The Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) differs from similar scales in that it concurrently includes diet and lifestyle. The current study translated MEDLIFE into Turkish, and assessed its reliability and validity. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 300 individuals 19–65 years of age. The questionnaire was subsequently re-administered to 87 research participants. The questionnaire, asking for general information, MEDLIFE, and information regarding anthropometric measurements, was sent to the users of an online platform. The scale was converted into the applicable Turkish form by an expert group. Test-retest reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition, kappa coefficients (k) and Bland–Altman graphs were determined for each item to assess reliability. Results: The mean scores before and after were 14.5 ± 3.68 and 14.3 ± 3.81, respectively, and the intercorrelation coefficient r was 0.817 for test-re-test reliability. Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the scale in the Turkish language was confirmed. This study is the first to translate MEDLIFE into another language and may aid in assessing the scale's adaptability to other languages. Food consumption record and physical activity record studies must be performed to ensure validity.

Developing, experimenting, and sharing critical pedagogical approaches is becoming increasingly important in architectural education, which supposedly superposes theory and practice. In this article, the authors reveal and reflect on an enriching pedagogical approach to the traditional architectural design studio. It is acknowledged that students develop comprehensive examination and internalization abilities by developing reflective thinking and self-evaluation abilities that complement each other. Based on the pioneer educational theory of John Dewey, the researchers' selected instructional interventions. Using the action research method, four additional modes conceptualized towards disciplinary literacy -reading, mapping, discussion, and peer assessment- were injected into the traditional studio process during a semester of architectural design course. The pedagogical approach is built on questioning the two basic creativity-based abilities of learners: reflective thinking and self-assessment. The fundamental questions are: How can a reading-discussion setup designed to nurture disciplinary literacy in the design studio be a factor in developing reflective thinking ability? How can the systematic peer assessment exercise be a factor in the students' self-assessment and reflective thinking skills as a learning outcome? The results argue for the effects on students' intangible skills. The model studio setup exhibited two remarkable findings, showing that (i) the reading-discussion mode is more effective in generating reflective thinking and (ii) the systematic peer review exercise is more effective in gaining self-assessment ability. The aim is to contribute to the theory of education by making the model application in the field of architectural design studio accessible and reflective for other educators.

This study analyses how and why the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) securitises climate change in the Arctic. The study recognises that climate change has not only endangered the environmental security of the Arctic but has also intensified geopolitical competition over the region’s resources and trade routes as a threat multiplier. Regarding the impact of the changing structure of the region from the “cooperation front” to the “competition area”, the study reveals that NATO considers climate change as a part of the collective defence dimension of its organizational identity, along with increasing geopolitical competition, to develop an integrated approach in its Arctic policy. Drawing on the Copenhagen School and social constructivism, the study presents that NATO resorts to securitisation discourses that concretise the threat to address climate change within the scope of its organizational identity.

Injury risk analysis is critical to preventing injuries' physical and psychological impact. The purpose of this study was to develop a new tool to evaluate the risk of injury particular to the Turkish get up (TGU) exercise. According to expert opinions, the Turkish Get Up Injury Risk Tool (TUGIR) is a biomechanical assessment tool developed based on the Turkish Get Up (TGU) movement. It evaluates the alignment and quality of movement during the exercise to assess the risk of injury. The upper and lower quarter Y balance tests (YBTs) and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) were performed to determine construct validity. A total of thirty- three wrestlers performed all the tests. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency determined with Cronbach's alpha coefficients and inter-rater reliability determined with Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The injury risk cut-off value was calculated according to the Angoff method. The internal consistency of the TUGIR was found to be 0.77 and 0.76, respectively, quite reliable for the right and left sides. Kendall's concordance coefficient of the total score was determined to be 0.998 for both sides. The injury risk cut-off value was found to be %72 for the overall TUGIR score. A low to moderate association was observed between TUGIR and YBTs—FMS. The TUGIR is a novel, reliable, and valid tool for assessing injury risk in sports. This tool offers several advantages, including being an easy-to-use, low- cost, and comprehensive method that can reflect sports-specific biomechanical characteristics. This research could lead to the use of this tool to assess the risk of injury in other sports branches.

Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is highly effective in treating various cancers, including ovarian and lung cancers, but it often causes ovarian tissue damage and impairs reproductive health. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells are believed to possess reparative effects on such damage, as suggested by previous studies. This study aims to evaluate the reparative effects of cisplatin and exosome treatments on ovarian tissue damage through the analysis of histopathological images and machine learning (ML)-based classification techniques. Five experimental groups were examined: Control, cisplatin-treated (Cis), exosome-treated (Exo), exosome-before-cisplatin (ExoCis), and cisplatin-before-exosome (CisExo). A set of 177 Local Binary Pattern (LBP) features were extracted from histopathological images, followed by feature selection using Lasso regression. Classification was performed using ML algorithms, including decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The CisExo group exhibited the most homogeneous texture, suggesting effective tissue recovery, whereas the ExoCis group demonstrated greater heterogeneity, possibly indicating incomplete recovery. KNN and ANN classifiers achieved the highest accuracy, particularly in comparisons between the Control and CisExo groups, reaching an accuracy of 87%. The highest classification accuracy was observed for the Control vs. Cis groups (approximately 91%), reflecting distinct features, whereas the Control vs. Exo groups demonstrated lower accuracy (around 68%) due to feature similarity. Exosome treatments, particularly when administered post-cisplatin, significantly improve ovarian tissue recovery. This study highlights the potential of ML-based classification as a robust tool for evaluating therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, it underscores the promise of exosome therapy in mitigating chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and preserving reproductive health. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of small, naturally occurring molecules that orchestrate the innate immune response of various organisms, from microorganisms to humans. Characterized by their broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses, AMPs are increasingly recognized for their potential as novel therapeutic agents in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. Here, we present several newly designed AMPs, one of which, DTN6, exerts significant activity against several organisms with MIC values as low as 0.5 µg/mL. The D-TN6 peptide influences both bacteria and yeasts. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed that the bacterial membrane is affected by D-TN6, which is resistant to proteases and is effective against antibiotic-resistant pathogens with hemolytic activity and low toxicity. The D-TN6 peptide is effective in vivo against standard S. aureus strains in wounds. Thus, D-TN6 is a potent antibiotic candidate with a broad spectrum of activity. Overall, AMPs are a promising tool for the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents that could mitigate global health threats posed by multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Background/Objectives: Over the past 25 years, numerous biological molecules, like recombinant lysosomal enzymes, neurotrophins, receptors, and therapeutic antibodies, have been tested in clinical trials for neurological diseases. However, achieving significant success in clinical applications has remained elusive. A primary challenge has been the inability of these molecules to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Recognizing this hurdle, our study aimed to utilize niosomes as delivery vehicles, leveraging the “molecular Trojan horse” technology, to enhance the transport of molecules across the BBB. Methods: Previously synthesized memantine derivatives (MP1–4) were encapsulated into niosomes for improved BBB permeability, hypothesizing that this approach could minimize peripheral drug toxicity while ensuring targeted brain delivery. Using the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line differentiated into neuron-like structures with retinoic acid and then exposed to amyloid beta 1–42 peptide, we established an in vitro Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model. In this model, the potential usability of MP1–4 was assessed through viability tests (MTT) and toxicological response analysis. The niosomes’ particle size and morphological structures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with their loading and release capacities determined via UV spectroscopy. Crucially, the ability of the niosomes to cross the BBB and their potential anti-Alzheimer efficacy were analyzed in an in vitro transwell system with endothelial cells. Results: The niosomal formulations demonstrated effective drug encapsulation (encapsulation efficiency: 85.3% ± 2.7%), controlled release (72 h release: 38.5% ± 1.2%), and stable morphology (PDI: 0.22 ± 0.03, zeta potential: −31.4 ± 1.5 mV). Among the derivatives, MP1, MP2, and MP4 exhibited significant neuroprotective effects, enhancing cell viability by approximately 40% (p < 0.05) in the presence of Aβ1-42 at a concentration of 47 µg/mL. The niosomal delivery system improved BBB permeability by 2.5-fold compared to free drug derivatives, as confirmed using an in vitro bEnd.3 cell model. Conclusions: Memantine-loaded niosomes provide a promising platform for overcoming BBB limitations and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of Alzheimer’s disease treatments. This study highlights the potential of nanotechnology-based delivery systems in developing targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.

Video activism prominently advocates for human rights and justice by circulating records of abuses and state violence's impact on daily life. However, in the over-saturated online space, these images lose context amid constant sharing, demanding attention. Hence, organizing them within the framework of social struggles, resistance, and justice is crucial. In this context, digital activist archive initiatives (e.g., 858.ma 2018; labournet.tv 2011; Arkib Filem Rakyat 2023; B’Tselem 2012) not only make sense of the surplus of internet images but also act as a counter-practice that challenges the states’ official archiving practices and its claim of monopoly over history. Activist archiving practices wrest control away from established institutions, enabling the dissemination of alternative histories through images. As a result, these archives preserve the experiences of social groups ignored by official ideology and foster the proliferation of grassroots practices. Furthermore, the video activist archive emerges as an alternative platform that is generated collectively to reproduce knowledge and sociopolitical relations based on solidarity. This essay will center on a study of bak.ma - the digital media archive of social movements created following the Gezi Park protests (Istanbul, 2013). It seeks to examine how this archive constructs a social memory beyond state-approved knowledge and practices, achieved through decentralized and collective data collection that restores control of protest movements to the people. Additionally, this essay will also shed light on the challenges inherent in activist initiatives, encompassing issues like censorship, accessibility, the reproduction of knowledge, activist labor and sustainability.

To this day, there exists skepticism about the reliability and clinical utility of the diagnostic criteria and classification of schizoaffective disorder. In addition, the treatment of schizoaffective disorder, especially of treatment-resistant cases, has been minimally investigated. As a result, formulating official treatment guidelines for schizoaffective disorder has been challenging. We present a case of a 27-year-old female, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, for whom, for over 5 years, trials of traditional treatments, to include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy, were either partially effective or discontinued due to intolerable side effects. The subsequent off-label use of lumateperone led to an adequate response. Lumateperone is an atypical antipsychotic, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for schizophrenia and bipolar depression in adults. Interestingly, it has a similar structure and mechanism of action to paliperidone, the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for schizoaffective disorder. Through this case report, as an example of lumateperone’s effectiveness and tolerability, as well as a literature review of its pharmacodynamics, we make the case that lumateperone emerges as a promising option for schizoaffective disorder, especially treatment-resistant cases.

The main actors responsible for pesticide use behavior are farmers. Still, factors are influencing the pesticide use behavior of farmers in the background. The theory of planned behavior is a widely used concept that explains farmers’ pesticide use behavioral intention. However, previous studies show that behavior is not included in the model. As a novelty, it was investigated whether behavioral intention transforms into behavior in this study. In this context, it is the first study conducted in Turkey. Turkey is in the top three for pepper production in the world. In addition, pepper is among the agricultural products that use the most pesticides. This study aims to determine and explain Capia pepper farmers’ pesticide reduction intention and pesticide use behaviors in Turkey. For this purpose, the pesticide use behaviors of farmers in the province of Çanakkale, which ranks first in Capia pepper production in Turkey, were analyzed with the Structural Equation Model. Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 206 Capia pepper farmers selected by a proportional sampling method. The research results show that subjective norms and attitudes are important determinants of farmers' willingness to reduce pesticide use. Likewise, perceived behavioral control is a unique factor in farmers' use of pesticides. However, farmers' intentions to reduce pesticide use were not reflected in their actions. It is important to increase awareness among farmers about pesticide behavior. Agricultural policy implications should be planned that target the perceived behavior, subjective norms, and attitudes of farmers regarding pesticide use.

Abstract In this study, 2 yeasts, Candida zeylanoides isolate Y12‐3 (MN073455.1) and Hyphopichia pseudoburtonii isolate Y12‐1 (MN073489.1), were isolated from rainbow trout hindguts. Their identity was confirmed by amplification of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions. Their in vitro probiotic properties showed that they were hydrophobic and did not inhibit bacterial growth. However, they displayed positive co‐aggregation with several bacterial pathogens. It was interesting that Y12‐1 and Y12‐3 isolates survived and grew well in bile salt concentrations ranging from 0.6% to 1.5% and at low pH conditions. After a 35‐day feeding trial, the results of dietary incorporation of the yeast isolates showed that serum myeloperoxidase activity was unchanged in the treated and control groups. Meanwhile, serum lysozyme activity in yeast groups was decreased significantly compared to the control. However, fish fed with Y12‐1 had higher total protein, albumin, and globulin than other groups. Total cholesterol levels were decreased significantly in yeast groups compared to the control. Interestingly, the Y12‐1 and Y12‐3 groups showed higher survival (69.05% and 80.95%) after the challenge with Lactococcus garvieae compared to the control (45.24%). In brief, the aforementioned findings showed that Y12‐1 and Y12‐3 strains could be potential probiotic candidates for use in rainbow trout farming.

Abstract Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of various restorative materials applied on two different fast-setting calcium silicate-based materials and to evaluate the effect of restoration time on µSBS. Methods A total of 180 acrylic blocks with a cavity in the center were randomly divided into 2 main groups according to the capping material to be used (Biodentine or RetroMTA). The specimens were also randomly divided into 3 groups according to the restoration time (3 min, 12 min, 24 h). After the specified waiting periods, glass hybrid material (EQUIA Forte HT), resin composite (Filtek Z550) and light-cured calcium silicate material (Theracal LC) were placed on the specimens with tygon tubes. The specimens were kept for 24 h and then subjected to µSBS test. Statistical analysis was performed by 3-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test for pairwise comparisons (α = 0.05). Results There is a statistically significant difference (p 12 min > 3 min). The µSBS obtained for the Biodentine-resin composite at the end of the 3 min setting time is significantly lower (p

Introduction: Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) has attracted attention for its use in the detection of intra-abdominal pathology for pediatric patients. However, computed tomography (CT) remains the gold standard for the assessment of blunt torso trauma. The study examines the effectiveness of FAST both in the detection of intra-abdominal pathology in pediatric patients (

Determining causal inference has become popular in physical and engineering applications. While the problem has immense challenges, it provides a way to model the complex networks by observing the time series. In this paper, we present the optimal conditional correlation dimensional geometric information flow principle (oGeoC) that can reveal direct and indirect causal relations in a network through geometric interpretations. We introduce two algorithms that utilize the oGeoC principle to discover the direct links and then remove indirect links. The algorithms are evaluated using coupled logistic networks. The results indicate that when the number of observations is sufficient, the proposed algorithms are highly accurate in identifying direct causal links and have a low false positive rate.

This study develops a holistic approach that underlines the effect of spatial, behavioral, and perceptional dimensions on walkability at the neighborhood scale. The study recognizes quantitatively measured tangible factors and qualitatively assessed intangible values to evaluate the level of walkability in Besiktas, Istanbul (Turkey). The research explores the independent and combined effects of physical characteristics, individual perceptions, and walking behavior on walkability. Geographic Information Systems urban analyses, space syntax analysis, and observation to establish an analytical framework for spatial and behavioral dimensions of walkability in Besiktas central district are used as a methodology. Additionally, perceptional data is gathered through an experimental approach, which involves participants walking along pre-determined routes using cartography techniques and employing “shared walks” as a mobile method. The results of study confirmed previous findings from studies that the physical, social, and typological attributes of the built environment have a significant correlation between walking behavior and the physical and social aspects of the built environment. This study provides a comprehensive walkability assessment framework, encompassing quantitative and qualitative dimensions. By incorporating spatial, behavioral, and perceptual dimensions, this approach provides an efficient and integrated analytical methodology for evaluating walkability, distinguishing itself with its originality in the field of walkability research.

The study describes organic producers’ perceptions of organic livestock production, product commercialisation, use of contentious inputs such as allopathic antibiotics, antiparasitics and vitamins and bedding materials availability in Mediterranean (MED) and North/Western European (NWE) countries. A total of 426 MED (46.2%) and NWE (53.8%) responses were analysed revealing more difficulty finding information on alternatives to antiparasitics and antibiotics than on bedding materials. They identified ‘feeding/nutrition’, ‘animal health’ and ‘welfare’ as the most relevant topics in their farms. Whereas ruminants and monogastrics farmers in the NWE region also indicated ‘organic regulation’ as relevant, farmers rearing ruminant species in the MED region identified farm profitability and commercialisation. Farmers still mainly relied in conventional treatments but they often applied phytotherapy, although >61% of the participants did not treat their animals in the last year. If treated, most of them administered on average one course of antibiotic treatment per animal (>62%). In the MED region, the main sources of information on alternative treatments were veterinarians (>60%) and the Internet (>32%). In the NWE region, it was other farmers for producers including ruminant species (>63%) and veterinarians (>77%) for monogastric farmers. In the NWE region, direct commercialisation and through a cooperative and/or food industry were the most frequent channel used; while, in the MED region, they were the food industry and/or direct commercialisation. In conclusion, this survey provides novel cross-European insights into organic livestock producers' concerns. A particular value of the survey is that MED countries, which are often underrepresented, were well sampled.

Amaç: Telepazarlama, telefon aracılığı ile satış yapmak üzere kullanılan pazarlama yöntemlerinden biridir ve günümüzde yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışma, bankaların uzun vadeli mevduatlarını telefon aracılığıyla satmak için kullandıkları telepazarlama çağrılarının başarısını tahmin etmek amacıyla hesaplamalı bir model önermektedir. Yöntem: Toplamda 45.211 adet telepazarlama çağrısı 16 öznitelikle birlikte dikkate alınmıştır. Veriler %70 eğitim ve %30 test veri seti olmak üzere iki ayrı sete ayrılmıştır. Model için k-en yakın komşu (k-EK) makine öğrenmesi kullanılmış ve ilgili modelin hiperparametrelerinin Bayes optimizasyon yöntemi ile otomatik olarak belirlenmesi sağlanmıştır. Bulgular: Gerçekleştirilen analizler sonucunda; %94,68 doğruluk, %62,96 hassasiyet ve %99,01 özgüllük değeri elde edilmiştir. Önerilen hesaplamalı yöntem sayesinde daha başarılı telepazarlama aramalarının yapılması sağlanarak, uzaktan satış oranının artırılması ve amaca yönelik olarak daha uygun potansiyel müşterilerin saptanması sağlanabilir. Özgünlük: Bu çalışma kapsamında k-EK algoritmasına ve hesaplamalı modelin yapılandırılması için Bayes algoritmasına odaklanılmıştır. Literatürde benzer çalışmalarda manuel olarak belirlen hiper-parametre değerlerinin mevcut çalışma kapsamında otomatik olarak saptanması sağlanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, telepazarlama alanında kullanılabilecek yeni bir hesaplamalı model önerisi gerçekleştirilmiş ve ümit verici sonuçlar elde edilmiştir.

Abstract Cervical cancer has recently become one of the most prevalent cancers among women throughout the world. Traditional cancer therapies generate side effects due to off-target toxicity. Thus, novel cancer medications coupled with suitable drug delivery systems are required to improve cancer therapies. Melittin peptide has a high affinity to disrupt cancer cells. In this study, we designed targeted and redox-responsive Melittin conjugates for cervical cancer and then tested them in vitro. Folic acid and squamous cell carcinoma-specific peptide (CKQNLAEG) were used as targeting agents to design various conjugates. Our findings indicate that both anticancer conjugates were effective against different cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, C33A, and HeLa. Moreover, these conjugates were found to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects as well as reduced hemolytic activity. The CM–Target (N-terminus cysteine modified-Melittin–targeting peptide-functionalized conjugate) has become more stable and acted specifically against squamous cell carcinoma, whereas folic acid (FA)–containing conjugates acted efficiently against all cancer types studied, especially for breast cancer. According to our results, these anticancer conjugates may be possible anticancer drug candidates that have fewer adverse effects.

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Abstract Recent reports on antibiotic resistance have highlighted the need to reduce the impact of this global health issue through urgent prevention and control. The World Health Organization currently considers antibiotic resistance as one of the most dangerous threats to global health. Therefore, Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising for the development of novel antibiotic molecules due to their high antimicrobial effects, non-inducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) properties, and broad spectrum. Hence, in this study, we developed novel antimicrobial peptide/polymer conjugates to reduce the adverse effects of TN6 (RLLRLLLRLLR) peptide. We demonstrate how our constructs function in vitro in terms of antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and protease resistance. Our findings show that our molecules are effective against different types of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enteroccus faecium, and Candida albicans, which are known to be pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant. Our constructs generally showed low cytotoxicity relative to the peptide in HaCaT and 3T3 cells. Especially these structures are very successful in terms of hemotoxicity. In the bacteremia model with S. aureus, the naked peptide (TN6) was hemotoxic even at 1 µg/mL, while the hemotoxicity of the conjugates was considerably lower than the peptide. Remarkably in this model, the hemolytic activity of PepC-PEG-pepC conjugate decreased 15-fold from 2.36 to 31.12 µg/mL compared to the bacteria-free 60-min treatment. This is proof that in the case of bacteremia and sepsis, the conjugates specifically direct to bacterial cell membranes rather than red blood cells. In addition, the PepC-PEG-pepC conjugate is resistant to plasma proteases. Moreover, morphological and intracellular damage of the peptide/conjugates to Escherichia coli are demonstrated in SEM and TEM images. These results suggest our molecules can be considered potential next-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic molecule/drug candidates that might be used in clinical cases such as bacteremia and sepsis.

The bread wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sagittario) as a parental line and its mutant, drought-tolerant lines (Mutant lines 4 and 5) were subjected to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought. Drought stress resulted in decreased chlorophyll levels and the accumulation of proline and TBARS, despite increases in activities of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Transcription of the genes encoding these enzymes and delta-1-pyrroline 5-carboxylase synthetase was induced by drought. 2-DE gel electrophoresis analysis identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the mutant lines, which are distinguished by “chloroplast”, “mitochondrion”, “pyruvate dehydrogenase complex”, and “homeostatic process” terms. The drought tolerance of the mutant lines might be attributed to improved photosynthesis, efficient ATP synthesis, and modified antioxidant capacity. In addition to proteomics data, the drought tolerance of wheat genotypes might also be assessed by chlorophyll content and TaPOX gene expression. To our knowledge, this is the first proteomic analysis of gamma-induced mutants of bread wheat. These findings are expected to be utilized in plant breeding studies.

Fried potato products are the largest dietary source of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen formed at high temperatures. Previous studies suggested that garlic powder could decrease the development of acrylamide; however, there has not been much focus on the effect of garlic extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of garlic extract exposure on the development of acrylamide in French fries in popular home cooking techniques such as pan-frying, air-frying, and oven-frying. Initially, the antioxidative profile, total phenolic content, and chlorogenic acid content of garlic were analyzed. Subsequently, potatoes were treated with garlic extract and fried using pan-frying, air-frying, and oven-frying techniques. Acrylamide levels were then quantified through HPLC and compared to control groups. The findings showed that garlic exposure increased the acrylamide formation in French fries obtained with air-frying (311.95 ± 0.5 μg/kg) and with oven-frying (270.32 ± 23.4 μg/kg) (p < 0.005 *). This study offers new insights into varying acrylamide formation levels in domestic practices. Unlike previous studies, this study is the first to question the effect of aqueous garlic extract exposure. Further research is required to comprehend the interaction between garlic exposure and acrylamide formation in household settings.

This qualitative study aims to investigate the researcher identity development of novice and experienced researchers. In the study, which adopted the case study, one of the qualitative research designs, the maximum diversity and criterion sampling methods were used. Data were collected through interviews with seven novice and five experienced teacher educators. Data were analyzed by content analysis through MAXQDA software. Results showed that experienced and novice teacher educators shared similar views while depicting research and revealing the influential factors in developing researcher identity. It was found that researcher identity was developed through the interaction of three main components: academic, social, and individual factors. While individual factors were at the core of a researcher identity development process, academic and social factors influenced researcher identity through three phases: exploration, engagement, and continuous development. For each phase, there were academic and social factors that had a prevalent influence on researcher identity construction.

Abstract Background It was aimed to investigate the psychological effects of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on children and adolescents. The effects of disease process on development of psychiatric disorders, the course of pre-existing disorders, and peer relationships of children who have had COVID-19 infection were evaluated. Fifty three patients (28 girls and 25 boys) who were aged 12 ± 2.64 years and diagnosed with COVID-19 infection within the last 3–9 months, were randomly selected and included. Sociodemographic form, Beck Depression Inventory/Children’s Depression Scale, Symptom Checklist 90-Revised were given to the participants, and a semi-structured interview was used to establish psychiatric disorders before and after COVID-19 infection. Parents were asked to fill in Conner’s Rating Scale-Parents and Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Results Compared to pre-pandemic, duration of physical activity and time spent with peers were decreased, while screen exposure was found to be increased. Subclinical psychiatric symptoms were exacerbated after infection and most affected area was eating problems with loss of appetite and weight. Conclusions In conclusion, our data showed that COVID-19 is associated with an increase in psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents, and further studies are needed in a larger population to investigate the causes and consequences of these effects.