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Magnetic hyperthermia has received much attention during the last decade due to its implementation in cancer treatment. Recently, functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) emerged as a strong alternative adjuvant treatment approach, which complements conventional methods such as chemotherapy. In this study, we demonstrate the anticancer effect of Poly(acrylic acid)-coated, anti-HER2-tagged SPIONs on breast cancer cells using a low magnetic field strength of 0.8 kAm(-1), which is significantly lower compared to the literature, with a frequency of 400 kHz. Specificity was achieved via anti-HER2 antibody attachment to nanoparticles. HER2-positive SKBR3 and MDA-MB-453 cell lines internalized the nanoparticles successfully. These nanoparticles, which were not toxic to these cell lines, led to a prominent decrease in cell proliferation and survival in MDA-MB-453 cells when subjected to hyperthermia. Therefore, the hyperthermia-targeted SPION approach could be developed as a potential cancer treatment approach against breast cancer and possible other cancer types.

Peroxisomal disorders are a group of genetically heterogeneous metabolic diseases related to dysfunction of peroxisomes. Dysmorphic features, neurological abnormalities, and hepatic dysfunction can be presenting signs of peroxisomal disorders. Here we presented dysmorphic facial features and other clinical characteristics in two patients with PEX1 gene mutation. Follow-up periods were 3.5 years and 1 year in the patients. Case I was one-year-old girl that presented with neurodevelopmental delay, hepatomegaly, bilateral hearing loss, and visual problems. Ophthalmologic examination suggested septooptic dysplasia. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed nonspecific gliosis at subcortical and periventricular deep white matter. Case II was 2.5-year-old girl referred for investigation of global developmental delay and elevated liver enzymes. Ophthalmologic examination findings were consistent with bilateral nystagmus and retinitis pigmentosa. Cranial MRI was normal. Dysmorphic facial features including broad nasal root, low set ears, downward slanting eyes, downward slanting eyebrows, and epichantal folds were common findings in two patients. Molecular genetic analysis indicated homozygous novel IVS1-2A>G mutation in Case I and homozygous p.G843D (c.2528G>A) mutation in Case II in the PEX1 gene. Clinical findings and developmental prognosis vary in PEX1 gene mutation. Kabuki-like phenotype associated with liver pathology may indicate Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD).

The characteristics, perceptions, attitudes and behaviour of beach users at three locations: St George's Bay, Malta, Mamaia, Romania and Olu Deniz, Turkey, were determined from questionnaire surveys. Respondents comprised locals, domestic and foreign tourists. Results for these parameters had substantial agreement both across the three beaches and with previous studies. The amounts beach users were willing to pay (WTP), via the contingent valuation method and their consumer surpluses (CS), via the travel cost method were determined. The average amount beach users were willing to pay per visit, was £0.64 on St George's bay, £0.32 on Mamaia and £0.94 on Olu Deniz. The willingness to pay varied with social class, earnings, amount of beach use and between local, domestic and foreign user groups. The consumer surplus also varied for these groups as British tourists had a CS of £0.62 per visit, with domestic Turkish and Romanian users having values of £0.46 and £0.69, respectively. Diminishing marginal utility, as measured by WTP, with beach use was found in all three surveys. Charging for actual use would be acceptable for the majority of beach users. Coastal zone managers could realise significant revenues from beach users if they charge adults on a per visit basis (the favoured mode of payment) and spend the revenue on the maintenance and improvements identified by the users. Only one of the beaches (Olu Deniz, Turkey) currently has restricted access, which would facilitate such a payment method., peer-reviewed

WOS: 000321439900007 Early positive parent-child interactions are important for child development. Intervention research focused on increasing positive parent-child interactions has demonstrated increases in desired parenting behaviors and improvements in child outcomes. Parent-child interaction research in Turkey has been limited because of the need for reliable and valid measures of parent-child interaction. The aim of this study was to explore the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of a psychometrically strong measure of parent-child interaction that was developed in the United States: the Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO). Mother-child interactions during a free-play situation were scored using the Turkish translation of the PICCOLO. The Turkish PICCOLO demonstrated good reliability and validity; as good as that demonstrated in the original English-language PICCOLO psychometric study. The Turkish PICCOLO meets the criteria established for a tool that will facilitate parent-child interaction research in Turkeyand appears to be practical and functional in evaluating the quality of parent-child interaction.