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Halopteris scoparia Overcomes Cisplatin Resistance and Their Combination Inhibits Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumor Growth: A Study on Cytotoxicity, Cell Cycle, DNA Fragmentation, Membrane Permeabilization, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis Regulation and IVIS Imaging
No full textCisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug but its ability is restricted by acquired resistance and its toxic effects in normal cells. Brown algae Halopteris scoparia is consumed as a salad and is known to have cytotoxic effects in human cancer cells. The present research was planned to evaluate the chemo-sensitizing potential of H. scoparia aqueous extract with cisplatin in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. We also investigated the cytotoxic, oxidative and genotoxic effects of H. scoparia aqueous extract on lymphocyte-cultured human blood and revealed its fatty acid profiles by GC-FID. Our results showed, via the IVIS imaging system, that a combination of H. scoparia and cisplatin significantly inhibited (98 %) tumor development in mice inoculated with A549-luc2 cells and that these effects were related to increased oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation and lactate dehydrogenase leakage levels, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, decreased cellular antioxidant status as well as upregulations in proapoptotic genes and downregulations in antiapoptotic genes. H. scoparia extract had no cytotoxic, oxidative or genotoxic effects on lymphocytes. The results suggest that the combination regimen could inhibit tumor formation by overcoming the resistance to cisplatin, and H. scoparia can protect normal cells by decreasing the requirement of cisplatin during the chemotherapy
Current Status of Cystic Fibrosis in Türkiye: Data from the National Registry
No full textOBJECTIVE: The Cystic Fibrosis Registry of T & uuml;rkiye (CFRT) was established by the Turkish Pediatric Respiratory Diseases and Cystic Fibrosis Society and has provided detailed information on demographic, clinical, genetic, and treatment-related aspects of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients since 2017. We aimed to describe the current status of CF in T & uuml;rkiye using CFRT's 2023 annual data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were taken from CFRT's 2023 record. RESULTS: In 2023, 2,258 patients from 34 centers were recorded. The median age of patients was 9.1 years, and 46.9% were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 0.3 years. Only 14.9% of the patients were older than 18 years. Genetic analyses were completed in 97.3% of patients. The most common variant, F508del, had a total variant frequency of 22.1%. The median percent predicted FEV1 and FVC were 88.0 and 94.0 in those aged 6-17 years 71.0 and 84.0 in those aged >= 18 years, respectively. The median values of body mass index z-scores were-0.5, and-0.5 for patients 2-18 and older than 18 years, respectively. Chronic colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was present in 17.2% of the patients. Most patients used inhaled recombinant human DNase (87.1%) and oral pancreatic enzyme replacement treatment (83.0%). CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators were used by 15.9% of patients. Over the year, 24 patients died, with a median age at death of 13.3 years. CONCLUSION: The CFRT report provides a valuable resource showing the clinical and laboratory data of patients with CF in the country
Characterization of Mortars from the Byzantine Basilicas in Side Archaeological Site, Türkiye
No full textBu çalışmada, Side, Türkiye’de bulunan MS 5./6. yüzyıla tarihlenen Bizans Bazilikası ve bu bazilikanın içinde bulunan ve geç Bizans dönemine tarihlenen küçük bazilikaya ait harç örneklerinin karakterizasyonu yapılmıştır. Bazilikalara ait kalıntıların farklı bölümlerinden alınan örneklerin; koruma ve onarım müdahalelerinde yardımcı olabilecek temel malzeme özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla fiziksel, fiziko-mekanik ve bileşimsel özellikleri araştırılmıştır. Fiziksel ve fiziko-mekanik özellikler, birim hacim ağırlığı ve gözeneklilik değerlerinin belirlenmesi, ultrasonik hız ölçümleri ile incelenmiştir. Bağlayıcı ve agregaların karakterizasyonu, ince kesitlerin petrografik analizleri ve XPRD analizleri ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Harçların, bağlayıcı/agrega oranlarının yaklaşık olarak tespit edilmesi için seyreltik HCl asit çözeltisi kullanılmıştır. Asitte çözünmeyen agregaların parçacık büyüklüğü dağılımı elek analizleri ile değerlendirilmiştir. İnce agregalar üzerinde, puzolanik aktivite deneyleri yapılmıştır. Harç örneklerinin nispeten düşük yoğunluğa ve yüksek gözenekliliğe sahip olduğu bulunmuştur. Bağlayıcının, tüm numunelerde kireç olduğu ve örneklerin asitte çözünen kısımlarının yüksek oranda olduğu gözlenmiştir. Agregalarının ağırlıklı olarak kireçtaşı ve silisli kaya parçalarından oluştuğu belirlenmiştir. Harç örneklerinin bir kısmında terracotta kırıklarının kullanımına rastlanmıştır. İnce harç agregalarının görece olarak yüksek puzolanikliğe sahip olduğu görülmüştür.This study focuses on the characterization of mortar samples from a large Byzantine Basilica dating back to 5th/6th century CE and a smaller Basilica from late Byzantine period in Side, Türkiye. Samples were collected from various parts of the remains and investigated for their basic physical, physico-mechanical and compositional properties to gather essential information to be used in conservation/restoration interventions of the basilicas. For the determination of the basic physical and physico-mechanical properties density and porosity tests, ultrasonic velocity measurements were conducted. The characterization of the binder and aggregates were performed by petrographic analyses of thin sections and XRPD analyses. Mortars were treated with dilute HCl acid solution for the estimation of the binder/aggregate ratios. Particle size distribution of acid insoluble aggregates was evaluated by sieve analyses. Pozzolanic activity tests were carried out on the finer aggregates. Mortar samples were found to have relatively low density and high porosity. Binder is observed to be pure lime in all samples with high percentages of acid soluble parts. Aggregates of the samples were observed to be composed of mainly limestone and siliceous rock fragments. Use of crushed brick was observed in some of the mortar samples. Fine aggregates of mortars were found to have comparatively good pozzolanicity
Neuroimmune integration in chronic stress: mechanisms of TRPV1-CB2 crosstalk, inflammation, and neural resilience
No full textUnder the relentless demands of contemporary life, stress orchestrates a sophisticated neurochemical cascade, engaging the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and modulating key neurotransmitters-norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine-as though forcing a finely tuned thermostat beyond its limits. While acute stress can transiently sharpen adaptive responses, chronic exposure exacts an escalating allostatic burden, gradually compromising synaptic integrity and heightening vulnerability to psychiatric and neurological disorders. Guided by the Neuroimmune Integration Model, this review integrates foundational neurochemical paradigms with pioneering insights into TRPV1 and CB2 receptor dynamics, neuroinflammatory cascades, and oxidative stress signatures, each illuminated by cutting-edge tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and single-cell RNA sequencing. The Neuroimmune Integration Model posits that stress responses operate through hierarchical biological organization, from molecular interactions to behavioral outcomes, characterized by dynamic reciprocity between central and peripheral neuroimmune systems. These emerging mediators converge on principal signaling hubs, notably the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) pathways, which govern synaptic plasticity and behavioral homeostasis yet are routinely derailed under sustained stress. To recalibrate these circuits, precision-medicine approaches-including CRHR1 antagonists, SIRT1 activators, individualized neurofeedback protocols, and pharmacogenomic profiling-have shown promising early results. Nevertheless, the intricate crosstalk among molecular networks, compounded by inequities in access to advanced therapies, underscores the urgent need for interdisciplinary research to unravel uncharted mechanisms and translate them into broadly accessible neuroprotective treatments
Antifungal Testing of Vaginal Candida Isolates in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study in Adana, Türkiye
No full textClinical and mycological data are essential for the optimal management of patients with Candida vaginitis (CV), particularly in cases of (i) azole-resistant C. albicans vaginitis, (ii) recurrent CV, and (iii) CV in pregnant women. The present retrospective single-center study investigated the antifungal activity of six commonly used antifungals against randomly selected vaginal isolates recovered from 68 pregnant women in Adana, Türkiye, including C. albicans, petite C. glabrata, non-petite C. glabrata, and C. krusei, using the disk diffusion method at pH 4 and 7. Furthermore, the antifungal activities of fluconazole and itraconazole were also assessed using the broth microdilution method. For all isolates, the mean inhibition zone diameters were narrower for itraconazole and ketoconazole and larger for miconazole at pH 4 than pH 7 (p < 0.05). For nystatin, zone diameters were wider in C. albicans and petite C. glabrata at pH 4 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Remarkably, clotrimazole was more active at pH 4 than at pH 7, except against non-petite C. glabrata isolates. Based on the broth microdilution results, the resistance rate was higher at pH 4 than at pH 7 in all isolates. Candida glabrata petite isolates exhibited MIC values 2 to 5 times higher than those of the non-petite isolates for both fluconazole and itraconazole. This study highlights the potent activity of topical antifungals (miconazole, nystatin, and clotrimazole) for the treatment of CV in pregnant women and highlights the need to identify petite and non-petite mutants of vaginal C. glabrata isolates to obtain more reliable data and for antifungal susceptibility testing prior to decision-making. The results of the two antifungal susceptibility methods were compared for C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates, and the reliability of the disk diffusion test was discussed. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Mushroom Intoxication in Türkiye: A Nationwide Cohort Study Based on Demographic Trends, Seasonal Variations, and the Impact of Climate Change on Incidence
No full textBackground/Aims: Mushroom intoxication poses a considerable public health risk due to its potential for severe toxicity and fatality. This study aims to investigate demographic trends, diagnostic locations, and mortality rates of patients with mushroom intoxication. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the National Electronic Database of the Turkish Ministry of Health. The study focused on patients without chronic liver disease or prior liver transplantation presenting with mushroom intoxication between 2018 and 2023. Demographic information, diagnostic locations, and mortality rates were analyzed, considering a six-year period to ensure even seasonal distribution. Results: Among 30 459 individuals admitted with mushroom intoxication, 44.75% were male, with a mean age of 45.84 years. The Black Sea, Marmara, and Central Anatolia regions had the highest number of cases, with specific cities like Tokat, Bolu, Yozgat, and Kastamonu having the highest rates per 100,000 population in 2022. Mushroom intoxication predominantly occurred in May, June, October, and November. Hospitalization occurred in 8.9% of cases, with a 6.6% mortality rate within 90 days and 1.3% progressing to liver transplantation. Notably, mushroom intoxication cases increased by 130% in the first half of 2023, particularly in May and June, correlating with increased rainfall. Conclusion: Mushroom intoxication is a serious public health issue, with morbidity and mortality influenced by climate factors. The study highlights a significant increase in cases in the first half of 2023, potentially linked to heightened rainfall and climate change
Görüntü işleme ile beyin organoid analizi
No full textBu tez çalışması, yüksek yoğunluklu sesin insan beyin organoidleri üzerindeki morfolojik ve gelişimsel etkilerini incelemek üzere yazılım mühendisliği ve yapay zeka tekniklerinden yararlanmıştır. Geleneksel analiz yöntemlerinin sınırlılıklarını aşmak amacıyla, organoidlerin zaman serisi görüntülerinden elde edilen entropi, parlaklık gibi nicel verilerle sese verdikleri dinamik tepkiler objektif biçimde değerlendirilmiştir. Belirli bir olgunluğa ulaşan serebral organoidler, kontrol ve ses maruziyeti gruplar1na ayrılarak 8 saat boyunca belirli frekans ve şiddette sese maruz bırakılmıştır. Bu süreçte düzenli aralıklarla alınan mikroskobik görüntüler yazılım tabanlı algoritmalarla analiz edilmiştir. Başlangıçta sınırlı veri setiyle yapılan analizlerde zamana bağlı morfolojik değişiklikler gözlenmiş, ancak istatistiksel anlamlılık elde edilememiştir; metodoloji geliştikçe ve yüksek çözünürlüklü görüntülerle yapılan analizlerde ise ses maruziyetine bağlı anlamlı farklar saptanmıştır. Bulgular, organoidlerin çevresel ses uyarılarına seçici ve sistematik tepkiler verdiğini ortaya koymuştur. Biyolojik testler, canlılık düzeyinde belirgin bir değişiklik göstermemekle birlikte, MAP2 ve LMX1B gen ifadelerinde artış olduğunu göstermiştir. Özellikle LMX1B genindeki istatistiksel olarak anlamlı artış, yüksek yoğunluklu sesin nörogelişimsel süreçleri etkileyebileceğine işaret etmiştir. Bu tez, yapay zeka destekli görüntü analiz yöntemleriyle beyin organoidlerinin sese karşı zamana bağlı tepkilerini başarıyla nicel olarak ortaya koymuş ve bulguları moleküler biyoloji verileriyle desteklemiştir. Çalışma, disiplinlerarası bir yaklaşımla, organoidlerin çevresel faktörlere adaptif yanıt verebildiğini göstererek biyolojik araştırmalara tekrarlanabilir ve öznellikten arındırılmış bir analiz boyutu kazandırmıştır.This thesis employs software engineering and artificial intelligence techniques to investigate the morphological and developmental effects of highintensity sound on human brain organoids. To overcome the limitations of traditional analysis methods, dynamic responses to sound were objectively assessed using quantitative features such as entropy and brightness extracted from timeseries images of the organoids. Cerebral organoids that reached a certain level of maturity were divided into control and sound exposure groups and subjected to specific frequencies and intensities of sound for eight hours. Microscopic images were captured at regular intervals during this period and analyzed using softwarebased algorithms. Initial analyses with a limited dataset revealed time-dependent morphological changes without statistical significance; however, as the methodology matured and higher-resolution images were used, significant differences in certain morphological parameters due to sound exposure were detected. These findings demonstrated that organoids exhibit selective and systematic responses to environmental sound stimuli. While biological tests showed no significant change in cell viability, increases in MAP2 and LMX1B gene expression were observed. In particular, the statistically significant increase in LMX1B expression suggests that high-intensity sound may modulate neurodevelopmental processes. This thesis successfully quantified the timedependent morphological responses of brain organoids to high-intensity sound through AI-based image analysis and showed that these findings are supported by molecular biology data. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the study provides biological research with an automated, reproducible, and objective dimension of analysis, demonstrating that organoids can adaptively respond to environmental factors
Is there a unique asteroseismic interior model for the solar-like oscillating KIC 7747078?
No full textsteroseismology provides a direct observational window into the structure and evolution of stars. While spectroscopic and photometric methods only offer information about the surface properties of stars, asteroseismology, through oscillation frequencies, provides comprehensive information about the deep stellar interior as well as the surface. The scattering of effective temperature (T-eff) determined from the spectrum and degeneracy in the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram poses challenges in developing a unique interior model for a single star. Although observational asteroseismic data partially lift this degeneracy, the best model that meets all asteroseismic constraints is not obtained. Most models reported in the literature typically address the large-separation (Delta nu) constraint between oscillation frequencies, which is a critical issue, especially in post-main-sequence stars. Reference frequencies, influenced by helium ionization zone-induced glitches in oscillation frequencies, are instrumental in refining models. Using the high metallicity derived from the colours of the Kepler Legacy star KIC 7747078, we obtain the mass of models (M) as 1.208 and 1.275M(circle dot) using the reference frequencies and individual frequencies as constraints, respectively. By applying the chi(2) method using these reference frequencies, Delta nu, and surface metallicity determined from the spectrum, we develop a unique star model with a mass of 1.171 +/- 0.019M(circle dot), a radius of 1.961 +/- 0.011R(circle dot), an effective temperature of 5993 K, an initial metallicity of 0.0121, and an age of 5.15 +/- 0.29 Gyr. A significant advantage of this method is that T-eff emerges as an output, not a constraint. The mixed-mode oscillation frequencies of this model align well with the observations.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUEBITAK) [123F019]This work was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUEBITAK: 123F019). We are grateful to Ege University Planning and Monitoring Coordination of Organizational Development and Directorate of Library and Documentation for their support in editing and proofreading service of this study
The Role of a Smartphone Application in Monitoring the Risk of Hearing Loss Associated with Personal Listening Devices in Young Adults
No full textBackground Exposure to loud music has been reported to affect high-frequency hearing thresholds in adults. This study aimed to use a mobile application to assess the risk of hearing loss associated with personal listening devices (PLDs) in young adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 99 healthy iPhone Operating System (iOS) smartphone users aged 17 to 31 years. Based on their weekly, monthly, 6-month, and annual listening data from the 'Health' application, participants were classified into at-risk or non-risk groups. Six individuals in the at-risk group underwent audiological assessments. The Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) was given to all participants. SSQ scores were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. The correlation between average PLD sound levels and SSQ scores was analyzed using the Spearman's test. Results The weekly, monthly, 6-month, and annual listening data showed that 16, 14, 12, and 12 participants were at risk, respectively. All six participants who underwent audiological assessment exhibited normal hearing thresholds. However, a pattern of decline at high frequencies was noted. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of overall SSQ score (z = -2.74, P = 0.00), speech perception score (z = -3.25, P = 0.00), and hearing quality score (z = -2.01, P = 0.04) based on the 6-month and annual listening data. A weak positive correlation was found between the SSQ scores across all subscales and monthly sound-level data. Exposure duration was negatively correlated with speech perception (r = -0.32, P < 0.05), spatial perception (r = -0.26, P < 0.05), and overall score (r = -0.29, P < 0.05) in weekly data, as well as with hearing quality (r = -0.21; P < 0.05) and overall score (r = -0.21, P < 0.05) in annual data. Conclusions The immediate effects of loud music exposure were absent; however, prolonged exposure resulted in reduced speech perception and hearing-quality levels. Data from the iOS 'Health' application indicated that some individuals were at risk of hearing loss, suggesting the need to modify their listening habits to prevent long-term decline in hearing function. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Editörün Önsözü / Vorwort der EditorInnen
No full textLiebe Kolleginnen und Liebe Kollegen, die Ausgabe „2025/ 1“ liegt Ihnen vor und wir freuen uns sehr, dass auch diese Ausgabe aus Beiträgen zustande gekommen ist, die aktuelle und bedeutende Themen diskutieren. Im Folgenden präsentieren wir Ihnen diese Beiträge in den folgenden Rubriken: Der Fachbereich Literaturwissenschaft beinhaltet fünf Beiträge: Der erste Beitrag thematisiert den Verlust des Heimatbegriffs in Jenny Erpenbecks Romanen Heimsuchung, Aller Tage Abend und Kairos unter besonderer Berücksichtigung historischer und politischer Implikationen. Die zweite Studie analysiert die Gefahren normativer Ordnungen und kontrollgesellschaftlicher Strukturen in Juli Zehs Corpus Delicti und John Marrs’ The Marriage Act unter dem Aspekt der Normalisierung und Überwachung des Lebens. Der dritte Aufsatz analysiert, wie Bernhard Schlink in seinem Roman Olga anhand der Lebensgeschichte einer tauben, emanzipierten Frau ein fiktionales Panorama deutscher Zeitgeschichte entwirft und dabei kollektives Gedächtnis sowie Diskriminierung von Menschen mit Behinderung thematisiert. Der vierte Beitrag erörtert anhand einer dokumentenanalytischen und statistischen Auswertung, wie sich seit 1960 erschienene türkischsprachige Lyrikanthologien zur deutschsprachigen Dichtung – je nach akademischem oder populärem Kontext – in Auswahl, Konzeption und Rezeption unterscheiden. Der letzte Artikel dieser Kategorie untersucht, wie Christa Wolf in Medea. Stimmen und weiteren Studien die Figur der Medea im Sinne feministischer Schreibweise neu liest, dekonstruiert und rekonstruiert, indem sie patriarchal geprägte negative Bilder hinterfragt und durch eine weibliche Perspektive positive Bedeutungen sowie die ursprüngliche, weibliche Stimme Medeas wieder freilegt