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Plasma conjugated with renewable energy for environmental protection
No full textPlasma technologies include photovoltaic energy production, biofuel energy production, wind turbine energy production. It can effectively use renewable electrical energy sources, such as electricity, and has become remarkable in terms of environmental improvement. Ensuring sustainable energy supply for plasma processes, increasing energy efficiency and plasma technologies, which have advantages such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the importance and advantages of its integration with renewable energy have begun to attract more attention from researchers. In this book chapter, general information about types of plasma technologies, plasma-assisted renewable energy production for environmental protection and current plasma processes in renewable energy technologies are presented. Furthermore, the steps that need to be taken to improve the application of plasma-supported renewable energy technologies are included in the Challenges and Future Directions section, taking into account technological barriers, cost considerations, policy and regulatory issues. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Lipodystrophy Severity Score to Assess Disease Burden in Lipodystrophy
No full textContext Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare disorders characterized by deficient adipose tissue, leading to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and organ system abnormalities. Objective Our goal was to develop a lipodystrophy severity score (LDS) to holistically capture the diverse manifestations of lipodystrophy into a numerical score to aid in prediction of clinical outcomes and/or treatment impact. Design An 8-domain LDS was developed by 8 disease experts in consultation with patient organizations. The LDS was rated for feasibility and content validity by 28 additional clinicians and 9 patient representatives. LDS was compared to the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) of severity for 20 putative patient profiles, each at 2 different time points, and by comparing change in LDS to global impression of change. For external validation, LDS was calculated in 2 cohorts of patients with lipodystrophy treated with metreleptin. Results LDS domains include Diabetes/Insulin Resistance, Microvascular Complications of Diabetes, Lipids, Cardiovascular, Liver, Kidney, Reproductive, and Other. Each domain is assessed by 1 or more questions assessing both lifetime and recent complications of lipodystrophy. The LDS had high content validity and feasibility and high reliability by intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.95). Global and domain-specific LDS were strongly correlated with CGI, as were changes in scores across visits (R = 0.79-0.99, P < .001 for all). In generalized lipodystrophy, metreleptin significantly reduced LDS (from 46 to 26 at 12 months, P < .001). The reductions were smaller in partial lipodystrophy (from 65 to 61 at 12 months, P = .04). Conclusion The LDS can reflect the severity of diverse manifestations of lipodystrophy and monitor changes following interventions.Amryt PharmaceuticalsThis research was supported by funding from Amryt Pharmaceuticals. Amryt Pharmaceuticals was not involved in data analysis, in the preparation of the abstract/manuscript, or in the decision to submit it for publication. Amryt Pharmaceuticals is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A
One step synthesis of tryptophan-isatin carbon nano dots and bio-applications as multifunctional nanoplatforms
No full textThe development of natural molecule-derived carbon nano dots (CNDs) marks a significant advancement in biocompatible and sustainable nanomaterials. Tryptophan, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), serves as a precursor to numerous pharmacologically active compounds, while isatin and its derivatives have demonstrated anti-tumor effects, including against brain cancers. This study aimed to synthesize fluorescent CNDs from tryptophan-isatin hybrid precursor and explore their applications in glioblastoma treatment. These CNDs were characterized using techniques such as TEM, SEM-EDS, FTIR, XPS, Raman spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In vitro tests using the U-87 glioblastoma cell line evaluated cell viability, affinity, and BBB permeability. The CNDs, between 4 and 7 nm in size, exhibited blue and green fluorescence, with no cytotoxic effects observed at concentrations up to 25 mu g/mL. The highest BBB permeability rate was determined as 4.3 x 10-5 cm/s. Additionally, the CNDs demonstrated radiotherapeutic properties, leading to a 51 % reduction in cell viability. This research contributes to nanomedicine by introducing a novel biocompatible material with potential for targeted brain cancer imaging and therapy, while also suggesting broader applications beyond glioblastoma
Neuroplasticity and Rhinoplasty: Bridging Neuroscience and Aesthetic Surgery
No full textNeuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize its structure and function, plays a pivotal role in adapting to anatomical changes introduced by surgical interventions such as rhinoplasty. This review explores the interplay between functional and aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty and their implications on cognitive and emotional processes. Key findings highlight the involvement of specialized neural circuits, including the fusiform face area, somatosensory cortex, and mirror neuron systems, in adapting to altered facial features. Furthermore, the importance of preoperative expectations, emotional resilience, and breathing patterns in optimizing postoperative outcomes is emphasized. By integrating neuroscience with clinical insights, this paper underscores the transformative potential of rhinoplasty as both a physical and psychological intervention, fostering a holistic approach to patient care
Comparative Cranial and Postcranial Osteology of Blanus Species (Squamata: Amphisbaenia) from Türkiye: Insights from Morphological Evolution and Phylogeny
No full textThe genus Blanus (Amphisbaenia: Blanidae) comprises fossorial, limbless reptiles with cryptic external morphology, making species delimitation particularly challenging. This study presents a comprehensive comparative osteological and geometric morphometric investigation of three Blanus species distributed in Türkiye—B. alexandri, B. aporus, and B. strauchi. Using both dry and cleared-and-stained specimens, diagnostic variations in cranial and postcranial skeletal elements, especially elements within the nasal, maxilla, vomer, squamosal, dentary, and coronoid bones, as well as vertebral counts were identified. A geometric morphometric analysis of the dorsal and ventral cranial morphology revealed distinct shape differences, particularly separating B. alexandri from the other two species along principal component axes. A phylogenetic analysis based on 45 discrete osteological characters supported the monophyly of the eastern Blanus clade, with B. alexandri forming a distinct lineage from B. aporus and B. strauchi. These findings emphasize the significance of skeletal morphology for resolving phylogenetic relationships and highlight the role of osteological characters in refining species boundaries within cryptic reptilian taxa. The integrative approach employed here underscores the evolutionary distinctiveness of Anatolian Blanus and enhances our understanding of morphological evolution in amphisbaenians. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Mikroyeşillik katkılı sebzeli yenilikçi sağlıklı atıştırmalıkların geliştirilmesi
No full textBu tez çalışmasında, fonksiyonel bir gıda olan ve sürdürülebilir üretimi ile öne çıkan mikroyeşilliklerin besin içeriğine farklı kurutma yöntemlerinin etkisi ve kurutulmuş mikroyeşilliklerin sağlıklı atıştırmalık bar formülasyonunda kullanım potansiyeli araştırılmıştır. Mikroyeşillikler sıcak hava ve dondurarak kurutma olmak üzere iki farklı yöntemle kurutulmuştur. Kurutulan mikroyeşilliklerin besin içeriklerine kurutma yöntemlerinin etkisinin belirlendiği bu tez projesinde besin değerlerinin en fazla korunduğu dondurarak kurutulmuş brokoli, maş fasulyesi ve siyez mikroyeşillikleri, sağlıklı atıştırmalık bar formülasyonunda yulaf ununa %25 oranında ilave edilerek, doğal katkı olarak kullanılmıştır. Gıda formülasyonlarında C vitamin miktarını arttırmak için 64,85±1,08 mg/100 g KM askorbik asit içeriğine sahip brokoli mikroyeşilliği katkılı sağlıklı atıştırmalık bar geliştirilmiştir ve kontrole göre %44,72 oranında artış göstermiştir. Maş fasulyesi mikroyeşilliğinin protein (toplam azotlu madde) içeriği 48,75±0,03 g/100 g KM olarak bulunmuştur. Kontrole göre sağlıklı atıştırmalık barın %30.62 oranında protein içeriğini artmıştır. Siyez mikroyeşilliği ise içeriğinde bulunan 446,41±3,43 mg GAE/100 g KM toplam fenolik madde ve 725,03±3,39 mg kateşin/100 g KM toplam flavonoid madde içeriği ile sağlıklı atıştırmalık barın toplam fenolik ve flavonoid madde miktarlarını sırası ile %671,19 ve %25,23 oranında artırmıştır. Bu tez çalışmasında elde edilen veriler; brokoli, maş fasulyesi ve siyez mikroyeşilliklerinin sağlıklı atıştırmalık barda doğal katkı bileşeni olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermiştir.In this thesis study, the effects of different drying methods on the nutritional content of microgreens, which are considered functional foods and stand out with their sustainable production, were investigated along with their potential use in healthy snack bar formulations. The microgreens were dried using two different methods: hot air drying and freeze-dring. The freeze-dried broccoli, mung bean, and einkorn microgreens, which preserved their nutritional properties most effectively, were incorporated into the healthy snack bar formulation by 25% of oat flour and were used as natural ingredients. To increase the vitamin C content in the formulation, a healthy snack bar containing broccoli microgreens with 64.85 ± 1.08 mg/100 g dry matter of vitamin C was developed, resulting in a 44.72% increase compared to the control. The protein (total nitrogenous matter) content of mung bean microgreens was determined as 48.75 ± 0.03 g/100 g dry matter, resulted in a 31.11% increase in the bar’s protein content. Einkorn microgreens, containing 446.41 ± 3.43 mg GAE/100 g dry matter of total phenolics and 725.03 ± 3.39 mg catechin/100 g dry matter of total flavonoids, increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the snack bar by 671.19% and 25.23%, respectively. The findings of this study show that broccoli, mung bean, and einkorn microgreens can be effectively used as natural additives in the formulation of healthy snack bars
Melittinin meme kanseri tedavisinde immünoterapötik potansiyelinin araştırılması
No full textMeme kanseri dünyada ikinci, kadınlarda ise en sık görülen kanser türü olup, kansere bağlı ölümlerin %15,4'ünden sorumludur ve vakaların yaklaşık %30'unu kötü prognozlu HER2-overekspresse meme kanseridir. Bal arısı zehrinin ana bileşenlerinden biri olan melittin, HER2-overkespresse meme kanseri için potansiyel göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada, sentetik melittinin sitotoksik, apoptotik ve makrofaj polarizasyon etkileri, tek başına ve makrofaj mikro çevresinde HER2-overekspresse meme kanseri hücreleri üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Sitotoksisite, HER2-overkespresse insan meme kanseri hücrelerinde (MCF-7, SK-BR-3), insan monositik hücrelerinde (THP-1) ve insan normal fibroblast hücrelerinde (CCD-34Lu) 24 ve 48 saat boyunca MTT testi ile değerlendirilmiş, kanser hücrelerinde daha fazla sitotoksik etki görülmüştür. Apoptoz testi MCF-7'de 1,67 ve 0,84 μM, SK-BR-3'te 1,52 ve 0,76 μM, CCD-34Lu'da 2,74 ve 1,37 μM melittin konsantrasyonlarında gerçekleştirilmiştir; Annexin V-FITC/PI boyama ve akış sitometrisi analizi ile MCF-7 ve SK-BR hücrelerinde erken apoptoz oranları CCD-34Lu hücrelerine göre daha fazla olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ardından, THP-1 hücreleri 15 ng/ml PMA ile M0 makrofajlara farklılaştırılmıştır ve FTIC-CD11b, FITC-CD163 ve PE- CD80 boyamasından sonra akış sitometri analizi sonucu melittinin hem M1 (pro- inflamatuar, anti-tümöral) hem de M2 (anti-inflamatuar, pro-tümöral) makrofaj polarizasyonunu indüklediği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, makrofaj ve SK-BR-3 veya MCF-7 hücrelerinin ko-kültür modelleri 24 saat boyunca 0,35 ve 1,52/1,67 μM melittin ile uygulandığında, melittin özellikle SK-BR-3 hücrelerinin varlığında, M1 polarizasyonu ve apoptotik hücre oranının MCF-7 hücrelerine göre daha yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu bulgular, melittinin HER2-overekspresse meme kanseri tümör mikro çevresini M1 makrofaja modüle ettiğini ve HER2- overkspresse meme kanseri için terapötik bir ajan olarak potansiyelini vurgulamıştır.Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the leading cancer type among women, accounting for 5.4% of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 30% of cases are HER2-overexpressing breast cancers associated with poor prognosis. Melittin, one of the main components of honeybee venom, has shown potential for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. In this study, the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and macrophage polarization effects of synthetic melittin were investigated on HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, both alone and within the macrophage microenvironment. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay over 24 and 48 hours in HER2-overexpressing human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, SK-BR- 3), human monocytic cells (THP-1), and human normal fibroblast cells (CCD- 34Lu), revealing greater cytotoxic effects in cancer cells. Apoptosis assays were performed at melittin concentrations of 1.67 and 0.84 μM for MCF-7, 1.52 and 0.76 μM for SK-BR-3, and 2.74 and 1.37 μM for CCD-34Lu. Annexin V- FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated higher early apoptotic rates in MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells compared to CCD-34Lu cells. Furthermore, THP-1 cells were differentiated into M0 macrophages using 15 ng/ml PMA, and flow cytometry analysis following FITC-CD11b, FITC- CD163, and PE-CD80 staining showed that melittin induced both M1 (pro- inflammatory, anti-tumoral) and M2 (anti-inflammatory, pro-tumoral) macrophage polarization. Additionally, in co-culture models of macrophages with SK-BR-3 or MCF-7 cells treated with 0.35 and 1.52/1.67 μM melittin for 24 hours, melittin particularly enhanced M1 polarization and induced higher apoptotic rates in SK-BR-3 cells compared to MCF-7 cells. These findings suggest that melittin modulates tumor microenvironment by promoting M1 macrophage polarization, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for HER2-overexpressing breast cancer
Effects of 5-azacytidine and N6-methyladenosine combination on apoptosis and stemness in human breast cancer stem cells
No full textBackgroundThis study investigates the combined effects of the epigenetic anticancer drug 5-azacytidine (5-Aza) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) on breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) and normal breast epithelial cells. CSCs are characterized by their ability to self-renew, their resistance to conventional therapies, and their role in metastasis, presenting a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment.Methods and resultsThe study utilized flow cytometry to isolate CD44 + /CD24low CSCs from MCF-7 breast cancer cells and evaluated these cells through spheroid formation assays. The results demonstrated that both 5-Aza and m6A, both individually and in combination, exert cytotoxic effects on CSCs, induce apoptosis, and reduce their migratory capacity. Importantly, these treatments did not produce similar effects on normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A), indicating selective action on CSCs. Gene expression analysis revealed that treatment with 5-Aza, m6A, and their combination altered the expression of key stem cell-related genes, including OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, and c-MYC, which are associated with CSC self-renewal and malignancy.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that epigenetic modulation through 5-Aza and m6A could effectively target CSCs, disrupting their ability to drive tumor progression and metastasis, particularly in aggressive breast cancer subtypes. This study highlights the potential of 5-Aza and m6A as a combinatorial therapeutic approach, offering a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes in breast cancer patients, especially those with therapy-resistant disease. Further clinical investigation is needed to validate these findings and explore their therapeutic implications
Exploring Life History Traits and Catch Composition of Red Mullet (Mullus barbatus, L. 1758) in the Commercial Trawl Fisheries of the Eastern Aegean Sea
No full textThe red mullet (Mullus barbatus, Linnaeus 1758) is a commercially vital demersal species in the Eastern Aegean Sea, yet it is subjected to high fishing pressure. This study assesses the population dynamics, growth, and exploitation status of M. barbatus based on 64 commercial trawl surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024 in the Lesvos-Ayvalik region. Length-frequency data identified eight age classes, with dominant cohorts at ages 3 (26.4%) and 5 (25%). The von Bertalanffy growth model estimated an asymptotic length (L infinity) of 27.9 cm and growth coefficient (k = 0.21 year-1), indicating a slow growth rate. The estimated fishing mortality (F = 0.74) exceeded natural mortality (M = 0.44), producing an exploitation rate (E = 0.63) that indicates overfishing. The length at 50% capture (LC50 = 10.92 cm) was substantially below the optimal biomass length (Le = 16.6 cm), highlighting gear selectivity issues. Net benefit analysis revealed optimal fishing at 50-85 m depth and during December. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved management, including gear modifications, seasonal closures, and reduced effort, to restore sustainability and protect juvenile fish in the Eastern Aegean trawl fishery.ERASMUS+ Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training; [2021-1TR01-KA220-VET-000024755]This research was funded by ERASMUS+ Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training, grant number 2021-1TR01-KA220-VET-000024755
Adsorption of Uranium(VI) ions by nano Cu-doped ZrO2: A response surface methodology approach
No full textThe increasing concerns over environmental sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity highlight the urgent need for effective management of water resources, which are vital for human well-being. Uranium, which is used as an energy source in nuclear power plants, poses significant environmental hazards due to its biological toxicity and the radioactive waste generated from mining and milling processes. This study focuses on the development of a novel copper (Cu) doped nano zirconia (Cu-ZrO2) adsorbent synthesized via the ignition method for the efficient removal of uranium(VI) from contaminated water. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The adsorption process was further optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate key parameters including pH (3-8), temperature (20-60 degrees C), uranium (VI) concentration (25-125 mg/L), and adsorbent dosage (0.0025-0.04 g). A central composite design (CCD) indicated a second-order model with R2 and adjusted R2 values of 0.9823 and 0.9344, respectively. The adsorption studies demonstrated a maximum uranium(VI) adsorption capacity of 246.21 mg/g for Cu-ZrO2, which is significantly higher than that of pure ZrO2(24.12 mg/ g). Thermodynamic analyses revealed that the adsorption process is endothermic, with an increase in adsorption capacity at elevated temperatures. The adsorption mechanism was best described by the Freundlich isotherm, indicating a heterogeneous surface and multilayer adsorption. This research contributes to advancing uranium removal technology from water sources, providing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to mitigate the risks associated with uranium contamination.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [1001-120M235]The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under project number 1001-120M235