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Intrinsic apoptotic effect of Anatolian honeybee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) venom promoted with mesoporous silica nanocarriers
Background/aim: The use of bee products or treatment with bees, as a complement to conventional medicine is attracting considerable attention in cancer research. Although discoveries related to the potential anticancer effects of bee venom are increasing, the unstable nature of venom biomolecules remains a limiting factor for their usage. In this study, we employed mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs) to provide precise dosing and prevent carriers from biomolecule degradation thanks to the outstanding loading capacity provided by the pores, excellent chemical and biological robustness, and ability to improve bioavailability. Materials and methods: MSNs were synthesized and physicochemical characterizations were carried out. The cytotoxicity of Apis mellifera anatoliaca bee venom and venom-complexed MSNs (MSNs@Venom) were determined for the MDA-MB 231, PC3, and HeLa cancer cell lines and the cytotoxicity of pristine MSNs was investigated for the HEK-293 and CCD34-Lu cell lines. The cellular uptake of MSNs@Venom by PC3 and MDA-MB 231 cells was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The apoptotic effect on cancer cells was examined by flow cytometry. Results: The MSNs exhibited significant cellular uptake of MSN by the PC3 and MDA-MB 231 cell lines, resulting in a 1.5-fold enhancement in the apoptotic effect of venom on the PC3 cell line when combined with MSNs, compared to cells exposed alone to venom. Conclusion: MSNs could effectively be taken up by MDA-MB 231 and PC3 cancer cells, enhancing the action of bee venom by the particle-mediated delivery. MSNs@Venom have the potential to offer cost-effective complementary and innovative cancer treatment options. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Antikor etiketleme kitleri ile geleneksel etiketleme: Hücre kültürlerinde karşılaştırmalı immünofloresans bir çalışma
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the comparative performance of antibody labeling kits and conventional antibody labeling methods regarding efficiency, accuracy, and practical usability in immunofluorescence applications on cell cultures. Materials and Methods: Both labeling methods were applied to identical cell culture samples. Labeling efficiency, fluorescence intensity, and antibody specificity were assessed using quantitative fluorescence microscopy. Practical aspects such as ease of use, time efficiency, and cost were also systematically evaluated. Results: Antibody labeling kits significantly reduced preparation time while increasing labeling efficiency, achieving comparable results to conventional methods in fluorescence intensity and antibody specificity. In sum, it is reported that it is higher ease of use for Antibody Labeling Kits. Conclusion: Antibody labeling kits offer a reliable and user-friendly alternative for immunofluorescence studies. By enhancing labeling efficiency and simplifying operational processes, these kits can accelerate research workflows and improve experimental outcomes in cell-based assays.Amaç: Bu çalışma, antikor işaretleme kitleri ile geleneksel antikor işaretleme yöntemlerinin immün floresans uygulamalarında hücre kültürleri üzerindeki verimlilik, doğruluk ve pratik kullanılabilirlik açısından karşılaştırmalı performansını değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada her iki işaretleme yöntemi, aynı hücre kültürü örneklerine uygulanmıştır. İşaretleme verimliliği, floresans yoğunluğu ve antikor özgüllüğü, nicel floresans mikroskopisi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca kullanım kolaylığı, zaman verimliliği ve maliyet gibi pratik unsurlar incelenmiştir. Bulgular: Antikor işaretleme kitleri, hazırlık süresini önemli ölçüde azaltırken işaretleme verimliliğini arttırmış ve floresans yoğunluğu ile antikor özgüllüğü açısından geleneksel yöntemlere eşdeğer sonuçlar sağlamıştır. Bütün değişkenler bir arada değerlendirildiğinde, antikor İşaretleme Kitlerinin kullanım kolaylığını daha yüksek olarak bildirmiştir. Sonuç: Antikor işaretleme kitleri, immün floresans çalışmaları için güvenilir ve kullanıcı dostu bir alternatif sunmaktadır. Etiketleme verimliliğini artırmaları ve operasyonel süreçleri basitleştirmeleri, bu kitlerin araştırma süreçlerini hızlandırarak hücre temelli deneylerde daha iyi sonuçlar elde edilmesini sağlayabileceğini göstermektedir
Simplified Molecular International Prognostic Index as an eligibility criterion for clinical trials: Analysis of the Turkish Lymphoma Study Group's large B-cell lymphoma cohort
Comparative first-line trials in large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) have mostly failed over the last decade. Failures were commonly attributed to overestimation of the progression risk for the control arms, bringing the precision of the international prognostic index (IPI) into scrutiny. Simplified molecular IPI (smIPI), introduced at American Society of Hematology 2023, was developed to address the shortcomings of IPI. This study investigated smIPI and its potential implications as trial eligibility criteria among a multicentre LBCL cohort of 1439 patients. Patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2024 were included. Data were collected from institutional archives. The primary end-point was risk stratification for progression-free survival (PFS). Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used for survival analyses. The smIPI reclassified 38.2% and 5.3% of patients to higher and lower risk groups from IPI, respectively. Patients reclassified to higher risk groups by smIPI had an increased risk of progression than the rest of the group (hazard ratio = 1.34, p = 0.003). High-risk groups classified by IPI and smIPI had similar outcomes (3-year PFS 54.9% vs. 56.3%); however, the high-risk group size was expanded by 35.2% when defined by smIPI. The smIPI is easily applicable and more sensitive than IPI in identifying patients under high risk of progression who are ideal candidates to participate in clinical research. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Phenol-Oxidase Activity and Haemocytes Changes in Helicoverpa armigera Hübner Infected by Entomopathogenic Fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae
Entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are important and effective biocontrol agents against arthropod pests. Compared to chemical insecticides, insect pests do not easily develop resistance against these fungi. In this study, the lethal effects of exposure to B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, effects on phenol-oxidase activity, total haemocyte count, and changes in granulocytes and plasmatocytes were evaluated in 3rd instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. The LC50 values for B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were 0.795×106, and 5.972×107 spore mL-1, respectively. LC30 and LC10 of either entomopathogenic fungi were injected into the body of larvae, and 24 and 48 hours after injection, their hemolymph was extracted. After 24 hours, the highest and lowest phenol-oxidase activity was observed in LC30 of M. anisopliae, and LC10 of B. bassiana, respectively. After 48 hours of infection, phenol-oxidase activity increased in all treatments. At the LC30 of M. anisopliae, the highest phenol-oxidase activity was recorded, and other treatments also showed a significant difference compared to the control. Five types of hemocytes including prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, oenocytoids, and spherulocytes were identified in the hemolymph of larvae. The highest Total Hemocyte Count (THC) was recorded in LC30 M. anisopliae at 9 hours after initial infection. The highest number of granulocytes and plasmatocytes were recorded 9 hours after treatment in LC30 of M. anisopliae and LC30 of B. bassiana. Our results showed that both fungi had the ability to affect phenol-oxidase enzyme activity and haemocytes. These microbial insecticides exhibited high potential for controlling the pest. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
The Effect of carbon quantum dots on the microhardness and the morphological characteristics of human dental enamel: in vitro study
Background: Nanoparticles have been widely used in dentistry due to their numerous physical and biological benefits. Carbon quantum dots (CQD) are used in many biological applications due to their small size and low cytotoxicity. It is expected to improve the surface properties of tooth enamel against acid dissolution when applied at low concentrations. The objective: This study evaluated the effect of CQD solution on the microhardness and surface characteristics of sound and demineralized enamel surfaces. Material and Methods: The solution was prepared with laser ablation and then examined with UV light (325 mm). The distribution, size, and dimensions of particles were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes. Forty solid teeth (the first upper premolar) were prepared and divided into four groups (n=10). Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (Sound + CQD), Group 3 (Sound + CQD + Demineralization) and Group 3 (Sound+ Demineralization + CQD). The sample was immersed in the test solution for 4 minutes at 37 °C. The enamel microhardness was tested using Vickers microhardness testers, and the morphological characteristics were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: The CQD particles appear to be sphere-shaped with diameters of 2-10 nm and blue cyan light. After application of CQDs, the average microhardness value increased significantly (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Demineralized enamel (group 4) recorded a higher microhardness (p=0.006) than sound enamel (group 3) after CQD application. The treated surface was smooth and homogeneous, with a better crystal structure and closed pores than the untreated surface. Conclusion: The addition of CQDs had a profound effect on the sound surface hardness and demineralized enamel with enhanced morphological properties, which is considered an effective method for the prevention of dental disease. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Preparation and biodistribution of [131I]iodoelmalienoside a, a saponin-based adjuvant, in mice
This study aimed to radiolabel elmalienoside A, a saponin-based adjuvant, with iodine-131 and evaluate its in vivo biodistribution. [131I]iodoelmalienoside A was prepared by the iodogen method and intravenously administered to Balb/C mice. Organ-specific uptake (%ID/g) was assessed at 30, 90, 180, and 1440 min post-injection. The radiolabeled compound showed rapid systemic distribution and pronounced accumulation in immune-related organs, especially lymph nodes, spleen, and lungs, indicating strong lymphatic targeting. Renal excretion was dominant. These findings highlight the potential of elmalienoside A as an immunomodulatory radiopharmaceutical for future pharmacokinetic and immunological applications.Health Institutes of Turkiye (TUSEB) [11773]We would like to thank the Health Institutes of Turkiye (TUSEB) for their contributions and financial support to the project numbered 11773
Co-derivative and derivative operators on commutative bounded integral residuated lattices
In this paper we introduce and investigate multiplicative co-derivative operators and additive derivative operators on commutative bounded integral residuated lattices. Moreover, we represent connections between multiplicative co-derivative operators and additive derivative operators on commutative bounded integral residuated lattices. Also, we indicate that multiplicative co-derivative operators are generalizations of multiplicative interior operators on this lattices. Then we describe connections between multiplicative co-derivative operators (additive derivative operators) on commutative bounded integral residuated lattice with Glivenko property and on the residuated lattices of their reguler elements. Finally, we study some properties of the commutative bounded integral residuated lattices with multiplicative co-derivative operator. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Long-term outcomes of Ross procedure in pediatric patients: A single-center experience
Objectives: This study aimed to share a single-center experience with the Ross procedure in pediatric patients and to demonstrate that the need for reoperations due to autograft failure can be minimized with appropriate surgical technique. Patients and methods: This single-center retrospective study analyzed 18 pediatric patients (16 males, 2 females; median age: 3 years; range, 4 months to 8 years) who underwent the Ross operation between January 2002 and January 2024. Surgical techniques, patient demographics, and outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method for overall survival and freedom from reoperation. Results: Early mortality was 5.5%, primarily due to sepsis and multiple organ failure. The 10-year survival rate was 94%, demonstrating favorable long-term outcomes. Two (11.1%) patients required reoperation for conduit dysfunction, with a 15-year freedom from conduit reintervention rate of 77%. Conclusion: The Ross procedure in pediatric patients showed low mortality and morbidity rates, with excellent long-term survival outcomes. Effective surgical techniques and modifications were crucial in preventing autograft dysfunction and reducing reoperation rates. The study challenges the notion that the Ross procedure leads to the development of two valve diseases, emphasizing its significance as a preferred option for aortic valve replacement in children
A non-parametric adaptive test against increasing trend in location for symmetrical continuous distributions
In this study, we initially propose two novel rank-based test statistics specifically tailored for scenarios where the trend of increasing locations in symmetric continuous distributions exhibits either convex or concave patterns. Subsequently, we introduce an adaptive test that integrates these two statistics with a well-known rank-based statistic. To demonstrate the application of our proposed methodology, a detailed illustrative example is provided. Finally, we conduct an empirical power analysis to evaluate the performance of the adaptive test statistic under various conditions, including increasing convex, concave, and linear location trends.Ege University [75585]This work was supported by Ege University as a scientific research project (no. 75585)
Kültürel değişim odağında uluslararası pazarlama stratejileri için bir model önerisi
Bu çalışma, zorunlu göç bağlamında Türkiye'de geçici koruma kapsamında yaşayan Suriyeli göçmen bireylerin tüketim pratiklerini kültürel değişim, kimlik, sosyal uyum ve pazarlama stratejileri çerçevesinde incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Geniş bir kapsamda artan göç hareketliliği, sadece demografik değişimleri değil, aynı zamanda pazar dinamiklerini ve tüketim kültürünü de dönüştürmektedir. Bu bağlamda göçmen bireylerin tüketici olarak nasıl konumlandığı, hangi stratejilerle görünür veya görünmez olmayı tercih ettikleri, kültürel aidiyetlerini hangi ürün ve pratikler üzerinden sürdürdükleri araştırmanın temellerini oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemi tercih edilmiş; fenomenolojik araştırma deseni çerçevesinde, katılımcıların deneyimlerini derinlemesine anlamaya yönelik bir kurgu izlenmiştir. Amaçlı örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen 17 Suriyeli göçmen ile yarı yapılandırılmış derinlemesine görüşme gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşme verileri, MAXQDA 2024 programı aracılığıyla tematik analiz yöntemi kullanılarak incelenmiş, elde edilen bulgular sonucunda kültürel değişim temelli bir pazarlama modeli geliştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın bulguları, göçmen bireylerin tüketim pratiklerinde kültürel süreklilik ile melezleşme arasında bir denge kurduklarını ortaya koymaktadır. Katılımcılar, özellikle yeme-içme, giyim ve dijital medya alanlarında hem kendi kültürel geçmişlerinden beslenen hem de yeni topluma uyum sağlayan hibrit stratejiler geliştirmektedir. Çalışmada öne çıkan diğer bulgular arasında, kadın katılımcıların üretim faaliyetlerini hane merkezli biçimde sürdürmeye yönelmeleri, sosyal medya mecralarında görünürlükten bilinçli olarak kaçınmaları ve kamusal alandaki temsil olanaklarının sınırlı kalması da yer almaktadır. Ayrıca, göçmen tüketicilerin mikro düzeyde ayrımcılık deneyimlerine karşı geliştirdikleri görünmezlik stratejileri, pazarlama iletişimi açısından yeni yöntemlerin gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda geliştirilen "Kültürel Değişim Temelli Stratejik Pazarlama Modeli", göçmen tüketicileri homojen bir yapı olarak değil, kendi içinde farklılaşan, kültürel, ekonomik ve dijital stratejiler geliştiren çok katmanlı bir topluluk olarak ele almaktadır. Model, pazarlama stratejilerinde kültürel izlerin korunmasını, dijital sessizlik alanlarına duyarlılığı ve mikro ölçekli ekonomik segmentasyonun önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu tez, göçmen tüketicileri pazarda sadece ekonomik birer paydaş olarak değil, kimlik kuran ve kültürel anlam üreten özneler olarak ele almak gerektiğini göstermekte; böylece pazarlama literatürüne hem kuramsal hem de uygulamalı boyutta özgün bir katkı sunmaktadır.This study investigates the consumption practices of Syrian immigrants under temporary protection in Turkey within the framework of cultural identity, social integration, and marketing strategies. With the increasing global mobility, migration not only triggers demographic shifts but also transforms market dynamics and consumer cultures. In this context, the central inquiry of the research focuses on how immigrant individuals are positioned as consumers, the strategies they adopt to become visible or remain invisible in the marketplace, and how they sustain cultural belonging through everyday products and practices. A qualitative research design was employed, based on a phenomenological approach that aimed to explore the participants9 lived experiences in depth. 17 Syrian individuals were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured indepth interviews. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis using MAXQDA 2024 software. Based on the findings, a cultural change-oriented marketing model was developed. The results demonstrate that immigrant consumers tend to balance cultural continuity with hybridization in their consumption practices. Participants construct adaptive strategies particularly in areas such as food, clothing, and digital media, blending elements of their cultural background with those of the host society. Notable findings include women's engagement in home-based production, avoidance of visibility on social media platforms, and limited representation in public spaces. In addition, immigrant consumers develop strategies of tactical invisibility in response to experiences of microaggression and social exclusion, highlighting the need for alternative communication methods in marketing. The "Strategic Marketing Model Based on Cultural Change" views immigrant consumers not as a single, uniform bloc, but rather as a heterogeneous, multi-layered constituency that generates economic and cultural value through varied consumption practices. The model emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traces, acknowledging digital silence zones, and adopting micro-level segmentation in marketing strategies. This dissertation argues that immigrant consumers should not be approached merely as economic actors but as individuals who express and reconstruct cultural identity through consumption. Thus, the research seeks to advance international marketing and cross-cultural consumer studies by providing contributions on both conceptual and applied fronts