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The current radiation status in Kocaeli, Turkey
No full textThis study aims to assess the artificial and natural radiation dose levels in certain districts of Kocaeli province within the Marmara region, 37 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and evaluate the current status prior to potential nuclear leakage events from Zaporijya or other nuclear power plants. Radioactive concentrations of Th-232, U-238, K-40 and Cs-137 were determined using HPGe gamma spectrometry in 26 soil samples collected from the region of interest. The average concentrations were found to be 22.35 Bqkg(-1) for U-238, 26.36 Bqkg(-1) for Th-232, 368.34 Bqkg(-1) for K-40, and 2.44 Bqkg(-1) for Cs-137. Furthermore, the study revealed an absorbed dose rate of 41.73 nGyh(-1), an annual effective dose equivalent of 51.18 mu Svy(-1), and an excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.00018
An ultrastructural study
No full textGlioblastoma tumors are the most aggressive primary brain tumors that develop resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Eribulin (ERB) exhibits a unique mechanism of action by inhibiting microtubule dynamics during the G2/M cell cycle phase. We utilized the T98G human glioma cell line to investigate the effects of ERB and TMZ, both individually and in combination. The experimental groups were established as follows: control, E5 (5 nM ERB), T0.75 (0.75 mM TMZ), T1 (1.0 mM TMZ), and combination groups (E5+T0.75 and E5+T1). All groups showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation. Apoptotic markers revealed a time-dependent increase in annexin-V expression, across all treatment groups at the 48-hour time point. Caspase-3, exhibited an increase in the combination treatment groups at the 48-hour mark. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed normal ultrastructural features in the glioma cells of the control group. However, treatments induced ultrastructural changes within the spheroid glioblastoma model, particularly in the combination groups. These changes included a dose-dependent increase in autophagic vacuoles and apoptotic morphology of the cells. In conclusion, the similarity in the mechanism of action between ERB and TMZ suggests the potential for synergistic effects when combined. Our results highlight that this combination induced severe damage and autophagy in glioma spheroids after 48 hours
Chemical characterization of three different extracts obtained from Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine) with insights into their in vitro, in silico and network pharmacological properties
No full textPlant species C. majus, which is a very rich source of secondary metabolites, was used to obtain extracts, using a conventional extraction technique. For the extraction of bioactive molecules, three solvents were used: ethyl acetate, methanol and water, which differ from each other based on their polarity. The obtained extracts were examined in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activity, and cytotoxic effects. The research results indicate that methanol was a better and more efficient extractant in the process of isolating bioactive compounds than ethyl acetate and water. The chemical composition of this solvent, i.e. its polarity, contributed the most to the extraction of alkaloids and flavonoids. The high content of total phenolic compounds in the methanol extract, as well as individual alkaloids, caused a very strong antioxidant activity, as well as a strong inhibitory power when it comes to inhibiting the excessive activity of cholinesterase and tyrosinase. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts achieved very good cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells HGC-27 and HT -29 and did not exert a toxic effect on non -cancerous cell lines (HEK293). Extracts of plant species C. majus, especially methanol extract could be characterized as a very good starting plant material for the formulation of products intended for various branches of the food and pharmaceutical industry
Assessment of Be-7, Pb-210 and Po-210 Activities in Airborne Particulate Matter Over Istanbul, Turkiye
No full textAirborne particulate matter is one of the air pollutants which can have detrimental health effects in the human body. Radionuclides adsorb onto air particles and make their way to humans primarily through inhalation. Naturally-occurring radionuclides, 210Pb and 210Po, are of notable health concern due to their relatively elevated ingestion and inhalation doses. In the current study, activity concentrations of 7Be, 210Pb and 210Po were determined in air particulate matter (PM). PM2.5 was collected on the European side, while PM10 was collected on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Be-7, 210Pb and 210Po activities were found to be 5.17 ± 2.35, 0.96 ± 0.42; 0.25 ± 0.14 mBq m− 3 in Anatolian side, respectively. Be-7, 210Pb and 210Po activities were found to be 3.81 ± 2.27, 0.62 ± 0.29, 0.29 ± 0.26, mBq m− 3 in European side, respectively. The ratio of 210Po/210Pb was found to be higher (0.47 ± 0.31 for PM2.5 and 0.34 ± 0.27 for PM10) than the global average of 0.1. This result can be explained by the fact that Po is more volatile than Pb and enhanced in the air by the combustion process. Inhalation dose rates of 210Pb and 210Po due to PM10 exposure were calculated to be 7.70 ± 3.30 and 4.05 ± 2.31 µSv year− 1, respectively. Pb-210 bioaccessibility was assessed by the extraction of the particles in simulated lung fluids. Approximately 24.8% of inhaled 210Pb was estimated to be bioaccessible. This study suggests that 210Po and 210Pb activities are partially enhanced in the air particles in Istanbul and should be regularly monitored. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Heterogeneity of sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes among patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in Southern European countries-The @IT.2020 multicenter study
No full textBackground: Pollen allergy poses a significant health and economic burden in Europe. Disease patterns are relatively homogeneous within Central and Northern European countries. However, no study broadly assessed the features of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) across different Southern European countries with a standardized approach. Objective: To describe sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes of pollen allergic patients in nine Southern European cities with a uniform methodological approach. Methods: Within the @IT.2020 multicenter observational study, pediatric and adult patients suffering from SAR were recruited in nine urban study centers located in seven countries. Clinical questionnaires, skin prick tests (SPT) and specific IgE (sIgE) tests with a customized multiplex assay (Euroimmun Labordiagnostika, Lubeck, Germany) were performed. Results: Three hundred forty-eight children (mean age 13.1 years, SD: 2.4 years) and 467 adults (mean age 35.7 years SD: 10.0 years) with a predominantly moderate to severe, persistent phenotype of SAR were recruited. Grass pollen major allergenic molecules (Phl p 1 and/or Phl p 5) ranged among the top three sensitizers in all study centers. Sensitization profiles were very heterogeneous, considering that patients in Rome were highly poly-sensitized (sIgE to 3.8 major allergenic molecules per patient), while mono-sensitization was prominent and heterogeneous in other cities, such as Marseille (sIgE to Cup a 1: n = 55/80, 68.8%) and Messina (sIgE to Par j 2: n = 47/82, 57.3%). Co-sensitization to perennial allergens, as well as allergic comorbidities also broadly varied between study centers. Conclusions: In Southern European countries, pollen allergy is heterogeneous in terms of sensitization profiles and clinical manifestations. Despite the complexity, a unique molecular, multiplex, and customized in-vitro IgE test detected relevant sensitization in all study centers. Nevertheless, this geographical diversity in pollen allergic patients imposes localized clinical guidelines and study protocols for clinical trials of SAR in this climatically complex region
Antimicrobial effects of Cinnamomum verum essential oil against Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus in mulberry and carrot juices
No full textIn developing countries, fresh fruit juices are prepared and sold without ongoing assessment of the quality and safety of mulberry and carrot juices. Therefore, most fruit juices offered for consumption had high microbial content. This investigation was performed to indicate the efficacy of low concentrations of Cinnamomum verum essential oils (CEO) in the inactivation of E. faecalis and S. aureus in carrot juice and white mulberry juice and the impact on the sensorial characteristics of the juices. CEO antimicrobial activity can prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis at 12 and 4 degrees C in juices. For the MIC and MBC concentrations, CEO exhibited higher antibacterial effects against S. aureus and E. faecalis. A higher number of pathogens were inactivated at 12 degrees C than at 4 degrees C. Cytoplasmic membrane permeability plays a vital role in the CEO bactericidal action. CEO can be recommended to extend the shelf-life of juices by retaining the sensorial quality and inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, which provides a reference for practical production and application
Generation Z as future leaders and their perspectives on leadership
No full textIntroduction Today's labor market is comprised of different generations and in the near future, the majority of it will consist of Generation Z. In this respect, it is of great importance to know the perspective of Generation Z, which will take its place in leadership positions in organizations, on leadership and what kind of leader they will be. The present study probes to investigate how Generation Z will become a leader and their perspective on leadership. In this regard, the study aims to offer suggestions and guidance to the literature and organizations by providing information on what kind of leaders they will be as well as knowing the characteristics of Generation Z leaders.Methods In the study conducted Generation Z, employed in the IT sector, semi-structured interviews were held with 13 participants. While analyzing the data obtained from the interviews, the MAXQDA 2020 program was utilized and the thematic analysis method was applied.Results In our findings about how Generation Z will be leaders in the future, two themes were identified, which include intra-organizational communication and working conditions. In the light of findings on the leadership of Generation Z, the sub-themes of being supportive, empathetic, egoless, managing people well and managing with love and respect were reached on the theme of intra-organizational communication. On the other hand, on the theme of working conditions, sub-themes such as providing training, offering payment according to output, preferring flexible working hours, being friendly, assigning appropriate work to the employee, being fun and not giving importance to gender were identified.Discussion The results revealed that Generation Z prefers managing their team with a people-oriented approach when they take leadership positions. From their perspective, the leader should understand and value his employees. Leaders who know the expectations of Generation Z will contribute to their organizations. In addition, organizations should improve their leadership skills by providing leadership training for Generation Z, who will be leaders in the future. In this way, they will make investment both in their leaders and their organizations
Structural and Functional Changes in the Brains of Guitarist Musicians: Volumetric, VBM, and Resting State fMRI Study
No full textObjective: Musicians acquire intricate motor and auditory skills from an early age, serving as an exemplary model for brain plasticity. This study aimed to investigate the structural and functional differences in the brains between guitar-playing musicians and non-musicians. Materials and Methods: Cortical thickness measurements, volumetric analysis of the corpus callosum and hippocampus, voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were applied to a magnetic resonance imaging dataset from 14 male young adult guitar players and 10 matched non-musicians. Results: A structural asymmetry, mainly localized to hippocampal regions including the stratum radiatum, lacunosum, and moleculare, was found in the musicians' group. VBM analysis demonstrated increased volume in the frontal middle and inferior gyri (left), precuneus (right), insula (right), and Brodmann areas 7 and 13 in the musician group compared to non-musicians. There were no statistical differences between musicians and non-musicians in terms of corpus callosum and hippocampal subfield volumes. Although cortical thickness measured at different locations was higher in the musician group than in the non-musician group, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). No significant functional connectivity alterations were found within the default mode network between musicians and non-musicians (p>0.05). Conclusion: Playing a musical instrument triggers rapid integration of multi-sensory information in the context of musical performance. The functional state of rest has contributed significantly to understanding musicians' brain networks
Germline mutational variants of Turkish ovarian cancer patients suspected of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) by next-generation sequencing
No full textHereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome is characterized by an increased risk of developing breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) due to inherited genetic mutations. Understanding the genetic variants associated with HBOC is crucial for identifying individuals at high risk and implementing appropriate preventive measures. The study included 630 Turkish OC patients with confirmed diagnostic criteria of The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) concerning HBOC. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and targeted Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed. Bioinformatics analysis and variant interpretation were conducted to identify pathogenic variants (PVs). Our analysis revealed a spectrum of germline pathogenic variants associated with HBOC in Turkish OC patients. Notably, several pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, and other DNA repair genes were identified. Specifically, we observed germline PVs in 130 individuals, accounting for 20.63% of the total cohort. 76 distinct PVs in genes, BRCA1 (40 PVs), BRCA2 (29 PVs), ATM (1 PV), CHEK2 (2 PVs), ERCC2 (1 PV), MUTYH (1 PV), RAD51C (1 PV), and TP53 (1PV) and also, two different PVs (i.e., c.135–2 A>G p.? in BRCA1 and c.6466_6469delTCTC in BRCA2) were detected in a 34-year-old OC patient. In conclusion, our study contributes to a better understanding of the genetic variants underlying HBOC in Turkish OC patients. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of HBOC in the Turkish population and shed light on the potential contribution of specific germline PVs to the increased risk of OC. © 2024 Elsevier Gmb
Comparison of microRNA expression levels in patients with schizophrenia before and after electroconvulsive therapy
No full textObjectiveExploring the role of microRNAs in the antipsychotic efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) will contribute to understanding the underlying mechanism through which ECT exerts its therapeutic effects. The primary objective of this study was to identify microRNA alterations before and after ECT in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsWe compared microarray-based microRNA profiles in peripheral blood from eight patients with schizophrenia before and after ECT and eight healthy controls. Then, we aimed to validate selected differentially expressed microRNAs in 30 patients with schizophrenia following a course of ECT, alongside 30 healthy controls by using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR.ResultsMicroarray-based expression profiling revealed alterations in 681 microRNAs when comparing pre- and post-ECT samples. Subsequent quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis of the selected microRNAs (miR-20a-5p and miR-598) did not reveal any statistical differences between pre- and post-ECT samples nor between pre-ECT samples and those of healthy controls.ConclusionAs neuroepigenetic studies on ECT are still in their infancy, the results reported in this study are best interpreted as exploratory outcomes. Additional studies are required to explore the potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of ECT