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Development of visible-light-active Fe2O3-hBN photocatalysts for sustainable degradation of emerging pollutants under simulated sunlight conditions
No full textIn this work, Fe2O3-hBN composites with different Fe2O3 loadings (0.2–2 wt%) were synthesized via a dry impregnation approach and evaluated as sustainable photocatalysts for water purification. The materials were comprehensively characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, UV–Vis, PL, and N2 adsorption-desorption analyses to elucidate their structural, optical, and surface properties. Under simulated solar irradiation, the 0.5 wt% Fe2O3-hBN composite showed the most efficient photocatalytic activity among the tested materials. Approximately 80% removal of methylene blue and more than 70% degradation of ibuprofen were achieved within 120 min, highlighting the superior performance of this composition. This improvement was attributed to enhanced visible-light absorption and a reduced band gap (2.7 eV). Radical scavenging experiments identified photogenerated holes (h*) and superoxide radicals (O3*-) as the main reactive species. The composite exhibited excellent stability and reusability across multiple cycles. These findings highlight Fe2O3-hBN as an efficient and eco-friendly photocatalyst for sustainable water remediation applications
Historical anatomical terminology and its conceptual relevance to modern anatomy: A comparative analysis of a fourteenth-century Persian anatomical text
No full textThe autophagy switch: A critical determinant of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis and cancer therapy
No full textArsenic, a widespread environmental toxicant and unexpectedly effective chemotherapeutic agent, has complex and significant effects on cellular homeostasis. Autophagy, a conserved lysosomal degradation process, plays a key role in arsenic's dual functions as a carcinogen and a treatment. While current reviews have documented interactions between arsenic and autophagy, this review introduces a new conceptual model: the “Autophagy Switch.” We propose that the cellular choice between autophagy-assisted survival and autophagy-dependent death is not simply black and white but exists within a dynamic balance called the Arsenic Contextual Triad—comprising chemical form, exposure pattern (dose and duration), and the cell's oncogenic background. We compile evidence showing how this switch influences outcomes across the cancer spectrum, from promoting skin cancer through p62/Nrf2 feedback loops to breaking down oncogenic factors like PML-RARα and BCR-ABL in leukemia. Additionally, we critically assess the therapeutic potential of targeting this switch, emphasizing how drugs that either inhibit or promote autophagy can work together with arsenic trioxide (ATO) to combat drug resistance in solid tumors such as glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. By shifting from simple descriptions to a detailed mechanistic and contextual understanding, this review offers a valuable guide for future research aiming to harness the autophagy switch for cancer prevention and personalized treatment
On inducing similarity measures on spherical fuzzy sets and application on colored edge detection
No full textAs a generalization of fuzzy sets, spherical fuzzy sets are an effective tool for modeling uncertain and complex structures. The edge detection process in image processing involves significant challenges due to noise, lighting variations, low-contrast regions, and uncertain boundaries. In particular, classical edge detection methods may exhibit certain limitations in modeling such uncertainties and, in some cases, may lead to weakening of edge information or incorrect edge detections. This situation highlights the need for new approaches that can handle uncertainty in a more flexible and comprehensive manner. This study presents a new approach to overcome these limitations by representing color images as spherical fuzzy sets in detail. A novel and effective edge detection method for color images has been developed using fuzzy similarity measures on spherical fuzzy sets. Furthermore, the theoretical framework of fuzzy similarity measures has been extended by proposing a very general function-based method for deriving similarity measures from distance measures, and vice versa. The proposed edge detection method has been tested on various color images, and the results obtained have been compared with classical edge detection methods. Experimental findings show that the developed approach enables edges to be detected more clearly and requiring less execution time
Fibrin Glue Versus Absorbable Sutures for Conjunctival Closure in Pediatric Strabismus Surgery: A Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes and AS-OCT Findings
No full textBackground/Objectives: Conjunctival closure may influence early postoperative comfort and wound healing after pediatric strabismus surgery. We compared fibrin glue with absorbable sutures using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)-based conjunctival thickness, serial clinical scores, ocular-surface screening, and operative time. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 82 children (5–15 years) who underwent bilateral medial rectus recession. The conjunctiva was closed with 8-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) (suture group, n = 40) or fibrin glue (fibrin group, n = 42) according to routine practice; right eyes were analyzed. Conjunctival thickness was measured by AS-OCT preoperatively and at week 6. The comfort questionnaire (CQ) score and inflammation score (IS) were recorded on postoperative day 1 and weeks 1, 2, and 6. Total operative time and closure time were obtained from surgical video recordings. Ocular Surface Disease Index-6 (OSDI-6) and non-invasive keratographic break-up time (NIKBUT) were assessed preoperatively and at week 6 in cooperative children (n = 62). Results: Conjunctival thickness increased in both groups and was slightly higher at week 6 with sutures (p 0.05). Fibrin glue shortened total operative time (32.75 vs. 35.46 min; p < 0.05) and closure time (3.90 vs. 5.35 min; p < 0.001). In the ocular-surface subset, OSDI-6 and NIKBUT did not differ between groups at week 6. No infections or granulomas occurred; two early conjunctival wound gaps occurred in the fibrin group and one resolved with topical management, while the other met the dehiscence definition (≥2 mm) and required re-suturing, and both healed without sequelae. Conclusions: In pediatric strabismus surgery, fibrin glue demonstrated better early comfort with a modest difference in conjunctival thickness at week 6 along with slightly shorter operative time while clinical scores converged by week 6, and ocular-surface screening outcomes were similar
Outcomes of First-Line PARP Inhibitor Therapy in Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
No full textBackground: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have been established as a first-line maintenance therapy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) following platinum-based chemotherapy. While phase III trials have demonstrated significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefits with olaparib and niraparib, real-world data remain limited. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter real-world study included 179 patients with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian treated with first-line maintenance olaparib or niraparib across 33 centers in Türkiye between January 2014 and March 2025. Clinical, pathological, and molecular data—including BRCA (Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene) mutation status, origin, and variant classification—was collected. The primary endpoint was PFS, and secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and safety. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods. Results: Of 179 patients, 110 received olaparib and 69 received niraparib. BRCA mutations were present in 88.3% of patients, while 11.7% had unknown HRD status. Median follow-up was 16.5 months, and median PFS was not reached. Estimated PFS rates for the overall cohort were 91.0% at 6 months, 83.0% at 12 months, and 64.0% at 24 months. In the olaparib cohort, BRCA-mutant patients demonstrated PFS rates of 89%, 78%, 73%, and 64% at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. In the niraparib cohort, corresponding PFS rates among BRCA-mutant patients were 87% at 6 months and 75% at 12 months. Patients harboring pathogenic BRCA variants experienced longer PFS compared with those with likely pathogenic variants. Any-grade adverse events occurred in 73.7% of patients, and grade 3–4 events in 29.6%, with hematologic toxicities predominating. Dose interruptions were more frequent with niraparib, while treatment discontinuation rates were low in both groups. No cases of myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia were observed. Conclusions: In this large multicenter real-world cohort, first-line maintenance therapy with olaparib and niraparib provided durable PFS benefit in patients with advanced EOC, particularly among those with pathogenic BRCA mutations, confirming their effectiveness and manageable safety profiles in routine clinical practice
Combining gait analysis and finite element modeling to optimize offloading insoles for calcaneal ulcers
No full textCalcaneal ulcers, a significant complication in diabetic patients, are primarily caused by sustained mechanical stress. Therefore, making effective offloading is crucial for healing and prevention. However, a comprehensive understanding of how different geometric offloading elements and their volumetric variations influence biomechanical efficacy remains limited. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate three distinct offloading insole geometries (cylindrical, spherical, conical), each across three volumetric variations (10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm diameters) to reveal the exact biomechanical efficacy. In this scope, patient specific dynamic gait analysis results were utilized to perform more accurate Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A single healthy researcher was used as a model for this feasibility assessment. Gait analysis showed that all geometries reduced overall peak plantar pressure compared to barefoot walking. Findings indicated that the conical geometry achieved the greatest pressure reduction (approximately 34.5% in both feet). However, FEA revealed that this configuration also introduced higher localized stress concentrations, particularly in larger diameters. The spherical geometry offered a balanced approach with adequate offloading and more favorable internal stress distribution. The cylindrical geometry exhibited the most consistent and lowest stress values across all sizes, with predictable scaling. The relationship between void volume and offloading effectiveness was found to be non-linear and highly geometry-dependent. The integration of gait analysis and FEA provides a robust framework for evaluating offloading insoles, offering insights into both immediate pressure reduction and long-term material performance. These findings deliver evidence-based guidelines for the rational design of patient-specific offloading interventions, contributing to improved wound healing and reduced recurrence in calcaneal ulcer management
