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  • Article
    Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Vinblastine and Vincristine in Cancer Research
    (John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026) Barzani, H.; Omer, R.; Barzani, K.; Jawhar, Z.; Sulaiman, S.; Ali, H.
    Vinblastine (VBL) and vincristine (VCR) are vinca alkaloids derived from Catharanthus roseus and are among the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents for treating hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Due to their narrow therapeutic index and complex structural nature, accurate, sensitive, and selective analytical methods are crucial for quantifying these drugs in pharmaceutical formulations, biological matrices, and environmental samples. This review provides a comprehensive overview of reported analytical techniques for VBL and VCR, drawing on major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, with a focus on the English-language literature. The discussed methods include chromatographic, spectroscopic, electroanalytical, and capillary electrophoretic techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), particularly when coupled with LC–MS/MS, offers exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits as low as 0.025 ng/mL in plasma. Conventional HPLC-UV methods, though less sensitive, remain widely applied in plant extract analysis. Electroanalytical approaches, such as voltammetry using nanomaterial-modified electrodes, offer eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives with detection limits as low as 0.3 nM. Key analytical considerations include light sensitivity, pH and temperature control, and matrix interferences. Overall, recent methodological advancements enable reliable quantification of VBL and VCR, supporting safer clinical application, toxicity monitoring, and environmental surveillance. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
  • Article
    Evaluation of Hypermobility in Rhinoplasty: A Case-Control and Cross-Sectional Study
    (College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, 2025) Koçak, O.F.; Alpaycı, M.; Demir, C.Y.; Ilter, S.; Bozan, N.
    Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of joint hypermobility (JH) in rhinoplasty patients and to assess rhinoplasty satisfaction in rhinoplasty cases with JH. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Yuzuncu Yil University Hospital, Van, Turkiye, between February and May 2024. Methodology: A total of 108 participants (54 rhinoplasty patients and 54 matched healthy controls) were examined in this study. Patients and healthy controls were compared in terms of the frequency and severity of JH. The Beighton scoring system was used to assess hypermobility. Rhinoplasty patients with JH (Beighton score ≥4) and without JH (Beighton score <4) were compared in terms of rhinoplasty outcomes. The rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) questionnaire was used as an outcome measure. Results: Rhinoplasty patients and healthy controls were statistically similar in terms of frequency (p = 1.0) and severity (p = 0.754) of JH. No significant correlation was found between hypermobility scores and rhinoplasty results in rhinoplasty patients (n = 54; r = 0.015; p = 0.916; Spearman’s correlation test). Rhinoplasty patients with and without JH were similar in terms of rhinoplasty results (15.30 ± 6.82 vs. 16.16 ± 4.92; p = 0.645). No significant correlation was found between JH scores and rhinoplasty results (p = 0.916). Conclusion: JH does not appear to be associated with rhinoplasty and should not be a concern in rhinoplasty. It is not necessary to consider JH to ensure rhinoplasty satisfaction. © 2025 College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. All rights reserved.
  • Article
    Carboxypeptidase D Deficiency Causes Hearing Loss Amenable To Treatment
    (American Society for Clinical Investigation, 2025) Ramzan, M.; Ortiz-Vega, N.; Zafeer, M.F.; Lobato, A.G.; Atik, T.; Abad, C.; Vadgama, N.
    Genetic factors contributing to hearing loss (HL) are heterogeneous, and effective medical treatments remain limited. We identified 3 distinct missense variants in CPD, encoding carboxypeptidase D, in 5 individuals with congenital deafness from 3 unrelated families, affecting the catalytically active CP domain 2 of this protein. Subsequent analysis of a larger cohort from the 100,000 Genomes Project revealed an enrichment of rare protein-altering CPD variants in individuals with HL. We show that CPD localizes to sensory epithelium and nerve cells in the mouse cochlea, and the enzymatic activity of CPD, crucial for nitric oxide (NO) production through arginine processing, is impaired in affected individuals. The levels of arginine, NO, and cGMP in patient-derived fibroblasts are also decreased, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress–mediated responses being triggered in the cells. Silencing of Cpd in organotypic mouse cochlea cultures leads to increased apoptosis. Finally, Drosophila models of CPD deficiency display defective Johnston's organ, impaired auditory transduction, and sensory and movement abnormalities. Notably, these phenotypes are partially rescued by supplementation with arginine or sildenafil, a cGMP enhancer. Our findings establish CPD mutations as a cause of congenital HL, highlighting that the NO signaling pathway offers a promising therapeutic avenue. © (2025), (American Society for Clinical Investigation). All rights reserved.
  • Article
    Early Outcomes and Complications Following Cardiac Surgery in Patients Testing Positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019: An International Cohort Study
    (Mosby-Elsevier, 2021) Akowuah, Enoch; Benson, Ruth A.; Caruana, Edward J.; Chetty, Govind; Edwards, John; Forlani, Stefano; Mazingi, D.
  • Article
    Effect of Selenium Injection In Ovo on Hatching Outcomes and Dietary Supplementation on Liver Antioxidant Content and Development of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris Chukar) Chicks
    (Springer Nature, 2025) Tayam, Sezen; Karadas, Filiz
    This study investigated the effects of in ovo selenium (Se) injection on incubation parameters and the contributions of post-hatch dietary Se supplementation to tissue Se accumulation, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and growth performance in Chukar partridge (Alectoris Chukar). A total of 560 hatching eggs were randomly divided into groups and injected into the amniotic fluid on the 21 st day of incubation with saline solution 30 mu l 0.5% (T2), containing either 0.4 mu g Se (T3) or 0.8 mu g Se (T4) inorganic selenium. Hatched chicks were subsequently fed diets supplemented with organic Se yeast until 14 days of age. In ovo Se administration did not adversely affect hatchability. Crucially, the total embryonic mortality was lowest in the T3 (0.4 mu g Se) group (3.39%). Post-hatch, liver and brain tissue weights were significantly different compared to the control (P < 0.05), with the T3 group exhibiting the highest weights. Se concentrations in the liver and breast muscle were also significantly different compared to the control, and the T4 (0.4 g Se) group showed the highest Se concentration. Furthermore, at the 2nd week, in hepatic and pectoral muscle Se concentrations and GPx activity were significant, with the highest values observed in the T8 (0.8 mu g -0.8 mg/kg Se) group. Although no marked differences in growth performance were evident in the short term, enhancing antioxidant capacity (GPx) and tissue Se stores may provide potential benefits against stress and disease.
  • Article
    Comprehensive Evaluation of Analytical Techniques for the Quantification of Etoposide in Various Matrices
    (Taylor & Francis Inc, 2025) Barzani, Hemn A. H.; Sulaiman, Seerwan Hamadameen; Omer, Rebaz Anwar; Ahmad, Sarbast Naser; Ali, Hoshyar Saadi
    Etoposide (ETO) is a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin that is a common topoisomerase II inhibitor in the care of testicular cancer, small-cell lung cancer, leukemias, and lymphomas. Though the utility of ETO is extensive, it is constrained by variable bioavailability, a narrow therapeutic index, and potential for severe toxicities, which necessitate accurate quantification of ETO in pharmaceutical, clinical, and environmental applications. For more than four decades, measures of ETO have been described and developed. Spectrophotometric methods offer simplicity and low cost but lack specificity for complex matrices. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) remains the reference standard, particularly when coupled with UV, fluorescence, or mass spectrometry (LC-MS or MS/MS), and also serves as the established method for pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring. Other techniques, including capillary electrophoresis and emerging analytical methods, offer complementary advantages for resolution-challenged applications, thereby enhancing quality in ultra-trace and portable approaches. This review provides a narrative account of all aspects of these measures, specifically considering the basic operating principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each, the complexity of stability, matrix challenges, and ultra-trace measures. The future perspective is the need for greener, cost-effective, and clinically adapted clinical technologies, which will ultimately improve etoposide monitoring practices and patient outcomes.
  • Article
    Megalin (Lrp2) Expression Patterns in Prostate Cancer Stem Cells and Metastatic Subtypes: Implications for Tumor Progression and Metabolism
    (Wiley, 2025) Mukhtarova, Gunel; Murat, Aysegul; Biray Avci, Cigir; Acikgoz, Eda; Aktug, Huseyin; Oktem, Gulperi
    Background Megalin (LRP2) is a multifunctional endocytic receptor whose role in prostate cancer (PCa), particularly in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and metastatic progression, remains largely unexplored.Methods We analyzed LRP2 mRNA and protein expression in DU-145, PC-3, and RWPE1 cells and their CD133high/CD44high CSCs via qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence, in both 2D and 3D cultures. Public RNA-seq data (TCGA, WCDT-MCRPC) were used to assess LRP2, CD133, and CD44 across normal, primary, and metastatic tumors. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and correlation with AR, VDR, and stemness genes were performed.Result LRP2 was significantly upregulated in DU-145 cells and CSCs in the 3D culture system. In contrast, PC-3 CSCs showed reduced LRP2 expression. In clinical datasets, LRP2 was highest in metastatic tumors (log2FC = 3.58), with bone (M1B) and other parts of the body (M1C) subtypes exhibiting elevated levels compared to primary tumors. CD133 was consistently downregulated in metastases. GSEA highlighted LRP2 involvement in lipid, retinoid, and steroid metabolism. LRP2 correlated positively with VDR and negatively with AR in M1C tumors.Conclusion LRP2 shows subtype-specific expression patterns in PCa, with elevated levels in DU-145 CSCs and metastatic tumors. Its link to metabolic pathways and inverse relationship with AR suggest a potential role in therapy resistance and metastasis.
  • Article
    Prediction of Severe Erectile Dysfunction After Penile Fracture Repair: Machine Learning Analysis Results From the Reconstruction and Trauma Working Group of the Society of Urological Surgery (rat-Sus)
    (Oxford University Press, 2025) Geyik, Serdar; Onder Yilmaz, Ismail; Zubaroglu, Mehmet; Deger, Mutlu; Kavak, Rahmi; Sari, Hilmi; Bozkurt, Ozan
    Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant complication following penile fracture repair, and early prediction is critical for clinical management.] Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting the development of severe ED after penile fracture repair and to identify complex risk factors beyond the scope of traditional statistical methods. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 547 patients who underwent surgical repair for penile fracture between January 2020 and June 2024 at 23 urology centers affiliated with the Reconstructive Urology and Trauma Study Group of the Urological Surgery Society. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores at six months postoperatively: severe ED (+) (<= 7) and ED (-) (>7). Eleven different ML classifiers were evaluated to determine the most predictive models. Four distinct resampling techniques were employed to address class imbalance in the dataset. Feature importance analysis was also performed to identify the most influential variables contributing to ED risk. Outcomes This study was conducted to enable the early identification of patients at high risk of developing severe ED following penile fracture surgery. Results Logistic Regression, Gaussian Naive Bayes, and Linear Support Vector Machine emerged as the best-performing algorithms on the original dataset, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) scores of 0.81, 0.78, and 0.76, respectively. On the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE)-resampled dataset, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) achieved an AUC of 0.85, while the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) reached an AUC of 0.84. On the SMOTE-resampled dataset, QDA achieved a ROC-AUC of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.93), whereas on the SMOTE-Tomek Link-resampled dataset, the ANN attained a ROC-AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71-0.94). The most critical predictors of severe ED were age, comorbidities, tunical tear length, and time to surgery. Urethral injuries were not significant contributors, as all were minor and managed conservatively without urethroplasty. Clinical Implications Integration of ML-based prediction models into clinical workflows could support early risk stratification and individualized patient care, ultimately improving postoperative functional outcomes. Strengths and Limitations This study benefits from a large, multicenter dataset and a comparative analysis of multiple ML algorithms. However, its retrospective nature and inter-center variability in data reporting may limit generalizability. Conclusion ML algorithms are effective and reliable tools for predicting severe ED after penile fracture repair and may enhance personalized postoperative management. Eliminating class imbalance in the data with resampling techniques improves model performance.
  • Article
    The Hidden Burden of Visibility: Social Appearance Anxiety in Patients With Alopecia Areata - A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
    (Sage Publications Ltd, 2025) Kurhan, Faruk; Yavuz, Goknur Ozaydin
    This cross-sectional study investigated social appearance anxiety in individuals with Alopecia Areata (AA), a chronic autoimmune condition causing visible, non-scarring hair loss. A total of 129 AA patients and 142 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (18-65 years) completed the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the AA group additionally completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). SAAS scores were markedly higher in AA than controls (65.32 +/- 8.45 vs 21.45 +/- 9.32, p < 0.001). Within AA, SAAS showed a moderate positive association with perceived severity (VAS; r = 0.304, p < 0.05). HADS-Anxiety/Depression did not differ significantly between groups. In the AA cohort, DLQI averaged 12.3 +/- 5.4 (median 12, IQR 9-16), with 62.8% >= 10 and 10.9% >= 20. DLQI correlated most strongly with perceived severity (VAS; r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and clinical visibility (r = 0.37, p = 0.002), with comparatively smaller associations with lesion count/area (r = 0.26/0.34). Taken together, these findings indicate that AA's psychosocial burden is driven primarily by appearance- and visibility-related factors rather than generalized anxiety/depression or sheer disease extent. Routine dermatologic care should incorporate targeted psychosocial assessment-particularly for patients with visible-site involvement-to facilitate timely support.
  • Article
    Determination of the Role of Aerobic and Anaerobic Training at Different Altitude on Hypoxia-Induced Factor 1, Hemoglobin, Iron, Erythropoietin, Hepcidin, and Nitric Oxide
    (Oxford University Press, 2025) Onturk, Ugur; Cinar, Vedat; Sarikaya, Mucahit; Alp, Hamit Hakan; Akbulut, Taner; Chaverri, Diego; Migliaccio, Gian Mario
    Introduction or background Altitude training is a well-established strategy for improving athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports. Hypoxic exposure induces physiological adaptations through oxygen sensing and erythropoietic mechanisms. However, the comparative effects of aerobic and anaerobic training on hematological and biochemical markers under different altitude conditions have not yet been adequately investigated.Sources of data This prospective cohort study included 24 trained male athletes (aged 19-23) who were randomly assigned to aerobic or anaerobic training groups (n = 12 per group). Training was conducted at simulated altitudes of 0 m, 1700 m, 2450 m, and 3200 m for 8 weeks. Biomarkers such as hypoxia-induced factor 1-alpha (HIF-1 alpha), hemoglobin, erythropoietin (EPO), iron, hepcidin, and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using ELISA and standard biochemical methods.Areas of agreement Consistent with previous literature, both aerobic and anaerobic training resulted in altitude-induced increases in hemoglobin levels. Aerobic training was associated with earlier activation of hypoxia-related markers such as HIF-1 alpha and NO, supporting the role of moderate altitude exposure in stimulating adaptive molecular responses.Areas of controversy While EPO is generally expected to increase with altitude exposure, this study found a decrease in EPO levels across altitudes in the aerobic group, while a significant increase was observed only at 3200 m in the anaerobic group. Interpretation of hepcidin dynamics also differs between training modalities, highlighting the complexity of iron regulation under hypoxic stress.Growing points This study highlights the different timing and magnitude of biomarker responses to aerobic and anaerobic training at various altitudes. It suggests that aerobic exercise triggers earlier molecular responses, while anaerobic training elicits delayed or blunted adaptations.Areas timely for developing research Further research is needed to optimize altitude training protocols tailored to specific exercise modalities and targeted physiological adaptations. Future studies could examine gender differences, longer training durations, and additional markers of oxidative stress and inflammation to expand on these findings.
  • Article
    Green Synthesis of Copper, Iron and Silver Nanoparticles From Origanum Vulgare L. Subsp. Vulgare; Characterization, In Vitro Enzyme Inhibition, Antimicrobial Activities and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies
    (Springer Nature, 2025) Aragan, Ahmet; Imece, Arzu; Yigit, Aybek; Basar, Yunus; Ertas, Metin; Samsa, Canan Gulmez; Genc, Hasan
    This study revealed the characteristics of the ethanol extract of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare, copper, iron, and silver nanoparticles (CuNPs, FeNPs, AgNPs) were synthesized with the extracts for the first time. The NPs were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM), field emission scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). UV-Vis spectrophotometry is used for the confirmation of NPs. The extract had bioactive components, including thymol (35.99%) and naringenin (41.02 mu g/g). Molecular docking of thymol/naringenin-AgNPs complexes with the PapR7 C-terminus produced MolDock scores of - 122.545 and - 94.929 for naringenin-AgNPs and thymol-AgNPs. AgNPs and CuNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AgNPs exhibited protease activity (5 mg/mL), and CuNPs exhibited lipase activity (5 and 10 mg/mL). FeNPs exhibited weak inhibitory properties (IC50 > 9 mg/mL) and did not show any detectable enzymatic activity. [GRAPHICS]
  • Article
    Synthesis of New Pyrazolo[1,5-A]pyrazin Derivatives and Effects on PI3K Protein Levels in A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line
    (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2025) Kuzu, Burak; Arzuk, Ege; Tan-uygun, Meltem
    Molecular targeted therapies have significantly advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment; however, acquired resistance in advanced stages remains a critical challenge. To overcome this, novel therapeutic targets or combination strategies are urgently needed. In this study, a new series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4(5H)-one derivatives (compounds 12-41) was designed and synthesized. Their antiproliferative activities were assessed in the A549 NSCLC cell line. Compounds 15, 16, 21, and 26-28 showed strong cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 8.19 mu M (compound 27) and 7.01 mu M (compound 28). Notably, compounds 21 and 26-28 significantly reduced phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) protein levels in A549 cells. To better understand their mode of action, molecular docking studies were performed using the crystal structure of PI3K (PDB ID: 4XE0), revealing favorable binding affinities and conserved interactions within the active site. Compounds 27 and 28, which showed the strongest in vitro activity, also exhibited the most stable binding modes and docking scores, consistent with the biological data. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that a high electron-density benzene ring on the pyrazole moiety and a low electron-density ring on the pyrazine enhanced cytotoxic activity. Drug-likeness and pre-absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) evaluations suggested favorable pharmacokinetic properties.
  • Article
    Evaluation of the Topographic Classification of Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Protocol for an Ongoing Prospective Multicenter Study
    (BMC, 2025) Nieto-Calvache, Albaro Jose; Palacios-Jaraquemada, Jose Miguel; Aryananda, Rozi; Jauniaux, Eric; Hussein, Ahmed; Benavides, Juan Pablo; Burgos-Luna, Juan Manuel
    Background Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a life-threatening obstetric condition associated with increasing cesarean delivery rates worldwide. Existing classifications, such as the World Health Organization International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health-Related Problems and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics system, describe depth of invasion and histopathological features but do not adequately predict surgical outcomes or guide individualized management.The PAS topographic classification describes the anatomical extent of uterine wall remodeling and the presence of uterovesical adhesions, allowing surgical teams to anticipate intraoperative complexity, organ involvement, and appropriate therapeutic strategies. Although successfully applied in selected centers, its broader evaluation across diverse healthcare settings is lacking. Methods We designed a prospective, multicenter, international cohort study enrolling patients with a high prenatal suspicion of PAS. Eligible patients are aged >= 18 years, undergoing surgery after 20 weeks' gestation, and managed by multidisciplinary PAS teams familiar with the topographic classification. Standardized prenatal ultrasound staging and intraoperative surgical staging are required, with photographic and video documentation. Surgical strategies include one-step conservative surgery, total hysterectomy, and modified subtotal hysterectomy, guided by intraoperative classification.The primary outcome is intraoperative blood loss, measured using a standardized protocol. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative complications, operative time, treatment type, and usability assessments of the classification through structured surveys. Data are collected in REDCap with external review of imaging records.Discussion This study will provide the first prospective, multicenter evaluation of the PAS topographic classification, assessing its correlation with clinical outcomes and its feasibility across hospitals with varying resources and surgical expertise. Preliminary results indicate successful implementation in both high-and low-volume centers, with promising adoption of prenatal ultrasound staging and surgical protocols.The collaborative, image-based, and open-access methodology aims to strengthen the reliability of PAS research by harmonizing surgical strategies and allowing external supervision. Ultimately, this project will generate robust multicenter data to inform individualized management strategies and support the integration of the topographic classification into routine clinical practice worldwide. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05922397. Registered on 21 May 2023.
  • Article
    Ecological Niche Modeling Of Acanthamoeba İn Türkiye
    (Springer, 2025) Kavur, Hakan; Evyapan, Gulsah; Artun, Ozan
    Acanthamoeba, is an opportunistic pathogenic organism with a global distribution and the potential to cause severe human infections. This study primarily aimed to identify the environmental factors influencing the distribution of Acanthamoeba by analyzing various bioclimatic and topographic variables, and to predict their potential current and future distribution under 2070 climate change scenarios using ecological niche modeling based on the MaxEnt algorithm. Niche modeling was performed on 20 water and 20 soil samples collected from hot springs, swimming pools, parks, and agricultural areas. The rates of positive water samples in Afyon and K & uuml;tahya were 70 and 50%, respectively. We detected 60 and 100% positive rates of soil samples collected in Afyon and K & uuml;tahya, respectively. Niche modeling incorporated 19 bioclimatic variables, with BIO3 (Isothermality), BIO4 (Temperature seasonality), BIO13 (Precipitation of the wettest month), and BIO15 (Precipitation seasonality) identified as the most influential predictors. The model showed high predictive performance, with AUC values of 0.991 and 0.977 for current and future projections, respectively. Results suggest a potential increase in Acanthamoeba distribution in future scenarios, especially in the southwestern region of Afyon and southern K & uuml;tahya. These findings highlight the importance of environmental monitoring and genotypic characterization of Acanthamoeba for public health risk assessment.
  • Article
    Pain in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Determination of Prevalence and Characteristics
    (Springer Heidelberg, 2025) Ozdogar, Asiye Tuba; Yesiloglu, Pervin; Unal, Gozde Deniz; Engenc, Veysel; Zengin, Ela Simay; Cilingir, Vedat; Ozakbas, Serkan
    Introduction The aim was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pain in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (pwNMOSD).
    Methods The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to determine the participants' pain levels and pain localization. The PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) was used to differentiate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. The scores <= 12 were considered as presence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and > 12 as neuropathic pain (NP). The Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index (PBMSI) was used to measure health-related quality of life. Information such as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration and age of the participants were also recorded.
    Results The 62 participants included in the study were divided into 3 groups: 14 without pain, 17 with MSP and 31 with NP. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, disease duration and EDSS scores (p > .05). When the pain distribution was analyzed, the regions with the most pain complaints in the last 12 months were neck (n = 22, 34.9%), foot-ankle (n = 16, 25.4%) and back (n = 15, 25.8%), respectively. When the quality of life of the three groups were compared, there was a difference between PBMSI-Walk, PBMSI-Fatigue and total score.
    Conclusion The results of this study showed that the neck, back, and foot-ankle were the most common and most disabling pain areas in pwNMOSD, regardless of the age, disease duration, and EDSS score of the participant. However, there was a difference between the groups in the parameters related to gait, fatigue and total quality of life against NP.
  • Article
    Spinal Pain as a Public Health Concern: Associations With Health Anxiety, Life Satisfaction, Sleep Quality, and Well-Being in Young Adults
    (BMC, 2025) Buke, Meryem; Sekeroz, Serbay; Tat, Ayse Merve; Tat, Necati Muhammed
    BackgroundSpinal pain is a prevalent and emerging public health concern among young adults, and is associated with psychological well-being and overall quality of life. However, its associations with health anxiety, life satisfaction, and sleep quality in this population remain underexplored. This study investigates the associations between spinal pain and these factors, highlighting implications for early public health interventions.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 206 young adults, categorized based on the presence of spinal pain using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Participants completed validated measures assessing health anxiety, life satisfaction, sleep quality, and quality of life. Spearman correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate relationships among variables.ResultsSpinal pain was significantly associated with increased health anxiety and reduced life satisfaction and sleep quality. Health anxiety showed a positive relationship with poorer quality of life and was a significant predictor of life satisfaction (beta = -0.284, p = 0.0001), sleep quality (beta = -0.145, p = 0.039), and quality of life (beta = +0.476, p = 0.0001). These findings underscore the psychological burden accompanying spinal pain in young adults.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the need to address spinal pain not only as a physical condition but also as a psychological and public health issue affecting young adults' well-being. Integrating mental health assessment and early preventive strategies into public health policies could mitigate the broader impact of spinal pain on this population.
  • Article
    LC-MS/MS-based Phenolic Profiling and IRAP-PCR Analysis Reveal Biochemical and Genomic Responses of Flax (Linum Usitatissimum L.) to Salt Stress
    (Springer, 2025) Arvas, Yunus Emre
    Background Salinity is a major abiotic stress factor that affects plant growth, secondary metabolism, and genomic stability. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity are key biochemical indicators of plant stress responses, while retrotransposon activity reflects molecular-level genomic plasticity. This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of Linum usitatissimum L. (flax) to different salt concentrations, aiming to better understand the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance. Methods and results Flax plantlets were grown in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 15, 30, or 60 mM NaCl for 15 days. Total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. LC-MS/MS was employed to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds, and IRAP-PCR was used to evaluate retrotransposon mobility. Salinity resulted in a significant reduction in biochemical parameters. TPC decreased from 1.13 mu g GAE/100 mu g extract in the control to 0.85, 1.06, and 0.69 mu g GAE under 15, 30, and 60 mM NaCl, respectively. Antioxidant activity showed a similar decline: DPPH inhibition dropped from 25% (control) to approximately 12% under 60 mM stress, while ABTS inhibition decreased from over 90% to approximately 72% at 0.03 mg/mL. LC-MS/MS profiling revealed salt-sensitive reductions in chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and naringenin, with chlorogenic acid particularly diminished at 60 mM NaCl. At the molecular level, IRAP-PCR yielded high polymorphism rates, ranging from 50% to 100% (primer 1845), 60% to 100% (1846), 54% to 100% (1875), and 36% to 100% (1899), indicating enhanced retrotransposon activity under increasing salinity. Conclusion Overall, rising salt concentrations reduced phenolic accumulation and antioxidant potential while increasing retrotransposon-mediated genomic variability in flax. These results suggest that both biochemical markers (phenolics, antioxidant activity) and molecular indicators (IRAP polymorphism) are valuable tools for assessing salinity stress responses and can support the development of salt-tolerant cultivars in flax breeding programs.
  • Article
    Pyrimidine Based Inhibitors Targeting Glutathione S-Transferase in Phase II Detoxification: Antioxidant, ADMET, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Evaluation
    (Wiley, 2025) Turkan, Fikret; Cetin, Adnan; Ustun, Meryem Ayan
    The present study has been conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects and antioxidant capacities of two pyrimidine derivatives, 4,6-Dichloro-2-(methylthio) pyrimidine-5-carbonyl chloride (p1) and 4,6-Dichloro-2-(methylthio) pyrimidine-5-carboxyamide (p2), against the glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme for exploring their potential as therapeutic agents in conditions related to oxidative stress and drug resistance mediated through GST. The data are compared with that of ethacrynic acid (EA), a well-documented GST inhibitor. The IC50 values for molecules p1, p2, and EA were computed to be 38.5 nM, 46.2 nM, and 5.82 nM, respectively. During the second part of the inhibition study, Ki values calculated from IC50 plots became 57.61 nM for molecule p1, 43.75 nM for molecule p2, and 4.43 nM for EA. Molecules p1 and p2 depicted non-competitive mechanisms, while EA followed competitive inhibition. Moreover, antioxidant capacities of molecules were tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay method. Using the DPPH method scavenging activity in both p1 and p2 was comparable to that of the reference standard, ascorbic acid (AA). Other than this, biological activities of GST enzyme complexes were further validated using molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analyses. These complementary studies gave further insight into binding affinities, dynamic stability, and pharmacokinetic properties, reinforcing the impact of p1 and p2 complexation on GST structural and functional characteristics.
  • Article
    Syringic Acid Mitigates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment by Regulating PSD-95 and GSK-3β and by Preventing Neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer-Like Rat Model
    (Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 2026) Altindag, Fikret; Bayir, Mehmet Hafit; Alhalboosi, Jamal Khalid Ismael; Yildizhan, Kenan
    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. Syringic acid (SA) is a phenolic compound with many beneficial effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of SA (50 mg/kg/day) on scopolamine (SCO)-induced AD-like condition in rats. Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed using antibodies to postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta), TNF-alpha, and caspase-3. The hippocampus was stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, and the total number of hippocampal neurons and hippocampal volume were calculated using the stereological method. The Y-maze task behavioral test was performed. SCO decreased PSD-95 expression while increasing GSK-3 beta, TNF-alpha, and caspase-3 expression. SA treatment increased PSD-95 expression while decreasing GSK-3 beta, TNF-alpha, and caspase-3 expression. Compared to the control group, the number of hippocampal neurons was significantly decreased in the Alzheimer's group, but the number of neurons in the SA group was significantly higher than in the Alzheimer's group. Hippocampal volume was lower in the Alzheimer's group, although there was no statistical difference between the groups. SA also improved SCO-induced cognitive impairment. Our study findings suggest that SA may mitigate SCO-induced cognitive impairment in the AD rat model, modulating PSD-95 and GSK-3 beta and decreasing neuroinflammation and apoptosis.
  • Article
    Long-Term Oncological Outcomes for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients With Pathological Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Turkish Oncology Group Study
    (Taylor & Francis Inc, 2025) Uysal, Mukremin; Saglam, Sezer; Beypinar, Ismail; Saglam, Esra Kaytan; Mammadov, Elkhan; Ocak, Birol; Karabulut, Bulent
    The goal of this study was to look at the long-term survival outcomes and clinical characteristics of stage II/III locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who acquired pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). The clinicopathological characteristics and treatment details of 277 LARC patients with pCR, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and locoregional and systemic recurrence rates, were assessed. The 5-year RFS and OS rates were 85.6% and 90.9%. The rates of local and systemic recurrence were 3.6% and 7.9%. Our study confirmed the favorable results in survival in patients with LARC who achieved pCR