PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / PubMed Indexed Publications Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14517/21

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 927
  • Article
    Concerns of Earthquake Survivor Mothers for Their Children and the Role of School Leadership in Addressing Them
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2025) Taner Derman, Meral; Turen, Seyma
    Introduction This study aims to examine the change in the concerns of mothers with preschool children before and after the earthquake and the role of school administrators in relieving these concerns. Understanding these concerns is essential for improving post-disaster support strategies for families.Methods The research was carried out in a holistic multi-case study design, which is one of the qualitative methods, with a study group consisting of 20 mothers and 5 school administrators living in the temporary housing area in Hatay. The data were collected through semi-structured interview forms and analyzed by content analysis method.Results The findings showed that games and entertainment activities were at the forefront of mother-child relationships, but they were also a reflection of the earthquake. It has been revealed that mothers' future plans focused on positive goals such as their children growing up in a healthy environment before the earthquake and becoming successful individuals by receiving a good education, but after the earthquake, these plans were negatively affected due to financial and social losses, uncertainties and disruptions in education. It has been shown that mothers had general concerns about the education, security and social development of their children before the earthquake, but these concerns became more concrete and intense after the earthquake. Mothers reported serious concerns, particularly about living conditions, psychological effects, education, and the future. School administrators, on the other hand, resorted to methods such as summer schools, social activities, guidance services and financial support to alleviate the concerns of mothers. They suggested improving housing conditions, opening vocational courses, strengthening infrastructure and involving psychosocial support teams.Conclusion The research emphasized that the physical, social and psychological effects of natural disasters on individuals are multidimensional and revealed the critical role of school administrators in crisis management. It also highlights the need for coordinated efforts between families and schools in navigating post-disaster challenges.
  • Article
    Assessment of Color Stability of Various Flowable Composite Resins with Different Viscosities
    (MDPI, 2025) Yenier Yurdaguven, Gulsah
    Biomimetic restorative dentistry aims to preserve tooth structure and achieve optimal aesthetic harmony with surrounding dentition. The principles and protocols associated with biomimetic restorative dentistry are designed to enhance the longevity of the restoration. The use of flowable CRs is increasingly common; however, the effect of viscosity on the discoloration has not been clearly established. This in vitro study aimed to assess the color stability of flowable CRs with varying viscosities following immersion in common staining solutions and subsequent repolishing. A total of 250 disc-shaped specimens (8 mm x 2 mm) were prepared from five CRs with different viscosity profiles: high-viscosity (Spectra STHV, Dentsply, Milford, DE, USA), medium-viscosity (Estelite Universal Flow Medium, Tokuyama Dental Co., Tokyo, Japan), bulk-fill (Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow, Tokuyama Dental Co., Tokyo, Japan; SDR Plus, Dentsply, Milford, DE, USA), and packable (Estelite Posterior, Tokuyama Dental Co., Tokyo, Japan). After polymerization and baseline color measurements, specimens were immersed in coffee, tea, cola, red wine, or distilled water for 144 h. Color values were recorded before and after staining, and again following repolishing. Color changes (Delta E1, Delta E2, Delta E3) were calculated using the CIE Lab system and statistically analyzed via two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD (alpha = 0.05). Both the CR type and the staining solution substantially affected the color change. SDR Plus exhibited the highest Delta E values. Red wine caused the most discoloration. Repolishing enhanced color in selected groups.
  • Article
    Enhancing Thermal Performance of Phase Change Materials Using Conductive Rods with Length Dependent Melting Dynamics
    (Nature Portfolio, 2025) Khalaf, Abbas Fadhil; Rashid, Farhan Lafta; Al-Obaidi, Mudhar A.; Mohammed, Hayder I.; Ameen, Arman; Agyekum, Ephraim Bonah
    Phase change materials (PCMs) suffer from slow melting rates due to their low thermal conductivity, limiting their efficiency in thermal energy storage systems. This study numerically investigates the novel use of copper rods as conductive enhancers to accelerate PCM melting in a horizontally placed hemispherical cell. Using the ANSYS/FLUENT 16 with an enthalpy-porosity model, the impact of rod integration is examined to determine the optimal rod configuration for maximising heat transfer while minimising melting time. The results indicate that copper rods dramatically improved melting performance: a 20 mm rod can reduce total melting time by 70% (from 300 to 90 min), while 10 mm and 15 mm rods achieve reductions of 40% (to 180 min) and 50% (to 150 min), respectively. Clearly, the 20 mm rod enables 70% liquid fraction in 30 min, showing a melting speed four times faster than the no-rod case. Nonlinear scaling reveals diminishing returns beyond 15 mm, suggesting a cost-performance trade-off at this length. The 15 mm rod emerged as a practical balance between attaining 85% of maximum gain with a 50% reduction in melting time while utilising 25% less copper than 20 mm rod. Accordingly, this research provides critical insights for designing high-efficiency thermal storage systems, offering a roadmap to optimise conductive enhancements for real-world applications. By bridging the gap between material properties and system-level performance, the findings advance the deployment of PCMs in renewable energy and waste heat recovery systems.
  • Article
    Cancer Stem Cell Enrichment in in Vitro Models: Techniques, Insights, and Applications
    (Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2025) Ranjbar-Niavol, Fazeleh; Barisam, Maryam; Khosravi, Arezoo; Kashaninejad, Navid; Zarrabi, Ali; Vosough, Massoud
    Due to the substantial role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in therapeutic resistance and metastasis, the study of them is of great importance. However, their low abundance within the tumor cells makes it challenging to study their molecular pathophysiology. This limitation highlighted the critical need for reliable enrichment techniques to provide enough cells for in vitro tests. This review focuses on various methods that implemented for enrichment of cancer stem-like cells' subpopulations from the heterogeneous population of cancer cells. In this regard, various key physicochemical parameters such as hypoxia, shear stress, high glucose concentration, autophagy, and chemotherapy-induced stress have been explored for their potential to enhance CSC enrichment. The results presented in the literature confirmed that modifying these parameters can improve the enrichment of CSCs by promoting stem-like cells phenotype. However, there is still a necessity for comprehensive studies that compare the impact of these parameters on CSC enrichment, which should be addressed in future works.
  • Article
    Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Metabolism to Targeted Therapies
    (Springer, 2025) Sharafi, Faezeh; Rismani, Elham; Rhmanian, Mohamad; Khosravi, Arezoo; Zarrabi, Ali; Vosough, Massoud
    Globally, liver cancer is reported to be the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The most common type of these cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current preventive strategies, including lifestyle modifications, antiviral therapies, and surveillance, are limited in their effectiveness. Mitochondria play critical roles in regulating cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction can accelerate HCC progression, particularly in patients with liver diseases such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in HCC from a molecular point of view, including oxidative stress, mitophagy dysregulation, mitochondrial dynamics dysregulation, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-mediated dysregulation of innate immune responses. Additionally, we explore molecular-targeted therapies aimed at restoring mitochondrial function. Critical approaches include targeting reactive oxygen species pathways through agents such as iridium (III) complexes and Mito Rh S, which induce cancer cell death through apoptosis and ferroptosis. Other compounds, including dehydrocrenatidine, enhance oxidative phosphorylation and promote apoptosis. Inhibitors of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) target mitochondrial fission to reduce tumor growth. Furthermore, mitophagy modulators, such as SIRT1 activators, improve mitochondrial quality control, minimize the negative effects of oxidative stress, and reduce cancer development. Clinical trials are ongoing for the mitochondrial enzyme-targeting agents CPI-613 and Gamitrinib, a heat shock protein-targeting agent, which have hence shown great promise for these therapies. With further investigation, mitochondrial-targeted interventions could be promising for preventing or reducing HCC incidence and recurrence, increasing long-term survival, and improving the quality of life of patients with advanced-stage disease.
  • Article
    MXene-Based Wearable Contact Lenses: Integrating Smart Technology into Vision Care
    (Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ Press, 2025) Khosravi, Arezoo; Zarepour, Atefeh; Zarrabi, Ali; Iravani, Siavash
    MXene-based smart contact lenses demonstrate a cutting-edge advancement in wearable ophthalmic technology, combining real-time biosensing, therapeutic capabilities, and user comfort in a single platform. These devices take the advantage of the exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility of two-dimensional MXenes to enable noninvasive, tear-based monitoring of key physiological markers such as intraocular pressure and glucose levels. Recent developments focus on the integration of transparent MXene films into the conventional lens materials, allowing multifunctional performance including photothermal therapy, antimicrobial and anti-inflammation protection, and dehydration resistance. These innovations offer promising strategies for ocular disease management and eye protection. In addition to their multifunctionality, improvements in MXene synthesis and device engineering have enhanced the stability, transparency, and wearability of these lenses. Despite these advances, challenges remain in long-term biostability, scalable production, and integration with wireless communication systems. This review summarizes the current progress, key challenges, and future directions of MXene-based smart contact lenses, highlighting their transformative potential in next-generation digital healthcare and ophthalmic care.
  • Article
    Model-Agnostic Search for Dijet Resonances with Anomalous Jet Substructure in Proton-Proton Collisions at S=13 TeV
    (IOP Publishing Ltd, 2025) Chekhovsky, V.; Hayrapetyan, A.; Makarenko, V.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; Andrejkovic, J. W.; Kaur, A.
    This paper presents a model-agnostic search for narrow resonances in the dijet final state in the mass range 1.8-6 TeV. The signal is assumed to produce jets with substructure atypical of jets initiated by light quarks or gluons, with minimal additional assumptions. Search regions are obtained by utilizing multivariate machine-learning methods to select jets with anomalous substructure. A collection of complementary anomaly detection methods-based on unsupervised, weakly supervised, and semisupervised algorithms-are used in order to maximize the sensitivity to unknown new physics signatures. These algorithms are applied to data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb-1, recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC, at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. No significant excesses above background expectations are seen. Exclusion limits are derived on the production cross section of benchmark signal models varying in resonance mass, jet mass, and jet substructure. Many of these signatures have not been previously sought, making several of the limits reported on the corresponding benchmark models the first ever. When compared to benchmark inclusive and substructure-based search strategies, the anomaly detection methods are found to significantly enhance the sensitivity to a variety of models.
  • Article
    Glanular Ischemia Following Glans Penis Augmentation: A Rare Case Report
    (Karger, 2025) Karamik, Kaan; Yildiz, Ali; Koras, Omer; Arslan, Murat
    Introduction: Premature ejaculation is a common problem in men and filler injection into the glans penis has become a prevalent practice in treatment. Since the glans penis augmentation is an invasive treatment method, it also carries the risk of complications. Herein, we aimed to present a case of glans penis ischemia due to hyaluronic acid filler injection. Case Presentation: The patient was a 29-year-old male with premature ejaculation. The physical examination was normal, and sensory testing with a biothesiometer revealed vibration perception threshold values of 5.3V for the glans, 4.1V for the frenulum, and 3.9V for the penile shaft. Under local anesthesia, hyaluronic acid filler was applied with the multiple puncture technique, 2 mL in total, 0.2 mL per injection. One day after the procedure, the patient referred with complaints of discoloration of the glans penis. The physical examination revealed blackening at the distal tip of the glans with a visible demarcation line. Hyaluronidase was applied for the treatment of glanular glans penis ischemia secondary to hyaluronic acid filler injection. A significant improvement in the glans penis color was observed after hyaluronidase injection. The patient was prescribed 100 mg of aspirin, a warm saline dressing, and a nitroglycerin-containing cream and was discharged for daily follow-up. Conclusion: Although vascular complications are rare after hyaluronic acid filling into the glans penis, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Patients should be informed about possible adverse events. The main treatment method for vascular complications is urgent hyaluronidase injection. In addition, prevention of clot propagation with oral aspirin and vasodilatation treatments should be applied. In the glans penis ischemia after hyaluronic acid injection, early diagnosis and immediate hyaluronidase administration can reverse ischemia without necrosis or surgical intervention.
  • Article
    rs17576 Polymorphism of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Predicting Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Its Adverse Outcome
    (Isfahan Univ Medical Sciences, Isfahan Cardiovascular Res Center, 2025) Demir, Hidayet; Tuncer, Mehmet Altug; Sheikhvatan, Mehrdad; Abuqalben, Sumaia M.
    BACKGROUND: The role of matrix metalloproteinases in developing ischemic heart disease has been suggested. We investigated the effect of the MMP-9 gene polymorphism rs17576 on the severity of coronary artery disease and outcomes in affected individuals.
    METHODS: A total of 654 patients suspected of having coronary artery disease were assessed. Real-time PCR was performed for MMP-9 (rs17576) genotyping, and ELISA was used to assess MMP-9 plasma levels. The patients were followed up for one year.
    RESULTS: Coronary angiography showed coronary artery involvement in 28% of patients. The frequencies of AA, AG, and GG genotypes of rs17576 in the group without coronary artery involvement were 5.5%, 31.4%, and 63.1%, respectively, while in those with coronary artery disease, the frequencies were 55.2%, 29.5%, and 15.3%, respectively, showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). The frequency of the major allele (G allele) in the normal group and the groups with single-, two-, and three-coronary involvement was 21.1%, 65.4%, 61.8%, and 85.0%, respectively, indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001). The mean serum level of MMP-9 was 2,963 +/- 1,077 pg/ml in the group with coronary artery disease and 2,145 +/- 926 pg/ml in the group without coronary involvement, with a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.008). The presence of the A allele of rs17576 was associated with an increased hazard of one-year mortality in the coronary artery disease group (HR = 5.764, p < 0.001).
    CONCLUSION: Tracking the rs17576 polymorphism of the MMP-9 gene can predict coronary artery disease severity and its long-term poorer outcome.
  • Article
    Radiographic Acetabulotrochanteric Distance Measurement as a Novel Method for Determining Leg Length Discrepancy in Patients with Hemiarthroplasty
    (Turkish Joint Diseases Foundation, 2025) Yuzuguldu, Ugur; Yilmaz, Bilge Kagan; Butuner, Ibrahim Ethem; Yesil, Murat; Maralcan, Gokhan
    Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the interobserver reliability and interobserver reproducibility of radiographic acetabulotrochanteric distance (ATD) measurement and to investigate its accuracy by comparing it with conventional radiographic methods used in leg length discrepancy (LLD) measurement. Patients and methods: Between January 2017 and January 2022, a total of 97 patients (39 males, 58 females; mean age: 77.8 +/- 7.1 years; range, 61 to 91 years) who underwent pelvic radiographic evaluation and hemiarthroplasty (HA) due to femoral neck fracture were retrospectively analyzed. For ATD measurement, the distance between the line connecting the upper cartilage of the acetabulum (AC) and the extreme point of the greater trochanter (GT) was used. The AC-GT measurement on both sides was compared with bottom of the ischial tuberosities-lesser trochanter (BI-LT), center of the femoral head-BI (CH-BI), inferior acetabular teardrops-LT (IT-LT) measurements. The agreement between the methods was examined with the intraclass correlation coefficient (CCI). Results: According to the AC-GT & BI-LT, AC-GT & BI-CH methods, there were very strong (ICC: 0.75), moderate (ICC: 0.69) and acceptable (ICC: 0.33) agreements, respectively. Significant agreement was found between all measurements (p<0.001). A positive correlation was detected in the correlation analysis of all measurements (p<0.001). Intra-and interobserver agreement for ATD measurement (AC-GT) was excellent (ICC: >0.8). Conclusion: The ATD measurement correlates well with known measurement techniques on pelvic radiography and can be used as an alternative to this method. It has excellent intra-and interobserver agreements. This method can predict LLD after HA, but does not consider other length differences in the lower limbs.
  • Article
    Exploring the Link Between Sound Quality Perception, Music Perception, Music Engagement, and Quality of Life in Cochlear Implant Recipients
    (MDPI, 2025) Karaman Demirel, Aysenur; Akbulut, Ahmet Alperen; Ciprut, Ayse Ayca; Bal, Nilufer
    Background/Objectives: This study investigated the association between cochlear implant (CI) users' assessed perception of musical sound quality and their subjective music perception and music-related quality of life (QoL). The aim was to provide a comprehensive evaluation by integrating a relatively objective Turkish Multiple Stimulus with Hidden Reference and Anchor (TR-MUSHRA) test and a subjective music questionnaire. Methods: Thirty CI users and thirty normal-hearing (NH) adults were assessed. Perception of sound quality was measured using the TR-MUSHRA test. Subjective assessments were conducted with the Music-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MuRQoL). Results: TR-MUSHRA results showed that while NH participants rated all filtered stimuli as perceptually different from the original, CI users provided similar ratings for stimuli with adjacent high-pass filter settings, indicating less differentiation in perceived sound quality. On the MuRQoL, groups differed on the Frequency subscale but not the Importance subscale. Critically, no significant correlation was found between the TR-MUSHRA scores and the MuRQoL subscale scores in either group. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that TR-MUSHRA is an effective tool for assessing perceived sound quality relatively objectively, but there is no relationship between perceiving sound quality differences and measures of self-reported musical engagement and its importance. Subjective music experience may represent different domains beyond the perception of sound quality. Therefore, successful auditory rehabilitation requires personalized strategies that consider the multifaceted nature of music perception beyond simple perceptual judgments.
  • Article
    Bridging Technology and Medicine: Artificial Intelligence in Targeted Anticancer Drug Delivery
    (Royal Soc Chemistry, 2025) Khorsandi, Danial; Farahani, Amin; Zarepour, Atefeh; Khosravi, Arezoo; Iravani, Siavash; Zarrabi, Ali
    The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in targeted anticancer drug delivery represents a significant advancement in oncology, offering innovative solutions to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments. This review explores the various AI methodologies that are transforming the landscape of targeted drug delivery systems. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, researchers can analyze extensive datasets, including genomic, proteomic, and clinical data, to identify patient-specific factors that influence therapeutic responses. Supervised learning techniques, such as support vector machines and random forests, enable the classification of cancer types and the prediction of treatment outcomes based on historical data. Deep learning approaches, particularly convolutional neural networks, facilitate improved tumor detection and characterization through advanced imaging analysis. Moreover, reinforcement learning optimizes treatment protocols by dynamically adjusting drug dosages and administration schedules based on real-time patient responses. The convergence of AI and targeted anticancer drug delivery holds the promise of advancing cancer therapy by providing tailored treatment strategies that enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. By improving the understanding of tumor biology and patient variability, AI-driven methods can facilitate the transition from traditional treatment paradigms to more personalized and effective cancer care. This review discusses the challenges and limitations of implementing AI in targeted anticancer drug delivery, including data quality, interpretability of AI models, and the need for robust validation in clinical settings.
  • Article
    Is There a Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Dietary Intake and Weight Gain in Turkish Pregnant Women
    (BMC, 2025) Ersan, Beyza; Ozkaya, Sebnem Ozgen
    Background Sleep quality, dietary intake, and body composition are known to change during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality, dietary intake and gestational weight gain in pregnant women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and October 2023 in Istanbul, involving 214 healthy pregnant women aged 20-45 years who had no diagnosed medical conditions and were referred to a diet clinic by a physician. Sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, and 3-day food diaries were collected, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered through a face-to-face questionnaire. Results Of the participants, 56.5% reported poor sleep quality. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in those with poor sleep quality (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between gestational weight gain (r = 0.162, p = 0.017) and sleep disturbances. The PSQI score did not differ with gestational weight gain across trimesters (p > 0.05). Sleep quality did not vary with daily energy and macronutrient intake (p > 0.05). PSQI subscale analysis revealed that sleep disturbances in pregnant women were positively associated with energy (r = 0.137, p = 0.045), calcium (r = 0.147, p = 0.032), and copper (r = 0.139, p = 0.042) intake. Conclusions Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are positively associated with dietary intake and gestational weight gain. To prevent sleep disturbances, which are common in pregnant women, it is important to provide counseling on optimal weight gain and healthy nutrition starting from the preconception period.
  • Article
    Is There Any Possible Relationship Between Antenatal Hydronephrosis and Prenatal Androgen Exposure? An Analysis Using the 2D:4D Digit Ratio
    (Wiley, 2025) Kilic, Sinan; Kilic, Cigdem
    Objectives The ratio of the index finger to the ring finger length (2D:4D) differs between sexes; it is typically higher in females than in males. This difference is thought to be related to intrauterine androgen exposure. Antenatal hydronephrosis is the most frequently detected anomaly during prenatal ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal development. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio in newborns and the presence of congenital hydronephrosis. Methods Between July 2023 and April 2024, the lengths of the second and fourth digits and medical birth records of newborns were documented. Infants who were followed antenatally for hydronephrosis and exhibited persistent findings on postnatal renal ultrasonography were included in the study group. The control group consisted of newborns without any antenatal or postnatal renal abnormalities. Results A total of 82 newborns were included in the analysis. Among them, 50 had no antenatal or postnatal renal anomalies and comprised the control group. In 32 newborns, both antenatal and postnatal hydronephrosis were diagnosed. The 2D:4D was significantly higher in the hydronephrosis group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between right and left hand 2D:4D measurements within either group (p > 0.05). Conclusion The observation of significantly higher 2D:4D ratios in newborns with antenatal hydronephrosis may suggest a possible association with decreased prenatal androgen exposure. While the 2D:4D ratio is generally expected to be higher in females and lower in males, the finding of higher ratios in newborns with hydronephrosis may indicate a reduced androgen effect during fetal development in these cases. Although this finding is consistent with the fact that hydronephrosis is more frequently observed in male fetuses, it should be interpreted with caution and supported by further studies.
  • Article
    Effect of the Early Introduction of Trophic Donor Human Breast Milk on the Preservation of Postoperative Gut Functions in a Fasting Animal Model
    (Elsevier Science Inc, 2025) Tuzlaci, Ayse; Kolayli, Fetiye; Muezzinoglu, Bahar; Guvenc, Bekir Haluk
    Dietary restrictions, such as avoiding oral intake until postoperative ileus resolves, can result in negative nitrogen balance, weakened immune function, and impaired digestive system performance. This study investigates the efficacy of donor human breast milk (HM) in early trophic enteral feeding and its impact on gut functions during prolonged postoperative fasting in an animal model. Male Wistar rats were deprived of food for 48 hours with free water access. After a complete ileal transection and an end-to-end intestinal anastomosis, the rats were divided into three groups: prolonged fasting (PF), early trophic feeding with HM, and feeding with commercial formula (CF). Each group was further divided into 48-and 72-h postoperative subgroups. The study measured the number of colony-forming units in mesenteric lymph nodes, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and histopathological data between groups. At postoperative 48 and 72 hours, the mean apoptotic index of HM group was significantly lower than in PF group ( P < .001). A significant decrease was observed in apoptosis in HM group over time ( P = .047), while the CF ( P = .327) and PF ( P = .959) groups did not show significant changes. HM significantly prevented villus atrophy ( P < .01), and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes ( P < .05) compared to CF and PF. Serum ALP levels, an indicator of intestinal mucosal regeneration, was significantly highest in the HM group at 72 hours compared to other groups ( P = .03). These findings suggest that HM not only maintains the structural and functional gut integrity but also promotes earlier and more effective recovery of the intestinal health.
    (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
  • Article
    Revealing a Gold Mine of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources Using in Vitro, in Silico, and Network Pharmacology: A Case Study on Cachrys Cristata
    (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2025) Kurt-Celep, Inci; Ahmed, Shakeel; Cetiz, Mehmet Veysi; Uba, Abdullahi Ibrahim; Ak, Gunes; Selvi, Selami; Zengin, Gokhan
    The study aimed to explore the chemical composition and assess the wide-ranging biological effects of Cachrys cristata extracts, including ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70%), and water. We evaluated the bioactive potential of these extracts by different chemical techniques such as radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelation assays. Additionally, we conducted enzyme inhibition assays to target cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase, elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. In the profile analysis, we determined that the main components are phenolic acids, mainly caffeic acid with the highest concentrations. The water extract of the plant showed the highest concentration of phytochemicals and superior antioxidant activity. In addition, the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed the greatest level of inhibition of most of the evaluated enzymes. On the other hand, its potential protective effects against UV-induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation were investigated. Different extracts of the plant were evaluated in terms of their effects on DNA damage, cellular viability, ECM enzymes, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). COMET analysis showed that DNA breaks and genotoxicity caused by UV rays were significantly suppressed, especially by the water extract. Furthermore, network pharmacology analyses, in conjunction with in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrated robust ligand-protein interactions and furnished insights into the underlying mechanisms, thereby substantiating the plant's therapeutic potential. Overall, our research highlights the significant potential of C. cristata as a valuable reservoir of bioactive chemicals that can be utilized in the health and wellness industries.
  • Article
    Molecular Imaging Using (Nano)Probes: Cutting-Edge Developments and Clinical Challenges in Diagnostics
    (Royal Soc Chemistry, 2025) Samadzadeh, Meisam; Khosravi, Arezoo; Zarepour, Atefeh; Jamalipour Soufi, Ghazaleh; Hekmatnia, Ali; Zarrabi, Ali; Iravani, Siavash
    Molecular imaging has emerged as a transformative approach in the field of medical diagnostics, enabling the visualization of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Additionally, the integration of molecular imaging with other imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and fluorescence imaging (FI) has further broadened the scope of diagnostics. Despite significant advances in probe design, including multifunctional and targeted nanomaterials, their clinical translation remains limited by critical challenges. Key obstacles include nanoprobe stability in physiological environments, nonspecific accumulation in the reticuloendothelial system, potential toxicity, and difficulties in achieving optimal biocompatibility and controlled biodistribution. Moreover, the complexity of nanoprobe synthesis and batch-to-batch variability hinder scalable manufacturing and regulatory approval. The primary goal of this review is to critically analyze the current challenges hindering the clinical translation of molecular imaging nanoprobes in biomedicine. While existing literature extensively covers imaging techniques, this review uniquely emphasizes the persistent obstacles-such as nanoprobe stability, biocompatibility, off-target effects, and limited sensitivity-that impede their effective application. Unlike previous reviews, which tend to focus broadly on advancements, we offer a nuanced perspective by identifying specific barriers and proposing promising strategies to overcome them. We explore how surface modification, novel targeting ligands, and smart responsive systems can enhance nanoprobe performance. Furthermore, the review discusses how addressing these challenges is crucial for accelerating the development of multifunctional nanoprobes capable of simultaneous diagnosis and therapy, ultimately advancing personalized medicine. By highlighting these hurdles and potential solutions, this review aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for researchers striving to optimize molecular imaging nanoprobes, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and clinical reality.
  • Article
    Effect of Preclinical Training in Periodontal Instrumentation on Undergraduate Students' Anxiety, Clinical Performance, Satisfaction
    (BMC, 2025) Kayaalti-Yuksek, Sibel; Besiroglu-Turgut, Ekin; Agirman, Merve; Keles, Gonca Cayir
    Objectives This study aims to assess the impact of preclinical training using instructional typodont-phantom head on undergraduate students' anxiety levels, clinical performance, and satisfaction. Materials & methods Sixty-fourth-year students from Istanbul Okan University with no clinical periodontal experience were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received one hour of theoretical periodontal training on comprehensive examination and supragingival instrumentation. Group 1 received only theoretical training, while Group 2 additionally completed 60 min of hands-on preclinical training using a typodont-phantom head with artificial calculus. Before their first patient procedures, students completed a state anxiety test and afterward rated their training satisfaction on a VAS. Clinical performance was assessed using a scaling operation score sheet. Results Group 2 had significantly higher clinical performance (77.67 +/- 17.17) and satisfaction scores (8.23 +/- 1.79) compared to Group 1 (59.93 +/- 15.38 and 6.67 +/- 1.62, respectively; p < 0.05). No significant difference in state anxiety scores was observed between groups, nor any correlation between anxiety and clinical performance. Conclusion Preclinical training in periodontal instrumentation improved clinical performance and satisfaction but did not affect anxiety. Integrating theoretical and practical preclinical training with a typodont-phantom model can enhance learning outcomes. Clinical trial registration The study was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06593873) on 10/09/2024.
  • Article
    Innovations in Cancer Treatment: Evaluating Drug Resistance with Lab-On Technologies
    (Elsevier, 2025) Heydari, Parisa; Javaherchi, Pouya; Samadzadeh, Meisam; Azadani, Reyhaneh Nasr; Rad, Alireza Bahrami; Zarepour, Atefeh; Zarrabi, Ali
    Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies have emerged as transformative tools in cancer research, particularly in evaluating drug resistance, which remains a significant barrier to effective treatment. These miniaturized platforms allow for the integration of multiple laboratory functions onto a single chip, facilitating high-throughput screening and real-time monitoring of cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Despite their potential, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of LoC systems in clinical settings. Key issues include the complexity of accurately replicating the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is critical for understanding cancer biology and drug interactions. Additionally, variability in chip design and fabrication raises concerns about standardization and reproducibility of results, complicating comparisons across studies. The integration of LoC technologies into clinical practice is further complicated by the need for translation from laboratory findings to patient-specific applications. High costs asSociated with advanced microfabrication techniques and the requirement for specialized technical expertise also limit accessibility for many researchers and clinicians. However, the future perspectives for LoC technologies are promising. Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and tissue engineering are expected to enhance TME modeling, while patient-derived tumor spheroids (PDTS) integrated into LoC platforms could facilitate personalized medicine approaches. Coupling LoC systems with omics technologies will provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance and help identify novel biomarkers. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and nanotechnology with LoC platforms has significantly enhanced their diagnostic accuracy, automation, and potential for personalized cancer treatment. As regulatory bodies increasingly accept LoC technologies as viable preclinical models, their integration into pharmaceutical development pipelines is likely to accelerate. This review aims to explore these challenges and future perspectives, highlighting the potential of LoC technologies in advancing cancer treatment paradigms. By examining the innovative applications of LoC systems, we aim to highlight their potential for enhancing our understanding of the complex interactions within the TME and their implications for personalized medicine. Additionally, it seeks to identify and discuss the key challenges that currently limit the widespread adoption of LoC technologies in clinical settings, including issues related to model complexity, standardization, and integration into existing drug development pipelines.
  • Article
    Short-Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve: Insights from Nationwide Readmission Analysis
    (Springer Japan KK, 2025) Alhuneafat, Laith; Ghanem, Fares; Obeidat, Omar; Alzyoud, Anas; Ma'aita, Abdel Latif; Ajam, Mustafa; Altibi, Ahmed M.
    Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) TAVI outcomes for patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and severe aortic stenosis are uncertain due to their exclusion from major clinical trials. We analyzed TAVI patients in the United States using data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2019) identified using ICD-10 codes. We established matched cohorts of BAV and trileaflet aortic valve (TAV) patients using propensity-score matching (PSM). Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rates. Out of 233,683 TAVI patients identified, 3169 (1.4%) had BAV. BAV patients were younger with fewer comorbidities. After PSM, 2,840 pairs were analyzed. Compared to TAV patients, TAVI in BAV patients showed comparable in-hospital mortality (1.2% vs. 2.0%; OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.36-1.04; p = 0.07) and 30-day readmission rates (10.0% vs. 12.3%; OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.60-1.03; p = 0.08), with lower 30-day mortality rates (0.88% vs. 1.96%; OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.23-0.84; p = 0.01). Post-TAVI in-hospital complications rates, including stroke, acute kidney injury, pacemaker need, and others, were similar between BAV and TAV patients. TAVI in BAV shows acceptable safety compared to TAV, but further randomized trials are needed to establish long-term outcomes and durability.