PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / PubMed Indexed Publications Collection

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Promoting Patients' Empowerment in Rheumatic Diseases: The Perspective of the International Society of Behçet's Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy and Patients' Education
(Clinical & Exper Rheumatology, 2025) Di Cianni, F.; Marinello, D.; Altenburg, A.; Karacayli, U.; Emmi, G.; Schirmer, M.; Talarico, R.
Behcets' disease (BD) is a rare multi-systemic vasculitis that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Effective management of BD requires a patient-centred approach that empowers individuals to actively participate in their care. This work explores the importance of patient empowerment, adherence to treatment, and patient education in BD. The impact of BD on quality of life (QOL) is significant, affecting both physical and psychological well-being. QOL measures are essential in capturing the full burden of the disease from the patient's perspective, helping guide interventions that can improve disease management. Moreover, treatment adherence remains a major challenge due to various factors, including medication complexity, fear of side effects, and patient perceptions of their health status. Empowerment strategies, including education and emotional support, are crucial to improving adherence and reducing healthcare costs. Empowering BD patients involves fostering a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients, promoting shared decision-making and enhancing patients' knowledge and skills to manage their condition. Patient education plays a crucial role in empowering patients by providing them with accurate information about the disease, treatment options, and self-management strategies. The International Society for Behcet's Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy, and Patient Education aims to address these issues by developing global strategies to empower BD patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. This initiative promotes collaboration across the BD community, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and serving as a model for similar efforts in other disease areas.
Simultaneous Investigation of SST2, IL-33, and Caspase-3 Serum Levels in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
(International Institute of Anticancer Research, 2025) Akdeniz, F.T.; Barut, Z.; Avşar, O.; Arinç, S.; İşbir, T.
Background/Aim: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer with a high mortality rate. Many molecular and biochemical mechanisms are involved in its development, among which the suppression of tumorigenicity-2 protein (ST2) signaling pathway. Soluble ST2 (sST2) competes with transmembrane ST2 (ST2 ligand) for IL-33 binding. Activation of IL-33/ST2 pathway leads to M2 macrophage polarization, which promotes tumor progression. Since Caspase-3 is implicated in the regulation of IL-33 activity, the present study aimed to analyze the serum levels of IL-33, sST2, and caspase-3 in non-small cell lung cancer patients, compare them with control samples, and simultaneously investigate their predictive capacity. Materials and Methods: In this study, sST2 protein, IL-33, and caspase-3 levels were investigated using the ELISA method in serum samples collected from 25 patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and 25 completely healthy volunteer individuals. In the study, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic power of the biomarkers. Results: Serum IL-33 levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Similarly, the patient group showed significantly higher caspase-3 serum levels than the control group (p<0.030). While sST2 serum levels were higher in the patient group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. The ROC analysis for IL-33 showed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.838 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.725-0.952, p<0.05], indicating that IL-33 is good diagnostic capability for NSCLC. The AUC value for Caspase-3 was 0.678 (95% CI=0.525-0.832, p=0.023), while for sST2, the AUC value was 0.499 (95% CI=0.333-0.665, p>0.05). Conclusion: NSCLC patients are characterized by increased IL-33 and caspase-3 serum levels. These findings suggest that these markers could serve as valuable diagnostic and prognostic indicators, in addition to being potential therapeutic targets. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Scabies Cases at a Dermatological Outpatient Clinic in Türkiye: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2025) Atalik, K.; M. Cevik; Kaya, A.D.; Babaoǧlu, ÜT.
INTRODUCTION: Annually, scabies affects more than 400 million people worldwide and is an important public health problem. This study investigated the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with scabies at a major dermatologic clinic in Turkiye in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective evaluation was performed on outpatients diagnosed with scabies between 2014 and 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0. RESULTS: In total, 759 of the 48,381 patients (1.6%) who visited the dermatology outpatient clinic were diagnosed with scabies. The incidence rate of scabies was 0.5-0.9% before the pandemic, which increased to 3.1-4.4% in 2020-2022. Cases were more common in October-December (36.5%), and 57.9% of patients were 18-44 years old. Those aged 1-6 years showed an increased rate of scabies from 3% to 7.8% during the pandemic. There was no significant difference according to gender or nationality. All patients complained of itching, and 35% had a history of contact with individuals who were diagnosed with scabies. The recurrence rate was 27.3%. Lesions of 73.1% of patients showed a generalized distribution, as well as local lesions on the hands (7.9%), genital area (6.4%), trunk (4.0%), arms (3.0%), legs (2.8%), feet (1.6%), and head (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasize that scabies can develop regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, and periods such as pandemics may delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to a higher occurrence of the disease. This record is sourced from MEDLINE/PubMed, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Promoting Patients’ Empowerment in Rheumatic Diseases: The Perspective of the International Society of Behçet’s Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy and Patients’ Education
(Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology S.A.S., 2025) Di Cianni, F.; Marinello, D.; Altenburg, A.; Karaçayli, U.; Emmi, G.; Schirmer, M.; Mumcu, G.
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a rare multisystemic vasculitis that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Effective management of BD requires a patientcentred approach that empowers individuals to actively participate in their care. This work explores the importance of patient empowerment, adherence to treatment, and patient education in BD. The impact of BD on quality of life (QOL) is significant, affecting both physical and psychological well-being. QOL measures are essential in capturing the full burden of the disease from the patient’s perspective, helping guide interventions that can improve disease management. Moreover, treatment adherence remains a major challenge due to various factors, including medication complexity, fear of side effects, and patient perceptions of their health status. Empowerment strategies, including education and emotional support, are crucial to improving adherence and reducing healthcare costs. Empowering BD patients involves fostering a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients, promoting shared decision-making and enhancing patients’ knowledge and skills to manage their condition. Patient education plays a crucial role in empowering patients by providing them with accurate information about the disease, treatment options, and self-management strategies. The International Society for Behçet’s Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy, and Patient Education aims to address these issues by developing global strategies to empower BD patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. This initiative promotes collaboration across the BD community, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and serving as a model for similar efforts in other disease areas. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Prevalence of Left Kidney Vein Entrapment Signs on Computed Tomography Angiography Images of Kidney Donors
(Via Medica, 2025) Atli, Eray; Ferhatoglu, Murat Ferhat; Gurkan, Alp
Background: The nutcracker phenomenon (NC-P) is the entrapment of the left kidney vein (LKV) between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal portion of the aorta. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of significant left renal vein compression in a healthy population. Materials and methods: The computed tomography angiography images of 131 healthy patients who underwent living kidney donor nephrectomy at our institution were enrolled in this retrospective, descriptive anatomic study. Results: Three (2.3%) cases had severe stenosis, and 26 (19.8) cases had moderate stenosis. The mean aorto-mesenteric angle was narrower in females (p < 0.05). The mean LKV diameter ratio and beak angle were shorter and narrower in females (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Thirteen cases (9.9%) showed 3 or 4 positive criteria for NC-P. Younger pateitns and those with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m(2) had increased rates of positive criteria determination (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: The NC-P criteria were seen with a high frequency in healthy individuals. Female and younger individuals with lower BMI showed a greater prevalence of positive criteria. Revision of the current standards for NC-P with a distinct classification between sex, age, and BMI is required to better assess LKV compression.
PRP and Diced Cartilage-Enhanced Fascia Lata: A Composite Graft for Septal Perforation Repair
(Sage Publications Inc, 2025) Hanci, Deniz; Onaran, Oyku Izel; Altun, Huseyin; Bozer, Berke Berat; Gurpinar, Berk; Obuz, Mert; Uyar, Yavuz
Objective: Nasal septal perforation (NSP) is characterized by defects in the mucosal, cartilaginous, and bony structures of the septum, most commonly resulting from septoplasty. Spontaneous healing of NSPs is rare, necessitating surgical intervention once the condition stabilizes. Numerous techniques have been developed for NSP repair. This study presents a novel technique combining fascia lata grafts, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and diced septal cartilage harvested from the patient's remaining deviated nasal septum for the repair of medium-sized NSPs.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients who underwent NSP repair between July 2022 and July 2023. The repair utilized fascia lata, PRP derived from venous blood, and diced cartilage from residual septal cartilage. The procedure involved an open rhinoplasty approach for graft placement, followed by stabilization using endoscopic techniques.Results: The mean horizontal and vertical diameters of the septal perforations were 12.06 +/- 2.87 mm and 13.12 +/- 2.44 mm, respectively. All patients had medium-sized perforations (0.5-2 cm). The mean follow-up period was 12.03 +/- 1.11 months. Complete closure was achieved in 28 of 32 cases (87.5%). The cohort included 18 males (56.3%) and 14 females (43.8%), with a mean age of 35.47 +/- 5.31 years (range: 25-45). Ten patients (31.3%) were smokers, among whom 4 experienced incomplete closure. Smoking was not significantly associated with repair failure (P = .06).Conclusion: This novel technique combining fascia lata, PRP, and diced septal cartilage offers a reliable and effective approach for the repair of medium-sized NSPs.
Nutritional Approaches and Supplementation in Lipedema Management: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence
(Springernature, 2025) Aydin, Ayca; Bilgic, Pelin
Purpose of Review Lipedema is a painful chronic disease characterized by symmetric fat tissue accumulation in the lower extremities. Inflammation of the subcutaneous adipose tissue causes pain, edema, and various functional limitations, making daily activities difficult and affecting quality of life. Recent Findings Although the pathogenesis of lipedema is not fully known, it is a disease that is associated with the interaction of genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, stressful lifestyle and inflammatory processes. Lipedema, which can often be confused with obesity and lymphedema, causes patients to undergo unnecessary examinations and treatments, while the disease can also create an additional burden on the health system through psychosocial problems. Summary Chronic inflammation of subcutaneous adipose tissue is resistant to weight loss. Since there is no definitively proven treatment method in the literature for the treatment of lipedema, the primary goal is to alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease with a multidisciplinary team. At this point, increasing misinformation content on social networks or difficulties in accessing accurate information emphasize the importance of evidence-based practices and guidelines in the nutritional treatment of lipedema. Ketogenic diet and Mediterranean diet are prominent dietary models in the nutritional treatment of lipedema, as they overlap with the pathophysiology of lipedema with their insulin sensitivity-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects. The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, acts by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the body, while the ketogenic diet with its low carbohydrate content improves the blood glucose profile and insulin resistance, preventing hyperglycemia-induced inflammation supported by lipedema. On the other hand, serum levels of vitamins and minerals, which play important roles in ensuring the physiological functioning of the body, are also important in order not to worsen the clinical picture and reduce inflammation. There is limited data in the literature on the long-term applicability, safety and therapeutic effects of these dietary models. Therefore, more research is needed to expand clinical applications.
Assessment of the Water and Energy Nexus in the Energy Supply Subsystem of Water Stressed Countries like Iran
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Vahabzadeh, Masoud; Molajou, Amir; Variani, Hossein Akbari; Afshar, Abbas
Iran, situated in the Middle East, is recognized as a prominent energy hub, with its economy heavily reliant on the exportation of energy. Iran currently faces significant water stress, underscoring the importance of examining its Water-Energy (WE) nexus. Hence, it is crucial to examine the Water-Energy (WE) nexus in this nation. This study evaluates Iran's WE nexus from upstream to downstream in its energy subsystem (2007-2017) through an integrated framework combining water footprint analysis, water consumption methodologies, and nexus system modeling. This study assessed the WE nexus from upstream to downstream in Iran from 2007 to 2017. Key findings reveal that steam turbine power plants, particularly Ramin and Neka, exhibit the highest water consumption intensities, approximately 2.04 and 2.65 m3/MWh respectively, making them critical targets for efficiency improvements or retirement. Conversely, combined-cycle plants with dry cooling technology show significantly lower water intensity (0.18 m3/MWh), presenting viable alternatives. The study recommends shifting energy infrastructure towards combined-cycle and gas turbine plants to mitigate water stress, thus providing actionable insights for sustainable energy and water resource management in water-stressed regions.
Orbital Compartment Stress Responses Related to Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Finite Element Analysis
(Galenos Publ House, 2025) Ensarioglu, Aybuke; Demirkaya, Arzu Ari
Objective: This study aimed to use finite element analysis to evaluate the effects of acrylic HYRAX and hybrid HYRAX devices in the treatment of rapid maxillary expansion (RME), particularly on the orbital compartments. Methods: In the present study, a craniofacial model was developed utilizing computed tomography data obtained from the visible human project. A total of four distinct models were generated by designating the sutures in the adult variation as closed and those in the non-adult variation as open while incorporating both expansion devices into the model. Both acrylic and hybrid device models were subjected to expansion forces of 0.25 mm and 5 mm, yielding eight distinct scenarios for comprehensive analysis. Results: Significant stress and displacement were observed, particularly around the orbital compartments in all scenarios. Displacement decreased with increased sutural ossification and the resulting stresses demonstrated elevation. In adult models, the hybrid device generated reduced stress, especially around the orbital compartments. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is proposed that the orbital compartments may serve as a clinically relevant site for measuring the increased intracranial pressure during RME treatment. To prevent possible side effects, RME should be performed at an early age, and if ossification is suspected to be increased, bone-supported expansion devices are recommended.
Navigating Dental Care Under Anesthesia: A Comparative Analysis of Patients with Dental Anxiety and Intellectual Disabilities Dental Treatments under General Anesthesia in Adult Patients
(BMC, 2025) Kaynar, Zeynep Buket; Dincer, Gozde Akbal
Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate dental treatment procedures performed under general anesthesia in adult patient. Methods The clinical records of 94 patients between the ages of 16 and 79, whose dental treatments were completed under general anesthesia between January 2021 and 2023, were evaluated retrospectively. Fisher's Exact Test and Pearson Chi-Square Test were used to compare the obtained data according to groups. The significance level was taken as p<0.050. Results A statistically significant difference was found in the restorative and periodontal treatments performed under general anesthesia between systemic diseases/disabled and healthy groups (p=0.002). A statistically significant difference was found between the duration of general anesthesia of systemic diseases/disabled and healthy groups (p= 0.013). In ASA I and ASA II scoring, a statistically significant difference was found (p=0.001). Conclusion The fact that restorative and periodontal treatments are needed more in unhealthy/disabled individuals has shown that oral hygiene is inadequate in unhealthy/disabled individuals. Systemically healthy patients had more dental treatments under general anesthesia in our hospital than unhealthy patients due to anxiety. Performing dental procedures under general anesthesia in appropriate indications for adult patients is a preferable method today, as dental treatments are completed in a single visit and the possibility of the patient's lack of cooperation in the chair is eliminated.
Impact of Polishing Methods on Surface Roughness and S. Mutans Adhesion in Composite Resins: An in Vitro Study
(BMC, 2025) Cam, Melek; Kaynar, Zeynep Buket; Atalik, Kevser; Kaya, Ayse Demet
Background This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness and Streptococcus mutans adhesion on two different composite resin materials following the application of various polishing systems. Methods Eighty disk-shaped specimens (8 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) were fabricated using nanohybrid (Charisma Topaz) and nanofilled (Tokuyama Estelite Asteria) composite resins (n = 40 each). Each material group was further divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the polishing system used: Mylar strip (control), Sof-Lex (TM), Clearfil (TM) Twist Dia, and Opti1Step (TM). After measuring the surface roughness, the sterilized samples were divided into two subgroups as, "artificial saliva-treated samples" and "non-treated samples." For each subgroup, solutions containing S. mutans were added, and the samples were incubated at 35-37 degrees C for 24 h. Determination of adhered bacteria on surfaces depended upon colony counts obtained after incubation, which was presented as CFU/mL. Statistical analyses included two-way ANOVA for surface roughness and three-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test for bacterial adhesion. Results SR values ranged from 0.07 +/- 0.01 mu m to 0.09 +/- 0.03 mu m across all groups, remaining well below the clinical threshold of 0.2 mu m, highlighting that the minor surface variations observed are unlikely to have clinical significance regarding plaque retention. (p > 0.05). S. mutans adhesion values ranged between 2.83 +/- 0.25 log CFU/mL and 3.57 +/- 0.32 log CFU/mL. No statistically significant differences were found between polishing methods or saliva conditions (p > 0.05). The three-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant main effect of composite resin material on S. mutans adhesion (F = 29.895, p < 0.001, partial eta(2) = 0.322), indicating that bacterial colonization varied according to the resin material used. Conclusion While different polishing systems did not significantly affect surface roughness or bacterial adhesion, the composite resin type appears to play a crucial role in S. mutans colonization.
Clinical Evaluation of Different Solvent Type and HEMA-Content of Universal Adhesive Systems in Non-Carious Cervical Lesions: A Two-Year Double-Blind Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial
(BMC, 2025) Yurdaguven, Gulsah Yenier; Dogruer, Isil; Cam, Melek; Ulukapi, Hasmet; Aykor, Ayse Arzu
Background Comparative analyses of different adhesive systems have illustrated that variations in the content can substantially influence the effectiveness of bonding. While in vitro studies provide essential insights, it is imperative that clinical recommendations derive from randomized clinical trials to ensure their reliability and validity. This double-blind, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the performance of various universal adhesives over a 24-month period, with a specific emphasis on monomer type, HEMA content, and solvent type, using the selective enamel etch approach in non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) restorations. Materials and methods Thirty-two participants with two-hundred-fifty-six NCCLs were assigned to the two groups (n = 128): G-Premio Bond (GPB; GC) and Single Bond Universal (SBU; 3 M ESPE). The same composite resin (Essentia, GC) was used. Restorations were assessed at baseline, 12-month, and 24-month using the Revised FDI criteria by two blinded calibrated examiners. Statistical analysis included Fisher's Exact Chi-Square test, Continuity (Yates) Correction, and McNemar tests (p < 0.05). Results The 24-month success rate was 98.2%, with the loss of retention in four restorations-two from SBU and two from GPB. Throughout all evaluation periods, no significant differences were identified between the adhesives regarding any criteria (p > 0.05). Both adhesives exhibited a significant decline in marginal adaptation at both the 12-month and 24-month evaluations, as well as an increase in marginal staining at the 24-month interval (p < 0.05). Notwithstanding the observed decrease in marginal adaptation after 24 months, all restorations remained clinically acceptable and were classified as clinically satisfactory. Conclusions A clinical analysis over a 24-month period demonstrated that variations in the composition of universal adhesives-specifically concerning monomer types, HEMA content, and solvent type-did not significantly affect the performance of NCCL restorations. Notably, all retained restorations met clinical acceptability standards.
Evaluation of Gender and Age Differences in Orbital Symmetry for Mirrored Implant Feasibility: A Multicenter Study
(Springer France, 2025) Erdogan, Ozgur; Abdelazeem, Mohamed Hazem; Osman, Mohamed Fouad; Buyuk, Cansu; Yuce, Fatma; Barhoma, Mohamed Gamal; Mohamed, Shady
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical symmetry of the left and right orbital cavities to assess the reliability of mirror-image-generated implants for orbital fracture repair, a common approach in reconstructive surgery. Methods In a multicenter retrospective analysis, maxillofacial CT and CBCT images from 78 patients were examined to assess differences in the volumetric and linear dimensions of the right and left orbital cavities. Standardized volumetric and linear measurements in both the coronal and sagittal planes were conducted. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the significance of differences across gender and age groups. Results The study population had a mean age of 41.73 years, with 42% male and 58% female patients. No statistically significant differences in the orbital volume were found between the right (24.23 +/- 2.62) and left (23.48 +/- 2.53) sides (p = 0.219). Coronal plane measurements, including the orbital floor length (D1) and medial wall length (D2), similarly showed no significant differences between the two sides. In the sagittal plane, minor variations were observed, with average differences not exceeding 0.5 mm in most dimensions. Gender-based and age-based subgroup analyses further revealed no statistically significant differences in orbital measurements across groups, supporting the acceptance of anatomical symmetry between the left and right orbital cavities. Conclusion The findings indicate that the left and right orbital cavities can be considered symmetrical with respect to volume and linear measurements, validating the use of mirror-image-generated implants for reconstructive purposes. The minor variations observed in the linear dimensions did not compromise the clinical reliability of this approach, supporting its continued application in orbital fracture repair.
Stability and Dynamics of Fractional Order Frogeye Leaf Spot Infection Model with Fungal Density Function
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Farman, Muhammad; Ullah, Izhar; Hincal, Evren; Nisar, Kottakkaran Sooppy; Hosseini, Kamyar; Sambas, Aceng
This article presents a fractional-order model for frog eye leaf spot in soybean plants using the Caputo fractional derivative. The study validates the model, estimates solutions using reliable numerical algorithms. Comparing numerical simulations to earlier integer-order models demonstrates how well fractional calculus captures the intricacy of disease dynamics. The research aims to enhance soybean crop health and yield through improved disease control strategies and mathematical modeling of plant pathology. Using fractional calculus, the model is analyzed to determine its boundedness, positivity, and unique solutions. The existence and uniqueness of the exact solution are further validated using fixed-point theory and the Lipschitz condition. Lyapunov functions are employed to verify the global stability of both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. The study explores the influence of the Caputo operator by solving the generalized power law kernel using a two-step Lagrange polynomial method. Fractional-order model outperforms integer-order models by accounting for biological memory effects and past disease history. It produces more accurate simulations that fit better with real-world data, improving their performance. The model's adaptability allows it to predict outbreaks and evaluate treatment strategies like crop rotation, fungicide use, and genetic resistance. It can also be used to treat other plant diseases. The model aids researchers in analyzing climate change's impact on disease transmission, promoting sustainable farming and food security, benefiting farmers, the agricultural sector, and the environment.
Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review for Predicting IVF Success
(Springer/plenum Publishers, 2025) Farzizadeh, Neda; Amoozgar, Morteza; Aminbeidokhti, Mona; Hariri, Amirali; Khosravi, Arezoo; Najmi, Zahra; Zarrabi, Ali
Infertility affects a significant portion of couples globally. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite significant advancements, IVF success rates remain suboptimal, which necessitates innovative approaches to improve embryo selection and predict the outcomes. Traditional methods, including morphological grading and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), possess limitations, necessitating the development of innovative, non-invasive biomarkers. This narrative review sought to investigate novel biomarkers, such as oxidative stress (OS) indicators like malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products, antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase and catalase, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), immunologic markers, and microRNAs (miRNAs) extracted from follicular fluid (FF), blood, and endometrial tissue, which may serve as predictors of ART outcomes. A narrative review of published studies investigating non-invasive biomarkers in human ART was conducted. Literature was sourced from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies reporting oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, miRNAs, cfDNA, and immunologic markers in FF, blood, or endometrial samples. Elevated OS markers were linked to low-quality embryos, while high levels of antioxidants were linked to higher quality of oocytes and embryos. Moreover, certain miRNAs in FF exhibited potential as indicators of embryo viability and implantation success, potentially enabling more precise and personalized IVF approaches. Incorporating these emerging biomarkers into standard clinical practice can improve prediction methods. Future research should focus on confirming these biomarkers in various populations and creating standardized protocols to promote their integration into reproductive medicine which can lead to better fertility treatments and help couples deal with the emotional and psychological problems caused by infertility.
Decoding Preterm Birth: Non-Invasive Biomarkers and Personalized Multi-Omics Strategies
(Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 2026) Farzizadeh, Neda; Najmi, Zahra; Rosenbaum, Alan J.; Amoozgar, Morteza; Hariri, Amirali; Aminbeidokhti, Mona; Zarrabi, Ali
A birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks of gestation is referred to as preterm birth (PTB). PTB is a health concern globally with significant outcomes including neonatal morbidity and mortality. Advancements in multi-omics have revolutionized the understanding of PTB pathogenesis, offering new opportunities for early prediction and risk categorization. This review highlights emerging liquid biomarkers derived from proteomic, metabolomic, genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic studies, emphasizing the integrative power of multi-omics approaches. Proteomic analyses have revealed key proteins in maternal and fetal compartments associated with inflammatory and extracellular matrix pathways, while metabolomics have identified lipid and metabolite profiles linked to energy metabolism and fetal development. Genomic and epigenomic studies have uncovered genetic variations and microRNAs involved in uterine contractility and immune modulation, providing novel insights into PTB's molecular underpinnings. Transcriptomic research further underscores the act of long noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating gene expression and inflammatory responses. Multi-omics integration, coupled with machine learning models, has demonstrated superior predictive accuracy by synthesizing data across these domains, revealing intricate molecular interactions underlying PTB. Future research should prioritize longitudinal multi-omics studies to capture dynamic biological changes during pregnancy, expanding diverse population cohorts to enhance generalizability. Translating multi-omics insights into clinical practice necessitates collaborative efforts to develop cost-effective, accessible biomarker panels and establish standardized guidelines for implementation. These advancements hold the potential to transform prenatal care through personalized risk assessment and targeted preventive strategies, reducing the global burden of PTB.
Chitosan Nanoplatforms as Carriers for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapies in Cancer, Wound Healing, and Antimicrobial Applications
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Askari, Shadi; Eskandari, Mahnaz; Zarepour, Atefeh; Khosravi, Arezoo; Iravani, Siavash; Zarrabi, Ali
Chitosan (CS)-based nanoplatforms have emerged as transformative tools in photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapies, offering targeted, biocompatible solutions for cancer treatment, wound healing, and antimicrobial applications. Recent advancements include the design of multifunctional CS nanocomposites that enhance photosensitizer delivery, improve light-triggered efficacy, and enable synergistic therapies with reduced side effects. These developments address critical challenges in precision medicine, such as drug resistance and tissue regeneration, making this area of significant interdisciplinary interest. The tunable physicochemical properties of CS, combined with its biodegradability and antimicrobial activity, position it as a key material for next-generation therapeutic platforms. The future of this field depends on optimizing nanoplatform specificity, scalability, and clinical translation, with insights from this review guiding the rational design of advanced biomaterials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in CS-based nanomaterials specifically for PTT and PDT, while also addressing the associated challenges that hinder their clinical application. Moreover, it aims to highlight future perspectives that could enhance the effectiveness and applicability of chitosan-based therapies in cancer treatment.
Preservation of Septal Cartilage for Early Revisions: A Histopathological Study
(Springer, 2025) Hanci, Deniz; Kumas, Omer; Turgut, Huseyin; Celik, Cem; Uygan, Ugur; Altun, Huseyin; Uyar, Yavuz
Objective To determine how storage medium and temperature affect the histological viability of autologous septal cartilage intended for early revision rhinoplasty. Methods Cartilage specimens stored for 6 and 12 months in four media-dry, gentamicin, cefazolin, and saline-at two distinct temperatures underwent histopathological evaluation after paraffin embedding. The assessed parameters were graft viability, fibrosis, osteoid metaplasia, and peripheral chondroid proliferation. Results Among 480 septal cartilage specimens harvested from 30 patients, overall viability fell from 62 +/- 15% at 6 months to 44 +/- 14% at 12 months (p < 0.001), while fibrosis, osteoid metaplasia, and peripheral chondroid proliferation all increased significantly (each p < 0.001). Viability declined in every storage condition, but grafts kept at - 80 degrees C or in saline-based solutions deteriorated fastest, reaching a mean viability of 39% versus 53% for dry storage at - 20 degrees C at 12 months. Multivariate analysis confirmed - 80 degrees C storage (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.8) and saline media (OR 1.9, 1.1-3.4) as independent predictors of poor viability (< 40%), whereas antibiotic additives were not protective. Histological evidence of osteoid metaplasia (OR 3.6, 1.9-6.8) and peripheral chondroid proliferation (OR 2.1, 1.2-3.7) strongly predicted non-viable grafts. A linear mixed-effects model demonstrated additive negative effects of - 80 degrees C and saline on both baseline viability and its rate of decline (marginal R-2 = 0.52). Dry storage at - 20 degrees C yielded the most favorable long-term viability. Conclusion Dry storage of autologous septal cartilage at - 20 degrees C preserves graft viability well enough to offer a cost-effective alternative for early revision surgeries, warranting confirmation in prospective clinical trials.
Engineering Vascularized Brain Tumor Organoids: Bridging the Gap Between Models and Reality
(Springer, 2025) Hariri, Amirali; Zarepour, Atefeh; Khosravi, Arezoo; Mirian, Mina; Iravani, Siavash; Zarrabi, Ali
Traditional two-dimensional cultures and patient-derived xenografts fail to fully mimic the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, limiting their utility in drug discovery and personalized medicine. Recent breakthroughs in three-dimensional tumor modeling have led to the development of brain tumor organoids, patient-derived organoids, and bioengineered tumor-on-chip systems that offer more physiologically relevant platforms for studying glioblastoma biology and therapeutic response. One of the key advancements in these models is the incorporation of vascular networks to mimic the neurovascular unit and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Various strategies such as co-culturing with endothelial cells, bio-printing vascularized scaffolds, and utilizing microfluidic platforms have been explored to enhance vascularization within glioblastoma organoids. These models have demonstrated improved nutrient and oxygen exchange, reduced hypoxia, and better maintenance of tumor heterogeneity. However, challenges remain in achieving fully functional capillary networks, BBB integrity, and immune cell integration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements in brain tumor organoid research, focusing on vascularization strategies, their impact on tumor modeling, and their potential applications in drug screening and personalized therapy. We discussed the strengths and limitations of glioblastoma models, highlighted advanced bioengineering techniques for enhancing organoid complexity, and explored future directions for clinically relevant tumor organoids.
Effects of Sugammadex and Rocuronium on Electro-Mechanical Activity of Cardiac Myocytes
(Korean Soc Anesthesiologists, 2025) Arun, Oguzhan; Ozturk, Nihal; Erkan, Orhan; Ozdemir, Semir; Arun, Funda; Yanardag, Sirma Basak; Ayaz, Murat
Background: Sugammadex reverses the effects of steroidal neuromuscular-blocking agents, such as rocuronium, by encapsulating these agents. Its cardiovascular adverse effects include QTc prolongation, hypotension, bradycardia, atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, and asystole. Additionally, rocuronium has cardiac side effects, such as bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse, and ventricular fibrillation. Herein, we investigated the effects of sugammadex, rocuronium, and combined rocuronium + sugammadex on cardiac electrophysiological parameters. Methods: In vitro experiments were performed using ventricular myocytes obtained from male Wistar rats. Myocyte contraction and relaxation responses were recorded along with action potential (AP), and L-type calcium (I-CaL) and potassium channel currents (I-to, I-ss, and I-K1). Results: Sugammadex caused dose-dependent decreases in myocyte contraction and relaxation responses. Rocuronium had no effect in this respect, whereas its co-administration with sugammadex led to decreased contraction responses. Sugammadex prolonged the AP repolarization phase, whereas rocuronium prolonged all AP phases. Co-administration of sugammadex and rocuronium did not significantly affect AP parameters. Sugammadex suppressed the peak I-CaL value, while rocuronium caused an even greater decrease. Co-administration of these drugs further decreased the current-voltage characteristics of the I-CaL. However, no significant effects were observed on the potassium currents. Conclusions: Separate or combined administration of sugammadex and rocuronium had various effects on myocyte contractility, AP, and I-CaL, which could cause significant changes leading to adverse cardiac events. Further experimental and clinical studies are required to understand the clinical consequences of the modulatory effects of these drugs on cardiac electrophysiological parameters.

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