Scopus İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14627/7

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1,2,4-Triazole Conjugates as HEGFR Inhibitors: Synthesis, Anticancer Evaluation, and in Silico Studies
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2026) Bülbül, B.; Kulabas, N.; Gurboga, M.; Bingol Ozakpinar, O.B.; Cakmak, Ü.; Oz-Tuncay, F.Ö.; Küçükgüzel, İ.
A series of novel 1,2,4-triazole-acetamide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for anticancer and hEGFR inhibitory activity. The compounds were obtained via multistep synthesis and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicity was tested against PC-3, MCF-7, A549, and K562 cell lines. Compounds 18, 19, and especially 24 showed notable antiproliferative effects, with compound 24 exhibiting higher selectivity and potency than gefitinib. It also induced apoptosis and inhibited migration in A549 and PC-3 cells, while selectively promoting invasion in PC-3, suggesting EMT-related behavior. In vitro kinase assays revealed compound 20 as the most potent hEGFR inhibitor (IC50 = 43.8 ± 1.3 nM). Molecular docking and 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations confirmed its stable interaction with EGFR, particularly involving Cys797. These findings highlight compounds 20 and 24 as promising candidates for further development as EGFR-targeted anticancer agents. © 2026 Wiley-VHCA AG.
Investigating Text Neck Syndrome and Duration of Mobile Phone Use, Muscle Activity, Hand Grip Strength, Posture, and Disability
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026) Yasaci, Z.; Zirek, E.; Mustafaoglu, R.; Razak Özdinçler, A.R.
Neck and shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms related to smartphone use are becoming increasingly prevalent, yet the underlying mechanisms including smartphone usage duration, muscle activity, hand grip strength, posture, and disability remain incompletely understood. This study examined the interaction between text-neck syndrome and factors such as smartphone usage duration, muscle activity, hand grip strength, posture, and disability. Forty participants (Text Neck group: n = 18; 14 females or Control group: n = 22; 15 females) underwent neuromuscular assessment. Surface electromyography measured bilateral muscle activity in the upper trapezius (UT) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscles during smartphone use. Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to assess pain intensity, hand grip strength, New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The Text Neck group demonstrated significantly higher smartphone use (p < 0.001), higher texting time (p = 0.006), and lower muscle activation at activity in the dominant APB (p = 0.011), dominant UT (p < 0.001), and non-dominant UT (p = 0.008). These findings provide novel insights into how excessive smartphone use alters muscle function and postural alignment in individuals with text-neck syndrome. Understanding these mechanisms may inform targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal risk associated with modern technology use. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd
Social Media and Financial Decisions: The Influence of Socio-Demographics and Financial Literacy
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2026) Altinbas, H.
This study investigates the predictors of individuals' reliance on social media for financial decision-making within the context of Türkiye's high-inflation environment and the associated surge in retail investor participation. Data were collected via an online survey utilizing the OECD's financial literacy toolkit. The results indicate that gender, family structure, high-risk asset preferences, and financial literacy predict social media usage for financial information. Specifically, males, individuals who invest in stocks or cryptocurrencies, and those with higher financial literacy demonstrate a greater propensity to access financial information on social media; conversely, households with children exhibit lower reliance on social media information. © 2026 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
“Our Lives Have Gone” Experiences in and After Kahramanmaraş\Türkiye Earthquake: A Qualitative Research
(Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, 2025) Gümüş, F.; Dikeç, G.
AIM: This study aimed to examine the experiences and emotions of individuals who experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. METHODS: This study’s data, which were collected using qualitative research methods, were collected through face-to-face individual interviews between March 20 and March 21, 2023, after the earthquake in Hatay and Diyarbakır. The purposive sample method, one of the purposeful random sampling methods, was used in the research. A total of 35 individuals formed the study’s sample. Colaizzi’s phenomenological interpretation method was used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS: The data obtained from the individual interviews with the participants were gathered under three main themes: earthquake moment, emotions, and after the earthquake. In the study, it was determined that the participants stated that they were terrified by the noise and shaking at the time of the earthquake; they could not go out immediately, it was cold when they went out, and they witnessed that everywhere was dark and destroyed. It was determined that the emotions experienced by the participants were anger, helplessness, guilt, hope, and hopelessness, and they expressed their needs after the earthquake, the difficulties in getting help, and the losses they experienced. CONCLUSION: Remarkably, the study results are often parallel to acute stress, loss, and grief reactions, and the needs of individuals are the basic principles of psychological first aid. © 2025, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing. All rights reserved.
Peloid Therapy Versus Hot Pack Treatment in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Effects on Pain, Function, and Quality of Life
(Romanian Association of Balneology, 2025) Akkurt, B.; Alptekin, H.K.; Aydin, T.
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of peloid and hotpack for chronic low back pain (CLBP) due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Sixty individuals aged 18–50 years with CLBP due to LDH were randomized into two groups: peloid therapy (n=30) and hot pack therapy (n=30). Treatments were applied five days a week for 15 sessions, and all partici-pants received 20 minutes of lumbar TENS per session. Evaluations were conducted before and after treatment, including pain (VAS), Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), quality of life (SF-36), range of motion, and finger-floor distance (FFD). Peloid group showed significant improvements in BPFS, physical functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, vitality, emotional well-being, pain, and general health compared to the hot pack group (p<0.05). Both groups showed significant reducti-ons in VAS, ODI and FFD scores (p<0.05), with no significant between-group differences (p>0.05). In conclusion, while both treatments were effective in reducing pain and disabili-ty, peloid therapy provided superior improvements in functional status and quality of life compared to hot pack therapy. © 2025 by the authors.
Classification of Noisy Histopathology Images with Bayesian and Ensemble Deep Learning
(SPIE, 2025) Akturk, B.; Bilgin, G.
The classification of histopathology image data using deep learning algorithms is a pivotal aspect in cancer diagnosis, offering crucial benefits in terms of accuracy and rapid decision-making for pathologists, technologists, clinicians, and researchers. However, the complex process of data structuring and labeling often involves the presence of noisy or outlier labels and images, which inevitably diminish the training and predictive efficacy of classification models. This study introduces an innovative approach for classifying histopathology images with noisy characteristics, presenting a learning process resilient to noise. In this dataset, where classification performance is inherently challenged, popular transfer learning models are integrated with Bayesian deep learning and ensemble learning algorithms. This integration helps mitigate common problems such as overfitting and underfitting in outlier data predictions, yielding more stable outcomes. These hybrid methods, unaffected by the noise and uncertainty in data structures, demonstrate performance comparable to, or even surpassing, transfer learning algorithms. Consequently, the viability of addressing real-world noisy dataset scenarios is enhanced. Experimental results indicate that the proposed ensemble Bayesian transfer learning algorithms match the success of pre-trained transfer learning algorithms and offer an alternative to time-consuming model validation techniques, underscoring the practical application of ensemble Bayesian transfer learning in enhancing uncertainty assessments. · © 2025 SPIE · 0277-786X ·
In Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Myrtus Communis Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Gastrointestinal Injury: Trod-Grog Study
(Kare Publishing, 2025) Pekyürek Varan, M.P.; Atasoy, O.; Ozyilmaz, N.; Pazarbaşı, S.E.; Ertas, B.; Ercan, F.; Atasoy, B.M.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the in vivo radioprotective effects of Myrtus communis (MC) on the gastrointestinal system. METHODS: A total of 30 female rats were divided into four groups: i) Control; ii) irradiation (IR) only; iii) MC-pretreated; and iv) MC-treated. The rats received oral MC extract (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 days before exposure to 10 Gy IR or continued until sacrifice. On the fourth day of IR exposure, the rats were sacrificed, and histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed on the ileum, pancreas, and liver tissues. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels decreased in both MC-treated groups, while glutathione levels and Na+-K+-ATPase activity increased (p<0.01), with significant histopathological improvements compared to the IR-only group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that MC significantly decreases ionizing radiation-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage in the gastrointestinal systems of rats. Therefore, it may be regarded as a new candidate with radioprotective potential for future clinical application. © 2025, Kare Publishing. All rights reserved.
The Influence of Leisure Screen Time on Sleep Patterns and Feeding Behaviors in Primary School Children
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Aydoner Bektas, Selen; Bumin, Gonca
The increasing use of screen-based devices in children's daily lives has raised concerns about their effects on health behaviors such as sleep and feeding. This study investigated the relationship between leisure screen time and sleep and feeding problems in primary school children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 322 children aged 7-10 years and their parents. Parents completed questionnaires measuring children's daily leisure screen time, sleep patterns, and feeding behaviors. Results showed that weekend leisure screen time (M = 149.4 minutes/day) was higher than weekdays. Significant positive correlations were found between leisure screen time and both total feeding problem scores (weekdays: r = 0.22; weekends: r = 0.25, p < .01) and sleep disturbances (weekdays: r = 0.29; weekends: r = 0.32, p < .01). The most affected areas were selective eating and sleep initiation/maintenance. Regression analysis revealed that weekend leisure screen time significantly predicted feeding problems (beta = 0.22, p = .001) and sleep disturbances (beta = 0.27, p < .001), explaining 8% and 12% of the variance, respectively. The findings indicate the importance of managing children's screen time - particularly on weekends - to support healthier sleep and eating patterns and guide family-based interventions.
The Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being, Resilience, and Adherence Among Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment in Türkiye
(Springer, 2026) Bulbul, Elif; Sukut, Ozge; Dikec, Gul
This study examined the relationship between spiritual well-being, resilience, and adherence of hemodialysis patients and the factors affecting them. The data were collected from 182 hemodialysis patients receiving treatment in a dialysis center who met the inclusion criteria by purposive sampling method in Istanbul. The data were collected with the patient description questionnaire, which measures patient sociodemographic characteristics and characteristics related to the medical diagnosis, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the End-Stage Renal Failure-Adherence Questionnaire. Gender, educational status, employment status, and mean age of patients were found to be correlated with psychological resilience. Marital status, employment status, cohabitants, and mean age of patients were found to be correlated with spiritual well-being. Gender, number of weekly dialysis sessions, and dialysis competencies were found to be correlated with hemodialysis patients' adherence to their treatment. Hemodialysis patients' adherence was positively correlated with both the faith subscale of spiritual well-being and psychological resilience. According to regression analysis, gender and resilience explained 12.8% of the total variance of adherence. This study determined that resilience is an essential factor in increasing the adherence of hemodialysis patients.
Early Detection of Lower Adherence to Long-Term E-Diary Recording: A Checkpoint to Target Early Educational Intervention in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
(Wiley, 2026) Dramburg, S.; Hernandez Toro, C. J.; Grittner, U.; Tripodi, S.; Arasi, S.; Acar Sahin, A.; Matricardi, P. M.
Background: Digital symptom monitoring via e-Diary apps can support the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases with trigger-induced exacerbations such as pollen allergies. Attrition is a major challenge for continuous e-Diary usage with an unsupervised approach. Objective: To investigate adherence to e-Diary reporting, its early determinants and predictors in a blended care setting among pollen allergic patients with heterogeneous cultural backgrounds. Methods: The @IT.2020 observational multicenter study recruited patients with diagnosed seasonal allergic rhinitis from seven Southern European/Mediterranean countries. Baseline characteristics were investigated through questionnaires, skin prick tests and serum specific IgE measurements. The study doctors asked patients to record their allergy symptoms via e-Diary (AllergyMonitor, TPS) daily during the clinically relevant season of pollination and increased mould concentrations. Results: Among 815 patients (467 adults, 348 children), the average prescribed e-Diary recording period was 106 (SD 47.1) days, with an average completion rate of 75.2% (SD 21.2%). Children (>= 10 years) filled 73.8% (95% CI 68.1-79.4) of prescribed days without parental support. We identified a stable 'higher' and a more variable 'lower' adherence cluster. Adherence was weakly associated with disease severity, but not with age, gender, country, education or digital literacy. Short-term (first 3 weeks) adherence was strongly associated with long-term adherence (partial R-2 = 0.387, p < 0.001), with 87.6% of lower adherent patients remaining poorly adherent beyond 3 weeks. Conclusion: In a blended care setting, adherence to e-Diary compilation among pollen allergic patients is high, irrespective of age and cultural background. Early identification of lower adherence is possible and might inform early interventions to improve patient adherence.
Evaluation of Barriers to the Integration of Renewable Energy Technologies into Industries in Türkiye
(MDPI, 2026) Caloglu Buyukselcuk, Elif; Turan, Hakan
The transition to renewable energy technologies is one of the most important ways to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of affordable and clean energy (SDG7); industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG9); responsible production and consumption (SDG12); and climate action (SDG13). The widespread use of renewable energy technologies in developing countries will reduce dependence on imported fossil resources, increase industrial competitiveness, and support low-carbon development. Despite all their advantages, the integration of renewable energy technologies into industrial and domestic systems in developing countries remains slow due to a number of barriers. Financial constraints, technical and technological deficiencies, political restrictions and uncertainties, and organizational and managerial inadequacies are some of the barriers to the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies. This study aims to identify, classify, and prioritize the barriers to the implementation of renewable energy technologies by applying multi-criteria decision-making methods in a fuzzy environment, with T & uuml;rkiye considered as a case study. The relative importance of the barriers identified using the Single-Valued Spherical Fuzzy SWARA method was assessed, and their interconnections and significance were systematically demonstrated. The findings will contribute to the development of policy and management strategies aligned with global sustainability goals, thereby facilitating a more effective and equitable transition to clean and resilient energy systems.
Pathologies of the Modern Paradigm and the Refugee Question: A Critical Analysis
(Springer Nature, 2026) Yamaner, Onur; Ozalp, Ahmet
This article examines the internal contradictions and social pathologies generated by the modern paradigm, focusing especially on the issue of migration. Using epistemological critiques from thinkers like Adorno, Kuhn, Popper, Hayek, and the Frankfurt School, the paper argues that modernity's promise of universal rationality and scientific progress has frequently resulted in structures that are exclusionary, homogenizing, and sometimes even totalitarian. The paper then links these theoretical debates to contemporary migration. It emphasizes how refugee women-especially those facing the combined challenges of gender and displacement-experience complex layers of social invisibility and discursive erasure. By critically applying recognition theory and discourse analysis, the study highlights how modernity's promise of inclusion frequently hides the actual mechanisms of marginalization. In this part, the article demonstrates that these marginalization processes are linked to the scientific premises of the modern paradigm and considers the migration problem as an example of the pathology of the modern paradigm.
Diagnostic Utility of Smartphone-Integrated Gait Analysis in the Assessment of BPPV (Vol 16 , 1728659 , 2025)
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026) Durmus, Kasim; Bora, Adem; Sapci, Baris; Al-Hazzar, Marwan Khaled; Akti, Kerem; Sapci, Melek Kekul; Altuntas, Emine Elif
Positioning School Readiness as Ecological Fit: The School Readiness Ecological Approach (SERA) for Occupational Therapy and Education
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Aydoner Bektas, Selen
Traditional perspectives on school readiness have emphasized child-level competencies such as cognitive, language, and behavioral skills. While important, the narrow focus overlooks the ecological systems - families, teachers, and communities - that shape children's adaptation to school. The participation-oriented perspective of occupational therapy has also been largely absent from the discourse. The School Readiness Ecological Approach (SERA) reframes school readiness as a matter of ecological fit rather than merely a set of children's skills. Based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and the Person - Environment - Occupation model, SERA conceptualizes readiness as the outcome of dynamic exchanges between children, families, educators, schools, and policy environments. SERA addresses key gaps by: (1) shifting focus from isolated child attributes to participation in real-life contexts; (2) integrating occupational therapy's holistic perspective into readiness; and (3) providing a multi-level framework to guide research, practice, and policy. SERA emphasizes four domains - child, family, educational environment, and community - as interconnected contributors to school readiness trajectories. As a conceptual bridge across education, health, and social systems, SERA will broaden theoretical scope, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote inclusive, and sustainable strategies. Reconceptualizing school readiness as ecological fit will help move beyond deficit-based views and support more equitable and effective school transitions.
Advances and Strategies in Biosensor-Based Diagnostics for Parasitic Infections: A Comprehensive Scoping Review
(Springer, 2026) Aminizadeh, Selva; Alizadeh, Gita; Alizadeh, Zahra; Khalilzadeh, Balal; Abidin, Zurina Zainal; Marzi, Mahdi; Rafiei-Sefiddashti, Raheleh
Parasitic diseases are among the most widespread infections worldwide, causing millions of deaths and illnesses each year. So rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential, requiring highly sensitive and specific tests. Biosensors can provide significant advantages over traditional diagnostic methods because of their specificity, sensitivity, speed, simplicity, ease of use, repeatability, and capacity for early-stage disease detection. Recent advances in modern diagnostic tools for detecting parasitic infections use nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes. These developments have significantly lowered detection limits to the picogram and femtogram levels. This review will cover recent advancements in biosensor-based diagnostic techniques in parasitology.
Metformin Attenuates PTZ-Induced Seizures and Cognitive Impairment and Is Associated with Altered NOS/NO Signaling: Combined in Vivo and in Silico Evidence
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Ciltas, Arzuhan Cetindag; Sahin, Bilal; Hacisuleyman, Levent
Background: Epilepsy remains a major neurological disorder with high rates of drug resistance and cognitive decline. Repurposing neuroprotective drugs offers a promising approach. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, has shown anticonvulsant effects, yet its impact on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in distinct brain regions remains unclear. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were allocated into control, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), or metformin+PTZ groups. Metformin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for 7 days before induction of acute PTZ seizures (45 mg/kg, i.p.). Seizure severity and latency were assessed using Racine's scale, and cognition was evaluated by the passive avoidance test (PAT). Nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of its synthesizing enzymes, inducible (iNOS), neuronal (nNOS), and endothelial (eNOS), were quantified in the cortex and hippocampus via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In silico analyses included target prediction and molecular docking to assess metformin - NOS interactions. Results: Metformin significantly reduced seizure severity, prolonged latency to the first myoclonic jerk, and prevented PTZ-induced memory impairment (all p < 0.001). These behavioral effects were accompanied by reductions in cortical and hippocampal nNOS and iNOS expression, decreased cortical eNOS levels, and lower NO accumulation. TargetNet predicted NOS isoforms among potential metformin targets, and docking indicated moderate binding affinity (-5.2 to -5.9 kcal/mol). Conclusion: Metformin exerted seizure-suppressing and cognition-preserving effects in an acute PTZ model, associated with reductions in NOS isoform expression and NO levels, suggesting altered NOS/NO signaling and supporting its potential as an adjunctive candidate for mitigating seizure-related neuronal dysfunction.
From Data to Autonomy: Integrating Demographic Factors and AI Models for Expert-Free Exercise Coaching
(MDPI, 2026) Ozbalkan, Ugur; Turna, Ozgur Can
This study investigates the performance of three deep learning architectures-LSTM with Attention, GRU with Attention, and Transformer-in the context of real-time, self-guided exercise classification, using coordinate data collected from 103 participants via a dual-camera system. Each model was evaluated over ten randomized runs to ensure robustness and statistical validity. The GRU + Attention and LSTM + Attention models demonstrated consistently high test accuracy (mean approximate to 98.9%), while the Transformer model yielded significantly lower accuracy (mean approximate to 96.6%) with greater variance. Paired t-tests confirmed that the difference between LSTM and GRU models was not statistically significant (p = 0.9249), while both models significantly outperformed the Transformer architecture (p < 0.01). In addition, participant-specific features, such as athletic experience and BMI, were found to affect classification accuracy. These findings support the feasibility of AI-based feedback systems in enhancing unsupervised training, offering a scalable solution to bridge the gap between expert supervision and autonomous physical practice.
Investigation of the Susceptibility Rates to Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Colistin, Clonal Relationships, and Clinical Data of Patients with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolates Detected in the ICUs of a Hospital in İstanbul
(K Faisal Special Hospital Research Centre, 2026) Akkaya, Yuksel; Aydin, Irfan; Harmankaya, Sebile; Karakul, Mehmet; Aydin, Mehtap; Erdin, Begum Nalca; Kilic, Ibrahim Halil
BACKGROUND: The increase in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-Kp) in intensive care units (ICUs) causes treatment difficulties and increases risk in mortality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the susceptibility rates of CR-Kp isolates obtained from ICUs to ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) and colistin, carbapenem resistance genes, clonal relationships and clinical characteristics of the patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort SETTING: Single-center, University of Health Sciences, & Uuml;mraniye Training and Research Hospital MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between June 2023 and December 2024. Isolates were identified using VITEK MS v.3.2, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK 2 Compact system. CAZ-AVI susceptibility was determined using disk diffusion, and colistin susceptibility was determined using broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Carbapenem resistance genes were determined using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and clonal relationship arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resistance genes of CR-Kp isolates, clonal relationships, CAZ-AVI and colistin resistance, and clinical characteristics of patients SAMPLE SIZE: Ninety-seven isolates from 76 patients RESULTS: Among patients with CR-Kp isolates, central venous catheter use was detected in 59 cases (78%), ventilator-associated pneumonia in 44 cases (58%), and bacteremia in 39 cases (51%), respectively. It was determined that 53 of the patients (70%) died. Using the AP-PCR method, 60 different genotypes were identified among 97 isolates, and clustering was determined in 42 of the isolates (46%). It was determined that 36 (37%) of the isolates were resistant to colistin and 42 (45%) were resistant to CAZ-AVI. NDM+OXA-48, OXA-48, KPC, KPC+NDM, and NDM genes were detected in 40 (43%), 32 (35%), 10 (11%), 2 (2%), and 3 (3%) isolates, respectively. It was determined that 30 (75%) of the isolates with NDM+OXA-48 and only 4 (12%) of the isolates with OXA-48 were resistant to CAZ-AVI. CONCLUSION: In addition to OXA-48, an increase in the frequency of CR-Kp isolates containing the NDM, NDM+OXA-48, KPC+NDM, and OXA-48+KPC genes were also detected. It was also determined that resistance to colistin and CAZ-AVI is increasing. The AP-PCR method can also be used to investigate infections. LIMITATIONS: Single center,Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) could not be performed together with AP-PCR
Evaluation of Octenidine Dihydrochloride-Induced Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis, and Inflammatory Responses in Human Ocular Epithelial and Retinal Cells
(MDPI, 2025) Ciftci, Ihsan Hakki; Deveci Ozkan, Asuman; Erman, Gulay; Kilbas, Imdat; Aydemir, Ozlem
Background/Objectives: Octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT-D) is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with high chemical stability, low toxicity, and no reported microbial resistance, making it a strong candidate for use on mucosal surfaces. Despite increasing interest in its potential ophthalmic applications, limited data exist regarding its cellular effects on ocular tissues. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, inflammatory, and transcriptional responses induced by OCT-D in human conjunctival (IOBA-NHC) and retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. Methods: Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of OCT-D, and viability was assessed using the WST-1 assay to determine IC50 and IC50/2 values. These concentrations were subsequently used in molecular assays. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) were quantified by ELISA. Apoptotic activation was evaluated through caspase-3/7 activity assays. Gene expression analysis of apoptotic (Bax, Bcl-2), DNA damage-related (ATM, Rad51), and inflammatory markers was performed using RT-qPCR. Results: OCT-D induced a marked, dose-dependent reduction in cell viability in both cell lines, with ARPE-19 showing greater sensitivity. Caspase-3/7 activity increased significantly at IC50 and IC50/2, confirming intrinsic apoptotic activation. OCT-D markedly suppressed the release of key inflammatory cytokines and downregulated transcription of inflammatory genes. RT-qPCR revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic and DNA damage-associated genes, demonstrating coordinated activation of apoptotic and genomic stress pathways. Conclusion: OCT-D triggers integrated cytotoxic, apoptotic, and immunomodulatory responses in conjunctival and retinal epithelial cells. While these findings provide important mechanistic insights into OCT-D's cellular effects, further studies using primary cells, advanced 3D ocular models, and disease-relevant systems are required to support its potential translational use in ophthalmology.
Montelukast Attenuates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Rats: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
(Elsevier, 2026) Tekin, Gozde; Cevik, Ozge; Cetinel, Sule; Sener, Goksel; Kizilay, Mehmet
Objective: Oxidative stress and inflammation are widely recognized as central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm. This study sought to examine the potential protective properties of montelukast in a rat model of aortic aneurysm. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three experimental groups. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was induced using the calcium chloride (CaCl2) model, in which gauze soaked in 0.5 M CaCl2 was placed directly onto the adventitial surface of the infrarenal abdominal aorta for 15 minutes. After induction, the treatment group received daily intraperitoneal injections of montelukast (10 mg/kg) for 4 consecutive weeks. At the study end point, animals were euthanized, and infrarenal aortic tissues were harvested for biochemical and histological evaluations. Measured parameters included matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine levels. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assays. Histopathological examinations were performed, and statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism v.5. Results: Exposure to CaCl2 triggered pronounced oxidative injury and inflammation, as evidenced by elevated 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine levels, increased MPO activity, reduced SOD activity, and upregulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Montelukast administration markedly attenuated these changes, normalizing oxidative and inflammatory markers while improving histopathological architecture. Conclusions: Montelukast effectively counteracted CaCl2-induced aortic damage. The protective effects of montelukast appear to be mediated through suppression of MMP activity, restoration of SOD levels, and reduction of MPO-driven oxidative injury. By mitigating both inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms, montelukast contributes to the preservation of aortic wall structure. Clinical Relevance: Abdominal aortic aneurysm remains a major vascular disorder without an effective pharmacological therapy to slow its progression. In this experimental study, montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist widely used in asthma, attenuated abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in rats and was associated with increased superoxide dismutase activity, reduced myeloperoxidase levels, and suppressed matrix metalloproteinase activation. These combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and matrix-stabilizing effects preserved aortic wall integrity. Given montelukast's established safety and clinical availability, these findings support its potential for future clinical investigation as a pharmacological approach to limit aneurysm progression. (JVS-Vascular Science 2026;7:100405.)

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