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Examination of infant mortality risk in Turkey with spatio-temporal Bayesian models
(PAGEPress, 2025) Kılıç Yıldırım, Sade; Alpar, Celal Reha
The infant mortality rate in Turkey declined from 13.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2009 to 9.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017. This study explored the role of spatio-temporal Bayesian models in explaining this decline. Parametric, nonparametric spatio- temporal Bayesian models, and a Bayesian generalized linear model without space, time, and space-time interaction were applied using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) method. Exceedance probabilities were used for detecting significant risk clusters. The unstructured spatial and structured temporal interaction random effect of the best-fitting spatio-temporal Bayesian model contributed more to explaining variation in the relative risk of infant mortality than the other random effects. From 2009 to 2017, in each year, significant risk clusters were consistently detected in the eastern and south-eastern Anatolia regions. An increase of 1,000 USD in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita reduced the relative risk of infant mortality by 2.8%. When determining the factors that may affect infant mortality in Turkey, it is also essential to consider the effects of space, time, and space-time interaction. In addition, decision-makers should consider the increase in GDP per capita as a factor in reducing infant mortality in Turkey by focusing on these significant risk clusters in the eastern and south-eastern Anatolia regions.
Cytolytic vaginosis in women with vaginitis: Prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment
(Karger, 2025) Kömeç, Selda; Tercan, Can; Ceylan, Ayşe Nur; Durmuş, Mehmet Akif; Donbaloğlu, Gizem Şirin; Aydın, Mustafa Derya
Objectives: Vaginitis is an inflammatory condition of the vagina, which often manifests with symptoms like discharge, foul odor, and pruritus. The most commonly recognized forms are candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and trichomoniasis, but conditions like cytolytic vaginosis (CV) remain under-recognized and frequently misdiagnosed in clinical practice despite its notable prevalence. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CV in patients with vaginitis, assess the specificity of the diagnostic criteria for CV, and investigate the efficacy of CV treatments. Design: This study is a prospective diagnostic study. Participants/Materials, Setting: A total of 81 patients (aged 20–55 years) with symptoms of vaginitis, and 30 control participants without these symptoms were enrolled. Methods: Vaginal samples were analyzed for Trichomonas vaginalis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and BV and CV. Vaginal samples were evaluated using Gram staining, pH measurement, and microbiological culture to identify causative agents. CV was diagnosed based on the low vaginal pH, presence of abundant lactobacilli, cytolysis of the vaginal epithelium, false clue cells, and naked nuclei in Gram staining. Results: The study found that CV was the most prevalent diagnosis, accounting for 32.1% of cases. This was followed by BV (22.2%) and VVC (14.8%). The most common symptoms among CV patients were vaginal discharge, pruritus, and dysuria. Vaginal discharge characteristics did not significantly distinguish CV from other forms of vaginitis. A recurrence rate of 61.5% was observed in CV patients, highlighting the recurrent nature of the condition. Sodium bicarbonate sitz baths effectively relieved symptoms in many patients (58.8%). Limitations: The number of patients receiving treatment is low, and the treatment follow-ups could have been conducted over a longer period, considering the menstrual cycle. Conclusions: The study highlights the diagnostic challenge of CV, where common symptoms overlap with other forms of vaginitis, leading to potential treatment failures. CV treatment, including NaHCO3 sitz baths, showed moderate efficacy, but further research is needed to establish more effective therapeutic strategies. Our findings underscore the importance of considering CV in the differential diagnosis of vaginitis as it remains an overlooked condition that significantly contributes to recurrent vaginitis. Further studies with larger sample sizes and better treatment protocols are needed to enhance the management of this condition.
Insufficient impact of the aldose reductase inhibitor cemtirestat on the skeletal system in type 2 diabetic rat model
(Public Library of Science, 2025) Martiniakova, Monika; Prnova, Marta Soltesova; Kovacova, Veronika; Mondockova, Vladimira; Svik, Karol; Londzin, Piotr; Folwarczna, Joanna; Omelka, Radoslav; Dikmen, Tayfun
Cemtirestat, a multi-target drug combining aldose reductase inhibition with antiox idant properties, is considered a promising therapeutic agent for chronic diabetic complications. Current evidence suggests that long-standing diabetes adversely affects skeletal health, leading to diabetic bone disease. As the impact of cemtirestat on the skeletal system in an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still unknown, our study first investigated its effect on impaired bone health in Zucker dia betic fatty (ZDF) rats. Adult rats were divided into four groups: L (untreated lean ZDF rats), D (untreated obese ZDF rats), DT2.5 (obese ZDF rats treated with 2.5mg/kg/ day cemtirestat), and DT7.5 (obese ZDF rats treated with 7.5mg/kg/day cemtirestat), with cemtirestat treatment lasting 2 months. Group D had increased levels of plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, alkaline phos phatase, alanine aminotransferase, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, greater body weight, femoral weight, structure model index, reduced cortical bone volume fraction, cortical bone thickness, trabecular bone volume fraction, and trabecular thickness compared to group L. Cemtirestat supplementation only elevated plasma phosphate levels in group DT2.5, trabecular bone volume fraction and trabecu lar thickness in group DT7.5, but the treatment had no effect on other parameters demonstrated in ZDF rats by macroscopic analysis, micro-CT cortical bone analysis, and mechanical testing. These findings indicate that the efficacy of cemtirestat in restoring deteriorated bone health caused by T2DM is not substantiated due to its insufficient effect on the skeletal system in the ZDF rat model.
Gender-specific foot morphology and biomechanical patterns in young adults: A combined photogrammetric and plantar pressure analysis
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Nteli Chatzioglou, Gkionoul; Govsa, Figen; Bedre, Özden; Pınar, Yelda; Hepgüler, Simin
Purpose Understanding gender-based foot morphological differences is critical for ergonomic footwear design. This study investigated these variations in young adults using photogrammetric and plantar pressure analysis. Methods We analyzed 200 healthy participants (100 males, 100 females; aged 19–21 years) through digital photogrammetry and RSscan Footscan pressure mapping. Key parameters included foot length (FL), ball width (BWF), hallux valgus angle (HVd), lateral foot angle (LdF), and Clarke’s Index for arch classification. Plantar pressure distribution was assessed across 10 anatomical zones. Results We revealed significant gender disparities: males had longer (26.6 vs. 25.2 cm) and wider feet (10.2 vs. 9.1 cm), while 75% of participants exhibited HVd (5.1°–6.3°), with no gender difference. Dynamic Clarke’s Index showed 80% had high arches, correlating with lower BMI (p<0.001). Pressure analysis highlighted higher midfoot loading (37.8–41.2 cm2 ) and medial forefoot pressure in HVd cases. Females predominantly wore smaller shoes (sizes 36–38), whereas 89% of males wore sizes 42–44. BMI influenced midfoot pressure (r=0.3) and arch height, with flat arches linked to higher BMI. Foot asymmetry (38%) and HVd prevalence underscored the need for gender-specific shoe designs. Conclusion It emphasize prioritizing ergonomic footwear to mitigate pressure imbalances, HVd progression, and asym metry, particularly in high-BMI individuals. This dual-method approach provides actionable insights for biomechanical applications and footwear customization.
Origin-order classification of axillary third-part branching: Donor-based dissection–CTA correlation for surgical planning
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Temizsoy Korkmaz, Fulya; Coşkun, Osman; Gürses, İlke Ali; Gayretli, Özcan; Özdemir, Sevim; Öztürk, Adnan; Kale, Ayşin
Purpose Variations in the branching of the subscapular artery (SSA), anterior circumflex humeral artery (ACHA), and posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) are directly relevant to reconstructive planning with subscapular-system flaps and to humeral-head perfusion in shoulder surgery. Evidence organized around an origin-order–based framework remains limited. We aimed to address this gap by comparing body-donor dissections and computed tomography angiography (CTA) to provide a clinically useful classification and morphometric reference. Methods We performed a two-arm cross-sectional morphometric study: body-donor dissection (28 donors; bilateral, 56 sides) and CTA (25 patients; bilateral, 50 sides). In total, 104 sides were evaluated; 96 were classifiable. Classification used the sequential SSA–ACHA–PCHA origin order and common-trunk presence. Ostial diameters and SSA → CSA distances were measured; the radial nerve (NR)–SSA relationship was assessed in donors. origin_order__five_type_classif… Results In donors, Type-1, -2, -3, and -4 accounted for 36.5%, 32.7%, 23.1%, and 7.7%, respectively; Type-5 was absent. In CTA, Type-1, -4, and -5 comprised 93.2%, 2.3%, and 4.5% (one bilateral case); Types-2/-3 were not observed. Inter-modality comparison showed a longer SSA → CSA distance and smaller TDA/CSA diameters in CTA (all p < 0.001), while the SSA ostial diameter was similar. A posterior NR course relative to the SSA was associated with a longer SSA → CSA distance (p = 0.026). Conclusion An origin-order–based classification, corroborated across dissection and CTA, yields a practical map for (i) single-pedicle harvesting within the subscapular system and chimeric flap design, and (ii) avoiding iatrogenic compromise of humeral-head vascularity during shoulder procedures. Incorporating presurgical CTA mapping of the SSA and its branches may enhance safety where variants (e.g., short/combined trunks, rare Type-5) are suspected.
A novel model for early prediction of in hospital mortality in seawater drowning: The SNOP score
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Öncü, Kıvanç; Özcan, Özhan; Şi̇mşi̇rgi̇l Kara, Şeyma; Parmaksız, Ayhan; Erşen, Teoman
Background Drowning is a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide; however, early in-hospital risk stratification remains limited. Although tools such as the Szpilman score assist in early severity assessment, they may not fully capture the evolving clinical status after admission. This study aimed to develop a simplified and objective model based on readily available parameters to predict in-hospital mortality following seawater drowning. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a referral emergency department (ED) in northern Turkey between July 1, 2011, and December 31, 2024. Of 190 patients initially included, 166 with complete clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. Data were obtained from institutional and national health information systems. Clinical, physiological, and biochemical variables were assessed. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Variables with near-perfect discrimination (e.g., GCS, pH, Szpilman score) were excluded to avoid overfitting. Results Among the 166 patients, 34 (20.5%) died during hospitalization. CPR and endotracheal intubation rates were significantly higher among non-survivors (CPR: 97.1% vs. 0%; intubation: 97.1% vs. 2.3%; both p<0.001). Non survivors also presented with lower GCS (median 3 vs. 15), lower arterial pH, and higher Szpilman scores (all p<0.001). ROC analysis identified four potential predictors with AUC values between 0.90 and 0.95—pCO₂, lactate, SpO₂, and sodium—all showing significant discriminatory capacity (p<0.001). These variables were entered into a binary logistic regression model, from which serum sodium (OR=2.110; 95% CI: 1.310–3.401; p=0.002) and SpO₂ (OR=0.902; 95% CI: 0.847–0.961; p=0.001) emerged as independent predictors. These formed the basis of the SNOP score (Saturation and Natremia-based Outcome Predictor), a two-parameter logistic model demonstrating excellent performance: AUC=0.996, sensitivity=99.0%, specificity=96.2%, and overall accuracy=98.4%. Conclusion: The SNOP score is a simple, ED-specific tool for early prediction of in-hospital mortality in seawater drowning. It complements existing assessment systems by incorporating objective, admission-based parameters. Prospective multicenter validation is warranted to confirm its clinical applicability and support broader implementation.
PRDM6 promoter methylation as a potential epigenetic biomarker in BRCA-associated ovarian cancer
(MRE Press, 2025) Cömert, Numan; Şükrüoğlu Erdoğan, Özge; Çelik Demirbaş, Betül; Kılıç Erciyas, Seda; Dinç, Ahmet; Pasin, Özge; Yazıcı, Hülya; Tuncer, Şeref Buğra
Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis. Aberrant DNA methylation is critical in tumorigenesis and represents a promising avenue for biomarker development. We hypothesized that PR/SET domain 6 (PRDM6) methylation is associated with breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation status in OC. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 387 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, 50 individuals with benign ovarian conditions, and 100 healthy controls. DNA methylation was evaluated using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes (MSREs) and subsequently analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize categorical and continuous variables. Associations between PRDM6 methylation and clinical parameters, including BRCA mutation status, cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels, and age, were statistically analyzed. Results: PRDM6 methylation was detected in 53.9% of OC patients, 60.0% of individuals with benign ovarian disease, and 37.0% of healthy controls. The methylation frequency in OC patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls (p = 0.005). PRDM6 promoter methylation was detected in 64.8% of BRCA-mutated OC patients compared to 50.3% of BRCA negative patients, indicating a significant association between BRCA mutation status and PRDM6 methylation (p = 0.016). No significant associations were found between PRDM6 methylation and age, menopausal status, or CA-125 levels. Conclusions: PRDM6 methylation may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for early detection in high risk populations, particularly in BRCA mutation carriers.
The understanding of the importance of oxidant/antioxidant status in hemophilia patients with arthropathy
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Bingül, İlknur; Koç Şenol, Başak; Hanikoğlu, Ayşegül; Delen, Elif; Ömer, Beyhan; Genç, Nilgün Sema; Zülfikar, Bülent
This study aimed to investigate the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokine [interleukin-1β (IL-1β)], receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), prooxidant [reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive sub stances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)], and antioxi dant markers [ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total-thiol content (t-SH)] in the pathogenesis of arthropathy in patients with hemophilia (PwH) with/without arthropathy, and to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing arthropathy and improving quality of life. The study included 18 PwH without arthropathy [31.0 years; (13–65)] and 39 PwH with arthropathy [10 years; (3–36)]. Among PwH with arthropathy, 6% were inhibitor positive, and 26.3% had involvement of more than two joints. Serum ROS and AGE were measured by fluorometric method, while TBARS, AOPP, FRAP, and t-SH were assessed via spectrophotometrically. IL-1β and RANKL concentrations were determined using ELISA. AGE and RANKL concentrations were significantly higher in PwH with arthropathy compared to those without (p=0.002 and p=0.010, respectively), and differences remained significant after age adjustment. FRAP and t-SH levels were initially elevated in PwH with arthropathy (p=0.030 and p=0.007, respectively), but differences lost significance after age adjustment. No significant differences were observed in ROS, TBARS, AOPP, or IL-1β levels between groups. Elevated AGE and RANKL levels in PwH with arthropathy suggest their potential involvement in joint damage and highlight the importance of maintaining oxidant/antioxidant balance. Therefore, monitoring these biomarkers may provide supportive information for early detection and inform future research on preventive strategies to reduce joint complications and preserve long-term quality of life in hemophilia.
Unveiling the interplay of EBV, HSV-1, and ınflammatory biomarkers in psychiatric disorders
(MDPI Publishing, 2025) Akgül, Özer; Demirel, Ömer Faruk; Tosun, İlker; Kavla, Yasin; Kırkpınar, Mehmet Murat; Sapmaz, Burcu; Şenyiğit, Gülçin; Çalışkan, Reyhan; Öner, Yaşar Ali
Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depres sive disorder (MDD) are increasingly viewed as neuroimmune disorders shaped by viral exposure and inflammation. Disorder-specific immunovirological profiles, however, re main poorly defined. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) seropositivity and measured serum CRP, IL-6, and IL-1β in 708 participants: 110 with SCH, 121 with BPD, 135 with MDD, and 342 healthy controls (HC). Statistical analyses included Shapiro–Wilk tests for nor mality; Kruskal–Wallis with Bonferroni-adjusted Dunn post hoc comparisons; and logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and marital status. Results: EBV seropositivity was higher in SCH (90.9%) than in HC (78.9%) (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.68–7.12; p = 0.001) but not in BPD or MDD. HSV-1 seropositivity was elevated in BPD (83.5%) versus HC (67.0%) (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.34–3.92; p = 0.003), with no differences in SCH or MDD. Inflammatory biomarkers were significantly increased in SCH and MDD compared to HC (p < 0.001), while BPD showed no differences. Conclusions: The findings delineate distinct immunovi rological patterns across major psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia was characterized by EBV seropositivity accompanied by systemic inflammatory activation, bipolar disorder by HSV-1 seropositivity in the absence of inflammatory changes, and major depressive disor der by inflammatory dysregulation independent of viral exposure. These disorder-specific profiles highlight heterogeneity in neuroimmune pathways and underscore the potential relevance of biomarker-based stratification for generating hypotheses regarding targeted antiviral or anti-inflammatory interventions in psychiatric populations.
The impact of culture conditions on mitochondrial dynamics in different cell types
(Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi, 2025) Köm, Doğa Buse; Çataltepe, Sude Naz; Budak, Gülden; Dal Yöntem, Fulya
Aim: Mitochondria continuously undergo fusion and fission processes to maintain their structural integrity and function and mitochondrial dynamics can vary between cells representing various pathologies. Culture conditions such as seeding density, passage number, and incubation time, which are commonly manipulated in cell culture studies, may influence mitochondrial morphology. The observation that the same cell line can exhibit both fusion and fission dominant phenotypes suggests that culture conditions play a role in shaping mitochondrial dynamics. This study aims to investigate the effects of in vitro culture conditions on mitochondrial dynamics. Material and Method: A549 (human lung cancer cells), BEAS-2B (human bronchial epithelial cells), MCF7 (human breast cancer cells), A375 (human malignant melanoma cells), and RPE1 (human retinal pigment epithelial cells) were incubated at early (passage 10–12) and late (passage 20–22) passages under varying seeding densities and durations (24, 48, and 72 hours). Mitochondria were stained with MitoTracker Green, and morphological analysis was performed using fluorescence microscopy. Mitochondrial fragmentation was assessed using ImageJ Fiji software, and statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad software. Results: In all cell lines, the culture condition of 100,000 cells for 24 hours was used as the control group, and mitochondrial fragmentation was observed to vary depending on cell type, incubation duration, and cell density. In A549 cells, fragmentation at 48 hours with 100,000 cells was found to be five times higher compared to 72 hours with 80,000 cells. In MCF-7 cells, fragmentation at 72 hours with 80,000 cells was approximately 1.6 times higher than at 48 hours with 170,000 cells. In BEAS-2B and RPE1 cells, no significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics were observed in response to incubation time or cell density. Conclusion: Prolonged culture duration increases mitochondrial fusion in A549 cells, whereas both incubation time and cell density notably affect mitochondrial fission in MCF7 cells. In contrast, mitochondrial dynamics in BEAS-2B and RPE1 cells are not significantly influenced by incubation time or cell density. These findings suggest that cell type–specific culture conditions can have distinct impacts on mitochondrial morphology.
Branching patterns and variations of the anterior choroidal artery: A detailed cadaveric morphometric analysis
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Kaçur, İdil; Nteli Chatzioglou, Gkionoul; Nas, Emine; Gayretli, Özcan
The aim of our study was to investigate the morphometric and morphological characteristics of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) and its branches. Also, the branching patterns and cortical termination sites of the AChA were examined by detailed morphometric analysis. For this purpose, 62 fresh cadavers (124 hemispheres) were included in the study. AChA diameter, length, and distances of branches to the AChA origin were measured using ImageJ software. The distribution of the branches according to arterial origin and their distances to the target regions was quantitatively defined. Although a total of 594 branches originating from AchA were observed, only 587 of these branches reached or terminated in the regions observed. Accordingly, 220/587 were found to go to the optic tract, 214/587 to the cerebral peduncle, 130/587 to the uncus, and 23/587 to the anterior perforated substance. Our study provides novel morphometric ratios that map the branching architecture of the AChA, confirming that branches originate predominantly from its midpoint (overall ratio:0.45). We found that 73.07% of AChA branches supply the optic tract and cerebral peduncle, highlighting their central role, while a minimal proportion (3.87%) serve the anterior perforated substance. These data elucidate the topo graphical relationships that are crucial for understanding pathologies like Moyamoya disease and proximal aneurysms. The established ratios offer invaluable benchmarks for anatomical navigation, potentially reducing risks in neurosurgical procedures involving the AChA territory.
Discovery and biological validation of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation
(Wiley, 2025) Ateşoğlu, Sibel; Bardakçı, Enes; Baday, Saja Jawad Shnaishel; Budak, Gülden; Bektaş, Meryem; Akçakaya, Handan; Hacıosmanoğlu Aldoğan, Ebru; Dal Yöntem, Fulya
Discovery and biological validation of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation.
Dose-dependent effects of boron exposure on locomotor activity and oxidant-antioxidant status in zebrafish
(Wiley, 2025) Özel Korlu, Armağan Begüm; Beler, Mahmut; Eğilmezer, Gizem; Mızrak, Zülal; Akkuş, Efruz İrem; Ünal, İlay Sema
Dose-dependent effects of boron exposure on locomotor activity and oxidant-antioxidant status in zebrafish
Development and validation of an ICF-based new scale—Atılım Kinesiophobia Scale: A methodological study
(Wolters Kluwer, 2025) Uluğ, Naime; Parmaksız, Ayhan; Begen, Sena Nur; Can Karahan, Zehra; Yılmaz, Seval; Adalı, Mehmet Fatih; Aslan, Sema Nur; Uysal, Özgür Selim; Er, Dudu Melek; Tunca, Öznur; Kılıç, Erden
It is important to assess kinesiophobia, which increases the risk of disability by limiting physical activity. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to develop a scale that assesses kinesiophobia with the multidimensional structure of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Atılım Kinesiophobia Scale (AKS) was developed in Turkish by an expert panel using questionnaires replied by 367 subjects. Finally, 38 questions based on the sub-domains of the ICF described by World Health Organization. In the scope of this cross-sectional study content validity and reliability were assessed; construct validity (both convergent and divergent validity) was checked against Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale-17 and Visual Analog Scale. AKS demonstrated good internal consistency and convergent validity, with significant correlations observed with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-17 (r = 0.478, P < .001). Divergent validity was supported by insignificant correlations with the Visual Analog Scale (r = 0.019, P = .855). The Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.862 indicates a high level of internal consistency for the AKS. Based on these findings, the final version of AKS was refined to include 4 factors and 14 items, demonstrating good internal validity. We developed and validated the AKS to assess kinesophobia in patients with acute and/or chronic musculoskeletal pain. This new ICF-based scale can be used to assess kinesiophobia; however further studies are required to prove its validity and reliability in other languages. Abbreviations: AKS = Atılım Kinesiophobia Scale, CFA = confirmatory factor analysis, CFI = comparative fit index, EFA = exploratory factor analysis, ICF = International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, KMO = Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin, RMSEA = root mean square error of approximation, SRMR = standardized root mean square residual, TSK = Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, VAS = Visual Analog Scale.
Neurodegenerative effects of boron and other elements on zebrafish and zebrafish embryos
(Taylor & Francis, 2025) Özel Korlu, Armağan Begüm; Yarat, Ayşen; Emekli Alturfan, Ebru
Zebrafish are a valuable model for studying neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) because of their rapid development, high reproductivity, and genetic similarity to humans. Their transparency during their early developmental stages and well-characterized nervous system renders them highly valuable for observing neurodevelopmental processes and identifying substances that can be harmful or protective. Various elements have been studied in zebrafish models to gain a clearer understanding of their roles in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. These elements can influence cellular pathways associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial function, which are crucial in developing NDs. This review examines how different elements, such as boron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, manganese, copper, lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, titanium, and tin, affect neural tissues in zebrafish. By synthesizing data from studies on neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects of different elements, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of their interaction with neuronal systems. Research in this area continues to uncover these elements’ specific mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications in protecting neural tissues. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
A randomised clinical trial to evaluate a digital therapeutic (TH-001) for improving glycaemic control in adults with prediabetes
(SAGE Publications, 2025) Çakmak, Ramazan; Tosun, İlker; Avcu, Hasan; Birer, Gürkan Caner; Akgül, Özer; Saini, Kamal S.; Carnell, Jonathan; Kutlu, Orkide
Background and Aims: Prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels below diabetes diagnostic thresh olds, presents a significant global health challenge due to high prevalence and associated risks for developing type 2 dia betes. Traditional diabetes prevention programs (DPPs) often face challenges in scalability and accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. Digital therapeutics (DTx), like TH-001, offer potential scalable solutions requiring clinical val idation. This randomized, open-label, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TH-001, a digital therapeutic application, reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among adults with prediabetes over a 90-day intervention period. Methods: 68 eligible adults were randomly assigned to either standard care alone or standard care plus the TH-001 intervention. Primary outcomes measured were glycaemic parameters including HbA1c, fasting glucose, 2-h post-load glucose from an oral glucose tolerance test, and insulin levels, while secondary outcomes included anthropometric mea sures. User engagement metrics were also assessed. Results: The intervention significantly reduced HbA1c levels (mean difference −0.22%, p = .023) and body weight (−2.53 kg, p < .001) compared to the control group. Although fasting glucose and insulin levels showed positive trends, differences were not statistically significant. User engagement was high, correlating strongly with HbA1c reduction (r = .95, p < .001), demonstrating the critical role of sustained interaction with TH-001. Conclusions: TH-001 demonstrates significant effectiveness in HbA1c reduction and body weight, with strong user engagement suggesting it may effectively overcome traditional barriers of DPPs. Long-term studies are needed to confirm sustained benefits.
Sex specific knee joint soft tissue mineralization with fibrillin-1 mutation in male tight skin mice
(Forum Multimedia Publishing, 2025) Keenan, Craig; Wang, Xia; Dikmen, Tayfun; Wen, Y.; Ramos-Mucci, Lorenzo; Shorter, Emily; Abraham, David; Bou-Gharios, George; Poulet, Blandine
Articular soft tissue mineralization and ossification are clear pathological signs of osteoarthritis (OA) joints. However their molecular and cellular aetiologies remain largely unknown. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family members are known contributors to both pathological ossification and osteoarthritis development. In this study, we used a fibrillin-1 (Fbn1) mutant mouse, the tight skin (TSK) mouse, to define the detrimental effects of abnormal Fbn1 in TSK mice and known high TGF-β activity in joint pathology such as articular soft tissue mineralization and ossification. Methods: Knee joints of male and female TSK and wild-type (WT) littermates were analysed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging and histology for articular soft tissue pathologies, as well as OA severity. Both aged (10, 26, 35 and 52 weeks) and following in vivo non-invasive repetitive joint overloading were used. Results: We find that male TSK mice develop spontaneous soft tissue ossification from 26 weeks of age, followed by increased osteoarthritis at 1 year-old. In addition, knee joint overloading induced ligament and meniscal mineralisation and ossification in both WT and TSK male mice, but were significantly more severe in TSK knees, including ossification of the patella ligament and synovial lining. In contrast, female TSK knees did not develop more severe soft tissue mineralisation compared to littermate WT mice in neither aged nor overloaded knees. Conclusions: We conclude that Fbn1 mutation, and possibly overactive TGF-β activity in TSK mice, induce articular soft tissue ossification and osteoarthritis in a sex-specific manner. Further studies are needed to confirm the specific signalling involved and the relative protection from female mice from such pathologies.
Anatomical investigation of levator palpebrae superioris muscle and the distribution pattern of oculomotor nerve
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Nteli Chatzioglou, Gkionoul; Gayretli, Özcan; Özbilen, Kemal Turgay; Önal, Vildan; Coşkun, Osman; Kale, Ayşin
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the morphological features of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle (LPS) and the variations in the distribution of the oculomotor nerve in the muscle. Methods 100 bilateral orbits from 50 cadavers were included in our study. In our study, the medial, lateral, and middle length, width, and thickness of the LPS were measured from 3 different points and recorded. In addition, the number of branches of the oculomotor nerve entering the LPS muscle was calculated. Results The medial, lateral, and middle length of LPS were 34.85±5.30 mm, 34.62±5.67 mm, 35.77±5.31 mm on the right side and 33.66±4.74 mm, 33.81±4.83 mm, 34.54±5.14 mm on the left side, respectively. The width of the muscle was seen to expand from proximally to distally. It was noted that the middle 1/3 thickness of the LPS was the thickest part of the muscle compared to the other parts. A total of 239 oculomotor branches entered the LPS. The middle 1/3 of the LPS was reached by 151 oculomotor nerve branches. It was noted that the largest number of oculomotor nerves entered the middle 1/3 part of LPS. Conclusion The morphometric and morphological findings of LPS and branches of the oculomotor nerve may be useful in surgical planning for the LPS and levator aponeurosis and in preventing complications during surgical interventions.
Transgenerational effect of nicotine consumption on the TCF7l2 signalling pathway and glucose metabolism
(Wiley, 2025) Citci, İbrahim Halil; Gökmen, Ramazan Can; Çekin, Ayşe; Yeşil, Ege Sevinç; Koylu, Ersin Oğuz; Kanıt, Lutfiye; Gözen, Oğuz; Kosova, Buket
Transgenerational Effect of Nicotine Consumption on the TCF7L2 Signalling Pathway and Glucose Metabolism
Palatal donor site management using tissue adhesives with adjunctive coconut oil in a randomized clinical trial
(Springer Nature, 2025) Yılmaz, Melis; Balcı, Nur; Günay, Bestegül; Parlak, Hanife Merva; Parmaksız, Ayhan; Toygar, Hilal; Keçeli, Hüseyin Gencay
Management of the complications occurring in the donor area after epithelialized gingival graft (EGG) harvesting still poses a challenge for clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of gelatin sponge (GS), cyanoacrylate (CY), and coconut oil (CO) combination in comparison with GS+CY in donor site management. Fifty EGG were harvested from the lateral palate in 50 patients, who were subsequently randomized to receive the GS+CY (control) or GS+CY+CO combination (test). Postoperative pain perception (PP), quantity of analgesics (QA), epithelization level (EL), color match (CM), sensation loss (SL), postoperative discomfort (PD), and delayed bleeding (DB) were evaluated. The GS+CY+CO group showed lower PP scores compared to the GS+CY (p<0.05). The QA intake was similar in both groups. On day 14, the GS+CY+CO group achieved 80% full EL rate, which was higher than the GS+CY group (32%) (p=0.002). CM scores were higher in the GS+CY+CO group at all follow up periods (p<0.001). Both groups reported similar SL, PD, and DB values (p>0.05). GS+CY+CO combination is more effective in reducing pain compared to GS+CO in donor site management after EGG harvesting. Additionally, GS+CY+CO combination may accelerate epithelialization and improve color match compared to GS+CY alone.

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