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Nio nanoflower based sorbent extraction for a novel HPLC–UV method for the determination of solifenacin in human plasma and its application to a prototype pharmacokinetic study
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Ceylan, Burhan; Önal, Cem; Kurnaz Yetim, Nurdan; Hasanoğlu Özkan, Elvan; Önal, Armağan
Solifenacin is an active pharmaceutical product used in overactive therapy. The main goal of this work was to develop a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet detection for measuring the amount of quanti fied solifenacin in human plasma samples that is rapid, straightforward, and accurate. Prior to chromatographic analysis, a nanomaterial-based sorbent extraction technique utilizing NiO nanoflowers was employed for plasma sample preparation. In this method, NiO nanoflowers were employed, and the adsorption process underwent optimization. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a reversed-phase C18 analytical column (5 µm×4.6 mm×150 mm) with a mobile phase composed of water (0.2% triethylamine) and acetonitrile (30:70 v/v), and the pH was adjusted to 3.5 with ortho-phosphoric acid. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min, and the investigation was performed using UV at 220 nm. The retention time of solifenacin is 3.10±0.01 min. The linear behaviour of the proposed approach was examined in the 0.01–30 ng/mL range (r 2=0.9995). The proposed method is in alignment with the criteria established by the European Medical Agency (EMA) about the accuracy, precision, repeatability, specificity, robustness and detection and quantification. Limit of detection and limit of quantification are determined to be 0.003 and 0.01 ng/mL, whereas relative standard deviation was determined to be less than 2.75% for intra-run and inter-run measurements. The plasma concentration–time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters such as AUC0–t , AUC0–∞, Cmax, tmax, and t1/2, were calculated according to the assays. The proposed method is feasible to investigate the bioequivalence, bioavailability, and routine analysis of the drug in plasma.
Enhancing home-based exercise therapy with telerehabilitation in mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial
(MDPI Publishing, 2025) Takinacı, Zuhal Didem; Çelik, Meltem; Yıldız, Şeyda; Talmaç, Mehmet Ali; Dut, Raziye
Background and Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that affects postural alignment, function, and quality of life. Telere habilitation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance accessibility and conti nuity of exercise-based treatment in AIS. This study aimed to compare the effects of telerehabilitation-supported home exercise programs with standard home exercises on posture, pain, body image, and quality of life in adolescents with mild AIS. Materials and Methods: Forty adolescents aged 10–18 years with mild AIS (Cobb angle 10–25◦ , Risser 0–3) were randomly assigned to two groups: study (n = 20) and control (n = 20). Both groups performed an 8-week home-based exercise program. The study group addition ally received weekly online supervision by a physiotherapist. Outcomes included pain severity (VAS), posture (New York Posture Assessment Scale), body image (Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale), and quality of life (SRS-22 questionnaire). Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-nine participants completed the study (15 in the study group, 14 in the control group). Significant improvements were observed in the study group in SRS-22 total, pain, and function subscores, as well as posture scores (p < 0.05). In the control group, only the satisfaction subscore improved significantly (p < 0.05). No significant changes were detected in body image (WRVAS) in either group. Between-group comparisons showed greater overall clinical gains in the study group despite similar exercise adherence rates. Conclusions: Supervised telerehabilitation enhances the effectiveness of home-based exer cise programs in adolescents with mild AIS by improving postural alignment, reducing pain, and increasing functional capacity and quality of life. Telerehabilitation represents an accessible and efficient complementary strategy for managing AIS when in-person supervision is limited.
Axillary mass following BCG vaccination: A rare case diagnosed as lipofibromatosis
(Turkiye Klinikleri Yayınevi, 2025) Özdil Yılmaz, İlkiz Özge
We present a case of a 7-month-old male infant who de veloped a progressive, painless left axillary mass 2 months after Bacil lus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Parents reported that the swelling has increased since the 4th month. Initial ultrasound revealed a 16×26×33 mm hyperechoic subcutaneous lesion with a central cystic area and minimal vascularity, suggesting a complicated lipoma. Due to continuous growth, the mass was surgically excised. Histopathological examination confirmed lipofibromatosis, a rare benign fibro-fatty tumor of infancy. Although axillary lymphadenitis is a common BCG com plication, persistent or atypical lesions should prompt further investi gation to rule out neoplasms. This case emphasizes the importance of considering rare soft tissue tumors like lipofibromatosis in the differ ential diagnosis of post-vaccination axillary masses.
Flaxseed-based green electrolyte enabling high electrochemical stability for advanced zinc ion batteries
(Wiley, 2026) Arıkan, Yiğit Berke; Kömürcüoğlu, Gökçe; Adhami, Sadaf; Yaman Uzunoğlu, Gülşah; Yüksel, Recep
This study presents a green and sustainable electrolyte derived from flaxseeds (FS) aimed at enhancing the electrochemical stability of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), thereby reducing the occurrence of free water molecules and alleviating the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) that contributes to the development of zinc (Zn) dendrites. The abundant hydroxyl groups present in polysaccharides and phenolic compounds within the flaxseeds coordinate with Zn2+, modifying the solvation sheath and reducing HER activity. Zn//Zn symmetric cells utilizing the FS-based electrolyte exhibited remarkably stable cycling for 3000 h at a current density of 1.0 mA cm−2 (1.0 mAh cm−2) and 2500 h at 2.0 mA cm−2 (2.0 mAh cm−2). Zn//V2O5 full cells delivered a discharge capacity of 233.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and excellent rate capability across a wide current density range of 0.2–10 A g−1 . The ex situ SEM and XRD results confirmed uniform Zn deposition along the (002) plane without dendrite formation. This work demonstrates a biomass-derived, low-cost electrolyte formulation strategy that effectively stabilizes Zn interfaces, providing a green and efficient pathway for next-generation zinc-ion batteries.
Radiographic medial posterior tibial slope ≥16° predicts multiple revisions after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
(Wiley, 2026) Kayaalp, Mahmut Enes; Inoue, Jumpei; Konstantinou, Efstathios; Kahraman, Hamit Çağlayan; Erden, Tunay; Musahl, Volker
Purpose: An increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been implicated as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure. This matched case–control study aimed to compare radiographic and magnetic reso nance imaging (MRI)‐based PTS measurements between patients under going multiple revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and those with successful primary ACLR and to identify thresholds predictive of high revision risk. Methods: In this matched case–control study, 156 patients were analysed: 78 patients undergoing multiple revision ACLR and 78 patients with suc cessful primary ACLR. Medial PTS was measured on radiographs, while medial, lateral and PTS difference (PTS asymmetry) were measured on MRI. Group differences were assessed using independent t tests and χ2 tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified optimal thresholds, and logistic regression quantified odds ratios (ORs) for multiple revisions per 1° increase in radiographic medial PTS, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), sex, side, height and weight. Results: Radiographic medial PTS was significantly higher in the multiple‐ revision group (12.5 ± 3.5° vs. 11.2 ± 3.0°, p = 0.016). ROC analysis identi fied an optimal medial PTS cutoff of 13° (area under the curve = 0.58, sensitivity = 0.49, specificity = 0.65), but only a PTS ≥ 16° was significantly associated with increased multiple revision risk (OR = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–8.40; p = 0.037; specificity = 0.91; positive predictive value [PPV] = 0.70). MRI‐based medial and lateral PTSs, as well as PTS asymmetry, did not differ significantly between groups. Univariate logistic regression demonstrated a 10% increase in odds per 1° increase in radio graphic PTS (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.22, p = 0.049), remaining signifi cant after adjustment for BMI, sex, side, height and weight (adjusted OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23, p = 0.034). Radiographic medial PTS cor related moderately with MRI‐based medial PTS (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), but not with lateral PTS (p: n.s.). Conclusion: Radiographic medial PTS showed the strongest differentiation between successful primary ACLR and multiple‐revision ACLR. A PTS ≥ 16° identifies patients at significantly higher risk of multiple revisions, whereas MRI‐based medial PTS, lateral PTS and PTS asymmetry provide no addi tional discriminatory value. Radiographic medial PTS appears practical for preoperative risk stratification, whereas MRI‐based measures do not show similar utility. Level of Evidence: Level III.
Under-resourced EFL students’ perceptions about the causes and consequences of unfair AI-mediated education
(Taylor & Francis, 2025) Wanga, Yongliang; Lib, Hang; Savaş, Hasan
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in education imposes various social influences on different stakeholders across diverse contexts. However, the voices of under-resourced second language (L2) learners have remained unheard regarding the fairness of AI adoption. To fill this gap, the present qualitative study examined 33 Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ perceived causes and consequences of unfair AI-mediated education. Thematic analysis of online interviews indicated four causes and four consequences for unfair AI adoption in under-resourced communities. The causes included biased algorithms and databases, digital divide and unequal access, lack of AI-related training and support, and sociocultural mismatch and inappropriateness of AI tools in poor settings. Regarding consequences, it was found that unfair AI adoption may lead to educational inequality, diminished motivation, academic deskilling, and technophobia among under-resourced EFL students. The findings are discussed, and implications for raising AI literacy and readiness of L2 educators and policymakers are enumerated.
Women’s experiences of breastfeeding during pregnancy: A Turkish descriptive study
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Bayraktar, Sema; İnce, Zeynep; Yıldız, Nevin; Eski, Nuray; Çoban, Emine Asuman
Background Breastfeeding is generally terminated when the mother becomes pregnant again within two years because there is no clear consensus on how to manage breastfeeding during pregnancy. Additionally, health professionals may not have accurate information about this issue. This study aimed to determine women’s attitudes towards breastfeeding during pregnancy and why they stopped breastfeeding when they became pregnant. Methods This study is a descriptive one, involving pregnant mothers with a breastfeeding infant under 2 years old (n=101). The participants were followed up regarding those who had given birth to a new child and chosen the BDP. The researchers surveyed them after birth. The data were collected using a survey form that included a total of 26 questions created by the researchers, which aligned with the existing literature. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included information about maternal, neonatal, and obstetrical data, as well as breastfeeding experience and problems encountered during pregnancy. Data were handled and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results The mean age of the mothers was 29.3 years (SD±4.9), gravidity was 3.2 (SD±1.7), and parity was 2.5 (SD±1.1). The mean age of the breastfed children was 12.6 months (SD±5.3) when the mothers became pregnant again. The reasons for stopping breastfeeding were professional advice (35%, n=34), their own decision (30%, n=30), believing that breastfeeding could have adverse effects on the unborn baby, and social pressure (16%). Only 5% (n=5) of mothers continued breastfeeding between 7 and 9 months after pregnancy. Conclusions Our results indicate that when a mother wishes to breastfeed during pregnancy, providing breastfeeding counseling by healthcare professionals with accurate information is essential to sustain lactation and maintain the well-being of the breastfeeding child without harm to the unborn baby.
Taxonomic description and phylogenetic placement of a new xanthogalum species (Apiaceae) from Turkey
(Taylor & Francis, 2025) Tuncay, Hüseyin Onur; Ekici, Miraç; Uzun, Fatma Selin; Lyskov, Dmitry; Akalın, Emine
The genus Xanthogalum, represented by the species X. purpurascens and X. turcicum in Turkey, forms a small but taxonomically significant group characterized by decurrent leaves and large fruits with broad, undulate wings. During extensive field surveys (2020–2025) in northeastern Turkey, a distinctive population was discovered exhibiting a combination of morphological characters not found in any previously described Turkish species. Xanthogalum ozlemiae Tuncay & Akalın sp. nov. is described herein based on comprehensive morphological, anatomical, and molecular evidence. The new species is distinguished from its Turkish congeners by white petals with brownish lines (vs. yellow to yellow – green), densely hairy rays and pedicels, shorter pedicels (0.5–2.5 mm), amphisto matic leaves with sparse hairs restricted to upper surface veins, and distinctly unequal mericarps with markedly different wing widths (1.9–3.5 mm vs. 0.5–1 mm). Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences support its placement within Xanthogalum and indicate close affinity with a white – petaled lineage. A detailed morphological description, anatomical characterization, comparisons with related species, an identification key, and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided. Given its extremely restricted distribution and ongoing habitat threats from tourism development, the species is assessed as Endangered (EN) under IUCN criteria.
SFNN: A secure and diverse recommender system through graph neural network and regularized variational autoencoder
(Elsevier, 2025) Bahi, Abderaouf; Gasmi, Ibtissem; Bentrad, Sassi; Azizi, Mohamed Walid; Khantouchi, Ramzi; Uzun-Per, Meryem
Recommender systems are frequently improved to filter information and provide users with the most relevant items. However, they face limitations in balancing appropriate and diverse recommendations while ensuring the security and integrity of user data. A new recommender system based on secure fusion neural network is pre sented in this paper. It guarantees data integrity and confidentiality while balancing accuracy and diversity. It integrates a graph neural network that models user-item interactions to improve accuracy, with a regularized variational autoencoder whose evidence lower bound loss function is enhanced by a diversity-promoting regu larization term that favors latent-space dispersion, thereby improving recommendation diversity. To optimize the combination of the two neural networks scores, an adaptive fusion mechanism is introduced to generate final predictions that consider diverse user preferences while maintaining relevance. Furthermore, our approach uses blockchain technology to encrypt and secure data storage, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of users’ data. The experiments conducted on three datasets show that the proposed model can achieve an accuracy of 78.13 % with an intra-list diversity of 46.82 % for Retail Rocket dataset, an accuracy of 82.44 % with an intra-list diversity of 37.78 % for clothing dataset, and an accuracy of 86.16 % with an intra-list diversity of 47.65 % for MovieLens-1 M dataset.
Impact of lightness differences in digitally simulated composite resin restorations on perceived smile attractiveness
(Wiley, 2025) Ntovas, Panagiotis; Ünal, Tuna; Korkut, Bora; Ferraris, Federico; Fehmer, Vincent; Sailer, Irena
Objectives: To investigate the effect of lightness differences between digitally simulated composite restorations and anterior maxillary teeth, in combination with restoration type, and clinical experience on perceived smile attractiveness. Materials and Methods: An imaging software program (Adobe Photoshop CC 2023) was used to digitally manipulate a frontal full-face portrait of a smiling female model, to create five types of moderate-sized composite resin restorations of moderate size. For each restoration 14 lightness differences were simulated. The image was digitally modified to simulate five different types of composite resin restorations (Class III, Class IV, Class V, diastema closure (bilateral and unilateral approach)). Each restoration was adjusted through 7 incremental increases and 7 incremental decreases of 1 unit in lightness (L* value), yielding a total of 70 images. The smile attractiveness of each picture was rated by 80 dentists and 80 laypersons, ranged from 21 to 77years using a visual analog scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to assess whether the mean of a sample significantly differed from the control (p<0.05). Results: Among the different restoration types, crown fracture repairs (Class IV) had the greatest negative impact, followed by proximal restorations (Class III), diastema closures (Bilateral approach), diastema closures (Unilateral approach), and, lastly, cervical restorations (Class V), which had the least impact on perceived smile attractiveness (p≤0.05). The influence of lightness differences, whether toward a darker or lighter restoration, was dependent on both the type of restoration and the observer's experience. Conclusions: The effect of lightness difference on perceived smile attractiveness was significantly influenced by both the type of composite resin restoration and the observer's experience. Dental professionals perceived lightness discrepancies as less attrac tive compared to laypersons, suggesting that experience plays a key role in the perception of esthetic outcomes. Clinical Significance: The repositioning of an esthetic direct dental restoration is highly influenced by the dentist's chromatic perception which is more sensitive than that of a layperson who evaluates its matching with the natural tooth. The findings of the present study can support evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Complementary and integrative medicine for the treatment of tourette’s syndrome
(Wiley, 2025) Pringsheim, Tamara; Deans, Catherine; Anis, Saar; Bhatia, Poonam; Black, Kevin; Değirmenci, Yıldız; Gilbert, Donald; Hartmann, Andreas; Hull, Mariam; Malaty, Irene
Background: There is widespread interest in complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) among people with Tourette's syndrome (TS). Objective: To perform a systematic review of evidence on the use of CIM to reduce tics and improve tic-related quality of life. Methods: We included clinical studies of CIM in children, adolescents and adults with TS and chronic tic disorders, and assessed the change in tic severity and/or tic-related quality of life using validated scales. Risk of bias of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the risk of bias tool of the American Academy of Neurology, which classifies studies into Class I, II, III or IV based on quality criteria. Results: 49 clinical studies and three systematic reviews were included. Most studies were rated Class IV and therefore at high risk of bias. Class I studies demonstrated efficacy of functional MRI neurofeedback, 5-Ling granule, Jingxin Zhidong formula, and Ningdong granule in reducing tic severity. Class II studies suggest efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for tics, acupuncture combined with atlantoaxial joint bone setting therapy, and art therapy. Systematic reviews summarizing the Chinese literature on acupuncture, acupuncture with herbal medicine and massage therapy suggest greater reduction in tics compared to conventional treatments but there is low confidence in the evidence due to poor methodological quality of included studies. Conclusions: Evidence to support the use of complementary and integrative medicine for TS is limited in methodological quality and widespread applicability. These limitations prohibit evidence-based recommendations for general use among individuals with TS.
Decoding surgical proficiency and complexity: A machine learning framework for robotic herniorrhaphy
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Shin, Thomas H.; Fanta, Abeselom; Gökçal, Fahri; Shields, Mallory; Benlice, Çiğdem; Kudsi, Omar Yusef
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of objective performance indicators (OPIs) for case complexity assessment and explore their role in quantifying skill acquisition during robotic ventral herniorrhaphy. Summary background data Despite advances in herniorrhaphy techniques, unclear metrics of case complexity have signifi cant implications for operative planning, resource allocation, and patient outcomes. While existing complexity definitions rely primarily on clinical factors external to operator behavior, the expanding adoption of robotic platforms in ventral her nia repair provides unprecedented access to quantifiable surgical performance metrics. However, the relationship between these objective performance indicators and both case complexity and skill development remains incompletely understood, representing a gap that machine learning approaches may help address. Methods OPI and clinical data from 561 consecutive robotic ventral hernia repairs over eight years were analyzed using iterative ensemble machine learning models to predict case complexity. Dimensional reduction analyses using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding tracked skill evolution, with Euclidean distances calculated between successive cases to quantify skill acquisition over time. Results Gradient boosting models integrating clinical and OPI variables achieved F1 score of 0.87, while OPIs alone scored 0.58. Longitudinal analysis revealed high OPI variability during early cases, stabilizing within 10 months despite increas ing case complexity, indicating skill acquisition may compensate for procedural difficulty. Dimensional reduction analyses captured this evolution through weighted Euclidean distances. Conclusions Objective performance indicators poorly predict case complexity independently, yet their temporal evolution reveals surgical skill acquisition. The concurrent stabilization of OPI stochasticity and progression to more complex cases demonstrates that surgical proficiency and complexity assessment are interdependent phenomena, establishing digital metrics as tools for understanding the dynamic relationship between surgeon learning and case difficulty.
Change in the concentration of interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α in gingival crevicular fluid after probiotic use in patients undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances
(Springer Nature Link, 2025) Erdemir, Cihan; Alkumru, Pınar; Çıracı, Enver; Ekenoğlu Merdan, Yağmur; Gök Yurttaş, Asiye; Amasya, Hakan; Elgün, Tuğba
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the use of chewable probiotic tablets on interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods This prospective case–control study involved 60 patients undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Participants were divided into two groups. The test group was administered probiotic chewable tablets (Motiflor AS, Abfen Farma, Ankara, Turkey) once daily for 15 days, and the control group received routine orthodontic treatment without probiotics. GCF samples were collected from each participant at two time points: at the beginning of the treatment (T0) and on the 21st day (T1). Samples were obtained separately from all four canines using collection strips. The levels of IL-10 and TNF-α in GCF were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Statistical tests were performed to assess the normality of the distribution of quantitative variables. All analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism (version 9.1.1, GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Friedman’s test for repeated measures was employed, followed by Dunn’s post hoc test. Results The variability that was observed for the IL-10 cytokine levels in the control group was significantly higher than that for the test group (p< 0.05). IL-10 levels in the test group increased while the TNF-α levels decreased. T1/T0 ratio for TNF-α was found to be lower in the test group compared to the control group (p= 0.002). Conclusion The results suggest that probiotic tablets may play a role in modulating IL-10 and TNF-α levels during orthodontic tooth movement. However, the current study was limited to the first 21 days of mechanical force application to the teeth, and it is recommended to investigate the long-term effects or other factors affecting cytokine changes in future studies.
A comparative study of deep learning models for automated liver and tumor segmentation in 2d contrast-enhanced MRI images
(IEEE, 2025) Tokatlı, Nazlı; Bilmez, Yakuphan; Bayram, Mücahit; Bayır, Beyzanur; Özalkan, Helin; Tekin, Zeynep; Örmeci, Necati; Altun, Halis
This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into deep learning techniques for the automated segmentation of the liver and tumors from 2D abdominal contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) slices. Addressing a significant challenge in medical image analysis, our study leverages the public ATLAS dataset [1], using a selection of 60 3D abdominal MRI scans, from which we extracted approximately 3,750 2D slices for model training and evaluation. The core objective was the precise identification and delineation of both the liver organ and any intrahepatic lesions. A comparative analysis was conducted on three U-Net-based architectures: the standard Attention U-Net model incorporating EfficientNet-b3 and CBAM but without Focal Loss, the Attention U-Net model with integrated Focal Loss, and the ResNet34-Based U-Net model. To optimize performance, we explored the efficacy of different loss functions, namely DiceLoss and a hybrid DiceLoss with Focalcoss. Our findings are promising: Among the evaluated models, the ResNet34-Based U-Net demonstrated the highest performance with a Dice score of 91.36% and an IoU score of 89.52%. It was followed by the Attention U-Net with Focal Loss, which achieved 86.41% Dice and 81.61% IoU scores, and the standard Attention U-Net, which obtained 85.93% Dice and 81.19% IoU scores. These results underscore the significant potential of our 2D-based methodology to enhance the precision and efficiency of liver and tumor detection from abdominal scans, offering a valuable tool to support clinicians in early diagnosis and to alleviate their workload.
An AI-powered mobile application for aroid identification and interactive learning: Enhancing pharmacognosy education through deep learning and NLP
(IEEE, 2025) Tokatlı, Nazlı; Bilmez, Yakuphan; Kılıç, Yusuf; Alpınar, Abdülkerim
Aroid plants (Araceae family), recognized for their distinct inflorescence, possess significant botanical, pharmaceutical, and practical importance due to their content of both beneficial compounds and toxins such as calcium oxalate crystals. Accurate identification of these species is particularly crucial in pharmacy education; however, morphological similarities among Aroid species often lead to confusion among students. This paper presents a deep learning-based mobile application designed to support both plant identification and interactive learning. The solution leverages EfficientNet and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures, achieving up to 96 % accuracy in classifying Aroid species. The visual classification model, trained on a comprehensive dataset, is deployed via a RESTful API and integrated within a Flutter-based mobile application. In addition, the app incorporates a Natural Language Processing (NLP)-powered chatbot to address user inquiries regarding plant characteristics and care. While technical evaluations demonstrate robust model performance, a comprehensive user evaluation aimed at assessing the system's educational value, usability, and chatbot interaction is planned as future work. This study underscores the potential of AI-driven mobile solutions in advancing pharmacognosy education, with future developments aimed at expanding the app's botanical scope and enhancing user engagement based on forthcoming survey results.
Waste toner particles based dispersive solid phase extraction for the trace determination of cadmium in cinnamon tea samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
(Elsevier, 2026) Ali, Büşra; Büyük, Muhammed Ali; Bayraktar, Ahsen; Serbest, Hakan; Bakırdere, Sezgin
This study presents a dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) protocol for the sensitive and accurate determi nation of trace levels of cadmium ions (Cd2+) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Toner particles obtained from used printer cartridges were used as sorbent material for preconcentration of Cd2+ ions. Opti mization studies were performed univariately for the achievement of the highest extraction efficiency and the limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.55 µg L-1 under optimal operating conditions. By comparing the slopes of the linear plot equations for FAAS and waste toner-based DSPE-FAAS systems, the increase in sensitivity was calculated to be 40.9 times. The feasibility of the developed method was evaluated by spiking recovery studies on cinnamon tea samples and good recovery results between 90.4 % and 119.0 % determined by the matrix matching calibration strategy showed that the method is applicable to cinnamon tea and similar matrices.
NiO-SnO2 nanocomposite as an adsorbent for the preconcentration of manganese ions in chamomile tea extract
(Elsevier, 2026) Şaylan, Meltem; Gürsoy, Selim; Zaman, Buse Tuğba; Bakırdere, Sezgin
Matricaria chamomilla L., referred to as chamomile, is a well-known medicinal plant that is widely distributed throughout the world. In this study, a novel NiO-SnO2 nanocomposite- assisted preconcentration method was established for efficient extraction and separation of manganese ions from chamomile tea extract. This pre concentration method was coupled with flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). NiO-SnO2 nano composites were synthesized using simple one-pot co-precipitation procedure and calcined at 650 ◦C to obtain nanoparticles with sizes below 100 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the crystallite size of NiO SnO2 nanocomposites was estimated to be 46.03 nm using the Monshi–Scherrer equation. The LOD (limit of detection) and linear working range were determined as 3.6 μg/L and 10–100 μg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully validated, and recoveries ranged from 87.2 %–117.0 %. NiO-SnO2 nanocomposites represent a promising low-cost adsorbent for the preconcentration and subsequent determination of other heavy metal ions in diverse herbal extracts.
Feeding the mind: Preliminary insights into the effects of anthocyanin-rich extract from black carrots on brain activity and gut microbiota in patients with cognitive impairments
(Nature Research, 2025) Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez, Aynur; Önder, Alparslan; Özdemir, Mustafa Yasir; Gürerk, Gamze; Aydın, Sevcan; Eryiğit, Önder Yüksel; Güloğlu, Mehmet Oktar; Kara, İhsan
Anthocyanins, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, have been associated with cognitive benefits, potentially mediated by gut-brain axis interactions. This study investigates the effects of a 12-week Anthocyanin-Rich Extract (ARE) intervention on brain activity and gut microbiota composition in older adults with neurocognitive impairments. In this study, 50 participants underwent electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and gut microbiota analyses before and after the intervention. EEG data were analyzed using connectivity and entropy metrics across multiple frequency bands. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate taxonomic shifts. Results revealed increased EEG connectivity, particularly in alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands, suggesting improved neural communication and complexity following ARE consumption. Significant changes in nonlinear EEG metrics were observed, consistent with previous findings in the literature. Microbiota analysis indicated non-significant alterations in overall diversity but revealed increases in Alistipes, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Flavonifractor, alongside a decrease in Hungatella, potentially implicating SCFA metabolism and inflammatory regulation. These findings suggest ARE may enhance cognitive health by modulating neural activity and gut microbiota composition. While these results provide preliminary evidence of neuroprotective effects, further research with larger, disorder-specific cohorts and placebo-controlled designs is necessary to validate outcomes and explore gut-brain axis mechanisms in cognitive decline.
Mechanical performance of nonabsorbable monofilament suture materials tied with different suturing techniques under various knot configurations: An in vitro study
(MDPI Publishing, 2025) Tayşi, Nuri Mert; Erten Tayşi, Ayşegül; Erçal, Pınar; Şişmanoğlu, Soner
This study compared widely used nonabsorbable and monofilament suture materials tied with three different configurations and two different suture techniques. Three su ture materials (polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, and nylon) were tied with either Laurell–Gottlow or the horizontal mattress suturing techniques using three different knot configurations: A (2 = 1 = 1 = 1 = 1), B (2 × 1 = 1 = 1 = 1), and C (1 × 2 = 1 = 1 = 1) on an experimental platform manufactured using a three-dimensional printer. Specimens underwent microtensile testing to determine maximum load failure and elongation rates at baseline and after 7 days of artificial saliva immersion. The Laurell–Gottlow yielded significantly lower elongation rates and higher failure load than the horizontal mattress suturing technique using nylon and polypropylene sutures at both time points (p < 0.001). Nylon had a significantly higher failure load and elongation than polypropylene and polyte trafluoroethylene at baseline for both suturing techniques and all three knot configurations (p < 0.001). Configuration C had low failure load values following immersion for all suture materials when using horizontal mattress suturing. Configuration A demonstrated superior failure load following the immersion period for all materials using both techniques. The polytetrafluoroethylene suture remained more stable over time. These findings indicate that the Laurell–Gottlow suturing technique with Configuration A provides better mechanical resistance to external forces when using nonabsorbable monofilament suture materials.
Optimization of VA-NADES-ME for the one-step separation and determination of rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G in red pencil samples
(Taylor & Francis, 2025) Topraksever, Nükte; Özgül Artuç, Gamze
An environmentally friendly and simple method was developed for the simultaneous separation and determination of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Rhodamine 6 G (Rh6G) in red pencil samples by vortex assisted microextraction using NADES (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent). A two-phase system was established using lactic acid-based DES (Deep Eutectic Solvent) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) for the extraction of RhB and Rh6G. In method optimization, sample amount, pH, DES type, DES volume, solvent type and solvent volume parameters were investigated. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 4.13, 5.03 and 12.5, 15.3 µg/mL for RhB and Rh6G, respectively. The correlation coefficients obtained at concentrations ranging from 1–12 µg/mL are 0.9973 and 0.9985. Red pencil samples were spiked at two different concentrations (3–5 µg/mL). The recovery values obtained were in the range of 84.7%-107.4%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values of the developed method are in the range of 2.77%-5.45%, indicating that the method is reproducible. The results showed that the developed microextraction method can be success fully applied for the separation and determination of RhB and Rh6G from red pencil samples.

Güncel Gönderiler