Investigation of Herbal Therapy Methods Used by Parents of Children with Cancer for Symptom Management in Chemotherapy Process.

INTRODUCTION: The number of types of cancer, which is the leading severe health problem and is frequently seen in childhood period, has steadily increased over the years. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the herbal treatment methods used by parents of children with cancer during the chemotherapy process for symptom management. METHODS: The study was carried out with the parents of 126 children diagnosed with cancer. The data were collected with a questionnaire form created in line with the literature and the form for the amount and frequency of use of herbal treatment methods used by parents. The data were evaluated with descriptive statistics and Chi-square test Results: The mean age of the children included in the study was 8.08±3.15 (min=3, max=17) years, and the mean duration of diagnosis was 14.35±13.22 (min=6, max= 60) months. 78.6% (n=99) of the parents included in the study stated that they used herbal treatment for the treatment of their child's disease. 79.4% (n=100) of the parents thought that the herbal treatment they used was effective.The first reason (48.4%, n=61) for using herbal treatment was "to do everything we could for the treatment". CONCLUSION: It was determined that the use of herbal treatment methods was related to the mother's profession, the education level of the parents, and the place of residence. In particular, it is necessary to inform parents about herbal treatment methods through nurses with up-to-date information and to create the right attitude towards this issue.

Occurrence, characteristics, and risk assessment of microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with microplastics in surface water and sediments of the Konya Closed Basin, Turkey.

The presence of polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments affects the ecosystems and threatens human health. In this study, the abundance, composition, and morphological characteristics of MPs were determined for the first time in the inland freshwater resources of the Konya Closed Basin, Turkey. The abundance of MPs ranged from 1139 to 23,444 particles/m3 and 150 to 3510 particles/kg in the surface water and sediment, respectively. Fragments and fibers were the most abundant MP shapes in the surface waters (51%, 34%) and sediments (29%, 40%), followed by films, pellets, and foams. Transparent and white MPs were present at the highest percentage in surface waters (72%) and sediments (69%), followed by blue, grey, black, brown, and green. In addition, polyethylene, polypropylene, and cellophane were identified as the main polymers in surface waters (34%, 25%, 24%) and sediments (37%, 17%, 31%). In the Konya Closed Basin, 35% of the surface water samples and 54% of the sediment samples were exposed to very high contamination (CF ≥ 6). Surface waters (PLI: 2.51) and sediments (PLI: 1.67) in the basin were contaminated (PLI > 1) with MPs. The 16 PAHs sorbed on MPs in the surface water and sediment ranged from 394 to 24,754 ng/g and from 37 to 18,323 ng/g, respectively. Phenanthrene and fluoranthene were the most abundant PAHs sorbed on MPs in all surface waters and sediments. Two to three-ring PAH compounds sorbed on MPs were also dominantly detected in surface waters and sediments, accounting for 68% and 78% of the total 16 PAHs, respectively. The source of PAHs carried by MPs in the Konya Closed Basin was mainly of petrogenic origin. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) results indicated that the maximum ILCR values were higher than the EPA acceptable level (10-6) for child (2.95 × 10-5) and adult (1.46 × 10-4), indicating a potential cancer risk.

Experimental Vitamin D Deficiency in Rats: Clinical Chemistry, Histopathological, and Immunological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a significant global health concern. Experimental models are essential to elucidate the biochemical, histopathological, and immunological consequences of this deficiency. This study established a vitamin D deficiency rat model to mimic insufficient vitamin D intake and examine the resulting health impacts, particularly on liver, kidney, and immune functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received a standard rodent diet, while the experimental group was fed a modified diet with reduced vitamin D for three months. Analyses included serum vitamin D levels, clinical chemistry, renal and liver histopathology, and blood immunophenotyping and cytokine analysis for both the control (n=7) and experimental (n=7) groups. RESULTS: Serum vitamin D 25-OH levels were threefold lower in the experimental group (p < 0.001), indicating the induction of vitamin D deficiency. No significant differences in weight gain were observed between the groups. All clinical chemistry parameters remained within reference ranges. However, the experimental group showed significant declines in triglycerides (TG, p=0.0441), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, p=0.0021), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p=0.0002). Histopathology revealed normal liver and kidney architecture in the control group, while the experimental group exhibited hepatic cord deterioration, severe vacuolization in the liver, and edema and dilatation in the renal cortex tubular epithelium. Immunophenotyping analysis of lymphocyte subsets and assessment of serum cytokines did not reveal any differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A vitamin D deficiency model without complications such as obesity, parathyroid issues, or mortality was established in rats. This method could be applied in specific disease experimental models.

Teachers' digital competences: a scale construction and validation study.

Introduction: Improving teachers' digital competences is sine qua non for effective teaching and learning in today's digital society. However, there is a limited number of comprehensive and reliable scales to measure teachers' digital competences. Regarding this, the present study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive scale to assess teachers' digital competences. Methods: Building on previous studies, a draft scale developed and piloted with a sample of teachers from all educational levels. The procedures of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were followed to refine the scale, resulting in a five-point Likert scale with 36 items loaded onto four factors. The final scale was called as Teachers' Digital Competences Scale (TDC-S). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to validate the four-factor structure. Reliability analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha (α), McDonald's omega (ω), and Composite Reliability (CR), indicating high psychometric properties. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses were also performed to assess the validity of the latent structures in TDC-S. Results and discussion: The findings suggest that the TDC-S is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing teachers' digital competences at all grade levels from primary to high schools. It can be used to inform teacher training and development programs, and to identify teacher candidates who need additional assistance regarding improving their digital competences.

The prediction of semen quality based on lifestyle behaviours by the machine learning based models.

PURPOSE: To find the machine learning (ML) method that has the highest accuracy in predicting the semen quality of men based on basic questionnaire data about lifestyle behavior. METHODS: The medical records of men whose semen was analyzed for any reason were collected. Those who had data about their lifestyle behaviors were included in the study. All semen analyses of the men included were evaluated according to the WHO 2021 guideline. All semen analyses were categorized as normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia. The Extra Trees Classifier, Average (AVG) Blender, Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) Classifier, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) Classifier, Logistic Regression, and Random Forest Classifier techniques were used as ML algorithms. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty-four men who met the inclusion criteria and had data about lifestyle behavior were included in the study. 356 men (48.5%) had abnormal semen results, 204 (27.7%) showed the presence of oligozoospermia, 193 (26.2%) asthenozoospermia, and 265 (36.1%) teratozoospermia according to the WHO 2021. The AVG Blender model had the highest accuracy and AUC for predicting normozoospermia and teratozoospermia. The Extra Trees Classifier and Random Forest Classifier models achieved the best performance for predicting oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ML models have the potential to predict semen quality based on lifestyles.

Hexokinase 1 forms rings that regulate mitochondrial fission during energy stress.

Metabolic enzymes can adapt during energy stress, but the consequences of these adaptations remain understudied. Here, we discovered that hexokinase 1 (HK1), a key glycolytic enzyme, forms rings around mitochondria during energy stress. These HK1-rings constrict mitochondria at contact sites with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial dynamics protein (MiD51). HK1-rings prevent mitochondrial fission by displacing the dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) from mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) and mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1). The disassembly of HK1-rings during energy restoration correlated with mitochondrial fission. Mechanistically, we identified that the lack of ATP and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) promotes the formation of HK1-rings. Mutations that affect the formation of HK1-rings showed that HK1-rings rewire cellular metabolism toward increased TCA cycle activity. Our findings highlight that HK1 is an energy stress sensor that regulates the shape, connectivity, and metabolic activity of mitochondria. Thus, the formation of HK1-rings may affect mitochondrial function in energy-stress-related pathologies.

Predictive significance of intraprostatic volumetric parameters derived from early and standard time 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between intraprostatic 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) uptake values and volumetric parameters derived from early pelvic and standard-time whole-body 68Ga-PSMA PET/computed tomography (CT) images in untreated prostate cancer (PCa) patients, and to assess the predictive significance of these data in relation to disease prognosis, comparing them with the Gleason score, clinical risk classification and the presence of metastatic disease detected in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging. METHODS: Eighty-one newly diagnosed PCa patients underwent early phase pelvic imaging at the 5th minute and standard time whole-body imaging at the 60th minute. Various threshold values were used in intraprostatic delineations to compute maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), intraprostatic PSMA tumor volume and intraprostatic total lesion PSMA uptake. Correlations between early and standard time measurements, as well as changes in SUV parameters over time, were examined. The association of these values with Gleason score, clinical risk status (National Comprehensive Cancer Network), and metastatic disease was explored. RESULTS: SUVmax measurements from both early and standard time images distinguished all three groups (clinical risk scores, Gleason score and metastatic group), with standard imaging demonstrating statistical superiority in receiver operating characteristic analyses. Strong correlations were observed between early and standard-time PET parameters. Changes in intraprostatic SUVmax and SUVmean values over time did not exhibit predictive value. CONCLUSION: Although intraprostatic PSMA PET parameters generally aligned at both early and standard times, parameters obtained from standard time images showed more robust correlations with clinical risk scores, Gleason score and metastasis status in newly diagnosed, untreated PCa patients.

Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Concentrated Growth Factor on Viability of Ultra-Diced Cartilage Grafts in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: Although rhinoplastic surgery has progressed considerably in recent years, nasal dorsal irregularities still cause postoperative distress for both surgeons and patients. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure the association between two biologic graft adjuncts, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and concentrated growth factor (CGF), and ultra-diced cartilage viability in an animal model. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: This study was designed as a randomized in-vivo study using a rabbit model. Fourteen rabbits were utilized in this investigation. The ultra-diced cartilage was obtained from auricular cartilage. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The graft biologic adjunct is the predictor variable. There were three treatment groups: graft mixed with PRP or CGF or untreated (control). The grafts were placed in three separate pockets opened on the same rabbit. Grafts were harvested 3 months after insertion for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variable was histopathological and regenerative scores obtained from multiple histopathological parameters indicating the viability of the cartilage. Histopathological score parameters were chondrocyte loss, inflammation, fibrosis, cartilage fragmentation, and calcified area formations in the lacunae. Regenerative score parameters were peripheral cell proliferation in the cartilage tissue, vascularization in the connective tissue, proteoglycan increase in the matrix, and the amount of connective tissue. COVARIATES: The variables were age, sex, and weight. ANALYSES: Statistical analysis employed the analysis of variance test, with a significance level of P < .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 14 rabbits and 42 samples. The histopathologic scores were 11.93 (±2.49), 8.78 (±2.19), and 6.85 (±1.46) for the control, PRP, and CGF groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the PRP (P < .0275) and CGF (P < .0001) groups compared to the control group. The regenerative scores were 6.21 (±0.97), 8.85 (±1.70), and 12.07 (±1.26) for the control, PRP and CGF groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the PRP (P < .0159) and CGF (P < .0001) groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This is the first study investigating the ultra-diced cartilage graft in an experimental animal model. Histopathological examination has shown that mixing ultra-diced cartilage with CGF or PRP increases viability by reducing the histopathological score and increasing the regenerative score.

Dietary composition influences sperm quality and testis damage via endoplasmic reticulum stress in lambs.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic impacts of including soya meal, wheat gluten and corn gluten in the diet of male lambs could influence their reproductive performance. OBJECTIVES: An experiment was carried out to assess the effects of corn gluten, wheat gluten and soya meal on the reproductive system of male lambs. METHODS: Twenty-four male Morkaraman lambs, aged 9 months, were utilized in this study and were fed experimental diets for 56 days. The lambs were divided into a control group (soybean meal + safflower meal), a corn group (corn gluten) and a wheat group (wheat gluten). RESULTS: The serum follicle-stimulating hormone level of the control group was significantly higher and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level was lower than the wheat and corn gluten groups (p < 0.05). The lowest malondialdehyde level in testicular tissue was observed in the control group, whereas the highest was in the wheat gluten group (p < 0.05). The glutathione level in the control group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The corn gluten group showed the highest CHOP and IRE1 levels; the lowest Bcl-2 levels and the highest IL-1B and P2 × 7R levels were found in the wheat group; and the lowest TNF-α levels were in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study revealed that diet had a significant impact on spermatological parameters of the testis such as diameter, volume and weight (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results concluded that the inclusion of different protein sources in the diet of reproductive male lambs affects the metabolism of testicular tissue.

Bilateral ureteral stones; factors affecting treatment decision.

AIM: To evaluate certain factors that may affect the decision-making process for the rational management approach in cases presenting with bilateral ureteral stones. METHODS: A total of 153 patients presenting with bilateral ureteral stones from 6 centers were evaluated and divided in three groups. Group 1 (n:21) Patients undergoing DJ stent insertion in one ureter and ureterorenoscopic (URS) lithotripsy for the contralateral ureteral stone. Group 2 (n:91), URS lithotripsy for both ureteral stones and Group 3 (n:41) patients undergoing bilateral DJ stent insertion. The outcomes of the procedures and the relevant patient as well as stone related factors have been comparatively evaluated in three groups. RESULTS: While associated UTI rates and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in bilateral DJ group, previous URS history was found to be significantly higher in cases undergoing bilateral URS than those undergoing bilateral DJ stenting. URS was performed significantly more often in cases with lower ureteral stones and DJ stenting seems to be more rational approach in upper ureteral stones. In patients with lower ureteral stones, larger and harder stones, endourologists tended to perform URS as the first option. CONCLUSIONS: Decision making for a rational approach in cases with bilateral ureteral stones my be challenging. Our findings demonstated that serum creatinine levels, associated UTI, location and the hardness of the stone and previous ureteroscopy anamnesis could be important factors in making a decision between JJ stenting and ureteroscopic stone extraction in emergency conditions.

A cross-sectional survey on university students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding organ, tissue, and body donation.

PURPOSE: Body donors continue to have an important role in anatomy education in medical schools. Furthermore, the demand for organ transplantation is increasing as life expectancy increases. In Turkey, there are efforts to enable both donations to be made through a single system. These issues were addressed together, and it was aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes of medical and law students regarding tissue-organ and body donation. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 29 questions was administered to 693 individuals to measure these aspects. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. Categorical data collected during the study were summarized in terms of frequency and percentage. RESULTS: When asked about their willingness to donate their bodies, 39.4% answered no, 29.5% responded yes, and 31.1% were undecided. Regarding organ donation, 61.8% of the participants expressed willingness, 22.8% were undecided, and 15.4% declined. Notably, there was a significant difference between those who had prior knowledge of organ tissue and body donation and those who did not (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of our research indicate that knowledge about organ tissue and body donation, as well as the inclination to donate, increased as medical education progressed into clinical practice. Additionally, the level of knowledge among university students on this subject was found to be correlated with whether they had received prior training on the topic. It was observed that there is a need to provide more education for students to understand the importance of organ and body donation.

Evaluation of neurogranin levels in a rat model of diffuse axonal injury.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), one of the most common and devastating type of traumatic brain injury, is the result of the shear force on axons due to severe rotational acceleration and deceleration. Neurogranin (NRGN) is a postsynaptic protein secreted by excitatory neurons, and synaptic dysfunction can alter extracellular NRGN levels. In this study, we examined NRGN levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after experimental DAI in terms of their diagnostic value. Experimental DAI was induced using the Marmarou technique in male Wistar albino rats. Serum and CSF NRGN levels of the sham group, one­hour, six­hour, 24­hour, and 72­hour post­DAI groups were measured by ELISA method. DAI was verified by staining with hematoxylin­eosin and ß­amyloid precursor protein in the rat brain samples. While no histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were observed in the early hours of the post­DAI groups, the staining of the ß­APP visibly increased over time, with positivity being most frequent and intense in the 72­hour group. It was found that serum NRGN levels were significantly lower in the 6­hour group than in the sham group. The serum NRGN levels in the 24­hour group were significantly higher than those in the sham group. This study showed a dichotomy of post­DAI serum NRGN levels in consecutive time periods. NRGN levels in CSF were higher in the one­hour group than in the sham group and returned to baseline by 72 hours, although not significantly. Our study provides an impression of serum and CSF NRGN levels in a rat DAI model in consecutive time periods. Further studies are needed to understand the diagnostic value of NRGN.

Treatment of Posterior Hip Dislocation due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Report of Two Cases.

Introduction: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis ( JIA) is a persistent autoimmune-inflammatory disease that affects children younger than 16. Aggressive synovitis of the hip may cause joint destruction, hip protrusion, erosion, pseudosubluxation, dysplasia, and osteoarthritis. Subluxation of the hip had been reported previously. However, dislocation of the hip in JIA is an extremely rare situation, and only two cases have been reported up to date. Reduction of the dislocated hip has to be performed in any way. However, there is no algorithm to be followed for the treatment of hip dislocations caused by JIA. Case Presentation: In this study, we presented two cases of hip dislocation caused by JIA.Case 1: An 11-year-old boy had JIA and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). X-rays and computed tomography (CT) revealed a posterior dislocation of the left hip. An urgent operation was planned for the reduction of the hip. Avascular necrosis, dysplasia, or erosions were not evident at the last follow-up.Case 2: An 11-year-old girl was referred to the hospital with excessive left hip pain starting 24 h ago. A limited synovectomy with joint irrigation was performed. However, pathological examination of the synovium showed chronic inflammation consistent with JIA. On the post-operative 10th day, the patient was consulted for an increase in hip pain and deformity of the left hip. X-rays and MRI revealed posterior dislocation of the left hip with synovial hypertrophy. An urgent operation was planned. The hip could be reduced under anesthesia with mild traction, and a pelvipedal cast was applied only for 3 weeks. Avascular necrosis, dysplasia, destruction, or erosions were not evident at the last follow-up. Conclusion: For early diagnosed patient reduction under anesthesia and medial soft-tissue contracture release; for late diagnosed patient medial soft-tissue contracture release, capsulotomy and synovectomy were effective to prevent destruction and early degenerative changes of the hip joint for treatment of dislocation caused by JIA.

Measuring cell proliferation in bioprinting research.

Tissue-like constructs, intended for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, can be produced by three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of cells in hydrogels. It is essential that the viability and proliferation of the encapsulated cells can be reliably determined. Methods currently used to evaluate cell proliferation, such as quantification of DNA and measurement of metabolic activity, have been developed for application in 2D cultures and might not be suitable for bioinks. In this study, human fibroblasts were either cast or printed in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) or sodium alginate hydrogels and cell proliferation was assessed by AlamarBlue, PicoGreen and visual cell counts. Comparison of data extrapolated from standard curves generated from 2D cultures and 3D hydrogels showed potential inaccuracies. Moreover, there were pronounced discrepancies in cell numbers obtained from these assays; the different bioinks strongly influenced the outcomes. Overall, the results indicate that more than one method should be applied for better assessment of cell proliferation in bioinks.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 and pneumoconiosis: A case report on a coincidence.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by the development of central or peripheral nervous system tumors. The most common form, known as NF1 or Von Recklinghausen's disease, presents with distinct clinical features, including cutaneous and ocular manifestations, along with various other organ and systemic symptoms. While the lung findings associated with neurofibromatosis lack specificity, they can include parenchymal cysts and bullae formation, primarily in the upper-apical regions. Additionally, progressive fibrotic changes, such as ground-glass areas, consolidations, and paving stone patterns, may manifest in the basal parts of the lungs. In this case report, a case of NF1 diagnosed in adulthood and accompanying pneumoconiosis was discussed as a coincidence.

Intimal Hemorrhage of Basilar Artery Induced by Severe Vasospasm Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Experimental Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vasospasm, a serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), has been extensively studied for its neurochemical and pathophysiologic mechanisms. However, the contribution of inner elastic membrane dissection and subintimal hemorrhage to basilar artery occlusion remains underexplored. This study investigates inner elastic membrane-related changes in the basilar artery after SAH. METHODS: Twenty-four hybrid rabbits were divided into control, sham, and SAH groups, with SAH induced by autologous blood injection. After 2 weeks, basilar artery changes, vasospasm indexes (VSIs), and dissections were evaluated. RESULTS: The SAH group showed significantly higher VSI, with vascular wall thickening, luminal narrowing, convoluted smooth muscle cells, intimal elastic membrane disruption, endothelial cell desquamation, and apoptosis. Some SAH animals exhibited subintimal hemorrhage, inner elastic membrane dissection, and ruptures. Basilar arteries with subintimal hemorrhage had notably higher VSI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the role of subintimal hemorrhage and inner elastic membrane dissection in basilar artery occlusion post-SAH, offering valuable insights into vasospasm pathophysiology.

First report of the histopathological effect of electrocautery using on the urethral taste rosea during glans penis injury by incision in rabbits.

Objective: Currently, electrocautery devices have frequently been used in penile surgical procedures. We hypothesized that electrocautery using during penile surgical procedures may harm the taste rosea and the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris. Methods: Eighteen young age male New Zealand rabbits were studied: five in the control (Group I, n=5), five in the penile surgery without using electrocautery (sham group, Group II, n=5), eight in the monopolar cautery (study group, Group III, n=8) groups under general anesthesia. The animals were followed for 3 weeks and sacrificed. Penile tissue-pudendal nerve root complexes and dorsal root ganglion of sacral 3 level were examined using stereological methods. The results were compared statistically. Results: The live and degenerated taste bud-like structures and degenerated neuron densities of pudendal ganglia (mean±standard deviation, n/mm3) were estimated as 198±24/mm3, 4±1/mm3, and 5±1/mm3 in Group I; 8±3/mm3, 174±21/mm3, and 24±7/mm3 in Group II; and 21±5/mm3, 137±14/mm3, and 95±12/mm3 in Group III, respectively. Neurodegeneration of taste buds and pudendal ganglia was significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Intact spinal cord and normal parasympathetic and thoracolumbar sympathetic networks are crucial for human sexual function. The present study indicates that the glans penis injury by using electrocautery may lead to pudendal ganglia degeneration. Iatrogenic damage to taste rosea and retrograde degeneration of the pudendal nerve may be the cause of sexual dysfunction responsible mechanism.

Development of BDNF/NGF/IKVAV Peptide Modified and Gold Nanoparticle Conductive PCL/PLGA Nerve Guidance Conduit for Regeneration of the Rat Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injuries are very common worldwide, leading to permanent nerve function loss with devastating effects in the affected patients. The challenges and inadequate results in the current clinical treatments are leading scientists to innovative neural regenerative research. Advances in nanoscience and neural tissue engineering have opened new avenues for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. In order for designed nerve guidance conduit (NGC) to be functionally useful, it must have ideal scaffold properties and topographic features that promote the linear orientation of damaged axons. In this study, it is aimed to develop channeled polycaprolactone (PCL)/Poly-D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) hybrid film scaffolds, modify their surfaces by IKVAV pentapeptide/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or polypyrrole (PPy) and investigate the behavior of motor neurons on the designed scaffold surfaces in vitro under static/bioreactor conditions. Their potential to promote neural regeneration after implantation into the rat SCI by shaping the film scaffolds modified with neural factors into a tubular form is also examined. It is shown that channeled groups decorated with AuNPs highly promote neurite orientation under bioreactor conditions and also the developed optimal NGC (PCL/PLGA G1-IKVAV/BDNF/NGF-AuNP50) highly regenerates SCI. The results indicate that the designed scaffold can be an ideal candidate for spinal cord regeneration.

Nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1) in gastric cancer patients: a potential biomarker with diagnostic and prognostic utility.

BACKGROUND: The nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1) is suggested to have an oncogenic role in several tumors based on its overexpression. However, its diagnostic and prognostic role in gastric cancer remains unclarified. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of NAP1L1 in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 85 patients [mean (SD) age: 60.9 (1.6) years, 49.4% were males] with newly-diagnosed gastric cancer and 40 healthy individuals [mean (SD) age: 60.7 (1.7) years, 52.5% were males] were included. Data on patient demographics (age, gender), TNM stages and tumor size, and the serum NAP1L1 levels were recorded. RESULTS: Serum NAP1L1 levels were significantly higher in gastric cancer patients than in control subjects [12 (9.5-13.8) vs. 1.8 (1.5-2.4) ng/mL, p < 0.001]. Also, certain tumor characteristics such as tumor size of >4 vs. <4 cm (p < 0.001), M1 vs. M0 stage (p < 0.001), N2 vs. N0 and N1 stage (p < 0.001), and T4 vs. lower T stage (p < 0.001) were associated with significantly higher serum NAP1L1 levels in gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed for the first time that serum levels for NAP1L1 were overexpressed in the gastric cancer, as also correlated with the disease progression. NAP1L1 seems to be a potential biomarker for gastric cancer, providing clinically important information on early diagnosis and risk stratification.

This study aimed to investigate serum levels for nucleosome assembly protein 1-like 1 (NAP1L1) in patients with gastric cancer in relation to healthy controls and tumor pathology.It was demonstrated for the first time that serum levels for NAP1L1 were overexpressed in the gastric cancer, as also correlated with the disease progression.These findings seem to implicate the potential role of serum NAP1L1 as a distinct diagnostic and prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer, offering clinically important information on early diagnosis and risk stratification.