A plasmonic biosensor pre-diagnostic tool for Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, primarily observed in populations around the Mediterranean Sea, linked to MEFV gene mutations. These mutations disrupt inflammatory responses, increasing pyrin-protein production. Traditional diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms, family history, acute phase reactants, and excluding similar syndromes with MEFV testing, which is expensive and often inconclusive due to heterozygous mutations. Here, we present a biosensor platform that detects differences in pyrin-protein levels between healthy and affected individuals, offering a cost-effective alternative to genetic testing. Our platform uses gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic chips enhanced with anti-pyrin antibodies, achieving a detection limit of 0.24 ng/mL with high specificity. The system integrates an optofluidic system and visible light spectroscopy for real-time analysis, with signal stability maintained for up to six months. Our technology will enhance FMF diagnosis accuracy, enabling early treatment initiation and providing a cost-effective alternative to genetic testing, thus improving patient care.

Determination of characterization, antibacterial and drug release properties of POSS-based film synthesized with sol-gel technique.

In the study, antibacterial film synthesis was aimed using sol-gel technique from POSS structure with various functional groups. For this purpose, antibacterial properties have been acquired by metronidazole to the films to be synthesized. The films obtained were coated on glass surface samples by dip coating method. Antibacterial activities of surface coated glass samples were observed in E.coli and S. aureus bacteria. Metronidazole release studies in the film samples were followed by UV spectrophotometer. It was observed that drug release reached 68.90% at the end of the 24th h. As a result, it is thought that the synthesized film will be a good candidate especially for biomedical surface coating areas.

Synthesis of polyimide from 5,5''-bis(bromomethyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine and investigation of the polymer sorption behavior towards some metal ions.

The synthesis of a terpyridine-based polyimide sorbent for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of some metal ions is described. For this purpose, 5,5''-bis(bromomethyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine was polymerized with the corresponding diimide derivatives of dianhyrides to give polyimides utilizing terpyridine unit in the main chain. This polymer was used for its extraction capabilities for Pb(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II), at different pH. Under competitive conditions and at pH<0.6, the selectivity order was Pb approximately Cd approximately Zn. Enhanced selectivity was observed at pH 3.5, the order was Cu>Ni>Zn approximately Cd approximately Pb. Quantitative recoveries>97% were observed for all metals in case loading was stopped before reaching the point of breakthrough. As the synthesized polyimides are insoluble in water, solid-liquid extractions have been carried out and the resins sorption for mixture of basic and/or precious metals have been studied under various experimental conditions (reaction time and hydrochloric acid concentration).

Pressurized liquid extraction of phenolic compounds from Anatolia propolis and their radical scavenging capacities.

Propolis samples from important honey producing locations of Anatolia namely; Bingol (BG), Rize (RZ), Tekirdag (TK) and Van (VN), were evaluated for their antiradical capacities, total phenolic contents and individual phenolic compounds which was recovered by means of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Several extraction parameters of PLE such as; temperature, pressure, solvent type, extraction time and cell size were investigated for their effects on the extraction performances. The results showed that, 40 °C, 1500 psi, Ethanol:water:HCl; (70:25:5, v/v/v) containing 0.1% tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) as solvent, three extraction cycles within 15 min, and a cell size of 11 mL was the most favorable PLE operating conditions. Results of the tests performed to designate the success of the polyphenol analysis showed that the recovery was in the range of 97.2% and 99.7%. Major phenolic compounds in all samples were found to be gallocatechin (GCT), catechin (CT), epicatechin gallate (ECTG), caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), and myricetin (Myr). ChA level of BG propolis was 4.5, 3 and 23 times higher than that of RZ, TK and VN region, respectively. Antiradical tests showed that all propolis samples have superior antiradical capacities up to 500 mg Trolox equivalent activity per gram of extract.

Epidermoid cyst in the floor of the mouth: report of a case.

The occurrence of epidermoid cysts in the oral cavity is extremely rare. These cysts generally present slow and progressive growth and often are not diagnosed until the second or third decade of life. Epidermoid and dermoid cysts in the floor of the mouth are painless, doughy or fluctuant lesions and cause no symptoms until they are large enough to interfere with speech or eating. This article presents the case of a 20-year-old man with swelling in the floor of his mouth that was causing difficulties with speech and swallowing. After surgical removal of the cyst, histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst. Characteristics of epidermoid cysts are described and surgical treatment discussed.