The evaluation of miR-1181 and miR-4314 as serum microRNA biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

AIM: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most ominous tumor of gynecological cancers due to its poor early detection rate and unfavorable prognosis. To date, there is no reliable screening method for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer at an early stage. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules, and their main function is to regulate gene expression. The present study compared the serum miR-1181 and miR-4314 levels in patients with EOC and healthy controls to measure the diagnostic and prognostic value as candidate biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected serum samples from a total of 135 participants (69 patients with EOC and 66 healthy controls). Relative expressions of miR-1181 and miR-4314 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR). RESULTS: The present study revealed that both serum miR-1181 and miR-4314 levels in patients with EOC were significantly increased compared to healthy controls for each marker. In addition, there was a significant relationship between miR-1181 and miR-4314 overexpressions and the stage and prognosis of the disease. Finally, patients with high expression levels of miR-1181 and miR-4314 had significantly shorter survival rates than those with low expression levels. CONCLUSION: The current study proposed that serum miR-1181 and miR-4314 could discriminate the EOC patients from healthy controls. In addition, both miR-1181 and miR-4314 may be predictive biomarkers for ovarian cancer prognosis. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

Heavy Metal and Trace Element Levels in Hair Samples from Fishermen in Turkey: The Fish/Ermen Heavy Metal Study (FHMS).

Toxic chemicals from polluted seas can enter the human body through seafood consumption and cause health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected heavy metals and trace elements among fishermen who frequently consumed seafood and controls who consumed seafood less frequently in four provinces on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, which is heavily polluted by industrial activities. Fourteen elements (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc) were analyzed in hair samples using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer method. Levels of arsenic (0.147 ± 0.067 µg/g vs. 0.129 ± 0.070 µg/g, p = 0.025), chromium (0.327 ± 0.096 µg/g vs. 0.269 ± 0.116 µg/g, p < 0.01), nickel (0.469 ± 0.339 µg/g vs. 0.403 ± 0.368 µg/g, p = 0.015), strontium (1.987 ± 1.241 µg/g vs. 1.468 ± 1.190 µg/g, p < 0.01), and zinc (103.3 ± 43.1 µg/g vs. 92.7 ± 37.4 µg/g, p = 0.047) were higher in the fisherman group than in the control group. No difference was found between the groups in terms of other elements. The findings suggest that heavy metal-trace element contamination in the Sea of Marmara may increase the exposure levels of individuals to some chemicals through seafood consumption.

Comparison of artificial intelligence-assisted informed consent obtained before coronary angiography with the conventional method: Medical competence and ethical assessment.

Objective: At the time of informed consent (IC) for coronary angiography (CAG), patients' knowledge of the process is inadequate. Time constraints and a lack of personalization of consent are the primary causes of inadequate information. This procedure can be enhanced by obtaining IC using a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Methods: In the study, patients who will undergo CAG for the first time were randomly divided into two groups, and IC was given to one group using the conventional method and the other group using an AI-supported chatbot, chatGPT3. They were then evaluated with two distinct questionnaires measuring their satisfaction and capacity to understand CAG risks. Results: While the satisfaction questionnaire was equal between the two groups (p = 0.581), the correct understanding of CAG risk questionnaire was found to be significantly higher in the AI group (<0.001). Conclusions: AI can be trained to support clinicians in giving IC before CAG. In this way, the workload of healthcare professionals can be reduced while providing a better IC.

Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastic pollution in surface sediments along the coastal areas of Istanbul, Turkey.

Microplastics (MPs) have become prevalent in various environmental compartments, including air, water, and soil, attracting attention as significant pollutant parameters. This study investigated the prevalence of MP pollution in surface sediments along Istanbul's Marmara Sea, encompassing the megacity and the Bosphorus. A comprehensive sampling approach was employed, covering 43 stations across four seasons and depths ranging from 5 to 70 m. The objective was to assess the impact of terrestrial, social, and industrial activities on MPs. The average concentrations varied per season, with fall, winter, spring, and summer values recorded as 2000 ± 4100, 1600 ± 3900, 4300 ± 12,000, and 9500 ± 20,300 particles/kg-DW. The study identified river stations in the Golden Horn and sea discharge locations as hotspots for high concentrations. Notably, the dominant shape shifted from fibers in fall, winter, and spring to fragments during summer, coinciding with mucilage occurrences. The study identified 11 different polymers, with polyethylene (44 %) and polypropylene (31 %) being the most common.

Association between Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine and myocardial infarction: clinical and angiographic insights.

OBJECTIVE: With the widespread administration of the BioNTech mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, there is a need to evaluate its potential effects on cardiovascular health, particularly its association with myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BioNTech vaccination and MI, as well as its impact on clinical and angiographic parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir City Hospital, between April 2020 and May 2023 on a cohort of 1 151 patients hospitalised with MI. The patients were stratified into a BioNTech+ (vaccinated) and a BioNTech- (unvaccinated) groups. Medical records were reviewed for demographic information, clinical data and angiographic findings. Statistical analyses were performed, including logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The BioNTech- group had a higher mean number of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures and stents compared to the BioNTech+ group. Haematological parameters and lipid profiles showed some discrepancies between the two groups. The BioNTech- group had higher white blood cell and platelet counts, while also exhibiting a higher mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The prevalence of co-morbidities and cardiovascular risk factors differed between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study found associations between the BioNTech vaccination and clinical and angiographic parameters in patients with MI.

Accumulation of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in surface water and sediment from the Iznik Lake in Turkey.

This study was carried out to evaluate organochlorinated pesticide (OCPs) concentrations in the water column and sediments of Iznik Lake. Water samples and sediment were collected in different regions (six sampling sites) of the lake between January and December 2019 and tested for OCPs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that OCP residues throughout the sites varied depending on the anthropogenic activities of the region. OCPs detected in surface waters ranged from 0.01 to 60.80 µg/L and sediments from 0.06 to 14.21 ng/g dw. Endrin ketone, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan II, endrin, heptachlor epoxy, beta-BHC, gamma-BHC, ppDDD, and ppDDT concentrations exceeded the maximum residue limits indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for surface waters. Of the 18 analyzed OCP components, 17 were detected in sediment samples, and it was noted that they reached the highest concentration in summer. The presence of relatively high OCP levels according to WHO regulations in the waters of Iznik Lake, around which agricultural activities have been increasing rapidly in recent years, is a serious concern, and therefore, appropriate actions should be taken into consideration by the regulatory authorities.

Does educational stress mediate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and academic life satisfaction in teenagers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The present study aims to investigate the mediator role of educational stress in the relationship between intolerance to uncertainty and academic life satisfaction among teenagers. The sample consisted of 257 female and 202 male high school students with an average age of 16.03 (SD = 1.21) continuing their education in the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year in Turkey. The data were collected via an online survey. Analyses revealed that intolerance of uncertainty directly and indirectly via educational stress affects the academic life satisfaction of teenagers. Educational stress partially mediates the relationship. It was also found that the full mediation model has a good fit with the data. The academic life satisfaction of teenagers was harmed by their tendencies in tolerating the uncertainties they have been facing during the COVID-19 pandemic and elevated levels of educational stress.

Science teacher's perceptions of the nature of technology: a Q-methodology study.

The aim of the current study was to explore science teachers' perceptions of the nature of technology through the use of Q methodology. 17 science teachers were sampled as participants, and to explore their perceptions of the nature of technology, they ranked a Q-sort of 36 statements that constituted the following six categories: (i) definition of technology, (ii) the relationship between science and technology, (iii) the impact of society on technology, (iv) the impact of technology on society, (v) the impact of technology on environment, and (vi) the impact of technology on economy. As the participants completed their Q-sort, they were interviewed. Analysis of the participants' Q-sorts resulted in a three-factor solution, i.e. three distinct patterns of perception about the nature of technology. The three perspectives included teachers who are (i) equally aware of the benefits and drawbacks of technology and the relation of it to science, (ii) optimist about technology and aware of its dependence on society, and (iii) optimist about technological innovations but tempered by technology-driven environmental and social issues. Findings indicated gender and years of professional experience as potential determiners within these perspectives, which needs further research.

The effect of hydrogen sulfide on ischemi̇a /reperfusion injury in an experimental testicular torsion model.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular torsion is an acute pediatric surgical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis to prevent the permanent ischaemic damage of the testicles. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) have shown to cure tissue damage and has a role in the prevention of I/R damage. We aimed to evaluate the effect of H2S in testicular torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male, Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. The sham group which is applied surgical stress. The ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R) which detorsion performed 1 h later than testicular torsion application. I/R + NaHS treatment group, NaHS solution was injected intraperitoneally for 1 week. On the 7th day of the detorsion all left testes were fixed in Bouin solution and sent to Pathology Department for histopathological examination. All right testes were washed with normal saline, dried in a sterile way and stored in - 80 °C deepfreeze up to the date of biochemical processes. Testicular tissues were obtained for the detection of myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), AOPP (advanced oxidation protein product) for oxidant markers and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities for antioxidant markers and histopathological exploration. RESULTS: The effects of NaHs administration on oxidation were evaluated by determination of testicular MPO, MDA and AOPP levels. Increased testicular MPO (58.6%) activity was observed in the I/R group compared to the sham group. Following NaHS treatment, MPO (26.7%) activity was significantly decreased in rats exposed to I/R injury (Figure 1). MDA levels did not alter. Increases in AOPP (20.9%) levels were observed in the I/R group. NaHS treatment resulted in significant decreases in AOPP (25.1%) levels in testes tissues of rats exposed to I/R injury. The effects of NaHS treatment on antioxidant system FRAP, SOD, GSH and GSH-Px activities were evaluated. GSH levels were significantly increased in the IR + NaHS group compared to the I/R group. In histopathological examination degeneration of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells were observed in the I/R group. After NaHS treatment, normal spermatogenic activity with many spermatozoa in the lumen of most seminiferous tubules were observed in the I/R injured rats. According to Johnsen's scoring (JS), the I/R group was significantly decreased compared to the sham group. JS values for the I/R + NaHS group were significantly increased compared to the I/R group. CONCLUSION: Our study supports that ischemia/reperfusion injury plays an important role in the testicular torsion injury, and it is a pioneer study showing that H2S may have a potential for therapeutic effect. The limitation of this work is this is an experimental study with limited number of animals. According to the results of our study, hydrogen sulfide treatment has beneficial effects on biochemical and histopathological results of testicular injury in testic torsion.

Assessment of secondary prevention awareness among patients with coronary artery disease: A survey including patients from 3 centers.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the awareness of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) about secondary prevention and the channels through which they obtained information on this issue. METHODS: A standard questionnaire including 45 questions was given to the patients (n=912) who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinics to investigate their secondary prevention awareness and lifestyle. RESULTS: Of the participants, 508 (55.7%) stated that they knew the condition of their vessels after coronary angiography; 493 (54.1%) stated that they did not exercise; 299 stated that they did not follow any specific diet. Men were more frequently aware of all risk factors except diet, blood glucose, and blood pressure compared to women (p<0.001). Women were more frequently aware that blood glucose and blood pressure are risk factors for CAD compared to men (p<0.001). The high-income patient group was more aware of all the risk factors, except blood glucose compared to the low/medium income patient group (p<0.001). The frequency of awareness, except for blood glucose and antiplatelet drugs, increased as the education level increased (p<0.001). However, the frequency of awareness of blood glucose and antiplatelet drug use was higher in the literate/elementary school/secondary school group (p<0.001). In addition, it was concluded that patients' sexual life and psychological problems after being diagnosed with the disease were rarely questioned by cardiology specialists. CONCLUSION: Awareness of patients with CAD about secondary prevention was found to be very low.

Purification and characterization of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) from sheep lung.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1) in the renin-angiotensin system regulates blood pressure by catalyzing angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. In this study, the ACE was purified and characterized from sheep lung. The kinetic properties of the ACE were designated. The inhibition effect of captopril, a specific ACE inhibitor, was determined. ACE was purified from sheep lung using the affinity chromatography method in one step. NHS-activated Sepharose 4 Fast Flow as column filler and lisinopril as a ligand in this method used. The molecular weight and purity of ACE were designated using the SDS-PAGE method. Optimum temperature and optimum pH were found for purified ACE. KM and Vmax values from Lineweaver-Burk charts determined. The inhibition type, IC50, and Ki values of captopril on purified ACE were identified. ACE was 6405-fold purified from sheep lung by affinity chromatography in one step and specific activity was 16871 EU/mg protein. The purity and molecular weight of ACE were found with SDS-PAGE and observed two bands at around 60 kDa and 70 kDa on the gel. Optimum temperature and optimum pH were designated for purified ACE. Optimum temperature and pH were found as 40 °C and pH 7.4, respectively. Vmax and KM values were calculated to be 35.59 (µmol/min).mL-1 and 0.18 mM, respectively. IC50 value of captopril was found as 0.51 nM. The inhibition type of captopril was determined as non-competitive from the Lineweaver-Burk graph and the Ki value was 0.39 nM. As a result, it was observed in this study that the ACE enzyme can be successfully purified from sheep lungs in one step. Also, it was determined that captopril, which is a specific ACE inhibitor, has a significant inhibitory effect with a very low IC50 value of 0.51 nM.

Contrasting the Water Quality and Bacterial Community Patterns in Shallow and Deep Lakes: Manyas vs. Iznik.

The objectives of this study are to monitor the physicochemical properties of two freshwater lakes with different chemical characteristics and trophic status over a year (2019) and assess the bacterial diversity by a high-throughput sequencing method for a certain time. Carlson Trophic Index analysis revealed that, whereas the deep lake, Iznik Lake, (TSImean = 48.9) has mesotrophic characteristics, the shallow lake Manyas Lake (TSImean = 74.2) was found at a hypertrophic status. The most important parameters controlling water qualities in the lakes were temperature, alkalinity, and phosphate levels. Although the bacterial communities were dominated by the same phyla (Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia) in both lakes, the communities differed distinctly at the lower levels. Whereas Sporichthyaceae in Manyas Lake accounted for 10% of the total reads, the major share of the sequences was assigned to Cyanobacteria Family I (8%) in Iznik Lake. The hypertrophic Manyas Lake had a more diverse bacterial community rather than Iznik Lake and contained higher numbers of unique Operational Taxonomic Units.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Trachurus Mediterraneus and Merlangius Merlangus Captured from Marmara Sea, Turkey and Associated Health Risks.

Rapid industrialization and excessive human population growth may cause deterioration in marine water quality and biodiversity. Heavy metals are one of the most common pollutants in the seas and marine organisms, including demersal and pelagic fish, can accumulate them from the environment. Assessment of the ecological risk of heavy metals from fish has an important role in public health. In this study, some heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Fe) concentrations were determined in the muscle tissues of two commonly consumed fish species, Trachurus mediterraneus (Mediterranean horse mackerel) and Merlangius merlangus (Whiting), which are the fifth (14,222 tons/year) and sixth (6814 tons/year) highest commercial catches of marine fish species in Turkey, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations of samples collected from four sites (Adalar, Izmit Bay, Yalova, and Tekirdag) in the Marmara Sea were determined using ICP-MS. Fish samples caught at Yalova station were found to have the highest heavy metal concentrations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in terms of the mean values, only As, and Cr were higher than permissible limits in T. mediterraneus, while Pb, Cd, As, and Cr were higher in M. merlangus. Arsenic concentrations were higher than maximum limits in both T. mediterraneus and M. merlangus. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) was calculated to assess the potential health impact. The EWI for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury for some sites was above the provisional tolerable weekly intake.

Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Whole-Blood Samples of the Fishermen in Turkey: The Fish/Ermen Heavy Metal Study (FHMS).

Selected heavy metal-trace element (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and V) levels were determined by the ICP-MS method in whole-blood samples of fishermen and control group who accommodate in four provinces of the Marmara Sea. Mercury (1.267 ± 1.061 µg/L to 0.796 ± 0.853 µg/L) and lead (17.8 ± 9.0 µg/L to 12.0 ± 6.83 µg/L) levels were higher in the fishermen group than that of control group (p < 0.001 for both). There was no difference between the fishermen group and the control group in terms of whole-blood levels of other elements. Total monthly fish consumption was 9340.4 gr in the fishermen group and 326.4 gr in the control group, and the difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of having amalgam dental filling (p > 0.05). The results suggest that consuming high amounts of sea products caught from the Marmara Sea is a source for some heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which poses a public health risk. Unlike the control group, the positive correlation between arsenic, copper, and strontium levels and age in fishermen can also be evaluated as an indicator of chronic exposure.