Comparison of The Effectiveness of Thymoquinone, St. John Wort Oil and Silver Sulfadiazine in Experimental Burn Wounds.

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of thymoquinone (TQ), most important bioactive component of black cumin, St. John wort (SJW) oil, a traditional medicinal plant used in burns, and silver sulfadiazine (AgSD), well-known anti-inflammatory agent used in modern medicine, in an experimental burn rat-model. 63 Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into 9 groups (n=7). TQ, SJW were administered topically and systemically but AgSD was applied topically. Epithelialization, inflammatory cell response, granulation tissue, vascularization, and fibrosis were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), vitamin E, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were analyzed in serum. Topical TQ accelerated theepithelialization, enabled granulation, vascularization and fibrosis in wounds (P=0.001). Topical and systemic TQ increased Vitamin-E levels (P=0.003) but reduced TOS and 8-OHdG levels (P=0.001). Topical SJW reduced granulation and vascularization. Topical and systemic SJW decreased TOS, MDA and 8-OHdG levels (P=0.001), but increased TAS (P=0.001), and Vitamin-E levels (P=0.003). Topical AgSD reduced TOS, 8-OHdG, MDA levels (P=0.001). Topical and systemic TQ demonstrated significant advantages in accelerating wound healing process, while also enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative damage. SJW oil, particularly in topical application, improved epithelialization and antioxidant status but showed less efficacy in systemic use. AgSD, while effective in reducing oxidative stress, was less successful in promoting wound healing and appeared to delay granulation and fibrosis. TQ offers superior protective and healing benefits, SJW is effective locally but less so systemically, and AgSD should be used cautiously, potentially combined with antioxidants to mitigate its negative impact on wound healing.

Neural mechanisms of cooperation and fairness in iterative prisoner's dilemma.

Cooperation is a universal human principle reflecting working with others to achieve common goals. The rational decision-making model contends that cooperation is the best strategy for maximizing benefits in an iterative prisoner's dilemma. However, the motivations for cooperation (or betrayal) are complex and diverse, and often include fairness reflections. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study underlying neural differences in brain regions related to fairness when people interact with an opponent who tend to cooperate or betray, at different decision-making stages. Results based on 40 university students (25 women) indicate that experiences of cooperation or betrayal affect people's fairness perception. Distinct neural activities occur in expectation, decision, and outcome phases of decisions. In the expectation phase, those in the cooperative condition exhibited increased activation in the anterior cingulate gyrus, medial superior frontal gyrus, and caudate nucleus compared to those in the uncooperative condition. During the decision phase, those in the cooperative condition showed greater activation in the middle frontal gyrus, caudate nucleus/frontal insula, inferior frontal gyrus, and cingulate gyrus compared to those in the uncooperative condition. In the outcome feedback phase, the caudate nucleus, insula, cingulate gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus of the orbit were more active in the uncooperative condition than in the cooperative condition. Results also showed a significant correlation between caudate activity and the perception of fairness when expecting uncooperative conditions.

Circumferential correction of spinal deformity and instability secondary to bacterial spondylodiscitis.

Background: Spinal deformity as a sequela of nontuberculous spondylodiscitis is a rarely discussed clinical entity. Sagittal plane deformity, segmental instability, and persistently active infection overlap in these patients resulting in severe restriction in activity and quality of life. The presence of multiple medical co-morbidities restricts surgical options but nonoperative care may be ineffective and result in persistent, refractory discitis for years. We describe our experience with vertebrectomy and long-segment fixation for patients with postinfectious thoracic or lumbar deformity. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 23 consecutive patients who underwent vertebrectomy and long-segment fixation for thoracic or lumbar deformity secondary to nontuberculous bacterial spondylodiscitis was performed. Pre, peri- and postoperative data is compiled and analyzed with a focus on the perioperative management algorithm to safely perform an extensive reconstruction in this very sick patient population. Results: Extremely low preoperative quality of life was evident with 87% (20/23) of patients bedridden primarily due to pain despite 70% (16/23) of patients being strong enough to ambulate (Frankel D or E). Most patients (87%) already had an identified infection under adequate treatment either through blood cultures, prior biopsy or decompressive surgery. A single-stage posterior-only was the primary surgical approach utilized in the majority (83%) of cases. Complications were present in 100% of patients, most commonly perioperative anemia and hypotension requiring vasopressor support and aggressive blood product replacement. One in-hospital mortality occurred secondarily to pulmonary embolism. Mean preoperative segmental angle was 18±10 degrees of kyphosis which was corrected to 1±9 degrees of lordosis (p=.001). The mean correction of the segmental angle was 19 degrees (standard deviation 23 degrees). Visual analogue scale scores improved from a preoperative value of 8.8±0.9 to a postoperative value of 2.5±1.4 (p<.001), which was obtained at the last outpatient follow-up (mean 631 days after surgery). Full self-care including ambulation was achieved in 18/23 (78%) patients, and the infection was successfully treated in 22/23 (96%) patients after long-term antibiotics. Conclusions: Patients with refractory spondylodiscitis on appropriate care and antibiotics are typically considered extremely poor surgical candidates despite nonoperative care often being ineffective. Postinfectious deformity may also be so severe as to preclude a limited surgical treatment strategy. This study suggests that extensive circumferential reconstruction for deformity secondary to bacterial spondylodiscitis can be effective in restoring these extremely sick patients to self-care and ambulatory status.

New insights into the effects of organometallic ruthenium complexes on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed in excitable and non-excitable cells of the organism. Extensive studies suggest that nAChR ligands have therapeutic potential, notably for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Organometallic ruthenium complexes are known to inhibit several medically important enzymes such as cholinesterases. In addition, they can also interact with muscle- and neuronal-subtype nAChRs. The present study aimed to investigate the direct effects of three organometallic ruthenium complexes, [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(II)(5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline)Cl]Cl (C1-Cl), [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(II)(1-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)-thionato)Cl] (C1a) and [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(II)(1-hydroxy-3-methoxypyridine-2(1H)-thionato)pta]PF6 (C1), on muscle-subtype (Torpedo) nAChRs and on the two most abundant human neuronal-subtype nAChRs in the CNS (α4ß2 and α7) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, using the two-electrode voltage-clamp. The results show that none of the three compounds had agonistic activity on any of the nAChR subtypes studied. In contrast, C1-Cl reversibly blocked Torpedo nAChR (half-reduction of ACh-evoked peak current amplitude by 332 nM of compound). When tested at 10 µM, C1-Cl was statistically more potent to inhibit TorpedonAChR than α4ß2 and α7 nAChRs. Similar results of C1 effects were obtained on Torpedo and α4ß2 nAChRs, while no action of the compound was detected on α7 nAChRs. Finally, the effects of C1a were statistically similar on the three nAChR subtypes but, in contrast to C1-Cl and C1, the inhibition was hardly reversible. These results, together with our previous studies on isolated mouse neuromuscular preparations, strongly suggest that C1-Cl is, among the three compounds studied, the only molecule that could be used as a potential myorelaxant drug.

Genetic variability in the glucocorticoid pathway and treatment outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a pilot study.

Introduction: Corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. Genetic polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor, metabolizing enzymes, or transporters may affect treatment response to dexamethasone. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the glucocorticoid pathway polymorphisms with the treatment response and short-term outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: Our pilot study included 107 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 treated with dexamethasone and/or methylprednisolone, genotyped for 14 polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid pathway. Results: In total, 83% of patients had severe disease, 15.1% had critical disease and only 1.9% had moderate disease. CYP3A4 rs35599367 was the major genetic determinant of COVID-19 severity as carriers of this polymorphism had higher risk of critical disease (OR = 6.538; 95% confidence interval = 1.19-35.914: p = 0.031) and needed intensive care unit treatment more frequently (OR = 10; 95% CI = 1.754-57.021: p = 0.01). This polymorphism was also associated with worse disease outcomes, as those patients had to switch from dexamethasone to methylprednisolone more often (OR = 6.609; 95% CI = 1.137-38.424: p = 0.036), had longer hospitalization (p = 0.022) and needed longer oxygen supplementation (p = 0.040). Carriers of NR3C1 rs6198 polymorphic allele required shorter dexamethasone treatment (p = 0.043), but had higher odds for switching therapy with methylprednisolone (OR = 2.711; 95% CI = 1.018-7.22: p = 0.046). Furthermore, rs6198 was also associated with longer duration of hospitalization (p = 0.001) and longer oxygen supplementation (p = 0.001). NR3C1 rs33388 polymorphic allele was associated with shorter hospitalization (p = 0.025) and lower odds for ICU treatment (OR = 0.144; 95% CI = 0.027-0.769: p = 0.023). GSTP1 rs1695 was associated with duration of hospitalization (p = 0.015), oxygen supplementation and (p = 0.047) dexamethasone treatment (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Our pathway-based approach enabled us to identify novel candidate polymorphisms that can be used as predictive biomarkers associated with response to glucocorticoid treatment in COVID-19. This could contribute to the patient's stratification and personalized treatment approach.

Factors associated with pulmonary function decline of patients in the cystic fibrosis registry of Turkey: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The decline in pulmonary function is a predictor of disease progression in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to determine the decline rate of percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1) based on the data of the CF Registry of Turkey. The secondary aim was to investigate the risk factors related to the decline in ppFEV1. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of CF patients over 6 years old, with pulmonary function data over at least 2 years of follow-up was extracted from the national CF registry for years 2017-2019. Patients were classified according to disease severity and age groups. Multivariate analysis was used to predict the decline in ppFEV1 and to investigate the associated risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 1722 pulmonary function test results were available from 574 patients over the study period. Mean diagnostic age was older and weight for age, height for age, and body mass index z scores were significantly lower in the group of ppFEV1 < 40, while chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p < .001) and mucoid P. aeruginosa colonization (p < .001) were significantly higher in this group (p < .001). Overall mean annual ppFEV1 decline was -0.97% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.02 to -1.92%). The mean change of ppFEV1 was significantly higher in the group with ppFEV1 ≥ 70 compared with the other (ppFEV1 < 40 and ppFEV1: 40-69) two groups (p = .004). Chronic P. aeruginosa colonization (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79 95% CI = 1.26-2.54; p = .01) and initial ppFEV1 ≥ 70 (OR = 2.98 95% CI = 1.06-8.36), p = .038) were associated with significant ppFEV1 decline in the whole cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This data analysis recommends close follow-up of patients with normal initial ppFEV1 levels at baseline; advocates for early interventions for P. aeruginosa; and underlines the importance of nutritional interventions to slow down lung disease progression.

Synergy of experimental and computational chemistry: structure and biological activity of Zn(II) hydrazone complexes.

In this paper, three different Zn(II) complexes with (E)-2-(2-(1-(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxoethan-1-aminium chloride (HLCl) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy. All complexes are mononuclear, with the ligand (L) coordinated in a deprotonated formally neutral zwitterionic form via NNO donor set atoms. Complex 1 forms an octahedral geometry with the composition [ZnL2](BF4)2, while complexes 2 [ZnL(NCO)2] and 3 [ZnL(N3)2] form penta-coordinated geometry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to enhance our understanding of the structures of the synthesized complexes and the cytotoxic activity of the complexes was tested against five human cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, MDA-MB-231, K562, LS 174T) and normal human fibroblasts MRC-5. Additionally, antibacterial and antifungal activity of these complexes was tested against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, two fungal strains, and a yeast strain. It is noteworthy that all three complexes show selective antifungal activity comparable to that of amphotericin B. Molecular docking analysis predicted that geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, an enzyme essential for sterol biosynthesis, is the most likely target for inhibition by the tested complexes.

Protective efficacy of ramelteon on methotrexate-induced DNA damage.

Ramelteon (RMLT) is a melatonin receptor agonist that it has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects associated with DNA damage through different mechanisms of action. In this regard, we investigated the potential usefulness of RMLT as a protective agent against methotrexate (MTX)-induced DNA damage. Four groups were constituted from 32 Wistar albino rats: Negative control, RMLT, MTX, and MTX + RMLT. Twenty mg/kg MTX (i.p., single dose) and RMLT 10 mg/kg (oral, 7 days) was administered. Comet assay was used and the parameter %TailDNA was used to detect DNA damage. %TailDNA was 4.90 ± 0.19 in the control group, 7.85 ± 0.33 in the MTX group, 5.49 ± 0.24 in the RMLT group, and 5.86 ± 0.23 in the MTX + RMLT group. While there was a significant increase in DNA damage in the MTX-treated group compared to the control group, there was a significant reduction in DNA damage in the MTX + RMLT group, compared to the MTX group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, it was observed that combined treatment with RMLT significantly reduced MTX-induced DNA damage.

Investigate the possible protective effect of RMLT against DNA damage caused by MTX using the comet method.The DNA damage of RMLT treated group was significantly reduced compared to group and MTX group. (p < 0.001).Combined treatment with MTX significantly reduces MTX-induced DNA damage.

The Relationship Between Sexual Dysfunctions With Disease Prolactin and Genetic Polymorphisms in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Patients Receiving Pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate sexual dysfunctions (SDs) and related factors in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder receiving pharmacotherapy. METHODS: This study included 111 patients. The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were applied to the schizophrenia, and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) to the bipolar patient group. The sociodemographic data form and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were applied to both of the patient groups. Blood was drawn from all patients to evaluate the indicated gene polymorphisms and evaluate prolactin levels. RESULTS: SD was detected in 45.9% (N = 34) of the schizophrenia group, and 59.5% (N = 22) in the bipolar disorder group. SD was significantly higher in elderly patients and patients with a high smoking amount and low education levels. The eNOS -786T>C T allele frequency was found to be significantly higher in patients with SD. The logistic regression analysis determined that eNOS -786T>C CT and TT genotypes increased the risk of SD. CONCLUSION: In this study, the high rates of SD in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and the presence of modifiable factors that influence the presence of SD, suggest that SD should be given more attention in these patient groups. On the other hand, the high rate of SD in patients with the eNOS -786T>C T allele indicates the importance of carrying out new studies investigating the factors affecting the enzyme activity in this genotype. There is a need for more studies on eNOS genotypes and enzyme activites in this area.

Four cases of Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome presenting with different types of erythrokeratoderma.

Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a multisystem autosomal recessive disorder due to variants of the ABHD5 gene, characterized by lipid vacuoles in the liver and leukocytes, and possible involvement of eyes, ears, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system. CDS may present with skin changes, most commonly congenital non- bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma, however erythrokeratoderma-like findings have been rarely reported in CDS patients. Herein, we report clinical, histopathological and genetic findings of four patients with CDS presenting with different clinical forms of erythrokeratoderma (three with progressive symmetric erythrokeratoderma-like features and one with erythrokeratoderma variabilis (EKV)-like features), including one patient with a novel mutation in ABHD5. Although the typical skin finding of CDS syndrome is reported as non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, CDS should also be in the differential diagnosis in patients with EKV-like lesions.

Fabrication of High-Performance Polyisocyanurate Aerogels through Cocyclotrimerization of 4,4'-Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate and Its Mono-Urethane Derivatives.

Aromatic polyisocyanurate (PIR) aerogels are recognized as advanced porous materials and extensively studied due to their lightweight nature, high porosity, and specific surface area, which attribute to their outstanding thermal insulation properties. The inherent thermal stability of the PIR moieties, combined with great insulating performance, renders PIR aerogels highly suitable for building insulation applications. Nevertheless, materials containing isocyanurate obtained through direct trimerization of aromatic isocyanates exhibit brittleness, resulting in inferior mechanical performance. In order to enhance the processability of the PIR aerogels, we propose a cocyclotrimerization approach involving mixtures of mono- and difunctional aromatic isocyanates. This approach is designed to develop a PIR network with decreased cross-linking density and brittleness. Herein, we developed an array of PIR aerogels from different alkyl chain-modified isocyanate mixtures. The resulting PIR aerogels exhibited high porosity (>89%), a large surface area (∼300 m2/g), superinsulating performance with ultralow thermal conductivity (∼16.8 mW m-1 K-1), notable thermal stability (Td5% ∼ 250 °C), improved mechanical performance, and intrinsic hydrophobicity without the need for postmodification. These high-performance organic aerogels hold significant promise for applications requiring superinsulating materials.

Silver(I) complexes with voriconazole as promising anti-Candida agents.

Recognizing that metal ions play an important role in modifying the pharmacological properties of known organic-based drugs, the present manuscript addresses the complexation of the antifungal agent voriconazole (vcz) with the biologically relevant silver(I) ion as a strategy for the development of new antimycotics. The synthesized silver(I) complexes with vcz were characterized by mass spectrometry, IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystallographic results showed that complexes {[Ag(vcz)(H2O)]CH3SO3}n (1), {[Ag(vcz)2]BF4}n (2) and {[Ag(vcz)2]PF6}n (3) have polymeric structures in the solid state, in which silver(I) ions have a distorted tetrahedral geometry. On the other hand, DFT calculations revealed that the investigated silver(I) complexes 1-3 in DMSO exist as linear [Ag(vcz-N2)(vcz-N19)]+ (1a), [Ag(vcz-N2)(vcz-N4)]+ (2a) and [Ag(vcz-N4)2]+ (3a) species, respectively. The evaluated complexes showed an enhanced anti-Candida activity compared to the parent drug with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 0.02-1.05 µM. In comparison with vcz, the corresponding silver(I) complexes showed better activity in prevention hyphae and biofilm formation of C. albicans, indicating that they could be considered as promising agents against Candida that significantly inhibit its virulence. Also, these complexes are much better inhibitors of ergosterol synthesis in the cell membrane of C. albicans at the concentration of 0.5 × MIC. This is also confirmed by a molecular docking, which revealed that complexes 1a - 3a showed better inhibitory activity than vcz against the sterol 14α-demethylase enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP51B), which plays a crucial role in the formation of ergosterol.

Analysis of factors influencing target PASI responses and side effects of methotrexate monotherapy in plaque psoriasis: a multicenter study of 1521 patients.

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as first-line systemic treatment agent in psoriasis. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment responses of patients with psoriasis undergoing MTX monotherapy. Data from adult patients with plaque psoriasis who received MTX monotherapy for at least 3 months between April 2012 and April 2022 were retrospectively evaluated in 19 tertiary care centers. Our study included 722 female and 799 male patients, a total of 1521 participants. The average age of the patients was 44.3 ± 15.5 years. Mode of treatment was oral in 20.4% of patients while in 79.4% it was subcutaneous. The median treatment duration was 8 months (IQR = 5-15). The median weekly dose was 15 mg (IQR = 11-15). 1448 (95.2%) patients were taking folic acid supplementation. At week 12, 16.3% of the patients achieved PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) 90 response while at week 24, 37.3% achieved it. Logistic regression analysis for week 12 identified the following independent factors affecting PASI 90 achievement positively: median weekly MTX dose ≤ 15 mg (P = 0.011), subcutaneous administration (P = 0.005), no prior systemic treatment (< 0.001) and folic acid use (0.021). In logistic regression analysis for week 24; median weekly MTX dose ≤ 15 mg (P = 0.001), baseline PASI ≥ 10 (P < 0.001), no prior systemic treatment (P < 0.004), folic acid use (P = 0.001) and absence of comorbidities (P = 0.009) were determined as independent factors affecting the achievement of PASI 90. Adverse effects were observed in 38.8% of the patients, with nausea/vomiting (23.9%) and transaminase elevation (13%) being the most common. The most common reasons for interruptions (15.3%) and discontinuations (27.1%) of the treatment were patient related individual factors. The use of MTX as the first systemic treatment agent, at doses ≤ 15 mg/week and concurrent folic acid application are positive predictive factors for achieving the target PASI response both at weeks 12 and 24. In our study, which is one of the most comprehensive studies on MTX treatment in psoriasis, we observed that MTX is an effective and safe treatment option.

Digital Media and Developing Brains: Concerns and Opportunities.

Purpose of Review: The incorporation of digital technologies and their use in youth's everyday lives has been increasing rapidly over the past several decades with possible impacts on youth development and mental health. This narrative review aimed to consider how the use of digital technologies may be influencing brain development underlying adaptive and maladaptive screen-related behaviors. Recent Findings: To explore and provide direction for further scientific inquiry, an international group of experts considered what is known, important gaps in knowledge, and how a research agenda might be pursued regarding relationships between screen media activity and neurodevelopment from infancy through childhood and adolescence. While an understanding of brain-behavior relationships involving screen media activity has been emerging, significant gaps exist that have important implications for the health of developing youth. Summary: Specific considerations regarding brain-behavior relationships involving screen media activity exist for infancy, toddlerhood, and early childhood; middle childhood; and adolescence. Transdiagnostic frameworks may provide a foundation for guiding future research efforts. Translating knowledge gained into better interventions and policy to promote healthy development is important in a rapidly changing digital technology environment.

Composting of recovered rock wool from hydroponics for the production of soil amendment.

Due to its fibrous structure and high water holding capacity, rock mineral wool (RMW) has boosted the development of hydroponics. Consequently, the amount of waste RMW has also increased tremendously, which has stimulated the research and development of RMW reuse options. In this study, composting and degradability of RMW from hydroponics (gRMW) were tested in combination with different ratios of biowaste compost, including physical and chemical properties of the starting and final materials, and potential ecological hazards of the final product. gRMW had high water holding capacity and low organic matter content, which was easily degradable. Limits of toxic elements according to EU regulation were not exceeded. Degraded gRMW mixtures with compost did not exhibit toxicity to plants or aquatic bacteria and showed intermediate or limited habitat function for earthworms, which preferred the sole gRMW not mixed with compost. Overall, degraded gRMW exhibited parameters of safe soil amendment.

Sex modulated the relationship between trait approach motivation and decision-making.

It has been observed that one's Behavioral Approach System (BAS) can have an effect on decision-making under uncertainty, although the results have been mixed. To discern the underlying neural substrates, we hypothesize that sex may explain the conflicting results. To test this idea, a large sample of participants was studied using resting state fMRI, utilizing fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations (fALFF) and Resting-State Functional Connectivity (rsFC) techniques. The results of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) revealed an interaction between sex and BAS, particularly in the last 60 trials (decision-making under risk). Males with high BAS showed poorer performance than those with low BAS. fALFF analysis showed a significant interaction between BAS group and sex in the left superior occipital gyrus, as well as the functional connectivity between this region and the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. Additionally, this functional connectivity was further positively correlated with male performance in the IGT, particularly in the decision-making under risk stage. Furthermore, it was found that the functional connectivity between left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and left superior occipital gyrus could mediate the relationship between BAS and decision-making in males, particularly in the decision-making under risk stage. These results suggest possible sex-based differences in decision-making, providing an explanation for the inconsistent results found in prior research. Since the research was carried out exclusively with Chinese university students, it is essential to conduct further studies to investigate whether the findings can be generalized.

Evaluating the impacts of renewable energy action plans: A synthetic control approach to the Turkish case.

This paper evaluates the impact of the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAP) that was prepared under the (2009/28/EC) Directive of the European Commission by using Türkiye as a case study. We aimed to reveal the causal impacts of the plan on renewable energy generation based on different technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar, along with the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. To do this, we used the synthetic control method. The study's outcome indicates that NREAP has served as a promising treatment policy for Türkiye's deployment of renewable energy potential. The total treatment effect is 14%, mainly driven by increases in solar and wind shares, while no significant impact was observed on the hydro share of electricity. Moreover, our analysis found no treatment effect on greenhouse gas emissions, and placebo tests supported the robustness of these results. The analysis did not reveal any evidence of a treatment effect on greenhouse gas emissions.

Organometallic Ru(II), Rh(III) and Re(I) complexes of sterane-based bidentate ligands: synthesis, solution speciation, interaction with biomolecules and anticancer activity.

In this study, we present the synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of six organometallic [Ru(II)(η6-p-cymene)(N,N)Cl]Cl, [Rh(III)(η5-C5Me5)(N,N)Cl]Cl and [Re(I)(CO)3(N,N)Cl] complexes, in which the (N,N) ligands are sterane-based 2,2'-bipyridine derivatives (4-Me-bpy-St-OH, 4-Ph-bpy-St-OH). The solution chemical behavior of the ligands and the complexes was explored by UV-visible spectrophotometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The ligands and their Re(I) complexes are neutral at pH = 7.40; this contributes to their highly lipophilic character (log D7.40 > +3). The Ru(II) and Rh(III) half-sandwich complexes are much more hydrophilic, and this property is greatly affected by the actual chloride ion content of the medium. The half-sandwich Ru and Rh complexes are highly stable in 30% (v/v) DMSO/water (<5% dissociation at pH = 7.40); this is further increased in water. The Rh(III)(η5-C5Me5) complexes were characterized by higher water/chloride exchange and pKa constants compared to their Ru(II)(η6-p-cymene) counterparts. The Re(I)(CO)3 complexes are also stable in solution over a wide pH range (2-12) without the release of the bidentate ligand; only the chlorido co-ligand can be replaced with OH- at higher pH values. A comprehensive discussion of the binding affinity of the half-sandwich Ru(II) and Rh(III) complexes toward human serum albumin and calf-thymus DNA is also provided. The Ru(II)(η6-p-cymene) complexes interact with human serum albumin via intermolecular forces, while for the Rh(III)(η5-C5Me5) complexes the coordinative binding mode is suggested as well. They are also able to interact with calf-thymus DNA, most likely via the coordination of the guanine nitrogen. The Ru(II)(η6-p-cymene) complexes were found to be the most promising among the tested compounds as they exhibited moderate-to-strong cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 3-11 µM) in LNCaP as well as in PC3 prostate cells in an androgen receptor-independent manner. They were also significantly cytotoxic in breast and colon adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines and showed good selectivity for cancer cells.