Enhanced selectivity towards melanoma cells with zinc(II)-Schiff bases containing imidazole derivatives.

Zinc(II)-complexes with the general formula [Zn(L)2] containing 8-hydroxyquinoline Schiff bases functionalized with 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole or 1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole on 2-position and their respective ligands (HL1 or HL2) were synthesized and characterized by NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR and CD spectroscopies as well as ESI-MS spectrometry. Single crystals of HL2 and [Zn(L1)2]n were analysed by SC-XRD. [Zn(L1)2]n shows a 1D polymeric chain structure of alternating Zn(II) cations and bridging Schiff base ligands, in contrast to previously reported monomeric structures of analogous complexes. DFT calculations were performed to rationalize the polymeric X-ray structure of Zn(L1)2. Results showed that the ligands can bind as bi- or tridentate to Zn(II) and there is the possibility of a dynamic behavior for the complexes in solution. Both ligands and complexes present limited stability in aqueous media, however, in the presence of bovine serum albumin the complexes are stable. Molecular docking simulations and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies suggest binding to this protein in close proximity to the Trp213 residue. Biological studies on a panel of cancer cells revealed that the Zn(II)-complexes have a lower impact on cell viability than cisplatin, except for triple-negative breast cancer cells in which they were comparable. Notwithstanding, they display much higher selectivity towards cancer cells vs. normal cells, than cisplatin. They induce the generation of ROS and DNA double-strand breaks, primarily through apoptosis as the mode of cell death. Overall, the novel Zn(II)-complexes demonstrate improved induction of apoptosis and higher selectivity, particularly for melanoma cells, compared to previously reported analogues, making them promising candidates for clinical application.

Artificial intelligence models for validating and predicting the impact of chemical priming of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and light emitting diodes on in vitro grown industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a highly recalcitrant plant under in vitro conditions that can be overcome by employing external stimuli. Hemp seeds were primed with 2.0-3.0% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) followed by culture under different Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) sources. Priming seeds with 2.0% yielded relatively high germination rate, growth, and other biochemical and enzymatic activities. The LED lights exerted a variable impact on Cannabis germination and enzymatic activities. Similarly, variable responses were observed for H2O2 × Blue-LEDs combination. The results were also analyzed by multiple regression analysis, followed by an investigation of the impact of both factors by Pareto chart and normal plots. The results were optimized by contour and surface plots for all parameters. Response surface optimizer optimized 2.0% H2O2 × 918 LUX LEDs for maximum scores of all output parameters. The results were predicted by employing Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms. Moreover, the validity of these models was assessed by using six different performance metrics. MLP performed better than RF and XGBoost models, considering all six-performance metrics. Despite the differences in scores, the performance indicators for all examined models were quite close to each other. It can easily be concluded that all three models are capable of predicting and validating data for cannabis seeds primed with H2O2 and grown under different LED lights.

The effect of the closed intravenous catheter system on first insertion success, indwelling time, and complications in pediatric hematology and oncology patients: A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of two different catheter systems (closed IV catheter system: BD Nexiva™, peripheral open IV catheter: BD Insyte™ Autoguard™) on first insertion success, catheter indwelling time, and the catheter complications. METHOD: This randomized controlled study used a single-blind and parallel trial design guided by the CONSORT checklist. The "Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC) Bundle" was applied to all patients. A total of 214 catheters of 38 patients were included in the intervention (BD Nexiva™) (n = 107 catheter) and control (open IV catheter) groups (n = 107 catheter) of the study. The indwelling time and PIVC complications were followed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the study group was 5.9 ± 2.2, and the mean age of the patients in the control group was 5.7 ± 1.9. The PIVC was successfully placed in 68.2% of the patients in the study group and in 65.4% of the patients in the control group at the first attempt. It was determined that the indwelling time was 4.9 ± 3.9 (max. 20.25 days) in the study group and 2.9 ± 2.8 (max. 11.25 days) days in the control group. The complication rates were found to be 86.8 for the study group and 166.9 for the control group in 1000 catheter days. In this study, no difference was found in terms of complication. CONCLUSIONS: The PIVC indwelling time is longer in patients with the closed IV catheter system. These new technology PIVCs can be used for this special patient population. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT05769452.

Comparison of different methods of correcting astigmatism in cataract surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Astigmatism causes a decrement in visual acuity, and deterioration in visual quality. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare clear corneal incision (CCI) in the steepest meridian, opposed clear corneal incision (OCCI) and toric intraocular lens implantation methods for the correction of astigmatism in cataract surgery. METHODS: Total of 93 preoperative patients with the rule corneal astigmatism (between 1.00-3.00 D)underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery are retrospectively included in this study. Whole patients are divided into three groups of equal number of patients of 31 by considering the astigmatism correcting methods that are as follows. Group 1 consists of patients underwent CCI on the steepest meridian, group 2 consists of the patients underwent paired OCCI, and group 3 consists of those with toric intraocular lens implantation. The preoperative and postoperative 3rd month uncorrected distance visual acuity, refraction and, keratometry values, and surgically induced astigmatism values calculated by Alpins method are recorded. RESULTS: The age, preoperative and postoperative 3rd month spherical, spherical equivalent refraction and keratometry values of the groups are similar (p > 0.05). The preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity values are similar in whole groups, postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity values are the highest in group 1, and lowest in group 3 (p = 0.85, p = 0.02, respectively). The preoperative and postoperative 3rd month mean cylinder refraction values are -1.86 D, -1.00 D in group 1, -1.77 D, -0.70 D in group 2, and -1.95 D, -0.40 D in group 3. There is a statistically significant difference among the groups (p = 0.01). The surgically induced astigmatism values are statistically different among the groups [it was 0.46 ± 0.21 in group 1, 0.91 ± 0.44 in group 2, 0.33 ± 0.18 in group 3 (p < 0.001, respectively)]. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that; CCI, paired OCCI, and toric intraocular lens implantation should be preferred and performed for the steepest meridian in low D, middle D, and high D astigmatism patients, respectively. CCI can easily be applied for low to medium D without needing extra skills and tools. On the other hand, toric intraocular lens implantation is a better option for a high astigmatism with proper and accurate planning before the surgery.

Evaluation of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in children with cancer: Turkish validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in children receiving Vincristine treatment is challenging. This study examined the Turkish validity and reliability of the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV) measurement tool, which can measure Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in children with cancer. METHODS: A total of 53 children aged 5-17 years who received Vincristine treatment in two pediatric hematology-oncology centers participated in the study. Data was collected using the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV), the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, and the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT). The correlation between the TNS-PV total score and other scales and the inter-rater reliability coefficient was evaluated. FINDINGS: Of the children, 81.1% were diagnosed with ALL and 13.2% with Ewing Sarcoma. Cronbach's alpha values of form A and B of the TNS-PV scale were 0.628 and 0.639, respectively. As the cumulative Vincristine dose increased, the children's scores on TNS-PV were higher. A moderate and significant positive correlation was found between the TNS-PV form A total score and the worst subjective symptoms a, b (A), strength, tendon reflexes, and autonomic / constipation (r = 0.441, r = 0.545, r = 0.472, r = 0.536, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The TNS-PV form B total score was found to have a moderate level, significant correlation with CTCAE sensory neuropathy score and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, and a high level, significant positive correlation with CTCAE motor neuropathy score. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The TNS-PV is valid and reliable for measuring Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in practice in Turkish children 5 years and older.

Examination of the psychometric properties of pediatric-modified total neuropathy score in Turkish children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy has gained importance in symptom management of pediatric patients with cancer. This study aimed to perform the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Pediatric-Modified Total Neuropathy Score (Ped-mTNS). METHODS: A methodological, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used in the study. Forty children aged between 5 and 18 and were treated for cancer and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group) were included in the study. The mean scores of the items on the Ped-mTNS were compared, and item-total score correlations were evaluated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Ped-mTNS was calculated for internal consistency. FINDINGS: Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found as 0.709. The item-total correlations of the scale items ranged from 0.260 to 0.658. The mean score of cancer patients on the Ped-mTNS was found as 4.4 ± 3.8. DISCUSSION: Ped-mTNS scores of children with cancer indicated more deficits than those of the control group. In the evaluation of children in the patient and control groups, a difference was found in terms of light touch sensation, which is one of the sensory symptoms in the items of the Ped-mTNS, and pin sensibility and strength, which are among the clinical symptoms. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The Ped-mTNS was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for children with cancer aged between 5 and 18 in the Turkish population.

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Buzzy on First Insertion Success, Procedure-Related Fear, Anxiety, and Pain in Children during Intravenous Insertion in the Pediatric Emergency Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Distraction methods such as virtual reality and cold vibration device are recommended during intravenous interventions. Few studies have focused on the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on intravenous insertion success. METHODS: A randomized controlled study evaluated effect of virtual reality and cold vibration device application on first-attempt intravenous insertion success and procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety during intravenous insertion in children. Children aged 4 to 10 years (N = 150) undergoing peripheral intravenous catheterization insertion in the pediatric emergency department were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: virtual reality, cold vibration (Buzzy), and control group. Distraction technique of talking and asking questions of children was used in control group. Primary outcome was first-attempt intravenous insertion success; secondary outcomes were procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety. Study data were collected using Difficult Intravenous Access score, Emotional Appearance Scale for Children, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Color Analog Scale, Children's Anxiety Meter-State, and Child Fear Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in first-attempt intravenous insertion success rates (virtual reality = 47.2%, Buzzy® = 50%, control = 46.9%), preprocedural emotional appearance scores, and procedure-related pain and anxiety scores. There was no difference between groups for vital signs before, during, and at fifth minute of procedure. DISCUSSION: Virtual reality and Buzzy may decrease procedure-related fear in children during intravenous insertion. This research has shown that pediatric emergency nurses can reduce pain and anxiety by talking to children, and simple distractions such as asking questions are as effective as more technological ones.

The effect of chemotherapy on symptoms and nutritional status in children with cancer.

PURPOSE: This observational study carried out to determine the incidence of poor nutritional status and symptom burden in children undergoing chemotherapy treatment. METHODS: The research data collected from 187 children between the ages of 7-18 at pediatric hematology-oncology units in Izmir. The data of the study collected with Screening Tool for Risk of impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids), and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). RESULTS: Patients reported a mean (SD) of 14.1 (8.1; range, 1-30) symptoms, and 43.9% were underweight. According to the STRONGkids, 62% had a high risk for malnutrition. The incidence of all symptoms increased as the Z-score of the patients worsens. There was a significant positive correlation between mean symptoms and STRONGkids malnutrition risk score, and Z-score (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Most of the patients were at high risk of malnutrition. It observed that chemotherapy treatment led to malnutrition. The patients with high risk for malnutrition according to the STRONGkids and severe malnutrition according to the Z-score experienced more symptoms.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit; a case-control study.

We analysed a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) outbreak in the coronavirus disease (COVID) ICU. We retrospectively collected data from ICU records. We identified 25 cases between 12 November 2020 and 19 December 2020, and compared them to 42 controls present in the ICU during the same period. The presence of a femoral haemodialysis catheter was strongly associated with invasive CRKP infections (cases, 9 [36%]; controls, 0 [0%]; odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 21 (5; 89)). We found a significant association between old age and CRKP infection with adverse outcomes. Sequence analysis revealed three distinct carbapenemase genes: blaNDM-1, blaOXA-48 and blaKPC-2. We launched rectal swab sampling upon admission to the ICU, cohorted colonized patients and cases and conducted an intensive training programme for newly employed staff. This study revealed that the emergence and dissemination of CRKP in COVID ICUs were associated with increased adverse outcomes. The presence of a femoral haemodialysis catheter was a significant risk factor for CRKP infections.

Social support perceptions of Turkish people with schizophrenia: What helps and what doesn't help.

BACKGROUND: Social support is an important facilitator of the quality of life for people with schizophrenia. This study examines what is perceived as helpful and unhelpful support from the members of the natural social networks by 32 Turkish people with schizophrenia. MATERIAL: Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were used to examine what is perceived as helpful and unhelpful support. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that instrumental, emotional and socialization supports were the general categories that capture the perceptions of support. Intrusion and belittling/rejection appeared as unhelpful. It is important to take these perceptions into account in providing psychoeducation to families and in designing psychosocial intervention programs.