Yasar, E; Dogru, S; Eroglu, E; Yaras, N

Özerkan, Dilşad; Danışman-Kalındemirtaş, Ferdane; Kariper, İshak Afşin

Curcumin (CUR) exhibits potent anti-cancer effects; however, its poor water solubility limits its clinical use. This study explores gelatin nanoparticles (GelNPs) as nanocarriers to improve curcumin delivery. We aimed to enhance the release and efficacy of photosensitive curcumin-loaded GelNPs (Cur-GelNPs) using infrared (IR) light-induced localized hyperthermia in a 3D co-culture cancer model. Cur-GelNPs were synthesized and characterized via DLS, FTIR, STEM, Raman, HPLC, and DSC. Cytotoxicity, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and drug resistance were assessed using MTT, Transwell, Hoechst/PI staining, and Rho123 assays, respectively. Optimal results were achieved by IR treatment at 38 °C for 30 s. Cur-GelNPs localized in the cytoplasm due to curcumin’s natural fluorescence. At 25 µg/ml, Cur-GelNPs significantly reduced the viability, invasion, and migration of colon cancer cells, while promoting apoptosis and mitochondrial damage—more effectively when combined with IR. Importantly, minimal toxicity was observed in healthy cells, suggesting selective cancer targeting. This method enables spontaneous drug-macromolecule binding, reducing time, cost, and labor. Overall, IR-activated Cur-GelNPs represent a promising approach for targeted colon cancer therapy and may offer broader contributions to nanomedicine and drug delivery systems.

Ocak, Ali; Akyüz, Mehmet

Deep concavities of the submandibular fossa (SF) in the posterior mandible substantially increase the risk of lingual cortical plate perforation during implant placement. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables accurate three-dimensional assessment of SF morphology, panoramic radiography remains the most commonly used initial imaging modality. We investigated whether trabecular bone texture on panoramic radiographs, quantified using fractal dimension (FD), is associated with CBCT-measured SF depth. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 133 patients with CBCT and panoramic radiographs obtained within 3 months were included. SF depth was classified as Type I (≤ 2 mm), Type II (2–3 mm), or Type III (> 3 mm). On the matching panoramic level, a 20 × 20-pixel cancellous region of interest was analyzed in ImageJ using box-counting FD. Group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction; correlations were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). A total of 229 hemimandible measurements were evaluated. Mean age was 41.96 ± 15.59 years; 57.1% were female. Mean SF depth was 1.845 ± 0.750 mm and mean FD was 1.0964 ± 0.0667. Median FD was 1.0747, 1.1324, and 1.1340 in Types I, II, and III, respectively (Kruskal–Wallis p = 4.45 × 10⁻⁵). FD was significantly higher in Types II and III versus Type I (p = 0.000514 and p = 0.00633), with no difference between Types II and III (p = 1.00). SF depth positively correlated with FD (Spearman rho = 0.4138, p = 6.95 × 10⁻¹¹). Panoramic FD values reflected CBCT-defined SF depth categories, with deeper concavities showing consistently higher trabecular texture complexity. These results suggest that SF anatomical variation is a previously unrecognized source of regional FD heterogeneity in the posterior mandible and should be considered when interpreting panoramic FD in this region. FD is not proposed as a substitute for CBCT, but as a complementary quantitative descriptor with implications for both surgical risk awareness and radiographic research methodology.

Gürsoy, Nurcan; Gürsoy, Ersan

Correctable refractive errors are a major, preventable cause of visual impairment. Refractive surgery is widely promoted online, yet how Turkish-language YouTube videos frame benefits, risks, recovery, and long-term outcomes—and how this framing differs between patient and physician narrators—remains underexplored. We aimed to qualitatively compare patient- and physician-generated Turkish-language YouTube videos on refractive surgery and to describe audience engagement. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke) of 64 publicly available videos (29 patient, 35 physician) meeting predefined criteria (Turkish; primarily refractive surgery; ≥1 min; ≥1,000 views; ≥240p). Searches were performed on 15 July 2025 using predefined search strings. Videos were transcribed verbatim and inductively coded in NVivo by two researchers. Between-group differences in engagement metrics were assessed with Mann–Whitney U tests, with a one-video-per-channel sensitivity analysis to address potential clustering. Patient narratives foregrounded lived experience (decision-making, perioperative discomfort, postoperative visual fluctuations, and symptoms such as dry eye and glare/halos) and often raised concerns about commercialization. Physician narratives emphasized candidacy assessment, procedure selection, recovery timelines, and risk mitigation. In the one-video-per-channel sensitivity analysis (patient n = 27; physician n = 23), patient videos received more likes (median 300 [IQR 1,639] vs. 59 [269], p = 0.009) and showed a higher like-to-view ratio (0.013 [0.01] vs. 0.006 [0.01], p < 0.001), whereas view counts were not significantly different (24,000 [98,900] vs. 18,000 [48,500], p = 0.224). Turkish-language YouTube narratives share experiential touchpoints but diverge systematically in how risks, commercialization, and expectations are framed by patients versus physicians. Findings support the need for balanced, accurate, and discoverable patient-facing materials tailored to platform dynamics.

Karadogan, Muhammed Talha; Yeni, Yesim; Yeter, Bahtinur; Gungor, Ali; Altuner, Durdu; Azade, Faraz; Gursul, Cebrail; Suleyman, Halis

Although doxorubicin (DOX) is a first-line antineoplastic drug, its clinical use is limited due to its widespread side effects. Hepatic and renal metabolic clearance causes DOX accumulation in these organ systems, ultimately leading to oxidative-inflammatory damage. This study investigated the potential impact of syringic acid (SA), a natural antioxidant phenolic compound, against in vivo DOX-evoked hepatorenal damage. SA was orally administered to rats at 100 mg/kg body weight for 10 consecutive days. On the 8th day of the study, DOX was administered at 20 mg/kg by single-dose intraperitoneal injection to prompt hepatorenal toxicity. Hepatorenal toxicity was assessed by measuring serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cre). Histopathological evaluation of kidney and liver tissues was also performed to observe DOX-related damage. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), along with the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in the hepatorenal tissues, in addition to the concentration of 8-OHdG in serum, to determine the protective effect of SA against oxidative stress. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were investigated with molecular and immunohistochemical analysis in hepatorenal tissues, evaluating the inflammation. SA treatment prevented DOX-aberrant elevation of hepatorenal biomarkers in serum, besides histopathological alterations in rats’ liver and kidney. Additionally, SA markedly counteracted DOX-provoked oxidative damage as evidenced by outstanding reduction in lipid peroxidation and 8-OHdG, conjointly promoted GSH contents, and amelioration of activities of SOD and CAT. Similarly, SA-treated rats exhibited attenuation of hepatorenal inflammation via diminished TNF-α and IL-6 levels. SA exerted a hepatorenal protective effect in rats by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ulusu, İsmet; Ulusu, Hayati; Gül, Rüstem

This study investigates the feasibility of producing high-strength lightweight concrete using regional volcanic aggregate (RVA) and examines the performance of the produced concrete. Various mix designs conforming to ASTM and TS EN standards were applied to achieve the targeted strength and density. The study also investigated the effect of water/cement ratio (W/C) and cement content on the mechanical and physical properties of high-strength lightweight concrete. Experimental tests such as compressive strength, tensile strength, density, water absorption, and elastic modulus were conducted to determine the effect of cement content and lightweight aggregate on the overall behavior of the concrete. To ensure adequate workability, superplasticizer was added to all mixes at a rate of 1.5% of the cement weight. The slump values ​​of fresh concrete met modern requirements for good workability, pumpability, and high strength. The results showed that, provided a superplasticizer is used, high-strength concrete with a density range of 1830 to 1915 kg/m³ can be produced using 450 kg/m³ of cement. The results show that the porous structure and pozzolanic properties of RVA significantly increase the mechanical strength of concrete and, thanks to its porous structure, reduce its unit weight by 20–25%. The highest compressive strength recorded within 90 days for a mixture containing 650 kg/m³ of cement was 87 MPa. It was concluded that the W/C ratio and cement content have a significant effect on the mechanical and physical properties of these concretes.

Kalındemirtaş, Ferdane Danışman; Eroğlu, Güneş Özen; Nazlıgül, Esra; Kariper, İshak Afşin

Zinc (Zn), an essential trace element, has been shown to exhibit antiproliferative effects at high concentrations and to serve various functions in human health. Numerous studies have been undertaken to enhance the efficacy of zinc. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of zinc in terms of activation by ionizing radiation was investigated, and whether this would increase its efficacy was determined. In this study, Zn-65 was detected by exposing zinc to X-rays using a novel approach. The present study investigates the biological effects of low-dose gamma irradiation with Zn-65 compared with zinc alone on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as a standard cell control. The study investigated the biological effects of Zn-65 (IR-Zn) on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, comparing them with non-irradiated zinc, using human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a control. Cytotoxic activity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and drug resistance profiles were evaluated. Our findings show that IR-Zn significantly enhances anticancer activity by inducing premature cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, promoting apoptosis, and suppressing ABCG2-mediated drug resistance mechanisms. This is the first study to demonstrate that low doses of gamma-emitting Zn-65 can elicit potent, selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells without severely damaging normal cells. The findings indicate that weak gamma-emitting Zn-65 may be a viable targeted and low-toxicity radiopharmaceutical candidate for prospective oncological applications.

Ozturk, Ali; Aydin, Merve; Sahin, Elif Ayca; Gulmez, Dolunay; Tanrıverdi, Elif Seren; Otlu, Baris; Arikan-Akdagli, Sevtap; Ibrahim, Bashar; Ozhak, Betil; Ozyurt, Ozlem Koyuncu

Invasive infections due to Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete species are an emerging problem in immunocompromised patients and are often underrecognized because of misidentification and intrinsic resistance to some antifungals. This multicenter study investigated the species distribution, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and key virulence traits of clinical isolates from Türkiye. A total of 133 clinical isolates collected between 2010 and 2024 from 18 hospitals in 10 cities were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and ITS/LSU sequencing. MICs of amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and flucytosine were determined using the EUCAST broth microdilution method. Biofilm formation and esterase, caseinase, secreted aspartyl proteinase, phospholipase, and hemolysin activities were assessed phenotypically. Sequencing identified 107 isolates (80.4%) as Magnusiomyces capitatus and 26 (19.6%) as Magnusiomyces clavatus, MALDI-TOF MS identified 106 (79.7%) as M. capitatus and 27 isolates (20.3%) as M. clavatus. There was 99.2% agreement between MALDI-TOF MS and sequencing results. Voriconazole, amphotericin B, and posaconazole showed the lowest MICs, whereas fluconazole displayed wide MIC ranges and limited activity. Overall, 97.7% of isolates were strong biofilm producers, with significantly higher biofilm production in M. capitatus. In contrast, M. clavatus showed higher caseinase and esterase activity. This study provides the most extensive multicenter dataset on Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete in Türkiye and underscores their considerable pathogenic potential through strong biofilm formation and tissue-degrading enzyme activities. Accurate species-level identification using MALDI-TOF MS supported by molecular methods is essential, and limited fluconazole activity suggests that voriconazole and amphotericin B should be prioritized in species-guided treatment strategies.

Mallı, Ahmet Yavuz; Düğenci, Abdullah; Ayhan, Cihan; Seçer, Emrah; Kaçay, Zülbiye; Şahinler, Yunus; Işık, Özkan

Social media addiction is a phenomenon that may adversely affect adolescent mental health and is increasingly recognized as a public health concern by international authorities such as the World Health Organization. Understanding the potential mechanisms underlying the association between social media addiction and psychological well-being is important for informing effective intervention strategies. This study aimed to examine the sequential mediating role of physical activity and loneliness in the association between social media addiction and adolescents’ psychological well-being. This cross-sectional study included 290 high school students (mean age = 15.73; 59% female, 41% male) enrolled in high schools in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Short Form), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Normality assumptions were first examined, followed by descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses to assess the relationships among the study variables. Subsequently, Hayes’ PROCESS Macro Model 6, a bootstrap-based sequential mediation analysis, was employed to examine the hypothesized indirect associations. Social media addiction was significantly and negatively associated with psychological well-being. The sequential mediation analysis indicated that social media addiction is associated with lower levels of physical activity, which in turn is associated with higher levels of loneliness, and that the proposed sequential indirect association with psychological well-being was statistically significant (indirect effect = -0.0259, 95% CI [-0.0488, -0.0072]). Conclusion The results indicate that physical activity and loneliness may represent an important sequential pathway in the association between social media addiction and adolescents’ psychological well-being. Accordingly, public health interventions targeting adolescent mental health may benefit from addressing social media use while also promoting physical activity as a potential component of strategies to support psychological well-being.

Akyuz, Mehmet; Magat, Guldane

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of mandibular left second molar root pulp visibility (RPV) for legal age classification (≥ 18 years) using panoramic radiographs. A total of 983 orthopantomograms (492 males, 491 females) were retrospectively analyzed. Root pulp visibility was classified according to the staging system described by Olze et al. Diagnostic performance measures, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A statistically significant association was observed between pulp stage and legal age classification (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a stage-dependent increase in the odds of being classified as ≥ 18 years, with Stage 2 and Stage 3 showing strong predictive effects (OR = 6.04 and OR = 19.13, respectively). Diagnostic performance analysis indicated that Stage ≥ 2 demonstrated high specificity (0.94). ROC analysis revealed moderate discriminatory performance (AUC = 0.676; 95% CI: 0.647–0.705). Mandibular second molar root pulp visibility may serve as a useful radiographic marker for legal age threshold assessment, particularly at higher pulp stages.