A study on dopaminergic and serotonergic genes that have a role in smoking addiction at the DNA level

Aim: To investigate DRD2 (TaqIA and -141C Ins/Del), DAT (40-bp VNTR) and MAO-A (uVNTR) gene variants which have a role in dopaminergic and serotonergic systems within the frame of comparing them in smoker and non-smoker individuals; as well as to investigate them in case of clinical parameters such as their effects on age of starting to smoke, average number of cigarettes smoked each day and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence score. Methods: 164 smoker (90 male, 74 female) and 124 non-smoker (58 male, 66 female) individuals included in the study. Variants were analyzed by PCR or the PCR-RFLP method. Results were compared between groups and with clinical parameters. Results: DRD2/-141C Ins/Del variant was found to be associated with smoking addiction (p<0.001) and clinical parameters (p=0.037), whereas MAO-A/uVNTR variant was associated with smoking addiction solely in male (p=0.003). No significant association was found in relation to smoking addiction and clinical parameters in DRD2/TaqIA and DAT/40 bp VNTR variants. Conclusion: It was shown that DRD2 Del/Del genotype, MAO-A 4R allele presence in males may contribute to the risk of smoking addiction; that DRD2 Ins/Ins genotype, MAO-A 3.5R alleles in males may be linked to a protective effect. DRD2 Ins/Del genotype was found to be associated with less smoking per day

Evaluation of outcomes in nasal valve surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)

Aim: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal valve surgery and its reflection on functions in patients diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) by comparing the changes in pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Methods: Patients experiencing nasal breathing difficulties were selected for the study. Those who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and were subsequently diagnosed with OSAS were further evaluated for nasal pathology within the plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery department. PSG assessments were conducted both before and approximately three months after surgery to measure changes in AHI and minimum oxygen saturation levels. Results: All 24 patients were male and the mean age was 47.5 ± 8.5 years (range: 29-63 years). Neck circumference was 45±2.9 cm (range: 41-50 cm). In terms of AHI, minimum oxygen concentration, and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), there were statistically differences between the pre-operation and post-operation groups (p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.01, respectively). In terms of internal nasal valve, external nasal valve of the nose, and external valve angle, there were statistically differences between the pre-operation and post-operation groups (p<0.001, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively). In our study, it was shown that changes in valve areas and angles provided a statistically significant increase in postoperative AHI and mean oxygen saturation results (p<0.05). Conclusion: CPAP treatment is useless in patients with closed nasal passages. It has been observed that correct and effective nasal valve surgery techniques can increase nasal breathing functions and improve quality of life in OSAS patients with nasal obstruction

Identifying highly effective fludarabine-based novel target cancer therapy agents by in silico studies

Aim: To develop an alternative drug molecule design to fludarabine which is commonly used in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Methods: The molecular properties and biological activities of the drug molecules were determined using Molinspiration software. We investigated the biological activity and drug properties of fludarabine by changing the positions of bioisosteres on the molecular structure. Results:  In our studies of derivatives of the fludarabine drug molecule, we obtained data by adding different structures to the Y part without changing the X structure (F) of fludarabine. We have used the abbreviation 'M' to refer to the molecules in these experiments. We predict that the M6 derivative of fludarabine will have higher ion channel modulator, kinase and protease activity compared to fludarabine. We predict that the M15 derivative of fludarabine will have higher G- protein coupled receptors, ion channel modulator, kinase, and protease and enzyme inhibition activity compared to fludarabine. In our experiments with fludarabine derivatives, we have experimented by binding different molecules to both the X and Y structures of fludarabine at the same time. We have used the abbreviation 'C' to refer to the molecules in these experiments. In these experiments, we did not achieve higher biological activity than fludarabine. Conclusions: The results suggest that this newly designed M15 derivative of fludarabine molecule may be a better antileukemic drug molecules in the future and may be useful for further drug molecule development research in medical biochemistry, chemistry and pharmacology

The impact of earthquake-induced human migration on violence against healthcare professionals

Abstract Aim: Violence is a set of actions that encompass threats and behaviors which disrupt an individual’s overall well-being and negatively affect the person in various manners. Despite various deterrent sanctions, violence in healthcare remains a persistent societal issue. Following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, the province of Mersin experienced a significant influx of migrants. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of this migration on violence in healthcare. Methods: In this study, Code White notifications issued at tertiary hospital between April 12, 2022 and February 6, 2023 and between February 6, 2023 and December 3, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Individuals younger than 18 years of age and Code White notifications issued outside the specified date ranges were excluded from the study. The study was conducted with a total of 212 participants. Results: Violence occurred most frequently in the emergency department, accounting for 33.5% (n = 71) of the incidents, and physicians were the most affected group, experiencing 48.1% (n = 102) of the violence. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the time periods before and after the earthquake and the units where violence occurred (p = 0.010). Conclusion: Based on the Code White data examined in the present study, it can be concluded that violence against healthcare personnel remains a significant societal issue today, despite the deterrent legal sanctions implemented as part of the Health Transformation Program. The issue of violence in healthcare is multifaceted, requiring additional measures beyond legal sanctions

Investigating the neural correlates of stroop effect using the multilayer perceptron neural network

Aim: The Stroop task, specifically related to semantic conflict processing, is one of the most common cognitive tests examining executive functions. This study aimed to investigate neural correlates of the Stroop interference effect by means of simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements using a machine learning approach. Methods: A total of forty-five healthy male university students were included in the study. We measured brain activation with EEG/fNIRS systems during the color-word matching Stroop task. Linear and non-linear dynamics of EEG were computed over five frequency sub-bands. fNIRS analysis was conducted with a general linear model. We combined features from both modalities and employed the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm to classify incongruent and neutral trials. The Stroop effect in the subregions of the prefrontal cortex was also investigated using statistical analyses. Results: The results indicated that brain activation due to Stroop interference increased with incongruent stimuli, particularly in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The Stroop effect was associated with the fractal dimension and power spectral density of EEG. There was a significantly longer reaction time and more task error with incongruent stimuli than neutral trials. MLP classified incongruent and neutral trials with an accuracy rate of 73.3%. Conclusions: This study is the first to examine the Stroop effect using a multimodal EEG/fNIRS system and machine learning approach. Our study revealed that a hybrid EEG/fNIRS system is an effective neuroimaging tool to study neural correlates of Stroop interference. These findings could be used in future neurological and psychiatric research

Impact of subventricular zone interaction on clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hematoma

Aim: To investigate the impact of subventricular zone (SVZ) interaction on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for intracerebral hematoma (ICH). Specifically, we aimed to analyze radiological parameters and assess whether access of the hematoma to the SVZ affects clinical outcomes and long-term clinical course. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for ICH, dividing them into two groups based on SVZ involvement. Preoperative clinical evaluations, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessments, and preoperative cranial tomographs were performed. The study assessed hematoma localizations, volumes, and extension to the SVZ. Postoperative outcomes, including reoperation rates, Glasgow Outcome Scores (GOS) at 6 months, and hydrocephalus development, were monitored. Results: Out of 121 patients, 40 had SVZ involvement while 81 did not. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the groups. However, significant differences were observed in hematoma locations, volumes, midline shifts, and development of hydrocephalus between patients with and without SVZ involvement. At 6 months, patients with SVZ involvement had significantly different GOS scores compared to those without SVZ involvement. Conclusions: Our study suggests that SVZ involvement plays a crucial role in the prognosis of patients with ICH. Patients with hematoma reaching the SVZ had different clinical outcomes, highlighting the potential significance of this brain region in brain injury repair mechanisms. These findings emphasize the need for further research into the role of the SVZ in recovery processes after brain injury and the development of innovative treatment strategies for ICH

Should the priority examination in spinal trauma be magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography?

Aim: To determine how to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)  and computed tomography  (CT), which are diagnostic methods, most efficiently for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of spinal trauma in trauma patients who apply to the emergency department. Methods: For this purpose, 118 patients who apply to the emergency department and the neurosurgery outpatient clinic due to multiple trauma were scanned, retrospectively. The patient's history, MRI, CT and plain radiographs were evaluated in parallel with the patient's clinical findings. Descriptive statistical analysis of MRI and CT findings were performed and the findings were compared. Results: In the present study, 33.9% of the patients were women and 66.1% were men. In our study, no fracture was detected in the CT or MRI images of 9% of the patients who suffered trauma. We found that 91% of vertebral fractures were missed in the evaluation based on clinical history and CT results. Later, with the MRI taken, the most fractures in women were detected in the 12th thoracic vertebra. In men, the most trauma was detected in the first lumbar vertebra. MRI examination revealed fractures in all patients. Therefore, detection of vertebral injuries missed by CT with MRI is of great importance in terms of spinal cord injuries. It was found statistically significant that vertebral injury detection was higher in the MRI system than in CT (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is vital that every patient admitted to the hospital due to spinal trauma be scanned with an MRI- Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence as the initial examination of the entire spine, and once the affected area is identified, the area or areas should be re-evaluated with CT. A screening should be performed and then the treatment method should be defined

Psychological inflexibility and obesity: Mediating factors in psychological health

Aim: To explore the relationships between psychological factors, especially experiential avoidance (EA) and psychological inflexibility, and obesity, and to assess their mediating roles in the association between general psychological symptoms and obesity. Methods: The study employed Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis to examine relationships among Body Mass Index (BMI), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight-Related Difficulties-Revised (AAQW-R), its subscales, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12). Participants predominantly consisted of females, with a mean age of 39.3 years and an average BMI of 38.5. Results: Significant correlations were found between BMI, AAQW-R, and GHQ12 (p < 0.05). However, the correlation between BMI and AAQW-R-fc was not significant (p = 0.142). Mediation analysis revealed that AAQW-R fully mediated the relationship between GHQ12 and BMI, indicating a significant role of psychological factors in obesity. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of incorporating psychological elements, such as psychological inflexibility and EA, into obesity interventions. Addressing these factors may enhance the effectiveness of weight control strategies. Future research is encouraged to explore potential biological pathways linking obesity and psychological variables

Investigation of the dose profiles in the junction region between the supraclavicular and tangential fields

Aim: To evaluate the homogeneity of the dose at the junction for fields used in breast radiotherapy using a different technique. Methods: A total of 4 fields, including 2 tangential fields and AP-PA fields, were planned on the phantom on the RayStation treatment planning system. Gamma analysis was used to compare the results of the measurement and treatment planning system. Results: When the graphs are analyzed, it is seen that the dose obtained in the junction region on the 2D measurement system as a result of the 1st tangential field and AP field irradiation is 8.3% less than the dose obtained in the treatment planning system. For the 2nd tangential field and PA field, this difference was obtained as 11.8%. When the horizontal profile in the junction region was analyzed as a result of irradiation of all areas, dose differences were measured between 12.5-8.2%. Due to the examination of a region with a high dose gradient, parameters such as the tongue-and-groove effect of MLCs, jaw calibration, parameters included in the treatment planning system's calculations, and measurement setup can directly impact the obtained data. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that doses in the connection area should be planned by treatment centers with different techniques, examined with different dosimetric devices, and the acceptability of the obtained doses should be verified

Deciphering the prognostic significance and regulatory networks of ZEB1 and ZEB2 in prostate adenocarcinoma

Aim: Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), a prevalent malignancy affecting men globally, represents a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental influences. Uncontrolled expression of Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) genes lead to uncontrolled cell division, a characteristic feature of malignancy and cause to evading immune surveillance and establishing a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the prognostic significance and regulatory roles of ZEB1 and ZEB2 in PRAD. Method: Bioinformatic analyses utilizing TCGA database data and validation with TCGA-PRAD patient datasets were conducted. Expression patterns of ZEB1 and ZEB2 across cancers were explored, followed by survival analyses in PRAD. The association with clinical parameters, such as Gleason score, metastasis, and TP53 mutation, was investigated using the UALCAN and GEPIA databases. Protein expression was validated through the Human Protein Atlas. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis elucidated regulatory landscapes. Results: ZEB1 and ZEB2 showed diverse expression across cancers, with decreased expression in PRAD. Survival analyses confirmed their prognostic relevance in PRAD. Correlation with Gleason score and metastasis highlighted their clinical significance. Protein expression analyses and PPI networks revealed interconnected regulatory pathways involving ZEB1 and ZEB2. Conclusion: This study unveils ZEB family as potential prognostic markers for PRAD, shedding light on their complex roles in cancer biology. The identified regulatory pathways offer therapeutic targets for disrupting ZEB-mediated processes, suggesting avenues for PRAD treatment. These findings contribute to understanding the intricate landscape of ZEB family in prostate cancer and other malignancies