Surface characterization, electrochemical properties and in vitro biological properties of Zn-deposited TiO2 nanotube surfaces

In this work, to improve antibacterial, biocompatible and bioactive properties of commercial pure titanium (cp-Ti) for implant applications, the Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces were fabricated on cp-Ti by using combined anodic oxidation (AO) and physical vapor deposition (PVD-TE) methods. Homogenous elemental distributions were observed through all surfaces. Moreover, Zn-deposited surfaces exhibited hydrophobic character while bare Ti surfaces were hydrophilic. Due to the biodegradable behavior of Zn on the nanotube surface, Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces showed higher corrosion current density than bare cp-Ti surface in SBF conditions as expected. In vitro biological properties such as cell viability, ALP activity, protein adsorption, hemolytic activity and antibacterial activity for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria of all surfaces were investigated in detail. Cell viability, ALP activity and antibacterial properties of Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces were significantly improved with respect to bare cp-Ti. Moreover, hemolytic activity and protein adsorption of Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces were decreased. According to these results; a bioactive, biocompatible and antibacterial Zn-deposited nanotube surfaces produced on cp-Ti by using combined AO and PVD techniques can have potential for orthopedic and dental implant applications

Evaluating vaccine rejection during COVID-19 pandemic

Amaç: Aşılar, tıbbın insanlığa sağladığı en büyük başarılar arasında olup bugüne kadar milyonlarca kişinin yaşamını kurtarmıştır. Ülkemizde 2017 yılında 23 binden fazla aile aşı reddi talebinde bulunmuştur. Geçmişte salgın hastalıkların yıkıcı etkilerinin pek çok sosyal, coğrafi, ekonomik, kültürel etkilere yol açtığı gözlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada amacımız; COVID-19 pandemisi sırasında Türkiye’de normalleşme sürecinin başlaması sonrasında, geçmişte çocuklarına aşı yaptırmayan ebeveynler ile görüşerek aşı reddi oranlarında bir değişiklik olup olmadığını değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kesitsel tipteki bu araştırmada aşı reddinde bulunan aileler telefon ile aranarak onayları alındıktan sonra anket çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmeler, ülkemizde “normalleşme sürecinin” başlangıcı olan Haziran 2020 sonrasında gerçekleştirilmiş, ailelerin aşı reddine ilişkin görüşlerinin COVID-19 pandemisinden etkilenip etkilenmediği araştırılmıştır. Bulgular: Aşı reddinde bulunan 82 aile çalışmaya katılmayı kabul etmiş ve anket gerçekleştirilmiştir. Hepatit A aşısı ret oranının (%6,5) diğer aşılara göre yüksek, Hepatit B aşısı ret oranının (%2,1) ise diğer aşılara göre düşük olduğu belirlenmiştir. Aşı reddi için en sık sebep “içeriğine güvenmeme” (%43) olarak gözlenmiştir. Ailelerin tamamı COVID19 pandemisi kontrol önlemleri kapsamında normalleşme sürecine geçilmesi sonrasında da çocuklarına aşı yaptırmayı düşünmediklerini belirtmiştir. Çocuklarına aşı yaptırmayan ebeveynlere “COVID-19 aşısı olsa kendinize yaptırır mısınız” sorusu sorulduğunda %35,7’si olumlu yanıt vermişlerdir. Sonuç: Çalışmamızda COVID-19 pandemisi için ülkemizde normalleşme sürecine geçilmesi sonrasında ailelerin çocuklarına aşı yaptırma konusunda fikirlerinin değişmediği gözlenmiştir. Aşıların bireysel ve toplumsal faydaları düşünüldüğünde aşı ret oranlarını azaltmaya yönelik çalışmaların önemi ortaya çıkmaktadır.Aim: Vaccines are one of the most tremendous medical success in human history and have saved millions of people until this day. There are more than 23 thousand families who had rejected vaccines in our country in 2017. Outbreaks caused numerous social, geographic, economic, and cultural devastations in the past. This study aims to reveal the change in the ratio of people who refused vaccines after the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted via phone interviews with families who rejected vaccines by calling the people who refused to use vaccines after they agreed to join the study. The talks have been made after June 2020, which is also the starting of “normalization process” in our country. It is researched whether the patients' relatives' decisions have been changed during COVID-19.. Results: 82 families who refuse to vaccine their children accepted to join the study. Refusing rate for Hepatitis A (6.5%) vaccine was higher among other vaccines, and refusing rate for Hepatitis B (2.1%) vaccine was lower among all vaccines. Of the reasons for refusing vaccines, “Not trusting the substance” (43%) was higher than other causes. When it is asked parents, who refused to vaccines for their children “Do you use for yourself if a vaccine for a COVID-19 invented?” 37.7% of the participant gave an affirmative answer. Conclusion: At the end of our study, we concluded that the parents' thoughts about vaccines for their children have not changed after the pandemic of COVID-19. Taking direct, indirect, and protective effects of vaccines into consideration on individuals, the importance of studies about decreasing the refusal of vaccines becomes significant

Zebra balıklarında rotenon ile oluşturulan deneysel parkinson modelinde biyokimyasal ve moleküler mekanizmalar ile çeşitli nöroprotektif ajanların etkilerinin incelenmesi

Çalışmamızın amacı, zebra balığında rotenon ile oluşturulan Parkinson hastalığı (PH) modelinde fluvoksamin ve rifampisinin olası koruyucu etkisinin incelenmesidir. Yetişkin zebra balıkları 3 hafta boyunca boyunca rotenona, rotenon ile beraber fluvoksamin ile rifampisinine maruz bırakılmıştır. Lokomotor aktivite testi uygulandıktan sonra beyinleri dokusunda PH, kalsiyum ve inflamasyon metabolizması ilişkili gen ifadeleri RT-PCR, proteinler Western Blot ile kalsiyum analizi ise ICP (indüktif eşleşmiş plazma) yöntemi ile yapılmıştır. 3 haftalık rotenon maruziyeti sonunda kontrol grupları ile kıyaslandığında lokomotor aktivitelerinde, mitokondriyel kalsiyum düzeylerinde, tlr4a ekspresyon düzeyinde ve Park 7 miktarlarında azalma; sigma 1, tnfα, pink 1, lrrk2, ıl21 ve vdac ekspresyon düzeylerinde ve Nkap’ın hem mRNA ekspresyon hem de protein düzeylerinde artma belirlenmiştir. Rifampisin, rotenon grubuna göre 3. hafta sonunda lokomotor aktiviteyi, pink1, tlr4a ekspresyonunu ve kalsiyum düzeylerini arttırmış, gamma sinüklein, tnfα, lrrk2, nkap, ıl21, vdac ekspresyon düzeylerini ve sigma 1 azaltmıştır. Fluvoksamin ise pink1, lrrk2, vdac ekspresyon düzeylerini azaltmış, tlr4a ve sigma 1 reseptörü ekspresyonu ve Park 7 miktarı arttırmıştır. Çalışmamızda rotenon ile oluşturulan bu modelin zebra balıklarında PH oluşturmak için uygun olduğunu göstermiş ve literatürde ilk defa fluvoksamin ile rifampisinin deneysel PH modelinde inflamasyon ve kalsiyum hemostazını PH gelişiminde etkili genler ile tlr4a, NF-κB, nkap, tnfα ve ıl21 üzerinden etkilediği gösterilmiştir. -------------------- The aim of our study was to investigate the possible protective effect of fluvoxamine and rifampicin in a zebrafish rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) model. Adult zebrafish were exposed to rotenone, rotenone together with fluvoxamine and rifampicin for 3 weeks. After locomotor activity test, calcium and inflammation metabolism-related gene expressions in the brain tissue of PD were analyzed by RT-PCR, proteins by Western Blot and calcium analysis by the ICP method. After 3 weeks of rotenone exposure, locomotor activities, mitochondrial calcium levels, tlr4a expression levels, and Park 7 levels were decreased compared to control groups; increased expression levels of sigma-1, tnfα, pink 1, lrrk2, IL21 and vdac, and both gene expression and protein levels of Nkap. Rifampicin is increased locomotor activity, pink1and tlr4a expressions and calcium levels at the end of the 3rd week compared to the rotenone group, and is decreased expression levels of gamma synuclein, tnfα, lrrk2, nkap, il21, vdac and amoun of protein sigma-1. Fluvoxamine is decreased the expression levels of pink1, lrrk2, vdac, and increased the tlr4a and sigma-1 expression and amount of protein Park 7. In our study, it was shown that rotenone-induced model is suitable for PH formation in zebra fish, and for the first time in the literature, fluvoxamine and rifampicin have been shown to influence inflammation and calcium hemostasis in the experimental PD model by genes effective in the development of PH which are tlr4a, NF-κB, nkap, tnfα and ıl21

Rifampicin decreases neuroinflammation to maintain mitochondrial function and calcium homeostasis in rotenone-treated zebrafish

Among the mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease, many pathogenic mechanisms are suggested to be effective such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and neuroinflammation. Calcium is very important for neuronal and glial cells, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms are closely related to disturbed calcium homeostasis. Recent studies strongly support the role of inflammation in nigrostriatal degeneration in PD. In recent years, Rifampicin, a macrocyclic antibiotic has been shown to have a protective effect on neurons. This study aims to evaluate the effects of rifampicin in the experimental PD model induced by rotenone in zebrafish focusing on the relationship between calcium-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Adult zebrafish were exposed to rotenone and rifampicin for 3 weeks. Locomotor activity was determined as the total distance that the zebrafish traveled for 5 min. Neuroinflammation and PD-related gene expressions were determined by RT-PCR. Mitochondrial calcium levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Gamma synuclein, Park 7, Sigma-1 receptor expressions were determined by Western Blot. Our results show that rifampicin may be effective in reducing neuroinflammation, which may be an effective strategy to reduce mitochondrial dysfunction due to impaired calcium homeostasis in PD.Marmara Universit

Characterization and investigation of properties of copper nanoparticle coated TiO2 nanotube surfaces on Ti6Al4V alloy

In this work, to investigate surface, corrosion and in vitro biological properties of the CuNPs-coated nanotube surfaces, antibacterial, bioactive and biocompatible nanoparticle-coated nanotube surfaces were produced on Ti6Al4V alloys by combined anodic oxidation (AO) and electrodeposition (ED) techniques for implant applications. All surfaces were characterized by SEM, EDX-mapping and -area, XRD, AFM and contact angle measurement techniques. The electrochemical and biological properties such as antibacterial activities, protein adsorption, ALP activity, hemolytic activity and cell viability of the surfaces were investigated in detail. Electrochemical corrosion resistance of CuNPs-coated nanotube surfaces were enhanced respect to uncoated Ti6Al4V alloy under simulated body fluid (SBF) conditions. Antibacterial properties, cell viability and ALP activity of CuNPs-coated nanotube surfaces were improved with compared to uncoated Ti6Al4V alloys. In addition, protein adsorption and hemolytic activity of CuNPs-coated nanotube surfaces were reduced. This work indicates a potential to precisely fabricate an antibacterial, bioactive and biocompatible CuNPs-coated nanotube surfaces on Ti6Al4V to fulfill orthopedic and dental implant needs by using combined AO and ED processes

Comprehensive mutational analysis of the checkpoint signaling function of Rpa1/Ssb1 in fission yeast.

Replication protein A (RPA) is a heterotrimeric complex and the major single-strand DNA (ssDNA) binding protein in eukaryotes. It plays important roles in DNA replication, repair, recombination, telomere maintenance, and checkpoint signaling. Because RPA is essential for cell survival, understanding its checkpoint signaling function in cells has been challenging. Several RPA mutants have been reported previously in fission yeast. None of them, however, has a defined checkpoint defect. A separation-of-function mutant of RPA, if identified, would provide significant insights into the checkpoint initiation mechanisms. We have explored this possibility and carried out an extensive genetic screen for Rpa1/Ssb1, the large subunit of RPA in fission yeast, looking for mutants with defects in checkpoint signaling. This screen has identified twenty-five primary mutants that are sensitive to genotoxins. Among these mutants, two have been confirmed partially defective in checkpoint signaling primarily at the replication fork, not the DNA damage site. The remaining mutants are likely defective in other functions such as DNA repair or telomere maintenance. Our screened mutants, therefore, provide a valuable tool for future dissection of the multiple functions of RPA in fission yeast

The effect of distant reiki sessions on holistic well-being

This study investigated the effect of distant Reiki sessions on the holistic well-being of people without no acute/chronic diseases. The study was conducted between February 1 and March 31, 2022. The sample consisted of 180 healthy people living in a city in Turkey. Participants attended 20-minute distant Reiki sessions (intervention) for 4 consecutive days. Pretest data were collected using a personal information form, the Holistic Well-Being Scale (HWBS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). Posttest data were collected 2 days (posttest I) and 1 week after the intervention (posttest II) using the HWBS, PANAS, and SVS. There was a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest I and II HWBS subscale scores (P < .05). There was a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest PANAS and SVS scores (P < .05). Distant Reiki sessions improved participants' holistic well-being. They also helped them develop a positive mood, experience and perceive less sadness, and develop subjective vitality and cognitive awareness

Proteomic Analysis of Kidney Preservation Solutions Prior to Renal Transplantation

One of the main issues in kidney transplantation is the optimal functional preservation of the organ until its transplantation into the appropriate recipient. Despite intensive efforts, the functional preservation period remains limited to hours. During this time, as a result of cellular injury, various proteins, peptides, and other molecules are released by the organ into the preservation medium. In this study, we used proteomic techniques to analyze the protein profiles of preservation solutions in which organs had been preserved prior to their transplantation. Samples were obtained from the preservation solutions of 25 deceased donor kidneys scheduled for transplantation. The protein profiles of the solutions were analyzed using 2D gel electrophoresis/MALDI-TOF and LC-MS/MS. We identified and quantified 206 proteins and peptides belonging to 139 different groups. Of these, 111 proteins groups were belonging to kidney tissues. This study used proteomic techniques to analyze the protein profiles of organ preservation solutions. These findings will contribute to the development of improved preservation solutions to effectively protect organs for transplantation

Proteomic Analysis of Liver Preservation Solutions Prior to Liver Transplantation

Objective: Transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, in clinical practice, functional preservation of the liver is a major concern before the transplantation. Although various protective solutions are used (in combination with hypothermia), the functional preservation time for liver is still limited to hours. We analyzed the preservation medium to detect the proteins released from the liver during storage period

Protein spots of kidney preservation solution identified by 2D gel electrophoresis.

<p>Protein spots of kidney preservation solution identified by 2D gel electrophoresis.</p