Monitoring of singlet oxygen generation of a novel Schiff-base substituted silicon phthalocyanines by sono-photochemical studies and in vitro activities on prostate cancer cell.

This study demonstrates the potential of sono-photodynamic therapy as an effective approach for enhancing singlet oxygen generation using the synthesized Schiff-base diaxially substituted silicon phthalocyanines. In photochemical studies, the singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ∆) were determined as 0.43 for Si1a, 0.94 for Q-Si1a, 0.58 for S-Si1a, and 0.49 for B-Sia1. In sono-photochemical studies, the Φ∆ values were reached to 0.67 for Si1a, 1.06 for Q-Si1a, 0.65 for S-Si1a, and 0.67 for B-Sia1. In addition, this study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of phthalocyanines synthesized as sensitizers on the PC3 prostate cancer cell line through in vitro experiments. The application of these treatment modalities exhibited notable outcomes, leading to a substantial decrease in cell viability within the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing these synthesized phthalocyanines as promising therapeutic agents for prostate cancer treatment.

Hybrid Sono-Photodynamic Combination Therapy Mediated by Water-Soluble Gallium Phthalocyanine Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect against Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease that is gaining increasing importance due to its rising incidence, highlighting the need for novel treatment methods with the least disadvantages. Recently, scientists have focused on developing therapeutic treatment modalities for effective cancer treatment. In contrast to conventional cancer treatment methods such as immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is gaining prominence. Besides, sonodynamic treatment (SDT) is a noninvasive therapeutic approach that uses ultrasound to induce high tissue penetration. In both methods, sensitizers are activated to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species such as •OH and 1O2. In particular, the combined use of hybrid and complementary treatment methods has become an important modality in cancer treatment in recent years. Sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT), which is an important method applied in combination with PDT and SDT, has started to be preferred in terms of reducing potential side effects compared to monotherapy. One of the most important types of sensitizers used in PDT and SDT is known as phthalocyanines (Pcs). Motivated by these facts, this research presents the sono-photochemical, in vitro cytotoxicity, and theoretical evaluation of water-soluble gallium phthalocyanine (GaPc). The results indicate that the quantum yield of the generation of singlet oxygen increased in sono-photochemical studies (ΦΔ = 0.94), compared to photochemical studies (ΦΔ = 0.72). In vitro analyses revealed that GaPc did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects at the specified varying concentration doses (1-20 µM). Furthermore, GaPc-mediated SPDT triggered cell death by inducing reactive oxygen species formation in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The interaction mechanism of the GaPc with EGFR and VEGFR2 target proteins, which are critical regulators of metastasis, proliferation, and angiogenesis, was investigated by molecular docking simulation. GaPc has effective binding affinities against target proteins, and this affinity was found to be the highest against VEGFR2. Molecular docking results showed a good correlation with the obtained biological results. Eventually, this molecular building of the efficient water-soluble phthalocyanine-based sensitizer is a potential therapeutic for PDT, SDT, and SPDT applications.

Easy method to determine fluid responsiveness in septic shock patients: end-tidal CO2 - a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: In critically ill patients, especially those with septic shock, fluid management can be a challenging aspect of clinical care. One of the primary steps in treating patients with hemodynamic instability is optimizing intravascular volume. The Passive Leg Raising (PLR) maneuver is a reliable test for assessing fluid responsiveness, as demonstrated by numerous studies and meta-analyses. However, its use requires the measurement of cardiac output, which is often complex and may necessitate clinician experience and specialized equipment. End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) measurement is relatively easy and is generally stable under steady metabolic conditions. It depends on the body's CO2 production, diffusion of CO2 from the lungs into the bloodstream, and cardiac output. If the other two parameters (metabolic conditions and minute ventilation) are constant, ETCO2 can provide information about cardiac output. The aim of the present study is to investigate the sensitivity of ETCO2 measurement in demonstrating fluid responsiveness. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with septic shock and meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to a passive leg raising test, and cardiac outputs were measured by echocardiography. An increase in cardiac output of 15% or more was considered indicative of the fluid responder group, while patients with an increase below 15% or no increase were classified as the non-responder group. Patients' intensive care unit admission diagnoses, initial laboratory parameters, tidal volume, minute volume before and after the PLR maneuver, mean and systolic blood pressure, heart rate, Pulse Pressure Variation (PPV) values, and ETCO2 values were recorded. RESULTS: Before and after the ETCO2 test, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, the change in ETCO2 (ΔETCO2) was significantly higher in the responder group. In the non-responder group, ΔETCO2 was 2.57% (0.81), whereas it was 5.71% (2.83) in the responder group (p<0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for ΔETCO2, baseline Stroke Volume Variation (SVV), ΔSVV, baseline Heart Rate (HR), ΔHR, baseline PPV, and ΔPPV to predict fluid responsiveness. ΔETCO2 predicted fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 86% when it was 4% or higher. When ΔETCO2 was 5% or higher, it predicted fluid responsiveness with a specificity of 99.3% and a sensitivity of 75.5%, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.828-0.961). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that in septic patients, ETCO2 during the PLR test can indicate fluid responsiveness with high sensitivity and specificity and can be used as an alternative to cardiac output measurement.

Implications of obstructive sleep apnea on reproductive health: a study on anti-Mullerian hormone levels.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the association between anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed to evaluate AMH levels in 68 premenopausal women diagnosed with OSA at Van Yüzüncü Yil University Faculty of Medicine. OSA severity was scored according to the 2018 AASM guidelines using a 16-channel Embla device. AMH levels were measured from blood samples using a commercially available kit. RESULTS: The study found that AMH levels in OSA patients were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group. A statistically significant negative correlation between AMH and AHI levels was observed. When stratified by OSA severity, the lowest AMH levels were found in the severe OSA group. CONCLUSION: OSA may have potential endocrine implications, especially concerning reproductive health. Decreased AMH levels in OSA patients could indicate future risks of infertility or early menopause.

Prognosis of sarcoidosis and factors affecting prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease of unknown etiology characterized by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. Determining the characteristics and prognosis of sarcoidosis cases and revealing the factors that may affect the prognosis are important for approach to patient. This study was planned to obtain prognosis data for our country and to determine the factors affecting the prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 188 patients, followed regularly for three years or more, admitted to Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases between 2012-2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Increased radiological findings, functional impairment and any of the clinical conditions requiring initiation/modification of treatment were accepted as progression. Clinical status of the patients at the last follow-up was defined as remission with treatment, spontaneous remission, stable disease, progression, chronic case and recurrence. Spontaneous remission and remission with treatment, regression, stable disease, and recurrence that followed without treatment and didn't cause symptom or functional impairment were accepted in good prognosis group. Progression, chronic cases that couldn't be followed without treatment and recurrence requiring treatment were included in poor prognosis group. RESULTS: 58% of patients was accepted in good prognosis and 42% had poor prognosis group. During follow-up, spontaneous remission rate was 20.2%, pulmonary hypertension development rate was 10.6% and mortality rate was 4.25%. Low radiological stage, high spirometry and diffusion capacity values, being asymptomatic and having no previous treatment were associated with spontaneous remission and good prognosis. Increase in serum angiotensin converting enzyme and C-reactive protein and decrease in spirometry parameters and diffusion capacity values were associated with progression.

Evaluation of two colorimetric microplate microtiter tests for susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line antituberculosis drugs.

Background: Drug-resistance tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important global public health problems. Accurate and rapid drug-susceptibility testing is critical for the effective treatment of TB patients. Various colorimetric methods are used for anti-TB drug-susceptibility testing (DST) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. This study was conducted to evaluate the resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) and malachite green decolorization assay (MGDA). Methods: A total of 65 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from patients with suspected TB using REMA and malachite green microtiter assay methods were tested against streptomycin (SM), isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), and ethambutol (ETB). The Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube 960 DST method was accepted as the gold standard in the evaluation of test results. Results: The sensitivity of REMA and MGDA tests was found to be 87.5% and 62.5% for INH, respectively. RIF and SM sensitivity for both tests was 100%. While ETB sensitivity was 81.8 for the REMA test, this rate was 60% for the MGDA test. Specificity of both tests varied between 92.5% and 98.2% according to the drug types. Conclusion: REMA and MGDA are a simple, rapid, and low cost. They can be used as an alternative test for drug-susceptibility testing and MIC determination. Extensive studies and standardization are needed for the routine use of both tests.

Risks of Polymyxin B Nephrotoxicity and Its Precursors in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Polymyxin group antibiotics constitute a part of our limited arsenal in the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. However, their use is limited especially due to nephrotoxicity and other side effects. In this study, we primarily aimed to determine the effect of polymyxin B on the rate of nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients, and secondly to identify the factors that facilitate nephrotoxicity caused by polymyxin B. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study and conducted by scanning patients aged 18 years or older who had been admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) in 2022 and treated with polymyxin B for at least 72 hours. Patients without chronic renal failure and acute kidney injury (AKI) before starting polymyxin B therapy were included and AKI was examined after the use of polymyxin B. The patients were then divided into two groups, those with AKI and those without AKI. We tried to find factors that may facilitate AKI by comparing the two groups. RESULTS: Of the patients, 26 were female and 34 were male. In 21 of the patients (35%), renal damage of varying degrees developed; these patients belonged to the nephrotoxicity (NT) group, while the rest belonged to the non-nephrotoxicity (non-NT) group. We found that advanced age (p=0.008), low baseline GFR (p=0.01), baseline creatinine (p=0.006), BMI (p=0.011), concomitant diseases (p<0.001), and days of use of polymyxin B (p=0.006) were statistically different between the two groups. In multivariate analysis of univariate analysis, we found that duration of polymyxin B use, BMI, and advanced age were independent risk factors for AKI development. CONCLUSION: We found that 21 (35%) of 60 intensive care unit patients who had no previous history of kidney injury developed kidney injury after being treated with polymyxin B. We identified advanced age, high BMI, and duration of polymyxin B use as independent risk factors. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring of renal function and prompt intervention, particularly in patients with risk factors, during polymyxin B use.

Does Maintaining a Targeted Abdominal Perfusion Pressure Reduce Renal Damage in Patients with Septic Shock?: A Randomized, Controlled, and Open-label Study

Background: Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit leads to reduced abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), causing circulatory insufficiency and organ failure. Aims: To investigate the effect of maintaining a targeted APP on renal injury and the effect of increased IAP on the mortality rate in patients with septic shock. Study Design: Randomized, controlled, open-label study. Methods: A total of 72 patients were randomly divided into two groups (MAP65 or APP60). The MAP target for patients in the MAP65 group (n = 36) was 65 mmHg according to the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines. In the APP60 group (n = 36), the target APP was set to > 60 mmHg. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), inotrope consumption, and IAP were recorded daily. The need for renal replacement therapy, decrease in GFR, and 30- and 90-day mortality rates were compared between the two groups. Results: In both the groups, the IAP was statistically similar (p = 0.458). The decreased in GFR was similar in both groups during the first 2 days. From day 3, there was a more statistically significant rapid decline in GFR in the MAP65 group than in the APP60 group. The GFR p-values on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days were 0.040, 0.043, and 0.032, respectively. Eight patients (22.2%) in the MAP65 group and three patients (8.3%) in the APP group required renal replacement therapy (p = 0.101). The 30-day mortality rates in the MAP65 and APP60 groups were 61.1%, and 47.7%, respectively (p = 0.237). The 90-day mortality rates in the MAP65 and APP60 groups were 66.7% and 66.7%, respectively (p = 1). Conclusion: Setting an APP target limited the reduction in GFR. The mortality rates were similar in the two groups and there was no difference in the rate of end-stage renal failure between the groups.

The Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block for Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is accompanied by somatic and visceral pain intraoperatively and postoperatively. However, pain management strategies lack a decisive consensus. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel paraspinal fascial block that can be used in PCNL patients, and we aimed to investigate whether ESPB will reduce intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores in PCNL patients. Methods: The study was randomized, controlled, and open-label. Two groups were formed as the control group (GCont) and block group (Gblock), and patients received total intravenous anaesthesia. GBlock received an ESPB catheter in addition in the prone position. Intraoperative parameters and infusion doses, postoperative rescue analgesic doses, and pain scores were recorded. The primary endpoint was intraoperative analgesic consumption, and the secondary endpoints were postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption. Results: Sixty-four patients were analyzed. Remifentanil consumption of GCont was found to be significantly higher (GBlock: 0.0865 ± 0.030 vs GCont: 0.1398 ± 0.034, µg kg-1 min-1, P < 0.001). The control group reported higher pain scores between the 30th min and 24th hours and needed more analgesics between the 1st and 6th hours postoperatively. GBlock received local anaesthetics via ESPB catheter before nephrostomy tube removal and fewer patients needed analgesics [5 patients (15.6%) vs. 28 patients (87.5%), P < 0.001]. GCont consumed more tramadol postoperatively (262.5 mg vs. 75 mg, P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found that ESPB reduced intraoperative opioid consumption. It also reduced the need for rescue analgesia and postoperative pain scores during nephrostomy tube removal. We concluded that the ESPB catheter may effectively be used in analgesia management during and after PCNL operations.

Evaluation of combined effects of brief electrical stimulation and Schwann-like cells on sciatic nerve injury model.

Severe nerve injuries can be treated with electrical stimulation and stem cell therapies, but little is known about the potential benefits of combining these two treatments. In an effort to investigate this combination, we conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation and Schwann-like cell transplantation in female Wistar albino rats. Our study consisted of five groups of rats: a sham group, an injury group, an electrical stimulation group, a Schwann-like cell group, and a combination group. The experimental groups received electrical stimulation, Schwann-like cell transplantation, or both. The animals sciatic function index was evaluated during a 6-week recovery period, and nerve conduction velocity, wet muscle mass, and nerve tissues were also analyzed. The results of the study showed that all experimental groups had a faster functional recovery compared to the injury group, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Both the combination group and the Schwann-like cell transplantation group had a higher nerve conduction velocity compared to the other experimental groups. However, there was no significant difference between the combination and Schwann-like cell transplantation groups. Nonetheless, histological analysis showed a better axonal reorganization in the combination group. The study provides preliminary evidence of the potential benefits of combining electrical stimulation and Schwann-like cell transplantation in treating severe nerve injuries. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and optimize the treatment parameters.

The synthesis of novel water-soluble zinc (II) phthalocyanine based photosensitizers and exploring of photodynamic therapy activities on the PC3 cancer cell line.

In this study, Schiff base substituted phthalocyanine complexes (Zn1c, Zn2c) and their quaternized derivatives (Q-Zn1c, Q-Zn2c) were synthesized for the first time. Their structures have been characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis as well as. The photophysicochemical properties (fluorescence, singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yield) of these novel complexes were investigated in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for both non-ionic and quaternized cationic phthalocyanine complexes and in aqueous solution for quaternized cationic phthalocyanine complexes. Water soluble cationic phthalocyanine compounds gave good singlet oxygen quantum yield (0.65 for Q-Zn1c, 0.66 for Q-Zn2c in DMSO; 0.65 for Q-Zn2c in aqueous solution). The binding of Q-Zn1c and Q-Zn2c to BSA/DNA was studied by using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and these. Studies indicate that the mechanism of BSA quenching by quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanines was static quenching. Quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanines interacted with ct-DNA by intercalation. Quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanines caused a decrease in cell viability and triggered apoptotic cell death after PDT was applied at a concentration that did not have a toxic effect on their own. Q-Zn1c and Q-Zn2c mediated PDT reduced the activity of SOD, CAT, GSH while increased MDA level in the prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, expression of apoptotic proteins after PDT was examined. The results revealed that the synthesized water soluble quaternized zinc(II) phthalocyanine complexes (Q-Zn1c and Q-Zn2c) are promising potential photosensitizers for PDT.

Sensory­motor performance and neurochemical effects in the cerebral cortex of brain­derived neurotrophic factor heterozygous mice fed a high­cholesterol diet.

Reports suggest that a high­cholesterol diet may induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration in brain tissue. Brain­derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might play a role in protecting against changes induced by high cholesterol. We aimed to assess behavioral correlates and biochemical alterations in the motor and sensory cortices following a high­cholesterol diet under normal and reduced BDNF concentrations. C57Bl/6 strain, wild­type (WT) and BDNF heterozygous (+/­) mice were used to reveal the effects of endogenous BDNF concentrations. We compared diet and genotype effects using four experimental groups: WT and BDNF heterozygous (+/­) groups of mice were each fed a normal or high­cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. The cylinder test and wire hanging test were performed to evaluate neuromuscular deficits and cortical sensory­motor functions, respectively. In addition, neuroinflammation was assessed by tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 levels measured in the somatosensory and motor areas. Additionally, MDA levels and SOD and CAT activity were evaluated as oxidative stress parameters. Results showed that a high­cholesterol diet significantly impaired behavioral performance in the BDNF (+/­) group. Diet did not change the levels of neuroinflammatory markers in any of the groups. However, MDA levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were significantly higher in the high­cholesterol­fed BDNF (+/­) mice. The results suggest that BDNF levels might be a critical factor in determining the extent of neuronal damage induced in the neocortex by a high­cholesterol diet.

Comparison of sonodynamic, photodynamic and sonophotodynamic therapy activity of fluorinated pyridine substituted silicon phthalocyanines on PC3 prostate cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND: Sonophotodynamic therapy (SPDT), a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT), may offer theraputic advantage. The therapeutic effects of sonodynamic, photodynamic, and sonophotodynamic of 5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-thiopyridine substituted silicon phthalocyanine (gy3) and its quaternized derivative (gy3q) were examined in vitro on prostate cancer using PC3 cells. METHODS: The SDT, PDT and SPDT efficiency was determined by using MTT test.Apoptosis mechanism was evaluated by HOPI staining. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: According to MTT results, the phthalocyanines decreased cell viability when compared with a control group. Also, apoptosis measurement data represents that the phthalocyanines would produce much better therapeutic outcomes compare to PDT and SDT by utilizing SPDT. Further studies should be performed to understand the effectiveness of SPDT.

Investigation of effects of quercetin and low-level laser therapy in cisplatin-induced in vitro peripheral neuropathy model.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the dose-dependent side effects of cisplatin. The loss of sensory neurons is observed in CIPN. There are many methods to minimalize CIPN symptoms such as pharmacological agents and photobiostimulation but the mechanisms of these methods are unclear. Our study is aimed at determining the effects of quercetin and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in undifferentiated and nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells in cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. PC12 cells with cisplatin were co-treated with quercetin and LLLT (diode pumped all-solid-state laser, 670 nm, output 500 mW, and the laser beam surface area was 1.96 cm2). The effects of quercetin and LLLT on GAP-43 and Synapsin I expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR, cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, Annexin and dead assay measured the induction of apoptosis, the alterations in mitopotential were assessed by mitopotential assay, and lactate dehydrogenase activity in cells was analyzed. All experiment data were analyzed by the Tukey test and applied as a post hoc test, and statistical evaluation was made. Our results indicated that cisplatin increased apoptosis (24,210 ± 2189, 46,504 ± 8246) cells, mitochondrial dysfunction (44,312 ± 0.751, 68,788 ± 1271), and LDH activity (62,821 ± 8245, 87,838 ± 8116). Furthermore, it decreased cell viability (42,447 ± 1780, 36,140 ± 3682) and inhibited GAP-43 and Synapsin I genes in undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells. However, apoptosis, the alterations in mitopotential, and lactate dehydrogenase activity decreased by applications of quercetin and LLLT. It has been recommended that quercetin and low-level laser therapy roles on cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy should be investigated in vivo, and the relationship between quercetin and low-level laser therapy should be molecular.

Nonlinear surface EMG analysis to detect the neuroprotective effect of citicoline in rat sciatic nerve crush injury.

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a method involving physiological signals with a complex behavior. The aim is to analyze the sEMG signals by nonlinear techniques for investigating the possible neuroprotective effect of citicoline for early period of administration in rat sciatic nerve crush injury. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: the sham-operated group with the intact sciatic nerve and the sciatic nerve crush groups, which received crush on the left sciatic nerve and administrated i.p. citicoline (50 and 250 mg/kg/day, 7 day) or saline (control group). Function assessment analysis was performed and sEMG signals were recorded and analyzed with nonlinear methods. Citicoline administration improved functional recovery in comparison with control group. Largest Lyapunov exponent and correlation dimension parameters were decreased due to the crush injury and increased related with the healing of sciatic nerve. Results of nonlinear analysis of sEMG are in line with the results of functional recovery and electrophysiological assessments. These results suggest that administration of citicoline protects the sciatic nerve from the crush injury which may be attributed to its antioxidative properties. Nonlinear analysis of sEMG is a promising supporting method for determining the nerve regeneration process during the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Carvacrol on N-Methyl-N'-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) Induced Gastric Carcinogenesis in Wistar Rats.

Carvacrol is a dietary polyphenol from Lamiaceae plants that has been shown to possess a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant and antitumor effects. This study aimed to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) induced gastric carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Forty-nine rats were randomly assigned to four treatment and three control groups. Over 60 days, MNNG (200 mg/kg BW) was orally applied to animals of groups 1-5 while the rats in groups 2-5 also received different doses of carvacrol (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively) until the end of the experiment. Group 6 rats were treated with 100 mg/kg BW carvacrol and no MNNG whereas group 7 was the control group without any treatment. After the euthanasia of all rats, the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters were assessed in the blood and tissues. The expression of caspase 9, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins in the stomach tissues were investigated through histopathological examinations. Statistically significant differences were observed in the body weight, oxidative stress, and inflammation parameters of groups 1 to 6 compared to group 7 (p ≤ 0.001). Animals in MNNG groups 2 and 3 treated with the low dose carvacrol (10 and 25 mg/kg BW) showed significantly reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic effect compared to animals of the MNNG groups receiving increased doses of carvacrol (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) or no carvacrol. Rats exposed to MNNG exhibited gastric cancer cells in several areas. In the MNNG group receiving 100 mg/kg BW carvacrol, the inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in gastric mucosal and submucosal areas whereas MNNG rats supplemented with 10 and 25 mg/kg BW carvacrol showed no pathological alterations of the gastric cells. The results of this study indicate that significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects induced by carvacrol at doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg BW interfered with gastric carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in Wistar rats as well as provide hepatoprotection. However, high doses of carvacrol (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Effectiveness of Using a Gelatine-Based Model in Ultrasonography-guided Jugular Central venous Catheter Placement Training: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a gelatine-based model, that can be prepared easily and at a low cost, compared to training without a model in ultrasonography (USG) guided internal jugular venous catheter placement training. STUDY DESIGN: An open-label, randomised clinical trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: (UHS) Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, from 1st to 30th July 2019. METHODOLOGY: Analysis was conducted with the data of 48 participants (resident physicians-RP). Group 1 (n: 26) received imaging training with USG on a human subject and then performed needle insertion training on the gelatine-based jugular vein model with the USG guidance. Group 2 (n: 22) received the same imaging training with USG but did not perform needle insertion training. Evaluation of the participants included successful long axis vein imaging time, successful in-plane needle imaging, number of changes in needle angles, the total number of punctures, successful vein puncture time, successful catheterization time, and catheterization success with the gelatine-based test manikin. RESULTS: Comparison of the rates of successful in-plane needle imaging (Group 1: 92.3%, Group 2: 59.1%; p = 0.006), catheterization success (Group 1: 92.3%, Group 2: 59.1%; p = 0.006), successful catheterisation time (Group 1: 77.5 sec, Group 2: 152.5 sec; p = 0.026), and total complications (Group 1: 3.8%, Group 2: 31.8%; p = 0.010) demonstrated that the model-trained RPs were significantly more successful. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that the use of a gelatine-based model in USG-guided central jugular vein catheterisation training can be an effective method to reduce complications. KEY WORDS: Central venous catheter, Medical training, Simulation-based training, Ultrasonography.

Ultrasound versus Light: Exploring Photophysicochemical and Sonochemical Properties of Phthalocyanine-Based Therapeutics, Theoretical Study, and In Vitro Evaluations.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications carried out with the assistance of ultrasound have attracted significant attention in recent years. The use of phthalocyanines, which are an important component as photosensitizers in PDT, is becoming more important day by day. In therapeutic applications, phthalocyanines can promote the production of reactive oxygen species. Motivated by this fact, the syntheses of metal-free (2), gallium (3), and indium (4) phthalocyanines have been achieved by substituting 4-(cinnamyloxy)phthalonitrile for the first time to evaluate their therapeutic applications. Additionally, photophysicochemical, sonophotochemical, and in vitro evaluations of phthalocyanines have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the use of phthalocyanines with different metal ions as potential photosensitizers for sonophotodynamic therapy (SPDT) applications in gastric cancer cell lines. The results show that the quantum yield of the generation of singlet oxygen increased in sonophotochemical studies (ΦΔ = 0.55 (2), 0.85 (3), 0.96 (4)), compared to photochemical studies (ΦΔ = 0.22 (2), 0.61 (3), 0.78 (4)). The density functional theory (DFT) results are in good agreement with the experimental results and suggest increased reactivity of phthalocyanines 3 and 4 in various redox processes, thus implying their applicability and usefulness as potential therapeutic agents. These phthalocyanines are effective sensitizers for PDT, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and SPDT against MKN-28 gastric cancer cell line in vitro. All three treatments decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in the gastric cancer cell line. However, indium phthalocyanine (4)-mediated SPDT was a more effective treatment modality compared to indium phthalocyanine (4)-mediated PDT and SDT. Also, indium phthalocyanine (4) was found to be a more effective sensitizer to activate apoptosis compared to the other phthalocyanines. To sum up, phthalocyanine-mediated SPDT enhances the cytotoxic effect on gastric cancer cells more than the effect of SDT or PDT alone.

Success of the Cytokine Absorption Therapies in COVID-19 Patients Diagnosed with Cytokine Release Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of cytokine absorption therapy with a resin-based cytokine absorption cartridge to tocilizumab treatment in critically ill COVID-19 patients diagnosed with cytokine release syndrome (CRS). STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey from April 2020 to April 2021. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four intensive care unit (ICU) patients were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of severe COVID-19, diagnosis of CRS and age of older than 18 years. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, malignancy, prior COVID-19 vaccination, procalcitonin levels higher than 2 ng/ml and life-threatening comorbidities before ICU admission. Twelve patients received tocilizumab and the other 12 patients received cytokine absorption therapy. The groups were compared for clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, D-dimer). RESULTS: Inflammatory markers showed smilar changes with both treatments, mostly toward improvement, on the same post-treatment days. The mortality rate was 58% (seven patients) in the cytokine absorption group and 50% (six patients) in the tocilizumab group (p = 0.682). CONCLUSION: It was found that the cytokine absorption therapy reduces inflammatory mediators in intubated and critically ill Covid-19 patients similar to tocilizumab treatment, and both treatments have comparable clinical outcomes. KEY WORDS: SARS-CoV-2, Cytokine release syndrome, Chemokines, Absorption, Tocilizumab.

Preparation and evaluation of novel functional fermented dairy products containing propolis and cinnamon.

Novel functional food products might be an easy accessible and eligible approach to help reduce the risk of severe viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. Hence a product containing probiotics, propolis and cinnamon was developed and interferences of the ingredients were characterized. Yogurts were prepared using starter cultures with propolis (0.03%) and cinnamon in various concentrations (0.3%, 1%, and 2.5%). Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were used as microorganisms for yogurt production. Chemical analysis revealed a decline of fat matter in the presence of propolis and/or cinnamon. Propolis had statistically significant suppressive effects on Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis as well as on Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus numbers (p < 0.05). These effects were diminished in the presence of increasing cinnamon concentrations. For Lactobacillus acidophilus a statistically significant reducing effect on the number of colonies was observed in all products investigated. Nevertheless all samples met the standard of recommended level of ≥ 106 viable cells/g of a product. Propolis showed an inverse effect on Streptococcus thermophilus by increasing its colony numbers in yogurts. The probiotic yogurt samples containing propolis (0.03%) and cinnamon (2.5%) gained the highest number of points in the sensory evaluation compared to control.