Eczacılık Meslek Bilimleri Bölümü Makale Koleksiyonu

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12713/100

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Implications of health care providers by physicians' and pharmacists' attitudes and perceptive barriers towards ınterprofessional collaborative practices
(Univ Sao Paulo, Conjunto Quimicas, 2022) Al-Taie, Anmar
The study was aimed at assessing and comparing physicians' and pharmacists' attitudes and experiences with collaborative practices, along with the extent of barriers toward interprofessional collaboration in Iraqi healthcare settings. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians and pharmacists in different healthcare settings in Baghdad, Iraq through an interview using a structured 3-part questionnaire, assessing the demographic characteristics, attitudes and barriers to interprofessional collaborative practices. A total of 384 participants were enrolled in this study. The physicians and pharmacists reported a significant positive attitudes towards collaboration, such as ''pharmacists are qualified to assess and respond to patients' drug treatment needs'' (69.8%, vs. 89.6%,; P=0.001);''pharmacists have special expertise in counseling patients on drug treatment'' (59.9%, vs. 86%; P=0.001); ''physicians and pharmacists should be educated to establish collaborative relationships'' (80.7%, vs. 100%; P=0.001), respectively. However, 57.3% of the physicians agreed about lack or inadequate of pharmacists' time to provide direct and effective patient care because of medications dispensing duties'', while 56.8% of the pharmacists disagreed about this barrier (P=0.005). Both professions reported significant, positive attitudes and shared some barriers toward collaborative practices; however, there is a disagreement in some areas in which both professions would like more collaboration for better patient care.
Comprehensive estrogenic/anti-estrogenic, anticancer, mutagenic/anti-mutagenic, and genotoxic/anti-genotoxic activity studies on chemically characterized black poplar and eurasian aspen propolis types
(Elsevier B.V., 2023) Güzelmeriç, Etil; Sipahi, Hande; Helvacıoğlu, Sinem; Düz, Gamze; Akyıldız, İsmail Emir; Hazar, Merve; Dilsiz, Sevtap Aydın; Aydın, Ahmet; Yeşilada, Erdem; Özhan, Yağmur; Hamitoğlu, Muhammed; Helvacıoğlu, Sinem; Yaman, Beril Kadıoğlu
Propolis is mainly composed of plant resins, and its type is named according to the primary plant origin in its composition. Identification of propolis botanical origin is essential for predicting and repeating its pharmacological activity because of the variations in chemical composition. This study aimed to compare chemical composition of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) type-propolis (PR1 and PR2) and Eurasian aspen (P. tremula L.)-type propolis (PR3) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique and to evaluate their biological activity profiles. According to LC-MS/MS results, in addition to marked caffeic acid phenethyl ester content in PR1 and PR2, flavonoid aglycones such as pinocembrin, chrysin, pinobanksin, and galangin were found to be dominant in these samples. On the other hand, PR3 contained relatively high concentrations of phenolic acids such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and trans-cinnamic acid. The anti-estrogenic activity test showed that PR2 exerted the highest anti-estrogenic activity by inhibiting cell proliferation by 44.6%. All propolis extracts showed anticancer activity, which was justified by decreasing activity on the 3D spheroid size in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, all extracts showed moderate or potent antimutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains with and without metabolic activation, respectively. In addition, the Comet assay results revealed that propolis extracts have a geno-protective effect against H2O2-induced DNA damage in CHO-K1 cells at 0.625 and 1.25 ?g/mL concentrations. Overall, the result of this study may help in preparing standardized propolis extracts and developing products with defined pharmacological benefits in the food supplements industry. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Insights into patterns of knowledge, practices, and safety use of energy drinks: a cross-sectional observational study
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2022) Arueyingho, Oritsetimeyin; Al-Taie, Anmar
Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are largely consumed by adolescents and sports youths without understanding safety precautions and associated side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, practices, and safety use, including the occurrence of side effects of EDs among adolescents and sports youths in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among adolescents and sports youths in Kyrenia province, Northern Cyprus, using a structured three-part questionnaire, consisting of 22 items to assess the knowledge, practices, and safety use of EDs. Results: The most common reported adverse effects were insomnia and palpitations (24%), diuresis (18.7%), headache (17.7%), and stress (15.6%). The study participants reported a statistically significant low knowledge about the ingredients of EDs (P < 0.0001) and side effects of EDs (P = 0.05). Although statistically nonsignificant, the study participants also reported a low knowledge about ED intake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: There is still a lack of knowledge regarding ED consumption among the adolescents and sports youths in Northern Cyprus reported by low level of knowledge about the ingredients of EDs, their potential effects, and incidence of side effects along with correct consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic which creates a barrier to healthy dietary patterns.
Synthesis, characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity of novel metallo phthalocyanines with four methylpropiophenonyl clusters and their effects on caenorhabditis elegans thermotolerance
(SPRINGER INT PUBL AG, 2022) Şenoğlu, Sema; Güleç, Meltem; Yavuz Dokgöz, Elif; Bal Öztürk, Ayça; İzbudak, Burçin; Salih, Bekir; Olgun, Abdullah; Ceyhan, Tanju
Phthalocyanines (Pcs) have the potential to be used in many medical applications. Novel Zn (II), Co (II), and Cu (II) phthalocyanines (Pcs) 4, 5, and 6, respectively, containing four methylpropiophenonyl units at the peripheral positions were described. Pcs were synthesized by cyclotetramerization of the previously prepared precursor 2-hydroxy-4'-[2-(3,4-dicyanophenoxyethoxy)]-2-methylpropiophenone 3 with the presence of metal salts under nitrogen atmosphere. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR (Infrared spectroscopy), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Laser Desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (LDI-TOF-MS) methods. The compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity in cultured human cells, and thermotolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Standard MTT assays were carried out for cytotoxicity testing using HeLa and L929 cells. Results showed that there was no significant decrease in the cell viability with zinc (II), cobalt (II), and copper (II) phthalocyanines (ZnPc, CoPc, and CuPc) at 0.25 mu M concentration. C. elegans survival assay with ZnPc, CoPc, and CuPc under heat stress showed that although a dose-dependent statistically significant toxicity was observed for ZnPc and CuPc, CoPc was not toxic at all concentrations tested and even increased the survival of worms at the 0.050-0.250 mu M concentration range. Therefore, CoPc can be a lead compound for further preclinical studies for its potential in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-aging purposes.
Reported knowledge and practices towards the proper use of patient information leaflet among university students
(INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL FEDERATION, 2022) Al-Taie, Anmar
Background: A patient information leaflet (PIL) is a valuable tool that can convey basic information about the disease conditions and the recommended medication enabling both the patients and the health care professional to get rapid, easy, and precise access to the treatment process.Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and practices for appropriate and useful use of PIL among final-year medical and non-medical undergraduate university students in Baghdad, Iraq.Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year undergraduate university students with different academic disciplines, including medical (pharmacy, dentistry) and non-medical disciplines (law, media) in Baghdad, Iraq, using a structured questionnaire to evaluate the level of knowledge and practices towards the proper use of PIL.Result: A total of 384 students enrolled in this study and the majority were medical students (59.1%). The proportion of non-medical students who read the PILs was lower than that of medical students (82.2% vs. 91.6%, p<0.0001). According to participants' responses, 84.6% (p=0.03) of the medical students stated that reading PIL was useful for accurate medication use, while 60.5% of the non-medical students reported that the language of PIL was difficult to understand. Instructions for proper medication intake were significantly higher among the medical students (78%, p<0.0001).Conclusion: An acceptable level of knowledge along with several different practices toward the proper use of PIL while taking medicines was reported among medical and non-medical undergraduate university students.
Insights into disease and pharmacotherapy knowledge of Alzheimer's disease among community pharmacists: a cross-sectional study
(TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2022) Al-Taie, Anmar; Yılmaz, Zekiye K.; Dahman, Hasan; Yardımcı, Turay
Objective To assess the knowledge level and awareness of Alzheimer's disease, including knowledge about the disease, pharmacotherapy, provision of patient education and associated factors among community pharmacists across Turkey and Northern Cyprus. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among community pharmacists working in Turkey (Group A) and Northern Cyprus (Group B). Disease and pharmacotherapy knowledge of AD were assessed using AD Knowledge Scale (ADKS), and drug treatment (KADT) scale, respectively. Results Both groups reported a moderate level of knowledge of AD, especially medically-oriented domains, with no significant difference regarding the mean ADKS domains (18.8 +/- 2.8 vs. 18.9 +/- 3.4; p = .98). Nevertheless, participants from both groups reported a good level of KADT knowledge about AD treatment (p = .03). Group A reported a statistically significant higher level of knowledge about drug interactions compared with Group B (54.6% vs. 45.8%; p = .01), and knowledge about proper information (79.6% vs. 31.8%; p = .02). There was a statistically significant KADT difference correlated with gender, those having a Master degree, more than 5 years of work experience, and those taking AD training courses. Conclusion There is still a lack of knowledge regarding AD reported by moderate ADKS score, especially in medically-oriented domains, which creates a barrier to early provision of care and preventing AD, noted with no difference among community pharmacists across Turkey and Northern Cyprus.
The potential chemo-preventive roles of Malus domestica against the risk of colorectal cancer: A suggestive insight into clinical application
(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Köseoğlu, Aygül; Al-Taie, Anmar
Biologically active compounds in fruit-derived ingredients, particularly phytochemicals, have significant potential to modulate and mitigate many pathological processes in the development of disease conditions, including cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major public health issue. Nonetheless, prevention is an important step in lowering the rate of mortality from this cancer. Currently, the link between apple consumption and improved health is becoming remarkably evident and is reported to be beneficial for human health. Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and other polyphenol compounds extensively available in apple fruits, have well-known positive effects on health outcomes and the potential to combat and prevent the development of CRC, including antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-carcinogenic effects. This review describes the bioactive compounds derived from apple fruits, particularly the polyphenols and flavonoids, their proposed mechanisms responsible for their bioactive properties and health-promoting attributes that could provide potential chemo-preventive effects against the risk of CRC development. The conclusion of the review provides insights into the potential effects of apple-derived bioactive compounds and proposes the need for more clinical studies in large trials for future strategies regarding the valuable effects of apple phytochemicals, which might be therapeutic candidates in the campaign against CRC.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-urease and cytotoxic activities of various extracts from Scutellaria sibthorpii endemic to Cyprus
(NATL INST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION-NISCAIR, 2022) Toplan, Gizem Gülsoy; Taşkın, Turgut; Öztaş, Ezgi; Hacıoğlu, Mayram; Tufan, Selin; Sarıyar, Günay; Mat, Afife
Lamiaceae is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom. Including the genus Scutellaria whose species are used in traditional medicine in various countries for prevention and also the treatment of several disorders. In vitro biological activities of the various extracts of the aerial parts from Scutellaria sibthorpii were investigated in the present study. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Cytotoxic potential and anti-urease activities of the extracts were also determined. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to establish the total phenol content of the extracts. The antibacterial activities of extracts were assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against seven bacteria and Candida albicans. Regarding the results, infusion showed considerable antioxidant properties in three method (IC50 value 0.133 +/- 0.0005(DPPH), 26.54 +/- 0.05 mM trolox/mg extract(ABTS), 8.76 +/- 0.1 mM Fe+2/mg extract (FRAP)). Other extracts exhibited high-to-moderate antioxidant effects. Among the studied samples, the infusion had the highest total phenolic content (0.0295 +/- 0.0002 mg GAE/mg extract). According to cytotoxicity results, n-hexane extract had strong cytotoxic effects against PC-3 and NIH/3T3 cell line with IC50 values of 330.40 mu g/mL and 340.85 mu g/mL, respectively. In the antibacterial activity screening, the ethyl acetate extract showed higher activity against Enterecocus facecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis with 625 mu g/mL MIC value. According to the research carried out, it would seem that this is the first study on screening biological activities of extracts from Scutellaria sibthorpii. These findings indicate that these endemic species from Cyprus could be used in phytopharmaceutical preparation.
A scoping systematic assessment for post-marketing abuse drug withdrawal
(OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2022) Al-Taie, Anmar; Büyük, Ayşe Şeyma; Şardaş, Semra
Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the post-marketing withdrawal of medicines due to their adverse drug reactions (ADRs)-related abuse effects and to examine the types of evidence, mechanisms and patterns for the withdrawal decisions after their approval across different geographical regions. Methods By searching through different databases that focused on withdrawn drugs due to their ADRs-related abuse effects between 1930 and 2021 that could provide findings of evidence used in making withdrawal decisions based on the tools of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) criteria alongside sources derived from authorities based on their withdrawal. The outcomes were categorized, and the average time between the launch date of exposure and withdrawal was calculated and stratified. Key findings A total of 33 abused withdrawn drugs. The withdrawals occurred between 1961 and 2007. Psychostimulant drugs accounted for most of the abuse withdrawals (42.4%). Most of the withdrawals occurred between 1981 and 1990 (n = 18, 54.5%). Most withdrawn drugs were in Europe (41, 46.6%) with a minimum withdrawal period of 5 years and an average time of withdrawal of 28.8 years. Conclusions Psychostimulant drugs presented the most abuse withdrawals based on the evidence of case-control studies, and the most withdrawals were in Europe. The duration of withdrawn drugs was different from region to region in different continents. More intensive research is required to further reduce the time duration between drug marketing and withdrawal, which will help improve decision-making processes with favourable benefit-risk ratio outcomes.
The long view on COVID-19 theranostics and oral antivirals: living with endemic disease and lessons from molnupiravir
(Atypon, 2022) Al-Taie, Anmar; Denkdemir, Fatma Rana; Büyük, Ayşe Şeyma; Şardaş, Semra
The long view on living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease calls for expanding the planetary health inter-vention toolbox. We will need a battery of vaccines, small molecule oral antiviral drugs, and biomarkers toforecast antiviral drug efficacy and safety. In this context, theranostics refers to fusion of therapeutics and diag-nostics. We examine here emerging pathways to theranostics innovation for COVID-19 oral antiviral drugs,with molnupiravir as a case study. With new virus variants (1) variations in the molnupiravir efficacy target,viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, (2) variability in pharmacokinetics and exposure to molnupiravir activemoiety in fluids on virus entry points to the host (e.g., saliva, tears, and nasal secretions), (3) variability intransformation from prodrug molnupiravir to its active form, and (4) variability in putative adverse effects onhuman/host cells, all warrant attention for prospects and challenges vis a`vis theranostics innovation forCOVID-19 oral antivirals. The emerging lessons from molnupiravar are of interest to future design of COVID-19theranostic research with other oral antiviral medications. Regulatory agencies, the pharmaceutical industry,research funders, governments, and ministries of health around the world have important stewardship roles toadvance the subpopulation level analyses of clinical trial data on oral antiviral drugs for COVID-19. This wouldremedy the current lag in clinically relevant multiomics theranostics for oral antivirals in the battle againstCOVID-19.
Comparative Studies on Essential Oil and Phenolic Content with In Vitro Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, Antimicrobial Activities of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and A. millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. L. Growing in Eastern Turkey
(2022) Toplan, Gizem Gülsoy; Taskın, Turgut; Iscan, Gokalp; Goger, Fatih; Kurkçuoglu, Mine; Civas, Ayşe; Ecevit-Genc, Gulay; Mat, Afife; Baser, Kemal Husnu Can
The potential applications of Achillea species in various industries have encouraged the examination of their phytochemical components along with their biological potential. In the present study, phenolic contents and essential oil compositions together with the in vitro biological activities of the aerial parts from Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. collected from Turkey were evaluated. Different solvent extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, water) were prepared and their antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities were studied. The LC-MS/MS results revealed the presence of 16 different phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, and luteolin glycosides, in methanolic extracts. According to GC-FID and GC/MS results, the primary components of the oils were identified as 1,8-cineole (32.5%), piperitone (14.4%), and camphor (13.7%) in A. biebersteinii and 1,8-cineole (12.3%) and ?-eudesmol (8.9%) in A. millefolium subsp. millefolium. The infusion and methanolic extracts of both species were found to be rich in their total phenolic content as well as their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity. In contrast, the n-hexane and chloroform extracts of both species showed strong antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 15 to 2000 ?g/mL. Our findings suggest that the investigated Achillea species could be evaluated as potent natural agents, and further studies into the promising extracts are needed.
Phytochemical screening and biological evaluation of Salvia hydrangea Dc. ex Benth. growing in eastern Anatolia
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Gülsoy Toplan, Gizem; Kürkçüoğlu, Mine; Göger, Fatih; Taşkın, Turgut; Civaş, Ayşe; İşcan, Gökalp; Ecevit Genç, Gülay; Mat, Afife; Başer, K.Hüsnü Can
Salvia species have lately gained significant interest as a result of their suitable utilization in various industries. In the current study, S. hydrangea, one of the most consumed sages in the eastern region of Turkey, has been evaluated for phytochemical composition as well as in vitro pharmacological potential comparatively for the first time. The phytochemical composition of S.hydrangea was investigated by LC-MS/MS, GC-FID, and GC/MS. To reveal its biological activities, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and also acetylcholinesterase activities of different solvent extracts such as water, n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol were determined. According to GC/MS analysis, the primary components of the oil were identified as camphor (46.0%), 1,8-cineole (7.5%), camphene (6.8%), limonene (6.5%), a-pinene (5.6%) and b-pinene (6.1%). Additionally, in the infusion and methanol extract, rosmarinic acid and luteolin glycoside were detected as predominant phenolics by LC-MS/MS. In DPPH·, CUPRAC, and FRAP test results of the samples indicated strong to moderate antioxidant ability in all samples studied, additionally, among them, the infusion exhibited significant acetylcholine inhibition properties comparable with galanthamine. With regard to antimicrobial activity, all of the tested microorganisms had MIC values ranging from 15 to 2000 µg/mL. Based on these findings, S. hydrangea may have promising properties for a variety of industrial applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. © 2022 SAAB
Phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of Teucrium polium L. Collected from eastern Turkey
(TUBITAK, 2022) Gülsoy Toplan, Gizem; Göger, Fatih; Taşkın, Turgut; Ecevit-Genç, Gülay; Civaş, Ayşe; İşcan, Gökalp; Kürkçüoğlu, Mine; Mat, Afife; Başer, K. Hüsnü Can
Teucrium species that belong to the family Lamiaceae have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. T. polium is one the most widespread members of the genus for its use in the treatment of several diseases. In this study, the essential oil and phenolic composition of the aerial parts from T. polium were assessed by GC-FID, GC/MS, and LC-MS/MS as well as for its total phenolic content. Several extracts such as n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, and infusion were prepared and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and also acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. According to GC/MS results, ß -caryophyllene (8.8%), t-cadinol (6.2%), (E)-nerolidol (5%), ? -cadinol (5.4%), and a-pinene (4.7%) were identified as main constituents of the essential oil. LC MS/MS analysis of the infusion and the methanol extract showed the presence of 15 phenolic compounds. Moreover, the total phenolic content of each sample was also determined and the infusion had the highest percentage of phenolics. To evaluate the antioxidant properties, the samples were tested by using DPPH” free radical scavenging, FRAP, and CUPRAC activity methods. The infusion showed the strongest radical scavenging activity, whereas n-hexane and chloroform extracts exhibited considerable reducing power effects. The MIC values for all of the examined microorganisms ranged from 15 to 2000 µg/mL with respect to antimicrobial activities. © TÜBİTAK
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various extracts from Stachys cretica subsp. bulgarica Rech.f., Stachys byzantina K. Koch and Stachys thirkei K. Koch
(Istanbul University Press, 2021) Gülsoy Toplan, Gizem; Taşkın, Turgut; Kara, Emel Mataracı; Genç, Gülay Ecevit
Background and Aims: Stachys L. species, which are members of the Lamiaceae family, have long been applied for their therapeutic benefits especially to cure cough, infection, genital tumors, ulcers, inflammatory illnesses, and wounds in Anatolian traditional medicine. In the current study, various extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Stachys cretica subsp. butgarica Rech.f. (SC), Stachys byzantina K. Koch (SB), Stachys thirkei K. Koch and were tested for their in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticandidat properties. Methods: The aerial parts of three Stachys species were sequentially extracted using n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol. Aqueous extracts of each sample was also prepared by infusion process. The total phenolic content of each extract was determined and the contribution of the biological activities in the samples was evaluated. To assess the antioxidant capacity, samples were studied using CUPRAC activity, DPPH center dot free radical scavenging, and FRAP methods. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against 7 bacteria and 3 yeast. Results: The infusion and methanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant potential and also had the highest percentage of phenolics among the studied extracts. The n-hexane extracts of all studied species showed considerable antifungal activity with MIC values ranging from 312.5-78.12 mg/L. Conclusion: According to our results, three Stachys species were found to be beneficial for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Voluntary oral methamphetamine increases memory deficits and contextual sensitization during abstinence associated with decreased PKM? and increased ?OR in the hippocampus of female mice
(Sage Journals, 2021) Avila, Jorge A; Memos, Nicoletta; Aslan, Abdurrahman; Andrejewski, Tytus; Luine, Victoria N; Serrano, Peter A
Background: Female populations exhibit vulnerabilities to psychostimulant addiction, as well as cognitive dysfunction following bouts of abuse. Aims: The goal for this study was to advance our understanding of the mechanisms that produce sex disparities in drug addiction. Methods: We used an animal model for voluntary oral methamphetamine administration (VOMA) and focused on male and female mice that consumed 7.6-8.2 mg/kg of methamphetamine (MA) per day during the last 18 days of the paradigm. Results: The VOMA-exposed female mice displayed increased locomotor activity in the drug-administration context compared to male mice, demonstrating sex-specific changes in contextual sensitization. During 2 weeks of forced abstinence, mice underwent further behavioral testing. We show that abstinence increased open-arm entries on the elevated plus maze in both sexes. There were no differences in immobility on the tail suspension test. In a hippocampal-dependent radial arm maze task, VOMA-treated female mice, but not male mice, showed working memory deficits. Hippocampal tissue was collected and analyzed using Western blotting. VOMA-exposed female mice exhibited increased kappa opioid receptor (?OR) expression in the hippocampus compared to male mice, suggesting a vulnerability toward abstinence-induced dysphoria. Female VOMA mice also exhibited a decrease in the memory protein marker, protein kinase M zeta (PKM?), in the hippocampus. Conclusions: Our study reveals sex-specific effects following abstinence from chronic MA consumption on hippocampal ?OR and PKM? expression, suggesting that these neural changes in female mice may underlie spatial memory deficits and identify an increased susceptibility to dysregulated neural mechanisms. These data validate VOMA as a model sensitive to sex differences in behavior and hippocampal neurochemistry following chronic MA exposure.
Antibacterial and antifungal activities of isoquinoline alkaloids of the Papaveraceae and Fumariaceae families and their implications in structure–activity relationships
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Avcı, Fatma Gizem; Atas, Başak; Gülsoy Toplan, Gizem; Gürer, Ça?layan Unsal; Sarıyar Akbulut, Berna
Historically, plants with a wide range of natural products they possess have long served as important sources of therapeutical agents. Unfortunately, progress in the construction of synthetic chemical libraries shifted the trend from natural products. With rising resistance to available antibacterial and antifungal agents, natural products are now regaining their attention. They represent an ideal platform for antimicrobial drug discovery, due to their structural complexity, functional group density, and the evolved ability to penetrate the bacterial cell envelope. Plant alkaloids are among these natural products with novel structures and significant bioactivities. Following a detailed comparative analysis of the reported antimicrobial activities of the alkaloids derived from benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids of two closely related plant families: Papaveraceae and Fumariaceae, we specifically focus on some structural aspects of antimicrobial activities of these alkaloids. Overall, tetrahydroprotoberberines are commonly weaker agents than their corresponding protoberberines. While methylation enhances activity, the reduction of a molecule results in activity loss. Furthermore, alkaloid charge could be an important issue in enhancing the interactions with the membranes. Our findings indicated that although a large number of studies focus on antimicrobial activities is huge, the number of microorganisms tested is highly variable. The generalizations can be poor if the strains tested are different.
Thanatechnology and the living dead: new concepts in digital transformation and human-computer interaction
(MARY ANN LIEBERT, 2021) Özdemir, Vural; Springer, Simon; Yıldırım, Arif; Biçer, Şehmus; Kendirci, Aslıgül; Şardaş, Semra; Kılıç, Hakan; Hekim, Nezih
In a digital society, shall we be the authors of our own experience, not only during our lifetime but also after we die? We ask this question because dying and bereavement have become even harder, and much less private, in the digital age. New big data-driven digital industries and technologies are on the rise, with promises of interactive 3D avatars and storage of digital memories of the deceased, so they can continue to exist online as the "living dead" in a digital afterlife. Famous rock and roll icons like Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, Ronnie James Dio, and Amy Winehouse have famously been turned into holograms that can once again give "live" performances on the touring circuit, often pulling in large audiences. Death studies, dying, and grief have become virtual in the 21st century. We live in truly unprecedented times for human-computer interactions. Thanatology is the scientific study of death, dying, loss, and grief. In contrast to the biological study of biological aging (cellular senescence) and programmed cell death (apoptosis), thanatology employs multiple professional lenses, medical, psychological, physical, spiritual, ethical, descriptive, and normative. In 1997, Carla Sofka introduced the term thanatechnology as "technological mechanisms such as interactive videodiscs and computer programs that are used to access information or aid in learning about thanatology topics." Onward to 2021, the advent of social media, the Internet of Things, and sensors that digitize and archive nearly every human movement and experience are taking thanatechnology, and by extension, digital transformation, to new heights. For example, what happens to digital remains of persons once they cease to exist physically? This article offers a critical study and snapshot of this nascent field, and the "un-disciplinary" sociotechnical issues digital thanatechnologies raise in relation to big data. We also discuss how best to critically govern this new frontier in systems science and the digital society. We suggest that new policy narratives such as (1) the right to nonparticipation in relation to information and communication technologies and (2) the planetary public goods deserve further attention to democratize thanatechnology and big data. To the extent that systems science often depends on data from online platforms, for example, in times of pandemics and ecological crises, "critical thanatechnology studies," introduced in this article, is a timely and essential field of scholarship with broad importance for systems science and planetary health.
Quality of turmeric powder in herbal stores: pharmacognostical investigations on turmeric powders obtained from herbal stores in Istanbul, Turkey
(ISTANBUL UNIV, 2021) Kuruldak, Ebru; Yilmaz, Fatmanur; Toplan, Gizem Gülsoy; Çelik, Berna Ozbek; Mat, Afife
Background and Aims: Curcuma longa L., known as Turmeric, has been traditionally used in Asian culture since ancient times to treat several disorders. With the increase in studies on turmeric and its major compounds, it became popular. The study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of powdered samples collected from 15 different herbal stores in Istanbul. Methods: Macroscopical, microscopical, bacteriological, and some physicochemical methods were used to evaluate the turmeric powder samples and the extracts of the samples. Additionally, the qualitative determination of curcumin in extracts was carried out by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Results: The results of the study show that the powdered samples contain curcuminoids and are also of a moderate quality. The microbiological assay showed us the existence of high levels of pathogens. Conclusion: Turmeric powder should be consumed carefully, the storage period, and also the origin of the Turmeric is significant in consumption.
Butyrylcholinesterase-inhibiting natural coumarin molecules as potential leads
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Orhan, İlkay Erdoğan; Tosun, Fatma; Şenol Deniz, Fatma Sezer; Eren, Gökçen; Mıhoğlugil, Feyyaz; Akalgan, Demet; Miski, Mahmut
Seventeen natural coumarin derivatives; badrakemin (1), 14?-acetoxybadrakemin (2), badrakemone (3), 14?-acetoxybadrakemone (4), colladonin (5), colladonin acetate (6), 14?-acetoxycolladonin (7), karatavicinol (8), deltoin (9), smyrnioridin (10), marmesin (11), osthol (12), oxypeucedanin (13), oxypeucedanin hydrate (14), isoimperatorin (15), scopoletin (16), and umbelliprenin (17), were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the sister enzymes that play a critical role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease as well as tyrosinase (TYR) as the target for Parkinson's disease. The tested coumarins were more selective against BChE, where the coumarins 2, 5, 8, and 15 (IC50 = 30.3 ?M, 29.2 ?M, 37.2 ?M, and 50.1 ?M, respectively) displayed higher BChE inhibition than the reference (galanthamine, IC50 = 60.2 ?M) at 100 ?g/mL. Only four coumarins (2, 5, 9, and 15) showed inhibition against AChE. Binding conformations of the coumarins (2, 5, 8, 9, and 15) within the active sites of AChE and BChE were explored via molecular docking experiments. The docked compounds were oriented by the interactions with the oxyanion hole and the peripheral anionic site residues of AChE/BChE. The coumarin derivatives 1–17 was found to have no or low inhibition (2.03 ± 0.92 %–12.91 ± 0.40 %) against TYR at 100 ?g/mL. Our findings revealed that coumarins could be promising lead compounds for designing novel anti-Alzheimer drug candidates.
The hCOMET project: international database comparison of results with the comet assay in human biomonitoring. baseline frequency of DNA damage and effect of main confounders
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Mili?, Mirta; Ceppi, Marcello; Bruzzone, Marco; Azqueta, A.; Brunborg, Gunnar; Godschalk, Roger W.L.; Koppen, Gudrun F.; Şardaş, Semra
The alkaline comet assay, or single cell gel electrophoresis, is one of the most popular methods for assessing DNA damage in human population. One of the open issues concerning this assay is the identification of those factors that can explain the large inter-individual and inter-laboratory variation. International collaborative initiatives such as the hCOMET project - a COST Action launched in 2016 - represent a valuable tool to meet this challenge. The aims of hCOMET were to establish reference values for the level of DNA damage in humans, to investigate the effect of host factors, lifestyle and exposure to genotoxic agents, and to compare different sources of assay variability. A database of 19,320 subjects was generated, pooling data from 105 studies run by 44 laboratories in 26 countries between 1999 and 2019. A mixed random effect log-linear model, in parallel with a classic meta-analysis, was applied to take into account the extensive heterogeneity of data, due to descriptor, specimen and protocol variability. As a result of this analysis interquartile intervals of DNA strand breaks (which includes alkali-labile sites) were reported for tail intensity, tail length, and tail moment (comet assay descriptors). A small variation by age was reported in some datasets, suggesting higher DNA damage in oldest age-classes, while no effect could be shown for sex or smoking habit, although the lack of data on heavy smokers has still to be considered. Finally, highly significant differences in DNA damage were found for most exposures investigated in specific studies. In conclusion, these data, which confirm that DNA damage measured by the comet assay is an excellent biomarker of exposure in several conditions, may contribute to improving the quality of study design and to the standardization of results of the comet assay in human populations.

Güncel Gönderiler