Digital Commons Network^™

Assessment Of Peripheral Neuropathy In Hypothyroidism In Relation To Serum Neurofilament Light Chain, Arwa Raid Hammodat, Hanan Luay Al-Omary, Omar Farooq Nafea Al-Azzawi

Al-Farahidi Biomedical Journal

Background: Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by reduced thyroid hormone production. Beyond its systemic effects, it can involve the peripheral nervous system. This can be assessed through electrodiagnostic testing and by measuring serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of neuronal damage.

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate peripheral neuropathy in patients with hypothyroidism and to examine its relationship with serum NfL concentrations.

Materials and Methods: A case–control study was carried out at Ghazi Al-Hariri Hospital, Baghdad, between September 2024 and May 2025. It included 40 patients with hypothyroidism and 40 healthy controls. All subjects underwent sensory and …

Italian Mathematics Prison Teachers’ Perspective On The Teaching/Learning Of Mathematics In Prison School, Andrea Maffia, Luca Decembrotto, Chiara Giberti, Federica Mennuni, Gabriella Pocalana, Silvia Regola, Agnese Telloni

Journal of Prison Education Research

Teaching in the prison context is characterized by a high complexity level; it is a multifaced activity influenced by several factors depending on the specific context. We present a preliminary but overall picture of schooling in Italian prisons by considering teachers’ reflections regarding their experiences in teaching mathematics in correctional facilities. To address the gap in the current literature on this issue, we conducted a SWOT analysis on the reflection provided by a group of nine Italian mathematics teachers who teach in different prisons and with different experiences and backgrounds. Their reflection allowed us to identify and describe six theory-driven …

The Origins, History, And Mythology Of The 1925 Scopes Trial, Edward J. Larson

Rondel V. Davidson Endowed Lecture Series

One hundred years is a long time in politics, less so in science, and even less so in religion. 2025 marks 100 years since the best-known intersection of those three forces in American society: the legendary 1925 trial of John Scopes for teaching evolution in a Tennessee public school. The lecture examines the cultural origins, strange history, and enduring mythology surrounding that seminal episode that continues to resonate in American life.

Principles Of Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture For Building Resilient And Resource-Efficient Food Systems, Ramazan Çakmakçi, Songül Çakmakçi, Muhammet Fati̇h Çakmakçi

Turkish Journal of Biology

As the demand for greater quantities of higher-quality food grows with population expansion, climate change, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices accelerate the loss of arable land, ultimately threatening agricultural sustainability. Population growth necessitates a transition to nutritious, safe, and healthy food production systems that ensure higher yields, less reduced waste, improved social outcomes, and the integration of economic, social, and environmental sustainability principles. Urgent global challenges such as resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and climate change necessitate the protection of ecosystems and the sustainable use of natural resources. Agricultural systems must enhance food production and supply productivity, strengthen system resilience, and …

Artificial Intelligence In Medical And Biological Research: Promise And Perils Of Chatgpt And Deepseek In Advancing Healthcare, Mahmut Enes Kayaalp, Onur Gülteki̇n, Serhat Akçaalan, Hami̇t Çağlayan Kahraman, Hüseyi̇n Nevzat Topçu, Gülşah Kavrul Kayaalp

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek, is being increasingly applied in clinical care, research, and education. The aim of this review is to examine how these tools may transform the conduct of medical and biological research and to define their limitations.

Materials and methods: A narrative synthesis of the literature was performed, encompassing studies published between 2020 and 2025. Peer-reviewed journals, systematic reviews, and high-impact original research articles were included to ensure an evidence-based overview. The principle applications, validation metrics, and clinical implications across orthopedics, oncology, cardiology, internal medicine, and the biological …

A Systematic Review Of Machine Learning In Heart Disease Prediction, Tathagat Banerjee, İshak Paçal

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, prompting the need for advanced predictive tools. While machine learning (ML) offers a powerful solution, there are significant challenges to clinical translation. This systematic review synthesizes the current state of ML in heart disease prediction, evaluating algorithmic performance, data utilization, and key translational challenges.

Materials and methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of literature published up to 2025 was conducted. From an initial pool of over 2500 records, a rigorous screening process yielded 65 studies for in-depth qualitative synthesis.

Results: Analysis showed that ensemble learning models dominate prediction …

Royal Jelly With Ellagic Acid Inhibits The Glycolytic Pathway And Induces Apoptosis Through Multiple Pathways In Colorectal Cancer, Tuğba Kul Köprülü

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Developing novel chemotherapeutics with high anticancer efficacy and low toxicity remains a critical challenge in oncology. Natural products have shown promise due to their multitargeted activity and favorable safety profiles. The present study investigates the combined anticancer effects of royal jelly (RJ) and ellagic acid (EA), two potent antioxidants of animal and plant origin.

Materials and methods: Royal jelly (RJ) and ellagic acid (EA) were applied to HT29 (ATCC HTB-38, Human colorectal adenocarcinoma), HCT116 (ATCC CCL-247, Human colorectal carcinoma) and BEAS-2B (ATCC CRL-3588, human bronchial epithelium) cell lines, and their antiproliferative effects were evaluated using a xCELLigence Real-Time Cell …

Differential Modulation Of Cisplatin Efficacy By Montelukast Sodium And Desloratadine In Lung Cancer, Seha Akduman, Büşra Yüksel, Di̇dem Teci̇mel, Ömer Faruk Bayrak, Di̇dem Seven, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Despite advances in treatment, achieving effective and durable responses with chemotherapy remains a significant challenge in lung cancer management. This study investigates the effects of montelukast sodium (MLS) and desloratadine (DES), alone and in combination with cisplatin (CIS), on cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and antioxidant gene expression in A549 and DMS114 lung cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods: Cells were treated with CIS, MLS, DES, and their combinations for 24–72 h. Cell viability was assessed via MTS assay; apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of antioxidant-related genes (GPX4, GSR, GCLC) was …

Tumor-Specific Cytotoxicity Of Pyrazole-Based Chalcone Derivatives In Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines, Mehtap Tuğrak Sakarya, Hali̇se İnci̇ Gül, Hiroshi Sakagami, Junko Nagai, Yoshihiro Uesawa, Kenjiro Bandow

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Pyrazole-based chalcone hybrids are notable in medicinal chemistry for their potential biological activity, although their tumor-specific cytotoxicity and mechanisms remain unknown in OSCC cells. This first study of pyrazole-chalcone hybrids in OSCC cells explores the tumor-selective cytotoxic effects and underlying cell death mechanisms triggered by a series of 10 newly synthesized pyrazole-based compounds (MS1MS10) in OSCC cell lines. Material and methods: The cytotoxic effects of the compounds were assessed using the MTT assay on four human OSCC cell lines and three types of normal human oral cells. The tumor-selectivity index (TS) and potency-selectivity expression (PSE) were calculated, and active …

Cross-Linked Cellulose Ester/Linseed Oil Composites For Controlled Release Fertilizers, Ian Stark

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food scarcity is an ever-present concern for a growing population but can be mitigated through innovations in agriculture. Fertilizers are required to produce a sufficient amount of food, and while they contain key nutrients for crop growth, these nutrients can leech into the surrounding environment. Controlled release fertilizers slow the release of nutrients, encasing the prills in a semi permeable coating. Current coatings are non-biodegradable, causing microplastic soil contamination, which is very difficult to remove. Cellulose esters offer a compelling alternative, with an ability to cross-link into thin films that can be applied as coatings. The cellulose esterification was completed …

Investigating Characteristic Droplet Size Distributions In Large Eddy Simulations Of Stratocumulus Clouds, Nithin Allwayin, Daniel J. Miller, Kamal Kant Chandrakar, Michael L. Larsen, Raymond A. Shaw

Michigan Tech Publications

Cloud processes relevant to radiative and precipitation properties depend on the shape of the cloud droplet size distribution. Recent holographic observations revealed that cloud droplet populations do not have the same size distribution shapes throughout but form regions of characteristic distributions with similar microphysical properties. We investigate the existence and properties of these characteristic distributions within Large-Eddy Simulations of stratocumulus clouds using Lagrangian and bin microphysics schemes. Distribution types are identified, revealing localized characteristic distributions that vary on the scale of the largest convective cell for simulations with bin microphysics. The results from the Lagrangian microphysics scheme hint at similar …

Chronic Crohn’S Stricture: A Hotbed For Obstructing Fecaliths, Khaled Alsabbagh Alchirazi, Nishkarsh Kumar, Sahibzada Usman Latif

Aurora GME

No abstract provided.

Optimization Strategies For Nucleic Acid Aptamer Sequences And Its Application In The Detection Of Food Hazards, Yuan Jie, Yao Jun, Zhang Sicheng, Qin Yadi

Food and Machinery

Foodborne diseases have become a prominent problem in the field of food safety. Rapid and accurate detection of food hazards is a key step in controlling foodborne diseases. As a novel biological recognition molecule, nucleic acid aptamers have become a research hotspot for constructing rapid and sensitive biosensors for the detection of food hazards. However, the affinity and selectivity of aptamers screened by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) still need improvement to fully meet the requirements of analytical detection. This paper analyzes the intrinsic factors affecting aptamer performance, focuses on optimization strategies for nucleic acid aptamers, introduces …

Face Recognition Using Optimized Multi-Task Cascaded Cnn In Artificial Intelligence Systems, Sami Abduljabbar Rashid, Mustafa Maad Hamdi, Salah Ayad Jassim, Lukman Audah, Baraa Saad Abdulhakeem, Mohammed Salah Abood, Ahmed Adil Nafea

Baghdad Science Journal

Improving the accuracy level of face recognition system is still an open research area where it consists of certain limitations to attain maximum accuracy. In earlier days, several algorithms are developed using machine learning and deep learning models, but still, they need improvement in terms of accuracy. For that purpose, in this article a novel CNN model called the optimized multi cascaded CNN (OPT-MTC-CNN) in the artificial intelligence system is developed, which helps to overcome the accuracy issues in face recognition system. The algorithms that are incorporated in this model are Fully Convolutional Network (FCN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Microplastic Pollution In Marine Ecosystems: Sources, Impacts, Andstakeholder-Based Solutions, Seren Acarer Arat

Turkish Journal of Biology

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles of anthropogenic origin with a size range of 1–5000 μm. Marine MP pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant global environmental challenge. MPs, which enter marine ecosystems from land- and marine-based sources, pose physical, chemical, and biological risks due to the adsorption of various pollutants and the formation of biofilm layers. MPs are found in various organisms from lower to higher trophic levels of the marine food web. The negative effects of MPs on marine organisms depend on their abundance, their characteristics, and the exposure time of organisms to MPs. MPs can adversely affect various …

Application Of Biological And Green Nanomaterials In Wastewater Treatment: Techniques For The Effective Removal Of Dyes, Heavy Metals, And Organic Pollutants, Emi̇ne Sena Kazan Kaya, Zeynep Ci̇ğeroğlu, Tansel Kemerli̇ Kalbaran, Başak Temur Ergan, Zeynep Mi̇ne Şenol, Meral Yildirim Yalçin

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Wastewater from industrial, agricultural, and residential sources poses significant environmental and public health risks due to the presence of dyes, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. Conventional treatment methods are often inadequate for the complete removal of these pollutants. Therefore, the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient treatment techniques has become increasingly important. The aim of this review is to evaluate the application of biological and green nanomaterials in wastewater treatment and to compare their effectiveness against different types of pollutants (dyes, heavy metals, and organics).

Materials and methods: This review provides detailed information on the removal of …

A Review Of Deep Learning Architectures For Plant Disease Detection​, Yasi̇n Kaya, Ercan Gürsoy

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The rapid advancement of deep learning (DL) has revolutionized plant disease detection by enabling highly accurate, image-based diagnostic solutions. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of DL-based methodologies for plant disease detection, systematically structured around the key stages of the modeling pipeline, encompassing data acquisition, preprocessing, augmentation, classification, detection, segmentation, and deployment.

Materials and methods: The review focuses on evaluating convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures such as VGG, ResNet, EfficientNet, and DenseNet across diverse experimental contexts. Classification strategies are categorized according to their integration of visualization techniques (e.g., saliency maps, Grad-CAM) to enhance model interpretability, emphasizing the pivotal role …

Green Carbon Dots In The Era Of Ai: Sustainable Synthesis, Intelligent Drug Delivery, Advanced Diagnostics, And Bioimaging, Emi̇ne Sezer, Fulden Ulucan Karnak, Si̇nan Akgöl

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Green carbon dots (GCDs) are a rapidly developing class of nanomaterials that are revolutionizing various scientific disciplines due to their unique optical properties, low toxicity, and sustainable synthesis. This review offers a comprehensive roadmap for the field, emphasizing the synergy between GCDs and artificial intelligence (AI).

Materials and methods: We begin by detailing the sustainable synthesis of GCDs, highlighting green chemistry principles and the transformative role of AI in optimizing their production. Subsequently, we explore the critical characterization of GCDs, including their structural, optical, and biocompatibility assessment. The core of this study explores the diverse biomedical applications of GCDs, …

Applications Of Transfer Learning In Sunflower Disease Detection: Advances, Challenges, And Future Directions, Yonis Gulzar

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a crop of high economic and nutritional importance that continues to suffer significant yield losses due to foliar diseases. Traditional image-based and laboratory detection techniques remain limited by subjectivity, cost, and scalability. Transfer learning (TL) has recently emerged as an effective approach to overcoming these challenges involving the reuse of pretrained deep models for plant pathology tasks. Presented here is a systematic examination of recent TL-based studies on sunflower disease classification to identify prevailing trends, research gaps, and future opportunities.

Materials and methods: A structured Scopus query was employed to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published between …

Flavonoids And Phenolic Compounds: A Promising Avenue For Neurodegenerative Disease Therapy, Tesli̇me Özge Şahi̇n, Özge Cemali̇, Merve Özdemi̇r, Şeri̇fe Ayten, Duygu Ağagündüz

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and ALS are characterized by a progressive loss of nerve cells, for which no definitive cure currently exists. These conditions share common pathological mechanisms, including chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Flavonoids and other plant-derived phenolic compounds have recently attracted attention for the treatment of such conditions due to their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review explores the neuroprotective mechanisms of flavonoids and evaluates their potential for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Materials and methods: A literature search of the Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Hsa_Circ_0001776 Regulates The Progression Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through The Mir-1269b/Pten Axis, Yaoyao Wang, Xiancong Yang, Simin Rong, Xiaoxu Lan, Chenhui Ti, Weimiao Sun, Baohui Yin, Youjie Li, Yunxiao Sun

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant neoplasm arising from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. It is a common subtype of childhood leukemia and remains challenging to cure. Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of noncoding RNAs, play key regulatory roles in tumor biology. Among their various functions, circRNAs often act as ‘sponges’ for microRNAs (miRNAs), modulating gene expression posttranscriptionally. This study investigates the functional role and clinical relevance of hsa_circ_0001776 in AML.

Materials and methods: Three AML cell lines and 22 peripheral blood samples were analyzed. Differential expression analysis of circRNAs in a GSE dataset …

Evaluating Sh-Sy5y Cells As A Dopaminergic Neuronal Model: Morphological, Transcriptomic, And Proteomic Insights, Eylül Ece İşlek Camadan, Mehmet Sarihan, Murat Kasap, Gürler Akpinar, Eli̇fcan Koçyi̇ği̇t

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line is a popular in vitro model for neurodegenerative disease research, especially Parkinson’s disease (PD) research, but its use is complicated by limitations like the persistence of neuroblastoma-like features, unstable differentiation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular stress. To address these limitations, this study tested a blended, nine-day differentiation protocol that sequentially applied all-trans retinoic acid (RA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP). By evaluating key neuronal, dopaminergic, and PD-related markers, the research aims to determine if these differentiated SH-SY5Y cells are a suitable model for studying PD.

Materials and methods: A blended …

The Effects Of The Combined Use Of Carbon Quantum Dots And Antibacterial Agents On Pathogenic Bacteria, Derya Doğanay, İbrahi̇m Serkan Avşar, Şevval Maral Özcan Aykol, Gamze Çamlik, Besa Bi̇lakaya, İsmai̇l Tuncer Deği̇m

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: This study evaluates the challenges associated with overcoming antimicrobial resistance and innovative approaches to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections.

Materials and methods: Novel codoped carbon quantum dots (CCQDs) were synthesized using citric acid as the carbon source and L-cysteine as the nitrogen codoping atom. The formulation in which citric acid was retained was designated as CCQDs-1, whereas the purified version, from which citric acid was removed, was termed CCQDs-2. The antibacterial properties of CCQDs-1 and CCQDs-2 were compared using the agar well diffusion method. This study comprehensively characterizes these nanomaterials and evaluates their antibacterial potential, both alone and in …

Dramatic Biases In Terrestrial Nitrogen Fixation In Earth System Models Revealed By Natural Isotope Signatures, Maoyuan Fang, Shushi Peng, Philippe Ciais, Daniel S. Goll, Benjamin Z. Houlton, Ying-Ping Wang, Yilong Wang, Pan Liu, Joshua B. Fisher, Pierre Regnier

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the primary input of new reactive nitrogen to natural terrestrial ecosystems. However, this flux is poorly constrained due to its unclear drivers and associated control mechanisms. Here, we extend the existing theory of nitrogen (N) isotope mass balance to estimate BNF rates and then use a Bayesian approach to constrain the BNF rates in natural terrestrial ecosystems by using measurements of natural N-isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N) in plants (δ_P) and soil (δ_S). Together with pairwise δ_P and δ_S measurements from 18 forest sites covering diverse climates and thousands …

Ameliorating Effect Of Haematococcus Pluvialis Powder On Lps-Induced Barrier Damage In Hok Cells, Xie Jinmei, Chen Cailian, Zhang Yong, Zheng Yunjian, Xie Xi

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the protective effect of Haematococcus pluvialis (H.pluvialis) powder on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oral epithelial damage. [Methods] The effects of different doses of H.pluvialis on the viability of human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were assessed. In LPS-induced HOKs, changes in the tight junction-associated proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, mitochondrial morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX), and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) were evaluated. [Results] Compared with the LPS model group, high-dose H.pluvialis significantly upregulated the expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1 to 151.56% and 170.52%, respectively (P < 0.05), and promoted their membrane localization. In addition, H.pluvialis markedly improved LPS-induced excessive ROS and MitoSOX production, the reduction in MMP, and the increase in MPTP in HOKs. [Conclusion] H.pluvialis may alleviate LPS-induced barrier damage in HOKs by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a functional food for oral mucosal barrier repair.

Research Progress On Active Ingredients And Functions Of Hericium Erinaceus, Wang Kaixuan, Lin Junfang, Guo Liqiong, Zhou Fenglong, Wang Na, Zhong Jingru

Food and Machinery

Hericium erinaceus has a long history in China as a medicinal and edible fungus. With delicious tastes, it also contains various active ingredients. In the current era of increasing emphasis on dietary health, Hericium erinaceus can be an ideal choice for a balanced diet. Based on previous research, this paper comprehensively summarizes the active ingredients contained in Hericium erinaceus, including terpenes, ketones, ergothioneine, and polysaccharides. The specific types and different active functions of corresponding ingredients are elaborated, while the prospect is also given on the future development of active ingredients.

Complexity Measures For Self-Similar And Chemical Graphs Using Entropies And Generalized Fractal Dimensions, J. Bhuvaneswari, D. Easwaramoorthy

Baghdad Science Journal

Nonlinear analysis finds numerous applications in understanding the intricate characteristics of generalized Sierpinski graphs or chemical graphs. It aids in discerning the fractal patterns inherent in self-similar structures, deciphering the dynamic interactions within chemical bonds, and assessing the complexity of molecular arrangements. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in unraveling the emergent behaviors of complex systems, offering insights applicable to diverse fields such as materials science, chemistry, biology, network theory, and beyond. In this paper, the complexity of generalized Sierpinski graphs and chemical graphs is analyzed using fractal-based nonlinear measures computed iteratively. Nonlinear measures assess intricate relationships within graphs by …

Assessment Of Tumour Control Probability And Equivalent Uniform Dose In Conventional 3d-Crt Vs. Hypo-Fractionated Imrt, Jumaa D. Kisukari, Mwingereza J. Kumwenda, Khamis O. Amour, Ehab M. Attalla, Emmanuel Lugina

Tanzania Journal of Science

Hypo-fractionated (HF) radiotherapy offers a promising solution to improve access to cancer treatment in resource-limited settings, such as developing countries, by reducing the number of treatment sessions compared to conventional fractionation (CF). For effective implementation, evaluating Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD) and Tumour Control Probability (TCP) is essential to ensure treatment efficacy across different radiotherapy techniques. This study compares treatment plans generated using Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy with Conventional Fractionation (3D-CRT CF) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy with Hypo-fractionation (IMRT HF) in patients with localized prostate cancer. A total of 50 patients were CT-simulated, and their images were imported into a …