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Turkish Journal of Biology

No abstract provided.

Fda-Approved Drugs As Potential Covalent Inhibitors Of Key Sars-Cov-2 Proteins: An In Silico Approach, Murat Seri̇lmez, Anwar Abuelrub, İsmai̇l Erol, Serdar Durdaği

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 necessitated rapid development of effective therapeutics, prompting this study to identify potential inhibitors targeting key viral and host proteins: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), main protease (Mpro), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Methods: We used covalent docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to screen FDA-approved compounds against these targets using diverse covalent reaction mechanisms. Top-ranking compounds underwent further evaluation through MD simulations to assess binding stability and conformational dynamics. Results: Several promising drug repurposing candidates were identified: bremelanotide, lanreotide, histrelin, and leuprolide as potential RdRp inhibitors; azlocillin, cefiderocol, and …

Antiinflammatory Effects Of Cucurbitacins And Sorafenib In Hepg2 Cells By Modulating The Iκb/Nf-Κb/Cox-2 Pathway Through Akt Signaling, Muhammed Mehdi̇ Üremi̇ş, Yusuf Türköz, Nuray Üremi̇ş

Turkish Journal of Biology

Aim: Cucurbitacins possess antitumor, antiproliferative, and antiinflammatory properties. This study aims to examine the antiinflammatory effects of CuD, CuI, and CuE on NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and Akt and compare their cytotoxic and antiinflammatory effects on HepG2 cells with sorafenib, the primary chemotherapeutic agent used in HCC treatment. Methods: Cytotoxic effects of cucurbitacins and sorafenib on HepG2 cells were evaluated using MTT and LDH assays, along with Annexin V, MMP, and comet assays. Levels of proteins related to the Akt/NF-κB pathway and COX-2, iNOS, and NO were also measured. Results: Our study showed that CuD, CuI, CuE, and sorafenib have antiproliferative …

Novel Mrsa-Targeting Phage Metb16: Genomic Features, Structural Insights, And Therapeutic Applications, Berna Erdoğdu, Senanur Dokuz, Görkem Güngör, Wei Lin, Yigang Tong, Tüli̇n Özbek

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Recent reports have indicated that multidrug-resistant strains of S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, may pose a significant threat to public health and global economic stability. Materials and methods: In this study, we present the isolation and comprehensive characterization of a novel phage, derived from clinically isolated MRSA strains. Results: MetB16 exhibited an incubation period of approximately 20 min, a lysis period of around 45 min, and a burst size of 127 Plaque Forming Units (PFU)/cell. The phage demonstrated remarkable biological stability across a pH spectrum of 4.0–9.0 and maintained integrity within a temperature range of 37 and –80 °C. …

Psoriasis Genomics: A Review, Magna Hutasuhut, Windy Keumala Budianti, Wresti Indriatmi, Mirawati Setyorini

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Psoriasis is a dermatological condition influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, environmental triggers, as well as immune responses. Genomics refers to the study of individual genes (genomes) and their interactions with environmental influences. In the context of psoriasis genomics, the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors contributes to the manifestation and variations of the disease. With advancements in molecular genotyping technology and genome-wide association studies (GWASs), researchers have identified 50 genetic markers linked to psoriasis.

Discussion: Several genetic loci associated with psoriasis have been identified, including PSORS 1-15. The genetics of psoriasis is also linked to its onset, …

Adjunctive Homoeopathic Treatment Of Covid-19-Positive Cases Of Geriatric Age Group – A Case Series, Vinitha Edavattath Ramanan, Suhana P. Azis, K.C. Muraleedharan, Divya Babu

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: The second wave of COVID-19 peaked during May 2021 and had a higher mortality and morbidity rates than the first wave. About 53% of people over 60 years of age died in India due to the pandemic by the end of July 2021. Cases Summary: Twenty reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19-positive patients belonging to the geriatric age group were successfully treated with Homoeopathy. Seventeen of these consulted through in-person visits at a long-term care facility (LTCF) for the elderly, and three cases belonged to the home-isolated category. Out of those treated, 14 had comorbidities, such as type II …

Effectiveness Of 5% Channa Striata Extract Gel In Wound Healing: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, Yulia Farida Yahya, Yuli Kurniawati, Erial Bahar, Theresia Lumban Toruan, Soenarto Kartowigno, Muhammad Izazi Hari Purwoko, Tiar Marina Octyvani

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Snakehead fish (Channa striata, CS) has traditionally been used in Indonesia as a nutrient to promote wound healing. It contains protein highly similar to human protein, which may be involved in wound healing via biological pathways. We aim to determine the effectiveness of the topical 5% CS extract gel in promoting wound healing.

Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted from June to August 2022 at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital. We allocated 32 post-skin surgery participants with grade I acute superficial wounds on the face, neck, …

Topical Application Of Exosomes In A Patient With Acne Conglobata: A Case Report, Theressia Handayani, Stefani Luziani

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Acne conglobata (AC) is a rare and severe acne characterized by interconnected nodules, cysts, and abscesses. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) have immunosuppressive properties that alleviate inflammation and immunological reactions. We present a case of AC in a patient who received topical administration of exosomes.

Case Illustration: A 20-year-old male was diagnosed with AC, presenting as inflammatory papules and cysts covered with yellowish crusts that had been present for five months. Exosomes (ASCE+®, Seoul, South Korea) were topically administered at a dose of 5 mL, applied evenly to the face. The patient underwent three treatment sessions, with a …

Serial Excision Of A Nevus Sebaceous Of Jadassohn On The Scalp, Belladikna Brillianty Sugiatno, Arif Widiatmoko, Adinda Amalia Dani, Diah Prabawati Retnani

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn (NSJ) is a non-hereditary hamartoma of the skin’s adnexal structures. The incidence of NSJ in newborns is estimated at 0.1-0.3% with no gender or ethnic propensity. Surgical excision is a common treatment for NSJ, although there is no definite consensus on the timing or recommendations for the removal. This article aims to present the advantages of serial excision therapy in a case of NSJ.

Case Illustration: A 14-year-old male presented with a complaint of a bump on the scalp since birth, which had progressively enlarged during puberty. Dermatological examination revealed a well-demarcated, yellow-orange …

Validity And Reliability Of The Indonesian Version Of Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire 2002 (Nosq-2002), Listya Paramita, Fajar Waskito, Dikky Prawiratama, Niken Indrastuti, Tuntas Rayinda, Sri Awalia Febriana

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Epidemiological data on occupational hand eczema in Indonesia is still limited, partly because there are no valid and reliable instruments in the Indonesian language as a means of survey. This study aims to translate the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire 2002 (NOSQ-2002) into the Indonesian language and assess the validity and reliability of the Indonesian NOSQ-2002 as an instrument for epidemiological surveys and screening of occupational hand eczema.

Methods: The original English version of NOSQ-2002 was translated into the Indonesian language following the standard procedure of translation. The Indonesian NOSQ-2002 version, which had been collectively approved, was subsequently completed by …

Contrast Enhancement, G-Cimp Subtype, And Cdkn2a/B Homozygous Deletion In Idh-Mutant Astrocytoma, Mehak Majid Khan, Wenyin Shi, Iyad Alnahhas

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Management Of Leiomyoma And Ovarian Cyst With Homoeopathic Medicine Thuja Occidentalis: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Bharti Wadhwa, Sujata Madhukar, Shweta Singh Kureel

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Leiomyoma (Uterine Fibroid [UF]) is the most prevalent benign solid tumour arising from the neoplastic transformation of smooth muscle cells of myometrium in the reproductive age of females. Fibroids are rare before puberty, increase in prevalence during the reproductive years, and usually reduce in size after menopause.

Case Summary: A 34-year-old woman presented with a complaint of hypogastric pain, and heavy bleeding during her menstrual periods since 3–4 months. Her menstrual cycle was irregular. She was diagnosed with an intramural UF and a right ovarian cyst on ultrasonography. Thuja occidentalis (in different potencies) was prescribed based on …

Impact Of Optimal Medical Therapy In Heart Failure Certification For Hospitalists On Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy Utilization, Farhan Ishaq, Duc T Nguyen, Edward A Graviss, Ebun Ebunlomo, Arvind Bhimaraj, Nadia Fida

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Significant gaps in guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure (HF) stem from shortages of cardiologists and advanced HF providers, as well as a lack of optimal HF management knowledge among hospitalists. This study compared the impact of optimal medical therapy in HF (OMT-HF) certification on GDMT implementation and patient outcomes between an intervention group (IG) of hospitalists and a standard-of-care comparison group (SOC-CG).

Aim: To evaluate if OMT-HF has a difference in GDMT and patients in outcomes between IG and SOC-CG.

Methods: This study was implemented from November 2022 to May 2023. Hospitalized cardiology patients with HF and …

Secondary Youth-Level Mechanisms Of Change In Parent Training For Anxious Youth, Jacey L Anderberg, Kelly Barry, Blake M Upshaw, Katie H Mangen, Samuel D Spencer, Andrew G Guzick, Daphne M Ayton, Amanda D Palo, Abigail E Candelari, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Parent-focused treatments are a promising approach for addressing youth anxiety outside of traditional therapist-delivered modalities. Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) has preliminarily demonstrated efficacy for reducing family accommodation (FA), a key treatment outcome for youth anxiety.

Objective: Since the mechanisms of SPACE remain relatively understudied, we examined youth-reported distress tolerance (DT), anxiety sensitivity (AS), and negative automatic thoughts as candidate mechanisms of SPACE using data from a previously conducted clinical trial.

Methods: In a sample of N = 68 youth (M age = 10.2; 52% male; 62% White), we examined: (a) associations among candidate mechanisms and …

Combination Of 1064 Nm Qs Nd:Yag Photoacoustic Technology And Exosome For Facial Rejuvenation, Stanley Setiawan, Samuel Septrian Putranto, Angela Maria Linata, Stephanie Salim, Novia Sari Andriati Mertosono, Shelly Nobel, Flora Asri Wardianti, Ita Anggraini, Zulaikha Rizqina Rahmawati

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Facial rejuvenation has become a global trend in cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology to restore youthful skin. The combination of 1064 nm Q-Switched Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (QS Nd:YAG) laser and exosomes as a facial rejuvenation procedure restores youthfulness by increasing collagen and elastin.

Case Illustration: This case series evaluated the effectiveness of 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser with and without human amniotic fluid stem cell-derived exosomes (hAFSC-exo) for facial rejuvenation in six adults aged 24–39 years with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV. Participants were randomized to receive either laser treatment alone or combined with intradermal hAFSC-exo injections every two weeks for …

Skin Rejuvenation With Microbotox: A Review, Ifen Ayu Malinda, Nelva Karmila Jusuf

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Skin aging is characterized by a gradual loss of tissue and organ function. Skin aging can be classified into two types: intrinsic aging, associated with the aging process itself, and extrinsic aging, which is linked to external factors. Microbotox—an intradermal injection of diluted botulinum toxin—has emerged as a promising technique for rejuvenation by improving skin texture, pore size, and sebum control. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the microbotox technique in the context of skin aging, emphasizing its mechanisms, indications, and clinical outcomes.

Discussion: In Asia, intradermal injection of botulinum toxin or microbotox has been widely …

Physical Activity And Functional Mobility In Adults With Hearing Loss: A Series Of Embedded Studies Within A 6-Month Clinical Trial With Hearing Aids, Sarah L. Bochat

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Adults with hearing loss engage in low levels of physical activity and demonstrate poor performance on measures of functional mobility. The impact of hearing rehabilitation on these outcomes is not fully understood. Previous investigations were largely quantitative and focused on older adults ≥ 65 years of age who may respond differently to hearing intervention than relatively younger adults. They also tended to focus on exercise rather than global engagement in physical activities and did not report hours of hearing aid use, an important indicator of intervention success. One purpose of this dissertation was to determine the feasibility of collecting accelerometry-assessed …

Changes In Immune-Regulated Gene Methylation Over Time In Women Who Do And Do Not Develop Breast Cancer, Kyle Laney

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer survivors face elevated risks of chronic inflammatory conditions and immunedysfunction compared to the general population. These elevated health risks in survivors are well-documented but mechanistically poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize longitudinal changes in DNA methylation patterns of immune-regulatory genes in women who developed breast cancer compared to cancer-free controls. We conducted an EWAS using Sister Study cohort data, analyzing longitudinal changes in DNA methylation by comparing the difference in beta values between pre- and post-diagnosis time points in breast cancer cases versus changes over the same period in cancer-free controls. The analysis included 414 participants: 189 …

Isotopic Fingerprints Of The Coastal Margins: Tracing Dissolved Iron Sources From Land To Sea, Hannah R. Hunt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Dissolved iron (dFe) is an essential micronutrient for sustaining life in the surface ocean. Nearly four decades of research dedicated to understanding sources, cycling and biogeochemical modifications of Fe sources in the global oceans has generated a significant body of research supporting the idea that the concentration of Fe in the surface ocean exerts significant controls on primary production and carbon uptake in the surface ocean. Creation of the GEOTRACES program greatly increased the spatial and temporal resolution of high-quality trace element and trace element isotope data revealing new insights into the global Fe cycle, especially through the use of …

Healthy Bodies, Moral Minds, And Rural Ideals: Contextualizing Interwar British Childhood And Citizenship Through Children's Country Holidays Fund Vacations, Paula J. Pack

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses the Children’s Country Holidays Fund (CCHF) as a critical lens to examine how philanthropy, childhood, class, public health, and rural nostalgia intersected within the broader context of citizen formation in interwar Britain. Founded in 1884 to provide country holidays for poor London schoolchildren, the CCHF evolved from a philanthropic response to Victorian slum life into an informal arm of welfare governance by the end of the interwar period. Through its country holidays, the Fund became an active participant in shaping ideals of health, morality, and civic responsibility in a period marked by heightened concern over national vitality …

Mis-Splicing-Derived Neoantigens And Cognate Tcrs In Splicing Factor Mutant Leukemias, Won Jun Kim, Edie I Crosse, Emma De Neef, Inaki Etxeberria, Erich Y Sabio, Eric Wang, Jan Philipp Bewersdorf, Kuan-Ting Lin, Sydney X Lu, Andrea Belleville, Nina Fox, Cynthia Castro, Pu Zhang, Takeshi Fujino, Jennifer Lewis, Jahan Rahman, Beatrice Zhang, Jacob H Winick, Alexander M Lewis, Robert F Stanley, Susan Dewolf, Brigita Meškauskaitė Urben, Meril Takizawa, Tobias Krause, Henrik Molina, Ronan Chaligne, Priya Koppikar, Jeffrey Molldrem, Mathieu Gigoux, Taha Merghoub, Anthony Daniyan, Smita S Chandran, Benjamin D Greenbaum, Christopher A Klebanoff, Robert K Bradley, Omar Abdel-Wahab

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutations in RNA splicing factors are prevalent across cancers and generate recurrently mis-spliced mRNA isoforms. Here we identified a series of bona fide neoantigens translated from highly stereotyped splicing alterations promoted by neomorphic, leukemia-associated somatic splicing machinery mutations. We utilized feature-barcoded peptide-MHC dextramers to isolate neoantigen-reactive T cell receptors (TCRs) from healthy donors, patients with active myeloid malignancy, and following curative allogeneic stem cell transplant. Neoantigen-reactive CD8+ T cells were present in the blood of patients with active cancer and had a distinct phenotype from virus-reactive T cells with evidence of impaired cytotoxic function. T cells engineered with TCRs recognizing …

Encorafenib, Cetuximab, And Mfolfox6 In Braf-Mutated Colorectal Cancer, Elena Elez, Takayuki Yoshino, Lin Shen, Sara Lonardi, Eric Van Cutsem, Cathy Eng, Tae Won Kim, Harpreet Singh Wasan, Jayesh Desai, Fortunato Ciardiello, Rona Yaeger, Timothy S Maughan, Van K Morris, Christina Wu, Tiziana Usari, Robert Laliberte, Samuel S Dychter, Xiaosong Zhang, Josep Tabernero, Scott Kopetz, Breakwater Trial Investigators

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: First-line treatment with encorafenib plus cetuximab (EC) with or without chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil [mFOLFOX6]) for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, an aggressive subtype with a poor prognosis, was compared with standard care (chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab) in an open-label, phase 3 trial, which showed significance regarding one of the two primary end points, objective response according to blinded independent central review (odds ratio for EC+mFOLFOX6 vs. standard care, 2.44; one-sided P< 0.001). This result led to accelerated Food and Drug Administration approval of this investigational combination therapy for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, including as first-line therapy. Data on progression-free survival (the second primary end point) and an updated interim analysis of overall …

If The Halls Could Talk: Educator Narratives On Teen Media Literacy, Doda Lulgjuraj

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescents are avid yet vulnerable consumers of digital and social media, frequently exposed to non-credible information without possessing the essential tools to evaluate it effectively. The qualitative research conducted explores adolescent media literacy through the perspectives of middle school and high school educators, intending to understand students' ability to discern credible information. Additionally, this research aims to determine the extent to which current educational practices foster this skill. This study underscores the importance of equipping adolescents with media literacy skills in an increasingly complex and sometimes misleading digital environment. Thirty-six educators from four states in the U.S. participated in semi-structured …

Evaluating Patient Readiness For Spine Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study, Lindsay D. Orosz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Spinal conditions effect millions of Americans each year and surgery for these conditions continues to be on the rise. Historically, spine surgery was associated with negative outcomes and fear, often considered a last resort by both patients and physicians. In the last 20 years, spine surgery has become one of the most rapidly advancing surgical fields and is at the forefront of technological advances and ongoing innovation. Today, spine patients have minimally invasive options that are performed in under half the time and are associated with less muscle weakening and adjacent level irritation, as well as more reliable spinal alignment …

Finding Strength In The Broken Places: Examining The Influence Of Aces On The Mother/Daughter Relationship, Taressa R. Copeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Daughters raised by mothers who experienced childhood adversity may be ill-equipped for motherhood themselves due to the mother’s guilt and societal stigma associated with the adversity and the impact on lived experiences. Current studies fail to consider the bidirectional influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the mother-daughter relationship. Community stakeholders such as healthcare providers must find a way to support the mother-daughter relationship by providing a safe platform to share and understand experiences as well as identify opportunities for resilience. Resources are also necessary to raise awareness and support mental health. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to …

Special Operations Forces Cadre Self-Efficacy: Insights From A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study On Education And Training, Edward O. Funes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey at the Special Operations Forces Training Center (SOFTC). The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s self-efficacy, based on the social cognitive theory, which posits that individuals’ belief in their capabilities is crucial to their success. The central research question is: What are the experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey? The methodology used in this study ensures that all its chapters are interconnected with a robust, cohesive, and rigorous approach to …

The Relationship Between Hope, Religiosity, And Meaning In Life In Adults Who Experienced Relational Loss, Elyse Hope Linder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Relationship loss from death or living loss significantly impacts almost every human being at some point in life. Extensive research has examined the constructs of hope, religiosity, meaning in life, and grieving. Researchers have identified the contributions of these constructs in helping individuals understand and make sense of relational loss. However, limited, if any, literature exists on the relationships between all the constructs, particularly with an interdisciplinary view of hope. This present study examined these relationships and the moderating effect of hope and religiosity in adults who have experienced significant relationship loss within the past six years. Data was collected …

Examining The Effectiveness Of Anti-Recidivism Programs In Fresno County, California, James Mora

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological research is to examine the perceived effectiveness of anti-recidivism programs in California and the lived experiences of ex-offenders who participate in the programs. This research will employ a qualitative methodology, utilizing a phenomenological design and interviews to collect data. The guiding theory for this research will be the Life-Course Theory, which examines relationships, significant life events, or turning points and their correlation with sobriety, gainful employment, and a crime-free lifestyle. The open coding system will synthesize and categorize interview responses before inputting the data into NVivo 15, a qualitative analysis software. The participant sample will …

Quantifying Experiences Of Religious Abuse Among Sexual And Gender Minority Populations, Joshua Sink

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A niche venue of research around religious trauma and spiritual abuse has demonstrated adverse outcomes of individuals who feel manipulated or harmed by institutions or individuals holding an imbalance of religious power. While general claims are often made that religion is a positive force on health and psychological wellness, religious trauma is usually associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other pathological symptoms. Interestingly, an area where religion is not related to positive outcomes is among sexual and gender minorities, who show poorer health, higher suicidal rates, and poorer psychological well-being correlated with higher religiosity. While research has been conducted to …

Emergence Of Caenocoris Neri (Germar, 1847) On Fig Trees In The Oases Of Southeastern Algeria, Nacima Diab, Tesnim Deghiche, Khalila Bengouga, Vasily Vladimirovich Verkhoturov

Journal of Bioresource Management

The article considers materials related to current areas of fundamental research in the field of agricultural entomology in Algeria. The most important issues of agricultural entomology in Algeria include identifying patterns of general trends in the dynamics of geographic ranges of phyto-entomophagous under the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors, as well as studying the adaptation of insects to new habitats and food supply. In a notable discovery during insect sampling conducted in the oasis ecosystem during the summer of 2019, researchers recorded and identified individuals of the species Caenocoris nerii (Germar, 1847) for the first time. These insects were …