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The Quaternary fluvial-lacustrine system in the Akarçay Basin (SW Anatolia): depositional environments and paleoclimatic interpretation
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2025) Aktürk, Koray; Kapan, Sevinç
The Akarçay Closed Basin, located in southwest Anatolia, contains deformed formations and the drying Akşehir and Eber lakes. This study aimed to interpret the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions of the Akşehir and Eber lakes, which are reported to have been connected during the Pleistocene. Based on sedimentological and mineralogical data, three different depositional subenvironments were defined, corresponding to the formation and development stages of the lake. Sedimentary facies analysis of the Pleistocene deposits in the basin revealed the following facies associations, listed from bottom to top: 1) an alluvial fan and fluvial facies association, representing the formation stage of the lake, which developed due to tectonic activity and a humid/wet climate; 2) a lakeshore facies association, corresponding to the expansion stage when the lake spread shallowly, and 3) a lake center facies association, corresponding to the closing stage when the lake began to dry, characterized by limited levels of clastic deposition under very shallow lake conditions. In the lakeshore and lake center facies association, Valvata piscinalis, Dreissena iconica and D. polymorpha species living in shallow waters and streams, as well as Laevicaspia caspia species living in mesohaline environments were identified. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed on the levels that best represented the facies associations in the basin, revealing that the dominant clay minerals in the sequence were illite and kaolinite. Combined evaluation of the sedimentological, mineralogical, and paleontological data suggests that the abundance of Valvata piscinalis and Dreissena iconica—both stream-dwelling species—at levels with increased kaolinite content indicates rainy and humid climatic periods when stream-fed conditions prevailed in the basin. Conversely, the dominance of Laevicaspia caspia and the intervals marked by illite deposition indicate cold and arid climatic periods.
Morphological and Postural Characteristics of MarathonRunners: A Large-Scale Field Study from the Gallipoli Marathon
(Soc Chilena Anatomia, 2025) Sanal, Alperen; Acak, Mahmut; Yalçın, Ebru; Acar, Kaan Barış
This study was conducted to examine the morphological characteristics of marathon athletes according to foot biomechanics, age group and regular exercise status. Runners who participated in the Gallipoli Marathon organized in 2024includedwere in the study. In this context, 571 (300 male, 271 female) marathon runners aged 18 and over participated in the study.Aresearchmixed design was used in the study. In this context, morphological measurements and foot posture of the runners were analyzed.5SPSS 2 program was used for data analysis. The normality test of the data was performed with Skewness-Kurtosis values. In the findings,research no significant difference was found in morphological characteristics according to foot posture status (p>0.05). Significantdiferenceswere found in body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (Fat%), fat mass (Fat Mass), fat free mass (FFM), total body mass (TBM), ArchStaheli Index (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found in basal metabolic rate (BMR) (p>0.05). According to age groups, significant differences were found in BMI, Fat%, Fat Mass, FFM, CPC, Staheli Arch Index (p<0.05), while no difference was found in basal metabolic rate (p>0.05). As a result of the research, it was seen that regular exercise and age group were effective in the morphologicalcharacteristics of marathon runners, but flat feet were not effective.
Towards Multireference Equivalents of the HEAT Thermochemical Protocol
(Wiley, 2025) Coşkun, Meral; Köhn, A.; Ertürk, M.
This study systematically evaluates the performance of internally contracted multireference coupled cluster (icMRCC) wave functions constructed using a full-valence complete active space reference as an alternative electronic structure method within the high-accuracy extrapolated ab initio thermochemistry (HEAT) protocol, thereby assessing the accuracy of icMRCC and exploring its potential for highly accurate thermochemical predictions. By substituting single-reference wavefunctions with multireference (MR) alternatives, we aim to capture complex electron correlation effects, particularly in systems with strong static correlations. Using a benchmark dataset of 22 small first-row compounds, we compare the accuracy of different icMRCCSD(T) methodologies with both single-reference their counterparts and experimental data. Our results align with prior findings, confirming that the intrinsic error of the icMRCCSD(T){4}F method remains well below the chemical accuracy threshold (∼4 kJ mol−1) for thermochemical properties, particularly for atomization energies of molecules with up to 18 correlated electrons. The results underscore the potential of the methods for creating a multireference framework as a high-precision tool for thermochemical applications.
Age Structure, Growth, and Survival Rates of an Insular Population of Hemidactylus turcicus
(Wiley, 2025) Altunışık, Abdullah; Kurtul, Didem; Gül, Çiğdem; Boran, Begüm; Tosunoğlu, Murat
The Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758), a widespread nocturnal lizard, exhibits diverse life-history traits, yet its insular populations in Türkiye are underexplored. This study examines how Bozcaada's insular environment shapes the age structure, body size, growth rates, and sexual dimorphism of H. turcicus, providing a detailed demographic and morphometric baseline. We sampled 30 individuals (19 males, 11 females) from Bozcaada, Çanakkale, Türkiye, measuring snout-vent length (SVL), body mass, and additional traits (head length, width, height, forearm, and hind leg length). Age was determined via skeletochronology, counting phalangeal Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs). Results show a maximum longevity of 7 years for males (mean: 4.26 ± 0.33) and 6 years for females (mean: 3.91 ± 0.41). SVL averaged 45.19 ± 1.59 mm for males and 43.51 ± 2.33 mm for females, with growth rates of 3.10 ± 1.03 mm/year (males) and 3.58 ± 1.24 mm/year (females), modeled using the von Bertalanffy equation. Sexual dimorphism was subtle (SDI = 0.04, male-biased), with no significant differences in morphometric traits between sexes. Survival rates were 0.78 for males and 0.76 for females, yielding adult life expectancies of 6.06 years (males) and 5.80 years (females), indicating a stable population. These findings suggest that Bozcaada's insular conditions, including limited resources and reduced predation, influence size, growth, and survival. This study establishes a novel profile of H. turcicus in an insular habitat, highlighting ecological adaptations and providing a foundation for future research and conservation strategies for this adaptable species.
From Wastewater to Worth: Eco-Friendly Nanoparticle Synthesis Based on Microalgae Cultivated in Industrial Wastewater
(Wiley-V C H Verlag Gmbh, 2025) Kayan, İremsu; Şenol Bahçeci, Dilek; Güleç, Neslihan; Dalgıç, Büşra; Ayman Öz, Nilgün
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in this study through the utilization of microalgae (MA). The bioactive compounds included in microalgae make them natural antibacterial and antifungal agents. However, cultivating microalgae typically necessitates specialized medium, hence elevating expenses. Consequently, to lower costs, this study utilized industrial wastewater, specifically cheese whey wastewater (CWW). Therefore, a form of wastewater recycling has been accomplished, and a sustainable production process has been implemented. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Nannochloropsis sp., a type of microalgae, by the green synthesis process. Silver nanoparticles (MA + AgNPs, CWW + MA + AgNPs) derived from microalgae cultivated in both pure and cheese whey media have been synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurement have been conducted to observe the production of silver nanoparticles. Their biological actions have been compared. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles derived from microalgae exhibit significant antibacterial activity (inhibition zones up to 17 mm and minimum inhibition concentration [MIC] values down to 31.25 mu g/mL). The characteristics of silver nanoparticles derived from microalgae that influence antioxidant activity and DNA damage have been effectively demonstrated. This study reveals the biotechnological potential of microalgae and the environmental advantages of utilizing wastewater. These in vitro findings show that microalgae-derived nanoparticles display wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity even at very low concentrations and when this is considered in terms of sustainable production process, the mentioned nanoparticles may be promising materials that can be used in future medical and industrial application.
Repurposing of FDA-Approved Drugs as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: A Combined In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation and Structure-Activity Relationship
(Wiley-V C H Verlag Gmbh, 2025) Sıkık, Merve; Cömert Önder, Ferah
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cognitive decline and decreased cholinergic activity that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Herein, in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potentials of FDA-approved drugs identified by computational approaches, including structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA), were carried out. The top docking poses of the selected drugs (Trazodone, Frovatriptan, Eletriptan, Bupropion, Rivaroxaban, Sotalol, and Indapamide) were analyzed during 200 ns MD simulations. The average root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values along with standard deviation were calculated for all complexes between approximately 1.90 +/- 0.37 and 1.59 +/- 0.21 & Aring;. The average RMSD values of AChE-Trazodone and AChE-Rivaroxaban, respectively, were found to be 1.69 +/- 0.19 and 1.74 +/- 0.30 & Aring;. On the basis of in vitro findings, Trazodone (12.61 +/- 0.52 nM) showed 2.11-fold more inhibitory activity than donepezil (DNP). In vitro AChE activity of Rivaroxaban (26.82 +/- 0.51 nM) was found to be similar to DNP (26.67 +/- 0.56 nM). Frovatriptan, Eletriptan, Bupropion, Sotalol, and Indapamide had 1.84-, 1.70-, 1.67-, 1.29-, and 1.23-fold higher activity than tacrine. This study highlights the potency of the studied FDA-approved drugs to inhibit AChE for the treatment of AD through in silico and in vitro studies.
On the Path to Green Economy: Can Green Foreign Direct Investment Accelerate the Success of Climate Action?
(Wiley, 2025) Çağlar, Abdullah Emre; Uche, Emmanuel; Yağış, Onur; Ngepah, Nicholas
Today, emerging economies that struggle to cope with environmental problems often face challenges in implementing effective climate action policies. A significant portion of environmental pollution in these countries is caused by foreign direct investment. Meanwhile, the existing environmental economics literature remains silent on the environmental implications of green foreign direct investment (GFDI). This study examines the impact of GFDI on environmental sustainability by incorporating Fourier terms into the panel nonlinear ARDL method. Therefore, this new empirical study extends the literature on the STIRPAT model by examining the impact of GFDI on environmental sustainability in seven developing countries (E7) and South Africa. The empirical assessment revealed that positive GFDI shocks significantly enhance environmental quality, while negative shocks undermine environmental sustainability. Hence, attracting more GFDI to sustain its pleasant effects is expedient. The E7+ should provide more incentives to foreign investors who promote greenfield projects, given the environmental quality-enhancing attributes of GFDI.
The use of supervised artificial intelligence methods in quality determination in continuous production lines: a case study of ceramic industry
(Springer Heidelberg, 2025) Özcan, Serdar; Şengül, Ümran
In the modern manufacturing environment shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the critical role of data analytics and machine learning in enhancing quality management is increasingly gaining importance. The ability to predict final product quality at the early stages of the production process can aid in making manufacturing more efficient. Study underscores the significance of accurate quality predictions, which are intricately linked to the depth and scope of training data used in ML models, and presents an approach to overcome some key challenges in the ceramic manufacturing sector. Several traditional machine learning algorithms, including deep neural network algorithms, as well as multivariate analyses, were applied to develop predictive models for determining the final product quality in ceramic industries in the context of a pilot production process. The study encompasses a detailed case study that conducts an extensive comparison among machine learning models developed to predict the quality of tiles post-firing, based on an imbalanced dataset provided by the enterprise, enabling early prediction of tile quality before entering the kiln. Due to the inability to reach the desired minority class F1-Score and Cohen's Kappa values with machine learning classification models created using resampling methods, a deep neural network model capable of operating on an imbalanced dataset was developed for the first time specifically for the industry. The developed deep neural network model successfully predicted the minority class with an F1-Score of 0.75. The Cohen's Kappa value of the model was calculated to be 0.7413.
Correction: The use of supervised artificial intelligence methods in quality determination in continuous production lines: a case study of ceramic industry
(Springer Heidelberg, 2025) Özcan, Serdar; Şengül, Ümran
[No abstract available]
Boron Containing Curcumin-Like Compound as an Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor and Anticancer Agent: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Computational Insights
(Humana Press Inc, 2025) Cömert Önder, Ferah; Ural, Kadircan; Önder, Alper; Özpolat, Bülent; Ay, Mehmet
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer are significant global health challenges that highlight the need for the development of new therapeutics. Targeting biological mechanisms involved in both AD and cancer could be an effective treatment strategy for developing novel inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the effect of a newly synthesized boron containing curcumin-like compound as a potential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor along with its cytotoxic effects on breast and colorectal cancer cell lines. Compound A exhibited a potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 22.89 +/- 2.32 nM), demonstrating that it was more effective than the known inhibitors donepezil (IC50 = 28.32 +/- 3.27 nM) and tacrine. Compound A showed a moderate cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 and BT20 cells with the IC50 values 40.70 +/- 2.31 mu M and 41.71 +/- 4.51 mu M, respectively. Throughout molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the RMSD value of the protein was calculated as 1.56 +/- 0.20 & Aring; and 1.65 +/- 0.19 & Aring; for the complexes of compound A and curcumin, respectively. The interactions with specific amino acid residues such as Tyr124, Tyr337, and Trp86 for AChE, and Trp82, His438, and Tyr332 for BChE were obtained. Additionally, MM/GBSA calculations demonstrated that Compound A had the highest binding free energies (-88.89 +/- 8.34 kcal/mol for AChE and -73.25 +/- 8.83 kcal/mol for BChE) compared to curcumin (-67.87 +/- 5.48 kcal/mol for AChE and -51.68 +/- 5.28 kcal/mol for BChE) and tacrine (-56.67 +/- 2.22 kcal/mol for BChE) were calculated. Overall, these findings suggest that Compound A is a promising agent with its potent AChE inhibitory activity and anticancer potential, making it a valuable candidate for further research in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer therapy.
Content Proposal for a Chatbot Module on Climate Change Mitigation in Sugar Beet Production
(Springer India, 2025) Yakupoğlu, Murat; Everest, Bengü
Sugar beet production is one of the significant agricultural activities contributing to climate change due to its high input costs and capital-intensive nature. This study examines the tendencies of sugar beet farmers regarding methods to mitigate climate change and combines these findings with a proposal for a digital solution. This research, conducted in Konya province, a leading sugar beet production center in Türkiye, evaluated farmers’ perceptions of climate change mitigation methods using a Likert scale and logistic regression analysis. The findings, categorized into five groups (water management, soil conservation, reduction of carbon emissions, pest control, and other practices), revealed that farmers prioritize practices that provide economic benefits. The logistic regression results showed that farmers’ willingness to receive climate change training was significantly associated with their frequency of visits to agricultural institutions (3.20 times more likely), engagement in livestock farming (0.14 times more likely), and their level of concern about climate change (6.17 times more likely). The primary importance of this study lies in its integration of the obtained quantitative findings with digital agricultural solutions. The research results provide a critical foundation for designing a personalized chatbot that can address the needs and tendencies of farmers. The chatbot to be developed should be designed as a communication platform that can approach farmers’ concerns with empathy, effectively convey institutional support mechanisms, and offer solutions focused on economic benefits.
Gold and silver nanoparticle decorated biocompatible and antibacterial xanthan gum/poly (HEMA-co-APTMACl) hydrogels for wound healing
(Springernature, 2025) Savranoğlu Kulabaş, Seda; Atlı, İlknur; Atalay, Hazal Nazlıcan; Boyuneğmez Tümer, Tuğba; Özay, Hava; Özay, Özgür
A delayed skin wound healing process increases the risk of infection and necessitates implementing effective treatment strategies. From this perspective, biocompatible and antibacterial hydrogels stand out as innovative biomaterials that support wound healing. In this research, a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (s-IPN) strategy was used to improve the mechanical strength, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of natural polysaccharide-based hydrogels. In this context, natural polymer-based XG/poly (HEMA-co-APTMACl) hydrogels were synthesized by redox polymerization reaction. The stability of metal nanoparticles was ensured by utilizing the rich polyphenol and flavonoid components of C. Orientalis. The synthesized hydrogels were in situ functionalized with biosynthesized silver (55 nm) and gold (56 nm) nanoparticles to enhance their biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Their antibacterial activity was assessed against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. faecalis using the disk diffusion method. Hydrogelfilm@Ag inhibited all tested bacterial strains (7.5–8.8 mm), while Hydrogelfilm@Au exhibited stronger antibacterial activity, particularly against E. faecalis (10.3 mm) and B. cereus (9.7 mm). In contrast, the Hydrogelfilm was only effective against S. aureus (7.7 mm). The hydrogel formulations were tested for cytocompatibility and wound healing potential using HUVECs. All hydrogels composites (Hydrogelfilm@Au, @Ag, and @HF) were non-toxic and exhibited enhanced biocompatibility, promoting significant cell proliferation at all tested concentrations (5–20%). In wound healing assays, Hydrogelfilm@HF achieved complete wound closure within 12 h even at a 5% concentration, demonstrating superior regenerative potential. Overall, hydrogels incorporating green-synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles demonstrated excellent antibacterial and wound-healing properties, highlighting their promise as advanced biomaterials for tissue regeneration applications.
Enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer activities of zein protein-agarose@Au composite hydrogel for controlled release of silibinin in colon cancer therapy
(Elsevier, 2025) Atlı, İlknur; Ilgın, Pınar; Karabayır, Elif Sultan; Özay, Hava; Özay, Özgür
In this study, biodegradable hydrogel films based on natural proteins and polysaccharides were synthesized in order to improve controlled drug release, cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles were incorporated in situ cancer drug-loaded hydrogels to enhance their antibacterial, biocompatible, and cytotoxic characteristics. Then, in order to investigate the association of silibinin drug used in cancer treatment with AuNPs, drug release profile was evaluated under different environmental conditions and release kinetics were analyzed. In addition, antibacterial effects were determined by testing on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by Disk Diffusion method. As a result, cytocompatibility of silibinin drug and AuNPs in hydrogel networks and their effects on cancer cells were determined by MTT assay using human dermal fibroblasts (CCD1079KSk) and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines. Thus, AuNPs created a synergistic effect in cancer treatment and strengthened the effect of Silibinin on tumor cells. In addition, it was determined that it exhibited a biocompatible structure by showing minimal toxicity to healthy human skin cells. This innovative drug delivery system has the potential to offer a biomaterial-based alternative in both cancer treatment and wound dressing material with its controlled release feature.
Striking the balance in resource management: Exploring the impact of natural and mineral resources on financial development in BRICS-T nations
(Elsevier, 2025) Hossain, Md. Emran; Yağış, Onur; Haseeb, Mohammad; Khudoykulov, Khurshid; Wibowo, Wisnu; Esquivias, Miguel Angel
The BRICS-T nations-Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Turkey-feature diverse economic structures, including strong manufacturing sectors, advanced technological capabilities, and rich natural and mineral resources, all of which offer substantial potential for economic growth. However, the role of these resources in fostering financial development has been underexplored. This study investigates the impact of natural (oil and coal) and mineral resource rents on financial development in BRICS-T countries, while controlling for political stability and economic growth, to discern whether these resources contribute to a resource blessing or a resource curse. Utilizing a 34-year dataset (1990-2023) and robust panel estimation techniques, including the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) model alongside rigorous robustness tests, the analysis reveals a resource curse for natural resources (oil and coal), which hinders financial development due to economic volatility and sector imbalances. In contrast, mineral resources exhibit a resource blessing, significantly enhancing financial development by supporting financial sector growth and diversification. Furthermore, economic growth and political stability are pivotal in promoting financial development, with their long-run effects being more pronounced than in the short run. These findings suggest that policymakers in BRICS-T nations should focus on the strategic management of mineral resources rather than relying heavily on natural resources to promote financial development. Additionally, fostering stable political environments and sustained economic growth is essential to enhancing the resilience and strength of the financial sector.
Hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of piperazine bisborane as new hydrogen carrier material catalyzed by Ru0 nanoparticles embedded in agarose biofilms
(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Özay, Hava; Ilgın, Pınar; Atlı, İlknur; Özay, Özgür
In this study, firstly, piperazine bisborane (PBB) was synthesized and characterized as a solid hydrogen carrier material. Subsequently, a new catalytic system, agarose hydrogel@Ru (AGH@Ru), in which nanosized Ru0 particles were homogeneously dispersed and used as a catalyst for hydrogen production from the hydrolysis of PBB, was prepared. After the structural and morphological characterization of the catalyst, for the first time in the literature, catalytic hydrogen production from the hydrolysis of PBB was initiated. As a result of catalytic hydrolysis reactions conducted under different reaction conditions, it was determined that AGH@Ru achieved 100 % efficiency in the hydrolysis reaction and produced 6 mol of hydrogen per mole of PBB. The activation parameters for the hydrolysis reaction of PBB catalyzed by AGH@Ru were calculated as Ea = 74.95 kJ mol−1, ΔH# = 72.39 kJ mol−1, and ΔS# = −77.74 J mol−1 K−1. The AGH@Ru catalytic system, with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 3.24 min−1 or 194.4 h−1 at 25 °C, also exhibited excellent reusability.
Photopolymerized PEDOT-coated polydopamine: A Green approach for supercapacitor electrode materials
(Elsevier, 2025) Ermiş, Sena; Tohtayeva, Jahan; Altınışık, Sinem; Uluçay, Sude; Jockusch, Steffen; Kıskan, Barış; Koyuncu, Sermet
Conjugated conductive polymers (CCPs) are promising electrode materials for next-generation supercapacitors (SCs), yet their scalable and eco-friendly synthesis remains a challenge. Here, we report a light-driven, in-situ polymerization of EDOT onto polydopamine (PDA@PEDOT), offering a sustainable, photoinitiated route for high-performance SC electrodes. Using an organic, environmentally safe photoinitiator and ethanol as a green solvent, this method achieves uniform PEDOT deposition on PDA with minimal energy input. Using a three-electrode method, the resulting PDA@PEDOT electrode exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, including a high specific capacitance of 275 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, an energy density of 34.04 W h kg−1, and excellent adhesion properties. The synergistic non-covalent interactions between PDA's amine, catechol, quinone functionalities and PEDOT are credited to enhance ion transport through the electrode, improving SC efficiency. These exceptional properties, alongside strong adhesion and uniform deposition of PEDOT on PDA, demonstrate the novelty of the advanced photopolymerization approach. Our eco-friendly photopolymerization method paves the way for sustainable, high-performance SC electrode fabrication, bridging the gap between sustainable chemistry and next-generation energy storage.
Biometrics, growth, and age of European eel, Anguilla anguilla in the Lake Bafa, Türkiye
(Cambridge Univ Press, 2025) Partal, Nurbanu; Ayyıldız, Hakan; Balkan, Emine İnci; Yalçın Özdilek, Şükran
This study aims to determine the age and growth of Anguilla anguilla from Lake Bafa, Türkiye. A total of 128 samples of European eel were purchased from a small-scale fisherman who caught them in Lake Bafa in November 2016 and 2017, using 34-mm mesh size and 15-m-long fyke nets. The total length (TL) and total weight were measured, and the sex, age, and life stage were identified. The mean TL for females was 54.1 ± 10.1 (36.1–76.2) cm, and for males 43.6 ± 3.7 (35.7–47.8) cm. Yellow and silver eel mean TLs were 48.9 ± 6.6 (35.7–63.7) and 61.9 ± 10.8 (39.9–77.2) cm, respectively, and for pooled data 53.3 ± 10.3 (35.7–77.2) cm. The growth for pooled samples was positive allometric. The age of eels varied from 2 to 9 years. The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters for pooled specimens were determined as L∞ = 71.9 cm, K = 0.25, and t0 = −0.11. The sex ratio (M:F = 1:11.2) was biased in favour of females. It is inferred from this and other studies that eels in Türkiye have comparable length and age distributions in similar habitats.
Investigating the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Vortioxetine with in vivo and in silico methods
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Çiçekliyurt, Meliha Merve; İnan, Pınar; Günay, Melih; Akkuş, Gülsüm; Çiçekliyurt, Altuğ
Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant with reported benefits on cognitive functioning, social functioning, and fatigue, however its potential genotoxic risks have not been adequately studied. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of vortioxetine in vivo and in silico. Genotoxic effects were assessed using Chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) assays in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocyte. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through Mitotic index (MI), and DNA interaction was analysed by UV titration and agarose gel electrophoresis. In silico analyses were performed with Attraction Cavities and AutoDock Vina methods. Experimental results demonstrate that vortioxetine binds to Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) through intercalative interactions and cleaves pBR322 DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. DNA binding studies indicated that groove binding is the effective interaction between vortioxetine and CT-DNA (Kb: 6.25 × 105 M− 1). It was also supported by molecular docking results, where binding affinities of vortioxetine and escitalopram were − 7.29 and − 7.69 kcal/mol for Attracting Cavities and − 6.01 and − 6.57 kcal/mol for AutoDock Vina. When comparing vortioxetine to escitalopram, both drugs were found to be potentially genotoxic. These findings suggest a potential genotoxic risk with prolonged use and provide valuable insight for clinicians in evaluating long-term safety.
Development of a digital peer-feedback tool for clinical skills training: a pilot study with second-year medical students
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Yurdal, Mustafa Onur; Kıncal, Remzi Yavaş
Providing structured feedback in medical education is essential for skill development. However, limitations such as increasing student numbers, reducing trainer availability, and a lack of systematic feedback hinder effective learning. Digital peer-feedback tools offer a potential solution by enabling interactive and scalable assessment. This study introduces Medifeeding, a video-based peer-feedback digital tool designed to enhance clinical skills training among medical students. This study employed an exploratory convergent mixed-methods pilot feasibility design. Medifeeding was developed following Moonen’s 3-Space model and tested with 31 s-year medical students at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. Data sources: a post-use online form (educational benefit yes/no, a forced ranking of 10 attributes, and a 5-point overall rating), semistructured interviews (n = 24), and one focus group (n = 5). Quantitative analyses included frequency analysis, the Friedman test with Kendall’s W and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (Holm-adjusted). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically (Strauss’s framework). Strands were integrated in a joint display to generate meta-inferences on acceptability and usability. 90% (28/31) reported educational benefit. The overall rating averaged 4.13/5 (90% rated 4–5). For the feature ranking, the Friedman test showed an overall difference (**χ2(9) = 86.162, p < 0.001; Kendall’s W = 0.309). The highest-priority attribute was ‘educationally beneficial’ (mean rank ≈ 2.13; median 1), followed by ‘offering a different experience’ (≈ 4.35) and ‘digitally user-friendly’ (≈ 4.84); post-hoc Wilcoxon (Holm) confirmed multiple pairwise differences. Qualitatively, six themes emerged: (1) educational benefits, (2) peer interaction, (3) moderation and trust, (4) new usage scenarios, (5) awareness and motivation, and (6) technical infrastructure. Students highlighted self-assessment and peer learning; concerns included misinformation and technical limitations. Gamification and AI-assisted moderation were suggested as potential improvements. This study underscores the exciting possibilities of Medifeeding as a digital peer-feedback system that can greatly aid the clinical skill mastery of medical students. In this pilot with second-year students, participants reported educational benefit and positive usability while also noting concerns about the validity of peer reviews, the risk of misinformation, and variable engagement. Overall, our findings indicate that Medifeeding is a potential tool to support structured peer feedback in clinical skills training; however, larger and longer-term studies are needed to evaluate its impact on performance and learning outcomes, usability, and feedback validation.
GABA-mediated modulation of drought stress tolerance and seed morphology during flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) germination via image analysis
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Çetin, Selçuk; Tiryaki, İskender
Seed coat color, a trait exhibiting significant phenotypic variation, has been reported in previous studies to influence key germination parameters, including germination percentage, germination rate, and mean germination time. Looking into these relationships can help us identify plant varieties that better withstand both living threats and environmental challenges, which would make breeding programs more effective and focused. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the drought tolerance of 20 flax varieties at the germination stage, investigate the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on seed germination performance under drought stress conditions, and explore potential associations between seed coat color and germination parameters under both stressed and non-stressed conditions using digital image processing. The final germination percentage, germination speed, and span of germination were assessed for seeds germinated under various germination conditions, including 23% PEG (- 0.169 MPa), 10 mM GABA, 23% PEG + 10 mM GABA, and a control treatment at 25 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The results demonstrated substantial genetic variation across all germination parameters measured in the seeds of 20 distinct flax varieties. Genotype-specific responses to drought stress were observed, with 10 mM GABA alleviating the effects of drought. Among the varieties tested, Hermes exhibited the highest drought tolerance, while Lisette and Bonny-Doon were identified as drought-sensitive. Digital image processing analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in drought tolerance levels among flax varieties based on variations in RGB values of their seed coats. Although no statistically significant correlations were found in direct pairwise correlations between the color parameters converted from RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) to L*a*b* and germination parameters, multivariate PCA-biplot analysis indicated that L* and b* values had a positive influence on germination performance. In contrast, seeds with higher a* values exhibited reduced germination performance. Furthermore, the biplot analysis suggested that varieties with lighter seed coats tended to show better germination compared to those with darker seed coats. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating seed coat color parameters into flax breeding programs, suggesting their role in enhancing seed germination and overall seed quality under various stress conditions.

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