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Gliomas account for over half of all primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system and remain associated with poor prognosis. Although irinotecan is an effective chemotherapeutic agent, its clinical utility is limited by systemic toxicity, prompting interest in phytochemicals such as ellagic acid (EA) as potential sensitizers. This study aimed to investigate whether EA enhances the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of irinotecan in C6 glioma cells. C6 glioma cells were treated with EA (100 µM), irinotecan (100 µM), or their combination for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU assay, p53 and caspase-3 protein expression by immunocytochemistry (H-SCORE), and multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1), MGMT, p53, and caspase-3 mRNA levels by RT-qPCR. EA significantly enhanced irinotecan-mediated suppression of proliferation at 24 h ( < 0.001), 48 h ( < 0.001), and 72 h ( < 0.001), with the combination producing the strongest inhibition across all time points. Immunocytochemical p53 expression increased significantly in all treatment groups at 24 h and 48 h (EA: < 0.01; irinotecan: < 0.01; EA + irinotecan: < 0.01) and remained elevated at 72 h ( < 0.05). Caspase-3 immunoreactivity showed robust early activation at 24 h (Ir: < 0.05; EA: < 0.01), persisted at 48 h ( < 0.01), and remained significantly elevated in the EA group at 72 h ( < 0.001). At the mRNA level, irinotecan induced the highest p53 expression at 24 h ( < 0.001), with sustained elevation at 48 h and 72 h ( < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively). Caspase-3 mRNA peaked at 24 h only in the irinotecan group ( < 0.001). EA significantly increased MDR1 and MGMT transcription at 24 h and 48 h ( < 0.001), whereas the EA + irinotecan combination attenuated this increase and remained close to control levels at early time points. MGMT remained significantly elevated in EA and EA + irinotecan groups through 72 h ( < 0.001). EA cooperatively enhanced the antitumor activity of irinotecan primarily by enhancing proliferation inhibition and modulating drug-resistance gene expression, while maintaining, rather than further augmenting, apoptotic protein markers comparable to those induced by single-agent treatments. These findings support EA as a promising adjunct to irinotecan-based glioma therapy.

Background. Diagnosis of lumbar facet joint disease is the sum of the combinations consisting of history, physical activity, and diagnostic imaging frequently including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Prevalence of facet-based chronic low back pain is 15–45%. Intra-articular injections with corticosteroid or medial branch block are traditionally used prevalently in the management of chronic low back pain due to lumbar facet joints. However, the evidence levels of these procedures are at either a low or a medium level. Radiofrequency neurolysis of the lumbar medial branch can be used as an alternative in the management of lumbar facet joint pain. There are two types of radiofrequency applications for radiofrequency neurolysis as pulsed radiofrequency and conventional radiofrequency. Materials and Methods. Patients with lumbar facet pain were separated into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=75): patients were given pulsed radiofrequency under fluoroscopy. Group 2 (n=43): patients were given conventional radiofrequency under fluoroscopy. Pre-op and post-op 1st, 3rd, and 6th month and 1st and 2nd year Visual Analogue Scale values of all patients were asked, recorded, and statistically compared. Visual Analogue Scale values of the groups in the same months were compared as well. At the end of the second year, Odom criteria of both groups were recorded and statistically compared. Results. Preoperation Visual Analogue Scale values and postoperation 1st, 3rd, and 6th month and 1st and 2nd year Visual Analogue Scale values were compared in Group 1 and Group 2, and there was a statistically significant difference between preoperation Visual Analogue Scale values and postoperation 1st, 3rd, and 6th month and 1st and 2nd year Visual Analogue Scale values in both groups. However, the number of repetitions of the operation was higher in Group 1. In the comparison of Odom criteria for both groups at the end of the second year, it was observed that the patients in Group 2 were more satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion. Conventional radiofrequency in patients with lumbar facet joint pain for medial branch neurolysis effectively decreases Visual Analogue Scale values in both short and long term. The quality of life and daily activities of patients were better at conventional radiofrequency.

This study investigates the dimensional accuracy and surface integrity problems encountered during the drilling of Al 7075 and Ti-6Al-4 V alloys, which are widely used in the aerospace industry, and presents a systematic evaluation of ultrasonic-assisted drilling (UAD) under different amplitude levels (60%, 80%, and 100%) at constant frequency conditions. The experiments were conducted to compare conventional drilling and UAD in terms of hole diameter deviation, circularity, cylindricity, surface roughness, and burr formation. The results showed that UAD significantly improved hole quality for both materials. Hole diameter deviation decreased by 69% for Al 7075 and 59% for Ti-6Al-4 V compared with conventional drilling. Circularity deviation was reduced by 40% for Al 7075, while cylindricity error decreased by 34% for Al 7075 and up to 54% for Ti-6Al-4 V. Surface roughness values were improved to 0.957 μm for Al 7075 and 0.573 μm for Ti-6Al-4 V. In addition, burr formation at the hole exit was substantially suppressed; the maximum burr height in Al 7075 decreased from 1479 to 160 μm at 100% amplitude, whereas the minimum maximum burr height obtained for Ti-6Al-4 V under UAD conditions was 263 μm. Multi-response optimization using the sequential least squares programming (SLSQP) algorithm identified the parameter combinations providing the best overall performance. The optimal condition for Ti-6Al-4 V was determined as 15 m/min cutting speed, 0.06 mm/rev feed rate, and 100% amplitude, corresponding to the highest desirability value of 0.626. The results demonstrate that UAD effectively suppresses dimensional and geometric error mechanisms in difficult-to-machine aerospace alloys and provides a statistically supported optimization framework for precision drilling operations. The proposed approach offers a reliable basis for industrial process planning and future data-driven predictive modeling studies.

Background: Effective pain control after lumbar disc surgery is a key determinant of recovery. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of modified thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (M-TLIP) and erector spinae plane block (ESP) on postoperative pain control and opioid consumption. Methods: This prospective observational comparative cohort study included 96 patients aged 18–70 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–III who underwent elective single-level lumbar discectomy. Patients received either an M-TLIP block (Group M-TLIP, n = 49) or an ESP block (Group ESP, n = 47). Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, Riker’s Agitation Sedation Scale (RSAS) scores, and patient satisfaction. Repeated pain measurements were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Results: Postoperative pain scores were lower in the M-TLIP group compared with the ESP group, particularly during the early postoperative period. Linear mixed-effects modeling demonstrated a significant main effect of group and time, with the analgesic advantage of M-TLIP being most pronounced in the early postoperative hours and diminishing by 24 h. Total tramadol consumption within the first 24 h was significantly lower in the M-TLIP group (p = 0.039). Postoperative agitation, nausea and vomiting, and patient satisfaction scores were comparable between groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that M-TLIP block may represent a clinically useful alternative to ESP block for postoperative analgesia in lumbar discectomy.

Bankaları ve banka dışı finansal kuruluşları düzenleyen ve denetleyen Bankacılık Düzenleme ve Denetleme Kurumu tasarruf finansman şirketlerini 2021 yılında düzenleyerek faaliyet izni vermeye başlamıştır. Düzenleme boşluğunun bulunması ve faaliyet izin sürecinde pek çok yükümlülüğün talep edilecek olması nedeniyle piyasada öncü olmanın avantajını kullanabileceğini düşünen pek çok firma faaliyete başlamıştır. Yeterli organizasyon alt yapısına sahip olmayan ve mali bünyesi zayıf olan şirketlerin büyük bir bölümü BDDK tarafından faaliyetleri durdurulmuştur. Tasarruf finansman faaliyeti altında izin alan altı şirket iç denetim sistemlerinin kurulması, risk yönetimi, kurumsal yönetişim ilkelerinin uygulanması, finansal raporlama alt yapısının kurulması, otorite tarafından yerinde denetim ve gözetim esaslarının belirlenmesi gibi pek çok alanda kurumsallaşma sağlanırken hala birtakım eksikliklerin giderilmesi çabası bulunmaktadır. Finansal Kurumlar Birliği uhdesinde kurulan Mevzuat Komitesi, Finansal Raporlama Komitesi ile Medya ve İletişim Komiteleri eksiklikleri gidermek adına sürekli bir çalışma içerisindedirler. Bu çalışma ile dünya uygulamaları, Türkiye'de tasarruf finansman sisteminin işleyişi, hukuki niteliği, tasarruf finansman sektörünün geliştirilmesi için öneriler, SWOT analizi, misyon, vizyon, mevzuat değişiklik talepleri ve çözüm önerileri ele alınmıştır.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are a prevalent complication associated with osteoporosis and they are especially common in the elderly. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to address these fractures. These procedures aim to alleviate the pain, prevent the progression of kyphosis, and enhance the quality of life for patients. This study retrospectively examines 30 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty at Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital from January 2020 to December 2024. The study involved 30 patients, whose pain levels assessed using the Visual Analog Scale before and after surgery. Changes in vertebral body height were also measured before and after the operation. All procedures were conducted under local anesthesia or sedation analgesia, with Polymethylmethacrylate cement injected at thoracic and lumbar levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The average preoperative visual analog scale score was 7.68, which significantly decreased to 3.25 after operations (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean vertebral body height increased from 10.19 mm before surgery to 11.54 mm after surgery (p < 0.001). These results suggest that vertebroplasty effectively reduces pain and restores vertebral height. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a viable treatment option for osteoporotic and pathological vertebral fractures. This technique effectively manages pain, enhances vertebral stability, and supports early patient mobilization. With meticulous application, the risk of complications is minimized.

Mevduat sigortacılığı, bankacılıkta tasarrufların korunması açısından önemli hususlardan birisidir. Halen mevcut düzenlemelere göre, 100.000 TL olan tasarruf mevduatı sigortası ile gerçek kişi mevduat sahiplerinin korunması amaçlanmaktadır. Bununla birlikte, uygulanan mevduat sigortacılığı yapısı faizsiz bankacılık ilkelerine göre şekillendirilmiş değildir. Katılım bankacılığının büyümesi için atılacak adımlar katılım bankacılığı ekosistemi yaklaşımı çerçevesinde ele alınmalı ve baştan sona kadar faizsiz bankacılık ilkelerine göre şekillendirilmelidir. Dolayısıyla, Türkiye’de mevduat sigortacılığı uygulamasının katılım bankacılığı açısından incelenmesi amacı ile bu çalışma hazırlanmıştır. Konu faizsiz bankacılık ilkeleri, merkez bankacılığı ve mevduat sigortacılığı açısından incelenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, katılım ve mevduat bankalarının prim havuzlarının ayrılması ve katılım bankalarının ödedikleri sigorta primlerinin faizsiz finansal araçlarda değerlendirilmesi önerilmiştir. Ayrıca çalışmada katılım fonu sigortacılığı (faizsiz mevduat sigortacılığı) ile ilgili önemli hususlara yer verilmiştir. Çalışmada önerilen modelin uygulanması ile birlikte, katılım bankacılığında mevduat sigortacılığı uygulamaları faizsiz bankacılık ilkeleri ile uyumlu hale getirilmiş olacaktır.

Study designAnimal proof of principle study.ObjectivesTo investigate neurodegeneration in rabbit L4-dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells by creating experimental spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), we aimed to show the neuronal pathway between L4-DRG and femoral artery.SettingAtaturk University, Medical Faculty, Animal Laboratory, Erzurum, Turkey.MethodsThis study was designed on 20 rabbits, which were randomly divided into three groups: Spinal SAH (n = 8), SHAM (n = 6), and control (n = 6) groups. Animals were followed for 20 days and then killed. Vasospasm index values of the femoral artery and neuron density of L4-DRG were analyzed.ResultsThe number of degenerated neurons in DRG was higher in the spinal SAH than the control and SHAM groups (p < 0.001). But, the difference between the control group and the SHAM group was not significant. Normal neuron densities were significantly lower in the spine SAH group compared to the SHAM and the control groups. There was a statistically significant increase in vasospasm index values of the spinal SAH group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001).ConclusionsDecreased volume of the femoral artery lumen was showed in animals with spinal SAH compared with control and SHAM groups. Increased degeneration of the L4 dorsal root ganglion in animals with spinal SAH was also demonstrated. Our findings might shed light on the planning of future experimental studies and evaluating the clinical relevance of such studies.

Traumatic brain injury leads to neuronal damage and neurological dysfunction. The aim of our study was to investigate the antioxidative effect of Honokiol on traumatic brain injury in rats with biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to traumatic brain injury with a weight-drop device using 300g/1m weight/height impact. Fourty five rats were divided into three groups as control group, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group and TBI + Honokiol group (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Honokiol (5 mg/kg) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was intraperitoneally administered to rats for 7 days after the trauma. At the end of experiment, blood samples were taken from the animals and analyzed with various biochemical markers. Histopathological examination of the trauma group revealed some degenerated pyramidal cells, dilatation and congestion in blood vessels, hyperplasia in endothelial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration around the vein and disruptions in glial extensions. In TBI + Honokiol group, pyramidal neurons showed a decrease in degeneration, slight dilatation in blood vessels, improvement of endothelial cells towards the lumen, and reduction of inflammatory cells in the vessel. In TBI + Honokiol group, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was positive in the endothelial and few inflammatory cells of the mildly dilated blood vessels. In the blood brain barrier deteriorated after trauma, it was observed that the glial foot processes were positive expression and extended to the endothelial cells in the TBI + Honokiol group. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression showed a positive reaction in these processes. Considering the important role of antioxidants and inflammatory responses in cerebral damage induced by traumatic head injury, honokiol is thought to be important in decreasing lipid peroxidation, protecting the membrane structure of blood brain barrier, degeneration of neurons and glial cells.

This dissertation analyses the efficiency of the Turkish banking sector by comparing the benefits obtained by deposit banks and participation banks operating from deposits/participation funds and loans (interest or profit rates) using econometric models. Firstly we comparatively examine average interest rates and profit shares by deposit banks and Islamic banks, respectively, using monthly data for the period January 2005-December 2015 using Monte Carlo Simulation. This analysis reveals that deposit banks paid a 0.49 point higher rate of interest for deposits than the profit rates paid by Islamic banks. This difference is statistically significant at conventional significant levels. Secondly, we compare interest and profit rates for the mortgage loans of the two groups of banks for the period June 2010-December 2015 using Monte Carlo simulation. We find that conventional banks offered these loans at a rate of 0.92 points lower than Islamic banks. This difference is also statistically significant at conventional significance levels. For the same period we find that, on average, Islamic banks offered commercial loans at a significantly 0.72 basis points lower rate statistically in comparison to deposit banks. Finally, we compare these groups of banks across return on assets, return on equity and net interest/profit margin using regression analysis for the period January 2005-December 2015. This analysis employs macroeconomic indicators, liquidity indicators, operational expenses, money supply indicators, asset quality indicators as explanatory variables. We find no statistically significant difference in these measures between the two groups of banks.