Journals
2025 EN
Kocak Ibrahim · Bayramoglu Sadık Etka · Sayin Nihat
+1 more
ABSTRACT To evaluate the performance of Vision Transformer (ViT) and ResNet‐50 in detecting Plus Disease (PD) on fundus color images and vascular segmented mask images of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) patients. A dataset consisting of 1205 fundus color images of ROP patients was extracted from the registry of a leading Research Hospital in Istanbul. Using these fundus images, a second dataset of vascular segmented mask images was created with a U‐net segmentation model. The performance of ViT and ResNet models in detecting Plus Disease was evaluated on both sets of images. External validation of the model performances was carried out using a public domain dataset. For fundus color images, ViT models performed better than ResNet in terms of accuracy (96.9% vs. 91.5%), precision (97.1% vs. 85.5%), and F1 score (96.9% vs. 92.2%). However, ResNet had a better recall rate (100% vs. 96.9%). For segmented images, all performance measures were better with ResNet than ViT: accuracy (91.5% vs. 82.7%), precision (85.5% vs. 82.9%), recall (100% vs. 92.3%), F1 scores (92.2% vs. 82.6%), and AUC (99.8% vs. 88.6%). The strong performance of the ViT on fundus color images highlights its potential as a promising model for PD detection. However, its higher computational cost suggests that further optimization will be needed in future research. ResNet‐50, with its solid overall performance and perfect recall rate—ensuring no false negatives—appears to be an optimal choice for PD detection. Additionally, vascular segmentation did not provide any enhancement to the model performances.
Journals
2025 EN
Shifa Tofik Ahmed · Harrath Karim · Jadama Alhagie
+11 more
Abstract The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal process in electrochemical energy conversion. Herein, we report a computational study‐guided experimental work that uncovers the dynamics of active sites in a heterostructure composed of two distinct phases: Brunogeierite (Fe 2 GeO 4 ) and serpentine (Ni 3 Ge 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ). This heterostructure is synthesized by introducing varying amounts of a nickel precursor into pristine Fe 2 GeO 4 . When comparing pristine materials, Fe in Fe 2 GeO 4 is better for OER as compared with the Ni in Ni 3 Ge 2 O 5 (OH) 4 . Interestingly, the Ni becomes more active in the heterostructure following the structural distortion and the induced increased electron transfer, which we proved by ex situ/in situ XAS studies. These findings highlight the dynamic evolution of active sites in the heterostructure, elucidating how the synergy between structural and electronic factors transforms catalytic behavior. The optimized heterostructure as an ideal model reveals enhanced electrocatalytic performance with an overpotential of 325 mV versus RHE to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm – 2 , a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec –1 , and long‐term stability exceeding 50 h even at high current densities, making it highly promising for a wide range of critical electrolysis applications.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Kareem K. · Abdulreda Ahmed S. · Abdulkhaleq Ali H.
ABSTRACT Communication, smart transportation, and computer developments in recent years have significantly enhanced the potential for intelligent traffic convenience, and efficiency solutions. The importance of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in alleviating traffic congestion in cities cannot be overstated. A poorly planned road network, high vehicle volumes, and critical congestion areas are the main causes of traffic congestion. The paper presents a congestion avoidance method based on estimating traffic congestion in real‐time on urban road networks and predicting alternate shortest routes. Using threshold‐based cluster head selection and modified K‐means clustering formulation algorithms, the proposed system can estimate the degree of congestion on diverse roads and predict the shortest route. In order to optimize network design and dynamic route planning, the proposed approach demonstrates spatiotemporal regularities of traffic congestion. There is a greater degree of comprehensiveness and objectiveness in the research results than in the existing methods.
Journals
2025 EN
Isot Ibrahim · Demir Yangi Doga · DemirelYalciner Tugce
+3 more
ABSTRACT Phagocytic engulfment of apoptotic cells, particularly neutrophils by macrophages, known as efferocytosis, is crucial in preventing secondary necrosis and promoting tissue repair. 17‐Oxo‐DHA, an electrophilic metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is generated in macrophages and has been reported to contribute to inflammation resolution by enhancing efferocytosis. However, many gaps remain in our understanding of the pro‐resolving effects of 17‐oxo‐DHA. Our results reveal that 17‐oxo‐DHA augments the efferocytic activity of bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) by stimulating the biosynthesis of resolvin D2 (RvD2), one of the prototypic pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs), while reducing the expressions of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Mechanistically, either gene silencing of Nrf2 or pharmacological inhibition of its target protein HO‐1 suppresses 17‐oxo‐DHA‐induced efferocytosis, decreasing the levels of 15‐LOX, COX‐2, and various SPMs. Notably, treatment of macrophages with SPMs was able to restore 17‐oxo‐DHA‐induced efferocytosis even when HO‐1 activity was suppressed. Thus, our study suggests critical roles of SPMs and the Nrf2/HO‐1 axis in mediating 17‐oxo‐DHA‐induced efferocytosis, which are novel candidate therapeutic targets in non‐resolving inflammatory diseases.
Journals
2025 EN
Katapally Tarun Reddy · Ibrahim Sheriff Tolulope · Patel Jamin
ABSTRACT Introduction The prevalence of cannabis use among youth is rising globally, making it crucial to understand its role in health and well‐being. While cannabis use is linked to various health outcomes, evidence on its relationship with 24‐h movement behaviours (moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) in youth is limited. This study uses a digital citizen science approach to examine these associations among Canadian youth aged 13 to 21 years. Methods As a part of the Smart Platform, a digital citizen science initiative for ethical population health surveillance and policy interventions, this study engaged with 208 youth citizen scientists from Saskatchewan, Canada (August to December 2018). Participants used their smartphones to report moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, substance use, mental health, and sociodemographic data over eight consecutive days. Linear regression models assessed associations between cannabis use and 24‐h movement behaviours. Sedentary behaviour was further stratified into recreational screen time and other sedentary behaviour to explore distinct relationships with cannabis use. Results After adjusting for age, gender, parental education, and school, cannabis use was associated with higher hours/day of sedentary behaviour in the overall (β = 8.92, 95% CI = 1.11, 16.72; p ‐value = 0.02) and weekend models (β = 5.32, 95% CI = 0.89, 9.75; p ‐value = 0.02). Cannabis use was also associated with higher recreational screen time in both overall (β = 4.65, 95% CI = 0.19, 9.13; p ‐value = 0.04) and weekend models (β = 2.70, 95% CI = 0.08, 5.32; p ‐value = 0.04). Conclusions These findings need to be confirmed with longitudinal studies to develop holistic population health interventions focusing on policy solutions to address complex negative behaviours among youth.
Journals
2025 EN
Kenger Ibrahim Halil · Bilgin Batuhan
ABSTRACT Iohexol is a nonionic contrast agent used in x‐ray imaging but can sometimes cause anaphylactic reactions. The mechanism of anaphylaxis‐induced fatal respiratory symptoms remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iohexol on cytotoxicity and DNA damage in bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B). BEAS‐2B cells were treated with Iohexol (1.5, 15, 75, and 150 mg I/mL) and cell viability was examined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC 50 value of iohexol was determined and the DNA damage effect of iohexol (12.4, 24.9, 49.9, and 99.9 mM) on BEAS‐2B cells was investigated by Comet assay. Molecular docking analysis was also performed to determine the binding affinity to DNA and the antiapoptotic protein BCL‐XL. Iohexol 15 mg I/mL, iohexol 75 mg I/mL, and iohexol 150 mg I/mL groups significantly decreased cell viability compared to the control group ( p < 0.0001). Iohexol (12.4, 24.9, 49.9, and 99.9 mM) did not significantly alter genotoxicity in BEAS‐2B cells compared to the control group ( p > 0.05). In silico study showed that iohexol binds with high affinity to BCL‐XL but low affinity to DNA. Our results show that iohexol causes cytotoxicity in BEAS‐2B cells and binds strongly to BCL‐XL. Our results suggest that the safety of iohexol needs further detailed studies.
Journals
2025 EN
Hassan Iftekhar · Ebaid Hossam · Islam Badar ul
+4 more
ABSTRACT Potassium bromate (PB) is a well‐known additive in the food industry and a byproduct of water treatment. Its long‐term exposure to any form of life exerts mild to severe toxic insults in a dose‐dependent fashion and can even trigger carcinogenesis. This study examines the ameliorative effectiveness of a prominent polyphenol, naringenin (NIR), in rodents previously exposed to PB. The Swiss albino rats were assigned to five treatment groups ( n = 5): Group I was the control, and Groups II and III were administered with PB alone (100 mg/kg) and NIR alone (2 mg/kg), respectively. The remaining two groups were treated with NIR at 2 and 4 mg/kg in the PB‐preadministered rats. The animals were sacrificed after the treatment course to retrieve their liver and blood for biochemical, molecular, and histological studies. The PB‐treated Group II showed a marked rise in liver function and toxicity markers in the serum samples, confirming hepatotoxicity after treatment. Disrupted redox markers (GSH and MDA) and compromised antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) further support the hepatotoxicity induced by PB. Notably, NIR exhibited minimal toxicity, as indicated by Group III, and most of the measured parameters' values were comparable to those of the control. However, the combination groups (IV and V) showed improvement in the PB‐mediated hepatotoxicity assessment dose‐dependently. In addition, a prominent decline in LDH activity, concomitant with fan‐like comet formation in the nuclear DNA, is observed in these groups, suggesting that NIR promotes apoptosis concurrently with reducing necrosis. The histopathological investigation further consolidates these findings, showing marked structural restoration in liver histology, along with improved activity of antioxidant enzymes and a more favorable redox status. Hence, NIR can be utilized in consumer products with PB as an ingredient or to reduce hepatotoxicity induced by PB or similar compounds or potential drugs in vivo.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Amina Mohamed · Saleh Hassnaa Ahmed · Morad Mostafa Y.
ABSTRACT Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in agriculture that raises biological, environmental, and health problems. It might affect aquatic life and change the quality of water because it is extremely soluble and can enter water bodies through runoff and soil absorption. The present study aims to explore the implications of glyphosate‐isopropyl ammonium herbicide on Biomphalaria alexandrina and Artemia salina as bioindicators. Probit analysis was used to detect its sublethal concentrations on these models; then the present investigation studies its deleterious effects on biological and physiological parameters of B. alexandrina with emphasis on its mechanism to inhibit both sexual hormones by molecular docking. Results show that glyphosate herbicide has a molluscicidal activity against B. alexandrina snails with a half lethal concentration (LC 50 ) of 14.4 mg/L and was toxic against A. salina with LC 50 (19.02 mg/L). It had miracicidal and cercaricidal properties. Snails exposed to LC 10 or LC 25 of glyphosate herbicide exhibited decreases in survival, fecundity, reproductive rates, testosterone, 17β‐estradiol, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, glycogen phosphorylase, and triglycerides, although levels of malonaldehyde, total antioxidant capacity, glucose, and succinate dehydrogenase levels were elevated compared to the control group. The molecular docking simulation has revealed a potential interaction between the ligand molecule, glyphosate‐isopropyl ammonium, with estrogen protein and testosterone at their active receptors. In conclusion, B. alexandrina and A. salina proved to be important ecotoxicological bioindicators for glyphosate‐isopropyl ammonium, suggesting that in order to minimize any negative effects on aquatic life, this pesticide needs to be closely monitored and controlled.
Journals
2025 EN
Bilgin Batuhan · Husunet Mehmet Tahir · Kenger Ibrahim Halil
ABSTRACT Gadoteric acid is a gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GBCA) used to improve image quality in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although it is also used in the diagnosis and prognosis of neuroblastoma, its effect on SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells remains unclear as a scientific gap. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gadoteric acid on cytogenotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and its affinity with X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). After treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with gadoteric acid (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mM), cell viability was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. After determining the IC50 value of gadoteric acid, the DNA damage effect of gadoteric acid (3.35, 6.7, 13.47, and 26.84 mM) on SH‐SY5Y cells was investigated by Comet assay. Molecular docking analysis was carried out to identify the binding affinity of gadoteric acid to XIAP. Gadoteric acid (10 and 100 mM) significantly increased cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells ( p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Gadoteric acid (3.35, 6.7, 13.47, and 26.84 mM) caused a statistically significant increase in Genetic Damage Index (GDI) level in SH‐SY5Y cells ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Gadoteric acid (13.47 and 26.84 mM) also significantly increased the Damaged Cell Index (DCI) level in neuroblastoma cells ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). The results of our study indicate that gadoteric acid used in MRI shows a cytogenotoxic effect on neuroblastoma cells and binds to XIAP with high affinity. These findings may provide insight into the use of gadoteric acid in the treatment of neuroblastoma and the molecular apoptosis mechanism of gadoteric acid.
Journals
2025 EN
Lim Yiheng · Kojima Shumpei · Mukherjee Pradipta
+3 more
ABSTRACT The germination process of radish sprouts was investigated in detail using volumetric dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Dynamic OCT involves the sequential acquisition of 16 OCT images and subsequent temporal variance analysis of each pixel, enabling non‐invasive visualization of the cellular and tissue activities of plants. The radish sprouts were longitudinally investigated for up to 12 days, and changes in morphology and dynamic OCT image patterns were observed as the plants developed. The dynamic OCT signals in the vessels and growing roots were relatively high in the early stage of germination and decreased as the tissue matured. These results suggest that dynamic OCT is sensitive to water and nutrient transport as well as cellular activities associated with plant growth.
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