Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026In silico biochemical de novo drug design of valproic acid derivatives to suppress cancerous dna: comprehensive molecular docking, molecular dynamics, 1 h nmr, adme
Acar, Esra; Issa, Ghassan; Agar, Soykan; Gökoluk, Erkan; Giglou, Erfan Akhavan; Şimşek, Dilruba
Objective: This comprehensive in silico computational and theoretical biochemistry/organic chemistry research study covers the inhibition methodologies of 1-BNA, which is an essential template for cancer- suppressing research. By disrupting the minor groove domain binding site of the DNA template 1-BNA dodecamer, three de novo drug candidate molecules via derivatization of anti-epileptic valproic acid (VPA) drug were designed. Methods: Calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) sequence d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 dodecamer (PDB ID: 1BNA) was obtained from the Protein Data Bank to study. Molecular docking simulations, the most updated docking programs of AutoDock Vina and PyRx were utilized. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) analyses were employed by Schrödinger’s Desmond software. Results: Thorough in silico results of three new derivatized analogues of VPA showed that chloro-derivatized analogue with its -9.6 kcal/mol docking score and 297.2 µM inhibition constant (IC) has a much better indication in the suppression where isopropyl and fluoro derivatized analogues possess -9.1 kcal/mol docking score with 483.8 µM IC and - 8.3 kcal/mol docking score with 896.2 µM IC respectively compared to the results of pristine VPA’s -8.2 kcal/mol docking score with 863.6 µM IC. Along with the detailed ADME results, isopropyl and chloro- derivatized ligands prove their worth of being a new drug candidate. Conclusion: All results proved that the de novo derivatives of VPA illustrate better docking scores (better suppression) along with better ICs and oral absorption percentage values, meaning that the analogues possess better indications compared to pristine VPA toward the suppression of cancerous cell template DNA.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Investigation of pathogenic contamination on toy materials through microbiological and structural characterization approaches
Acar, Esra; Issa, Ghassan; Aksu, Harun; Altuner, Elif Esra; Aldemir, Ozan
Objective: Toys in kindergartens are frequently exposed to environmental contaminants and hand contact, making them potential reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms. Children, with developing immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to infections. This study aimed to detect Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and coliform bacteria on toys and to characterize toy materials using FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Methods: Swab samples were collected from toy surfaces under aseptic conditions and transported under cold-chain conditions. Samples were homogenized in buffered peptone water and serially diluted. Coliforms were detected on VRB and BGBLB media, E. coli on TBX medium, and S. aureus on Baird-Parker Agar with Egg Yolk Tellurite. Identification was confirmed via Gram staining, catalase, DNase, hemolysis, and carbohydrate fermentation tests. FTIR assessed functional groups, XRD examined crystalline structures, and SEM observed surface morphology related to microbial adhesion. Results: Bacteriological analysis showed Staphylococcus spp. (35.33%), S. aureus (5%), E. coli (1%), and coliforms (3.66%). FTIR revealed diverse polymeric structures, XRD showed varying crystallinity, and SEM indicated heterogeneous surface roughness and irregular microstructures facilitating bacterial adhesion. Conclusion: Combining microbiological analyses with FTIR, XRD, and SEM provides a comprehensive method for assessing contamination risks. Kindergarten toys can harbor potentially pathogenic microorganisms, and the structural characteristics of toy materials significantly influence microbial persistence.
- Derleme MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2Indomethacin as a Multi-target Anticancer Agent via Transmembrane Receptor-mediated Tumor Suppression: The Need for de novo Drug Derivatization
Ozturk, Ebru; Issa, Ghassan; Agar, Soykan
Introduction: Indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has attracted increasing attention for its promising anticancer properties, particularly regarding its crucial effect on transmembrane receptor-mediated signal transduction in different cancers. Besides COX-inhibitory activities, other mechanisms underlying indomethacin's potential as an anticancer agent are being explored, including those related to the mediation of prostaglandin signaling through transmembrane receptors in solid tumors. Methods: In this mini-review, we summarize available information about modulation of transmembrane receptor signaling by indomethacin, including death receptors, EP receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), chemokine receptors, cannabinoid receptors, ACE2, P2X7, IP, and FZD/LRP5/6 receptors associated with Wnt pathways. Results: The presented data indicate that indomethacin may inhibit PGE₂-induced EP signaling, affect EGFR/FGFR and CXCR3 signaling pathways, increase death receptor-mediated apoptosis, and influence various types of receptor cross-talk involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, invasion, and metastasis. However, the most consistent results were obtained in colorectal cancer cells, while the role of indomethacin in breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers appears to be more contextual and receptor-profile dependent. Discussion: Overall, our review suggests that indomethacin functions mainly as a receptor signaling modulator rather than a selective receptor antagonist. The potential clinical application of indomethacin for cancer treatment is hindered by its poor selectivity towards COX enzymes, toxicity, and lack of specificity. Conclusion: Despite the possibility of using indomethacin as a template structure for creating more selective drugs, it seems that indomethacin cannot serve as a drug for anticancer therapy alone. This conclusion specifically positions parent indomethacin as a chemically modifiable scaffold for rational derivative development rather than as a final therapeutic endpoint. 2026, Bentham Science Publishers
- Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Sustainable Ammonia Production, Advances in Electrochemical, Photoelectrochemical, and Photocatalytic Technologies for Green Energy
Shahin, Musarat; Mohsin, Abdul Haseeb; Bibi, Aiman; Ahmad, Ihtisham; Altuner, Elif Esra; Aldemir, Ozan; Durmusoglu, Senol; Yilancilar, Mehmet Sabit; Tanriverdi, Yavuz; Acar, Esra
Substantial advances have been made since the 1970s in reducing the environmental impacts of ammonia production. Renewable-driven electrochemical synthesis offers a promising pathway to decarbonize ammonia production. This review examines an integrated route in which hydrogen is generated photoelectrochemically under concentrated solar irradiation and subsequently used in electrochemical ammonia synthesis. Photoelectrochemical cells are fabricated by electrostatically depositing photosensitive particles onto cathodes to enhance light-driven hydrogen production. Hydrogen production rates and ammonia yield depend strongly on temperature and electrolyte composition. The synthesized hydrogen is fed into a molten salt electrochemical reactor that operates at atmospheric pressure and receives nitrogen from a dedicated supply. This combined solar–electrochemical approach can produce low-carbon ammonia with improved safety and reduced environmental impact, offering a scalable alternative to conventional processes.
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İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3Synthesis of β-Lactam Conjugates of Thiadiazine Thiones as a New Class of Anti-Nociceptive Agents
Mohsin, Abdul Haseeb; Torlak, Yasemin; Altuner, Elif Esra; Aldemir, Ozan; Khan, Rasool; Issa, Ghassan; Zafar, Salman; Bibi, Aiman; Khan, Misbah Rafiq; Khan, Huma
A series of newly synthesized β-lactam conjugates of thiadiazine-2-thiones (TDZ-2T) were prepared by reacting various primary amines with carbon disulfide and potassium hydroxide, followed by the addition of formaldehyde and β-lactam antibiotics, including cefaclor and cefadroxil, in phosphate buffer. The synthesized substances were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. All the substances exhibited activity against each forms of bacterial types, with 1e, 1f, 1g, 2a, and 2b showing the most significant activity. Additionally, the anti-nociceptive impact of the prepared substances was analyzed by the hot plate technique. Substances 1a, 1b, 1d, 1f, 1g, and 2a demonstrated notable activity at dosages of 80 mg/kg, as evidenced by a significant enhancement during the lag phase. Intact binding studies of the synthesized substance were also performed and showed a good binding interaction with the binding site of the in silico cyclooxygenase-2 (COX) enzyme.
AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles from Citrus reticulata Peels for Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Sensing of 4-Aminobenzenesulfonamide
Dar, Umar Ali; Altuner, Elif Esra; Akocak, Suleyman; Issa, Ghassan; Ozalp, Veli Cengiz
Increasing utilization of sulfonamide derivatives as antibacterial agents has created serious challenges in terms of environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance. In this respect, there is a compelling need for a highly sensitive and selective analytical tool for detecting such antibiotics in trace concentrations. This work represents a green strategy for developing an electrochemical biosensor for the determination of 4-aminobenzenesulfonamide based on bio-functionalized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) prepared from peel extract of Citrus reticulata fruit. The phytochemicals present in the peel extracts played a dual role of reduction and stabilization during the synthesis of Ag NPs. Synthesized NPs were well characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The Ag NPs showed considerable improvement in electrocatalysis in comparison to the bare glassy carbon electrode. The fabricated sensor gave an excellent linear calibration curve with a high value of R2 (=0.999), along with a low limit of detection (LOD = 0.65 µM) and limit of quantification (LOQ = 2.1 µM).
- Kitap BölümüYalnız künye2025Role and scope of porphyrin composites in biotechnology
Altuner, Elif Esra; Issa, Ghassan; Sen, Fatih; Dar, Umar Ali
In this chapter, the roles of porphyrins and their derivatives in daily life, their application areas, and their importance in medical imaging for target regions and cell detection are discussed. Porphyrins are structures that can adapt to biotechnological studies due to their structures. Therefore, it is of great importance in biotechnology, especially in medical imaging. Detection of the defective region in magnetic resonance imaging, determination of the target by moving the porphyrins using rays in the photoacoustic region, or the emergence of a colored label with the fluorescence technique are the most important advantages of porphyrins. Therefore, the importance of porphyrins in today's technology, especially in medical imaging, will support future technological studies.
- Kitap BölümüYalnız künye2024Clinical development of quinone-based drugs
Altuner, Elif Esra; Issa, Ghassan; Ozalp, Veli Cengİz; Aldemir, Ozan; Torlak, Yasemin; Dar, Umar Ali
This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the clinical investigations, pharmacological effects, and characteristics of quinone and quinone derivatives, along with references to pertinent sources. Although quinones have an oxygen group in their structure, they are quickly oxidized and interact with reactive oxygen species. This demonstrates how quinones work as drugs. Quinones and their derivatives are used as medications to treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer, lung, kidney, brain, and tumor disorders. Each of the following has effects on a different area of health; lapochols, anthraquinones, naphthoquinone and its derivatives, and other wide range of quinone derivatives are thoroughly explored in this chapter.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2022İstanbul ve çevresinden elde edilen gıdalardan izole edilen staphylococcus aureus suşlarının çeşitli antibiyotiklere karşı duyarlılıklarının araştırılması
Issa, Ghassan
Amaç: Bu çalışmada, İstanbul ve çevresinde bulunan çeşitli market, şarküteri ve semt pazarlarından 70 adet peynir, 70 adet yufka ve 10 adet çiğ süt olmak üzere toplam 150 adet gıda örneği toplanarak Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) yönünden incelenmesi ve devamında izole edilen S. aureus suşlarının antibiyotik duyarlılıklarının araştırılması amaçlandı. Yöntem: Laboratuvara getirilen gıda örneklerinden, kültür yöntemleri kullanılarak S. aureus suşları izole edildi. S. aureus olarak tanımlanan suşların disk diffüzyon yöntemiyle her biri için 21 farklı antibiyotik diski kullanarak duyarlılıkları belirlendi. Bulgular: Çalışmada analiz edilen 150 gıda örneğinden 10 (% 6,66) adedi peynirden, 7 (% 4,66) adedi yufkadan ve 2 (% 1,33) adedi çiğ sütten olmak üzere 19 (%12,66) S. aureus suşu izole edildi. İzole edilen 19 S. aureus suşundan 3 (% 15,78) tanesinin birçok antibiyotiğe karşı (Metisilin, Penisilin, Oksasilin, Ampisilin, Ampisilin Sulbaktam) dirençli olduğu belirlendi. Sonuç: Antibiyotik dirençli S. aureus suşları direkt temas yoluyla bulaşabileceği gibi hayvansal kökenli gıdaların tüketimi yoluyla da bulaşabilmektedir. Ülkemizde gerek tıp ve gerek veteriner hekimlik alanında antimikrobiyal direnç sorunu üzerinde entegre sürveyans sistemleri oluşturulmalı ve antimikrobiyal direnç olgusunun kontrolü için gerekli stratejiler geliştirilip uygulamaya konmalıdır.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2022Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Turkish Sweetgum Balsam (Styrax Liquidus) Essential Oil
Büyükkiliç Altinbasak, Betul; Issa, Ghassan; Zengin Kurt, Belma; Demirci, Betul
Objective: The purpose of this present study was to make a chemical analysis of the composition of essential oil obtained from sweetgum balsam and to examine its antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and antioxidant activities.Methods: The essential oil obtained by the hydrodistillation method was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry systems. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oil were evaluated by disc diffusion and resazurin microplate methods, the anticholinesterase effect was determined by using in vitro AChE and BChE enzymes inhibition assays, and the antioxidant effect was evaluated by ABTS and CUPRAC methods.Results: The main components of the essential oil were determined as styrene (92.6%) and alpha-pinene (2.2%). The essential oil showed weak antimicrobial activity against K. pneumoniae, S. epidermidis but strong antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii, C. glabrata. It showed moderate inhibitory activity to AChE and BChE enzymes, and IC50 values were calculated as 36.5 mu g/mL and 69.5 mu g/mL, respectively. It also showed low inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (IC50 value was 637.2 mu g/mL) and a similar antioxidant effect in the CUPRAC and ABTS method (A0.5 value was 637.2 mu g/mL and IC50 value was 632.2 mu g/mL, respectively).Conclusion: Styrax Liquidus essential oil can be considered a natural antimicrobial agent due to its strong antimicrobial activity capacity against A. baumannii and C. glabrata strains.
AtıfWoS5OpenAlex5TR Dizin2
İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2022Bioactive Components and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Rhus coriaria, a Sumac Species found in Turkey
Çaliskan, Reyhan; Sari, Silva Polat; Altinbasak, Betul Buyukkilic; Dinç, Harika Oyku; Balekoglu, Aleyna; Issa, Ghassan; Mayda, Pelin Yuksel
Objective: In our study, it was aimed to analyze the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts of the fruits of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) species collected from Gaziantep.Methods: Ethanol extracts of 80% (R2) and 100% (R3) were prepared from Rhus coriaria fruits. Chemical analysis of the extracts were performed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry method, their antioxidant activities were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, and their antimicrobial activity was investigated using broth microdilution method.Results: In the chemical analysis of R2 and R3 extracts, fumaric acid, an organic acid with the highest concentration, was found at concentrations of 31076.55 and 23348.37 mg/kg, respectively. While the phenolic components with the highest concentration in R2 were observed as hyperoside (622.24 mg/kg), ellagic acid (343.63 mg/kg) and p-coumaric acid (182.91 mg/kg), the phenolic components with the highest concentration in R3 were observed as ellagic acid (607.30 mg/kg), hyperoside (440.41 mg/kg) and p-coumaric acid (178.61 mg/kg). In antioxidant activities of R2 and R3 extracts, DPPH free radical scavenging activities were found to be 70.78%+/- 0.002% and 11.19 +/- 0.001%, respectively. Antimicrobial activities of R2 and R3 extracts were found to be 125 and <3.9 mu g/ mL in S. aureus strain ATCC 25923, 15.625 and 31.25 mu g/mL in A. baumannii strain ATCC 19606, 62.5 mu g/mL in H. pylori strain ATCC 43504, 62.5 mu g/mL in C. glabrata strain ATCC 2001, <3.9 mu g/mL in C. albicans strain ATCC 66027, respectively.Conclusion: The higher antioxidant activity in the R2 extract obtained from R. coriaria fruits grown in our country may be due to the higher phenolic component content compared to the R3 extract. It is thought that the more effective antimicrobial activity detected in the R3 extract may be due to the higher amount of ellagic acid compared to the R2 extract.
AtıfWoS6TR Dizin2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2021Scopus SJRQ3Detection of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus strains and typing of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec from various foods originated different region from turkey; [Türkiye’nin farklı bölgeleri kaynaklı toplanan çeşitli gıda maddelerinden metisilin dirençli staphylococcus aureus suşlarının tespiti ve stafilokokkal kaset kromozom mec tiplendirilmesi]
Issa, Ghassan; Aydin, Ali
Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism that is highly resistant to environmental conditions and is widely found in environmental sources. It can cause a large number of infections in both humans and animals. Resistance to methicillin in S. aureus strains occurs due to the production of low affinity penicillin binding proteins (PBP2a). PBP2a is encoded by the mecA gene. The mecA gene is located on a mobile, large genetic element called the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). Until now, 13 SCCmec (I-XIII) types have been identified in S. aureus strains. In this study, in different 7 regions (Marmara, Aegean, Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia) of Turkey obtained from a variety of points of 700 food items in the [(dairy products (n:560), bakery products (n:89), ready meal (n:40), meat product (n:11)], after the isolation of cultural S. aureus and verification by PCR, MRSA detection and SCCmec typing were aimed. 67 (9.57%) S. aureus strains were isolated from 700 food samples analyzed within the scope of the study. Only 1 (0.14%) of the 67 S. aureus strains isolated, both phenotypically and genotypically, was found to be MRSA and when SCCmec was typed, it was found to be Type IV. Community-acquired MRSA strains can cause clinical cases ranging from skin infections to fatal pneumonia and sepsis, as well as foodborne diseases. As a result, it is considered that MRSA strains can be an important source of contamination for humans with the consumption of food of animal origin.
AtıfScopus5WoS4TR Dizin1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2020Scopus SJRQ4Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Milk by PCR-Based Phenotyping and Genotyping
Issa, Ghassan; Aksu, Harun
Staphylococcus aureus is a primary cause of food poisoning and many types of other infections in humans and animals. This study aims to detect methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in raw cow milk collected from different farms in Istanbul, using polymerase chain reaction–based phenotyping and genotyping. A total of 406 raw milk samples were collected from 6 different dairy farms located in Istanbul at different times and under appropriate conditions. The samples were transferred to laboratory under cold storage conditions. After S. aureus had been isolated from the samples by phenotypic methods, MRSA strains were detected in isolates by both phenotypic and genotypic methods. Of the 406 milk samples examined, S. aureus strains were detected in 119 (29.31%). From the 119 isolated S. aureus strains, there was merely 1 (0.84%) strain with MRSA in phenotypic and genotypic terms. Strategies required to control antimicrobial resistance should be developed and implemented in the field of veterinary and human medicine.
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