Browsing by Author "Altinel, Faruk"

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Allergen fragrance molecules: a potential relief for COVID-19
(2021) Aydin, Asli Deniz; Altinel, Faruk; Erdogmus, Hueseyin; Son, Cagdas Devrim; 0000-0002-8326-3900; 33478471; AAJ-5382-2021
BackgroundThe latest coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, discovered in China and rapidly spread Worldwide. COVID-19 affected millions of people and killed hundreds of thousands worldwide. There are many ongoing studies investigating drug(s) suitable for preventing and/or treating this pandemic; however, there are no specific drugs or vaccines available to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2 as of today.MethodsFifty-eight fragrance materials, which are classified as allergen fragrance molecules, were selected and used in this study. Docking simulations were carried out using four functional proteins; the Covid19 Main Protase (MPro), Receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein, Nucleocapsid, and host Bromodomain protein (BRD2), as target macromolecules. Three different software, AutoDock, AutoDock Vina (Vina), and Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD), running a total of four different docking protocol with optimized energy functions were used. Results were compared with the five molecules reported in the literature as potential drugs against COVID-19. Virtual screening was carried out using Vina, molecules satisfying our cut-off (-6.5kcal/mol) binding affinity was confirmed by MVD. Selected molecules were analyzed using the flexible docking protocol of Vina and AutoDock default settings.ResultsTen out of 58 allergen fragrance molecules were selected for further docking studies. MPro and BRD2 are potential targets for the tested allergen fragrance molecules, while RBD and Nucleocapsid showed weak binding energies. According to AutoDock results, three molecules, Benzyl Cinnamate, Dihydroambrettolide, and Galaxolide, had good binding affinities to BRD2. While Dihydroambrettolide and Galaxolide showed the potential to bind to MPro, Sclareol and Vertofix had the best calculated binding affinities to this target. When the flexible docking results analyzed, all the molecules tested had better calculated binding affinities as expected. Benzyl Benzoate and Benzyl Salicylate showed good binding affinities to BRD2. In the case of MPro, Sclareol had the lowest binding affinity among all the tested allergen fragrance molecules.ConclusionAllergen fragrance molecules are readily available, cost-efficient, and shown to be safe for human use. Results showed that several of these molecules had comparable binding affinities as the potential drug molecules reported in the literature to target proteins. Thus, these allergen molecules at correct doses could have significant health benefits.
Evaluation of Topical Application of Polysaccharide Hemostat and Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose on Epidural Fibrosis in Rats
(2016) Gurcay, Ahmet Gurhan; Kazanci, Atilla; Gurcan, Oktay; Bozkurt, Ismail; Onder, Evrim; Altinel, Faruk; Bavbek, Murad; 0000-0002-8326-3900; AAJ-5382-2021
Introduction: Post laminectomy syndrome caused by epidural fibrosis (EF) is an annoying problem for all spinal surgeons. Even after a successful operation EF may mimic previous symptoms giving rise to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Although adhesive barriers are employed to reduce epidural scarring, whether or not hemostatic agents influence EF is yet not clear. Objectives: To elucidate the effects of commonly used hemostatic agents in neurosurgery on epidural fibrosis after laminectomy on rats. Methods: This experimental study involving rats after laminectomy, an agent known to decrease EF ADCON (R)-L was compared with polysaccharide hemostat (SealFoam (R)) and oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel (R)). 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, all had laminectomies and their epidural space was examined after 45 days. Results: When compared with the control group, both SealFoam (R) and Surgicel (R) had a decreased grade of EF which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Although not statistically significant when compared with ADCON (R)-L, these agents had similar effects on reducing epidural fibrosis. Conclusion: Hemostatic agents are commonly used in spine surgeries. Post operative local hematoma increases epidural fibrosis thus pushing surgeons toward using more agents and leaving them behind. This study shows that polysaccharide hemostat and oxidized regenerated cellulose do not enhance but decrease epidural fibrosis following laminectomy in rats, suggesting that it is not necessary to remove these agents from the surgery field after achieving homeostasis during spinal surgery.
Lower Extremity Involvement of a Primarily Intracranial Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report
(2014) Altinel, Faruk; Tuncel, Deniz; Ozturk, Ahmet; Acikalin, Mustafa Fuat
Hydatid Cyst is a parasitic disease. The host is usually the intestine of dog. Hydatid cyst is caused by water and food contaminated with parasites' larva. Primary intracranial cyst hydatids are rare. Approximately 75% of intracranial cyst hydatids are encountered in children. We report a pediatric case with intracerebral hydatid cyst occuring with a lower extremity involvement 5 months after the surgery with clinical, radiological and histopathological features.
Turkish Contribution to Journal of Neurosurgery and Acta Neurochirurgica
(2017) Altinors, Nur; Comert, Serhat; Sonmez, Erkin; Altinel, Faruk; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0002-8326-3900; 27593822; AAI-8820-2021; AAJ-5382-2021
AIM: To evaluate the contribution of Turkish scientists to four journals published by Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) Publishing Group and to Acta Neurochirurgica (AN) and to its Supplement (ANS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed every issue of those journals to December 2015 for the total number of articles, articles produced from studies performed entirely in Turkey, and for publications overseas co-authored by the Turkish scientists using the websites of these journals. Citations were searched using "Web of Science" and "Google Scholar" databases. RESULTS: The total number of articles published was 19822 for JNS, 3227 for JNS Spine, 2526 for JNS Pediatrics and 2997 for Neurosurgical Focus. Turkish contribution was 556 articles. 337 (60.61%) articles were the products of studies performed entirely in Turkey, while 219 (39.38%) articles came from overseas, co-authored by Turkish scientists. Overall contribution was 1.94%. A total of 6469 articles were published in AN. 340 papers were the products of studies performed entirely in Turkey. Turkish scientists working overseas co-authored 37 articles. Total contribution was 377 articles (5.82%). 4134 papers had been published in ANS. Contribution was 69 articles (1.66%). CONCLUSION: Turkish contribution to these journals has started late. The gap has been compensated with publications in the last two decades. Manuscripts of higher scientific level with greater number of citations are needed to increase Turkish contribution to such journals.