Santolina chameacyparissus (Santo) is an evergreen plant which is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of Santo in non-small cell lung cancer cells. We extracted volatile oil from the plant and evaluated cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and motility effects of the extract on two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines; one is a patient derived and the other one is a commercially available A549 cells. We also identified its components via GC/MS and investigated possible targets of the major components of the plant using qPCR and docking studies. Cytotoxicity tests showed dose dependent cell killing activity and flow cytometry assays exposed apoptotic effects of Santo. The essential oil also remarkably decreased migration rate of A549 cells, therefore we evaluated the expression levels of epithelial to mesenchymal transition related genes E-cadherin and Vimentin ratio, ZEB1 and SNAIL and another motility related gene Ezrin. Santo did not change the expression of EMT related genes but decreased Ezrin levels. According to the results of the GS/MS analysis, Artemisia ketone and Camphor were identified as major molecules of the extract. Docking analysis also revealed that artemisia ketone, the major component of the Santo extract, potentially showed strong binding to the active site of ezrin protein and both artemisia ketone and camphor had ability to bind DNA. The results of the present study indicate that Santo and its components artemisia ketone and camphor are promising anti-cancer agents, and their potential in targeting DNA and oncogenic proteins in the lung cancer cells seems worth to focus on this plant in cancer related drug discovery science.

Background and Objectives: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as groundbreaking agents in cancer therapy; however, their immune-related adverse effects, especially pulmonary toxicity, significantly limit their use. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with ICI-induced pulmonary toxicity. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study involving 126 patients aged ≥18 years with malignancies treated with ICIs between April 2022 and April 2024. Patients were followed every six months over a two-year period. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected to assess pulmonary toxicity. Results: The mean age of our patients was 62.93 ± 12.94 years, and 81% were male. The ICI-related pulmonary toxicity rate was 16.7%, and the all-cause mortality rate was 68.3%. In the analysis, the conditions associated with pulmonary toxicity were the type of malignancy, the presence of lung cancer, COPD, long-term ICI use, dyspnea, cough and sputum, the pre-ICI lung nodule mass, and high blood monocyte levels. Our regression analysis results for the determination of risk factors showed a 7.70-fold increase in the presence of cough symptoms, a 4.57-fold increase in the presence of COPD, a 0.998-fold increase for every 1 unit decrease in lymphocyte count, and an 11.75-fold increase in risk for a monocyte count of 130 or less. Conclusions: Our study’s findings suggest that patients with identifiable risk factors for pulmonary toxicity should undergo closer monitoring and early diagnostic evaluation during ICI therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and risk stratification may provide a better prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE). Copeptin has emerged as a valuable predictive biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of copeptin in patients with acute PE and to evaluate its relationship with disease severity and PE-related death. METHODS: Fifty-four patients and 60 healthy individuals were included in this study. Copeptin concentrations and right ventricular dysfunction were analyzed. The correlation between copeptin levels and hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters was examined. After these first measurements, patients were evaluated with PE-related mortality at the one-year follow-up. RESULTS: The copeptin levels were higher in PE patients than in the control group (8.3 ng/mL vs 3.8 ng/mL, p<0.001). Copeptin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with PE-related death and right ventricular dysfunction (10.2 vs 7.5 ng/ml, p=0.001; 10.5 vs 7.5 ng/ml, p=0.002, respectively). When the cut-off value of copeptin was ≥5.85, its sensitivity and specificity for predicting PE were 71.9% and 85.0%, respectively (AUC=0.762, 95% CI=0.635-0.889, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The copeptin measurement had moderate sensitivity and specificity in predicting the diagnosis of PE, and the copeptin level was significantly higher in patients with PE-related death at the one-year follow-up. Copeptin may be a useful new biomarker in predicting diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis of PE.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,ketamine,one-lung ventilation,oxygenation,thoracic anaesthesia

Background: As vaccination against coronavirus disase-19 (COVID-19) evolves, hesitancy has become a problematic issue that has gradually spread worldwide. The main reason for vaccine hesitancy is uncertainties about vaccine side effects. Aims: To evaluate the safety of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac, and determine the risk factors of emergence of side effects. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. e lea-ids: An online questionnaire was administered via the internet to healthcare workers who received one or two doses of CoronaVac. The online survey consisted of three sections detailing sociodemographic data, COVID-19 history; and post-vaccine side effects. Side effects that occurred in the period starting from immediately after the first vaccination to the end of the 14th day after the second vaccination were recorded. Results: A total of 1628 healthcare workers responded to the online survey. Of these, 24.3% had a side effect either after the first or second dose of CoronaVac. Redness and/or pain at the inoculation site, headache, muscle and joint pains, palpitations, and dizziness were the most common side effects. Female sex, age <50 years, and thyroid disorder in the pre-vaccine period were found to be risk factors for the emergence of side effects. Blood pressure control could not be achieved in 2.2% of participants despite medication use, and permanent medication was needed in 2.5% of participants for blood pressure control. Conclusion: Almost a quarter of healthcare workers have at least one side effect after the first or second dose of CoronaVac. Female gender. age <50 years, and thyroid disorder appear to be risk factors for the occurrence of side effects.