INTRODUCTION: Cancer remains a significant global health issue, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies is crucial. Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is effective in treating various cancers but faces limitations due to resistance and side effects. Theobromine, a methylxanthine found in cocoa, has shown potential anticancer effects, but its efficacy and mechanisms remain less understood. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin and theobromine on bladder cancer cell lines, HTB9 and RT-112, and compares the use of RStudio and GraphPad Prism for IC50 determination.

METHODS: HTB9 and RT-112 cell lines were cultured and treated with cisplatin and theobromine at varying concentrations. Cell viability was assessed using WST-1 assay. Dose-response data were analyzed using RStudio and GraphPad Prism to calculate IC50 values. RStudio’s advanced statistical modeling and visualization capabilities, including the ggplot2 and drc packages, were employed to assess dose-response relationships and IC50 values.
RESULTS: Dose-response curves and IC50 values were generated for both cell lines and compounds. Cisplatin IC50 values were 9.398 µM and 2.018 µM for RT-112 and HTB9 cells respectively. Theobromine IC50 values were 15.253 µM and 3.78 µM for RT-112 and HTB9 cells respectively. Both RStudio and GraphPad Prism provided robust analyses, with RStudio offering detailed customization and advanced statistical modeling, while GraphPad Prism provided a user-friendly and efficient platform for IC50 determination.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The study highlights the comparative effectiveness of RStudio and GraphPad Prism in analyzing dose-response data. RStudio offers flexibility and precision for complex analyses, whereas GraphPad Prism is ideal for straightforward, efficient IC50 calculations. The findings suggest that researchers should choose between these tools based on their specific needs for customization, expertise, and ease of use in evaluating drug efficacy in cancer research.

INTRODUCTION: In schools, various indoor and outdoor pollutants can adversely affect indoor air quality and students can be negatively affected. The aim of this study was to determine the morning and evening air quality parameters and how these parameters change in schools in the Meram region and determine the factors associated with air quality.
METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted in Meram district of Konya province between May 2, 2023 and June 16, 2023, measurements were made in classrooms, canteens and cafeterias of 34 schools determined by simple random method. Measurements were made twice a day, before the beginning and at the end of the lesson. Temperature, relative humidity, air flow rate, NO, H2S, SO2, CO, CO2 gases and particulate matter (>0.3 μm, >0.5 μm, >1.0 μm, >2.5 μm, >5.0 μm, >10.0 μm) were measured for indoor air quality in schools.
RESULTS: Of the schools measured, 76.5% were public schools and 44.1% were primary schools. Ventilation was provided through windows in 94.1% of the schools. In the morning, 94.10% of the temperature, all of the relative humidity and CO2 values measured in the classrooms were within the appropriate range. In the evening, 47.10% of temperature measurements, 76.50% of relative humidity measurements and 47.10% of CO2 measurements were in the optimum range. In classrooms, the evening temperature, CO2, PM>2.5 μm, PM>5μm and PM>10 μm values were higher than the morning values. Temperature, CO2, PM2.5 μm and PM>5μm values measured in the canteens in the evening were higher than the values measured in the morning. In the canteens, the evening relative humidity value was lower than the morning value. In the dining halls, the evening temperature was higher than the morning temperature and the evening relative humidity was lower than the morning relative humidity. The 1000 ppm CO2 limit was more likely to be exceeded in classrooms with class sizes above 30.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In classrooms, parameters exceeding the appropriate values were observed. Air quality in schools declines at the end of the day. Arrangements need to be made to monitor and improve air quality in schools.

INTRODUCTION: Dogs, which are among the most common companion animals worldwide, have close contact with humans, increasing the risk of transmission of various zoonotic parasites. Since most of these parasites follow an fecal-oral transmission cycle, the transmission of these zoonotic agents can occur through indirect contact with animal feces, contaminated water and food, or direct contact with infected animals. This study aims to determine the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in stray dogs in Kastamonu province.
METHODS: The study material consisted of fecal samples from 120 stray dogs of different ages and sexes housed at the Kastamonu Municipality Temporary Animal Shelter. The collected fecal samples were examined microscopically for the presence of gastrointestinal helminths using native fecal examination, Fülleborn flotation, and Benedict’s sedimentation methods. Additionally, statistical analysis was performed in relation to the individual data of the dogs.
RESULTS: Gastrointestinal helminth eggs were detected in 17 (14.2%) of the fecal samples. Microscopic examination revealed three different helminth species: Toxocara canis (5.83%), Ancylostoma spp., (5.00%), and Trichuris spp., (3.33%). In the study, the infection rate was found to be higher in dogs aged ≤1 dog (39.2%) compared to those aged >1 dog (6.5%). Additionally, a higher infection rate was observed in female dogs (16.9%) compared to male dogs (10.2%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study is the first to highlight the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in stray dogs in Kastamonu province. As a result, the gastrointestinal helminths found in dogs have the potential to pose a significant threat to public health, and it is essential to adopt a “One Health” approach to address this issue effectively. In this regard, conducting large-scale epidemiological and genetic studies covering different seasons and environmental conditions in the relevant region is of great importance. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the dog population in Kastamonu, along with their potential public health effects and economic implications, emphasizes the need for public awareness. This study, in addition to revealing the current situation, provides a valuable contribution by offering scientific data that will serve as a reference for future similar research.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of energy poverty, per capita income, and covid-19 on life expectancy at birth in Sub-Saharan African countries. The limited number of studies evaluating the effects of energy poverty and covid-19 on life expectancy at birth highlights the originality of this study.
METHODS: This study utilizes data from 18 Sub-Saharan African countries for which data is available, covering the period from 2000 to 2022. The dependent variable of the study is life expectancy at birth, while the independent variables are per capita income, the covid-19 pandemic, and the electricity access rate. Panel data analysis has been employed in the study. The statistical significance of the established model has been tested using the generalized least squares method.

RESULTS: The model explains approximately 86% of the variation in life expectancy at birth through per capita income, electricity access, and covid-19. According to the findings of the study, per capita income and the electricity access rate have a positive and significant impact on life expectancy at birth. However, covid-19 does not have a significant effect on life expectancy at birth.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The fact that Sub-Saharan African countries have a different structure from other developing regions indicates that the region requires special interventions. Accordingly, policymakers and relevant institutions should develop policies that support economic growth and strengthen infrastructure to increase life expectancy and improve public health. In particular, strategies should be adopted to expand social assistance programs that enhance access to healthcare services for low-income individuals and to reduce income inequality. Additionally, investments in energy infrastructure should be increased to expand electricity access, and the security of electricity supply in rural and low-income areas should be ensured. Such investments will not only improve access to healthcare services but also promote education and economic development, ultimately increasing the overall welfare level of society in the long term.

INTRODUCTION: Trematodes are a group of parasites that are important for human and animal health within the Platyhelminthes phylum. Some of the species in the Fasciolidae and Opisthorchiidae families within this group are called liver flukes and cause diseases by settling in various organs in humans and are important for public health.The first intermediate host of parasites in this class is always a mollusk (gastropod). Mollusks continue their lives in freshwater areas, and knowing the presence and geographical location of mollusks in these freshwater areas is important in terms of seeing the spread of diseases. İn our study, the presence of intermediate host mollusks was investigated in the stream in the Dikmen Valley, where people are frequently found. Thus, the presence of mollusks that act as intermediate hosts for trematodes that cause different diseases was determined, and the risk level of the area was revealed, thus contributing to the literature.

METHODS: Our study was carried out in June-July 2024 in a stream located in the Dikmen Valley in the Çankaya district of Ankara province. Mollusks were collected by going to the area twice a week. The collected samples were brought to the laboratories and named using the species identification keys found in the literature. The pH and temperature data of the water were measured on site and public institutions were used for mineral levels.
RESULTS: Three different intermediate host mollusk species were identified in the study area: Physa acuta, Lymnaea stagnalis, Galba truncatula. It was observed that Physa acuta was the most abundant species in the area and Galba truncatula was the least abundant species. The average temperature of the water, which is important for the life of mollusks, was measured as 24 °C and the pH value was measured as 7,1.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Freshwater mollusks are of great importance in terms of human health because they act as intermediate hosts for trematodes. Determining the prevalence and geographical locations of these mollusks is important in terms of determining the risk map of trematode diseases in our country. Prevalence studies should be conducted in regions where research is not conducted throughout the country, and the findings obtained from researchers should be combined, and geographic information systems should be created, and it is possible to protect people’s health by combating intermediate hosts in regions at risk.

Bathing is an activity that is beneficial for health and makes people feel good. However, the water used for bathing should be clean and should not pose a risk to public health. Pollution from various sources, especially sewage waste and agricultural runoff, can pose a serious public health risk. In case of exposure to contaminated water, the risks of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory tract disease, skin rashes, fever, ear and eye infections increase. In Turkey, studies on the quality of bathing waters are conducted by the Ministry of Health in accordance with the Regulation on the Management of Bathing Water Quality, which is in line with the European Union (EU) Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC. Every year during the bathing season, samples are taken from batting waters in 35 provinces by provincial health directorates and analyzed microbiologically in public health laboratories. In cases where regulatory limits are exceeded, notifications are made to the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and local authorities to identify the source of contamination, prevent further contamination, and take necessary measures. In necessary cases, the bathing area is closed to public use. Bathing areas are classified as excellent, good, adequate, or poor based on pollution levels to help beach users decide which beach to visit. The public is informed in accordance with the legislation regarding the monitoring studies conducted by the Ministry of Health. For this purpose, the public is informed through the website https: //yuzme.saglik.gov.tr/ prepared by the Ministry of Health and put into operation in 2014. This site includes information such as analysis results regarding bathing water quality, technical information and hygiene conditions regarding bathing areas (toilets, showers etc.), annual classification status of bathing areas. Blue flag awards are given to bathing areas that are extremely important for our country’s tourism sector according to the monitoring results conducted by the Ministry of Health regarding bathing waters.

This study aims to investigate the requirements and effectiveness of early warning response systems (EWRS), which have gained importance in recent years. It gathers scientific literature and institutional frameworks related to EWRS, utilized in various fields such as health, military, engineering, meteorology, and intelligence. By implementing various strategies, EWRS effectively mitigates risks by identifying health threats early and alerting the public and health authorities, promoting proactive health management. Prompt detection and quick response can alleviate pressure on healthcare systems, reducing workforce and economic repercussions. The advantages of EWRS are vital for protecting public health and improving overall health system performance. EWRS operations are backed by a range of tools, mainly surveillance systems, where the precision, timeliness, data analysis, and risk assessment of surveillance information are crucial for evaluating the severity of potential threats. EWRS employs a multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach. Improved collaboration among sectors enhances the effectiveness of health early warning systems and supports solution development. The success of EWRS relies on strong communication and information strategies, requiring institutions to utilize appropriate communication tools and language across sectors and with the public. Despite its significance, several challenges hinder EWRS implementation, such as unclear decision-making protocols among involved institutions due to its multi-sectoral nature, inadequate legislation, a shortage of trained personnel, high turnover rates, and limited information technology (IT) and software resources. Nevertheless, these obstacles can be overcome. For early warning systems to prosper, it is crucial for staff to receive proper training, participate in simulations and drills to gain experience, incorporate modern technologies and software, raise awareness of early warning among health professionals, stakeholders, and the community, and establish a necessary legal framework. Increasing awareness among staff and the public enhances system effectiveness, while access to accurate, up-to-date data expedites decision-making. Ultimately, EWRS seeks to swiftly identify acute public health events, situations, and outbreaks, respond effectively, prepare for emergencies, raise risk awareness in the community, strengthen health systems, and improve public health through social and economic benefits. Enhancing EWRS will build resilience against future health threats and empower communities towards better health tomorrow.

Escalating global threats such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and zoonotic diseases necessitate a comprehensive evaluation of human health that transcends clinical boundaries to include environmental, animal, and ecosystem-based dimensions. These intertwined threats underscore the need for integrated health strategies that bridge gaps between medical, ecological, and societal domains. In this context, the One Health, EcoHealth, and Planetary Health frameworks emerge as essential components of a multidisciplinary, holistic approach that enhances the sustainability and resilience of health systems. These paradigms reflect the growing awareness that human health cannot be separated from the state of the planet. Family physicians, as the frontline providers of primary health care, play a pivotal role in this transformation at both individual and community levels. Positioned at the interface of personal and population health, they are uniquely equipped to translate holistic paradigms into clinical and preventive practice. Their role also includes promoting environmental responsibility within healthcare delivery. This review outlines the conceptual underpinnings and historical evolution of these frameworks and explores the role of family medicine in advancing planetary health through the lenses of mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential of family medicine to meet planetary health responsibilities through innovative strategies such as digital health technologies, lifestyle medicine interventions, and the development of environmentally sustainable “green” health centers. These innovations not only improve health outcomes but also support ecological balance and health equity. Integrating planetary health competencies into medical education curricula is a critical prerequisite for long-term systemic transformation. This shift also requires sustained policy support and effective interdisciplinary collaboration to fully implement planetary health principles in primary care.