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Citation - Scopus: 0
Development of a Questionnaire To Assess Phosphate Knowledge in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Caregivers
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) McAlister, L.; Shaw, V.; Pugh, P.; Joyce, T.; Snauwaert, E.; Bathgate, F.; Lambert, K.
Introduction: Hyperphosphataemia is a common complication of paediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), despite the use of phosphate binders and the numerous strategies employed to reduce dietary phosphate (P) intake. This article describes the development of two self-administered semi-structured Phosphate Understanding and Knowledge Assessment (PUKA) questionnaires. The purpose of these is to assess challenges with adherence and measure declarative nutrition and procedural knowledge of phosphate in children and young people (CYP) with CKD and their caregivers. The aim is to create questionnaires that will be used for future studies investigating the relationship between knowledge and blood P-levels. Methods: Questions were generated from a literature review, clinical experience and feedback from a survey sent to UK paediatric kidney dietitians. The content, format and style of the questions were adapted and validated via expert consensus (including a psychologist, play therapist, paediatric kidney dietitians and nephrologists from the international Paediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce, and our Young Persons’ Advisory Group), two caregivers and two CYP. A draft questionnaire was piloted with five caregivers and CYP with CKD to ensure face and content validity. To allow utilisation in a planned multi-centre trial, it was translated into five languages (Dutch, French, German, Italian and Turkish). The final English version questionnaires were used in a sample of CYP with CKD stages 4–5 and on dialysis (CKD4-5D), and caregivers, from three UK paediatric kidney centres. Results: From an initial pool of 80 questions, 37 were included in the final PUKA questionnaire. Thirteen were knowledge-based, and a knowledge score was developed. An adult and a child-friendly format were designed. Pilot testing confirmed face validity to ensure the questions were understandable. Forty-four CYP with CKD4-5D and 33 caregivers completed the final English PUKA questionnaires, with over 80% rating it easy to complete. The median time required to complete it was 11:06 min (IQR: 7:22–16:31). Conclusions: The PUKA questionnaires are a valid and reliable tool for measuring P-related knowledge and experiences of managing phosphate in CYP with CKD and their caregivers. © 2025 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.
Citation - Scopus: 0
Outcomes of Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Children With Early-Onset Glaucoma Secondary To Sturge–weber Syndrome
(American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2025) Aktas, Z.; El Sayed, Y.; Ucgul, A.Y.; Gawdat, G.; Elhilali, H.; Aboalazayem, F.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in managing early-onset glaucoma secondary to Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS). Design: A retrospective interventional case series. Participants: Medical records of 16 patients (22 eyes) diagnosed with early-onset glaucoma secondary to SWS who underwent GATT surgery were reviewed. Methods: All patients underwent GATT surgery using a 5-0 or 6-0 prolene suture under general anesthesia. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, complete surgical success (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without medications), qualified surgical success (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with medications), and postoperative complications. Results: The mean IOP decreased significantly from 25.4 ± 4.8 mmHg at baseline to 15.7 ± 4.2 mmHg at the final follow-up (P < 0.001), representing a 38.19% reduction. The mean age at the time of GATT surgery was 33.6 ± 33.9 months. The mean follow-up duration was 16.3 ± 6.4 months. Complete surgical success was achieved in 45.4% of eyes (10 out of 22), while qualified success was reached in 81.8% of eyes (18 out of 22). Despite the overall success, 18.1% of eyes (4 eyes) required additional surgical interventions during the follow-up period. These included Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in 1 eye, trabeculectomy in 2 eyes, and transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in 1 eye. Transient hyphema was the only reported complication, resolving spontaneously within 1 week without further intervention. Conclusions: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy appears to be a promising surgical option for managing early-onset glaucoma in patients with SWS, offering significant IOP reduction and a favorable safety profile within the limitations of our study. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods and comparative groups are necessary to confirm these findings. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. © 2025
Citation - WoS: 0
Citation - Scopus: 0
Investigation of Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Hemodialysis Patients
(Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Ozturk, Hakki; Ozsoy, Metin; Tuna, Aysegul; Varlibas, Artuner; Cesur, Salih; Aksoy, Altan; Demir, Mehmet Emin
Background: Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection due to their immunocompromised status and frequent exposure to invasive medical procedures. HEV can lead to chronic infections and severe complications, particularly in high-risk populations. This study aimed to determine HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara, Turkey, and evaluate associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 160 hemodialysis patients from three private dialysis centers in Ankara were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Anti-HEV-IgG antibodies were detected using the ELISA method. Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors, including dialysis duration, comorbidities, blood transfusion history, drinking water source, dietary habits, and involvement in animal husbandry, were assessed via structured surveys. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22.0, with Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests applied to categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Results: HEV-IgG seropositivity was detected in 42 patients (26.25%). Seroprevalence increased significantly with age, rising from 6.7% in patients under 55 years to 47.4% in those over 65 years (p < 0.001). Extended dialysis duration (>5 years) was also significantly associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.02). However, no significant associations were found between HEV seropositivity and gender, blood transfusion history, source of drinking water, consumption of raw meat, or involvement in animal husbandry (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara was higher than previously reported rates in Turkey. Age and prolonged dialysis duration emerged as significant risk factors, underscoring the importance of screening and preventive strategies in this vulnerable population. Further multi-regional studies are needed to better understand HEV transmission dynamics and improve management strategies in hemodialysis patients.
Citation - WoS: 0
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Mapping the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: a Bibliometric Analysis
(Springernature, 2025) Oktem, Hale; Jamil, Yusuf; Sever, Sinem Nur; Basic Sciences
BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate research trends, key contributors, and thematic focuses in research of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. It seeks to identify future direction for studies related to long-term clinical outcomes regarding ALL's role in rotational stability, especially in the context of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) database, covering publications from 2012 to 2024 with the search term "anterolateral ligament". A total of 942 studies were identified. Descriptive statistics summarized publication trends, authorship, institutional contributions, and citation metrics. VOSviewer software was used to analyze co-authorship network analysis, keyword co-occurrence mapping, and total citation analysis. Yearly publication and citation trends were analyzed using WoS data. Studies addressing the ALL in other body regions were excluded. Additionally, only authors with at least one publication and one citation were considered, and documents with more than 25 authors were excluded. A total citation analysis was conducted, and 24 relevant keywords with more than 5 occurrences were identified using VOSviewer.ResultsAmong 942 publications, 707 were original articles. Research output peaked in 2017 (125 articles). Sonnery-Cottet was the leading author (75 publications), while Universidade De S & atilde;o-Paulo emerged as the top institution (57 publications). Key journals included Arthroscopy: Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery (143 articles) and The American Journal of Sports Medicine (131 articles). Keywords such as "anterior cruciate ligament", "reconstruction", and "rotational stability" dominated, reflecting a focus on ACL injury management. The top ten cited studies accrued 3,86 citations, with Claes et al.'s anatomical study leading (621 citations). Of the 942 ALL-related articles in WoS, 381 focused on anatomy (11,278 citations) while 814 addressed reconstruction (17,048 citations). Keyword trends shifted from anatomical to clinical terms, with anatomy declining and stability, injury, and outcomes gaining prominence from 2021 to 2024.ConclusionsThis bibliometric analysis underscores the growing interest in ALL research, peaking between 2016 and 2017. While foundational studies on ALL anatomy and biomechanics appear saturated, future research should prioritize clinical outcomes in terms of failure rate, reoperation, the long-term efficacy of ACL-ALL reconstruction, and advancements in imaging techniques.
Citation - WoS: 0
Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-8 Items in Adults
(Sage Publications inc, 2025) Cinar-Medeni, Ozge; Incekas, Caner; Ozcan, Aysenur; Ozdemir, Furkan; Ulusoy, Burak; Can-Karahan, Zehra
Background: The enjoyment of physical activity significantly influences participation in sports and various forms of physical activity. This study aims to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-8 Items (PACES-8). Methods: A total of 120 participants were included in the study. A standardized translation process was followed. Criterion-related validity was assessed using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ). All participants were evaluated in two sessions following a 15-min walk. Sociodemographic data, PACES-8, BREQ-2, and IPAQ questionnaires were administered during the initial measurement, while the second measurement focused solely on assessing physical activity enjoyment. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed factor loadings ranging from 0.78 to 0.94, indicating a strong single-factor structure. The model demonstrated a good fit to the data (Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test (chi(2)/df) = 3.26, p < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index = 0.96; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.93). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.95, reflecting excellent internal consistency. PACES-8 showed a low correlation with the external regulation score of BREQ-2 (r = -0.24, p = 0.03) and the physical activity score (IPAQ score) of participants (r = 0.24, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Turkish version of PACES-8 is a unidimensional, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring enjoyment of physical activity. Further research is needed to assess its validity across different populations.
Citation - WoS: 0
Effect of Training Based on Travelbee's Human-To Relationship Model on Prenatal Attachment, Fear of Childbirth, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth a Randomized Controlled Trial
(Slack Inc, 2025) Sari, Tugba; Gurhan, Nermin
PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of education provided to pregnant women with fear of childbirth according to Travelbee's Human-to-Human Relationship Model on fear of birth, prenatal attachment, and anxiety. METHOD: This prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted between June and August 2023. Participants included 62 pregnant women divided into intervention and control groups. Pregnant primiparous women who had fear of childbirth were selected for the intervention group, receiving an eight-session educational program based on Travelbee's model. RESULTS: At the end of the educational program, decreased fear of childbirth, lower anxiety, and higher prenatal attachment were detected in the intervention group. Results showed a statistically significant difference in the intervention group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Birth preparation education prepared according to Travelbee's model is an effective method for reducing pregnant women's fear of childbirth and anxiety and increasing prenatal attachment level.
Citation - WoS: 0
Citation - Scopus: 0
Global Insights Into Food Fraud From Location-Based Analysis: Food Adulteration in Turkey
(Wiley, 2025) Kavruk, Murat; Balci, Tugce Nur; Ozel, Irem Cagla; Ozalp, Veli Cengiz; Aydin, Ali
BackgroundFood fraud and adulteration pose critical global challenges impacting economic stability and public health. This study examines the prevalence and characteristics of food fraud incidents in Turkey, an international player in the food supply chain. Controls carried out from production to consumption reveal many fraudulent events worldwide.ResultsData collected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of T & uuml;rkiye from 2012 to 2022, covering 4007 incidents and 7180 specific cases of adulteration, form the basis of this analysis. The study categorizes food fraud by region, product group and type of fraud, revealing trends and patterns. Key findings indicate a higher incidence of fraud in milk, meat and vegetable oil products, including the detection of drug-based adulteration having potential for serious health consequences.ConclusionAt most importance, we demonstrated the importance of risk-based food inspections and the development of new detection technologies to enhance food safety. The results are fundamental for more effective food inspections in terms of risk-based conformity assessment approaches or developing new methods, devices and analysis kits in terms of scientific and technological approaches. Still, they can also significantly improve future food safety measures. These insights are aimed at informing global food safety strategies and policymaking, contributing to a safer and more transparent food supply chain. (c) 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Citation - WoS: 0
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Caval Valve Implantation Procedure in 7 Cases of Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation and Step-By Description of the Procedure
(Kare Publ, 2025) Bozbas, Huseyin; Barcin, Cem; Asfour, Mohamed; Celebi, Savas A.; Cam, Ersin; Ilkay, Erdogan
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an increasingly prevalent and clinically significant health problem.1 Due to the growing understanding of the importance of TR, the tricuspid valve has transitioned from being a forgotten valve to one of significant concern. Tricuspid regurgitation is often functional, and as it progresses to moderate or severe stages, hospital admissions increase and prognosis worsens.1,2 There are no effective pharmacological treatments for TR, and the 5-year survival rate with medical management is reported to be less than 50%.3 Therefore, early diagnosis and timely intervention for TR is crucial. Both surgical and percutaneous treatment options are available for severe TR. The mortality rate for isolated TR surgery is generally high.4 In recent years, transcatheter treatments have become feasible for this patient group, and accumulating evidence shows that transcatheter treatment is superior to medical management.5,6 Transcatheter interventions for TR can be performed in 4 ways, 2 involving repair and 2 involving valve We aimed to present our experience with transcatheter caval valve implantation (CAVI) in 7 patients with torrential TR who were not suitable for surgical intervention or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) due to severe coaptation defects, review the current literature, and provide a step-by-step description of the procedure.
Citation - WoS: 0
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The Role of a Smartphone Application in Monitoring the Risk of Hearing Loss Associated With Personal Listening Devices in Young Adults
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025) Tuz, Deniz; Saricamlik, Selin; Bodur, Ceren; Kirazli, Gulce; Akmese, Pelin Pistav
Background Exposure to loud music has been reported to affect high-frequency hearing thresholds in adults. This study aimed to use a mobile application to assess the risk of hearing loss associated with personal listening devices (PLDs) in young adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 99 healthy iPhone Operating System (iOS) smartphone users aged 17 to 31 years. Based on their weekly, monthly, 6-month, and annual listening data from the "Health" application, participants were classified into at-risk or non-risk groups. Six individuals in the at-risk group underwent audiological assessments. The Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) was given to all participants. SSQ scores were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. The correlation between average PLD sound levels and SSQ scores was analyzed using the Spearman's test. Results The weekly, monthly, 6-month, and annual listening data showed that 16, 14, 12, and 12 participants were at risk, respectively. All six participants who underwent audiological assessment exhibited normal hearing thresholds. However, a pattern of decline at high frequencies was noted. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of overall SSQ score (z = -2.74, P = 0.00), speech perception score (z = -3.25, P = 0.00), and hearing quality score (z = -2.01, P = 0.04) based on the 6-month and annual listening data. A weak positive correlation was found between the SSQ scores across all subscales and monthly sound-level data. Exposure duration was negatively correlated with speech perception (r = -0.32, P < 0.05), spatial perception (r = -0.26, P < 0.05), and overall score (r = -0.29, P < 0.05) in weekly data, as well as with hearing quality (r = -0.21; P < 0.05) and overall score (r = -0.21, P < 0.05) in annual data. Conclusions The immediate effects of loud music exposure were absent; however, prolonged exposure resulted in reduced speech perception and hearing-quality levels. Data from the iOS "Health" application indicated that some individuals were at risk of hearing loss, suggesting the need to modify their listening habits to prevent long-term decline in hearing function.
Citation - WoS: 1
Citation - Scopus: 1
Epidemiological Assessment of Depression, Activities of Daily Living and Associated Factors in Elderly Individuals Aged 65 Years and Older: Evidence From a Population-Based Study
(Mdpi, 2025) Arayici, Mehmet Emin; Kose, Ali; Dolu, Suleyman; Arayici, Sema Gultekin; Gedik, Gizem; Kilic, Beyza Nur; Erkin, Ozum
Background: It is a well-established fact that late-life depression represents a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries experiencing rapid demographic aging. Although its clinical and societal impacts are well-recognized, data on the interplay between depressive symptoms and functional status in older populations remain limited for T & uuml;rkiye. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among individuals aged 65 years or older, examine its associations with instrumental and basic activities of daily living, and identify key sociodemographic and behavioral correlates. Methods: In this study, data obtained from a population-based survey in 2264 clusters by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) were used, and weighted data were yielded from 6,036,396 adults aged 65 and over. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), categorizing participants as "not depressed", "mildly depressed", or "severely depressed". Functional status was evaluated using the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale and the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), were used to determine the associations of depression with functional impairment and various covariates, including gender, education, marital status, chronic disease, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use. Results: Overall, the prevalence of depression in this cohort was 49.9% [95% CI = 48.7-51%], with 36.0% [95% CI = 34.8-37.0%] classified as mild and 13.9% [95% CI = 13.1-14.7%] as severe depression. IADL and ADL scores were negatively correlated with GDS scores (r = -0.416 and r = -0.321, respectively; p < 0.001). In logistic models, lower IADL scores were linked to higher odds of mild (OR = 0.797, 95% CI = [0.796-0.798], p < 0.001) and severe depression (OR = 0.689, 95% CI = [0.688-0.690], p < 0.001). Being semi-dependent or dependent in ADL further escalated depression risk. Female gender, lower education, single/divorced status, chronic disease, and inactivity also emerged as strong predictors. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that depression is highly prevalent among older adults in T & uuml;rkiye, with functional impairment, unfavorable health behaviors, and sociodemographic vulnerabilities heightening risk. Integrating depression screening into geriatric care-alongside interventions to maintain functional independence-may help mitigate the burden of late-life depression in similar contexts.
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Current New Approach in Thoracoscopic Surgery: Non-Intubated Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (Ni-Univats)
(Mdpi, 2025) Agar, Mehmet; Gulcek, Ilham; Kalkan, Muhammed; Ulutas, Hakki; Celik, Muhammet Reha; Aksu, Ahmet; Cakmak, Muharrem
Background and Objectives: Non-intubated uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NI-UniVATS) is a minimally invasive technique performed using a single port, allowing the entire surgical procedure to be completed with spontaneous breathing without the need for general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients who underwent NI-UniVATS between 2020 and 2023. The intraoperative and postoperative data of patients who underwent NI-UniVATS were evaluated. Results: Among the cases, 37 (72.5%) were male, and 14 (46.6%) were female, with a mean age of 47.73 +/- 20.43 years (range: 18-78 years). The mean operative time was 25.92 +/- 7.31 min. No perioperative complications were observed in any patient. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.17 +/- 1.76 days (range: 2-9 days). A right hemithoracic approach was performed in 28 patients (54.9%), whereas a left hemithoracic approach was used in 23 patients (45.1%). The procedures performed included wedge resection in 27 patients (52.9%), biopsy in 22 patients (43.1%), pericardial window creation in one patient (2%), and intrathoracic foreign body removal in one patient (2%). Conclusions: NI-UniVATS allows for safer surgery by preventing the adverse effects and complications associated with general anesthesia. NI-UniVATS can be recommended as a safe and feasible approach for both minor and major thoracic procedures.
Citation - WoS: 0
The Association Between Digital Device Usage Behaviors and the Incidence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Among University Students
(Taylor & Francis Inc, 2025) Jamil, Yusuf; Oktem, Hale; Sever, Sinem Nur; Basic Sciences
BackgroundThe extensive use of mobile and digital devices has been implicated in various musculoskeletal disorders, including de Quervain's tenosynovitis (dQD), a condition affecting the thumb. PurposeThe present study investigates the relationship between digital device usage patterns and the prevalence of dQD among university students. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 508 participants (255 females and 253 males), collecting data on daily device use time, wrist positions, hand dominance, and stretching practices via a questionnaire. Data collection was carried out through a supervised, face-to-face survey. Diagnosis of dQD was determined using Finkelstein's test, all data were analyzed using SPSS software. ResultsOut of 508 participants, 187 (36.8%) tested positive for dQD, with 152 (95.6)% occurring in the dominant hand (p = .006, Cram & eacute;r's $\upsilon $upsilon = 0.121). 250 participants used their devices with wrists in ulnar deviation (49.2%), which was strongly linked to a positive Finkelstein test result (p = .004, Cram & eacute;r's $\upsilon $upsilon = 0.175). Finkelstein's test showed increasing positivity with device use, ranging from 12.5% for < 2 hours to 46.2% for >= 8 hours, with a statistically significant association (p < .001, Cram & eacute;r's $\upsilon $upsilon = 0.234). Device usage varied, with the highest test positivity rates among those using devices 6-8 hours per day suggesting a significant association with dQD (p = .001). No significant relationship was found between dQD and the practice of stretching or relieving movements (p = .146). ConclusionThe findings indicate that prolonged digital device usage, specific wrist positions such as ulnar deviation, and dominant-hand use are significantly associated with an increased risk of de Quervain's tenosynovitis among college students.
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Chemical Mechanical Polishing as an Alternative Surface Treatment Technique for Corrosion Prevention of Carbon Steel in an Acidic Medium
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Ahmed, Mohamed; Ali Al-Timimi, Buthainah; Al-Ali, Maha; Abdullah, Ghassan H.; Khalaf Atiyaha, Safa; Yaseen Ali Aljanabi, Ahmed; Mel, Maizirwan
Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) has been a standard technique in semiconductor manufacturing for achieving smooth surfaces. CMP utilizes a synergistic interplay of chemical and mechanical interactions to achieve the desired removal rates, selectivity, and ultimately planarity with different substrate materials. In this study, the impact of CMP on the surface properties of steel used in the petroleum industry was examined, with a focus on its corrosion behavior posttreatment. Steel samples were subjected to CMP with and without an oxidizer in a silica-based slurry, and their surface characteristics were compared to those of samples polished mechanically. The addition of an oxidizer to the slurry resulted in increased material removal rates and the formation of an oxide layer on the surface; this phenomenon was not observed in CMP without an oxidizer. However, in mechanical polishing, the action of silicon carbide grains on the steel surface led to an increase in the removal rate but caused a decrease in its corrosion resistance. Compared with other treatments, the oxide layer provided a good protective barrier against corrosion and improved the corrosion resistance of the steel substrate. Based on the results from the practical study, an improvement in the corrosion resistance properties was observed due to the chemical reaction of the oxidizer and the mechanical action of the silica nanoparticles; these results showed the importance of chemical mechanical polishing as an alternative method to reduce the corrosion of steel in acidic environments. Additionally, the effect of hydrogen peroxide in a silica slurry with respect to the wettability, surface roughness, and hardness of steel was examined using contact angle measurements, profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness tests.
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Exploring the Intersection of Caregiving Burden, Parenting Stress, and Self-Efficacy in Caregivers of Children Born With Esophageal Atresia
(Elsevier Science inc, 2025) Pars, Hatice; Cakir, Banu
Aims: To examine the relationship between caregiving burden and parenting stress in caregivers of children with esophageal atresia and to identify factors associated with caregiving burden. Additionally, it explores whether self-efficacy mediates this correlation. Design: An analytical cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were collected from 139 caregivers using the Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale (ZCB), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE), and Parental Stress Scale (PS) between June and October 2023. Statistical analyses included structural equation modeling and logistic regression using IBM SPSS 28.0, SPSS Amos, and Jamovi software. Results: Among the participants, 68.3 % experienced a moderate-to-high caregiving burden. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between ZCB and CSE scores, while a moderate positive correlation was observed between ZCB and PS scores. Parenting stress was associated with caregiving burden; however, self-efficacy did not mediate this relationship. Conclusion: Caregivers, particularly mothers with high parental stress, a history of miscarriage, and a gestational age above 30 weeks, should be prioritized for interventions addressing caregiving burden. Implications for the profession: Assessing caregiving burden and stress in outpatient clinics is critical for effective home care management. Standardized discharge education and psychosocial support should be provided to caregivers to alleviate their burden. Impact: This study fills a research gap regarding caregivers of children with esophageal atresia and provides guidance for healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, and policymakers. Promoting community-based and personal care support services is essential for reducing caregiving burden and parental stress. Reporting method: This study adhered to the STARD guidelines. Patient or public contribution: No patient or public involvement. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Citation - WoS: 0
Effect of Covid-19 Infection on the Performance of Elite Adolescent Overhead Athletes
(Sage Publications inc, 2025) Ulug, Naime; Kodak, Seyde Busra; Kodak, Muhammed Ihsan; Karahan, Zehra Can; Kilic, Erden
Background: COVID-19 might have a negative impact on sports performance. There are few studies in the literature that assess how the sports performance of adolescent athletes is affected by COVID-19. Objective: This study aimed to compare the sports performance of adolescent overhead athletes who had COVID-19 infection with those who had not. Methods: The study involved adolescent elite overhead athletes from basketball, volleyball, handball, and tennis. Athletes' performance were assessed using core muscle endurance, hand grip strength, upper extremity functional performance, reaction time and agility performance, and the 3-min step test. Results: Study included 47 adolescent overhead athletes (mean age 15.15 +/- 1.51 years). The COVID-19 group showed significantly higher Borg Scale scores and decrease in oxygen saturation levels only after the step test (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, respectively). Additionally, COVID-19 group had lower grip strength in both right and left hands compared to the non-COVID group (p = 0.01, p = 0.05, respectively). No significant association was found between core muscle power and endurance, upper extremity functional performance, reaction time and agility performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results showed reduced hand grip strength and increased fatigue following COVID-19 infection in adolescent overhead athletes. Time period after COVID-19 infection had a negative correlation with sports performance and core endurance.
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Molecular/Antigenic Mimicry and Immunological Cross-Reactivity Explains Sars-Cov Autoimmunity
(Elsevier, 2025) Adiguzel, Yekbun; Bogdanos, Dimitros P.; Shoenfeld, Yehuda
COVID-19 pandemic is over, but its effects on chronic illnesses remain a challenging issue. Understanding the influence of SARS-COV-2-mediated autoimmunity and overt autoimmune disease is of paramount importance, as it can provide a critical mass of information regarding both infection-mediated (and vaccination-induced) autoimmune phenomena in susceptible individuals during the disease course, and short or long-term post-disease sequelae. The high prevalence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibody positivity in patients with COVID-19 led to studies attempting to delineate the origin and the underlying mechanism responsible for their induction nature, identifying novel autoantigens, and the self-epitope sequences which could be the impetus for the initiating autoreactive responses. Herein, we provide a meticulous review of the studies reporting those mimicking sequences that have been experimentally validated, based on the assumption that molecular mimicry and immunological crossreactivity may account for autoantibody development. Most reports are based on bioinformatics approaches, and only a disproportionally small number of studies currently demonstrate immunological crossreactivity. We took the opportunity to further review and searched for the linear human epitope sequences of human, through the epitopes deposited at the Immune Epitope Database. This included an analysis of autoimmune disease as the disease data to comprehensively understand the subject matter. The critical overview of the findings underscore the urgent and immense need for further research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved and the anticipated appraisal that molecular mimicry and immunological crossreactivity is indeed central to the loss of immunological tolerance during SARS-COV-2 infection.
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The Proprioceptive Puzzle: an Observational Study Investigating the Effects of Cervical Proprioceptive Errors on Quantitative Sensory Testing and Body Awareness in Young Individuals
(Public Library Science, 2025) Acet, Nagihan; Begen, Sena; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Objective: The present study investigates the effects of cervical proprioceptive errors (CPE) on body awareness and quantitative sensory testing (QST), including the pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation in young individuals. Materials and methods: Included in this prospective cross-sectional study were 78 participants who were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of CPE. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the clinical trial number [NCT06559397]. Cervical proprioception was measured using the "head position error test", body awareness was assessed using the "Body Awareness Questionnaire", QST was assessed using a mechanical pressure algometer, and conditioned pain modulation was evaluated using cold stimulus. Results: The study revealed a significant reduction in body awareness among those with CPE (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of QST, including the pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation (p > 0.05). Conclusions: CPE can have a significant impact on body awareness, leading to a decrease in the ability to perceive one's own body. While the present study offers no significant findings related to QST, it provides new insights into the relationship between proprioception, body awareness, and pain processing mechanisms. Clinically, the results suggest the importance of integrating interventions aimed at enhancing body awareness into the treatment protocols of patients with CPE.
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The Evaluation of P-Wave Parameters in Patients With Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defect
(Wiley, 2025) Astan, Ramazan; Kacmaz, Fehmi; Saricam, Ersin; Ilkay, Erdogan
Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) can lead to volume overload and related changes in P-wave parameters in surface electrocardiograms of these patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of volume overload on P-wave parameters in patients with ASD. Materials and methods: This study is a retrospective cohort analysis. A total of 142 patients with secundum ASD who underwent percutaneous closure were evaluated. P-wave duration (Pmax) and P-wave dispersion (PWD) were measured on the surface ECG before and 1 h after the closure procedure. We evaluated P-wave parameters in terms of defect size, duration of the volume overload, and closure device sizes. Results: Pmax and PWD were significantly decreased after the procedure compared with the values before the procedure (p < 0.001). Pmax values had a statistically significant correlation with ASD size (< 20 mm or >= 20 mm) both before and after the procedure. Pmax values were significantly higher in patients older than 30 years of age (119.6 +/- 19.5 vs. 102.7 +/- 17.1 ms, respectively; p = 0.039). A significantly positive correlation was found between pre- and post-procedural Pmax and defect sizes (r = 0.474, p = 0.019 and r = 0.4233, p = 0.04, respectively). However, no positive correlation between PWD and defect age and size was present. Conclusion: Percutaneous closure of ASD is associated with an immediate decrease in both Pd and Pmax that seems to be related to the acute volume overload cessation in cardiac chambers.
Citation - WoS: 0
Citation - Scopus: 0
Dead Cell Discrimination With Red Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots From the Medicinal and Edible Herb Echinophora Tenuifolia
(Springer/Plenum Publishers, 2025) Ozdemir, Naciye; Tan, Gamze; Tevlek, Atakan; Arslan, Gulsin; Zengin, Gokhan; Sargin, Idris; Basic Sciences
Accurately determining the viability of cells is crucial for in vitro cell research. Fluorescence-based live/dead cell staining is a highly desirable method to assess cell viability and survival in in vitro studies. We describe a green synthesis method to create red-emissive CQDs from the medicinal and edible herb Echinophora tenuifolia using microwave irradiation. We observed that the biocompatibility and photostability of the CQDs are superior. The antioxidant capacity of the CQDs and the plant extract were also investigated using different chemical methods (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, PBD, and MCA). The antioxidant capacity of the CQDs was similar to that of the extract of E. tenuifolia. Cytotoxicity studies indicate that while the CQDs are not toxic to L929, they exhibit significant toxicity towards HepG2 cells. The CQDs exhibited a strong negative zeta potential (-44.0 mV), which contributed to their selective interaction with dead cells while being repelled by viable cells with intact membrane potentials. The optimal concentration for effective, non-toxic imaging was determined to be 25 mu g/mL, as lower concentrations did not produce detectable fluorescence. Differential staining experiments confirmed that CQDs selectively stained dead cells, with red fluorescence observed under the Texas Red filter. Moreover, CQDs exhibited favorable fluorescence intensity and stability, which may offer advantages for long-term and reliable bioimaging applications. In vitro studies on HepG2 and L929 cell lines revealed that the red-emissive CQDs from E. tenuifolia can be potentially used in bioimaging.
Citation - WoS: 4
Citation - Scopus: 4
Antioxidant Activity of Micractinium Sp. (Chlorophyta) Extracts Against H2O2 Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
(Nature Portfolio, 2024) Bulut, Onur; Kose, Iskin Engin; Sonmez, Cagla; Oktem, Huseyin Avni
In response to the growing demand for high-value bioactive compounds, microalgae cultivation has gained a significant acceleration in recent years. Among these compounds, antioxidants have emerged as essential constituents in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. This study focuses on Micractinium sp. ME05, a green microalgal strain previously isolated from hot springs flora in our laboratory. Micractinium sp. cells were extracted using six different solvents, and their antioxidant capacity, as well as total phenolic, flavonoid, and carotenoid contents were evaluated. The methanolic extracts demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity, measuring 7.72 and 93.80 mu mol trolox equivalents g-1 dry weight (DW) according to the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. To further characterize the biochemical profile, reverse phase high-performance chromatography (RP-HPLC) was employed to quantify twelve different phenolics, including rutin, gallic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and beta-carotene, in the microalgal extracts. Notably, the acetone extracts of Micractinium sp. grown mixotrophically contained a high amount of gallic acid (469.21 +/- 159.74 mu g g-1 DW), while 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (403.93 +/- 20.98 mu g g-1 DW) was the main phenolic compound in the methanolic extracts under heterotrophic cultivation. Moreover, extracts from Micractinium sp. exhibited remarkable cytoprotective activity by effectively inhibiting hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and cell death in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. In conclusion, with its diverse biochemical composition and adaptability to different growth regimens, Micractinium sp. emerges as a robust candidate for mass cultivation in nutraceutical and food applications.

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