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Article The Role of Motivational Interviewing in Enhancing Birth Self-Efficacy and Birth Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study(Springer Publishing Co, 2025-11-25) Ozkan, Birgul; Sari, TugbaChildbirth is a critical and transformative experience in a woman's life; however, it is often accompanied by fear and perceived as a highly stressful event. Fear of childbirth may adversely affect a woman's confidence in her ability to give birth and her perceived competence regarding the birthing process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of motivational interviewing on childbirth self-efficacy and birth satisfaction among pregnant women. The study sample consisted of 85 pregnant women who were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Participants in the intervention group attended motivational interviewing sessions conducted over a 4-week period. Mode of birth and birth satisfaction were evaluated during the postpartum period. Among women in the intervention group, nearly 70% had a vaginal birth, and approximately 63% reported being satisfied with their childbirth experience. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in total childbirth self-efficacy scores following the intervention. The findings indicate that motivational interviewing can enhance childbirth self-efficacy and decrease the preference for cesarean birth.Trial registration: Registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06082895).Article The Influence of Postural Load and Early Aging on Dynamic Sound Localization: Evidence for Reduced Cognitive-Motor Reserve(Springer, 2026-04-23) Batuk, Isa Tuncay; Batuk, Merve Ozbal; Karakuluk, IremThis study investigated the effects of head movements and postural stability on sound localization performance in normal-hearing adults and explored age-related differences between individuals aged 20-30 and 30-40 years. A total of 102 participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 56, 20-30 years) and Group 2 (n = 46, 30-40 years). Using a virtual reality system, localization performance was assessed under three different postural conditions and two listening conditions (head-immobile and head-mobile). Localization errors were measured at a 55-cm distance across four azimuth angles (right-front, left-front, right-back, left-back). Primary outcome measures included Azimuth Error, Front-Back Confusions, and Overall 3D Error. Incorporating head movements resulted in a statistically significant improvement in localization performance across all surface conditions (p < .001). In the head-mobile condition, the sitting posture yielded significantly lower Front 3D Error compared to both firm (p = .005) and foam surfaces (p = .007). Age-related differences were found to influence localization performance across varying levels of postural stability. Group 2 demonstrated significantly higher localization errors than Group 1 in the sitting condition (e.g., Head-Immobile Overall 3D Error: p = .021) and on the foam surface (e.g., Head-Immobile Overall 3D Error: p = .046). Conversely, no significant differences were found between the groups for any parameter on the firm surface. These findings indicate that head movements substantially enhance spatial hearing accuracy. However, localization performance is modulated by postural stability and age. Increased postural challenge appears to impose a dual-task cost, revealing subtle early age-related changes in the cognitive-motor mechanisms underlying auditory-spatial integration.Article Magneto-Electrochemical Biosensing for Pathogen Detection Using Nuclease-Responsive Nanohybrids(Springer Wien, 2026-05) Dursun, Ali Dogan; Ozalp, Veli Cengiz; Kibar, Gunes; Borsa, Baris A.; Hernandez, Frank J.; Kavruk, MuratThe development of sustainable and highly sensitive diagnostic platforms is critical for rapid pathogen identification and effective disease management. Here, a green, magneto-electrochemical biosensing strategy is reported for the selective detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae based on pathogen-specific nuclease activity. Uniform organic-inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles were synthesized via an ultrafast UV-initiated emulsion polymerization within 5 min using an eco-friendly approach. The nanoparticles were sequentially functionalized by in situ deposition of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and biomimetic polydopamine coating, enabling robust and high-density immobilization of nuclease-responsive oligonucleotide probes. The resulting PDA@SPION/POSS nanohybrids exhibit controlled size, preserved structural integrity, and strong superparamagnetic behavior, allowing efficient magnetic manipulation and electrochemical signal transduction. Upon exposure to S. pneumoniae, nuclease-mediated probe cleavage produces a pronounced electrochemical response, enabling label-free detection over a wide dynamic range (102-10(8) CFU mL(-)& sup1;) with a detection limit of 102 CFU mL(-)& sup1;. High selectivity against non-target bacteria highlights the specificity of the enzymatic recognition mechanism. This work establishes a sustainable and amplification-free biosensing platform with strong potential for rapid clinical diagnostics.Article Ferroptosis–Inflammasome Crosstalk Contributes to Hyperglycemia-Induced Neuronal Injury and Is Modulated by the Ferroptosis Inhibitor UAMC-3203(Springer, 2026-05-11) Gurpinar, Aylin; Saracoglu, Selen; Sarikaya, Badegul; Bektur Aykanat, Nuriye EzgiBackground Hyperglycemia associated with diabetes and its neurological complications is strongly linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation; however, the contribution of ferroptosis to this process remains incompletely understood. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion and has recently been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders and diabetic neuropathy. Nevertheless, the interaction between ferroptosis and inflammasome signaling in hyperglycemia-induced neuronal injury remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of ferroptosis in hyperglycemia-induced neuronal damage and to evaluate the potential protective effects of the ferroptosis inhibitor UAMC-3203. Methods SH-SY5Y cells differentiated with retinoic acid were exposed to normoglycemic or hyperglycemic conditions and treated with UAMC-3203. Expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, ACSL4), inflammatory mediators (NLRP3, Caspase-1), and the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 were analyzed by Western blotting. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), while apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. Results Hyperglycemia suppressed GPX4 expression while increasing ACSL4, lipid peroxidation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, indicating enhanced ferroptotic and inflammatory stress. UAMC-3203 reduced lipid peroxidation, restored GSH levels, and markedly suppressed NLRP3 expression, particularly at higher concentrations. However, high-dose UAMC-3203 increased apoptotic cell death, suggesting a shift toward alternative cell death pathways when ferroptosis is inhibited. Conclusions Collectively, these findings indicate that hyperglycemia induces neuronal injury through a ferroptosis-associated inflammatory signaling axis and that targeting ferroptosis may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes-related neuronal damage.Article Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of a Wearable Technology-Supported Multicomponent Intervention on Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of People with Dementia(Taylor & Francis Inc, 2026-04-28) Küçükgüçlü, Özlem; Yener, Görsev; Özgül, Ecem; Akpınar Söylemez, Burcu; Soylemez, Burcu AkpinarThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable technology-supported multicomponent intervention among family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD), and to explore its preliminary effects on self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL). A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted. The sample comprised 44 caregivers. The intervention group received a wearable technology-supported multicomponent program while the control group received routine care. Feasibility indicators including recruitment, adherence, retention, and participant satisfaction were monitored throughout the study. Participants in the intervention group completed a questionnaire assessing their engagement with and satisfaction with smartwatch use. In addition, three data collection tools were used: the descriptive characteristics form, the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy and the Short Form 36 QOL Scale. Data for feasibility outcomes were summarised descriptively, while self-efficacy and QOL outcomes were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with effect sizes calculated. In this pilot study, feasibility indicators were acceptable and suggested that the intervention could be implemented among dementia caregivers. Exploratory analyses of self-efficacy and QOL revealed no statistically significant differences. Over time, the intervention group showed a trend towards an increase in overall self-efficacy, while the control group demonstrated a significant decline. The intervention appeared feasible and acceptable for caregivers of PwD, with high adherence and satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes, although caregiver self-efficacy showed a positive trend. These findings provide valuable guidance for designing future larger, longer-term, and more diverse trials to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable technology-supported interventions.Article Epidermal Patch Technologies for Integrated Healthcare and Infection Management(Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2026-04-27) Dodda, Jagan Mohan; Mizrahi, Boaz; Tevlek, Atakan; Wang, Yuqi; Deen, Roshan; Ejeromedoghene, Onome; Urban, Pawel L.Epidermal patches are multifunctional skin-interfacing platforms with applications spanning wound management, real-time biosensing, drug delivery, and tissue regeneration. Hydrogels play a central role due to their mechanical compliance, water-rich composition, and tunable physicochemical properties. Key design features flexibility, stretchability, self-healing, and self-adhesion, which ensure stable skin contact and device stability. Tailored electrical conductivity, enabled by conductive polymers, fillers, and novel fabrication strategies, allows seamless integration with bioelectronics for intelligent health monitoring. Fabrication innovations, such as 3D/4D printing, stereolithography, digital light processing, extrusion-based writing, inkjet printing, electrospinning, and microneedle-based platforms, allow precise spatial control and multifunctional integration. Emerging approaches, including AI-assisted biosensing, stimuli-responsive drug release, noninvasive skin metabolite monitoring, and biodegradable systems, further expand their potential. Applications range from infection-resistant wound dressings and minimally invasive drug delivery to acne therapy, cardiac patches, and hydrogel micropatch probes for skin metabolomics. Challenges remain in achieving scalable manufacturing, long-term durability, and material sustainability. Future development will converge intelligent hydrogel design, integrated biosensing, data-driven analytics, advanced metabolomics, and personalized transdermal therapeutic, transforming epidermal patches from passive materials into adaptive, closed-loop biointerfaces capable of sensing, decision-making, and on-demand intervention. By uniting therapeutic, diagnostic, and protective functions, hydrogel-based epidermal patches are set to revolutionize personalized healthcare.Article Development and Validation of the Athlete Food Insecurity Scale (AFIS)(MDPI, 2026-04-10) Yıldırım, Gonca; Baş, Murat; Çetiner, Özlem; Sünbül, ÖnderBackground/Objective: Athletes' dietary needs are influenced by the physiological demands of their sport, so the impacts of disrupted food access may vary from those experienced by the general population. This study aimed to develop and validate the Athlete Food Insecurity Scale (AFIS), a sport-specific tool designed to measure food insecurity in athletes. Materials and Methods: The study included 500 young adult athletes from 18 different sports disciplines. The sample was divided for exploratory factor analysis (n = 300) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 200). Standard procedures for scale development were followed, including content validity assessment, construct validity testing, convergent validity analysis, and reliability evaluation. Results: The final 23-item scale demonstrated a four-factor structure including performance changes, coping strategies, basic nutritional needs, and physical access restraints. Factor loadings ranged from 0.344 to 0.956, item-total correlations from 0.513 to 0.781, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients from 0.827 to 0.937. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the modified model with acceptable fit indices (chi(2)/df = 2.41, RMSEA = 0.080, TLI = 0.900, CFI = 0.910), and standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.53 to 0.89 (p < 0.05). Subscale scores differed significantly across Household Food Security Survey Module food security categories, supporting convergent validity. Conclusions: The AFIS demonstrates strong psychometric properties and may provide a sensitive tool for identifying and monitoring sport-specific food insecurity among athletes.Article Defining the Danger Zone for Peroneal Nerve Safety in All-inside Lateral Meniscus Repair: An MRI-Based Study(Springer Heidelberg, 2026-05-05) Bilecenoglu, Burak; Yagmurkaya, Ummuhan; Esme, Simge; Demir, Berin Tugtag; Koksal, Ali; Demirel, MuratBackgroundThe peroneal (fibular) nerve (PN) traverses the posterolateral aspect of the knee joint, placing it at risk during lateral meniscus (LM) repair, given its proximity to the popliteus tendon (PoT).ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the risk of PN injury and define a safe anchor penetration angle during all-inside LM repair.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 327 individuals aged 18-60 years. The patellar tendon (PaT) and PoT widths were measured. The PN location relative to the PoT was determined. Distances from the PN to predefined medial and lateral reference lines across the PoT were calculated. The angular relationship between these lines and the transverse axis of the PaT was also analyzed for both anteromedial (AM) and anterolateral (AL) arthroscopic portals.ResultsThe PN-to-PoT distance was found to be comparable for both portals. However, the PN was significantly farther from the lateral reference line in the AM portal and from the medial reference line in the AL portal. The safe upper limit for anchor insertion was approximately 65 degrees from the AM portal and 88 degrees from the AL portal.ConclusionAppropriate portal selection and anchor angle during all-inside LM repair can significantly reduce the risk of PN injury. The AL portal offers a broader safe insertion range and may therefore improve nerve protection. HintergrundDer N. peroneus (PN, auch: N. fibularis) verl & auml;uft querüber die posterolaterale Seite des Kniegelenks, was ihn angesichts seiner N & auml;he zu Sehne des M. popliteus (& bdquo;popliteus tendon, PoT) bei einer Rekonstruktion des lateralen Meniskus(LM) einem Risiko aussetzt.ZielZiel der vorliegenden Studie war es, das Risiko einer PN-Verletzung zu ermitteln und einen sicheren Anker-Eindringwinkel bei der All-inside-LM-Rekonstruktion festzulegen.Material und MethodeDazu wurde eine retrospektive Auswertung unter Verwendung der Magnetresonanztomographie(MRT)-Ausnahmen von 327 Personen im Alter von 18-60 Jahren durchgeführt. Die Breite der Patellarsehne (& bdquo;patellar tendon, PaT) und der PoT wurden gemessen. Au ss erdem wurde die PN-Lokalisierung relativ zur PoT ermittelt. Die Abst & auml;nde vom PN zu vordefinierten medialen und lateralen Referenzlinien im Bereich der PoT wurde berechnet. Auch wurde die Winkelbeziehung zwischen diesen Linien und der Querachse der PaT sowohl für anteromediale (AM) als auch für anterolaterale (AL) arthroskopische Portale analysiert.ErgebnisseDer Abstand vom PN zur PoT wurde für beide Portale als vergleichbar bewertet. Jedoch war der PN von der lateralen Referenzlinie im AM-Portal und von der medialen Referenzlinie im AL-Portal signifikant weiter weg. Der sichere obere Grenzwert für die Ankerinsertion betrug ann & auml;hernd 65 degrees vom AM-Portal und 88 degrees vom AL-Portal.SchlussfolgerungEine geeignete Wahl des Portals und des Ankerwinkels bei der All-inside-LM-Rekonstruktion können das Risiko einer Verletzung des PN signifikant vermindern. Das AL-Portal bietet einen breiteren sicheren Einführbereich und kann daher zu einer besseren Nervenprotektion beitragen.Article Body Surface Area Indexing Attenuates Apparent Early eGFR Decline After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study(MDPI, 2026-04-15) Karahisar Sirali, Semahat; Dede, Fatih; Banli, Oktay; Bayrakdar Çağlayan, Feyza; Demir, Mehmet Emin; Cankaya, Emre; Babaoglu, HakanBackground: Early postoperative changes in creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after bariatric surgery can be misread as a kidney injury. During rapid weight loss, indexing eGFR to a fixed body surface area (BSA) of 1.73 m(2) may alter apparent trajectories. We compared absolute (mL/min) and BSA-indexed (mL/min/1.73 m(2)) eGFR changes after sleeve gastrectomy, stratified by baseline glomerular hyperfiltration (GH). Methods: In this retrospective cohort of 145 adults undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, serum creatinine was obtained at baseline (<= 30 days pre-op) and 3 months (post-op days 75-105). Indexed eGFR was calculated with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) 2021 creatinine equation; BSA with the Mosteller formula; and absolute eGFR as indexed eGFR & times; (BSA/1.73). GH was defined as indexed eGFR >= 120 mL/min/1.73 m(2). A REML mixed-effects model (Group, Time, Group & times; Time) with patient-cluster bootstrap inference was used. An age-adjusted sensitivity model including Age and Age & times; Time was also fitted. Results: Fifty-four participants (37%) met the GH criteria. Absolute eGFR declined by -26.6 mL/min in GH versus -17.3 mL/min in non-GH (difference-in-differences [DiD] -9.3 mL/min; 95% CI -13.9 to -4.7; p < 0.001). The indexed eGFR changes were smaller (-4.2 vs. -0.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2); DiD -3.7; 95% CI -7.3 to -0.03; p = 0.048; bootstrap p_sign = 0.052). In the age-adjusted sensitivity model, the Group & times; Time interaction for absolute eGFR attenuated but remained statistically significant (-6.57 mL/min; 95% CI, -13.09 to -0.06; p = 0.048), whereas the corresponding interaction for indexed eGFR was attenuated and no longer statistically significant (-3.99 mL/min/1.73 m(2); 95% CI -9.15 to 1.16; p = 0.129). Conclusions: Within three months after sleeve gastrectomy, participants with higher baseline indexed filtration showed a larger decline in absolute eGFR but only a small change in indexed eGFR. These results show that early postoperative creatinine-based eGFR trajectories are scale dependent and should be interpreted cautiously during rapid weight loss. Because postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) was not adjudicated and direct kidney function markers were unavailable, this study does not distinguish physiological hemodynamic change from structural kidney injury. Reporting both absolute and indexed eGFR may improve early postoperative interpretation and help align dosing decisions with rapid changes in body size.Article Citation - WoS: 1Citation - Scopus: 1Balance, Gait and Foot Pressure Distribution in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Lumbar Disc Degeneration(MDPI, 2025-02-21) Yavuz, Ferdi; Korkusuz, Suleyman; Korkusuz, Busra Seckinogullari; Yuruk, Zeliha Ozlem; Kibar, SibelBackground: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NP associated with LDD on balance, gait and foot pressure distribution. Methods: This prospective controlled study was conducted on 42 individuals aged between 40 and 70 years. There were 3 groups in the study: individuals diagnosed with NP associated with LDD (n = 14), individuals with LDD without NP (n = 14), and the control group (n = 14). The Force Plate system and Core Balance System measured static and dynamic postural balance and stability limits. Gait and dynamic plantar pressure distribution analyses were performed with a computerized gait evaluation system. Results: The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms (LANSS), VAS during gait, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were higher in the LDD with NP group than in the LDD without NP group (p < 0.05). It was found that LDD with NP group had backward dynamic balance control (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in balance control, dynamic plantar pressure distribution, and spatiotemporal gait parameters between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although participants with NP had higher levels of pain severity in gait and disability, there was no difference in postural balance, dynamic plantar pressure distribution, and spatiotemporal gait parameters compared to participants with LDD without NP and healthy individuals. All participants with LDD were unilaterally affected. Therefore, postural balance and gait tasks would be able to compensate for the unaffected limb.