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Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/22

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Effects of Reformer Pilates on Pain, Psychological Factors, and Sleep in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Sahan, Nilay; Uluǧ, Naime; Özeren, Ayşenur
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders that follow a chronic course are associated with many symptoms, the most striking one is chronic pain that gradually worsens. The aim of this randomized controlled and single- center study was to investigate the effect of Reformer Pilates exercises on pain severity, pain coping methods, pain beliefs, fear of movement, fatigue and sleep quality in young adult patients with chronic low back pain and neck pain. Methods: A total of 54 women aged between 30 and 50 were randomized into two groups. The Reformer Pilates (RP) group received a 6-week exercise program (45 min/twice per week), while the control group (CG) didn’t receive any exercise program. Outcomes measured before and after the interventions were, Brief Pain Questionnaire, Pain Coping Scale, Pain Beliefs Scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, FACIT Fatigue Scale and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Results: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were found in favour of RP with small to large effect size in pain parameters (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.17–1.45), large effect size in fear of movement, small effect size in fatigue and medium effect size in sleep quality (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.43–0.86). No statistical difference between the groups was observed only in the pain beliefs organic sub-heading of the Pain Beliefs Scale and in the passive strategies sub-headings of the Pain Coping Scale (p > 0.05). Discussion: The results of the current study suggest that Reformer Pilates increased active living in patients with chronic low back pain and chronic neck pain engenders a comprehensive enhancement in both physical and mental health, in addition to the capacity of patients to proactively manage their condition. Trial registration: Registration number: NCT06706037. Date of registration: 11/25/2024. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
A Niche-Based Perspective to Stem and Cancer Stem Cells of the Lung
(Springer, 2025) Boyacıoğlu, Özge; Kalali, Berfin Deniz; Tongün, Ege; Korkusuz, Petek
Lungs carry the principle function for the conduction and exchange of air through the primary, secondary, tertiary bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, resulting in the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide within the human tissues. Lung stem and progenitor cells enable differentiation of parenchymal and stromal elements and provide homeostasis and regeneration in the microenvironment against pulmonary diseases. Tumor-initiating cancer cells (TICs) refer to a subpopulation named as cancer stem cells (CSCs) of lung cancer exhibiting high self-renewal and proliferation capacity by Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog, and Wnt signaling pathways that leads to tumor development or recurrence. Lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are characterized by distinct genotypic or phenotypic alterations compared to healthy lung stem cells (LSCs) that provide a potential target to treat lung cancer. Therefore, understanding the cascades responsible for the transformation of healthy to CSCs is essential to develop new targeted therapy approaches. In this chapter, we precisely highlight the latest researches on LSCs and CSCs, key signaling mechanisms within the perspective of novel targeted therapy strategies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Biotechnological Preparedness for Novel Pandemics: Diagnostic Performance of IVDS Against SARS-CoV
(Wiley, 2025) Kavruk, Murat; Ercan, Meltem; Borsa, Baris Ata; Ozalp, Veli Cengiz; Hernandez, Frank J.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges and negative impacts around the world, some of which will persist into the future, its technological challenge has created a unique opportunity in a globalized world. It is a rare event that almost all of humanity to be directed towards a single goal and to try to produce solutions, but the necessity of a similar global action in the future has begun to enter the agenda again. The predictions made on the basis of countries and institutions against the possibility of a pandemic, which is defined as Disease X, are shaped by the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technologically, one of the know-how we have gained in this pandemic is the performance of IVD and test systems in terms of quality and quantity. A comprehensive analysis of the products produced by combining biotechnology with different strategies has not been conducted. In this context, we have analyzed the technical preferences, limitations, and other performance parameters of IVDs and test kits that could be developed against a future Disease X. The performance parameters of 2,882 biotechnological products listed for use in the European Union have been analyzed, and areas that could be targeted for increased effectiveness have been identified. Our study is the first of its kind in this field and can serve as a guide for those who want to work on detection methods, diagnostics, and novel technologies for deployment in future pandemics.
The Role of Background Acoustic Stimuli in Dual Tasks: A Study on Postural Control Performance
(Wiley, 2025) Saricamlik, Selin; Avci, Nizamettin Burak; Yigit, Oznur
Introduction: Performing everyday tasks requires the use of multiple cognitive, sensory, and emotional systems. The interference of different variables in these multitasking systems affects our motor-balance system. This study was conducted to investigate how acoustic stimuli presented during a cognitive-motor dual task affect postural control in healthy young adults. Methods: Fifty-four healthy participants (39 females, 15 males; total age 21.87 +/- 1.18, range 19-24) were randomly assigned to control (silent), noise (multi-talker babble), or music (Mozart-Jupiter) groups based on testing environment. During the Stroop test, conducted with acoustic stimuli, postural sway velocity was measured on firm and foam surfaces with eyes open. The dual-task effect was assessed using the Wilcoxon test, and group comparisons employed one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Independent t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for two-group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 (Bonferroni-adjusted p<0.017). Results: The silent cognitive-motor dual task increased postural sway on firm (median increased from 0.18 to 0.26 deg/s) and foam (median increased from 0.21 to 0.32 deg/s) surfaces. Music did not significantly affect cognitive performance or postural sway compared to the control group. However, noise reduced postural sway on firm and foam surfaces compared to the control group but did not affect cognitive performance. There was no significant difference in average Stroop response times between the groups or between the firm and foam surface comparisons. Conclusions: During inhibitory control tasks, cognitive effort prioritized in young people in easy-to-balance situations. Background noise affects motor-cognitive interaction, highlighting its potential for enhancing vestibular rehabilitation strategies in multitasking and guiding future research.
The Predictive Effect of "Real Amylase Value": A More Accurate Predictor for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula
(Wiley, 2025) Emral, Ahmet Cihangir; Cetinkaya, Gokay; Dikmen, Kuersat; Kerem, Mustafa
BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common and serious complication following pancreatic surgery. While several studies have attempted to predict the development of POPF using drain amylase concentration, predictive values vary widely due to factors like abdominal irrigation and chylous drainage, which can dilute the amylase levels. This study aims to evaluate whether the "Real Amylase Value" (RAV), calculated as the product of drain amylase concentration and drainage volume, provides a more reliable prediction of POPF compared to conventional amylase concentration. Better prediction of pancreatic fistula development could lead to closer clinical monitoring of these patients, reassessment of hospital stay duration, and more careful management of drains over an extended period. Additionally, carefully managing the timing of drain removal may improve patient recovery and discharge process.MethodologyData from 198 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) were retrospectively analyzed. Drain amylase concentrations and drainage volumes were measured on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3, and the RAV (U) was calculated. Real Amylase Value (RAV) (U) was calculated using the formula: RAV (U) = Drain Amylase Concentration (U/L) x Drainage Amount (L). Predictive values for POPF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, comparing conventional amylase concentration (U/L) and RAV (U).ResultsOn POD1, the RAV (U) demonstrated greater predictive value for POPF compared to the conventional drain amylase concentration (U/L) with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.85 versus 0.79, respectively. Similarly, on POD3, RAV showed superior predictive accuracy (AUROC 0.89) compared to amylase concentration (AUROC 0.79).ConclusionThe RAV (U) offers a more accurate and reliable prediction of POPF than traditional drain amylase concentration (U/L), with improved sensitivity and specificity. This method could refine clinical management, particularly in the timing of drain removal and early intervention strategies for patients at high risk of developing pancreatic fistulas.
Integrating Virtual Reality Into OCD Treatment: Comparing Virtual Reality and Traditional Exposure Techniques in a Clinical Sample for Contamination-Related OCD
(Wiley, 2025) Inozu, Mujgan; Kargi, Bikem; Uzumcu, Elif; Eroglu, Elcin Ozcelik; Usta, Elif; Durmus, Dolunay Cemre; Yildiz, Mahmut Esat
Virtual reality exposure (VRE) is a useful and effective alternative that can overcome important limitations of traditional exposure methods. A limited number of recent studies have found promising results when examining the use of VRE in the treatment of contamination-related obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of VRE with in vivo and imaginal exposure in reducing contamination-related OCD symptoms. Forty-four participants diagnosed with DSM-5 OCD and whose primary symptoms were contamination obsessions and cleaning compulsions were included in the study. Participants were matched based on their Y-BOCS scores and assigned to VRE (n = 7), in vivo exposure (n = 8), imaginal exposure (n = 8) and wait-list control (n = 10) groups. Participants in the exposure groups completed an average of 10 exposure sessions with two sessions per week. The results indicated that VRE reduced the severity of OCD symptoms and contamination-related cognitions, as well as improving psychological well-being. Additionally, the findings suggest that VRE may be as effective as in vivo and imaginal exposure in reducing OCD symptoms, particularly in diminishing contamination-related anxiety and compulsive behaviours. The findings of the study indicate that VRE may offer a viable alternative to other exposure techniques.
Comparison of SARS-CoV IgG Responses in Hemodialysis Patients and Healthcare Workers After COVID-19 Vaccination
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025) Ozturk, Hakki; Ozsoy, Metin; Tuna, Aysegul; Varlibas, Artuner; Cesur, Salih; Aksoy, Altan; Demir, Mehmet Emin
Aim: This study aimed to compare SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) after COVID-19 vaccination and to identify factors influencing these levels. Materials and methods: A total of 193 participants were included: 104 HD patients and 89 age- and sex-matched HCWs as controls. All had completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series (two doses of CoronaVac or BNT162b2) and a booster dose. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG was measured at least one month after the last vaccine dose using a commercial immunoassay (Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant, CMIA). Results in Arbitrary Units (AU/mL) were converted to WHO standard Binding Antibody Units (BAU/mL) (1 AU/mL = 0.142 BAU/mL). IgG titers >= 7.1 BAU/mL (equivalent to 50 AU/mL) were considered positive. Results: All participants had positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. There were no statistically significant differences in IgG levels between HD patients and HCWs at any individual time interval (<3 months, 3-6 months, or >6 months) or in the overall mean titers (HD: 1259 +/- 1112 BAU/mL; HCW: 1002 +/- 765 BAU/mL; p = 0.216). No individual in either group had an IgG titer below 7.1 BAU/mL. Vaccine type, dialysis vintage, and presence of comorbidities did not significantly impact antibody levels. In the HCWs group, those vaccinated only with CoronaVac had significantly lower IgG levels than those receiving only BNT162b2 or a heterologous regimen (CoronaVac followed by BNT162b2). However, among HD patients, IgG levels did not differ by vaccine regimen. Conclusion: HD patients mounted a SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response comparable to that of healthy HCWs, with no participant falling below the positivity threshold. Dialysis duration and comorbid conditions did not significantly affect post-vaccination IgG levels. While HCWs who received only CoronaVac showed lower antibody titers than those who received BNT162b2 or a heterologous schedule, this difference was not observed in HD patients. These results suggest that COVID-19 vaccination elicits a robust humoral immune response in the HD population, underscoring the benefit of vaccination in this high-risk group.
Knee Hyperextension in Chronic Stroke: Associated Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Factors
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2025) Korkusuz, Sueleyman; Korkusuz, Busra Seckinogullari; Ozgoren, Nihat; Aritan, Serdar; Ceren, Ali Naim; Topcuoglu, Mehmet Akif; Balkan, Ayla Fil
Background: This study aimed to determine the gait phase in which knee hyperextension occurs in stroke patients and to investigate the factors associated with knee hyperextension. Methods: This study included 30 stroke patients aged between 40 and 70 years with maximum knee hyperextension during the stance phase of gait. Muscle strength was evaluated with manual muscle test, and muscle tone was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale. Kinematic evaluation of the patients was made using the motion analysis system. Additionally, categorisation was made according to the stance phase of gait, where knee hyperextension was at its highest. Findings: A weak relationship was found between maximum knee hyperextension angle and gastrocnemius spasticity, a moderate relationship between knee flexor muscle strength, and a moderate relationship between ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength. In addition, a weak relationship was found between the maximum knee hyperextension and pelvic retraction angles. According to this clustering, it was observed that 66.67 % of the participants (20 people) showed maximum knee hyperextension in the single support phase. It was observed that the participants who had maximum knee hyperextension, especially after the mid-stance phase, had higher mean gastrocnemius spasticity. It was also observed that participants in Cluster 4, with a greater amount of maximum knee hyperextension, had the worst clinical parameters. Interpretation: Our study observed that the degree of maximum knee hyperextension was related to knee flexor and ankle dorsiflexor muscle strengths, gastrocnemius spasticity and pelvic retraction. As clinical parameters worsened, maximum knee hyperextension was thought to occur late in the stance phase. Clinical Trial code: NCT05679700
Ozone Administration Reduces Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model
(Dove Medical Press Ltd, 2024) Gülcan, M.B.; Demirtaş, H.; Özer, A.; Yığman, Z.; Dursun, A.D.; Arslan, M.; Oktar, G.L.
Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate whether ozone has cardioprotective effects on the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetes. Methods: A total of 38 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups as follows: control group (group C,n=6), diabetic group (group D,n=6), diabetic ozone group (group DO,n=6), diabetic-ischemia/reperfusion (group DIR,n=6), diabetic-ischemia/reperfusion-ozone (group DIRO,n=6). Six rats died during this period and two died because of surgical complications. A myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model was created using a thoracotomy incision from 4th intercostal space. The LAD was ligated using an 8–0 prolene suture for 30min. Ozone was administered intraperitoneally(1mg/kg) 5min before reperfusion. The reperfusion time was 120 min. At the end of the reperfusion procedure, myocardial tissue histopathological examinations, and serum biochemical analyses were performed. Results: The percentage of TUNEL(+) cardiomyocytes/HPF was significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C, D, and DO groups. Conversely, TUNEL positivity was significantly lower in the DIRO group than in the DIR group. The IRI score was significantly higher in the DIR and DIRO groups than that in the C, D, and DO groups. In contrast, the IRI damage score in the DIRO group was significantly lower than that in the DIR group. Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C, D, and DO groups. Similarly, MDA levels were significantly higher in the DIRO group than in the C and D groups. CAT activity was significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C and D groups. SOD activity was significantly higher in the DIR group than in the C and DO groups. Conclusion: Our study showed that ozone exerts cardioprotective effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats through its antioxidant role against oxidative stress. Both biochemical and histological analyses clearly revealed that ozone has beneficial effects against IRI in the diabetic rat myocardium. © 2024 Gülcan et al.
Cross-Cultural Data on Romantic Love and Mate Preferences From 117,293 Participants Across 175 Countries
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Kowal, Marta; Sorokowski, Piotr; Gjoneska, Biljana; Pisanski, Katarzyna; Pfuhl, Gerit; Aguilar, Leonardo; Prazeres, Filipe
Psychological studies on close relationships have often overlooked cultural diversity, dynamic processes, and potentially universal principles that shape intimate partnerships. To address the limited generalizability of previous research and advance our understanding of romantic love experiences, mate preferences, and physical attractiveness, we conducted a large-scale cross-cultural survey study on these topics. A total of 404 researchers collected data in 45 languages from April to August 2021, involving 117,293 participants from 175 countries. Aside from standard demographic questions, the survey included valuable information on variables relevant to romantic relationships: intimate, passionate, and committed love within romantic relationships, physical-attractiveness enhancing behaviors, gender equality endorsement, collectivistic attitudes, personal history of pathogenic diseases, relationship quality, jealousy, personal involvement in sexual and/or emotional infidelity, relational mobility, mate preferences, and acceptance of sugar relationships. The resulting dataset provides a rich resource for investigating patterns within, and associations across, a broad range of variables relevant to romantic relationships, with extensive opportunities to analyze individual experiences worldwide.
Early Posterior Corneal Changes and Belin/Ambrosio Scores Following Photorefractive Keratectomy: a Pentacam Study
(Springer int Publ Ag, 2025) Yakar, Konuralp; Alacamli, Goeksu; Ozgur, Goekhan
Introduction: To evaluate early postoperative changes in the posterior corneal surface, anterior chamber parameters, and Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display (BAD) scores following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using Pentacam tomography. Methods: This observational study included 102 eyes of 51 patients (mean age 28.43 +/- 6.27 years) undergoing alcohol-assisted PRK for myopia and/or astigmatism. Preoperative and 1-month postoperative assessments were performed using the Pentacam system, measuring, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), central corneal thickness, posterior keratometry, posterior elevation, and BAD scores. PRK was conducted with a WaveLight (R) EX 500 excimer laser, followed by mitomycin-C application. Statistical analysis utilized paired t-tests and Pearson's correlation. Results: At 1 month post-PRK, ACV significantly decreased (p < 0.01), while ACD reduction was not significant (p = 0.40). Posterior keratometry (K1, K2, Kmean) and astigmatism decreased (p < 0.01), with a mean posterior elevation increase of -2.50 +/- 2.94 mu m (p < 0.01). A weak negative correlation was observed between maximum posterior elevation difference and ablation depth (p = 0.03, r = -0.20) and ablation depth/preoperative pachymetry ratio (p = 0.03, r = -0.20). BAD-D scores (Dp, Dt, Da, total D) significantly increased (p < 0.01), except for Df (p = 0.41). No correlation was found with preoperative pachymetry or residual stroma. Conclusions: PRK induces minimal posterior corneal protrusion and BAD score changes at 1 month, potentially mimicking early ectasia. Multimodal testing is advised for accurate ectasia detection. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to validate these findings.
Correction: Evaluating Anterior Segment Stability and Corneal Endothelium After Prolene Gonioscopy Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) in Open-Angle Glaucoma
(Springer, 2025) Aribas, Yavuz Kemal; Aktas, Zeynep; Ertop, Mestan; Surgical Sciences
Determination of Disaster Response Self-Efficacy and Related Factors of Nurses Working in Surgical Clinics
(Cambridge Univ Press, 2025) Kulekci, Emel; Tamer, Fazilet; Tug, Ozgur; Nursing
Objectives Disasters experienced in the world and in our country in recent years have made it necessary for health professionals to have high levels of disaster response self-efficacy. Nurses, as an important member of the health care team, have a key role in disaster management, especially in disaster response. Therefore, it is extremely important for nurses to be ready for disaster response and to have high levels of self-efficacy in disaster response. This study was conducted to determine the disaster response self-efficacy status and related factors of nurses working in surgical clinics.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 127 nurses working in surgical clinics between June and August 2023. "Sociodemographic Data Collection Form" was used to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the nurses and "Of the Disaster Response Self-efficacy Scale" was used to assess their disaster response self-efficacy.Results The findings of the study show that nurses working in surgical clinics have a high level of disaster preparedness. Previous on-duty disaster experience and feeling competent about disaster are positively associated with disaster response self-efficacy.Conclusions It may be recommended to provide evidence-based, high-quality, and up-to-date training programs at regular intervals to increase and maintain the emergency response competencies of nurses. The originality of this study is that it was conducted only with surgical nurses.
A Comparative Analysis of Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation Versus GnRH Antagonists Protocols Pertaining To Stimulation Parameters and Embryological Outcomes in Patients With Endometrioma
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025) Boynukalin, Fazilet Kübra; Tohma, Yusuf Aytaç; Gültomruk, Meral; Yarkiner, Zalihe; Akkaya, Ceren Melisa; Özkavukçu, Sinan; Bozdaǧ, Gürkan
Research question: Do embryo parameters and live birth rates differ between patients with endometrioma undergoing a freeze-all strategy using either GnRH antagonists or progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS)? Design: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Bahceci Health Group from January 2021 to January 2023. Inclusion criteria were females aged 20–40 with confirmed endometriosis, using either GnRH antagonists or PPOS ovarian stimulation, and opting for freezing all embryos without fresh embryo transfer (ET). A total of 543 patients were analyzed, with the primary outcome being usable embryos at cleavage stage and secondary outcomes including distribution of embryo quality, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rate. Results: For the GnRH antagonist arm, the median (25th-75th percentiles) total gonadotropin dose required during stimulation was significantly higher (2725 [2100–3587.5] vs. 2400 [2050–3075] IU, p = 0.001) and duration was longer (11 [10–12] vs. 10 [9–11] days, p = 0.01), although number of mature oocytes and maturation and fertilization rates were similar in both arms. However, the linear regression analysis revealed that the number of usable day-three embryos was higher with the PPOS protocol than with the GnRH antagonist protocol (OR: 0.890, CI 95%: 0.226 – 1.554, p= 0.009). Particularly in patients that had undergone FET, the respective live birth rates were 50.0% and 54.6% in GnRH antagonist and PPOS arms, respectively, without any statistical significance (p= 0.365). Conclusion: In patients with endometrioma, the PPOS protocol over GnRH antagonists might potentially enhance the quantity of usable cleavage-stage embryos while showing no significant impact on the number of collected oocytes. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy Versus Bent Ab Interno Needle Goniectomy in Patients With Open-Angle Glaucoma
(Galenos Publ House, 2025) Ucgul, Ahmet Yucel; Ucgul, Rukiye Kilic; Aktas, Zeynep; Surgical Sciences
Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and bent ab interno needle goniectomy (BANG) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Materials and Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 65 eyes diagnosed with OAG that underwent GATT (34 eyes) or BANG (31 eyes). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry at baseline and during follow-up visits. Success was categorized as qualified (IOP <= 21 mmHg with >= 20% reduction) and complete (same criteria without medication). Complications and the need for further surgery were recorded. Results: Preoperative mean IOP was 32.9 +/- 6.1 mmHg for GATT and 31.8 +/- 5.4 mmHg for BANG. At the final visit, mean IOP was reduced to 15.8 +/- 4.5 mmHg in the GATT group (51.9% reduction) and 17.9 +/- 5.7 mmHg in the BANG group (43.7% reduction). The complete success rate was 88.2% for GATT and 61.3% for BANG. Early failures were more frequent in BANG, while GATT showed fewer but later failures. Both procedures had minimal complications, with transient hyphema being the most common. Conclusion: In this study, GATT provided greater and more sustained IOP reduction and higher long-term success rates compared to BANG, making it a more reliable option for managing OAG.
An Updated Meta-Analysis on the Association Between Celiac Disease and Cardiovascular Diseases
(E-Century Publishing Corp, 2025) Faraji, Mahdi; Khademi, Reza; Maleki, Maede; Jafari, Fatemeh; Olama, Ensiyeh; Saghafi, Mohammad Sadra; Anar, Mahsa Asadi
Objectives: Research on the relationship between celiac disease (CD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still ongoing, and different studies have reported contradictory findings. To carry out a meta-analysis and systematic review to look into the connection between CD and CVD risk. Methods: A thorough search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to February 19, 2024. Relevant articles were extracted, and the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the related articles were screened. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: Nine cohort and one case-control studies involving 49,621,333 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a 7% increased risk of CVD in CD patients compared to controls (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.10, P < 0.05). Significant heterogeneity was observed among studies (I2 = 76%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence of a modest but significant increase in CVD risk in patients with CD. The results highlight the importance of considering cardiovascular health in CD treatment and the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and to develop targeted prevention strategies.
Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii and High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses in FFPE Malignant and Benign Breast Lesions Using Real-Time Pcr
(Dove Medical Press Ltd, 2025) Usluca, Selma; Bakir, Ayfer; Arikok, Ata Turker; Korkut, Gizem; Yagiz, Gulsah Ceylan; Alper, Murat; Basic Sciences
Objective: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women. In recent years, it has been suggested that various pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and human papillomavirus (HPV) may play a potential role in the development of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii and HPV infections in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of breast cancer patients using real-time PCR. Methods: The study included 136 paraffin-embedded biopsy samples with w confirmed malignant breast tumor diagnosis and 50 breast tissue samples diagnosed as benign breast lesions, serving as controls. The presence of T. gondii DNA and high-, medium-, and low-risk HPV genotype DNAs were investigated using the real-time PCR method. First, deparaffinization was performed using xylene and alcohol, followed by DNA extraction and real-time PCR amplification. Results: The most common histopathological types of malignant breast carcinoma were invasive carcinoma (n=82; 60.3%), invasive lobular carcinoma (n=26; 19.1%), invasive ductal carcinoma (n=8; 5.9%), and mixed invasive carcinoma (n=8; 5.9%). According to the Modified Bloom-Richardson classification, 55.15% of malignant breast tumor samples were grade 2, 32.4% were grade 3, and 12.5% were grade 1. Real-time PCR analysis did not detect T. gondii DNA or HPV DNA in any of these samples. Conclusion: Our findings do not support a role of T. gondii and HPV in breast cancer development. To better understand the possible relationship between breast cancer and these pathogens, further studies with larger sample sizes, diverse diagnostic methods, and broder geographical coverage are necessary.
Calcium Phosphate Honeycomb Scaffolds With Tailored Microporous Walls Using Phase Separation-Assisted Digital Light Processing
(MDPI, 2025) Kim, Gyu-Nam; Park, Jae-Hyung; Song, Jae-Uk; Koh, Young-Hag; Park, Jongee; Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
The present study reports on the manufacturing of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) honeycomb scaffolds with tailored microporous walls using phase separation-assisted digital light processing (PS-DLP). To create micropores in BCP walls, camphene was used as the pore-forming agent for preparing BCP suspensions, since it could be completely dissolved in photopolymerizable monomers composed of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and then undergo phase separation when placed at 5 degrees C. Therefore, solid camphene crystals could be formed in phase-separated BCP layers and then readily removed via sublimation after the photopolymerization of monomer networks embedding BCP particles by DLP. This approach allowed for tight control over the microporosity of BCP walls by adjusting the camphene content. As the camphene content increased from 40 to 60 vol%, the microporosity increased from similar to 38 to similar to 59 vol%. Consequently, the overall porosity of dual-scale porosity scaffolds increased from similar to 51 to similar to 67 vol%, while their compressive strength decreased from similar to 70.4 to similar to 13.7 MPa. The mass transport ability increased remarkably with an increase in microporosity.
Assessment of Anticancer Effects of Aloe Vera on 3D Liver Tumor Spheroids in a Microfluidic Platform
(Wiley, 2025) Tevlek, Atakan; Kibar, Gunes; Cetin, Barbaros; Basic Sciences
The search for effective anticancer therapies has increasingly focused on natural compounds like Aloe vera, renowned for its therapeutic properties. This study investigates the anticancer properties of Aloe vera on 3D liver tumor spheroids via a PDMS-based microfluidic device, providing a more physiologically realistic model compared to traditional 2D cultures. HepG2 cells were cultivated to generate 3D spheroids on-chip, thereafter subjected to different concentrations of Aloe vera and the chemotherapeutic drug Doxorubicin to evaluate cytotoxic effects. The microfluidic system, validated by COMSOL simulations, facilitated continuous perfusion and real-time assessment of cell viability over a duration of 10 days. The results indicated that Aloe vera markedly diminished cell viability by triggering apoptosis at concentrations over 12.5 mg/mL. IC50 values were determined at 72 h: 25 +/- 0.10 mg/mL for Aloe vera and 5.47 +/- 0.03 mu g/mL for Doxorubicin in 2D cultures, but in 3D cultures, the IC50 values were 31.25 +/- 0.14 mg/mL for Aloe vera and 8.33 +/- 0.05 mu g/mL for Doxorubicin. This study underscores the promise of Aloe vera as a natural anticancer agent and illustrates the efficacy of microfluidic platforms for enhanced drug screening and customized medicine applications.
Evaluation of Laser Ablation for Recurrent Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Treatment Success, Recurrence Rates, and Patient Outcomes
(Springer London Ltd, 2025) Emral, Ahmet Cihangir; Yazici, Sinan Efe; Surgical Sciences
PurposePilonidal sinus disease (PD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory condition primarily affecting the sacrococcygeal region, often resulting in discomfort, abscess formation, and recurrent disease. Various surgical interventions, including laser ablation, have been employed to treat recurrent PD. This study evaluates the efficacy of laser ablation in patients with recurrent PD, focusing on treatment success, recurrence rates, complications, and recovery outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 37 patients with recurrent pilonidal sinus disease treated with laser ablation between January 2022 and January 2025 was conducted. Preoperative data, postoperative complications, healing time, Visual Analog Scale values, and return to normal activities were collected.ResultsThe results showed that 70.3% of patients achieved complete healing without recurrence, while 21.6% experienced recurrence within a mean follow-up of 9.6 months. Five patients (13.5%) developed superficial infections, which were managed with local dressing. The median time for wound healing was 35 days, and patients returned to normal activities in an median of 1 day. Persistent disease was observed in 8 patients (21.6%), of whom 5 patients (62.5%) achieved full epithelialization after retreatment with laser ablation.ConclusionThe ease of application, avoidance of hospitalization, minimal postoperative care, and rapid return to daily activities make laser treatment a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with recurrent pilonidal disease, supported by favorable outcomes and low morbidity.

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