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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 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 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 The Association of Systemic Inflammation Index with Parathormone Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study(Dustri-Verlag Dr Karl Feistle, 2026-04-02) Dheir, Hamad; Demir, Mehmet Emin; Çağlayan, Feyza Bayrakdar; Islam, Mahmud; Çankaya, EmreAim: Abnormal parathormone (PTH) levels are common in patients undergoing hemodialysis and have been linked to adverse outcomes. This study investigated the association between the systemic inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Materials and methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 225 patients undergoing HD at a single center. Demographic data, comorbidities, dialysis vintage, and laboratory values were obtained from medical records. Patients were stratified into three groups based on PTH level according to KDI-GO CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) guideline targets: PTH1 (< 150 pg/ mL), PTH2 (150-600 pg/mL), and PTH3 (> 600 pg/mL). The SII and NLR were calculated from complete blood counts. We compared the clinical characteristics across the PTH groups and used logistic regression to identify independent predictors of PTH levels outside the target range. Results: Of the 225 patients (mean age 61.3 +/- 17.5 years; 53.3% male), 17.3% were in the PTH1 group, 55.6% in PTH2, and 27.1% in PTH3. Patients in the PTH1 (low PTH) group were older and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus than those in the target PTH group (p < 0.05). Serum calcium and phosphate levels were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin levels were significantly higher in both the PTH1 and PTH3 groups compared to the PTH2 group (p < 0.05 for both). Accordingly, the novel inflammatory indices differed by PTH category: the median SII and NLR values were lowest in the PTH2 group and significantly elevated in both the low PTH and high PTH groups (PTH1 and PTH3, p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression, higher SII (p = 0.002) and NLR (p = 0.045) were independently associated with PTH levels outside the 150-600 pg/mL target range, even after adjusting for age, diabetes, CRP, ferritin, calcium, and phosphorus. HD duration showed a significant inverse correlation with PTH in the PTH1 group (r = -0.245, p = 0.022) but was not an independent predictor of PTH category overall. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with PTH levels below or above the recommended target range demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers (CRP and ferritin) and higher SII/NLR values, indicating a state of increased systemic inflammation. The SII and NLR were independent predictors of out-of-range PTH levels. These easily obtained indices may be useful for assessing inflammation in HD patients with altered mineral metabolism. Further research is warranted to determine whether addressing inflammation can modulate PTH levels or improve outcomes in this population.Article Inhibitory Activity of Silver Nanoparticles on Staphylococcus Aureus Growth and α-Hemolysin Gene Expression(Springer, 2026-04-02) Karahan, Zehra Can; Yousif Al-Abayechi, Al-Hasan Ali; AL-Khairo, Mazin Yashkur Zaki; Abood, Meethaq SattarBackground Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections in humans. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as MRSA, has created an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents; however, their effects on key virulence factors, such as alpha-hemolysin (Hla), have not been fully characterized. Objective This study aimed to isolate S. aureus from clinical samples, synthesize AgNPs, and evaluate their antibacterial activity and ability to inhibit the expression of Hla virulence genes. Methodology Atotal of 250 clinical samples (urine, burns, and sputum) were collected. S. aureus was confirmed by culture, biochemical reactions, the API20 system, Vitek2, and PCR. The morphology and characterization of the AgNPs were prepared using the chemical reduction method and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FT-IR. Results Among the 250 specimens screened, 44 (17.6%) harbored S. aureus, and the isolation rates were similar regardless of the sample type. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs ranged up to 14.41 mm inhibition zone was impressive. The MIC and MBC of AgNPs were determined to be 8 and 64 & micro;g/mL, respectively. The expression of Hla gene was also downregulated in the AgNP group compared to that in the untreated control group, according to real-time PCR data. Conclusion Chemically synthesized AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-virulence activities against clinical S. aureus isolates and significantly suppressed Hla gene expression. This dual action highlights their potential as therapeutic agents against S. aureus infections, warranting further investigation of their mechanisms of action.Article Decreased Olfactory Function Is Associated With Mortality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis(w B Saunders Co-Elsevier Inc, 2026-03) Bal, Ayşe Zeynep; Turgay, Gülay; Tekinyildiz, Merve; Sezer, SirenObjectives: Several studies have suggested that hemodialysis (HD) patients with olfactory impairment are associated with poor quality of life and malnutrition. However, to date, the association of olfactory impairment with mortality has not yet been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factors affecting olfactory function, inflammatory and nutritional parameters, and mortality in HD patients. Methods: A total of 102 HD patients were assessed for olfactory function using the Sniffin' Sticks test, alongside demographic, nutritional, and inflammatory parameters. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on odor scores: impaired group (severe olfactory dysfunction, <= 6 odors) and nonimpaired group (mild-moderate/normal olfactory function, >= 7 odors). Patients were followed for 1 year. Results: Impaired group, comprising patients with severe olfactory dysfunction, exhibited significantly lower albumin levels (P = .021) and higher C-reactive protein levels (P < .001) compared to nonimpaired group. Nutritional status, as measured by Subjective Global Assessment, was also poorer in the impaired group (P = .010). Over a 1-year follow-up period, mortality was higher in the impaired group, with 12 deaths, compared to 6 deaths in the nonimpaired group. In the multivariate analysis, total olfactory score emerged as an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 0.73; P = .032). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a survival advantage for the nonimpaired group, and the log-rank test confirmed that this difference was statistically significant (P < .009). Conclusions: The findings suggest that olfactory dysfunction in HD patients is closely linked to malnutrition, inflammation, and increased mortality. These results highlight the potential of olfactory function as a prognostic marker in HD patients.Article Bioactive Copper-Doped Natural Hydroxyapatite Quantum Dots/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites in 3D-Printed PCL Scaffolds for Superior Osteogenic and Angiogenic Performance in Bone Tissue Engineering(Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2026-03-30) Maleki-Ghaleh, Hossein; Khanmohammadi, Mehdi; Swieszkowski, Wojciech; Adibkia, Khosro; Volpi, Marina; Paczesny, Jan; Shahriyari, FatemehThis study introduces a sustainable scaffold designed by integrating copper-doped natural hydroxyapatite quantum dots (Cu-HA QDs) and graphene oxide (GO) into a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix using 3D printing technology, to address the dual requirements of osteogenesis and angiogenesis in large bone defects. Synchrotron SAXS/WAXS and HR-TEM investigations of the Cu-HA QDs exhibited a highly crystalline hexagonal structure with distinct QD architecture, and core-level HR-XPS analysis confirmed the substitution of Cu2+ for Ca2+ within the HA lattice. Incorporating Cu-HA-GO nanocomposites significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the PCL scaffolds, including enhanced wettability, accelerated hydrolytic degradation, and increased mechanical stiffness. Under basal culture conditions, the PCL/Cu-HA-GO scaffolds significantly promoted mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix mineralization. Under basal culture conditions, the PCL/Cu-HA-GO scaffolds significantly stimulated mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix mineralization. Furthermore, robust osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression was observed, along with pronounced osteocalcin expression and extensive CD31-positive capillary network formation, underscoring the scaffold's unique ability to stimulate bone formation and vascular ingrowth simultaneously. These results present the 3D-printed PCL/Cu-HA-GO scaffolds as a promising, sustainable, dual-functional scaffold with superior osteogenic and angiogenic performance, offering an effective alternative for critical-size bone-defect regeneration.Article Citation - WoS: 2Citation - Scopus: 2Advances in Stabilizing Lipid-Based Nanoparticles: The Central Role of Lyophilization(Elsevier, 2026-06) Gallego, Idoia; Pedraz, José Luis; Bautista-Lopez, Irene; Enriquez-Rodriguez, Lucia; Maldonado, Iván; Lafuente-Merchan, Markel; Ramalingam, MuruganLipid-based nanoparticles (L-bNPs) have become a key platform in nanomedicine, enabling advances in drug delivery, gene therapy, and vaccine development. However, their widespread clinical application remains limited by their poor long-term stability, especially when stored in aqueous media. This review provides a comprehensive overview of long-term storage strategies for L-bNPs, with a particular focus on lyophilization (freeze-drying), which has emerged as the most widely adopted and effective stabilization method in the biopharmaceutical industry. The review begins with a classification of lipid-based nanoparticles and their medical applications, followed by an analysis of key storage challenges and a detailed exploration of freeze-drying processes, including critical parameters such as cryoprotectant selection, vial type, and the lipid composition of the formulation. Additionally, novel approaches such as spin freeze-drying are discussed for their potential to optimize solvent distribution and product morphology. Other long-term storage methods-including cryopreservation and atomization-based drying techniques such as spray-drying and supercritical fluid drying (SCFD)- are also examined for their potential benefits. Spray congealing, though still under development for L-bNPs, is highlighted for its promising performance in related lipid-based systems. While lyophilization remains the gold standard, the choice of method must be tailored to the physicochemical properties of the L-bNPs and their intended therapeutic use. Future perspectives highlight the need for more standardized protocols and advanced analytical tools to ensure stability and effectiveness across storage and transport conditions.