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Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/18
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Article The Relationship between Appetite Hormones and Body Mass Index in Children with Intoxication Type Metabolic Diseases(BMC, 2026-06-18) Özen Yeşil, Burcu; Konyalıgil, Dilara Berşan; Tel Adıgüzel, Kübra; Kaldırım, Beyza; Gündüz, Mehmet; Koç, Nevra; Kıreker Köylü, OyaBackground The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of appetite loss and insufficient energy intake, which trigger poor metabolic control parameters, on appetite hormones and body mass index in children with intoxication-type metabolic diseases, including Phenylketonuria, Organic Acidemia, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, and Urea Cycle Disorder, in comparison with a healthy control group. Methods The study sample consisted of 40 healthy children and 43 children with intoxication-type metabolic diseases, aged between 1 and 18 years. The mean age of the participants was 7.5 +/- 4.60 years. The study was conducted with a total of 83 children, including 39 girls (47.0%) and 44 boys (53.0%). Results When the body mass index z-score values of all participants were examined, it was found that 2.6% had a body mass index below - 2 SD, 71.1% were within the range of (-2 SD to + 1 SD), and 25.3% were above + 1 SD. Peptide YY and adiponectin hormone levels were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0,05). However, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of ghrelin, insulin, and leptin hormone levels (p > 0,05). It was found that ghrelin hormone levels in the patient group significantly varied according to body mass index z-score distribution (p < 0,05). Children in the <=-2 SD group had significantly higher ghrelin hormone levels compared to those in the (-2 SD to + 1 SD) and > + 1 SD groups (p < 0,05). Conclusions Significant alterations occur in the levels and signaling of appetite hormones in amino acid metabolism disorders. These changes result from factors such as low-protein diets, toxic metabolite accumulation, and organ dysfunction. Appetite hormone dysfunction can negatively affect patients' energy intake and overall metabolic balance, leading to a decline in quality of life and adherence to treatment. Therefore, regular monitoring of appetite hormones and individualized dietary interventions should be considered essential strategies in the long-term nutritional management of these patients.Article Pseudo-Random Number Generation in an Agent-Based Gamified Cellular Automata Environment(Graz Univ Technolgoy, Inst Information Systems Computer Media-Iicm, 2026-05-28) Acar, Ozan Can; Kilic, HurevrenHigh-quality random number generation is a need for many engineering application areas grounded on different theoretical bases, including probability theory & statistics, game theory, information theory, etc. Our solution to the problem is a Pseudo-Random Number Generation (PRNG) framework constituted by a Two-Dimensional Linear Cellular Automata (2D LCA) model and the Monte Carlo Tree Search method within an agent-based gamified environment. The framework employs 2D LCA as the foundation, utilizing the temporal evolution histories of cells to examine its impact on random sequence generation enabled through an intelligent agent-based gamification approach. Experimental results and evaluations showed that under the proposed framework, both agent-to-agent and agent-to-environment goal-driven game competitions facilitate high-quality random sequence generation while passing the NIST Statistical Test Suite tests, with success rates surpassing most of the existing PRNGs in the literature.Article Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitors in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: A Preclinical Systematic Review(Springer, 2026-06-08) Uslu, Irem; Kilic, Berkay; Yangi, Kivanc; Turkmenel, Merve G.; Senturk, Ecem; Kara, Bilge; Celikkiran, Zeynep E.Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular abnormalities characterized by clusters of dilated capillaries. They are most associated with loss-of-function mutations in three genes (Ccm1, Ccm2, and Pdcd10/Ccm3). In capillary endothelial cells, mutations activate the Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK), leading to non-heme iron deposition and lesion formation, thereby contributing to CCM pathophysiology. To address this, ROCK inhibitors are being explored as potential stabilizing therapies in CCM. By reviewing the existing literature, this study aims to provide a descriptive evaluation of their effects on non-heme iron deposition and lesion formation in murine models. This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guideline and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251048073). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to 2 February 2026. Eligible studies included in vivo murine CCM models with mutations in the Ccm1, Ccm2, and Pdcd10/Ccm3 genes. Studies had to evaluate direct ROCK inhibitors, such as fasudil and BA-1049, or indirect modulators of the RhoA/ROCK pathway, such as statins, regardless of dosage, route, or duration, and provide molecular evidence of RhoA/ROCK pathway modulation. The primary outcome was lesion burden, and the secondary outcomes included non-heme iron deposition and ROCK activity. Systematic searches identified 389 records, of which 4 studies were included, demonstrating that fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, consistently reduced non-heme iron deposition and lesion burden in preclinical CCM models in mice. In Ccm1+/-Msh2-/- mice, fasudil reduced non-heme iron deposition and stage 2 lesions; in Ccm2+/-Msh2-/- mice, fasudil reduced non-heme iron deposition and lesion burden. One study demonstrated that BA-1049 caused a dose-dependent reduction in non-heme iron deposition and lesion burden. Studies have shown that ROCK pathway modulation reduces non-heme iron deposition and lesion burden. Further clinical investigations involving patients with CCM are essential to verify whether these experimental benefits can be reproduced in clinical settings.Article Sarcopenia Severity and Physical Fitness Levels in Nursing Home Residents and Community-Dwelling Older Adults(Springer London Ltd, 2026-05-29) Yavuz, Ferdi; Korkusuz, Süleyman; Korkusuz, Büşra Seçkinoğulları; Yürük, Zeliha ÖzlemBackground It is important to evaluate the physical fitness and sarcopenia levels of older adults, taking into account their living environment. Objective The aim of our study was to compare the sarcopenia severity and physical fitness levels of nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults using the ISarcoPRM diagnostic algorithm incorporating ultrasonographic measures. Methods Nursing home residents (NHR) (n = 51) and community-dwelling older adults (CDO) (n = 52) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants' physical fitness levels were assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Sarcopenia severity was assessed using the 5r-Chair Stand Test (5r-CST) and hand grip strength (HGS), as well as the anterior thigh thickness (ATT) and Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Rate (STAR) obtained from ultrasonographic measurements. Participants were defined as nonsarcopenic, sarcopenic, and dynapenic according to the ISarcoPRM diagnostic algorithm of Kara et al. Result In our study, it was seen that individuals in NHR and CDO showed a homogeneous distribution in terms of sarcopenia severity (p > 0.05). When the groups were compared, the ATT, STAR, HGS and 5r-CST values of NHR were lower than CDO (p < 0.05). When comparing the groups, the physical fitness of NHR was lower than that of CDO according to SFT parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results of our study showed that geriatric individuals living in NHR had higher levels of sarcopenia and lower levels of physical fitness than CDO. We believe that this result is due to the fact that NHR are dependent on caregivers in the institution where they live for their self-care and daily living activities.Article Serum Osteopontin as a Diagnostic Marker for Missed Abortion: Evidence from a Prospective Study(Galenos Publ House, 2026-03-19) Başkiran, Yusuf; Okuyan, Erhan; Bayramoğlu, Zeynep; Bayramoğlu, Denizhan; Akdemir, Celal; Günakan, EmreObjective: Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional molecule involved in embryo implantation and blastocyst adhesion. Given its role at the maternal-fetal interface, OPN has been proposed as a potential biomarker for early pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum OPN levels and missed abortion in women presenting with early pregnancy bleeding. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, primigravid women between 6 and 11 weeks of gestation with confirmed fetal cardiac activity were enrolled. Participants were classified into three groups according to clinical presentation: normal pregnancy, threatened abortion, and missed abortion. Blood samples were obtained at admission, and serum OPN levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory markers including white blood cell count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein levels, and body mass index were also recorded. Results: The study cohort numbered 198 women, aged 18-42 years, with 38, 80 and 80 women in the normal pregnancy, threatened and missed abortion groups, respectively. OPN levels showed a significant and progressive increase with the lowest levels observed in normal pregnancies, higher levels in threatened abortion, and the highest levels in missed abortion (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated strong discriminative capacity of OPN for pregnancy loss (area under the curve =0.846, p<0.001). A cut-off value of 1.15 ng/mL was associated with 100% sensitivity, whereas a cut-off value of 2.15 ng/mL was associated with 100% specificity. Conclusion: Elevated serum OPN levels are associated with early pregnancy loss and may serve as a potential biomarker in missed abortion. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution given the exploratory nature of the analysis.Article Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia Coli from Cultured Fish: Co-Occurrence of β-Lactamase and Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Genes(SAGE Publications Inc, 2026-05-26) Sezener Kabay, Merve Gizem; Kaydu, Volkan; Ozturk, Mehmet Furkan; Keles, Eda; Erol, Irfan; Siriken, BelginThis study investigated the characterization of antimicrobial resistance (AR) profiles and beta-lactamase production in Escherichia coli isolates recovered from cultured fish, with particular emphasis on plasmid-mediated resistance (PMR) determinants, including quinolone resistance (qnr), colistin resistance (mcr-1 to mcr-5) genes, class 1 integrons (intI1), and phylogenetic backgrounds, using PCR-based methods. From 64 cultured fish samples collected between 2024 and 2025, 34 E. coli isolates were obtained following cultivation on Harlequin (R) E. coli/Coliform Agar and subsequently confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and Sanger sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 22 agents representing 11 antibiotic classes revealed resistance frequencies ranging from 5.88% to 50.00%, with the highest resistance rates observed for penicillins (67.65%) and cephalosporins (23.53%). Multidrug resistance was identified in 11.76% of the isolates. All isolates exhibited extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) activity, predominantly associated with bla(TEM) (91.18%), bla(SHV) (58.82%), and bla(CTX-M) (23.53%). Carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected in 38.23% of the isolates, mainly bla(IMP) (14.71%) and bla(OXA-48) (11.76%), while plasmid-borne AmpC genes (CITM and DHA) were identified in 5.88% of the isolates each. Co-carriage of ESBL and carbapenemase genes occurred in 38.23% of isolates, whereas concurrent detection of ESBL and AmpC genes was observed in 8.82%. Plasmid-borne quinolone resistance genes, primarily qnrS and qnrB, were detected in 64.70% of the isolates, and intI1 was identified in 38.23%; however, no mcr genes were detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most isolates (73.53%) belonged to phylogroup B2(3). Notably, phenotypic resistance profiles did not fully correspond with PCR-based genotypic findings, highlighting the complexity of AR expression in aquatic E. coli. In conclusion, cultured fish were found to harbor a high proportion of multidrug-resistant and beta-lactamase-producing E. coli. The simultaneous detection of ESBL, carbapenemase, AmpC, and PMR genes suggests that aquaculture systems may contribute to the persistence and spread of AR. Continuous monitoring within a One Health framework is therefore essential to reduce risks to food safety and public health.Article Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Micromechanics in Tensile and Shear Loading with Hyperparameter Optimization(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026-09) Aghdam, Mohammad Mohammadi; Fallah, Ali; Shirmohamadi, Shervin; Mostajeran, SadeghThe mechanical analysis of heterogeneous materials, such as fiber-reinforced composites, typically relies on computationally intensive numerical techniques like Finite Element Analysis. To address the computational costs and mesh-dependency associated with traditional methods, this study proposes a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) framework for micromechanical modeling. By embedding the governing equations of linear elasticity directly into the network's loss function, the model is solved for displacement and stress fields within a Representative Volume Element (RVE) without requiring labeled training data. The approach is validated using an aluminum-boron composite system subjected to macroscopic uniaxial tension and pure shear loading. The results demonstrate strong agreement with finite element benchmarks, maintaining average relative errors below eight percent. A systematic hyperparameter analysis, including the effects of activation functions, network architecture, and training duration, reveals that the Swish activation function consistently outperforms Tanh, Sigmoid, and ReLU in terms of convergence speed and final solution accuracy. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses indicate that while the model is robust, predictive errors increase with the stiffness contrast ratio between the matrix and inclusion, particularly under shear deformation modes. The study concludes by utilizing the trained network to perform computational homogenization, accurately deriving the effective material properties of the composite. This work confirms the viability of the PINN as a mesh-free and data-efficient alternative for the micromechanical analysis of heterogeneous solids.Article LLM-Based Chatbots for Kidney Stones: A Readability and Quality Assessment(Galenos Publ House, 2026-03-16) Yilmaz, Ahmet Burak; Bakir, DeryaObjective: Kidney stone disease is among the most common urological disorders worldwide. Patients frequently search online for information regarding etiology, management, and prevention; however, the quality and readability of available resources are variable. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality and readability of responses generated by three large language model (LLM)-based chatbots-OpenAI GPT-4, Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, and DeepSeek R1-for common patient-oriented kidney stone queries. Materials and Methods: A set of 15 frequently asked questions was curated from online search trends and categorized into three domains: definitions and epidemiology, medical and surgical management, and lifestyle or behavioral aspects. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Response quality was evaluated with the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool and the modified DISCERN instrument. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc comparisons. Results: Mean DISCERN and EQIP scores did not significantly differ among platforms, with overall ratings falling in the limited to acceptable range. FRES scores were comparable across groups, whereas FKGL revealed significant differences: Gemini responses required a lower educational level than those of ChatGPT (p<0.016) and DeepSeek (adjusted p<0.02). No differences were observed in word count, sentence count, or total text length. Conclusion: Although all three LLMs generated structured, patient-centered outputs, quality remained modest and readabilityvaried. Some ChatGPT responses demand higher health literacy, potentially limiting accessibility. These findings underscore the need for expert oversight and domain-specific refinement before widespread clinical adoption.Article On Reliability of Discrete Time Systems Equipped with Protection Blocks with Application to Consecutive K-out-of-n:G System(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026-05-28) Eryilmaz, Serkan; Kan, CihangirThis paper studies the discrete time component level and system level reliability evaluation by considering a certain protection mechanism that is used to increase reliability. In particular, the discrete time version of the protection mechanism which was previously studied under continuous time setting is considered. An exact matrix-based expression is also obtained for the reliability of the discrete time consecutive k-out-of-n:G system equipped with protection block. The case when the lifetimes have a phase-type distribution is also taken into consideration. The novelty of the paper lies not only in the consideration of the discrete-time version but also in the new formulation of the reliability of the consecutive k-out-of-n:G system having a protection block.Article Investigating the Durability and Low-Temperature Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Modified with Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Nano-Alumina(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026-06-20) Shabani, Reza; Khooshechin Gilak, Maryam; Guler, MuratThis study investigates the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic nano-alumina on the durability and low-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures. Asphalt binders (50-70 penetration grade and 4.5% SBS-modified) were modified with 2% and 5% nano-alumina and tested for binder properties (penetration, softening point, kinematic and dynamic viscosity, ductility, DMA for Tg) and mixture properties (Marshall stability, moisture susceptibility, low-temperature IDT at 0 degrees C and -20 degrees C). No single concentration universally optimises all properties; however, hydrophilic nano-alumina (HPi) generally enhanced moisture resistance and long-term Marshall stability, while hydrophobic (HPb) improved unaged softening point. Low-temperature performance improved for 50-70 but degraded for SBS-modified mixtures. Aging dominated long-term behaviour, often overshadowing nano benefits. These findings highlight that the effectiveness of nano-alumina modification depends on the asphalt binder type, nano-alumina surface chemistry, and aging conditions, necessitating a performance-based selection approach.