PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12514/3597

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Liraglutide and Empagliflozin Alleviate Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
(Academia Nacional de Medicina, 2025) Uçar-Ekin, C.; Oflazoğllu-Diken, H.; Baksi, N.; Aşır, F.; Şahika-Gökdemir, G.
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing metabolic disease worldwide, associated with severe complications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are promising therapeutic options for diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), although their cardioprotective mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Objective: This study evaluates the effects of liraglutide and empagliflozin on oxidative stress, inflammation, and histological changes in cardiac tissue in DCM. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Diabetes was induced in three groups using streptozotocin and nicotinamide. The groups were: (1) Control, (2) DM, (3) DM + Liraglutide (0.6 mg/kg, subcutaneously, 8 weeks), and (4) DM + Empagliflozin (30 mg/kg, oral gavage, 8 weeks). Blood samples were analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), advanced glycation end (AGE) products, and insulin. Cardiac tissue was examined histopathologically. Results: Diabetes significantly increased blood glucose, IL-1, TNF-a, MDA, and AGE (p < 0.01), while SOD levels decreased (p < 0.01), alongside myocardial damage. Liraglutide and empagliflozin improved all parameters (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Liraglutide and empagliflozin mitigate diabetes-induced cardiac damage, likely by reducing fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. © 2025 Academia Nacional de Medicina de México, A.C. Publicado por Permanyer.
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The Effectiveness of HALP Score in Predicting Mortality in Non-ST Myocardial Infarction Patients
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2025) Kilic, Raif; Guzel, Tuncay; Aktan, Adem; Guzel, Hamdullah; Kaya, Ahmet Ferhat; Cankaya, Yusuf
Background:The HALP score, measured based on hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet levels, is regarded as a novel scoring system that indicates the status of systemic inflammation and nutritional health. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between HALP score and prognosis in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Methods Between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2022, 568 consecutive patients diagnosed with NSTEMI from a single center were included in the study retrospectively. The patients were divided into two equal groups according to the median HALP cutoff value of 44.05. Patients were followed for at least 1 year from the date of admission. Results The average age of the patients was 62.3 +/- 10.6 years and 43.7% were female. In-hospital and 1-year mortality were found to be significantly higher in the group with low HALP scores (6.0 vs. 2.1%, P = 0.019 and 22.5 vs. 9.9%, P < 0.001, respectively). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cutoff level of 34.6 of the HALP score predicted 1-year mortality with 71% sensitivity and 65% specificity (area under the curve: 0.707, 95% confidence interval: 0.651-0.762, P < 0.001). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, higher mortality rates were observed over time in the group with lower HALP scores (log-rank test=16.767, P < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, the HALP score was found to be an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (odds ratio: 0.969, 95% confidence interval: 0.958-0.981, P < 0.001). Conclusion We found that a low HALP score could predict in-hospital and 1-year mortality in patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of NSTEMI.
Effects of Spice Mixtures and Konjac Glucomannan-Whey Protein Isolate Based Edible Films on the Microbiological Stability and Textural Properties of Cheese
(MDPI, 2025) Celikel Gungor, Asli; Akin, Mutlu Buket; Ozer, Emir Ayse
Some of the main factors affecting the product quality and shelf life of cheese include weight loss during storage, microbial spoilage, and structural changes in processing technology. Edible films are coating materials produced with the aim of improving quality properties and extending shelf life, and various studies have been conducted on their properties. However, research examining the effects of coatings enriched with spice-derived natural antimicrobial compounds is scarce in relation to cheese quality. In this study, edible films and spice mixtures were applied to cheese during storage, and their effects on weight loss, textural properties, and microbiological stability were investigated. Response surface methodology was used to determine the edible films and spice mixtures used in the coatings. The amounts of whey protein isolate and konjac glucomannan in the composition of edible films were found to affect water vapor permeability, elongation coefficient, and tensile strength properties; in the spice mixtures, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper were found to have antifungal effects. Based on the data obtained, it was determined that applying an edible film coating to the cheese surface reduced weight loss and improved textural properties, while applying a spice mixture coating increased microbial stability. This study demonstrates that the use of edible films supported by natural protective components could be a practically applicable, innovative, and sustainable approach to improving the properties of cheese and extending its shelf life.
Role of Machine Learning Segmentation Method Based on CT Images in Preoperative Staging of Oral Cavity Cancer
(Springer, 2025) Can, Sermin; Succo, Giovanni; Coskun, Cengiz; Korkmaz, Mehmet Hakan; Akdag, Mehmet
ObjectiveThe article aims to demonstrate, using oral cavity SCC as an example, that machine learning can accurately predict the T and N staging of OSCC, using the conventional radiologist/ surgeon interpretation of the scan as the reference standard.Materials and methodsTwo datasets for tumor mass and nodal metastasis were used in this study. Each of the datasets consists of 179 Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography images. A customized U-Net deep learning architecture was employed for the segmentation of tumor masses and nodal metastases. Comprehensive maps of the tumor mass and metastatic lymph nodes were generated. Following this mapping process, the dimensions of the identified lesions were measured and classified according to the Tumor and Lymph Node Metastasis classification system. The resulting classifications were then compared with those established by a radiologist to assess accuracy.ResultsThe performance metrics for tumor mass and metastasis segmentation were as follows: binary accuracy value of 98.81% and 99.58%, respectively. The accuracy values were 75.00% for tumor grade classification and 97.22% for nodal status classification.ConclusionWe emphasize that machine learning-based segmentation methods effectively predict tumor mapping and staging in oral cavity tumors, demonstrating correlation with surgeons/radiologists' assessments. As such, this model can be a diagnostic tool that supports clinicians in making informed therapeutic decisions. We foresee that, with the continuous evolution of technology, the segmentation model employed in our study will undergo significant advancements, ultimately facilitating three-dimensional tumor mapping in the near future.
Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance, Staphylococci Carriage and Biochemical Parameters of Intensive Care Unit Patients
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Aslan, Ercan; Cetik Yildiz, Songul
Carriers and diseases caused by Staphylococci, one of the important hospital pathogens, are an important problem in the emergence of antibiotic resistance and finding effective treatments. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in hematological and biochemical parameters and the development of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus infections in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study included the 1st and 5th day data of 100 patients who had been hospitalized in the adult ICU for at least 5 days. Demographic data, blood and biochemical parameters and culture samples of the patients were evaluated. The higher NLR, CRP, LAC, and WBC values and lower HGB values observed on the 5th day compared to the 1st day suggest that patients in the ICU were likely exposed to hospital-acquired Staphylococcus infections, which adversely affected their prognosis. Indeed, the 31 Staphylococcus strains identified were isolated from blood (18), sputum (6), wound (4), urine (0), stool (0) and, catheter (3) cultures. It was determined that the most isolated strains, S. aureus, were resistant to levofloxacin, erythomycin, tetracycline, nitroforantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, oxacillin MIC, clindamycin, fusidic acid and oxsf. Based on our results, the observed increase in hematological and biochemical values on day 5 relative to day 1 reinforces the probability of hospital-acquired infection. Since this situation will put the life of the patient and the individuals related to the patient at risk, monitoring these values, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are vital.
Relationships Among Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Sustainable Food Literacy, and Depression in Healthcare Professionals
(BMC, 2025) Ornek, Nesrin O.; Akcali, Caglar; Ozyurt, Mehmet
Background The Mediterranean diet has been linked to beneficial physical and mental health outcomes, whereas sustainable food literacy supports environmentally responsible and health-conscious eating behaviors. Healthcare professionals, owing to their societal role, are a critical group for promoting these practices. Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationships among Mediterranean diet adherence, sustainable food literacy, and depression levels among healthcare workers and to explore their associations with demographic and lifestyle factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 healthcare workers. Data were collected via the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Sustainable Food Literacy Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analyses included correlation and regression models. Results Compared with men, women scored higher on the sustainable food literacy subdimension. Nonsmokers demonstrated greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, whereas individuals with chronic diseases had higher depression scores. Individuals with chronic diseases reported higher depression levels. The lowest adherence rates within the MEDAS items were observed for wine, fish and seafood, and fruit consumption, whereas the highest adherence was found for using tomato-garlic-onion sauces and preferring white over red meat. The participants with minimal depression reported significantly higher MEDAS and food literacy (knowledge subscale) scores than did those with severe depression. MEDAS scores were positively correlated with sustainable food literacy and negatively correlated with body mass index. Regression analysis indicated that depression negatively predicted both the MEDAS score and the sustainable food literacy score. Conclusions The findings emphasize the interconnectedness of adherence to the Mediterranean diet lozenge, sustainable food literacy, and mental health among healthcare professionals. Integrating nutrition education and promoting the Mediterranean diet may enhance psychological well-being while fostering sustainable eating behaviours. Future research should expand to diverse professional groups and evaluate the impact of targeted interventions.
Determining the Self-Evaluation Levels of Nursing Students' Competency in Child Patient Safety
(BMC, 2025) Butun, Ahmet; Ertekin, Kubra
Introduction The competency of nursing students in ensuring child patient safety is crucial in the healthcare landscape, particularly with the increasing emphasis on patient-centred care and safety within clinical settings. This study aims to determine the self-evaluation levels of paediatric patient safety competence among nursing students. Methods This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The setting of the study was Faculty of Health Sciences at the Public University located at southeastern of Turkey. The population of the study consists of 3rd and 4th-year nursing students at Faculty of Health Sciences (N = 190). A total of 162 nursing students participated in this study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected between May 12, 2025 and May 30, 2025. The data were collected by using questionnaire technique with a data collection form consisting of 3 parts: (1) demographic characteristic form, (2) Patient Safety Competency Self-Evaluation Tool, and (3) Competency Scale for Pediatric Nursing for Nursing Students. The data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS. Results Nursing students generally have a moderate to high level of competence regarding patient safety, but they need development in certain areas such as safe medication administration. Clinical experience with paediatric patients was significantly associated with higher competency scores across all domains (p < .05). Additionally, the significantly higher patient safety and paediatric nursing competency scores of students with clinical experience highlight the importance of practical training. Receiving formal training on child health showed no significant impact on competency levels (p > .05). The majority of students (93.2%) reported a strong desire for additional training, particularly in safe medication administration, which was identified as their greatest area of concern. Conclusion This study revealed that nursing students generally have a moderate to high level of competence regarding patient safety, but they need development in certain areas such as safe medication administration. Additionally, the significantly higher patient safety and paediatric nursing competency scores of students with clinical experience highlight the importance of practical training. Vast majority of nursing students requested additional training on paediatric patient safety. Recommendations include enhancing simulation-based learning, integrating mentorship programs, and expanding paediatric-specific modules in nursing curricula to better prepare students for safe and effective paediatric care.
Clinicopathological Predictors of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinically Node-Negative Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
(Springer, 2025) Sakiz, Davut; Calapkulu, Murat; Sencar, Muhammed Erkam; Unsal, Ilknur Ozturk; Kartal, Mehmet Zabit; Ucan, Bekir; Cakal, Erman
PurposeThis retrospective cohort study aimed to identify clinicopathological predictors of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsA total of 503 patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were included. Preoperative clinical data, ultrasonographic features, and postoperative histopathological characteristics were analyzed.ResultsCLNM was detected in 209 (41.55%) patients. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.82-5.35), irregular nodule borders (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.25-3.26) and higher risk categories in the American Thyroid Association (ATA) ultrasonographic pattern stratification system (OR = 13.312, 95% CI: 8.623-20.551) were identified as independent preoperative predictors of CLNM. A simplified model incorporating only the ATA ultrasonographic pattern stratification system and male sex achieved 83.5% accuracy in predicting CLNM. Histopathological evaluation revealed lymphovascular invasion (OR = 4.61, 95% CI: 2.81-7.55), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.52-3.83), and multifocality (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04-2.40) as independent predictors of CLNM, while lymphocytic thyroiditis (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.89) was a protective factor.ConclusionThis study establishes that ATA ultrasonographic suspicion patterns combined with the male sex provide an accurate and simplified model for preoperative CLNM prediction in PTC, outperforming complex nomograms. Key independent predictors included male sex, irregular nodule margins, ATA high-risk patterns, lymphovascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and multifocality, while lymphocytic thyroiditis was protective. According to the current study, risk assessment and personalized management should favor a holistic approach, rather than focusing solely on individual risk factors.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Lung Ultrasound Findings and Degree of Obstruction in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Asthma Patients
(BMC, 2025) Gungor, Emre; Orhan, Ozhan; Dogan, Selcuk; Buyuksahin, Halime Nayir
Background Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a rapid and accurate tool for diagnosing respiratory distress in children, though data on its findings in pediatric asthma is limited. This study aimed to evaluate LUS findings in children with asthma and their relationship with respiratory function test parameters at diagnosis. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study included 6-18-year-old patients newly diagnosed with asthma by a pediatric allergist or pulmonologist, capable of performing spirometry. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7) was administered. LUS was performed by a blinded pediatric emergency specialist using a six-region scanning protocol. LUS artifacts included >= 3 B-lines per intercostal space, pulmonary consolidation, or pleural abnormalities. Results Of 105 patients, positive LUS findings were observed in 76 (70.4%): 61 had focal B-lines, 36 had small consolidations (< 1 cm), 3 had >= 3 B-lines, and 5 had larger consolidations (> 1 cm). Focal B-lines were mostly found in posterior zones (65.5%), confined to 1-2 intercostal spaces. No correlation was found between LUS findings and FEV1 or FEF25-75 parameters, but higher LUS scores were associated with poorer asthma control (ACQ-7, p = 0.007). Conclusions These findings suggest that LUS may serve as a non-invasive adjunct in assessing asthma severity in newly diagnosed children.
Probiotics Containing Lactobacillus Are Promising Candidates for Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Alhilal, Mohammad; Dabaniyasti, Eylul Turunc; Sengul, Emin; Ucar, Mahmut; Yilmaz, Ahmet; Alhilal, Suzan; Yildirim, Serkan
This study examined the effects of the mixture of probiotics Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus brevis) against cardiotoxicity induced by cisplatin (CP) in rats by monitoring markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. For this study, 28 male rats were divided into four groups as follows: Control, CP, Lactobacillus + CP, and Lactobacillus. Experimental cardiotoxicity was induced by CP. The activity of cardiac enzymes in serum and indicators of oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) in heart tissues were measured using biochemical methods. Inflammation, apoptosis, and DNA damage were also assessed in cardiac tissue by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. CP administration caused a significant increases (p < 0.01) in malondialdehyde (1.53 +/- 0.21), NO (77.83 +/- 4.26), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) (80.50 +/- 1.64) levels as well as marked decreases (p < 0.01) in the activity of superoxide dismutase (0.93 +/- 0.15) and the level of glutathione (1.87 +/- 0.20) in the CP group compared with those in the control group (0.88 +/- 0.19, 53.67 +/- 5.32, 21.67 +/- 0.81, 1.39 +/- 0.29, 2.64 +/- 0.28, respectively). This imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant system was accompanied by increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and caspase-3. CP also caused degenerative and necrotic changes in cardiac tissues and increased cardiac biomarkers, such as serum creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, and troponin I. In contrast, the Lactobacillus probiotic administration significantly reduced (p < 0.01) malondialdehyde (1.04 +/- 0.21) and NO (56.33 +/- 5.39) levels in the Lactobacillus + CP group compared with those in the CP group, and significantly increased (p < 0.01) GSH levels (2.33 +/- 0.14) in the Lactobacillus + CP group compared with that in the CP group. Lactobacillus probiotic also decreased TNF-alpha, 8-OHdG, Bax, and caspase-3 expression, and increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2. This enhanced the histopathology of the heart and positively affected cardiac biomarkers. In conclusion, the probiotic Lactobacillus reversed cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress, attenuating the inflammatory process, and improving the proteins that regulate apoptosis. Our findings support the use of probiotics to treat cardiotoxicity resulting from cancer therapy with CP.
Decoding the DNA of Anatolian Water Buffalo by Genome-Wide Discoveries for Body Size and Ultrasound Carcass Traits
(BMC, 2025) Cinkaya, Samet; Tekerli, Mustafa; Erdogan, Metin; Demirtas, Mustafa; Kocak, Serdar; Celikeloglu, Koray; Kaplan, Yusuf
BackgroundBody size and carcass traits are economically significant in livestock, contributing to productivity and meat quality improvement in breeding programs. Understanding the genetic basis of these traits can enhance selection strategies for livestock improvement. This research was carried out to identify genomic regions associated with body size and ultrasound carcass traits using the single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) in Anatolian water buffaloes. Data consisted of wither height (WH), hip height (HH), body length (BL), chest width (CW), hip width (HW), chest circumference (CC), cannon-bone circumference (CBC), Musculus longissimus dorsi depth (MLDD), and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) records of 313 yearling buffaloes were used in the association analyses. Genotyping was carried out by using the 90 K Axiom Buffalo Genotyping array. Association analyses using genomic relationship matrix (GRM) were performed by WOMBAT software. ResultsTwenty SNPs were found to be genome-wide significant according to the FDR thresholds controlled at p < 0.01. Genes previously associated with body size and fat-related traits, including TRPC7, CEP290, KITLG, TMTC3, NELL2, DBX2, GLI2, BRINP1, TLR4, NYAP2, SORCS3, PIK3C3, LEP, RSPO2, and GTPBP4, were identified in this study. ConclusionThe identification of novel and previously associated genes could enhance genetic improvement, contributing to the understanding of the genetic basis of body morphology in buffaloes.
Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites as Potential Biomarkers in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An ELISA-Based Prospective Study
(BMC, 2025) Dundar, Ahmet; Cetik Yildiz, Songul
ObjectivesAge-related macular degeneration (AMD), in which oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic imbalances play a role in its pathogenesis, is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway, one of the principal routes of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, constitutes an important mechanism in retinal neurodegeneration. Based on this information, our study aimed to compare the serum TRP, KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) and, quinolinic acid (QA) levels of AMD patients and to investigate the diagnostic values of these biomarkers.MethodsSerum samples were collected from AMD patients and control groups. TRP, KYN, KYNA, 3HK, 3HAA, and QA levels were measured using a commercial ELISA method. KYN pathway activity, KYN/TRP and, KYNA/3HK ratios were also assessed. Mann-Whitney U test, ROC analysis, Spearman correlation were applied for statistical comparisons.ResultsAccording to our results, 3HK was significantly higher in the AMD group, while TRP, KYN, QA, and KYNA/3HK ratio were higher in the control. ROC analysis revealed 3HK to be the strongest discriminatory marker. The KYNA/3HK ratio also provided significant diagnostic value. Correlation analysis revealed strong negative correlations between 3HK and KYN, QA, and especially KYNA/3HK. Conversely, strong positive correlations were found between KYN and KYNA/3HK, and between TRP, KYN, QA, and KYNA.ConclusionKYN pathway metabolites exhibit significant alterations in patients with AMD. 3HK levels and the reduction of the KYNA/3HK ratio suggest a disruption of the neurotoxic-neuroprotective balance and imply that KYN pathway dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Among the biomarkers examined, 3HK displayed the highest diagnostic performance, while the KYNA/3HK ratio emerged as an additional biological indicator. These findings indicate that 3HK and the KYNA/3HK ratio may serve as potential biomarker candidates for the early diagnosis and monitoring of AMD.
Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Electrocardiographic Markers in Pediatric Patients
(Wiley, 2025) Orhan, Ozhan; Aktan, Adem
Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition in which healthy red blood cells are inadequately produced in children and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. The impact of IDA on electrocardiographic (ECG) markers in children has not been sufficiently investigated, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive studies in this regard.Methods This study, conducted in our clinic, includes 75 children diagnosed with anemia and a control group of 77 healthy children. ECG analysis was employed to assess depolarization and repolarization parameters, including measurements such as QT interval, Tp-e interval (Tp-e), cardiac electrophysiological balance index (iCEB), and frontal QRS-T angle.Results The ECG parameters of children with IDA and ferritin levels below 15 ng/mL were contrasted with those of healthy children having ferritin levels exceeding 25 ng/mL. The anemic group exhibited significantly higher values for QT interval, corrected QT (QTc), Tp-e, P-wave dispersion (PWd), QT dispersion (QTd), corrected QTd, Tp-e dispersion, iCEB, and corrected iCEB compared to the control group. In the Pearson correlation analysis, a weak and negative correlation was found between ferritin levels and QT dispersion (p = 0.002) and QTc dispersion (p = 0.039). No significant relationship was detected between other parameters. These observations imply that IDA in children might induce alterations in depolarization and repolarization, potentially elevating the susceptibility to arrhythmias.Conclusions Our study demonstrated significant alterations in certain electrocardiographic parameters in children with IDA. These findings suggest that iron deficiency may influence cardiac repolarization and highlight the potential role of ECG monitoring in the early stages.
The Effect of Low Dose Caffeine Powder Supplementation on Serve Speed, Spike Speed, and Speed-Endurance in Elite Sitting Volleyball Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study
(BMC, 2025) Diedhiou, Azize Bingol; Erkan, Dilara; Guler, Melek; Sar, Halit; Karakulak, Izzet; Eyuboglu, Ender; Yildirim, Ulas Can
BackgroundSitting volleyball relies heavily on upper-body strength and anaerobic capacity. Serve, spike, and speed-endurance are decisive skills, yet the ergogenic potential of low-dose caffeine in this Paralympic sport remains unclear.PurposeTo examine the acute effects of low-dose caffeine (3 mg/kg) supplementation on serve speed, spike speed, and speed-endurance in elite sitting volleyball players.MethodsUsing a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 13 elite male athletes from the Turkish National Sitting Volleyball Team completed serve speed, spike speed, and speed-endurance tests under caffeine (CAF) and placebo (PLA) conditions.ResultsCaffeine intake produced a moderate improvement in serve speed (p = 0.028, d = 0.460); however, this effect did not remain statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (adjusted p = 0.084). No significant effects were observed for spike speed (p = 0.547, d = 0.166) or speed-endurance performance (p = 0.709, d = 0.111). Perceived exertion during the speed-endurance test was similarly high in both conditions.ConclusionsLow-dose caffeine may offer a trend toward improved serve performance, but the effect was not robust after statistical adjustment, and no benefits were observed for spike speed or speed-endurance. These findings highlight that caffeine's ergogenic effects are context-dependent and shaped by task complexity and sport-specific motor demands. Further research with larger and more diverse samples, genotype-based subgroups, and varied dosing strategies is warranted to clarify caffeine's role in adaptive sports.Trial registrationThe randomized controlled trial was retrospectively registered on 21/06/2025 at ClinicalTrials.gov, under the registration number NCT07056231.
Retrospective Analysis of Online News on Femicide in Türkiye (2018-2022)
(Univ Sao Paolo, 2025) Cifci, Sema; Yasar, Beril Nisa
Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the femicides covered in online newspapers in T & uuml;rkiye between 2018 and 2022, to identify the characteristics of perpetrators and victims, and to reveal the reasons for these murders and how they took place. Method: News published in 19 online newspapers was analyzed by using the Google Search Engine in a retrospectivedescriptive design. The data were evaluated based on variables such as the age of the victims, marital status, family type, place of murder, cause and manner of murder, and the relationship of the perpetrators with the victims. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24. Results: We found that most femicides occurred in 2020, were committed by husbands (34.2 degrees/x) using firearms (43.3 degrees/x), and were driven by arguments (45.5 degrees/x). Victims were predominantly 20-40 years old, married, and housewives. Conclusion: In order to prevent violence against women, it is important to raise social awareness, strengthen legal regulations and develop protective policies. Although the findings provide insight into the media visibility and demographic trends of femicides in T & uuml;rkiye, they need to be supported by more comprehensive epidemiological studies.
Utilizing FUCOM and AHP Methods To Identify the Optimal Beekeeping Lands: A Case Study From Mardin, Türkiye
(Public Library Science, 2025) Mercan, Cagri; Acibuca, Veysi
Beekeeping plays a vital role in agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation, yet identifying ecologically suitable areas for apiculture remains challenging. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare two Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods-the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM)-within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework to identify optimal beekeeping areas in Mardin Province, T & uuml;rkiye. Nine environmental, climatic, topographical, logistic, and socio-economic factors were selected through literature review, legal regulations, expert consultation, and field observations. Suitability maps were generated and validated using field-verified hive locations and Receiver Operating Characteristic-Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) analysis. The results show that land use/cover, proximity to water sources, and precipitation were the most influential factors. Overall, 83% of hive locations coincided with areas classified as moderately suitable or higher. AHP achieved slightly higher predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.774) than FUCOM (AUC = 0.754), while FUCOM required substantially fewer pairwise comparisons, underscoring its efficiency. These findings confirm the robustness of the framework and provide a practical tool for sustainable apicultural land-use planning, offering transferable insights for policymakers, decision-makers, and beekeepers in T & uuml;rkiye and other regions with similar ecological conditions.
Is the Ensemble Machine Learning Model a Reliable Method for Detecting Neoplastic Infiltration of Thyroid Cartilage in Laryngeal Cancers
(MDPI, 2025) Can, Sermin; Turk, Omer; Ayral, Muhammed; Kozan, Gunay; Onur, Mehmet; Yagiz, Eyyup; Akdag, Mehmet
Background and Objectives: We aimed to apply the ensemble machine learning model to diagnose thyroid cartilage invasion detected in computer tomography (CT) images in laryngeal cancers and evaluate the diagnostic performance of the model. Materials and Methods: A total of 313 patients were divided into two groups: the cartilage invasion group and the no cartilage invasion group. At least four CT slices were randomly selected for each patient, resulting in a total of 1251 images used in the study. A total of 619 axial CT images from the no cartilage invasion group and 632 axial CT images from the cartilage invasion group were used in the study. We reviewed the CT images and histopathological diagnoses in all cases to determine the invasion positive- or negative-status as a ground truth. The ensemble model, comprising ResNet50 and MobileNet deep learning architectures, was applied to CT images. Results: The following were obtained by the ensemble model with the test dataset: area under the curve (AUC) 0.99, and accuracy 96.54%. This model demonstrates a very high level of performance in detecting thyroid cartilage invasion. Conclusions: The ensemble machine learning model is an effective method for detecting neoplastic infiltration of the thyroid cartilage. Moreover, it may be a valuable diagnostic tool for clinicians in assessing disease prognosis and determining appropriate treatment strategies in laryngeal cancers. In conclusion, this model could be integrated into future clinical practice in laryngology and head and neck surgery for the detection of cartilage neoplastic infiltration.
Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Parental Competence Questionnaire in the Paediatric Hospital Emergency Setting (ECP-U)
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Kurt, Aylin; Dinc, Fatma; San, Emine Gunes; Butun, Ahmet; Acarsoy, Meltem Catalbas
Aim: The aim of this study is to conduct Turkish validity and reliability study of the parental competence questionnaire in the paediatric hospital emergency setting. Methods: This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational and methodological study. Participants were 624 parents with children aged 0-14 who presented to the paediatric emergency department between December 2023 and July 2024. The study was carried out in the emergency department of three hospitals in three different regions of Turkey. The data were collected by using the "demographic information form" and "parental competence questionnaire in the paediatric hospital emergency setting", "state and trait anxiety inventory", and "parental stress questionnaire". Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Horn's parallel analysis, Catell's scree test, Cronbach's ordinal alpha coefficients and Pearson correlation were used in the data analysis. Results: The mean age of the mothers included in the study was 34.63 +/- 6.94, and the mean age of the fathers was 37.88 +/- 7.83. The scale consisted of 18 items and three sub-dimensions: emotional management and expression, social support, and parental agency, explaining 60 % of the total variance. It was determined that the Cronbach's ordinal alpha coefficients of the scale factors were greater than 0.745. There is a negative correlation between the parental stress questionnaire, the state and trait anxiety inventory, and the parental competence questionnaire in the paediatric hospital emergency setting. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, the parental competence questionnaire in the paediatric hospital emergency setting is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the Turkish population.
Can Inflammatory Indices Predict Myringosclerosis
(Saudi Med J, 2025) Sari, Neslihan; Savas, Hasan Basri; Ugras, Seda; Durucu, Cengiz
Objectives: To examine the relationships between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in myringosclerosis after ventilation tube insertion (VTI). Methods: We conducted this descriptive case-control study between March 2022 and September 2024. A total of 75 children aged 6 to 12 years with a history of VTI were enrolled. Myringosclerosis+ (n=43) included children with myringosclerosis, while Myringosclerosis-(n=32) included children without myringosclerosis. Preoperative values for NLR, PLR, and SII were collected by hematological testing and calculations. Demographic factors, prognostic risk factors and discrimination power of parameters were determined by statistical methods. Results: Compared to the myringosclerosis-, the myringosclerosis+ had significantly higher NLR, PLR, and SII values (p=0.00, p=0.04, and p=0.01, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area of NLR is 0,76 (95% CI: 0.65-0.87, p=0.00). Area under curve of SII is 0,62 (95%CI: 0.57-0.81, p=0.01). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio affects myringosclerosis development at 1.34 with sensitivity=0.63, specificity=0.78. Neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and systemic immune inflammation index(SII) show myringosclerosis development at different powers of predictivity. The ROC area of NLR is highest of all parameters but is moderately predictive (<0.80). It is slight for SII. The NLR may be a marker of prediction of myringosclerosis OR=0.182 (95%CI:0.067-0.496). Conclusion: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and SII are systemic inflammatory prognostic markers in myringosclerosis, and elevated NLR values are a predictor of myringosclerosis with modest affect. Other parameters should be sought in myringosclerosis development.
Citation - WoS: 1
Citation - Scopus: 1
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of a Novel Acyclic Heterocyclic Compound: Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Molecular Docking Studies
(MDPI, 2025) Alhilal, Mohammad; Alhilal, Suzan; Sabancilar, Ilhan; Gomha, Sobhi M.; Elhenawy, Ahmed A.; Ouf, Salama A.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize a novel, high-molecular-weight acyclic heterocyclic compound, compound 5, via a one-pot reaction between Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) and ethanolamine, and evaluate its anticancer, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. Methods: Its complex tetrameric structure, assembled through N-N linkages, was unequivocally confirmed by a full suite of spectroscopic techniques including IR, 1H & 13C NMR, 2D-NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF/MS). The MTT assay was used to assess the anticancer activity of compound 5 against four different human cancer cell lines. Results: The findings indicate that human colon (HT29) and ovarian (OVCAR3) cancer cells were sensitive to the treatment, whereas brain (glioblastoma) (T98G) cancer cells were resistant. The most pronounced cytotoxic effect was observed in pancreatic (MiaPaCa2) cancer cells. Notably, compound 5 exhibited potent antifungal properties, achieving 100% inhibition of the pathogenic water mould Saprolegnia parasitica zoospores at 100 mu M after 10 min. Molecular docking studies corroborated the biological data, revealing a high binding affinity for key cancer and fungal targets (Thymidylate Synthase and CYP51), providing a strong mechanistic basis for its observed activities. Conclusions: These findings establish compound 5 as a promising dual-action agent with significant potential as both a targeted anticancer lead and an eco-friendly antifungal for applications in aquaculture.

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