PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu

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

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Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale in Young Syrian Refugees
(BMC, 2026) Yesil, Yesim; Apak, Hidir
The sexual health literacy of young refugees has not been investigated in detail due to the lack of a sufficient assessment tool in the literature. This study aims to perform validity and reliability analysis of the Arabic version of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS) in a sample consisting of young Syrian refugee university students. This methodological study was conducted in December 2023 with 191 young Syrian refugee students at a university in XXX, XXX. Content validity of the scale was assessed in three stages: translation, back translation, and cultural adaptation. Besides, construct validity was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and total item correlation. CFA demonstrated that the Arabic version of the SHLS had two sub-dimensions and 16 items. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was 0.85, indicating the scale was reliable. Male participants studying in health-related departments, aware of sexual health literacy, educated on sexual health, and confident in their knowledge scored significantly higher on the scale. This is the first study investigating the SHLS's validity and reliability in young refugees. Given its acceptable validity and reliability, further research is needed in diverse, broader samples to clarify its applicability in different settings.
Towards a Better Understanding of Commonly Used Medicinal Plants from Turkiye: Detailed Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activity Studies of Two Teucrium L. Species with in Vitro and in Silico Approach
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2023) Ersoy, Ezgi; Boga, Mehmet; Tuncay, Evin Ayguen; Eroğlu Özkan, Esra; Aygün Tuncay, Evin; Ercan, Selami; Ozkan, Esra Eroglu; Suvari, Goncagul; Karahan, Selim
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Since ancient times, Teucrium L. species have been among the most commonly used traditional medicinal plants mainly in the Mediterranean region. From tackling gastrointestinal problems to maintaining the healthy functioning of endocrine glands, and from treating malaria to severe dermatological disorders, Teucrium species are known to have extensive therapeutic applications. Teucrium polium L. and Teucrium parviflorum Schreb. are the two members of the genus that have been used in Turkish folk medicine for various medicinal purposes.Aim of the study: To determine the phytochemical compositions of the essential oils and ethanol extracts of Teucrium polium and Teucrium parviflorum collected from different locations in Turkiye along with the investi-gation of in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial activities, and both in vitro and in silico enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts.Materials and methods: Ethanol extracts of Teucrium polium aerial parts and roots, and aerial parts of Teucrium parviflorum were prepared. Volatile profiling of the essential oils by GC-MS, phytochemical profiling of the ethanol extracts by LC-HRMS, antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS cation radical scavenging, CUPRAC, and metal chelating activity assays, anticholinesterase, antityrosinase, antiurease, activities by different enzyme inhibitory activity assays, anticancer activity by SRB cell viability assay, and antimicrobial activity against a standard panel of bacteria and fungi by the microbroth dilution technique. Molecular docking studies were performed by Autodock Vina (Ver. 1.1.2). Results: The studied extracts were found to be quite rich in various biologically important volatile and phenolic compounds. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate, which is a molecule renowned for having great therapeutic potential, was the major compound of all extracts. Teucrium polium aerial parts extract was revealed as a great source for naringenin with 16327 +/- 685.23 mu g/g extract. All extracts exerted significant antioxidant activity by different methods. All ex-tracts demonstrated antibutrylcholinesterase, antityrosinase, and antiurease activities by in vitro and in silico assays. Teucrium polium roots extract stood out with remarkable tyrosinase and urease inhibitory and cytotoxic activities.Conclusion: The obtained results from this multi-disciplinary study proves that the traditional use of these two Teucrium species is justified, and the mechanisms behind are enlightened.
Tissue Type and Cultivar-by-Isolate Interactions Govern Walnut (Juglans Regia) Resistance to Diaporthe Eres in Türkiye
(Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026) Orman, Erdal; Ozer, Goksel; Polat, Zuhtu; Dervis, Sibel; Turkkan, Muharrem; Gultekin, Mehmet Akif
Diaporthe eres is increasingly reported as a causal agent of canker, shoot dieback, and fruit rot of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in diverse production regions. In this study, multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using ITS, tef1, and tub2 gene sequences confirmed that two isolates, ED 5/4 (Edirne) and BUR 7/4 (Bursa), belong to D. eres sensu stricto, showing 99-100% sequence identity with ex-type strain AR5193 in BLASTn analysis and clustering with high bootstrap support in Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic trees. Pathogenicity assays conducted on green fruits, current-season shoots, and one-year-old dormant branches of seven cultivars revealed strong and statistically significant cultivar & times; isolate interactions, demonstrating that resistance responses were highly isolate-specific. Isolate BUR 7/4 displayed higher virulence overall than ED 5/4. Lesion development differed markedly among tissue types, with current-season shoots consistently exhibiting substantially greater necrosis than oneyear-old dormant branches, indicating a pronounced influence of tissue ontogeny on host susceptibility. Cultivar performance varied among tissues: 'Chandler' showed the greatest resistance in woody tissues, whereas 'Fernor' and 'Orman 77 ' were consistently susceptible. Fruit assays demonstrated variable husk susceptibility but uniformly severe, cultivar-independent kernel decay, indicating the absence of internal resistance once the husk barrier was breached. D. eres was re-isolated from all symptomatic tissues while controls remained healthy, fulfilling Koch's postulates. These results establish D. eres as an important contributor to walnut canker and fruit rot in Türkiye and emphasize the roles of tissue-specific susceptibility, isolate diversity, and cultivar-dependent responses in shaping disease outcomes and informing resistance-based management strategies.
The Relationship between Maternal Health Literacy and Knowledge and Attitudes about Newborn Screenings in Different Ethnic Groups
(BMC, 2026) Kacan, Havva; Butun, Ahmet; Deger, Vasfiye Bayram
Introduction Newborn screening (NBS) programs play a crucial role in early diagnosis and prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal health literacy is a key factor influencing mothers' understanding, perceptions, and engagement with these programs. Ethnic disparities in health literacy and knowledge may affect equitable access and adherence. This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal health literacy and mothers' knowledge and attitudes regarding newborn screenings across three ethnic groups, Turkish, Arab, and Kurdish, in the multicultural city of Mardin, Turkey. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 568 mothers (189 Turkish, 189 Arab, 190 Kurdish) who had children aged 0-1 years. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews between March and June 2025 using a socio-demographic form, the Maternal Knowledge and Attitudes about Newborn Screening Survey (MKANSS), and the Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and linear regression. Results Significant ethnic differences were identified in maternal health literacy and NBS-related knowledge and attitudes. Turkish mothers demonstrated the highest health literacy scores, followed by Kurdish and Arab mothers. Similarly, Turkish mothers scored significantly higher on all MKANSS sub-dimensions compared with Arab and Kurdish mothers. Health literacy was strongly correlated with total NBS knowledge-attitude scores in the Turkish group, moderately in the Kurdish group, and weakly in the Arab group. Regression analyses showed that health literacy significantly predicted NBS knowledge-attitude scores in all ethnic groups, with the strongest effect observed among Turkish mothers. Conclusion Maternal health literacy is associated with mothers' knowledge and attitudes toward newborn screenings, with disparities across ethnic groups. Arab mothers demonstrated lower health literacy and less favourable knowledge and attitudes, indicating the need for targeted, culturally and linguistically appropriate educational interventions. Improving health literacy may enhance maternal engagement with NBS programs and help reduce ethnic disparities in neonatal health outcomes.
Social Media Addiction and Poor Mental Health: Examining the Mediating Roles of Internet Addiction and Phubbing
(SAGE Publications Inc, 2025) Ergun, Naif; Ozkan, Zafer; Griffiths, Mark D.
Many researchers have examined the potential detrimental role of problematic social media use (often referred as 'social media addiction') on mental health. The present study investigated how social media addiction is associated with three components of mental health: depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition, structural equation modeling was used to test the mediating roles of internet addiction and phubbing among a sample of young adults (N = 603). Results showed that social media addiction was associated with poorer mental health via internet addiction and phubbing. More specifically, associations between social media addiction and stress, and social media addiction and anxiety were explained by both internet addiction and phubbing. The association between social media addiction and depression was explained by internet addiction only. These results remained consistent after controlling for gender, age, frequency of internet use, frequency of social media use, and frequency of smartphone use. These findings extend the extant literature by providing evidence for the dual roles of internet addiction and phubbing in explaining the relationship between social media addiction and poor mental health. Social media addiction did not directly influence poorer mental health but did via internet addiction and phubbing. Therefore, greater awareness of the inter-relationships between technology-based behaviors and their impact on mental health is needed among a wide range of stakeholders, and these inter-relationships need considering in the prevention and treatment of technology-based disorders.
Sex Differences in Early Complications After Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation: Myth or Reality
(Wiley, 2026) Evsen, Ali; Kilic, Raif
Background Early complications after cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation remain clinically relevant and have been widely examined in large registry studies. Advanced age, comorbidities, device complexity, and antithrombotic therapy are recognized predictors of early complications. This study planned to examine the effect of sex on early (<= 30 days) device-related complications and to determine independent predictors of early major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 1807 sequential patients (729 women, 1078 men) undergoing pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation. Early MACE was described as consisting of pocket hematoma, pneumothorax, pericardial effusion/tamponade, and device-related infection within 30 days. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine autonomous prognostic factors. Results Early MACE occurred in 26 (3.6%) women and 41 (3.8%) men (p = 0.893). Device type distribution differed significantly by sex, with defibrillators more frequently implanted in men and pacemakers and resynchronization devices in women (all p < 0.001). Sex was not independently related to early MACE (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.77-2.13; p = 0.337). Higher PORT scores (OR 1.06, p = 0.035), higher white blood cell counts (OR 1.09, p = 0.004), lower hemoglobin levels (OR 0.86, p = 0.024), and the presence of heart failure (OR 0.35, p = 0.002) remained independent predictors of early MACE. Conclusion Early CIED-related complications were infrequent and occurred at similar rates in women and men. Sex was not an independent predictor of early MACE; instead, overall clinical risk burden and systemic factors were the primary determinants of early adverse outcomes.
Retrospective Observational Study of Computed Tomography-Based Vascular Risk Assessment During Needle Drainage of Peritonsillar Abscess
(Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2026) Samanci, Serhat; Toprak, Serdar Ferit; Ayral, Muhammed; Dedeoglu, Serkan; Temiz, Hakan
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common deep neck infection in which bedside drainage is performed close to major cervical vessels. Although catastrophic vascular complications are rare, clinicians have limited quantitative information on how far the internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and internal jugular vein (IJV) lie from the abscess in individual patients. This protocol describes a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based workflow to confirm unilateral PTA, acquire neck CT images under standard clinical settings, measure linear distances from the anterior and posterior abscess capsule to the ipsilateral ICA, ECA, and IJV, compare these distances with the contralateral healthy side as an internal control, and classify the theoretical risk of ICA injury during needle drainage using a modified Pfeiffer system. The procedure includes patient selection, safety screening for iodinated contrast, contrast-enhanced CT acquisition, standardized axial image review by a head and neck radiologist, and structured data recording and analysis. In a retrospective cohort of 94 adult patients, PTA consistently displaced the ICA, ECA, and IJV away from the tonsillar space, increasing both anterior and posterior distances compared with the healthy side. The mean posterior PTA-ICA distance was approximately 14 mm, whereas the contralateral tonsil-ICA distance was about 9 mm. ICA course anomalies (tortuosity or coiling) were detected in a minority of patients, and roughly one in seven cases met moderate-risk criteria because of shorter distances and/or aberrant ICA anatomy. Age, sex, and abscess volume did not significantly alter these relationships. This CT-based protocol provides a reproducible method to quantify PTA-vessel distances and identify patients with potentially higher vascular risk anatomy prior to drainage. It supports cautious, controlled-depth needle aspiration in most cases and highlights scenarios in which image-guided or operating-room drainage may be preferable.
Is Testicular Fixation to the Scrotum Necessary in Patients with Undescended Testis? A Comparative Study
(Verduci Editore S.R.L, 2023) Azizoğlu, M.; Sagir, S.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Papaver Rhoeas L. Leaf Extract: Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties
(MDPI, 2023) Baran, Mehmet Firat; Beylerli, Ozal; Baran, Ayse; Sufianov, Albert; Yildiz, Resit; Hatipoglu, Abdulkerim; Ipek, Polat
In the last few decades, the search for metal nanoparticles as an alternative to cancer treatments and antibiotics has increased. In this article, the spectroscopic (ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), electron-dispersing X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)), microscopic (field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM)), structural (X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and zetasizer), and analytic (thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyzer (TGA-DTA)) characterization of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced from Papaver rhoeas (PR) L. leaf extract are presented. PR-AgNPs are generally spherical and have a maximum surface plasmon resonance of 464.03 nm. The dimensions of the manufactured nanomaterial are in the range of 1.47-7.31 nm. PR-AgNPs have high thermal stability and a zeta potential of 36.1 mV. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (mg L-1) of PR-AgNPs on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans are 1.50, 0.75, 3.00, 6.00, and 0.37, respectively. In the study, the cytotoxic and proliferative effects of PR-AgNPs using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method on various cancer cell lines (CACO-2 (human colon adenocarcinoma cell), MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell), T98-G (glioblastoma multiforme cell), and healthy HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell)) cell lines are presented. After 24 and 48 h of the application, the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values (mu g mL(-1)) of PR-AgNPs on HUVEC, CACO-2, MCF-7, and T98-G lines are 2.365 and 2.380; 2.526 and 2.521; 3.274 and 3.318; 3.472 and 3.526, respectively. Comprehensive in vivo research of PR-AgNPs is proposed to reveal their potential for usage in sectors such as nanomedicine and nanochemistry.
Evaluation of Breastfeeding Behaviors and Complementary Feeding Practices of Turkish and Syrian Refugee Mothers
(Sociedad Argentina de Pediatria, 2024) Orhan, Özhan; Elçi, Hüseyin
Engineering Polyethylenimine-Metal Functionalized Cryogels for Superior Catalase Binding, Activity, and Long-Term Durability
(Nature Portfolio, 2026) Alkan, Mehmet Huseyin; Erol, Kadir; Alacabey, Ihsan
Cryogels with interconnected macroporous architectures offer significant advantages as enzyme immobilization supports due to their high permeability, mechanical robustness, and tunable surface chemistry. In this study, a novel Poly(HEMA-co-GMA) cryogel was synthesized and subsequently modified through polyethyleneimine (PEI) grafting and transition-metal chelation to create high-affinity matrices for catalase immobilization. Among the metal ions tested with Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II), the Cu(II)-functionalized cryogel exhibited superior physicochemical properties, including the highest water retention capacity (438.4%), well-preserved porosity, and strong coordination interactions with amine-rich PEI domains. FT-IR, SEM, TGA, BET, elemental analysis, and ICP-OES results confirmed successful stepwise modification and metal loading. Catalase immobilization studies revealed that the Poly(HEMA-co-GMA)-PEI-Cu(II) cryogel achieved the highest enzyme loading (391.9 mg & centerdot;g(-)& sup1;), with an optimal immobilization time of 8 h and optimum pH near neutrality. Kinetic analysis demonstrated a substantial decrease in K-m (from 57.3 to 14.4 mM), indicating enhanced substrate affinity, while k(cat)/K-m increased 2.8-fold relative to the free enzyme. The immobilized catalase exhibited improved thermal tolerance, strong operational stability (34.2% activity after 15 cycles), high desorption efficiency (96% in the first cycle), and markedly superior storage stability (62.1% activity after 70 days at 4 degrees C) compared to its free counterpart. These results validate the Cu(II)-chelated Poly(HEMA-co-GMA)-PEI cryogel as a highly efficient and reusable biocatalytic platform with significant potential for industrial and environmental enzyme-based applications.
Effects of Aromatherapy and Music on Stress and Self-Esteem in Nursing Students
(Slack Inc, 2026) Aktura, Seher Cevik; Erol, Ahmet; Ozbay, Hediye; Oner, Ugur
Background: Nursing students frequently experience elevated anxiety during injection practices, which can negatively affect their performance and well-being. Exploring supportive, nonpharmacological interventions is crucial in clinical education. Method: This single-blind, pretest/ posttest, randomized controlled study included 102 firstyear nursing students (aromatherapy = 34, aromatherapy + music = 34, control = 34) at a state university. Data were collected using validated tools between February 28, 2025, and May 10, 2025. Statistical analyses included t tests, analysis of variance, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Results: Both intervention groups demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and anxiety levels compared to the control group (p < .001). Conclusion: Aromatherapy and music-assisted aromatherapy are effective in reducing anxiety and systolic blood pressure during injection practice. Integrating such complementary methods into nursing education may support students' psychological well-being and enhance clinical learning experiences.
Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercise on Psychological Symptoms and Mental Well-Being in Individuals With Schizophrenia
(Slack Inc, 2026) Isil, Ozlem; Tanriverdi, Omer
PURPOSE: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of a nurse-led progressive relaxation exercise (PRE) program on the severity of psychiatric symptoms and mental well-being in individuals with schizophrenia. METHOD: The study was conducted in three community mental health centers (CMHCs) in two provinces in the southeast and east Anatolia regions, using a quasiexperimental pre-/posttest control group design.The sample comprised individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who regularly received health care services at a CMHC (N = 90; n = 45 in the intervention group, n = 45 in the control group) and met research criteria. RESULTS: PRE, delivered by psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs), was found to effectively reduce psychiatric symptoms and increase mental well-being in individuals with schizophrenia. Mean pretest total score on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was 47.87 (SD = 18.61), whereas mean posttest total score was 39.22 (SD = 16.28). Mean pretest total score of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale was 39.96 (SD = 10.67), whereas mean posttest total score was 50.42 (SD = 8.06); these differences were statistically significant (p < .05). CONCLUSION: According to results of the current study, PRE is recommended as an evidence-based, complementary treatment that can easily be integrated into the routine care of individuals with schizophrenia by PMHNs and other mental health professionals.
Dose-Dependent Hepatotoxicity of Diethyl Phthalate in Female Wistar Rats
(MDPI, 2026) Tan, Fazile Canturk; Gokdemir, Gul Sahika; Kalkan, Kubra Tugce; Varol, Salih; Yavas, Mehmet Cihan; Cantürk Tan, Fazile
Phthalates are a class of compounds commonly used as plasticizers in various industrial and consumer products. In line with the increasing environmental and biological exposure concerns regarding these compounds, this study investigated the dose-dependent effects of diethyl phthalate (DEP) on the liver in a subacute rat model. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) was given orally by gavage to female Wistar albino rats at doses of 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days in order to assess liver tissue and associated function test levels. Liver function was evaluated by analyzing serum biochemical data. Liver tissues were evaluated using histopathological staining (H&E and Masson's trichrome staining), immunohistochemical analysis of IL-1 beta and TGF-beta, tissue ELISA for IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and comet assay to determine DNA damage. DEP exposure was found to cause significant, dose-dependent histopathological changes in liver tissue, including hepatocyte necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, sinusoidal dilation, and vascular congestion. AST levels were significantly increased compared to the control group, while no significant changes were observed in other serum biochemical parameters. Compared to the control group, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha), IL-1 beta, and TGF-beta was found to be elevated in the DEP-treated groups, and their levels increased with increasing exposure dose. DEP exposure also caused significant DNA damage in liver tissue. These findings indicate that despite an increase in AST levels observed in subacute DEP exposure, there were limited changes in serum biochemical parameters; serum liver enzymes alone may not fully reflect the extent of hepatic damage, and DEP can cause significant inflammatory, histopathological, and genotoxic effects in liver tissue.
Diethyl Phthalate-Induced Oxidative Stress, Genotoxicity, and Thyroid Hormone Disruption in Female Wistar Rats
(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026) Komurcu, Ayse; Yavas, Mehmet Cihan
Background: Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common plasticizer in cosmetics and personal care products, is known to induce oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. Its widespread use raises concerns about thyroid toxicity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic and endocrine effects of subacute DEP exposure on thyroid tissue in female Wistar albino rats using thyroid hormones, oxidative stress markers, DNA damage, and histopathology. Methods: Twenty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): control, 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg DEP. DEP was administered orally for 21 days. DNA damage was assessed by Comet Assay, oxidative stress markers (TAS, TOS, OSI) were measured, and serum TSH, T3, and T4 levels were determined by ELISA. Body weights were monitored, and thyroid tissues were examined histologically. Results: Compared to the control group, T3 and T4 levels decreased (P < 0.05), TSH levels increased (p < 0.05), TAS levels decreased (p < 0.05), and TOS and OSI levels increased (p < 0.05). Comet Assay showed dose-dependent DNA damage (tail DNA%, p < 0.05). With higher DEP doses, thyroid tissue histopathology changed significantly. Conclusion: Subacute DEP exposure causes dose-dependent genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption in thyroid tissue. These findings emphasize the need to limit environmental and human DEP exposure.
Detailed Chemical Investigation of the Essential Oil and Aroma Contents of 21 Hypericum Triquetrifolium Turra Species Collected From Different Localities via a Chemometric Approach
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026) Olmez, Ozge Tokul; Akdeniz, Mehmet; Firat, Mehmet; Ertas, Abdulselam; Cavusoglu, Mehmet; Yener, Ismail; Yigitkan, Serkan
Determining the Relationship between the Sociodemographic Characteristics and Attachment Styles of Liver Transplant Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2026) Bayrakci, Emine; Soylemez, Neslihan; Ozkan, Meral; Tanriverdi, Seher
This study aimed to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics and attachment styles of liver transplant donors. This descriptive and correlational study included a sample of 156 donors. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Patient Information Form and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire. In addition to normality tests, the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Bonferroni-corrected P-value, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used in data analysis. The significance level was set at P <= .05. The findings revealed that the majority of donors had a dismissive attachment style. Individuals with higher income levels, those living in rural areas, and those not related to the recipient showed a higher tendency toward secure attachment compared to other groups. Donors who had undergone previous surgery exhibited stronger secure attachment and weaker dismissive attachment than those who had not. Based on these results, future studies and organ donation campaigns are recommended to focus on attachment styles and their association with sociodemographic and sociocultural characteristics. The mean age of the participating donors was 31.65 +/- 6.67 years, and 76.92% were related to the recipient. Among the donors, 93.6% exhibited a dismissive attachment style. Income level, place of residence, kinship with the recipient, and previous surgical history had a statistically significant effect on secure attachment style (P < .05), explaining 34.4% of the variance (R-2 = 0.344). Previous surgical history was found to have a statistically significant effect on the dismissive attachment style (P < .05), accounting for 14.5% of the variance (R-2 = 0.145).
Chronic Ozone Exposure Does Not Alter Sexual Behavior but Modulates Oxidative Stress and Early Testicular Apoptosis in Adult Male Rats
(Elsevier, 2026) Ertugrul, Nazife Ulker; Tektemur, Ahmet; Tektemur, Nalan Kaya; Guzel, Elif Erdem; Yardimci, Ahmet; Ogeturk, Murat; Akkoc, Ramazan Fazil
Ozone (O3) has been used to treat various diseases for many years, with most preclinical studies focusing on its effects in conditions such as testicular torsion and ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, its impact on male reproductive function, particularly sexual behavior, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic O3 exposure on sexual behavior, reproductive parameters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in adult male rats. Animals were assigned to a vehicle group (n = 7), which received saline, or an O3-treated group (n = 7), which received intraperitoneal injections of an O2/O3 mixture (1 mL containing 150 mu g/kg O3) three times per week for eight weeks. Behavioral assessments conducted at the end of the treatment period showed that chronic O3 exposure did not alter appetitive or consummatory sexual behaviors; however, it significantly reduced serum testosterone levels, increased serum total oxidant status (TOS), and decreased testicular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, suggesting a hormetic response. Additionally, O3 treatment altered apoptotic markers without causing histopathological damage, indicating the onset of early-stage apoptosis. Overall, O3 exposure did not adversely affect sexual behavior independently of testosterone levels in adult male rats, but its induction of oxidative stress and early apoptosis highlights the need for further studies to clarify underlying mechanisms and establish long-term safety.
Biomechanical Characteristics of Upper Airway Muscles and Their Association with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Industrial Workers
(Springer Heidelberg, 2026) Polat, Hakan; Ramazanoglu, Engin; Bagci, Burcu; Ergun, Nevin; Uzun, Meltem; Yilmaz, Fatma
Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction during sleep. The viscoelastic properties of accessory respiratory muscles may play a compensatory role in maintaining airway patency. This study aimed to investigate the association between OSAS risk and muscle biomechanics in industrial workers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 236 male industrial workers aged 18-55, categorized into low, moderate, and high OSAS risk groups using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. The viscoelastic properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of the genioglossus, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter muscles were assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Sociodemographic and occupational data were collected. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests and additionally, univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results A significant difference was found only in left genioglossus tone across STOP-BANG risk groups (p < 0.05). Age and BMI were moderately associated with increased muscle stiffness and reduced elasticity, particularly in the SCM and masseter muscles. In regression analyses, right SCM stiffness and BMI were significant in the univariate model; however, after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking and duration of employment, only right SCM stiffness remained an independent predictor of STOP-BANG score (beta approximate to 0.01, p < 0.05). Conclusions Muscle viscoelastic properties are influenced not only by OSAS risk but also by age, BMI, occupational exposure, and smoking. Importantly, SCM stiffness may serve as a potential biomechanical marker associated with OSAS risk. Muscle biomechanics assessments could be used as a supportive, non-invasive screening tool in high-risk occupational populations.
Astaxanthin Attenuates Bisphenol A-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats by Reducing Apoptosis and Fibrosis via Bax/Bcl-2 Balance and Collagen Gene Expression
(Assoc Basic Medical Sci Federation Bosnia & Herzegovina Sarajevo, 2026) Savas, Hasan Basri; Kalkan, Serpil; Canbaz, Halime Tuba; Ayan, Ilknur Cinar; Sozen, Mehmet Enes; Canbaz, Furkan Adem; Arslan, Hilal
Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound widely used in plastic manufacturing, has been shown to cause testicular damage and disrupt spermatogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of astaxanthin (AST) against BPAinduced testicular injury. Four experimental groups of Wistar Albino rats were established (n=8 per group): Control, Sham, BPA, and BPA+AST. At the conclusion of the study, serum samples were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) [OSI=TOS/TAC], and CRP. Histopathological evaluations included measurements of tubule diameter, Johnsen scoring, and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression levels of anti-B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and anti-Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were assessed using immunofluorescence (IF) staining and RT-qPCR in testicular tissues. Additionally, tissue collagen (COL1A1, COL3A1) expressions were quantified via RT-qPCR. Results indicated significant increases in TOS, OSI, and CRP levels in the BPA group (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.042, respectively), while TAC levels remained unchanged (p=0.119). AST administration did not significantly alter these biochemical parameters. Histopathological analysis revealed decreased Johnsen scores and tubule diameters in the BPA group; however, these metrics improved in the BPA+AST group. IF analysis confirmed that AST restored the pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 imbalance induced by BPA (p<0.001), although RT-qPCR results indicated that AST normalized only Bax expression (p<0.001) while Bcl-2 levels remained unchanged (p=0.487). Moreover, COL1A1 and COL3A1 were significantly upregulated in the BPA group (p<0.001 for both), and Masson's trichrome staining corroborated the presence of fibrosis in this group. AST treatment mitigated these fibrotic changes, as evidenced by reductions in gene expression (p=0.001 for COL1A1 and p=0.005 for COL3A1) and improvements in Masson's trichrome staining. In conclusion, this study suggests that AST may confer a protective effect against BPA-induced testicular damage by reducing apoptosis and fibrosis; however, changes in oxidative stress markers did not achieve statistical significance. Furthermore, AST may enhance spermatogenesis.

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