Authors:Fulya Basmacı; Özge Uslu Akçam, Tuğgen Özcivelek Abstract: Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox disease have highlighted the importance of preventing cross-infection between dental laboratories and clinics. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hypochlorous acid (HOCL), a natural disinfectant that is effective on bacteria and viruses, on polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) to prevent cross-infection.Methods: A total of 120 PMMA (60 heat-activated and 60 three dimensionally printed) samples were prepared. The samples were immersed in HOCL and ortophtalaldehyde (OPA) disinfectant twice for 30 minutes to simulate the travel time to clinic and the dental laboratory. 10 samples from each group were kept in deionized water as a control group. Flexural strength and surface roughness measurements of the samples were performed. T-test and Kruskal Wallis H test were used for statistical evaluation (α=0.05).Results: There was no significant difference in flexural strength or Ra values between the HOCL and OPA groups. Conclusion: HOCL PMMA may be considered an alternative disinfectant for preventing cross-infection between dental laboratories and clinics in dentures and orthodontic appliances. Further research is required to evaluate its biological efficacy and long-term use. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Muhammed Seyithanoğlu; Burak Tanrıverdi Abstract: Objective: Six Sigma Methodology is a quality management methodology that provides information on process performance, focuses on variables in the process, and is based on statistical calculations. Methods: In the present study, analytical period sigma scores in tumor markers were calculated by using monthly and cumulative quarterly data. The present study is the first study in which sigma scores calculated with different Total Allowable Error (TEa (%)) and bias (%) values are compared by using statistical tests and the frequency of six sigma application is discussed.Results: When it was examined whether there was a statistically significant difference between the sigma scores that were calculated according to the biases obtained from the Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Control (EQC) data, although there was a significant difference in the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) and Cancer Antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3) tests, no significant difference was found in the other tests. When the sigma scores that were calculated according to the TEa (%) values determined by the reference institutions were analyzed statistically, it was found that different TEa (%) values caused significant differences in sigma scores. When the sigma scores obtained by months and cumulatively were examined, it was found that there were significant differences between the examined periods.Conclusions: As a conclusion, it is important to determine the optimal TEa (%) value in sigma score examinations and to monitor the quality by analyzing the sigma scores on a monthly basis in terms of the sustainability of the result quality of the tests and for the early detection of problems. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Kasım Demir; Çağlayan Gürer Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to discover if the samples of Zingiber officinale were compatible with the criteria written in the European Pharmacopoeia, as quality control tests, which the analyses were done with the samples supplied from a pharmacy and the herbal stores. Also gathering knowledge from the scientifical literature of the drug’s activities a contribution was made to the phytotherapy. Methods: One pharmacy and five herbalist samples were examined and the quality control tests were done due to the monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia. According to the monograph macroscopic and microscopic assays, thin layer chromatography with methanolic extract, loss on drying, total ash and essential oil determination assays accomplished. Results: With the macroscopic analysis and the microscopic analysis, the pharmacy sample were compatible with the criteria stated in Pharmacopoeia but one sample from herbal store had some unwanted and unidentified particles. The results of the loss on drying test which is repeated three times for each sample showed that the pharmacy sample and one from herbal store has more moisture than stated in the Pharmacopoeia. Also, total ash determination test was done three times and found that all the samples met the criteria stated in the Pharmacopoeia 7.0. Conclusion: The results of the essential oil determination tests showed us that the sample obtained from pharmacy and three of the herbal stores were meeting the criteria but the EO’s of the other samples were under the amount stated in the Pharmacopoeia. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Yeşim Akkoç; Aylin Kılıçkap, Özgür Yeniel Abstract: Objective: This study was planned to compare the effects of individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) applied with a single session versus long-term biofeedback (BF).Methods: Thirty-three female patients with SUI were randomized into two groups. Sixteen patients in the first group were given an individualized PFMT program with BF, 2 days a week for 8 weeks, and a home exercise program on the other days. Seventeen patients in the second group were given a home exercise program after individualized PFMT with BF in a single session. After 8 weeks, both groups continued the exercises as a home program for another 4 weeks. Primary outcome parameters included a 3-day bladder diary, 1-hour pad test, maximum contraction pressure, duration of sustained contractions, King’s Health Questionnaire, incontinence impact questionnaire, incontinence quality of life scale and Beck depression inventory. Patients were questioned in terms of fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction and treatment satisfaction as a secondary outcome parameters.Results: Thirty patients were able to complete the treatment. In the evaluations made at the 8th and 12th weeks, all of the primary outcome parameters improved in both groups (p.05). There was also improvement in secondary outcome parameters in both groups.Conclusion: In the treatment of SUI, it was determined that individualized exercise program might be continued as a home program after BF was used as a single session to teach the exercises correctly in PFMT. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Kadir Arslan; Ümmihan Topal, Ayça Sultan Şahin Abstract: Objective: Since traumatic brain injury (TBI) has high mortality rates, it is essential to identify patients with poor prognosis. In this study, the mortality prediction performances of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment-II (APACHE-II), Marshall, and Rotterdam scores were compared in patients with TBI in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary center.Methods: Patients followed up in the ICU due to moderate to severe TBI between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as survivor and nonsurvivor groups. The patient's clinical characteristics and the scoring systems' performance in predicting 28-day mortality were investigated.Results: A total of 150 patients were included in the study, and 82.4% (n=98) were male. GCS scores were significantly lower in the nonsurvivor group, while APACHE-II, Marshall, and Rotterdam scores were significantly higher (p < .001 for all). GCS, APACHE-II, and Rotterdam scores were independent predictors of mortality (p = .002, p = .012, and p = .003, respectively). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that GCS cut-off value was ≥6.5, area under the curve (AUC)=0.851, APACHE-II cut-off value was ≥ 21.5, AUC=0.866, Marshall cut-off value was ≥ 3.5, AUC=0.827 and Rotterdam cut-off value was ≥ 3.5, AUC=0.864.Conclusion: GCS, APACHE-II, Marshall, and Rotterdam scores are valid in predicting mortality in patients with TBI. Their performance in predicting mortality is ranked from highest to lowest as APACHE-II, Rotterdam, GCS, and Marshall. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ömer Ekici; İsmail Çalışkan Abstract: Objective: Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a common complication after tooth extraction that negatively affects the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the etiological risk factors, clinical features and treatment management in alveolar osteitis cases.Methods: In this study, 123 cases of patients diagnosed with AO in the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic over a two-year period were retrospectively examined comprehensively. A previously prepared AO patient follow-up form was used to collect patient data. Results: Among 3278 patients who underwent tooth extraction, 123 cases (47 males, 76 females) diagnosed with AO, aged between 19 and 84 years (mean age: 41.33±12.76 years) were included (AO prevalence: 3.75 %). While 23.6% of the cases had systemic disease, 22.8% were smokers and 8.1% were menstruating or using oral contraceptives. In AO cases, it was observed that the relevant teeth were mostly extracted due to dental caries (53.7%) and most often (56.1%) occurred after mandibular tooth extractions. 59.3% of AO cases occurred after traumatic tooth extraction, and pain (100%), difficulty eating(61.78%), and bad smell/taste (55.28%) were the most common symptoms. While irrigation was performed in 98.37% of the patients, topical alveogel was also applied in 45.5% of the patients. Conclusion: The results of the study confirm the etiological risk factors stated in the literature in AO cases. In this study, successful results were obtained with the combination of irrigation, topical alveogel application and medical treatment in the treatment of AO cases. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ezgi Mehteroğlu; Ilknur Suer, Murat Kaya, Şükrü Öztürk, Kıvanç Çefle, Şükrü Palanduz Abstract: Objective: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is distinguished by the differentiation and overgrowth of blast cells. In the current study, we purposed to elucidate the effect of miR-7-5p on AML cellular processes and the expression level of potential target genes. Methods: miR-7-5p mimic was transfected into AML cells by lipofectamine-mediated method and verified by qRT-PCR. The miR-7-5p's effect on proliferation and apoptosis was investigated by WST-8 and Caspase-3 kit (respectively). miRDB, miRTarBase, Targetscan, miRWalk, https://ongene.bioinfo-minzhao.org/, and http://soft.bioinfo-minzhao.org/lgl/a databases were utilized for in silico identification of possible target genes of miR-7-5p. Relative gene expression of potential target genes was investigated via the qRT-PCR technique. Results: In the group that is transfected with miR-7-5p, proliferation significantly decreased and apoptosis increased as against the control group. BCL2, SKP2, OGT, KLF4 and EGFR gene expression levels, which were determined as a result of possible target gene analysis by in silico methods and literature search, were investigated in AML cell lines. While the SKP2, KLF4 and OGT expression levels were statistically decreased in the group of transfected with mimic miR-7-5p, no statistically significant change was detected in the expressions of BCL2 and EGFR genes.Conclusion: miR-7-5p may affect the cancer process in AML by targeting SKP2, KLF4, and OGT genes. It is very important to identify and validate the miR-7-5p target genes, which has the possibility to be a new biomarker in the early diagnosis and therapy of AML. Therefore, our data obtained at mRNA level should be confirmed by further studies. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Burçin Erdat; İrem Atlıhan, Oya Orun Abstract: Objective: This review's goal is to provide an overview of the most recent data about the genetic foundations of adrenergic receptor polymorphisms in connection with essential hypertension (EH). Since EH is idiopathic, research is centered on its genetic underpinnings and significant interindividual differences in response to various therapies. Polymorphisms as an important element affecting individual disease susceptibility processes, are therefore, area of research interest for especially for genes that modulate variety of metabolic processesMethods: A comprehensive, systematic literature search was conducted using a number of databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (WOS). Recent research in the field that looked into the connections between blood pressure, heart disease, hypertension, and vascular problems was taken into account. Only studies with common polymorphisms, uniform criteria and statistics were included in order to assess consistent information and provide a broad perspective.Results: There are a limited number of studies in the literature after 2010 related to the adrenergic system polymorphisms, blood pressure, and/or essential hypertension. Genome-wide studies and meta-analyses reveal that there are several variants whose roles were supported by independent studies. ADRA1 Arg347Cys (rs1048101), ADRA2 C-1291G variant (rs1800544), ADRB1 Arg38Gly, ADRB2 Arg46Gly and ADRB3 Trp64ARg (rs4994) can be counted as major polymorphisms with their role verified by multiple researches. Conclusion: Despite being supported by numerous research, the association between adrenergic system polymorphisms and essential hypertension cannot be conclusively established due to the unpredictability of study patient numbers, side effects, and inconsistent findings. Larger and more controlled population-based studies are required to provide a clear picture of the disease's variability and treatment responses. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ayşegül Ilgaz; Esma Nur Sert, Sebahat Gözüm, Selma Öncel Abstract: Objective: While one of the groups most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is elderly individuals, those living alone are more disadvantaged. This study aimed to explore the experiences of elderly individuals living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic and to address this process and the problems they experience with all aspects of health.Methods: This study adopted a phenomenological approach and was conducted with 14 elderly people living alone. Individual in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview form. Content analysis was used for the data analysis. Results: The main themes identified were i) the effects of pandemic restrictions, ii) the view of the elderly on pandemic rules, iii) physical, iv) mental and v) social health problems, vi) coping strategies of the elderly, vii) support received in problem-solving, viii) and solution suggestions from the elderly.Conclusion: Pandemic restrictions in elderly individuals living alone have disrupted health checks and changes in daily life. The elderly experienced physical, mental and social health problems during the pandemic and developed coping strategies to combat the process. The experiences of the elderly and their suggestions should be taken into account in being prepared for any crisis that may affect the whole society, especially the elderly living alone. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Recep Kara; Elif Üner Asil, Gonca Karayağız Muslu, Özcan Aygün Abstract: Objective: Adolescents are prone to many unhealthy behaviors and psychological problems such as anxiety. It is fair to say that the psychological resilience and healthy life behaviors of students who spend most of this transition period in school are largely influenced by the school climate. Methods: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted to examine the effect of school climate on adolescents' psychological resilience and healthy lifestyle beliefs. A total of 767 students were included in the study. To ensure a homogeneous distribution of students, a stratified random sample was drawn by school and the data were collected by the researchers in the classroom after informing the students about the study. The research data were collected using the ‘Adolescent Data Collection Form’, ‘Delaware School Climate Survey’, ‘Child and Youth Resilience Measure’, and ‘Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale for Adolescents’. Results: In this study, which aimed to investigate the effects of school climate on psychological resilience and healthy lifestyle beliefs of adolescents, it was found that there was a moderate positive relationship between school climate and students' psychological resilience and healthy lifestyle beliefs. A number of factors have been identified as contributors to school climate, including gender, feeling healthy, and the resilience of children and youth.Conclusions: The results of this study show that school climate is important for adolescents' psychological resilience and healthy life beliefs. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Didem Seven; Altay Burak Dalan, Ömer Faruk Bayrak Abstract: Objective: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor, accounting approximately half of malignant central nervous system tumors. Median overall survival remains below 15 months post-diagnosis. Current treatments include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, primarily with temozolomide, yet the median overall survival remains below 15 months post-diagnosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of GBM is essential for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Among the implicated genes, the UNC13 protein family, particularly UNC13C, is of interest. While UNC13A and UNC13B have been linked to various neurological disorders, UNC13C has been less studied despite its involvement in neurotransmitter release and potential tumor-suppressive effects in other cancers. Our previous work indicated low expression levels of UNC13C in glioblastoma cell lines compared to healthy brain tissue, suggesting a role in GBM pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate UNC13C expression using web based bioinformatics tools and experimental approaches.Methods: We analyzed UNC13C expression across various tissues via Correlation Analyzer, confirming in glioblastoma tissues compared to healthy brain samples using the GEPIA and UALCAN databases. Additionally, we assessed UNC13C levels in glioblastoma cell lines (LN-18, A-172, U-87), human microglia (HMC3), and healthy astrocytes through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Our findings reveal that UNC13C expression is notably reduced in glioblastoma cells, with the highest expression observed in healthy astrocytes, albeit at low levels. These results underscore the importance of UNC13C in GBM and highlight the need for further investigation into its role in tumor development and progression. Conclusion: This study provides the first report of UNC13C expression detailed in human cell lines both normal and glioblastoma, emphasizing its significance from a developmental perspective. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Nilüfer Bal; Hilal Hüsam, Ziya Aydın, Büşra Demirci, Niyazi Ömer Arslan, Özge Gedik Abstract: Objective: Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) are electromyographic responses induced by auditory, tactile, or electrical stimulation. Electrode placement, intensity, and the type of stimulus applied to influence the amplitude and latency of VEMP responses. The study aims to investigate the effect of differences in stimulus intensities and stimulus types on VEMP results.Methods: Twenty participants (40 ears) between the ages of 18 and 30 (22.7±1.8) took part in the study. Results from the cervical VEMP (cVEMP) and ocular VEMP (oVEMP) tests were examined using six different characterized stimuli (click, LS CE Chirp, 500 Hz- 1000 Hz Tone Burst, and 500 Hz- 1000 Hz LS CE Chirp) at intensities of 100 dB nHL, 90 dB nHL, and 80 dB nHL.Results: In cVEMP and oVEMP testing, there was no significant difference between the amplitudes of 500 Hz tone burst (TB) and 500 Hz LS CE chirp stimuli; however, the p1 and n1 latencies of chirp stimuli were found to be significantly shorter. There was no significant difference between p1-n1 latency and the asymmetry ratio of frequency-specific stimuli. No difference was seen between click and chirp stimuli in any of the assessments.Conclusion: The chirp stimulus is an effective alternative for TB. It is encouraged that each clinic develops its normative data because of the differences in recording parameters. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Dilek Ayaz; Selma Öncel Abstract: Objectives: Pesticide use safety practices are essential in preventing pesticide exposure risk. Health literacy should be at a sufficient level to acquire these safety practices. This study aimed to determine the association between pesticide safety practices and health literacy of farmers registered in the WhatsApp groups of the Antalya Provincial Agriculture and Forest Directorate. Method: The sample of this descriptive-correlational study consisted of 221 farmers registered in Whatsapp groups belonging to five districts of Antalya. Research data were collected between March and August 2022 using an online Pesticide Safety Behaviors and Health Literacy Google form. Descriptive statistics, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: There was a high positive correlation between pesticide safety behaviors and health literacy mean scores of farmers (r=.844, p PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:İlknur Yalçın; Ayşe Ergün Abstract: Objective: Mental health problems are among the most common health problems today. This study was a randomized controlled trial in order to determine the effect of nurse-led mental health first aid training (MHFA) on mental health and mental health literacy (MHL) of office workers in Turkey.Methods: The study was performed with 88 employees in the intervention group and 90 employees in the control group, who were randomly allocated. The data were collected with positive mental health (PMH) scale and MHL scale via online forms. Intervention group received 8-hour MHFA course. The primary outcomes included autonomy, personal satisfaction, problem solving and self-actualization, self-control, prosocial attitude and interpersonal relationship skills of PMH sub-dimensions. The secondary outcome was mental health literacy. Post-test was administered one week following the completion of the MHFA training. Data were analyzed using chi-square, independent sample t test and repeated-measures ANOVA.Results: Following the MHFA training, post-test scores of the PMH scale personal satisfaction, self-control, autonomy, problem solving and self-actualization, prosocial attitude and interpersonal relationship skills were found to increase in favor of the intervention group (p PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Seher Mese-tayfur; Ibrahim Isot, Bengu Cetinkaya, Tugce Demirel-yalciner, Nesrin Kartal Ozer, Erdi Sozen Abstract: Objective: Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), a transcription factor involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, is critical in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) by promoting lipid accumulation and metabolic dysregulation that leads to hepatic pathologies. Fructose, becoming increasingly common in diets, activates SREBP-1c by increasing acetyl-CoA production. Present study aimed to sought the effect of SREBP-1c in fructose induced lipid accumulation.Methods: A fructose-induced lipid accumulation model was developed in mouse hepatocyte cells (AML12), where SREBP-1c expression was inhibited through siRNA transfection. Following different fructose concentrations, viability was determined by MTT assay, and the protein expression of SREBP-1c protein was determined by western blotting. The number of lipid droplets (LDs) was quantified microscopically, and lipogenic mRNA expressions of FASN, SCD1, GPAM, ACLY, ACSL1 and ACACA were detected by qRT-PCR.Results: Western blotting and microscopic analysis indicated that 25 mM for 72 hours of fructose increased total LDs, together with SREBP-1c levels, without affecting cell viability. The mRNA expression of SREBP-1c decreased in the presence of siRNA, confirming siRNA efficacy. SREBP-1c silencing reduced the number of fructose-induced total LDs. As lipogenic mRNA expressions, SREBP-1c silencing reduced SCD1 and ACLY, while other genes were unaffected.Conclusion: Silencing of SREBP-1c in hepatocytes demonstrated its beneficial effect by reducing fructose-induced LD accumulation. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ozan Kılıçkaya; Mustafa Tosun, Necati Özpınar Abstract: Objective: Scabies, a longstanding public health concern, is a contagious and pruritic skin condition caused by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei, affecting an estimated 300 million individuals worldwide annually. Recent increases in incidence can be attributed to challenges in accurate diagnosis and instances of treatment resistance. Permethrin, an insecticide belonging to the pyrethroid group, is the primary choice for scabies treatment. However, recent treatment failures suggest the emergence of permethrin resistance. Pyrethroids, widely employed as insecticides over the past three decades, have led to resistance development across various organisms. Pyrethroid acaricides like permethrin target the neuronal voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) protein, crucial for action potential generation in excitable cells. Specific mutations in the VSSC gene have been associated with pyrethroid resistance. Our objective is to elucidate the correlation between treatment failure and pyrethroid resistance stemming from VSSC gene mutations in Sarcoptes scabiei mites responsible for scabies cases in the Sivas region, Türkiye.Methods: In this study, we analyzed 30 scabies cases where initial permethrin treatment proved ineffective. The VSSC gene of scabies mites was partially isolated from genomic DNA to identify potential mutations via DNA sequencing.Results: Results yielded significant insights into the relationship between permethrin resistance and VSSC gene mutations. Notably, 43.3% of mites exhibited mutated VSSC genes.Conclusion: This study represents the first investigation into Vssc-associated permethrin resistance in human scabies. The study highlights the importance of detecting genotypic resistance in 43.3% of phenotypically resistant cases. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Mehmet Emin Altun; Emine Emektar, Şeref Kerem Çorbacıoğlu, Yunsur Çevik Abstract: Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) and deltaCO₂ levels in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and examine the relationship between these two parameters and the severity of disease. Methods: Patients with COVID-19 were included in the study. ETCO₂ values were recorded and deltaCO₂ values were calculated. They were divided into two groups: mild-moderate and severe patients. An analysis was performed to determine the threshold values for ETCO₂ and deltaCO₂ in mild-moderate and severe patient groups.Results: A total of 83 patients were included in our study. Of the patients, 43 (51.8%) patients had mild/moderate disease and 40 (48.2%) had severe disease. The AUC value was 0.910 for ETCO₂ (95% CI; 0.840-0.980, p PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Kadriye Özkol Kılınç; Çiğdem Torun Kılıç, Havva Öztürk Abstract: Objective: To determine the effect of nursing students’ emotional intelligence levels on their attitudes toward the nursing profession. Methods: In this study involving 746 nursing students from the nursing department of a university's faculty of health sciences, a specific sample selection was not employed; instead, an attempt was made to reach the entire population. The study was conducted with 586 (78.55%) students. The data was collected between March and April 2021 using the information form, Emotional Intelligence Test, and Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession. Results: The nursing students’ Emotional Intelligence Test mean score was 140.08±18.06, and their Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession mean score was 4.24±0.30. Males (t=-2.856; p=.004 PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Bahar Gurdal; Behiye Toprak Abstract: Objective: Among patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, we aimed to investigate the rates of use of medicinal plants, detailed information on use and purchase, socio-demographic characteristics associated with the tendency to use plants, and the status of reporting to health care professionals.Methods: The study was conducted in family health centers where patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus visited. A questionnaire form of objective questions was filled for patients. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education) of the patients, disease condition, medicines used, and whether or not they used plants. If so, more information was obtained on the plants that are the name, used part, preparation method, frequency of administration, the place from which the plants was obtained, the person who advised the product, the knowledge of the physician and his/her attitude about herbals. Results: 100 people (66% women, 34% men) participated in the study between the ages of 24-80, 13% of them have Type 1 and 87% have Type 2 diabetes. Only 11% of patients use plants. Eight plants have been identified. The most commonly used plant (36.36%) is cinnamon. Among the usage of the plants, decoction is placed on the top, with 78%. 62.5% of the patients obtain the plants from herbal shops. Friends or relatives are the primary sources of information regarding medicinal plant use (73%). Conclusion: By increasing the knowledge of physicians about plants, it has been seen that patients can share their usage of plants more easily with physicians. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Seçil Karakoca Nemli; Bilge Turhan Bal, Merve Bankoğlu Güngör, Nursel Dilsiz, Şükran Melda Eskitoros Toğay, Yeliz Kaşko Arıcı Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the color stability of maxillofacial silicones after applying plasma and ultraviolet protectives. Methods: Six different color specimen groups (clear, white, yellow, red, blue, and mixed) from additional polymerized maxillofacial silicone elastomer were prepared. The surface of the polymerized silicone was modified with argon and oxygen plasma. Then, five UV protective agents (benzophenone-3, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, titanium dioxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and TiO2-ZnO) were applied to the modified silicones. Specimens of each color and UV group were aged with an accelerated aging and thermocycling device. The color difference (ΔE) of maxillofacial silicones was statistically analyzed by 4-way ANOVA (α=0.05). Results: The silicone specimens coated with 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (UV-ES) showed the lowest ΔE values in all color groups and aging regimes. The red color generally showed the highest ΔE values, and the white color showed the lowest ΔE values. When the silicone surfaces were modified with oxygen and argon plasma, oxygen plasma exhibited significantly higher ΔE values than the argon plasma in red color groups, whereas in yellow color groups, argon plasma exhibited higher ΔE values than the oxygen plasma. Conclusions: Coating the silicone surface with UV-ES followed by oxygen or argon plasma revealed a positive impact on the color stability of silicone elastomer. Plasma treatment and UV-ES coating may be used to enhance the clinical lifetime of silicone facial prostheses. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Elif Serap Esen; Güzin Zeren Öztürk Abstract: Objective: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common diseases which affects life quality. The aim of the study was to examine sleep quality and sleeping related factors in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between 01.09.2018-01.12.2018 in Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Moreover, we used Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale to diagnose depression degree. Results: The study included 227 individuals with T2DM, with a mean age of 60.26 ± 9.13 years, 59.5% of whom were female. The mean disease duration was 10.46 ± 7.65 years, and 70% had accompanying hypertension. Poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 6) was identified in 54.2% of participants, with significantly poorer sleep quality observed in females, obese individuals, unemployed participants, and those with diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy (p < .05). Although no significant correlation was found between PSQI and glycemic control markers (HbA1c or fasting blood glucose), participants with higher levels of these markers tended to report poorer sleep. Depression severity (PHQ-9) was strongly associated with poor sleep quality (p < .001), with higher scores observed in females, low-income and unemployed participants, obese individuals, and those with diabetes-related complications.Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of sleep disturbances among individuals with T2DM, with factors such as female gender, obesity, unemployment, hypertension, and diabetes-related complications like neuropathy and retinopathy significantly impairing sleep quality. The bidirectional relationship between poor sleep and depression highlights the need for integrated mental health support in diabetes care. Although no significant correlations were found between sleep quality and glycemic markers, trends suggest a potential link, warranting further research. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Eda Didem Yalçın; Mehmet Emin Doğan Abstract: Objective: To assess the prevalence of physiological intracranial calcifications detected in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in a group of Turkish population by age and gender.Methods: Full head CBCT images of 1000 patients (535 men, 465 women) with age range of 6-91 years were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of habenular, pineal gland, coroid plexus, petroclinoid ligament, interclinoid ligament, carotico-clinoid ligament, falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli and basal ganglia calcifications were investigated by age groups and gender. Mann Whitney U test was used to calculate the calcification frequency by mean age and χ2 test was used for gender.Results: CBCT examination of 1000 cases aged between 6 and 91 were evaluated in six groups respectively; ages under 19 (13.3%), age 20-29 (14.8%), age 30-39 (11.9%), age 40-49 (19.3%), age 50-59 (20.9%) ages over 60 (19.8%). Habenular calcification was the most common calcification with a rate of 69%. Only petroclinoid ligament calcification was significantly higher in men (p < .001). Statistically significant relationship was found between age groups and calcifications of habenular, pineal gland, choroid plexus, petroclinoid ligament, interclinoid ligament, caroticoclinoid ligament (p < .001).Conclusion: Habenular calcification was the most common type of intracranial calcification in all age groups. As the probability of calcification increases with aging, an increase in the association of calcifications was observed. Physiological intracranial calcifications may be an incidental finding frequently encountered in CBCT examinations. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Emel Filiz; Handan Ertaş, Seda Ünal, Şeyma Kahveci Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Trust in Health Care Team Scale and to contribute to the literature by proposing a valid, reliable and easy-to-use measurement tool for researchers. Method: This methodological study was conducted between March and May 2022, using the survey method, among 1013 people over the age of 18 who live in Konya and can read and write Turkish. The research was designed within the scope of the quantitative research model in terms of method. The first part consists of demographic characteristics and the second part consists of adapted version of the items. The data were analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS programs. First, the construct validity of the scale was performed followed by the content validity. Results: As a result of the construct validity, it was found that the fit indices of the scale were at an acceptable level (X2/df=2.215; GFI=0.998; AGFI=0.997; NFI=0.998; RFI=0.997; RMR=0.043; SRMR=0.029). As a result of the reliability analysis, the Cronbach's alpha value was 0.975. Conclusion: The results indicated that the Trust in the Health Care Team Scale has an adequate level of validity and reliability in Turkish culture to measure the level of trust in the health care team. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Esra Biberoğlu Çelik; Semra Akkaya Turhan, Özlem Şahin, Ebru Toker Abstract: Objective: Chemical eye injuries are ophthalmic emergencies that require rapid intervention. It can cause extensive damage to the ocular surface and anterior segment leading to severe visual impairment. In this study, we aimed to report the clinical findings and visual outcomes of patients with chemical eye injuries.Methods: A total of 59 eyes of 50 patients who were followed up and treated with the diagnosis of chemical eye injury in Marmara University Ophthalmology Department between 2013 and 2020 were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were analyzed.Results: Mean age of patients was 31.9±12.5 (1-55 years). The mean follow-up period of the patients was 21.3±40.9 (median: 13; range: 3-310) days. 74.6% of the injuries occurred in the workplace. The exposed agent was acidic in 47.5%, alkaline in 39.0%, and the agent in 13.5% of eyes was unknown. The mean initial and final BCVA were 0.51±0.44 and 0.09±0.42 LogMAR, respectively. The observed improvement in BCVA values was statistically significant (p PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ozge Gunal; Asena Pınar Sefer, Burak Utuk, Melek Yorgun Altunbas, Ezgi Yalcin Gungoren, Royale Babayeva, Sevgi Bilgic Eltan, Safa Barış, Ahmet Oguzhan Ozen, Elif Karakoç Aydıner Abstract: Objective: To evaluate treatment adherence, satisfaction, and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children aged 0-12 years with FA and their parents.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 children diagnosed with FA by a physician who required allergen avoidance. Parents completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF), Food Allergy Parent Questionnaire (FAPQ), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQM-9), and Modified Morisky Scale (MMS). Demographic and clinical data were obtained.Results: The median total score for FAQLQ-PF was 39 (IQR 26-54), indicating moderate impairment in QoL. Emotional impact and social/dietary limitations were notably higher in children older than five years and those with multiple FA. The median FAPQ score was 38 (IQR 29-49), reflecting moderate parental stress and anxiety. Treatment satisfaction (TSQM-9) had a median score of 57 (IQR 41-71), with higher scores for parents of children with multisystem involvement. Treatment adherence (MMS) had a median score of 83 (IQR 67-100), indicating good overall adherence. Significant correlations were observed between higher parental anxiety and lower QoL.Conclusion: Children with FA and their parents experience significant HRQL impairment, stress, and varying levels of satisfaction with treatment. These results underscore the necessity for comprehensive management strategies that encompass psychosocial support and personalized interventions to enhance outcomes for families dealing with FA. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Sevda Türk; Seyhan Ulusoy, Sevgi Karakuş, Gülgün Tınaz Abstract: Objective: In this study it was aimed to synthesize novel 1,3,4-thiadizole bearing 4(3H)-quinazolinone compounds, elucidate their structure and evaluate their anti-biofilm activity.Methods: Four novel 4(3H)-quinazolinone compounds (1-4) were synthesized with a two step reaction starting from 5-bromoanthranilic acid. Their anti-biofilm activity was investigated.Results: The final compounds’ structures were clarified by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS). In the result of anti-biofilm activity studies, they possessed 26.0-30.0% biofilm formation inhibition.Conclusion: Among the tested compounds, 6-bromo-3-{4-[5-(4-nitrophenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]phenyl}-2-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one formulated compound 3 was found as the most active one with 30.0% biofilm formation inhibition. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Fatma Nur Duman; Sena Akyüz, Zehra Gölbaşı Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between health-related university students' attitudes towards domestic violence and their attitudes towards gender roles.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 500 students studying at a private university in Ankara. "Personal Information Form," "Domestic Violence Attitude Scale (DVAS)" and “The Gender Roles Attitude Scale (GRAS)” were used for data collection.Results: A negative and weak correlation was found between the total mean scores of DVAS and GRAS among the students participating in the study (p PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Simay Koc; Damla Kırıcı, Alper Kustarci, Naime Bulut, Kübra Yıldırım, Ahmet Yılmaz Çoban Abstract: Objective: To assess the disinfection capacity of HOCl, NaOCl, and CHX on dentinal tubules.Methods: Enterococcus faecalis suspension was supplemented to the dentin blocks. The groups were created according to the irrigation solution, 2.5% NaOCl was used in Group 1, 2% CHX in Group 3, and 200 ppm HOCI in Group 3. All the irrigants (50 µL) were dropped on dentin for 30 seconds, 1 min, and 3 min. Four samples were selected for each solution group to form its control group. To observe the bacterial growth 10 ml of a sample taken from the tubes was cultivated on Mueller-Hinton agar. After the incubation, the total number of colonies was determined.Result: In Group 1, the number of colonies in the samples taken for all three-time intervals was 0, and the solution efficiency was found to be 100%. In Group 2, the success rate was 97.4%, 99.2%, and 99,9% for 30 sec., 1 min, and 3 min, respectively. In Group 3, the success rate was 63%, 86.3%, and 93,4% for 30 sec., 1 min, and 3 min, respectively. Conclusion: HOCl has a success rate of antimicrobial effect of more than 90% at the end of the 3 min duration on dentinal tubules. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Serkan Şen; Murat Kaşıkcı, Sabahattin Sül, Ozan Tekin Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Escin molecule obtained from horse chestnut seed extract on retinal pigment epithelial cell lines (ARPE-19).Methods: In this research, the ARPE-19 cell line, which is a commercially available retinal pigment epithelial cell line derived from the normal eyes of a 19-year-old male, was utilized. Escin was administered to the cells in varying concentrations of 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 micromolar throughout a 48-hour timeframe. The IC50 concentration was subsequently determined through MTT cell viability assays. To determine cell migration, a wound healing assay was executed. To quantify MMP9 and AKT protein levels, analysis was conducted using Western blot. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of EGF, EGFR, PDGF-β, PDGFβ-R, and HIF1A were analyzed using RT-PCR.Results: Escin inhibited cell migration in RPE cells. Western blot analysis showed that escin decreased the levels of AKT and MMP9 proteins. Furthermore, it was found that the mRNA expression levels of PDGFß, PDGFβ-R, and HIF1A were suppressed following escin administration.Conclusion: Escin has the potential to slow disease progression by suppressing cell migration in retinal pigment epithelial cells. With its anti-angiogenic properties, escin shows promise for developing new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of retinal diseases. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Rukiye Çelik; Birgül Erdoğan, Gizem Çakır, Naime Altay, Ebru Kılıçarslan Törüner Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted to determine school children’s (8–10 years of age) feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This study was descriptive. The study was conducted online between March 1 and June 17, 2022, with 49 children and their parents living in Türkiye who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. Results: Our study found that the anxiety scores of children who were diagnosed themselves or had someone in their families diagnosed were higher than those who were not diagnosed. According to the drawing technique, the rate of insecurity and anger was higher in children with a family member diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to those without a diagnosis. According to the results of the correlation, statistically significant relationships were found between anxiety scores and shyness (p=.031), between impulsivity and insecurity (p=.000), between impulsivity and anger (p=.029), and between insecurity and anger (p=.029).Conclusions: Nurses should be aware of the social and emotional impact of pandemics on children and be able to use the drawing method, a therapeutic communication technique, to determine children’s perceptions of the pandemic process and how they are affected by it. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:İzzet Aydemir; Afsun Ezel Esatoğlu Abstract: Objective: This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CAE) from the perspective of payers in Türkiye, considering potential complications.Methods: A decision tree analysis model was employed using data from 61 patients (29 CAS, 32 CAE) treated for carotid stenosis (CS) between 2019-2021. The procedural costs were derived from a university hospital-billing department, while health outcomes such as any stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) and their utility values were based on meta-analyses and established studies. The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results: When the model was applied, CAS incurred higher costs ( USD per patient) compared to CAE (USD 947,30), resulting in an ICER of USD 96.345 per QALY. CAE, as a traditional model, demonstrated dominance due to its lower costs and slightly better outcomes. Sensitivity analysis showed that a ±10% change in input parameters, particularly a higher impact was observed in costs and stroke incidence and could alter the ICER about ± USD 1.225 to 3.500. Budget impact analysis estimated CAS and CAE affecting 4.37% and 3.09% of the healthcare budget, respectively.Conclusion: CAE demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness over CAS in treating CS within the Turkish healthcare system. Despite CAS's appeal as a less invasive option, its higher costs and marginal effectiveness suggest that CAE should be prioritized unless parameters such as procedural costs and any stroke risks associated with CAS are reduced. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Derya Gündüz Hoşgör; Betül Sönmez Abstract: Objective: To adapt the Patient/Family-Perfections of Team Effectiveness (Patient-PTE) Questionnaire and Provider-Perceptions of Team Effectiveness Questionnaire (Provider-PTE) into Turkish and to test their validity and reliability.Methods: The sample of this methodological study included patients receiving inpatient treatment and care at a training and research hospital and their families (n1=230), and nurses and physicians (n2=260). After the questionnaires’ language and content validity were confirmed, their construct validity was examined by test-retest and internal consistency.Results: The original structure of the questionnaires was preserved in their Turkish versions. In construct validity, significant differences were determined according to the characteristics of the participants in both questionnaires. A statistically significant difference was detected when the mean scores of low and high functioning teams were compared for the sensitivity of the questionnaires. Conclusion: Turkish versions of the questionnaires were considered valid and reliable. The Patient-PTE can be used to assess team processes and perceived outcomes of care from the patients’ and their families’ perspectives. The Provider-PTE can be used to assess interdisciplinary team processes and perceived care outcomes. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Habibe Bay Özçalık; Ayşe Nur Ataş Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effects of prenatal optimism and spiritual intelligence on childbirth attitudes in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was completed with the participation of 288 pregnant women. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire, the Life Orientation Test, and the Scale for Spiritual Intelligence. Results: The mean total score of the Scale for Spiritual Intelligence, Life Orientation Test, and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire of the participants were determined to be 47.95±7.81, 18.43±4.85, and 39.26±10.89, respectively. It was determined that while spiritual intelligence levels did not have a significant effect on the childbirth attitudes variable, prenatal optimism levels had a significant effect on childbirth attitudes, where the former explained approximately 5% of the variance in the latter (R2=0.047, p=.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, an increase in the prenatal optimism of pregnant women helps their fear of childbirth decrease. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Yeşim Kaya Yaşar; Yasemin Altun Ali, Esra Kara, Ergun Aybars Eroglu, Gülin Renda, Gamze Çan, Feride Sena Sezen Abstract: Objectives: Polypharmacy and the uncontrolled use of herbal products increase drug interactions and adverse drug reactions, leading to possible risks for the geriatric population. This study aimed to investigate the medications and herbal products used by geriatric individuals who presented to a family health center in Trabzon province, Türkiye, as well as their related habits and knowledge and information sources. Methods: The study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with geriatric patients who presented to the Yomra Family Health Center in Trabzon between February and May 2019. The questionnaire forms obtained from a total of 236 individuals with appropriate data quality were included in the study. Results: Of the participants, 137 (58.1%) were primary school graduates, whose mean age was 69.23 ± 4.81 years. It was found that 212 (89.9%) of the participants used medications regularly, and 143 (60.5%) of the regular medication users did not remember the name or purpose of at least one medication. The participants used a total of 646 medications, of which 63 (9.7%) were kept under unsuitable storage conditions. It was also determined that 76 (32.2%) of the participants used herbal products, with the most commonly used herbal products being linden and lemon-and-mint tea. Conclusion: Pharmacists can improve the treatment adherence and outcomes of geriatric patients by monitoring their treatment regimens in terms of dose, duration, and drug interactions, while also providing counseling on medications and herbal products, including necessary warnings and instructions. Furthermore, healthcare professionals must be fully aware of the potential health complications arising from the combined intake of herbs and drugs to ensure optimal patient care. PubDate: Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +030
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