Recent publications
Background
Early career development—the first stage of an individual’s journey to get to know themselves and their profession—is very important in the career choice process. The correct identification of the variables that influence this process is valuable for the healthy continuation of the developmental process. This study examined whether maternal, paternal, and peer attachment styles play a mediating role in explaining career exploration outcome expectations of metacognitive skills.
Methods
The hypotheses created for this purpose were examined within the framework of the correlational/relational design of quantitative research models. The target population comprised students studying in secondary schools in Turkey in 2023, and the sample comprised 318 individuals—168 boys and 150 girls—selected using convenience sampling method. SPSS 25.0 Process Macro 4.1 version “Model 6,” developed by Hayes, was used for multiple mediation analysis.
Results
Metacognitive skills positively and significantly predicted career exploration outcome expectations and maternal and paternal attachment styles, but not peer attachment style. Maternal, paternal, and peer attachment styles did not significantly explain career exploration outcome expectations. Finally, maternal, paternal, and peer attachment styles did not significantly mediate the relationship between metacognitive skills and career exploration outcome expectations.
Conclusion
These results show that individuals’ metacognitive skills play an important role in the process of career exploration and goal setting. Moreover, individuals’ metacognitive skills have a stronger association with family ties than with peer relationships. However, individuals’ ties to their mothers, fathers, and peers are not a determining factor in the formation of individuals’ expectations about their careers. Additionally, the relationship between metacognitive skills and career exploration outcome expectations occurs directly, independent of maternal, paternal, and peer attachment styles. Thus, individual characteristics, rather than social factors, such as family or peer relationships, play a significant role in shaping individuals’ expectations about career exploration.
This review explores to treat cellulosic fibers in the supercritical carbondioxide (scCO2) medium. Substituting traditional chemical processes with supercritical solvents can markedly reduce water consumption and chemical waste in textile manufacturing. This approach not only enhances process efficiency but also preserves the chemical and physical properties of cellulose, thereby minimizing environmental impact. The study advocates for adopting supercritical processes as a novel method for sustainable textile production. It underscores the significant role these processes can play in enhancing sustainability and efficiency within the textile industry.
Graphical abstract
Aims
Clinostomid metacercariae infect a wide range of freshwater fish species, posing a zoonotic risk to human health when consumed raw or undercooked, potentially leading to Halzoun disease. Although these parasites are generally considered a health threat in Asian countries, they are also present in various regions of Türkiye and have been found in 12 different freshwater fish species commonly consumed in local cultures. However, their presence has not been reported in the endemic Anatolian fish, Alburnus escherichii. This study aims to determine the presence of clinostomid species in A. escherichii from the Sarısu stream in Eskişehir, Türkiye.
Methods and Results
In addition to using a combination of ecological, morphological, molecular and histopathological approaches, our findings revealed the presence of Clinostomum complanatum within the branchial and buccal cavities of A. escherichii. Further histopathological examination revealed encysted metacercariae of C. complanatum invading the host tissues encapsulated within a thin fibrotic layer and accompanied by moderate inflammatory cell infiltration and degenerative changes in muscle cells.
Conclusions
These results provide new insights into the geographical and host distribution as well as histopathological impacts of C. complanatum metacercariae in teleost species.
Background
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, significant challenges have been encountered in managing patients with chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on follow-up and treatment adherence in patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT).
Methods
A study examining the changes in IRT application methods was conducted between March 2020 and September 2021. An online message line, under the control of nurses and doctors, was established for our patients, and their usage rates for this communication system were recorded.
Results
A total of 169 patients, 93 males and 76 females, were included in the study. Among the patients, 124 (73.4%) received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and 45 (26.6%) received subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) treatment. Male sex was more common in both the IVIG and SCIG groups. Although all patients in the subcutaneous treatment group continued the treatments regularly, this rate was 80.6% in the IVIG group. During the pandemic, 26 patients switched from IVIG to SCIG treatment. Furthermore, 24 patients interrupted immunoglobulin treatment for various reasons. Patients who received subcutaneous treatment took a long break from their hospital controls, although they applied them properly at home. Routine immunoglobulin trough values were measured in only 17 (37.7%) patients who were on SCIG. In the presence of symptoms, 100% of SCIG patients contacted the remote medical team via the online message line, compared to 48.3% of IVIG patients.
Conclusion
During the pandemic, the route of immunoglobulin treatment should be individualized based on each patient’s characteristics and expectations. Telehealth services have emerged as a crucial tool for monitoring patients with chronic disorders, facilitating effective communication and personalized care.
We analysed the frequency, severity and impact of hepatitis flares in a large Phase 2 study investigating pegylated interferon‐alfa‐2a (PEG‐IFNa) for the treatment of hepatitis D. In the HIDIT‐II study, 120 patients were treated for 96 weeks with PEG‐IFNa (180 μg weekly) in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, 300 mg once daily) or placebo. Hepatitis flares were defined as ALT increases above 10 times the upper limit of normal or increases of more than 2.5‐fold above baseline or nadir values. ALT flares occurred in 28 patients (23%) during treatment (< 96) and in 14 patients post‐treatment until follow‐up Week 24. There were no differences in the flare frequency between the two treatment arms (12 PEG‐IFNa + placebo vs. 16 PEG‐IFNa + TDF). The frequency of ALT increases did not differ between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. None of the patients with cirrhosis experienced liver decompensation during or after a flare. Fifty‐four per cent of the patients with ALT flare experienced a decrease in HDV RNA (> 1 log10 cop/ml) during subsequent study visits. Mean ALT levels early during treatment were higher in patients with HBsAg loss at follow‐up Week 24. More than a third of hepatitis D patients undergoing PEG‐IFNa therapy may experience ALT flares during or after treatment. ALT flares in this study posed no obvious safety risk to patients and should not lead to premature withdrawal from treatment. If ALT flares may be beneficial in single patients requires further investigation.
Clinical Trial Registration: NCT00932971, EudraCT 2008–005560‐13.
Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) are high-stress environments where nurses frequently encounter futile treatments. These experiences can lead to compassion fatigue (CF) and increase turnover intention (TI) among ICU nurses.
Aim: To examine the levels of attitudes towards futile treatment (ATFT), CF and TI among ICU nurses, to explore their relationship and identify the factors influencing ATFT.
Study Design: This cross-sectional study involved 440 ICU nurses who were members of the Turkish Society of Critical Care Nurses. Data were collected via an online survey using the Attitudes Towards Futile Treatment Scale (ATFTS), Compassion Fatigue-Short Scale (CFS) and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to analyse the data.
Results: The findings of the study indicated that ICU nurses' ATFTS, CFS and TIS scores were 43.18 ± 6.44, 74.25 ± 23.33 and 8.39 ± 3.03, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between ATFTS and CFS (r = −0.428, p = .001) as well as TIS (r = −0.204, p = .029). In the final hierarchical regression model, the significant predictors of ATFTS included participation in patient-related decisions (β = −0.148, p = .001), performing futile treatment practices (β = 0.342, p = .001), work burnout (β = −0.165, p = .015), secondary trauma (β = −0.130, p = .011) and TI (β = −0.170, p = .039).
Conclusion: This study found that ICU nurses' ATFTs are negatively correlated with compassion fatigue and turnover intention. Enhancing ICU nurses' involvement in decision-making and providing psychological and emotional support to manage compassion fatigue and turnover intention may help improve their attitudes towards futile treatment.
Relevance to Clinical Practice: The study highlights the critical need to address compassion fatigue and turnover intention among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to mitigate their negative attitudes towards futile treatments. By improving emotional resilience and involving nurses more actively in ethical decision-making processes, health care institutions can enhance the quality of care provided in ICUs, reduce turnover rates and ultimately support the well-being of the nursing staff.
In this paper, we define subclass of the function class of bi-univalent functions defined in the open unit disk in the complex plane. Using Chebyshev polynomials, we have investigated the upper bound for the second Hankel determinant for this function class.
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a relapsing–remitting inflammatory vascular disorder with multiple system involvement, affecting vessels of all types and sizes, that targets young adults. The etiology of BD is unknown but many factors including genetic mechanisms, vascular changes, hypercoagulability, and dysregulation of immune function are believed to be responsible. BD usually presents with signs and symptoms of ulcerative disease of the small intestine; endoscopy being consistent with the clinical manifestations. The mainstay of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Corticosteroids are recommended for severe forms of the disease and aminosalicylic acids are used in maintaining remission in mild to moderate forms of the disease. In the treatment of moderate and severe forms of the disease, the introduction of biologic drugs has altered treatment strategies and may improve the long-term prognosis of patients with intestinal BD.
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a vasculitis characterized by recurrent attacks and multiple manifestations, including oral and genital ulcers, ocular, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, neurological, articular, and vascular findings. The disease affects any type and size of vessel, and the etiology remains unclear. The disease mainly begins in young adulthood and is rarely seen in childhood. Pediatric BD is defined as a fully manifested disease up to the age of 16 years and consists of 2.5–14% of all cases. Majority of studies indicate that there may be some differences between pediatric BD and adult BD: Family history is higher in frequency in pediatric BD than in adult BD. The most common manifestations are mucocutaneous lesions, with oral ulcers being the most common initial presentation. While gastrointestinal symptoms, central nervous system involvement, and arthralgia are more often seen in children, genital ulcers are more common in adults. Furthermore, the current literature indicates that pediatric BD has a relatively mild course, with a low severity score and activity index. The diagnosis of pediatric BD is difficult and differential diagnosis includes many diseases particularly autoinflammatory syndromes such as A20 haploinsufficiency, periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome and deficiency of adenosine deaminase-2 and neutrophilic dermatoses such as pyoderma gangrenosum and Sweet’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other vasculitides.
This paper has attempted to determine the weighting levels of the soil and ground motion parameters (engineering bedrock depth (EBd), average shear wave velocity (Vs30), fundamental frequency (f0), peak ground acceleration (PGA), Joyner-Boore distance (Rjb), and epicenter distance (Repi)) in reflecting the actual damage status after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, which have a wide impact area of 11 provinces. The analytical hierarchy method (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process, was used to analyze these parameter data sets obtained from 44 Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Türkiye (AFAD) stations (Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Osmaniye). The priority order of the parameters before the analysis was systematically collected. These parameters were categorized into soil, ground motion and earthquake source-path properties. Considering the literature, these characteristics and their combined effects were systematically weighted with AHP under five groups. According to the weighted groups in the scope of the study, the actual damage data can be determined with a minimum accuracy rate of 70% (Group 1). In comparison, the best performance evaluation was 82% (Group 5). The parameter order and weights in the actual damage data evaluation are suggested as EBd-%28, PGA-%24, Vs30-%19, Rjb-%14, f0-%10, and Repi-%5 considering the very high accuracy rate of Group 5. This suggested weighting allows the rapid and effective estimation of the damage distribution after a possible earthquake only with soil, ground motion and earthquake source-path characteristics, even in cases where reliable structure data cannot be obtained.
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest the promising potential of microRNAs (miRNA) in predicting the status of circulating tumor cells (CTC), and their combined analyses could pave the way for significant advancements in assessing the risk of metastatic cancer. Here, we investigate the circulating miRNA signatures associated with CTC status in metastatic CRC (mCRC).
Methods
The CTC status of mCRC patients was assessed using AdnaTest ColonCancer technology, which detects tumor cells using an immunomagnetic approach and characterizes them based on colon‐specific surface markers. The miRNA profiles were analyzed using the Agilent miRNA microarray in 8 CTC‐positive, 8 CTC‐negative, and eight healthy individuals. The functional implications of dysregulated miRNAs and their interactions with target mRNAs, TFs, and lncRNAs were determined through a comprehensive in silico analysis. Candidate miRNAs that were differentially expressed in CTC‐positive and CTC‐negative groups, which have prior evidence for their role in CRC biology, were validated using qPCR.
Results
We identified two groups of dysregulated miRNAs associated with CTC status and multiple candidate biomarkers in suggested miRNA regulatory networks. Three miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐199a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐326, hsa‐miR‐500b‐5p), which were downregulated in the CTC‐positive group compared to the CTC‐negative group, were confirmed by qPCR and prioritized as candidate predictors of CTC status in mCRC.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest biomarker candidates that can be used to predict CTC status in individuals with mCRC. This might also provide new insights into new translational medicine applications in the management of mCRC through miRNA‐based CRC‐associated CTC detection.
Traumatic life experiences such as earthquakes are impactful on individuals’ mental health and positive psychological characteristics are key assets for the preservation of mental health after stressful situations. Strength-based parenting and optimism are considered among those strengths to combat psychological problems including depression. The current study aimed to examine the longitudinal mediating effects of optimism between strength-based parenting and depression (model 1) and post-traumatic growth (model 2). Participants included 137 university students ranging in age between 18 and 53 (M = 21.83, SD = 5.41). Results demonstrated that strength-based parenting at baseline significantly and negatively correlated with depression while positive correlations were found with optimism and post-traumatic growth at a six-month follow-up. Moreover, optimism (T2) mediated the relationship between strength-based parenting (T1) and depression (T2) and post-traumatic growth (T2). Thus, this study identified the positive qualities and strengths to combat the adverse psychological effects of traumatic experiences including earthquakes, and deepened the current understanding of how strength-based parenting longitudinally contributes to individuals’ positive psychological strengths, processes, and mental health after “the disaster of the century.”
Background
A novel approach to enhancing the mechanical properties of glass-ionomer cement (GIC) may incorporate natural fiber. This study aims to evaluate the effects of raw and pure hemp fiber additions on the flexural strength (FS) and surface roughness (SR) properties of glass-ionomer cement (GIC).
Methods
Hemp fibers sourced from the local population were harvested, dried, and separated, then prepared in raw and pure forms to assess their impact on the FS and surface roughness of GIC. Synthesized GICs dopped raw and pure hemp fiber were characterized using SEM and EDX for morphological and elemental analysis. The mechanical features of GICs were measured using an FS and SR testing apparatus.
Results
Raw hemp fibers, known for their sustainability and mechanical resilience, showed significant enhancements in FS, particularly at 1% addition. High FS and SR values using pure fibers at 1% and 3% concentrations were due to improving fiber-matrix interactions, reducing the cracks on GICs. SEM analysis of fracture surfaces supported these findings, showing fiber reinforcement at crack lines.
Conclusion
This approach offers a promising, eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative for dental restorations, combining mechanical durability and surface quality. These results highlight the potential of hemp fiber-reinforced GIC in advancing sustainable, restorative materials in dentistry.
Increasing air pollutants significantly contributes to climate change, requiring innovative mitigation strategies. Microalgae provide a promising solution by absorbing CO₂ and pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and ammonia from agricultural and industrial emissions, while also generating biomass for biofuels and animal feed. This study investigated the effects of light intensity on the growth and biochemical composition of Scenedesmus sp. AQUAMEB-57, Ankistrodesmus sp. AQUAMEB-33, and Synechococcaceae AQUAMEB-32 cultivated in photobioreactors under two batch and continuous culture conditions. Scenedesmus sp. reached the highest cell concentration (8 × 106 cells ml−1) at 200 µmol photons m−2s−1, while Ankistrodesmus sp. and Synechococcaceae peaked at 300 µmol photons m−2s−1. Dry biomass was highest for all species at 300 µmol photons m−2s−1. Scendesmus sp showed the highest protein content (15.6%) at a light intensity of 200 µmol photons m−2s−1, Ankistrodesmus sp. (17.2%) at 300 µmol photons m−2s−1, and Synechococcaceae (23.5%) at 100 µmol photons m−2s−1. Maximum carbohydrate content for Scenedesmus sp., Ankistrodesmus sp., and Synechococcaceae was 56.0%, 20.5%, and 18.4%, respectively, at 300 µmol photons m−2s−1. C16/C18 fatty acids significantly increased as light intensity was raised from 100 to 200 µmol photons m−2s−1. The findings show that light intensity impacts growth rates and biochemical profiles, varying by species and cultivation mode. Continuous systems yield higher biomass than batch systems, emphasizing the need for optimized strategies to enhance algal productivity. This research enhances understanding of microalgal growth dynamics, offering insights into optimizing conditions for improved biomass yield and supporting sustainable biofuel production and other valuable products.
Objective
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common heterogeneous sleep disorder that significantly impacts the sleep quality of individuals and leads to severe complications. Patients with OSA often experience disrupted circadian rhythm, hyperactive hypoxia response, and endothelial dysfunction, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly known. Recent research suggests promising evidence of the potential role of SIRT1 in the etiology of OSA, warranting further investigation.
Methods
We investigated the associations of the SIRT1 promoter variant (rs7895833A > G) with OSA severity in 199 individuals who underwent an overnight polysomnography at the sleep clinic.
Results
The minor allele frequency was observed as 0.309 in males (n = 149) and 0.310 in females (n = 50). No significant associations were observed between genotypes and apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) in the entire sample. However, we observed a significant association (p = 0.034) between the rs7895833‐G and the severity of OSA in females stratified by AHI. Additionally, we found statistically significant inverse correlations between age and SIRT1 protein levels in the total sample (p = 0.013) and the male group (p = 0.018), suggesting a potential age‐related expression of SIRT1. Our analysis also confirmed the published literature, showing correlations between the AHI and clinical parameters such as age, BMI, Epworth sleepiness scale, and neck circumference.
Conclusions
Overall, SIRT1 may indirectly affect OSA pathogenesis, which might be influenced by gender. Further detailed analysis involving large population‐based biobanks, especially focusing on gender‐based differences, will improve our understanding of the role and potential of SIRT1 in OSA management.
Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) represents an additive manufacturing process utilizing an electric arc to liquefy wire feedstock, enabling the precise deposition of material layers to construct intricate structures. The advantages of high product quality and fast production make the WAAM method stand out. This study delves into the critical role of process parameter optimization in WAAM, focusing on the application of 5554 aluminum wire as a suitable material. Through analysis of samples produced with parameters including robot speed, wire feeding speed, and dwell time between layers, the study aims to elucidate their impact on final product characteristics. By assessing different values for each parameter and employing six distinct parameter sets in sample manufacturing, the research facilitates comprehensive comparative analysis. Mechanical testing of the produced samples reveals a significant correlation between heat input during aluminum alloy production and resulting hardness values, underscoring the pivotal role of temperature control in process. The highest properties were at the wire feed speed 7.5 m min ⁻¹ , robot speed 0.5 m min ⁻¹ and dwell time between layers 30 s. These findings not only highlight the importance of meticulous parameter selection in WAAM but also contribute valuable insights for optimizing production processes and enhancing material properties.
This study was aimed to investigate the effects of ozone (O3) treatment during incubation period (IP) on hatchability, hatch window, chick quality and organ growth, bacterial load of feces and first-week growth performance in broilers. A total of 240 hatching eggs were weighed and randomly divided into control group (O3-IP (-)) and O3 treatment (O3-IP (+)). A commercial O3 generator was placed into the setter and O3 treatment (at the level of 0.050 ppm) was applied during 1 min per hour in a cyclic period of 3 days during the 18-day incubation period. The egg weight loss between 1 and 18 days ranged with values 8.59% in O3-IP (-) and 10.63% in O3-IP (+) group. The pipping time and incubation length was determined as 500.67 h and 527.33 h in O3-IP (-) and 489.67 h and 518.33 h in O3-IP (+) respectively. The yolk sac weight was found to be higher in the O3-IP (-) group compared to the O3-IP (+). In conclusion, O3 treatment during incubation period seems to be cause an acceleration for pipping time and shortening of total incubation period, unsteady effects for chick growth and quality, inhibitory effect for bacterial growth in feces.
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