Yazarlar
- Gul, Muhammet(35)
- Erten, Fusun(23)
- Zengin, Gokhan(23)
- Benzer, Fulya(22)
- Dal, Nursel Alp(20)
- Sahin, Kazim(20)
- Orhan, Cemal(19)
- Yeşiltepe, Akgün(17)
- Topal, Murat(15)
- Yucesan, Melih(15)
- Yildirim, Ozal(13)
- Öbek, Erdal(13)
- Aksakal, B.(12)
- Gürarslan Baş, Nazan(12)
- Alp Dal, Nursel(11)
- Baloglu, Ulas Baran(11)
- Cakilcioglu, Ugur(11)
- Kandemir, Fatih Mehmet(11)
- Paksoy, Mehmet Yavuz(11)
- Talo, Muhammed(11)
- Celik, Erkan(10)
- Er, Besir(10)
- Say, Yakup(10)
- Yaman, Mine(10)
- Yüksekol, Özlem Doğan(10)
- Aksu, Önder(9)
- Aslan, N.(9)
- Aslan, Naim(9)
- Baş, Kazım(9)
- Erişir, Mine(9)
- Mahomoodally, Mohamad Fawzi(9)
- Acharya, U. Rajendra(8)
- Caprioli, Giovanni(8)
- Karatay, Gülnaz(8)
- Kocabaş, Mehmet(8)
- Macit, Arife(8)
- Parlak Ak, Tuba(8)
- İpek, Yeliz(8)
- Beydağ, Kerime Derya(7)
- Camas, Mustafa(7)
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Physical education and sports teacher candidates’ perspectives on meaning in life and smartphone addiction: a mixed-method study
Şahin, Aykut; Öner, Burak
Objective – This study aims to examine the relationship between physical education and sports (PES) teacher candidates’ levels of meaning in life and smartphone addiction, and to explore in depth how this relationship occurs through qualitative data. Methods – The study was conducted using the explanatory sequential design, one of the mixed-method designs. The quantitative part of the study included 392 PES teacher candidates studying at four universities in Turkey. Quantitative data were collected using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and the Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Form. Results – The findings showed a low-level, negative, and significant relationship between the presence of meaning and smartphone addiction, whereas no significant relationship was found between the search for meaning and smartphone addiction. Additionally, a low-level, positive, and significant relationship was determined between the presence of meaning and the search for meaning. In the qualitative phase of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted to support the quantitative findings. Participants’ views indicated that sports provide individuals with meaning in life and partially balance smartphone use. Conclusion – As a result, it was determined that the concept of the search for meaning is influenced by the sports context and the sample’s characteristics, and is not a direct risk factor for smartphone addiction; rather, the search for meaning may be an indicator of adaptation or personal development, not merely a lack of a meaningful life. In contrast, it was concluded that experiencing a high level of meaningful life among PES teacher candidates has a protective effect against the risk of smartphone addiction.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1Happiness and Psychological Well-Being Among Fathers of Young Children: Evidence From Tunceli, Turkey
Şen Montazerirad, Buket; Yeşiltepe, Akgün
Fatherhood significantly influences psychological well-being and happiness, yet fathers particularly of young children are underrepresented in research. This study examines the relationship between happiness and psychological well-being in this group. This study aims to explore the relationship between happiness and psychological well-being among fathers of children in early childhood. A descriptive-correlational study was conducted with data collected online using validated self-report questionnaires on demographic characteristics, happiness, and psychological well-being from 257 participants. A statistically significant, strong, and positive relationship was found between happiness and psychological well-being (r = 0.626, p = 0.000). Regression analysis revealed that happiness explained 39.2% of the variance in psychological well-being and was a significant predictor (R2 = 0.392). Each unit increase in psychological well-being was associated with a 0.794-unit increase in happiness (β = 0.794; p < 0.05). Fathers’ happiness is a key determinant of their psychological well-being and psychosocial interventions targeting fathers may enhance both paternal and child well-being.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibitor activity of Bryonia aspera extracts and its major constituent p-coumaric acid: Phytochemical analysis, biological evaluation and computational approach
Tuncay, Salih; Karasakal, Ömer Faruk; Açar, Mikail; Toptancı, İsra; Şenol, Halil; Çırak, Olgun; Işık, Mesut; Beydemir, Şükrü
This study comprehensively investigated the phenolic composition, antioxidant potential, and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of B. aspera Steven ex Ledeb. extracts using integrated in vitro and in silico approaches. LC-MS/MS analysis identified seven major phenolic compounds, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, galangin, gallic acid, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, and rutin, with p-coumaric acid being the most abundant (306.71 mg/kg in aerial and 155.56 mg/kg in root extracts). Both extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, particularly the aerial extract (IC50 = 0.678 and 0.173 for DPPH, ABTS, respectively and 0.022 mg/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition). Molecular docking and MM-GBSA analyses supported these findings, showing that p-coumaric acid had the strongest binding to α-glucosidase (–7.783 kcal/mol, ΔG = –47.76 kcal/mol), stabilized by key interactions with Asp-62, Arg-200, His-332, and Arg-400. A 250 ns molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the complex, and in silico ADME analysis revealed good oral absorption (67%) and compliance with Lipinski’s rule. Overall, results indicate that p-coumaric acid is the primary bioactive compound contributing to the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of B. aspera, with promising potential as a natural lead for α-glucosidase inhibition.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The impact of narcissistic personality traits on social media interaction and body image: individual and team athletes
Kiliç, Kübra; Sezer, Burcu Sıla; Aydinli, İbrahim; Tutar, Ömer Faruk; Kiliç, Yakup
Introduction – The aim of this study is to examine the effect of narcissistic personality traits on body image through social media interaction and to comparatively evaluate these relationships in the context of athletes engaged in individual and team sports. Methods – The research group consisted of a total of 389 athletes, namely 158 female (age = 21.53 ± 3.16; years of sports experiences = 5.56 ± 4.17) and 231 male (age = 23.00 ± 5.09; years of sports experience = 8.28 ± 5.44) athletes, all residing in the Eastern Anatolia region and having a sports background. A personal information form, the “Narcissism on Social Media Scale, ” and the “Body Image Scale” were used as data collection tools. Analysis of the obtained data revealed a normal distribution; therefore, t-tests were used to compare two groups, ANOVA for comparisons of two variables, Pearson Correlation to evaluate relationships between parameters, and regression analysis to determine the effect. Results – As a result of the analyses, no significant difference was observed in terms of the type of sport variable. The study found that, among athletes engaged in individual sports, body image levels were higher in males compared to females and, in individual athletes, the narcissistic rivalry dimension was more prevalent in athletes who used social media for 5 h or more compared to those using it for less than 1 h. Multiple correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between scale dimensions and years of sports experience. Regression analysis showed that body image level had a low but significant effect on narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry. Conclusion – In conclusion, it was determined that athletes in individual sports are sensitive to demographic variables, and that the duration of social media use, in particular, is a factor that increases narcissistic competitive tendencies. The fact that years of sports experience and type of sport did not make a difference suggests that the dimensions used are shaped more by current psychosocial interactions. Indeed, the regression analysis also shows that the relationship between body image and narcissistic admiration and competition points to a weak but significant psychological interaction network.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Positive body image is a pathway between nature contact and life satisfaction across 58 nations
Swami, Viren; Voracek, Martin; Stieger, Stefan; Aavik, Toivo; Ranjbar, Hamed Abdollahpour; Adebayo, Sulaiman Olanrewaju; Afhami, Reza; Ahmed, Oli; Aimé, Annie; Akel, Marwan
Time spent in nature benefits human mental and physical well-being. However, much of the variance in outcomes of nature contact remains unexplained, suggesting that new mechanistic pathways need to be considered. Here, we tested a novel conceptual model linking nature contact with life satisfaction via pathways involving positive experiences of living in and experiencing the world through the physical self. Using data from the Body Image in Nature Survey (BINS; N = 50,363), representing respondents from 58 nations and speaking 36 different languages, we find that nature contact is associated with greater self-compassion and greater perceived restoration in nature, which in turn are associated with more positive body image. In addition, more positive body image is associated with greater life satisfaction. These associations were robust to sensitivity tests, generalised to all gender identities and age groups, and held individually in almost all national groups and languages. Although replications are needed, we propose that the materialities of natural environments help to link bodily experiences to the production and experience of well-being, a process that is largely stable across national groups.
AtıfScopus4OpenAlex3
İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3The relationship between muscle strength and oxygenation and activities of daily living in adolescents and young adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Dik, Jan; Topcuoglu, Ceyhun; Vardar-Yagli, Naciye; Goksuluk, Merve Basol; Aypar, Ebru; Alehan, Dursun; Saglam, Melda
Pulmonary arterial hypertension leads to dyspnoea, fatigue, and oxygen desaturation, limiting activities of daily living and functional capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on activities of daily living performance, functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, oxygen dynamics, and energy expenditure. Eighteen adolescents and young adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (10 females, 8 males; age 9–30 years) and 15 healthy controls (10 males, 5 females; age 9–30 years) were included. Peripheral muscle strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, functional capacity via the 6-minute walk test, and muscle oxygenation through near-infrared spectroscopy. Lower-limb endurance was evaluated with the 1-minute sit-to-stand test and activities of daily living performance with the Glittre Activities of Daily Living test. Compared to controls, the pulmonary arterial hypertension group had significantly lower 6-minute walk test distance (441.9 m versus 636.9 m; p < 0.001), reduced sit-to-stand repetitions (28 versus 42.1; p < 0.001), weaker peripheral strength, and lower minimum muscle oxygen saturation (24.9% versus 51.8%; p < 0.001). Glittre Activities of Daily Living test duration was longer (143 s versus 105 s; p < 0.001), with greater oxygen desaturation (−13% versus −1%; p < 0.001), higher dyspnoea scores using modified Borg scale (5 versus 1; p < 0.001), and blunted heart rate response (ΔHR [change in heart rate]: 32 versus 64; p = 0.011). These findings demonstrate that pulmonary arterial hypertension significantly impairs both cardiopulmonary and peripheral muscle function. Protecting muscle health and improving functional capacity should be prioritised to enhance quality of life in this population.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Biochemical effects and theoretical study of a metformin in the carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry
İSPİR, Ünal; Tüzün, Burak; KIRICI, Muammer; Poustforoosh, Alireza; YONAR, Muhammet Enis; YONAR, Serpil MİŞE; ŞEKER, Engin
Pharmaceutical chemicals are frequently detected in wastewater, and metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent, is among the most common. In this study, the effects of metformin on biochemical (total protein, glycogen, lipid) and antioxidant (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT)) parameters were investigated in carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) fry. Fish were exposed to 40 and 80 µg/L metformin for 96 h, 14 and 21 days. No mortalities occurred in any group. At 80 µg/L for 21 days, total protein activity and lipid levels significantly decreased. Glycogen activity showed no significant differences compared to controls. Antioxidant parameters measured spectrophotometrically revealed that MDA levels, CAT and GST activities decreased with time but increased with dose, while GSH levels rose with time yet decreased with dose. Overall, significant time- and dose-dependent effects ( p < 0.05) were observed. In silico analyses were also performed. The activity of metformin against antioxidant proteins was evaluated, and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed strong interactions with the most active protein. ADME/T analysis provided pharmacokinetic insights, and Gaussian-based quantum chemical calculations (EHOMO, ELUMO, ΔE, dipole, etc.) characterized electronic and structural properties. These combined results indicate that metformin alters key biochemical pathways in carp fry and has significant reactivity toward antioxidant proteins. Findings suggest potential ecotoxicological risks in aquatic systems and relevance to pharmacological profiling.
AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Impact of probiotics and β-glucan on the detoxification and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility of aflatoxin B1 in a cereal-based fermented beverage (boza)
Macit, Arife; Sevim, Sumeyra; Sancak, Banu; Kizil, Mevlude
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus leichmannii as a probiotic bacteria, Saccharomyces boulardii as a yeast, and β-glucan as a prebiotic on the binding ability of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and its bioaccessibility in a cereal-based fermented beverage. For this purpose, nine study groups with their combinations were formed. The amount of unbound AFB1 was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after incubation and during the stomach, small intestine, and colon stages using an in vitro digestion model. After incubation, the highest percentage of AFB1 binding (27.79%) was obtained with S. boulardii. The lowest bioaccessibility was observed with L. leichmannii + S. boulardii at the stomach stage (41%), L. leichmannii + β-glucan at the small intestine stage (52%), and L. leichmannii + S. boulardii + β-glucan at the colon stage (35%). These findings suggest that probiotics and prebiotics reduce aflatoxin bioaccessibility, thereby limiting gastrointestinal absorption.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1The Effect of Women’s Menstrual Attitudes and Hygiene Practices on Self-Care Behaviors
Yeyğel, Çiler; Yeşiltepe, Akgün
Objective: While menstrual attitudes and hygiene practices are often examined in the literature through informational, risk-based, and cultural lenses, studies that directly address their holistic relationship to self-care behaviors remain limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of women’s menstrual attitudes and hygiene practices on their self-care behaviors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study. The study was completed between 5 October 2024 and 23 January 2025, with 700 women aged 18–49 in their reproductive period. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire, and the Self-Care Inventory. Spearman’s correlation analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for data analysis. To examine nonlinear relationships and multivariable interactions, a Random Forest regression analysis was performed. Results: A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between menstrual attitudes and overall self-care (r = 0.132, p < 0.001). MAQ scores did not differ significantly across variables (p > 0.05). However, SCI scores showed significant differences based on menstrual hygiene education status, type of underwear used during menstruation, hand hygiene practices, and frequency of menstrual material use (p < 0.05). According to the Random Forest regression model, menstrual attitudes were identified as the strongest predictor of self-care behaviors. Conclusions: The results of this study supported the positive influence of women’s menstrual attitudes and hygiene practices on their self-care behaviors. The relationships between self-care and parameters such as menstrual hygiene education, frequency and type of menstrual material use, and hand hygiene during menstruation were clearly demonstrated. Given the limited number of studies in this field, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses with high levels of evidence are recommended to generalize these results.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The mediating role of problem solving in the relationship between emotional intelligence and mental well-being
Erdoğan, Ramazan; Özcan, Büşra; Kızar, Oktay; Kızılkoca, Mustafa; Çalışır, İrem Kaptangil; Bozkurt, Eyüp; Uğurlu, Fatih Mehmet; Tan, Suriye; Koçal, Meryem
Background: This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and mental well-being among university students and to reveal the mediating role of problem-solving skills in this relationship. Methods: Of these students, 707 participated, and the Emotional Intelligence Trait Scale, the Warwick-Edinburgh Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Problem-Solving Inventory were used as data collection tools. The SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: Emotional intelligence appears to have a significant effect on mental well-being, and emotional intelligence directly significantly predicts problem-solving skills, but mental well-being does not have a significant effect on problem-solving skills. Emotional intelligence appears to have a direct effect on problem-solving, and mental well-being mediates this effect. The explanatory power of the model is moderate in terms of the role of emotional intelligence in predicting mental well-being and more limited in terms of its role in predicting problem-solving skills. Conclusion: In conclusion, emotional intelligence strengthens individuals’ mental well-being and directly positively impacts their problem-solving skills. However, mental well-being does not play a mediating role in the problem-solving process. This suggests that the direct effect of emotional intelligence is primary in improving problem-solving skills, and mental well-being does not serve as a decisive mediating factor in this process. Therefore, interventions aimed at strengthening emotional intelligence can be effective both in enhancing individuals’ mental well-being and in directly supporting problem-solving skills.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3A new lectin from Amanita vaginata mushroom with potent anti-inflammatory activity
Seliman, Thoiba Mogahid Hussein; Ozsoy, Nurten; Altiparmak-Ulbegi, Gulsum; Alp-Kavlo, Hevidar; Arcan, Gulsah Gamze; Akev, Nuriye; Can, Ayse; Aksoy-Sagirli, Pinar
This study used 80% ammonium sulphate fractional precipitation, followed by affinity chromatography to purify a new lectin (AVL) from the crude extract of the Amanita vaginata mushroom. The purification procedure achieved a 20% yield, a specific activity of 5120 HU/mg protein, and a 16-fold increase in purity. SDS-PAGE analysis showed a single band of 45 kDa. We assessed AVL's anti-inflammatory effect by measuring levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Western blot analysis showed that iNOS and COX-2 protein levels were barely detectable in the control groups, but markedly elevated in the LPS-treated groups. However, AVL treatment significantly inhibited the expression of both iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated cells. This effect was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that AVL's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression.
AtıfScopus2WoS1OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Deep learning-based detection of bowel sound events in continuous recordings
Çelik, Yusuf
Accurate identification of bowel sound events is essential for the long-term and non-invasive monitoring of gastrointestinal activity. In this study, we present a band-aware multi-band deep learning approach that explicitly accounts for the distinct acoustic characteristics of bowel sounds across different frequency ranges by jointly analyzing low- and high-frequency components. The proposed method operates on time–frequency representations extracted from continuous recordings to produce frame-level bowel sound probabilities, which are subsequently integrated into recording-level decisions through a unified decision-making strategy. Despite the pronounced class imbalance in the dataset, the proposed system achieved accuracy levels exceeding 98% at the frame level and 99% at the recording level, yielding stable and consistent outcomes through probability aggregation and temporal smoothing steps. These results indicate that the proposed approach provides a reliable and well-structured framework for bowel sound event detection and establishes a solid methodological basis for the analysis of long-duration recordings.
AtıfScopus2WoS2OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The effectiveness of AgNPs synthesized using Aspergillus floccosus for controlling Phoma herbarum and Aphis Pomi de Geer
Aker, Onur; Bektaş, İdris; Yazdıç, Ferit Can
This study was conducted to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aspergillus floccosus fungal extract and to evaluate the pesticidal efficacy of the resulting nanopesticide product against two harmful organisms (pathogenic fungus and pest) affecting apples. The synthesised AgNPs were subjected to a series of characterisation tests (UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, Zeta Potential) and, based on the results obtained, the AgNPs synthesis was successfully completed. Within the scope of this study, the first registration process has been carried out for the fungal pathogen (Phoma herbarum) that causes rot disease in apple fruits. The fungicidal efficacy of five concentrations of AgNPs (10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg L⁻¹) was evaluated against this pathogen under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The results showed that AgNPs exhibited a significant inhibition on the mycelial growth of Phoma herbarum in vitro. The 200 mg L⁻¹ concentration showed the highest inhibition percentage (81.5%). Concerning in vivo test, the effect of AgNPs on disease severity index of Phoma herbarum in apple fruits was evaluated. The result of this part showed that the concentration 200 mg L⁻¹ of AgNPs exhibits highest fungicidal efficacy disease reduction rates (100%), Following by 67% for AgNPs 100 mg L⁻¹. The insecticidal effects of AgNPs on fourth-stage nymphs and adults of the pest (Aphis pomi) were evaluated in laboratory and field applications. For this purpose, AgNPs prepared at five different concentrations (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 mg L⁻¹) were sprayed on the pests. The results showed that the insecticidal efficacy of AgNPs against Aphis pomi was directly related to both the dose and the exposure time. Specifically, the lethal concentration required to kill adults (LC50: 48.9 mg L⁻¹ for laboratory application and 68.4 mg L⁻¹ for orchard application) was higher than the dose required for nymphs (LC50: 32.3 mg L⁻¹ for laboratory and 52.1 mg L⁻¹ for orchard application). A similar trend was observed for lethal time, with adults exhibiting longer required exposure times (LT50: 51.2 h in the lab and 58.4 h in the orchard) compared to nymphs (LT50: 42.0 h in the lab and 45.1 h in the orchard). According to the results obtained, AgNPs synthesised using Aspergillus floccosus fungus have been proven to be highly effective at low doses against two major harmful organisms that cause qualitative and quantitative losses in apples. In conclusion, it has been proven that this silver-based nano pesticide product can be used as an alternative and innovative product in combating factors that cause agricultural damage to protect apple health.
AtıfScopus1WoS1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Modulation of SIRT1/PPARγ pathways and tight junction proteins by nicotinamide riboside under chronic variable stress
Celik, Abdullah; Sahin, Nurhan; Orhan, Cemal; Er, Besir; Erten, Fusun; Ozmen, Busra; Tuzcu, Mehmet; Ozercan, Ibrahim Hanifi; Sahin, Kazim
Abstract: Chronic stress disrupts homeostasis, leading to major health problems such as liver damage, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and impaired glucose metabolism. Although current treatments, including anxiolytics, sedatives, antidepressants, and beta blockers, are effective, their adverse effects emphasize the need for safer alternatives. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), plays a central role in energy metabolism and oxidative stress regulation; elevated NAD + levels have been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of NR on liver metabolism, intestinal barrier integrity, and related protein pathways remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of NR supplementation in rats exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS). Fifty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into normal and CVS groups and treated in a 2 × 4 factorial design with 0, 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg NR. Under CVS conditions, serum glucose, corticosterone, ACTH, and insulin levels increased, whereas NAD+, NADPH, nicotinamide (NAM), and nicotinic acid (NA) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). NR supplementation effectively corrected these biochemical imbalances and upregulated hepatic markers, including PPARγ, SIRT1, GLUT2, IRS1, and FASN (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the increased expression of key transport proteins such as PepT1, LAT2, EAAT3, FABP2, and FATP4 contributed to maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and improving gut health. NR also promoted the recovery of tight and adherens junction proteins. Notably, high-dose NR (600 mg/kg) markedly alleviated liver fibrosis, improved glucose metabolism, and strengthened intestinal barrier function, demonstrating its therapeutic potential as an alternative strategy against stress-induced metabolic disorders. Key points: • NR mitigated chronic stress-induced liver, intestinal, and glucose dysregulation. • NR improved glycemia and NAD⁺-related biomarkers under stress. • NR reduced hepatic fibrosis markers. • NR strengthened TJ/AJ proteins, supporting intestinal barrier integrity. • Findings support NR’s therapeutic potential in stress-related metabolism.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1Psychological well-being and aggression in handball players: examining the mediating role of exercise addiction
Güler, Muhammed; Yeşiltepe, Akgün; Topcuoğlu, Ceyhun
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and aggression among handball players and to determine whether exercise addiction mediates this relationship. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used. The population consisted of players competing in the Turkish Handball Leagues during the 2024–2025 season, and 442 athletes participated using a non-probability sampling method. Data were collected via an online survey including a personal information form, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Exercise Addiction Inventory. Results: Psychological well-being showed a significant negative correlation with aggression (r = −0.242, p < 0.001). Exercise addiction was positively associated with both psychological well-being (r = 0.212, p < 0.001) and aggression (r = 0.105, p = 0.027). Mediation analysis indicated that exercise addiction significantly and partially mediated the relationship between psychological well-being and aggression (indirect effect 95% CI: 0.0246–0.1654). The direct effect of psychological well-being on aggression remained significant (β = −0.7093, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher psychological well-being was associated with lower aggression among handball players, whereas exercise addiction was associated with both higher psychological well-being and higher aggression and emerged as a partial statistical mediator of this relationship. These findings may help inform future studies and preventive strategies focusing on athlete mental health and behavioral regulation. However, because of the cross-sectional design, causal inferences cannot be drawn.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the pain attention and awareness questionnaire for nonspecific musculoskeletal pain
Sürmeli, Mahmut; Özdemir, Özlem Çinar; Topcuoğlu, Ceyhun
Background: Reliable and valid assessments of pain vigilance and awareness are crucial for understanding and treating pain within cognitive-behavioral frameworks, such as the fear-Avoidance Model. While the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ) is a widely used tool for this purpose, no culturally adapted and validated version exists for the Turkish-speaking population, creating an instrumental and clinical gap. Objective: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and comprehensively evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the PVAQ in a sample of patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Methods: An instrumental, cross-sectional study was conducted. The PVAQ was translated and adapted into Turkish according to established guidelines. A sample of 131 patients with low back, neck, or shoulder pain completed the PVAQ-T, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity. Reliability was assessed via internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient - ICC). Construct validity was examined via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validity was evaluated through Pearson correlations with the PCS, TSK, and HADS. Results: The PVAQ-T demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.83) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.918). EFA supported a two-factor structure (vigilance and awareness), explaining 62.3% of the variance. CFA indicated that the original 16-item model had a suboptimal fit (CFI = 0.807; GFI = 0.732; SRMR = 0.060; RMSEA = 0.138, and χ²/df = 3.46). Following the removal of items 4 and 12 based on exploratory and item-level findings, some fit indices showed modest improvement (CFI = 0.836; GFI = 0.768; SRMR = 0.006), whereas others remained unchanged or worsened (RMSEA = 0.144; χ²/df = 3.69). The PVAQ-T total score showed moderately to strongly, statistically significant (p < 0.001) correlations with the PCS (r = 0.681), TSK (r = 0.694), HADS-Anxiety (r = 0.491), and HADS-Depression (r = 0.416) scores, supporting its criterion validity. Conclusion: Within a Turkish sample of individuals with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, the 14-item Turkish version of the PVAQ demonstrates adequate reliability and validity for assessing pain-related attention and awareness. While the two-factor structure was supported at the exploratory level, confirmatory findings suggest that results should be interpreted with caution. The PVAQ-TR may be a useful instrument for research and clinical assessment of pain-related attentional processes, highlighting the importance of cultural adaptation and empirical evaluation of psychometric instruments.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The relationship between empathy levels of obstetrics and gynecology specialists and their attitudes toward posthumous organ donation
ÖZBEY, Gürkan; YEŞİLTEPE, Akgün; Dokuzcan, Deniz Aslı
Empathy is recognized as a critical factor in shaping attitudes toward organ donation among healthcare professionals. Given the continuous patient interaction and decision-making roles of obstetrics and gynecology specialists, the limited number of studies examining the link between empathy levels and attitudes toward postmortem organ donation represents a significant gap in literature. This study aims to investigate the relationship between empathy levels and attitudes toward postmortem organ donation among obstetrics and gynecology specialists. This correlational cross-sectional study included 142 obstetrics and gynecology specialists. Data were collected via Google Forms using a personal information form, the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, and the Attitude toward Posthumous Organ Donation for Transplantation Scale. Analyses were conducted using SPSS 26 and JASP 0.19, including the Spearman’s correlation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Machine Learning-Random Forest regression analysis methods. 93% of the participants stated that their empathy levels influenced organ donation decisions, and 74.6% reported considering organ donation. Their mean TEQ score was 56.25 ± 7.51, while their mean APODS score was 4.37 ± 0.57. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between empathy and general attitudes toward postmortem organ donation (r = 0.428, p < 0.05). Statistically significant, weak-to-moderate positive correlations were also found between empathy levels and the APODS Positive Attitudes dimension (r = 0.373 p < 0.01), Religion dimension (r = 0.266, p < 0.01), and Family Approval dimension (r = 0.352, p < 0.01) scores of the participants. Significant differences were observed in empathy scores based on gender, empathy levels, and organ donation consideration status (p < 0.05). Attitudes toward posthumous organ donation also varied significantly by empathy levels, donation consideration status, ethical/humanitarian perception of donation, and religious influence (p < 0.05). In the exploratory Random Forest model, attitudes toward organ donation had the highest relative contribution to model performance. Obstetrics and gynecology specialists exhibit moderate empathy levels and highly positive attitudes toward posthumous organ donation. Higher empathy scores were associated with more favorable attitudes toward organ donation among obstetrics and gynecology physicians. Interventions addressing empathy and donation awareness may be valuable, but their effects on attitudes and donation-related behavior should be tested in longitudinal and interventional studies.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Comparative effects of topical Maresin-1 and cyclosporine A in a capsaicin-induced rat model of neurotrophic keratopathy
Canan Sezis, Selen; Güngör Kobat, Sabiha; Kuloğlu, Tuncay; İlhan, Nevin; Erten, Füsun
Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effects of topical Maresin-1 (MaR1) and cyclosporine A (CsA) in a capsaicin-induced rat model of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). Methods: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to five groups (n = 8 per group): Control, NK, NK + Vehicle, NK + CsA (0.05%), and NK + MaR1. Except for the Control group, all animals received a single subcutaneous injection of capsaicin (50 mg/kg) on postnatal day 2. Topical treatments were applied twice daily for 14 days. Corneal TrkA, TNF-α, and Caspase-3 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results: Both treatment groups significantly restored TrkA expression and reduced TNF-α and Caspase-3 relative to NK + Vehicle (p < 0.05 for all). CsA produced greater suppression of TNF-α than MaR1 (p < 0.001), whereas MaR1 demonstrated greater reduction in Caspase-3 than CsA (p = 0.013), with no significant difference between groups for TrkA (p = 0.054). Conclusion: Both MaR1 and CsA significantly attenuated the neurotrophic, inflammatory, and apoptotic changes associated with experimental NK. The distinct efficacy profiles of the two agents suggest complementary mechanisms of action and warrant further investigation of MaR1 in neurotrophic keratopathy.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2A Genetic Algorithm-Optimized ConvNeXtV2-YOLOv8 Framework for Dental Caries Detection in Panoramic Radiographs
Sobahi, Nebras; Küçük, Deniz Bora; Kılıç, Kazım; İmak, Andaç; Çelebi, Adalet; Alghamedi, Yazyd; Yazicioglu, Cafer; Türkoğlu, Muammer; Şengür, Abdulkadir
Background/Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide, and early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. However, detecting carious lesions in panoramic radiographs is challenging because of low image contrast, anatomical complexity, and overlapping structures. This study aimed to develop an improved object detection framework for dental caries localization in panoramic radiographs. Methods: A modified YOLOv8 architecture was developed by integrating ConvNeXtV2 blocks into the Cross-Stage Partial (C2f) modules to enhance feature extraction and gradient propagation. To improve detection performance and reduce overfitting, key training hyperparameters were optimized using a genetic algorithm. The proposed model was evaluated on a dataset of 474 panoramic dental radiographs annotated by experts using bounding boxes. Results: The optimized model achieved a box precision of 78.4%, a recall of 53.6%, and a mean average precision at 50% intersection-over-union threshold (AP50) of 62.6%. Compared with the baseline YOLOv8 model, the proposed approach improved precision and AP50. Visual and quantitative analyses demonstrated that the ConvNeXtV2-enhanced architecture enabled more accurate localization of carious regions. Conclusions: The results indicate that combining ConvNeXtV2-based architectural enhancement with genetic algorithm-based hyperparameter optimization is an effective strategy for dental caries localization in panoramic radiographs. Although recall remains a limitation, the proposed framework shows potential as a computer-aided diagnostic tool for supporting clinical caries assessment.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Effects of fenugreek and shatavari on vasomotor and hormonal balance in ovariectomized rats
Erten, Füsun; Er, Beşir; Orhan, Cemal; Morde, Abhijeet A.; Padigaru, Muralidhara; Şahin, Kazim
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek, TFG) and Asparagus racemosus Willd. (shatavari, AR) have been extensively used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional folk medicine to support women’s health. TFG seeds are traditionally employed as galactagogues and hormonal modulators, while AR roots are valued as rejuvenating tonics with phytoestrogenic activity, prescribed for menopausal complaints and reproductive well-being. Both plants also exhibit antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, suggesting their potential as safe, nonhormonal alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of TFG and AR, administered individually or in combination, on vasomotor symptoms, hormonal balance, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine markers in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of menopause. Adult female rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were randomized into eight groups: Control, OVX, OVX+TFG (30 and 60 mg/kg), OVX+AR (30 and 60 mg/kg), and OVX+TFG/AR combinations. Treatments were administered orally for 8 days. Tail, core, and skin temperatures were recorded to assess thermoregulation, while blood and tissue samples were analyzed for hormone levels, oxidative stress, and molecular markers. OVX rats showed classical menopausal alterations, including increased follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, and malondialdehyde, and decreased 17β-estradiol, progesterone, dopamine, and antioxidant enzymes, along with dysregulated neuroendocrine markers. All treatments partially reversed these changes, while the high-dose combination (TFG/AR 60 mg/kg each) demonstrated the most pronounced effects, normalizing hormone levels, reducing hot-flash-like temperature fluctuations, restoring antioxidant activity, downregulating neuroendocrine markers (c-FOS, GnRH, Kisspeptin, NKB, and TRPV1) expression, and elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels (p < 0.05). High-dose combined supplementation of TFG and AR effectively alleviates vasomotor disturbances, restores hormonal and oxidative balance, and modulates neuroendocrine pathways in OVX rats. These findings validate their traditional use and highlight their potential as safe phytoestrogen-based, nonhormonal alternatives for the management of menopausal symptoms, warranting further clinical evaluation.
