Yazarlar
- Bayraktar, Bülent(33)
- Dertli, Enes(33)
- Dirican, Ebubekir(20)
- Akeren, Zahide(18)
- İspirli, Hümeyra(18)
- Kizil, Hamit Emre(17)
- Semerci, Vahide(14)
- Bayram, Sinan(13)
- Kul, Murat(13)
- Sönmez Sarı, Ebru(13)
- Agar, Guleray(12)
- Akman, Onur(12)
- Kırbaş, Zila Özlem(12)
- Akeren, İhsan(11)
- Koçak, Lokman(11)
- Makas, Samet(11)
- Can, Zehra(10)
- Uzunçakmak, Sevgi Karabulut(10)
- Yayla, İbrahim Erdoğan(10)
- Çelik, Eyüp(10)
- Bayraktar, B.(9)
- Bulbuloglu, Semra(9)
- Kızıl, Hamit Emre(9)
- Tekce, Emre(9)
- Aydemir, Uğur(8)
- Daştan, Buket(8)
- Hintistan, Sevilay(8)
- Kalyoncuo, Servet(8)
- Sönmez Sari, Ebru(8)
- Türkmen, Mutlu(8)
- Apaydın, Emine(7)
- Arslaner, Ayla(7)
- Beydemir, Şükrü(7)
- Dombak, Kübra(7)
- Kara, Yakup(7)
- Mercan, Emin(7)
- Semerci Çakmak, Vahide(7)
- Can, Özgür Devrim(6)
- Esgin, Özge(6)
- Güneş, Hüseyin(6)
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Effects of Moringa oleifera Oil on Adipokine Responses, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Bacterial Burden, and Early Survival in CLP-Induced Septic Rats
Ülker, Ufuk; Bayraktar, Bülent; Alr, Mehmet Eray; Kızıl, Sibel; Karan, Tünay; Kotan, Gökşad Cemil; Yeni, Mustafa
Moringa oleifera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its effects in polymicrobial sepsis are incompletely defined. We evaluated M. oleifera oil (MOO) in female Wistar rats subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Forty rats were randomized to Control, Sham, CLP, CLP + MOO 100 mg/kg, or CLP + MOO 200 mg/kg (n = 8/group). At 24 h, survival, clinical scores, serum apelin, omentin-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), recoverable bacterial burden, and histopathology were assessed. CLP decreased omentin-1 and increased IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, recoverable Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, clinical severity, and multi-organ injury. At 200 mg/kg, apelin and omentin-1 were 1.15 ± 0.12 and 28.4 ± 3.1 ng/mL, while IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA decreased to 18.4 ± 1.8 pg/mL, 24.1 ± 2.8 pg/mL, and 2.5 ± 0.3 nmol/mL, respectively. Neither organism was recovered above the detection limit. Survival was 62.5% in CLP, 87.5% with 100 mg/kg, and 100% with 200 mg/kg MOO. Within this 24 h model, a single post-CLP oral dose of MOO was associated with lower inflammatory cytokine concentrations and MDA, reduced recoverable bacterial burden, improved clinical and histopathological findings, and higher descriptive survival. Because MDA was the sole oxidative endpoint and no non-septic MOO-only group or molecular redox assays were included, these findings support the attenuation of sepsis-associated lipid peroxidation but do not establish a direct antioxidant mechanism.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Rhodanine–Sulfonate hybrids targeting aldose reductase: Synthesis, in vitro inhibition, molecular docking, and cytotoxicity studies
Kalay, Erbay; Demir, Yeliz; Türkeş, Cüneyt; Aslan, Osman Nuri; Pezik, Esra; Şahin, Engin
Aldose reductase (ALR2), a key enzyme in the polyol pathway, plays a significant role in the onset and progression of diabetic complications, rendering it a critical pharmacological target. In this study, a novel series of twenty-four sulfonate ester-functionalized rhodanine derivatives (compounds 1–24) were rationally designed, synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation, and comprehensively evaluated for their inhibitory activity against ALR2. Spectroscopic and spectrometric methods confirmed the structural integrity of the synthesized compounds. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays revealed that all compounds acted as competitive inhibitors, with several analogues, particularly compounds 6 and 8, exhibiting stronger ALR2 inhibition (Ki = 0.43 µM and 0.48 µM, respectively) than the reference drug epalrestat (Ki = 0.98 µM). Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis highlighted the critical influence of para-substituted electron-donating (e.g., methyl) and electron-withdrawing (e.g., nitro, halogen) groups on binding potency. Molecular docking of the most potent inhibitor (compound 6) demonstrated a stable binding pose supported by key interactions, including hydrogen bonding with His110 and π–π stacking with Phe122. In silico ADME profiling confirmed favorable drug-likeness properties for all derivatives. Cytotoxicity studies on L929, A549, and RG-2 cell lines revealed that most compounds were less toxic than the reference drug at lower concentrations, with compound 8 showing a promising cytotoxic profile. These findings position rhodanine–sulfonate hybrids as promising scaffolds for the development of next-generation ALR2 inhibitors for the treatment of diabetic complications.
AtıfScopus2WoS3
İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3Synthesis and cytotoxic activity studies of novel heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone compounds as anticancer agents
Güllü, Eda; Hasanoğlu Özkan, Elvan; Kızıl, Hamit Emre; Nartop, Dilek
Herein, novel heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone compounds (Hb1, Hb2, Hb3) containing pyrimidine, imidazole, pyridine, and phenyl rings were synthesized via the condensation method as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The structure of novel heterocyclic compounds was elucidated by using some spectroscopic techniques (organic elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton/carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray image, and molar conductance measurement). The antiproliferative activity of novel heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone compounds using CVDK-8 cell viability assay. The viability assay was examined against A549 human non-small cell lung cancer cell line. All heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone compounds exhibited varying degrees of dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against A549 NSCLC cells. The results showed that the pyridine-based heterocyclic compound (Hb3) was the most potent antiproliferative agent, demonstrating a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability at concentrations of 50 µg/mL and higher.
- MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Turkish validation of the CompACT: assessing psychological flexibility among emergency aid and disaster management students
Çınar, Öznur; Oral, Vildan; Turan, Melikşah; Cengiz, Ekrem
Psychological flexibility is a central construct in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and an important protective factor for mental health, particularly among individuals expected to function effectively under high stress and uncertainty, such as those in emergency aid and disaster management. Despite its relevance for this population, no Turkish version of the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (CompACT) had been available. The present study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the English version of CompACT into Turkish and to evaluate its psychometric properties in emergency aid and disaster management students. The study was conducted in two phases: translation and cross-cultural adaptation, followed by psychometric evaluation in a sample of 302 students. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21 and AMOS v.22 through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability analyses, test-retest analysis, and correlational validity testing. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that the CompACT consisted of three factors (Openness to Experience, Behavioral Awareness, and Valued Action) explaining 75.848% of the total variance, comprising 20 items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the three-factor model provided the best fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.590, CFI = 0.963, TLI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.073). The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (overall alpha = 0.843) and temporal stability (test-retest r > 0.70 across all subscales), and its expected negative associations with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (r = −0.365) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (r = −0.403) supported its criterion-related validity.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2The effect of practising sports on communication skills in medical students
Kaşali, Kamber; Badicu, Georgian; Al-Mhanna, Sameer Badri; de Sousa Fernandes, Matheus Santos; Şeran, Buket; Akman, Onur
Effective communication is essential for medical students in terms of patient interaction, teamwork and professional success. This study examines the effect of doing sports on the communication skills of medical students. Three hundred forty-five medical students participated in the study and their communication skills were assessed using the Effective Communication Skills Scale. The findings revealed a significant difference between Turkish and English students in terms of 'Using I Language' skills. In addition, when the students' beliefs about the physical, physiological and psychological benefits of sports were compared with the sub-dimensions of the scale, statistically significant differences were found in the sub-dimensions of "Ego Enhancing Language" (p = 0.011), "Empathy" (p = 0.047) and "Using I Language" (p = 0.005). When the relationship between the class levels of the students and the sub-dimensions of the scale was examined, significant differences were observed in the sub-dimensions of 'Ego Enhancing Language' (p = 0.001), 'Active Listening' (p = 0.011) and 'Using I Language' (p = 0.007). The findings show that doing sports is essential in improving medical students' communication skills and suggest that encouraging sports in the medical education process may be beneficial in enhancing communication competencies.
AtıfOpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Modulation of stress and neuroplasticity biomarkers via rhythmic vocalization: a controlled study on NDNF, cortisol, and monoamines
Okur, Süheyb; Bayraktar, Bülent
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reciting the Quran (from Mushaf) on serotonin, dopamine, NDNF, and cortisol levels in relation to mental well-being. Methods: This study was conducted on a sample of university students who know how to read the Quran in Türkiye, selected by a non-probability method, with a pre-test-post-test control group and a longitudinal design; the assignment to the groups was also done randomly. The research was carried out with 72 university students (36 female, 36 male), aged 19–30, who know how to read the Quran and do not have any health problems. Two groups were formed: a 36-person experimental group and a 36-person passive resting control group. The Mental Well-Being Scale and a personal information form were used to evaluate the participants’ well-being status. Salivary serotonin, dopamine, NDNF, and cortisol levels were examined using the ELISA technique in samples taken before and after the experimental group recited verses 195–200 of Surah Al-i Imran aloud. Number, percentage, mean, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance was accepted as p <.05 for all analyses. Results: A significant group-time interaction was found (p <.05). Compared to the passive resting control group, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in salivary serotonin, dopamine, and NDNF levels, and a significant decrease in cortisol levels. However, a critical dissociation was observed: despite this neuroprotective biomarker profile, the control group reported statistically significantly higher post-intervention mental well-being scores than the experimental group (p <.05). This suggests that the acute cognitive load and performance anxiety associated with the recitation task may temporarily mask physiological benefits in self-reports. Conclusions: A brief (5-minute) ‘Tartil’ recitation of the Quran demonstrates immediate, positive neurobiological effects by reducing stress hormones (cortisol) and increasing reward- and neuroplasticity-related biomarkers (dopamine, serotonin, NDNF). However, this did not immediately translate to higher self-reported well-being, suggesting the relationship between the neurobiology of recitation and its perceived psychological effects is complex and potentially confounded by factors such as performance anxiety or cognitive load in an experimental setting. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
AtıfScopus2WoS3OpenAlex4İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Depression and psychiatric help-seeking as joint outcomes: a Bayesian multilevel analysis of household-level dependence
Camadan, Fatih; Yıldız, Mehmet Selim; Şahin, Hatice Büşra; Urak, Faruk; Börekçi, Taha Berkay; Bilgiç, Abdulbaki
Background: Depression and the utilization of psychiatric services (PSU) are complex mental health outcomes shaped by a wide range of individual, familial, and socioeconomic factors. However, within the context of Türkiye, limited attention has been devoted to the simultaneous modeling of these outcomes and to the systematic examination of their shared household-level determinants. Methods: This study conducts a concurrent analysis of two binary outcomes—self-reported depression and receipt of professional psychiatric care within the past 12 months—using data from a nationally representative household survey. The analytical sample comprises 22,742 individuals nested within 10,028 households across Türkiye. A Bayesian multilevel bivariate logistic regression model was employed to account explicitly for the hierarchical structure of the data, with individuals nested within households. Household-level random intercepts were specified for both outcomes, and the correlation between the latent processes underlying depression and PSU was directly estimated. Weakly informative priors were adopted, and model estimation was performed using the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS), an efficient variant of the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm. Results: The results reveal pronounced clustering of both depression and PSU at the household level. A strong positive correlation between household-level random effects indicates that individuals experiencing depression are substantially more likely to utilize psychiatric services within the same family context. At the individual level, men are significantly less likely than women to report depressive symptoms or to seek psychiatric care. Tobacco and alcohol use are positively associated with depression risk, whereas adequate rest and healthier lifestyle behaviors exhibit protective effects. Increases in body mass index (BMI) are associated with a higher likelihood of depression. In contrast, active employment and higher household income are linked to reduced depression risk. Additionally, a range of sociodemographic and economic characteristics exert significant effects on both depression and PSU. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that depression and psychiatric service utilization (PSU) are shaped not only by individual-level characteristics but also by shared familial and structural factors. The results underscore the need for mental health policies that move beyond narrowly individual-centered frameworks and instead adopt holistic strategies that incorporate household dynamics and broader socioeconomic conditions.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Adverse childhood experiences and problematic gambling among young adults: a moderated serial mediation analysis
Yayla, İbrahim Erdoğan; Makas, Samet; Dombak, Kübra; Bekir, Seyhan; Çelik, Eyüp; Arpaci, Ibrahim; Baloglu, Mustafa
Problem gambling is a serious public health issue among young adults today and the literature suggests that adverse childhood experiences may be associated with it. Additionally, difficulties in emotion regulation and self-control may contribute to the association between problem gambling and adverse childhood experiences. Sensation seeking and a family history of gambling may also influence these relationships. Hence, we examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problem gambling among young adults. We analyzed the collected data from 579 young adults (18–29 years old, 67.5% male) via an online survey using a cross-sectional research design. More specifically, we tested the serial mediating roles of difficulties in emotion regulation and self-control, as well as the moderating roles of sensation seeking and a family history of gambling. We found a significant positive association between adverse childhood experiences and problem gambling. Both difficulties in emotion regulation and self-control had significant mediating effects. Sensation seeking and family history of gambling moderated the mediating effects, strengthening the pathways leading to problem gambling at higher levels of sensation seeking and in the presence of family gambling history. These findings indicate that emotion regulation and self-control are important psychological processes in explaining the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problem gambling. They also suggest that high sensation seeking and a family history of gambling may strengthen the relationships.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3Chemical Profiling of Stachys cretica subsp. anatolica Rech. f. (Endemic) Essential Oils and their Methanol Extracts with Evaluation as Enzyme Inhibitors, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Agents
Öz, Mehmet; Fidan, Muhammed Said; Baltacı, Cemalettin; Akmeşe, Osman; Sefalı, Abdurrahman; Aygül, İmdat
Enzyme inhibition activities, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, bioactive compounds, antimicrobial activities, and chemical components of essential oil and methanol extracts obtained from the aerial parts of S. cretica subsp. anatolica were investigated. The main phenolic compounds of aerial parts were catechin, oleuropein, and epicatechin. The determined enzyme inhibitor activities highlight the potential of S. cretica subsp. anatolica as a source of bioactive compounds, particularly for carbonic anhydrase and cholinesterase inhibition. The essential oil and methanol extract exhibited remarkable activities against CA-II, AChE, and BChE, although they were less potent than standard inhibitors. The essential oils generally showed stronger antimicrobial activity compared to the 30% methanol extracts across most bacterial and fungal strains, as evidenced by minimum lethal concentration (MLC) and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and larger inhibition zones. Chloramphenicol used alone exhibited the highest antimicrobial efficacy, with the lowest MIC and MLC values and the largest inhibition zones. The essential oils of S. cretica subsp. anatolica were determined as esters, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and aldehydes in aerial parts. The main components were found to be hexahydrofarnesyl acetone in the aerial parts.
AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Assessment of malnutrition in hospitalized children: Comparison of stamp, PYMS and strong-kids screening tools
Mutlu, Elif; Köktürk, Seda Nur; Ersoy Söke, Nursena; Yardımcı, Hülya
Aim Early identification of malnutrition risk in hospitalized children is essential for timely nutritional intervention. This study aims diagnostic performance of three pediatric malnutrition screening tools validated in Turkish: STAMP, PYMS, and STRONG-Kids. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 148 hospitalized children were included. Nutritional risk was evaluated using STAMP, PYMS, and STRONG-Kids screening tools. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and height-for-age, Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age, and Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)-for-age z-scores were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of each tool were assessed in identifying chronic and acute malnutrition. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the discriminative ability of the screening tools. Results Chronic malnutrition was identified in 12.8% of patients and acute malnutrition in 15.5%. STAMP and STRONG-Kids showed the highest sensitivity for detecting chronic malnutrition (84.2% and 84.3%), while PYMS had the highest specificity. STRONG-Kids demonstrated the greatest sensitivity for acute malnutrition and low MUAC z-scores (100.0%). ROC analysis showed that PYMS had the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) for acute malnutrition, whereas STRONG-Kids had the highest AUC for chronic malnutrition, although all tools demonstrated limited discriminative ability for chronic malnutrition. Conclusion STAMP and STRONG-Kids were more sensitive in detecting malnutrition risk, whereas PYMS showed higher specificity. Tool performance varied according to anthropometric indicators. Implications to practice In clinical practice, selecting the screening tool according to the targeted malnutrition type and available anthropometric indicators may improve early detection and allow more effective prioritization of nutritional interventions in hospitalized children.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1Cognitive and Emotional Mediators of the Transformation of Adverse Childhood Experiences into Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: Testing a Model in Young Adults
Akeren, İhsan; Aktaş, Emirhan
Studies show that symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in college students increase with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). If individuals in young adulthood cannot cope with the negative experiences they were exposed to in childhood, they are at risk of mental health problems later in life. This study aimed to determine whether the effects of the past continue into the present and to examine their scope by testing the effect of ACEs on depression, anxiety, and stress through positive and negative feelings and irrational beliefs. Using stratified convenience sampling, 708 volunteer undergraduate students, 458 female and 250 male, with a mean age of 20.84 years, were reached in their classrooms. In the cross-sectional correlational survey design, Hayes’ PROCESS macro (model 80) was used for conditional process analyses after the regression assumptions were tested. The mediator variables positive and negative feelings and irrational beliefs accounted for about two-thirds of the effect of ACEs on depression (total effect = 0.598, 95% CI [0.442, 0.755], direct effect = 0.209 [0.069, 0.348]), about half of the effect on anxiety (total effect = 0.650 [0.499, 0.802], direct effect = 0.360 [0.214, 0.506]), and more than half of the effect on stress (total effect = 0.676 [0.507, 0.844], direct effect = 0.302 [0.146, 0.458]). Finally, compared to males, females had higher mean scores for ACEs, negative feelings, and depression, anxiety, and stress, and lower mean scores for irrational beliefs. In conclusion, the study shows that the negative effects of the past continue to appear in the present and recommends taking steps to prevent their potential risks for the mental health of young adults.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1FoMO and cyberstalking in adults: the mediating roles of early maladaptive schemas and phubbing
Koçak, Lokman
Introduction – It is noticeable that cyberstalking behavior, which has become widespread in recent years and has many negative effects, has been investigated to a limited extent. This study aimed to analyse the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas of abandonment and insufficient self-control and phubbing in the relationship between FoMO and cyberstalking among adult individuals. Methods – The study group comprised 540 adults aged 18–48 (71.1% female and 28.9% male). We adopted Pearson correlation analysis and PROCESS Macro Model 80 in regression analysis to explore the relationships among cyberstalking, FoMO, early maladaptive schemas and phubbing. Results – The results showed that there were significant relationships between the study variables. Also, results show that early maladaptive schemas of abandonment and insufficient self-control and phubbing mediate the relationship between FoMO and cyberstalking. Discussion – These findings suggest that the abandonment schema may be associated with FoMO-related cyberstalking through a theoretically informed pathway that may reflect attachment-related vulnerabilities, whereas the insufficient self-control schema may reflect a possible self-regulation-related dimension that may be associated with FoMO-related digital behaviors of this process. The inclusion of phubbing in the model further indicates that FoMO-related attentional and relational dysregulation may be linked to monitoring-oriented online behaviors. In this regard, these findings may provide a theoretical perspective for future studies examining attachment-related schema sensitivities, self-regulation processes, and mindful technology use in relation to FoMO-related digital behaviors.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Synthesis and pharmacokinetic profiling of a novel pyrimidine imidazole based thiosemicarbazone derivative for BRAF inhibition in lung cancer therapy
Ekincioğlu, Yavuz; Kızıl, Hamit Emre; Güllü, Eda; Özkan, Elvan Hasanoğlu; Nartop, Dilek
This study presents the design, synthesis, and comprehensive evaluation of a novel thiosemicarbazone derivative containing a pyrimidine-imidazole (C11H11N8SCl) as a potential BRAF inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The compound was synthesized by a condensation reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, SEM-EDS, FT-IR, 1H, and 13C-NMR spectral techniques. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d, p) level revealed a HOMO-LUMO gap of 2.8 eV, indicating appropriate molecular stability and reactivity. Molecular docking studies with BRAF (PDB ID: 1UWH) demonstrated favorable binding affinity (-6.85 kcal/mol) with key interactions at ILE512, HIS509, HIS584, GLN529, GLU585, LYS590, VAL510, and LEU587 residues. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that the compound possesses anticancer potential against H-460 cells, with a significant inhibitory effect observed at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. Combined with its favorable binding affinity toward BRAF kinase, these results suggest that the pyrimidine-imidazole thiosemicarbazone may serve as a potential lead scaffold for further development in targeted lung cancer therapy.ADME profiling confirmed the compound’s compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five parameters, supporting its potential as an orally active drug candidate. These findings suggest that our pyrimidine-imidazole thiosemicarbazone represents a promising scaffold for the development of targeted BRAF inhibitors for lung cancer therapy.
- BildiriAçık Erişim2026Autism Awareness Levels of University Students and Their Relationship with Various Variables
Ari Arat, Ceren; Brunetto, D.; Domenech, J.; Alvarez-Hevia, D.M.; Mart�nez-Varea, A.
This cross-sectional quantitative study examined university students’ awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sample consisted of 354 students from different academic departments at a public university in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Autism Awareness Scale and a Demographic Information Form and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent-samples t-tests. Findings indicated relatively high awareness in social interaction, communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors, whereas knowledge was lower regarding physical characteristics and early warning signs. Core behavioral knowledge was positively associated with peer relationships and early diagnosis indicators. Gender differences were minimal, except for higher early warning scores among females. Prior interaction with individuals with autism and ASD-related coursework were associated with higher awareness across multiple domains, while students without formal education scored higher on physical characteristics. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of direct experience and structured education in improving autism awareness among university students in higher education settings.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1When grief persists online: Development of the Digital Prolonged Grief Severity Scale
Çınar, Öznur; Cengiz, Ekrem
Bereaved individuals encounter the deceased through social media profiles, message histories, and algorithmic reminders, yet no validated instrument measures prolonged grief expressed through digital interactions. We developed and validated a multidimensional measure of digital-environment prolonged grief severity (DPGSS). Turkish bereaved adults (n = 577) bereaved at least 12 months earlier completed the DPGSS alongside grief, distress, and other less relevant measures, and 125 completed it again about three weeks later. Factor analyses supported a four-factor structure—digital separation distress and preoccupation, digital emotional responses, digital avoidance, and digital functional impairment—in 15 items. The correlated four-factor model fit the data well, outperforming a one-factor alternative. The DPGSS demonstrated strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance across nine demographic variables. Convergent associations with grief and distress, and negligible associations with rigidity and AI acceptance, supported its construct specificity. The DPGSS-15 is a reasonable tool for assessing digital prolonged grief.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The Effect of Mindfulness Practices on Positive Thinking and Stress Coping Behaviors of Earthquake Survivor Nursing Students: A Nonrandomized Controlled Study
Bal, Betul; Kaba, Nagihan Koroğlu
Purpose: This study was conducted to reveal the effect of mindfulness practices on nursing students’ stress-coping behaviors and positive thinking skills. Method: This was a two-group parallel nonrandomized study. Mindfulness practices were applied to the students in the experimental group. Data were collected using research tools (Personal Information Form, Positive Thinking Skills Scale, and Stress Coping Behaviors Scale for Nursing Students) as pre- and posttests. Findings: After the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the posttest scores of positive thinking skills (t = 0.624; p = .541) and stress coping behaviors of staying optimistic (t = −0.957; p = .345), transfer (t = −2.028; p = .050), problem-solving (t = −0.663; p = .512), and avoidance (U = 132; p = .230). Conclusions: Mindfulness practices are ineffective in improving earthquake survivor nursing students’ coping behaviors and positive thinking skills.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Ni- and Co-doped TiO2nanofibers for enhanced antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, and mechanistic insights
Özcan, Tuğçe; Çekceoğlu, İlknur Aksoy; Öner, Erkan; Ozel, Sultan Suleyman; Sarılmaz, Adem; Aslan, Emre; Özel, Faruk; Patır, İmren Hatay
Nowadays, with the growing need for alternative antibacterial materials for the treatment of bacterial infections, TiO2 with antibacterial properties has attracted attention as a potential antibacterial agent. Ni-TiO2 and Co-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) were synthesized via an electrospinning process. The antibacterial activities of these NFs against S. aureus and E. coli were evaluated under UV-light illumination using optical density measurements. Co-TiO2 exhibited superior antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli under UV-light irradiation. The antibacterial mechanism was further investigated through a glutathione (GSH) oxidation assay and morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrophilicity was evaluated by contact angle measurement. The antibiofilm activities of TiO2, Ni-TiO2, and Co-TiO2 NFs were investigated with respect to E. coli and S. aureus biofilms. Ni-TiO2 and Co-TiO2 demonstrated more effective antibiofilm activities than bare TiO2. Under UV-light irradiation, the biofilm inhibition efficacy was increased for both Ni-TiO2 and Co-TiO2 NFs while Co-TiO2 NFs were found to have the greater antibiofilm performance. Additionally, in silico analysis was conducted to explore the molecular interactions of the NFs with S. aureus Immunoglobulin-Binding B Domain (PDB ID: 1BDD) and FimH lectin protein of E. coli (PDB ID: 4XO8). Co-TiO2 exhibited stronger binding to S. aureus, while TiO2 showed stronger binding to E. coli. This journal is
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Screening-based low energy availability risk, disordered eating risk, and their co-occurrence among female volleyball players: a cross-sectional study
André, Hülya; Sarışık, Derya Çetin; Özçelik, Arda
Low energy availability (LEA) and disordered eating (DE) are important health concerns in female athletes, yet their occurrence and co-occurrence in team-sport contexts, particularly volleyball, remain underexplored. This cross-sectional online survey study examined the proportions of athletes classified as being at risk of LEA and DE overall and across competition levels, and assessed the co-occurrence between the two risk classifications in female volleyball players in Türkiye, using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). It also examined correlations between EAT-26 total score and LEAF-Q total and domain scores. A total of 213 athletes, recruited via non-probability convenience sampling, completed the LEAF-Q and EAT-26 to assess LEA risk and DE risk, respectively. In this sample, 33.3% of athletes were classified as being at risk of LEA, with no difference across competition levels (p = 0.825). A total of 17.4% were classified as being at risk of DE, with variation across competition levels and the highest proportion among Turkish Women’s Volleyball Second League athletes (p = 0.034). LEA risk and DE risk co-occurred in 10.3% of the sample, and DE risk was associated with higher odds of LEA risk (unadjusted OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.82–7.92). EAT-26 total score was positively correlated with LEAF-Q total and gastrointestinal function scores (p < 0.001) and injury history score (p = 0.004), but not menstrual function score (p = 0.133). These results suggest that LEA risk was commonly identified in this sample, DE risk was comparatively less common, and their co-occurrence was only partial, highlighting the value of screening for both risks rather than assuming one from the other.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Shape-Directed Hydrothermal Design of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Applications
Özkan, Elvan Hasanoğlu; Yetim, Nurdan Kurnaz; Kızıl, Hamit E.; Öğütçü, Hatice
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare. In this study, metal oxide–based nanomaterials are gaining prominence due to their antimicrobial and anticancer potential. In the present study, six new zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized via the hydrothermal method using different surfactants were characterized, and their biological activities were evaluated. ZnO-NPs, whose structural properties were determined by a range of analytical methods including BET, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, and XPS, exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal effects on a range of bacterial and fungal strains. The study revealed that variations in the morphology and surface area had a direct impact on antimicrobial efficacy. In antimicrobial assays, the inhibition zones ranged from 10.5 mm to 25.5 mm, with ZnO-6 exhibiting the highest efficacy against S. epidermidis (25.5 mm). In cytotoxicity assays, ZnO-6 demonstrated the strongest anticancer potential against H460 cells with the lowest IC50 value of 31.9 µg/mL. Furthermore, a strong correlation was revealed between the physicochemical properties of ZnO-NPs and their anticancer activity, as evidenced by the results of tests conducted on H460 lung cancer cells. Specifically, ZnO-6, which possesses a flower-like morphology and the highest surface area, exhibited the strongest anticancer effect with an IC50 value of 31.9 µg/mL. The parallel enhancement in both antimicrobial and anticancer activities observed in ZnO-6 suggests a common underlying mechanism, likely driven by the high surface area and specific flower-like morphology that facilitates increased interaction with cell membranes and ROS generation. The findings demonstrate that the controlled design of ZnO-NPs in terms of morphology and surface area offers significant potential in both antimicrobial and anticancer applications.
AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2Social support mediates relationship between death anxiety and stress in chronic illness
Akeren, Zahide; Kalyoncuo, Servet
Background: Fear of death may become salient among individuals with chronic illness. This study examined the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between death anxiety and perceived stress in individuals with chronic illness. Methods: The study was conducted with 265 individuals diagnosed with chronic illness. The sample included participants with hypertension (20.7%), diabetes (19.6%), and cardiovascular diseases (16.2%), among conditions. Data were collected using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: A weak negative correlation was found between death anxiety and perceived social support (r = -0.156, p = 0.011), while a positive correlation was observed between death anxiety and perceived stress (r = 0.362, p < 0.001). The proportion of the total effect mediated by perceived social support was 32.7%. Death anxiety was associated with perceived stress (β = 0.347, p < 0.001). The of perceived social support as a mediator, the coefficient decreased (β = 0.234, p < 0.001), indicating partial mediation. Conclusion: Perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between death anxiety and perceived stress. Higher levels of death anxiety were associated with higher perceived stress, and this association was attenuated in the presence of perceived social support.
