Journals
2026 EN
Toprak Yunus Emre · Çubuk Soner · Cengiz Fatmanur Uyumaz
+1 more
ABSTRACT Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are carbon‐based semiconductor nanomaterials that have attracted significant attention due to their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, and environmentally friendly nature. These features make them promising candidates for the sensitive and selective detection of harmful pesticides, particularly chlorpyrifos (CP), a widely used organophosphate insecticide that poses environmental and health risks. In this study, CQDs were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using grape acid and three different amino acids (L‐cysteine, L‐tryptophan, and L‐serine). They were comparatively evaluated based on the type of amino acid used. The amino acids enhanced the surface functionalities of the CQDs, which were confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and density functional theory (DFT) analyses, including the highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energy levels. The developed CQD based fluorescence sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity toward CP among four tested pesticides. Notably, cysteine‐doped CQDs exhibited superior sensing performance at low concentrations (7.42 × 10 −12 mol L −1 ). This study highlights the potential of amino acid–functionalized CQDs as effective, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly platforms for the sensitive monitoring of pesticides, offering essential applications in environmental safety and public health protection.
Journals
2026 EN
Kahraman Busra Nur · Saricaoglu Mevhibe · Hanoglu Lutfu
ABSTRACT Purpose Associative memory is fundamental to human cognition and has been strongly linked to neural oscillations in the theta frequency band. Rather than being confined to a single brain region, these processes are thought to emerge from dynamic interactions among temporal, frontal, and parietal areas, as proposed by the Temporo–Frontal–Parietal Network Model. The role of the parietal cortex plays a central and dynamic role in associative memory by supporting integrative processes that enable successful retrieval. The present study investigated whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) delivered on the left parietal cortex at individualized theta frequency (ITF) could modulate associative memory performance. Method Thirty healthy participants were randomly assigned to either a stimulation or sham condition. During the encoding phase of the Face and Scene Task (FAST), EEG recordings were collected. Each participant's ITF, derived from their theta activity during the encoding task, was calculated. ITF tACS was delivered over the P3 site to the stimulation group, whereas the sham group received sham stimulation. Following encoding, all participants completed a recognition task. EEG, behavioral performance, and theta activity were compared across groups. Finding The tACS group did not differ in recognition performance from those in the sham group. No significant effects were observed on spontaneous EEG with eyes open or directly on ITF. Time–frequency analyses revealed right‐hemispheric dominance in the stimulation group and left‐hemispheric dominance in the sham group within 100–400 ms. Comparisons between encoding and recognition phases suggested that stimulation modulated theta dynamics, contributing to hemispheric asymmetries. Conclusion The tACS at ITF can change associative memory performance, although its effects on theta activity vary across spatial and temporal dimensions. The findings suggest that ITF tACS administered during encoding is associated with improved recognition performance compared to sham, highlighting the potential of personalized stimulation approaches to support memory processing.
Journals
2026 EN
Erturk Mehmet · Kahraman Serkan · Demirci Deniz
+11 more
ABSTRACT Background Culotte stenting is one of the most preferred techniques in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of coronary bifurcation lesion (CBL). Therefore, clinical event predictors in culotte stenting are gaining importance. Bifurcation angle (BA) is an important determinant of the clinical outcomes for the PCI of CBL. Aims Our aim in this study was to investigate the impact of BA in culotte stenting technique on cardiovascular outcomes. Methods The OPTIMUM trial was a single‐center, observational registry. A total of 1408 PCI procedures were evaluated, and 200 patients were included. Then, patients were divided into two groups according to the BA. 157 patients with BA 70° or less were categorized as group 1, while 43 with BA more than 70° were categorized as group 2. The primary endpoint of the study was the target lesion failure (TLF) which was a composite endpoint of target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), target lesion revascularization (TLR) and cardiac death at 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up periods. Results The incidence of TLF at 1‐year (4 [2.5%]; 4 [9.3%], p = 0.048) and 3‐year [14 (8.9%); 10 (23.3%), p = 0.008] were significantly lower in patients with BA 70° or less compared to patients with BA more than 70° that was mainly driven by the TLR at 3‐year (10 [6.4%]; 8 [18.6%], p = 0.013). The incidence of TVMI (5 [3.2%]; 2 [4.7%], p = 0.648) and cardiac death (4 [2.5%]; 2 [4.7%], p = 0.458) were similar in both groups at 3‐year. Conclusion The wider BA is associated with increased 3‐year TLR and TLF in culotte stenting technique.
Journals
2026 EN
Özen Yasin · Ozbay Mustafa Bilal · Shahriar Zahin
+5 more
ABSTRACT Background Naples Prognostic Score (NPS), a composite index incorporating inflammatory and nutritional markers, has emerged as a potential prognostic tool in various cardiovascular conditions; however, no meta‐analysis has yet pooled the available evidence to comprehensively assess its prognostic utility. Objectives To evaluate the association of NPS with clinical outcomes, including all‐cause mortality, in‐hospital mortality, no‐reflow (NR) phenomenon, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were searched for studies comparing high and low NPS groups in ACS patients undergoing PCI. Random‐effects models were used to pool risk ratios (RR) for binary outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4, and R, version 4.2.2. Results We included seven studies comprising 13 268 patients, with 5628 (42.4%) patients in the low NPS group. Low NPS was significantly associated with decreased all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.32–0.55; I² = 48%) and decreased incidence of NR (RR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.40–0.88; I² = 83%). Patients with low NPS also had higher LVEF (MD: −2.69%; 95% CI: −3.41 to −1.97; I² = 99%). No significant difference was observed in in‐hospital mortality (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.28–1.05; I² = 94%). Conclusion In ACS patients undergoing PCI, elevated NPS was associated with worse clinical outcomes. These findings support the use of NPS as a practical, biomarker‐based tool for risk stratification in this population.
Journals
2026 EN
Kahraman Bekir Fatih
ABSTRACT Nano zero‐valent iron (nZVI) has become one of the most widely studied and applied materials for the treatment of a wide range of contaminants in water and soil over the years. Concurrently, micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs) are considered among the top emerging pollutants detected in all environmental compartments. Understanding the interactions between these materials is crucial given the significant interest in nZVI for environmental remediation and the increasing MNP abundance. This article reviewed current literature focusing on the impact of MNPs on contaminant removal by nZVI in water and soil matrices. Most of the studies suggest that MNPs can inhibit the contaminant removal efficiency through mechanisms such as aggregation, blockage of reactive sites, and premature aging. Critically, modification approaches showed promise: Sulfidated nZVI (S‐nZVI) was significantly resistant to MNP detrimental effects compared to pristine nZVI and could offset inhibition caused by MNPs to achieve higher contaminant removal. Several factors affecting the interaction between MNPs and nZVI were critically reviewed, including the type and properties of MNPs (e.g., polymer type and surface charge), the type of nZVI (e.g., sulfidated and modified nZVI), and environmental conditions (e.g., pH, ionic strength, dissolved oxygen, and organic matter). It was concluded that further efforts are needed to improve the performance of nZVI–based remediation technologies in the presence of MNPs.
Journals
2026 EN
Şarahman Kahraman Ceren · Memiç İnan Cansu · Yabancı Ayhan Nurcan
ABSTRACT In e‐sports players, the competitive environment and increased time spent in front of the screen for the game may lead to stress and physical inactivity, and individuals may develop negative eating behaviors. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between perceived stress and eating behavior in e‐sports players. This cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted with 235 e‐sports players aged between 18 and 29 years who are members of the e‐sports community of a public university in Turkey. The questionnaire form used to obtain the study data included information on general and eating habits, Adult Eating Behavior Scale, SCOFF Eating Disorders Scale and Perceived Stress Scale. Among the e‐sports players who participated in the study, 85.5% were male and 50.2% were between the ages of 18–23 (mean age 23.9 ± 4.4). The results of regression analysis showed that as the perceived stress level increased in e‐sports players, SCOFF ( β = 1.093), emotional over‐eating ( β = 0.306), hunger ( β = 0.455), and emotional under‐eating ( β = 0.193) scores tended to increase ( p < 0.05). Perceived stress level was found to be associated with eating behaviors in individuals interested in e‐sports. These results reveal the importance of interventions that support stress management and healthy eating behaviors for e‐sports players.
Journals
2026 EN
Yavuz Betul · Kahraman Berberoğlu Bircan · Çalişir Hüsniye
ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to develop the children with cerebral palsy (7–18 years old) self‐care skills scale‐parent form and assess its validity and reliability. Design The sample of this methodological study consisted of 317 parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 7–18 years who were trained in special education and rehabilitation centres. Methods The data were collected using the Child–Parent Information Form and the Children with Cerebral Palsy (7–18 Years Old) Self‐Care Skills Scale‐Parent Form (CCPSCSS‐PF). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal‐Wallis, Cronbach's alpha, test–retest, the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin (KMO) test, Bartlett's test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the overall scale and its two subscales were 0.971, 0.984, and 0.913 and the test–retest reliability coefficient of the overall scale was 0.976. The KMO sample fit coefficient of the scale was 0.948, and Bartlett's test of sphericity χ 2 value was 8472.344 ( p < 0.001). According to the EFA results, the scale items were grouped under two factors. The factor loadings of the CCPSCSS‐PF ranged from 0.767 to 0.951 for Factor 1 (self‐care) and 0.811 to 0.950 for Factor 2 (ability to express self‐care). The scale accounted for 83.4% of the total variance. The fit indices calculated in CFA were 1.000 for GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and IFI; 0.097 for RMSEA; and 2.489 for CHISQ/Df. Conclusion The CCPSCSS‐PF is a valid and reliable assessment tool that can be used to evaluate the self‐care skills of children with CP aged 7–18 years. Implications for Practice The CCPSCSS‐PF can be used in preventive and rehabilitative studies by professionals caring for children with CP.
Journals
2026 EN
Ozbakir Hincal · Yuksel Necmi Can · Ergun Deniz
+10 more
ABSTRACT Background The primary risk factor determining the progression of tuberculosis (TB) infection is the host's immune status. However, reports of TB cases in children diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency (PID), also referred to as inborn errors of immunity (IEI), remain scarce. In this study, we describe the impact of PID/IEI on childhood TB disease. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, data of patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were diagnosed with TB between January 2012 and January 2025 were collected. TB patients were compared according to PID status. Additionally, radiological, histopathological, and microbiological diagnostic findings, as well as clinical features and treatments of TB patients with PID, were evaluated. Results A total of 217 TB patients were included, with a median age of 118 months (IQR: 42–169.5). PID was detected in 5.5% ( n = 12) of the patients. In 6 (50%) of the PID patients, the immunodeficiency was not known before the TB diagnosis. The median age of patients with PID was 17 months (IQR: 10.3–58.5), which was significantly lower compared to other patients ( p = 0.001). The diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB was significantly more common among PID patients ( p = 0.049). Treatment durations in patients with PID ranged from 6 to 24 months, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion Investigating PID in children diagnosed with TB may be a critical step in enabling early diagnosis and treatment before the development of potentially fatal complications. We also believe that expanding immunological investigations will contribute to a better understanding of childhood TB pathogenesis.
Journals
2026 EN
Abasiyanik Zuhal · Polat Karya · Bayraktar Deniz
+2 more
ABSTRACT Background and Purpose Climate change poses significant challenges to public health, yet its relevance to physiotherapy practice remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of physiotherapy students and practising physiotherapists toward climate change, environmental physiotherapy, and sustainability in Türkiye. Methods A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among physiotherapy students and practising physiotherapists. The survey assessed attitudes toward climate change and its impact on physiotherapy practice, knowledge, and engagement in sustainable physiotherapy practices. A total of 388 participants responded, including 291 students and 97 practising physiotherapists, from 27 universities across 15 cities in Türkiye. Results The findings revealed a significant gap in climate change knowledge among both physiotherapy students and practitioners. Although most participants acknowledged the existence and consequences of climate change, only half recognized its relevance to physiotherapy practice. Formal education on climate change was reported as insufficient, with only less than 10% of respondents feeling adequately informed through their undergraduate education. Although nearly half of the graduates incorporated eco‐friendly practices in their work, barriers such as lack of knowledge, financial constraints, and time limitations hindered broader adoption of sustainable healthcare practices. Discussion This study highlights the need to integrate climate change and sustainability topics into physiotherapy curricula and post‐graduate education programs. Strengthening awareness and competencies in environmental physiotherapy may enhance the profession's contribution to sustainable healthcare.
Journals
2026 EN
Kahraman F. Bilge
ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of work permit procedures and rules in Türkiye on the legal status of migrants. Drawing on the literature on critical migration studies, it argues that work permit procedures in Türkiye position migrants within a legal category that can be described as semi‐regular. In this study, semi‐regularity refers to the legal status of migrants who possess the right to reside legally (e.g., through a residence permit or temporary protection status) but participate in the labour market without a work permit. Migrants experience this semi‐regular status differently in the labour market depending on their country of origin. Furthermore, unlike irregular migrants, those with semi‐regular status have access to some services, but in contrast to fully regular migrants, their access to services remains only partial. Research to date has largely focused on migrants in the Global North and this study broadens the literature on migrants' legal status by providing an example from Türkiye, a country of the Global South.