Journals
2025 EN
Cengiz Fatmanur Uyumaz · Cengiz Erhan Şükrü · Özkaya Ali Rıza
+1 more
ABSTRACT Cross‐linked gel polymer electrolytes for lithium‐ion batteries were prepared using a unique photocrosslinking technology. Hydroxyethyl cellulose was dissolved in N‐vinylpyrrolidone and combined with polyethylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate), then subjected to UV irradiation to form a semi‐interpenetrating network. This cross‐linked structure enhanced stability and compatibility with liquid electrolytes and significantly improved ionic conductivity (2.14 × 10 − 3 S cm − ¹) compared to hydroxyethyl cellulose‐based GPEs. The hydrophilic hydroxyethyl cellulose blend and flexible pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate) contributed to improved mechanical and thermal stability, increased liquid retention, and reduced electrolyte leakage. The GHPT‐3 electrolyte exhibited electrochemical stability up to 4.5 V and delivered excellent cycling performance in a lithium metal cell with a LiFePO₄ cathode, providing a high reversible capacity of 155.8 mAh g − ¹ at 0.1 C with near‐perfect coulombic efficiency. Remarkably, it retained 90.3% of its initial discharge capacity after 100 cycles. GHPT‐3 effectively suppressed lithium dendrite formation for over 1000 h, outperforming a commercial liquid electrolyte, which failed within 895 h. These advancements highlighted GHPT‐3's potential as a safer, high‐performance electrolyte for lithium‐ion batteries.
Journals
2025 EN
Buran Ilkay · Secgin Seyda · Akal H. Ceren
+3 more
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to determine the effects of synbiotic buffalo kefirs on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced in vivo type 1 diabetes mellitus markers. Kefir was produced by adding Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum , and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) to buffalo milk using DVS kefir culture. For the in vivo study, 70 male rats were fed buffalo kefir samples for 28 days. Physicochemical (pH, titration acidity, dry matter, fat, protein) and microbiological analyses were performed on kefir samples. Blood samples from the experimental animals were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and diabetes parameters. The results showed that the probiotic bacterial count was highest in the sample containing FOS+ Lb. acidophilus . In diabetic rats, triglyceride levels decreased significantly in the group consuming the FOS +B. bifidum sample. High‐density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels remained unchanged. In groups consuming synbiotic buffalo kefir, a decrease in lipid peroxidation resulting from oxidative stress and significant increases in the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes SOD and GPX were detected. Synbiotic buffalo kefir samples reduced the MDA values in all diabetic groups. The findings suggest that consuming synbiotic buffalo kefir may help mitigate the effects of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Journals
2025 EN
Çakır Ayberk · Kayıkçıoğlu Fulya · Özbey Gürkan
+1 more
ABSTRACT This study was performed to assess the efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of treatment protocols in patients with high‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Data of 64 high‐risk GTN patients treated at our clinic between January 1993 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified according to the FIGO staging and World Health Organization (WHO) scoring system, and demographic characteristics, treatment protocols (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin‐D, cyclophosphamide, vincristine [EMACO]; methotrexate, actinomycin‐D, cyclophosphamide [MAC]; etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin‐D, etoposide, cisplatin [EMAEP]), complications, and survival outcomes were evaluated. The presence of metastatic disease, beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) levels, and treatment responses were analyzed in detail. The median age of the patients was 31.5 years (19–57), and 65.6% had metastatic disease. The most commonly used chemotherapy protocol was EMACO (75% of patients). Primary chemotherapy failure was seen in 42.1%, and the median number of cycles given until β‐hCG reset was 3 (1–9). Complete remission was achieved in 90.6% of the patients, whereas 9.4% died. The most common complications were neutropenia (24.3%), elevated liver function tests (17.6%), and anemia (17.6%). The presence of brain metastasis and a high WHO score (11–15) were significantly associated with mortality ( p < 0.05). The EMACO protocol is a good option for the treatment of high‐risk GTN; however, the prognosis is worse, particularly in patients with brain metastases and a high WHO score. Improving the diagnosis and choosing the appropriate treatment protocol are crucial for the management of this disease. SummaryIt provides real‐world data on treatment outcomes from a substantial cohort of high‐risk GTN patients treated at a single institution. It offers detailed analysis of chemotherapy‐related complications across different regimens, information that is often underreported in the literature. It identifies specific patient subgroups who may benefit from alternative treatment approaches, potentially guiding more tailored management strategies. It contributes to the ongoing discussion about the limitations of current FIGO scoring and staging systems.
Journals
2025 EN
Akbal Aytan Tuğçe · Aytan Emre · Kahraman Memet Vezir
Abstract In this study, we aim to develop a novel polyurethane (PUR) with phase changeability and antimicrobial properties for human health‐friendly thermal energy storage applications. The study consists of three steps. First, PUR prepolymer backbone was synthesized by conventional step‐growth polymerization. Second, phase change materials (PCMs) were integrated into the PUR backbone by reaction between free NCO of prepolymer and free OH and COOH of PCMs. At last, antimicrobial properties were integrated by turning nitrogen in urethane to a quaternary state by integration of iodopropane (IP) into a PUR backbone. The chemical structure was determined by FTIR. Thermal properties were determined by DSC and TGA. Antimicrobial properties were determined by the Agar well diffusion method (AWM). FTIR showed that the intended reactions were successful. PCM properties were determined by DSC. Iodopropane had no impact on phase change properties. However, DSC measurements determined the phase change enthalpy to be 28.28 J/g for the heating process and 26.12 J/g for the freezing process. AWM results showed that the prepared PUR system has antimicrobial properties. Highlights Novel PUR was developed with dual functionality. PUR shows thermal storage properties due to PCM integration. PUR shows antimicrobial and bacteriostatic properties after IP addition.
Journals
2025 EN
Uyumaz Fatmanur · Artuç Gamze Özgül · Pehlivan Gamze
+5 more
Abstract Coumarin, a versatile compound, has attracted great interest in polymer science due to its unique properties and diverse applications. The use of coumarins in polymer research opens avenues for the development of materials with improved functionalities. In this study, an acrylated coumarin (a‐coumarin) compound‐containing polymeric films was obtained via UV curing through a thiol‐ene click reaction with a free radical mechanism. The obtained a‐coumarin‐containing polymeric films were subjected to functional characterization using FTIR and NMR analyses and thermal characterization via DSC and TGA. UV–vis and PL analyses were performed to determine the optical properties. Using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), the free volume and proportional free volume fraction of the films were analyzed both below and above the glass transition temperature ( T g ). The T g values obtained from PALS were several degrees lower than those obtained via DSC. A‐coumarin additives inhibit segmental mobility, hence reducing the proportional free volume fraction and increasing the T g . This study is the first in the literature to investigate the free volume properties of coumarin‐containing polymeric films. The study reveals the impact of a‐coumarin on thermal, optical, and free volume properties, paving the way for the design of advanced functional materials. Highlights A‐coumarin films were made via UV curing and thiol‐ene click chemistry. PALS analyzed free volume below and above the glass transition temperature. A‐coumarin reduced free volume, increasing T g and stabilizing polymer films.
Journals
2025 EN
Kaçmaz Cihangir · Çelik Osman Tayyar · Candemir Burcu
+2 more
ABSTRACT Parental educational anxiety, which refers to the anxiety and stress they experience about their children's academic performance, learning processes, and educational environments, has become an important research topic in recent years. In this context, developing or adapting scales for understanding parents' concerns to different cultures is of critical importance for research. The aim of this study is to determine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of originally developed in the Chinese context. Building on this foundation, the study highlights the need for culturally responsive tools to assess parental educational anxiety, particularly in Türkiye, where educational pressures are pronounced. The study data were obtained from 342 parents of students attending grades 1–8. The results of the analyses revealed that the Turkish version of the scale consisted of 17 items and four sub‐dimensions as in the original. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, it was seen that the four‐factor structure of the scale had good fit values as in the original research. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the factors of the scale was calculated as 0.86 for the highest, 0.77 for the lowest, and 0.90 for the overall scale. The item‐total test correlation and the test‐retest reliability for each scale item showed strong internal consistency. These results provided strong evidence for the validity and reliability. These findings underscore the scale's robustness and its applicability in the Turkish context, paving the way for further research on parental educational anxiety.
Journals
2025 EN
Gürsoy İlke Altuntaş · Bal Mazhar
ABSTRACT This study examines teacher candidates' self‐efficacy beliefs, sensitivity to cultural diversity and empathic orientations toward linguistic cultural diversity. The study employed a correlational survey design to investigate descriptive levels, relationships between variables, predictive factors, and group comparisons. Data were collected from 248 teacher candidates, with analyses conducted on 243 participants after outlier control. The findings revealed multiple dimensions: First, Turkish teacher candidates demonstrated high levels of self‐efficacy beliefs towards linguistic cultural diversity and cultural sensitivity. Second, significant positive relationships were found between self‐efficacy beliefs, sensitivity to cultural diversity, and empathic orientations. Third, regression analyses showed that both self‐efficacy beliefs and cultural sensitivity significantly predicted empathic orientations, with self‐evaluation emerging as the stronger predictor. Finally, comparative analyses revealed that female teacher candidates exhibited higher self‐efficacy beliefs than males, and those willing to work with different cultures showed significantly higher self‐efficacy scores. The desire to live with people from different cultures and work in a different culture was positively associated with self‐efficacy beliefs.
Journals
2025 EN
Duygulu Bulan Dilara · Dayanan Ruken · Kahraman Neval Cayonu
+2 more
ABSTRACT Objective To determine the prognostic value of third trimester main pulmonary artery (MPA) Doppler indices, two dimensional (2D) lung volume, and thoracic circumference (TC) for composite adverse pulmonary outcome (CAPO) in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods In this prospective cohort, 105 singleton FGR pregnancies (28 + 0 − 37 + 0 weeks) and 108 controls underwent standardized ultrasound at a tertiary center. MPA acceleration time (AT), ejection time (ET), and pulmonary AT to ET (PAT/ET) ratio were recorded. 2D lung volume and TC were calculated from axial thoracic sections. The CAPO comprised ≥ 1 of: 5‐min Apgar < 7, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mechanical ventilation, or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission for respiratory compromise. Results Compared with controls, FGR fetuses had smaller lung volume and TC, higher MPA pulsatility/resistance indices, and lower PAT/ET. CAPO occurred in 42.9% of FGR versus 10.2% of controls. Optimal cut‐offs were AT < 50.5 ms, PAT/ET < 0.19, and lung volume < 18.9 mL. In multivariable analysis, PAT/ET < 0.19, AT < 50.5 ms, lung volume < 18.9 mL and preterm delivery independently predicted CAPO. Combining PAT/ET and lung volume increased sensitivity to 82% with 72% specificity. Conclusions Reduced lung volume and aberrant MPA Doppler profiles identify growth restricted fetuses at heightened risk of early neonatal respiratory morbidity. Integrating these pulmonary markers into FGR surveillance may enhance antenatal risk assessment, optimize steroid and delivery timing, and improve neonatal respiratory outcomes.
Journals
2025 EN
Uyumaz Cengiz Fatmanur · Oktay Burcu · Kahraman Memet Vezir
Abstract Gel electrolytes with self‐healing properties are considered a suitable substitute for conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium batteries due to their high energy density, outstanding battery safety, and low electrolyte degradation. However, ionic conductivity and self‐healing remain challenging in practical applications. In this study, a self‐healing gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) containing an amine‐epoxy microcapsule is demonstrated. The polymer, which includes acrylated epoxidized soybean oil, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and amine‐epoxy microcapsules, is cross‐linked with aminopropyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane using dual curing to create the electrolyte. The resulting GPEs exhibit good thermal stability across a broad temperature range up to 270 °C and excellent self‐healing ability. They also show a wide electrochemical stability window of 3.81 V and an ionic conductivity of 0.93 × 10 −3 S cm −1 . Superior electrode interface contact, a notable initial discharge specific capacity of 136.2 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C, and a capacity retention of 90.4% after 100 cycles are all displayed by the battery using the GPE‐CP1 electrolyte. GPEs' enhanced ionic conductivity, enhanced electrochemical stability, and safety with self‐healing properties make them highly promising for the next generation of flexible energy storage systems.
Journals
2025 EN
Kahraman Çiğdem · Arabacı Anul Serap · Sari Suat
+4 more
Abstract The fruits of Prunus spinosa L. have been consumed for dietary purposes and as a remedy for various conditions, including diabetes. This study aimed to isolate the secondary metabolites of P. spinosa fruits and evaluate their potential antidiabetic activities through in silico modelling. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of crude and sub‐extracts were evaluated as supportive of antidiabetic properties. The fruits were extracted with methanol and sequentially partitioned using chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n ‐butanol. The methanol extract was further subjected to chromatographic separation to obtain pure compounds; molecular docking was performed to predict their inhibitory potential against selected drug targets involved in diabetes pathophysiology. The extracts demonstrated moderate antioxidant and low antimicrobial activity, compared to the reference compounds. Since none of them was responsible for both activities, isolation studies were conducted on the crude methanol extract, from which benzylalcohol β ‐(6′′‐ β ‐xylopyranosyl)‐glucopyranoside and benzylalcohol β ‐(6′′‐ α ‐arabinopyranosyl)‐glucopyranoside were obtained. Both compounds were predicted to have the potential to inhibit α ‐glucosidase and sodium/glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2). This study is the first record of two benzyl alcohol derivatives from P. spinosa . Molecular modelling studies indicate these derivatives may serve as key contributors to the plant's antidiabetic properties and provide a foundation for future experimental work.