PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu

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  • Article
    Resting-State EEG Power and Machine-Learning Classification in Adult Males with Gambling Disorder
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ulker, Selami Varol; Tarlaci, Sultan
    Background: Gambling disorder (GD) is a behavioral addiction sharing neurobiological features with substance use disorders, yet objective biomarkers remain limited. This study examined resting-state EEG power and applied machine learning to identify potential electrophysiological markers of GD. Methods: Resting eyes-closed Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded from 47 individuals with GD and 32 healthy controls. Absolute and relative power across delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (13-30 Hz) bands were quantified over eight cortical regions. Group differences and correlations with the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) were analyzed. Multiple comparisons were controlled using the Benjamini-Hochberg False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. A Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) classifier was trained to differentiate GD from controls based on EEG features. Results: Group differences in EEG power were subtle, with GD showing significantly higher delta power in the left temporal region (p = 0.032, d = 0.43). Within the GD group, greater gambling severity was associated with higher absolute beta power across frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions (r approximate to 0.40-0.50, p < 0.01), and these associations remained significant after FDR correction (pFDR < 0.05). The LDA model using absolute power achieved 73.7% classification accuracy (AUC = 0.74), whereas relative power yielded near-chance accuracy (57.9%). Conclusions: GD is characterized by subtle but meaningful EEG alterations, particularly increased beta activity linked to gambling severity. Multivariate EEG patterns can distinguish GD from controls, supporting the potential of resting-state EEG as a biomarker for clinical assessment and severity monitoring in behavioral addiction.
  • Correction
    Predictive Value of Renal Parenchyma and Pelvic Urine Density on Preoperative Non-Contrast CT in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) After Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopy (Vol 54, 15, 2025)
    (Springer, 2026) Ozsoy, Emrah; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Tokuc, Emre; Kayar, Ridvan; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan; Ozturk, Metin Ishak
  • Article
    Predictive Impact of PI-RADS 3 Lesion Volume/Total Prostate Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naïve Patients Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naive Patients
    (TÜBİTAK Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2025) Ozsoy, Emrah; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Tokuc, Emre; Kayar, Ridvan; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan; Ozturk, Metin Ishak
    Background/aim: To assess the potential of the ratio between PI-RADS 3 lesion volume and total prostate volume as a predictive parameter for guiding the decision to perform a biopsy in patients presenting with PI-RADS 3 lesions on multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Materials and methods: A total of 749 patients who underwent mpMRI due to suspected prostate cancer between January 2014 and August 2023 were scanned. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 308 patients were included. Age, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate volume measured in mpMRI, mpMRI result, PI-RADS 3 lesion volume, and biopsy results were collected. The PI-RADS 3 ratio was calculated as PI-RADS 3 lesion volume/total prostate volume. PSA density (dPSA) was calculated. The patients were categorized according to their biopsy results as benign or malignant (subclassified by Gleason group grade), and the two groups were compared. Results: The average PI-RADS 3 ratio was 0.032 +/- 0.002. There were 230 (74.7%) patients in the benign group and 78 (25.3%) patients in the malignant group. There was a statistically significant difference detected in average prostate volumes (p < 0.001), dPSA values (p = 0.001), and PI-RADS 3 ratios (p < 0.001). The receiver operating curve analysis of PI-RADS 3 ratio indicated an area under the curve of 0.643 +/- 0.037. The optimal cut-off point was 0.026 with a sensitivity of 58.97% and a specificity of 66.96%. A positive, albeit weak, statistically significant relationship was found between PIRADS-3 ratios and dPSA values (rs rho = 0.261 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: PI-RADS 3 ratio may serve as an auxiliary clinical parameter alongside age, dPSA, and lesion volume alone in identifying more refined candidates for biopsy in the goal of patient care individualization.
  • Article
    Discriminant Analysis Using MRI Asymmetry Indices and Cognitive Scores of Women with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy or Schizophrenia
    (Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Fırat, Z.; Er, F.; Noyan, H.; Ekinci, G.; Üçok, A.; Ulǔg, A.M.; Aktekin, B.
    Purpose: This study aims to assess the diagnostic power of brain asymmetry indices and neuropsychological tests for differentiating mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and schizophrenia (SCZ). Methods: We studied a total of 39 women including 13 MTLE, 13 SCZ, and 13 healthy individuals (HC). A neuropsychological test battery (NPT) was administered and scored by an experienced neuropsychologist, and NeuroQuant (CorTechs Labs Inc., San Diego, California) software was used to calculate brain asymmetry indices (ASI) for 71 different anatomical regions of all participants based on their 3D T1 MR imaging scans. Results: Asymmetry indices measured from 10 regions showed statistically significant differences between the three groups. In this study, a multi-class linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model was built based on a total of fifteen variables composed of the most five significantly informative NPT scores and ten significant asymmetry indices, and the model achieved an accuracy of 87.2%. In pairwise classification, the accuracy for distinguishing MTLE from either SCZ or HC was 94.8%, while the accuracy for distinguishing SCZ from either MTLE or HC was 92.3%. Conclusion: The ability to differentiate MTLE from SCZ using neuroradiological and neuropsychological biomarkers, even within a limited patient cohort, could make a substantial contribution to research in larger patient groups using different machine learning techniques. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.
  • Article
    Interaction Testing and Polygenic Risk Scoring to Estimate the Association of Common Genetic Variants with Treatment Resistance in Schizophrenia
    (American Medical Association, 2022) Pardiñas, A.F.; Smart, S.E.; Willcocks, I.R.; Holmans, P.A.; Dennison, C.A.; Lynham, A.J.; Legge, S.E.
    Importance: About 20% to 30% of people with schizophrenia have psychotic symptoms that do not respond adequately to first-line antipsychotic treatment. This clinical presentation, chronic and highly disabling, is known as treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). The causes of treatment resistance and their relationships with causes underlying schizophrenia are largely unknown. Adequately powered genetic studies of TRS are scarce because of the difficulty in collecting data from well-characterized TRS cohorts. Objective: To examine the genetic architecture of TRS through the reassessment of genetic data from schizophrenia studies and its validation in carefully ascertained clinical samples. Design, Setting, and Participants: Two case-control genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of schizophrenia were performed in which the case samples were defined as individuals with TRS (n = 10501) and individuals with non-TRS (n = 20325). The differences in effect sizes for allelic associations were then determined between both studies, the reasoning being such differences reflect treatment resistance instead of schizophrenia. Genotype data were retrieved from the CLOZUK and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) schizophrenia studies. The output was validated using polygenic risk score (PRS) profiling of 2 independent schizophrenia cohorts with TRS and non-TRS: a prevalence sample with 817 individuals (Cardiff Cognition in Schizophrenia [CardiffCOGS]) and an incidence sample with 563 individuals (Genetics Workstream of the Schizophrenia Treatment Resistance and Therapeutic Advances [STRATA-G]). Main Outcomes and Measures: GWAS of treatment resistance in schizophrenia. The results of the GWAS were compared with complex polygenic traits through a genetic correlation approach and were used for PRS analysis on the independent validation cohorts using the same TRS definition. Results: The study included a total of 85490 participants (48635 [56.9%] male) in its GWAS stage and 1380 participants (859 [62.2%] male) in its PRS validation stage. Treatment resistance in schizophrenia emerged as a polygenic trait with detectable heritability (1% to 4%), and several traits related to intelligence and cognition were found to be genetically correlated with it (genetic correlation, 0.41-0.69). PRS analysis in the CardiffCOGS prevalence sample showed a positive association between TRS and a history of taking clozapine (r2 = 2.03%; P =.001), which was replicated in the STRATA-G incidence sample (r2 = 1.09%; P =.04). Conclusions and Relevance: In this GWAS, common genetic variants were differentially associated with TRS, and these associations may have been obscured through the amalgamation of large GWAS samples in previous studies of broadly defined schizophrenia. Findings of this study suggest the validity of meta-analytic approaches for studies on patient outcomes, including treatment resistance. © 2022 Pardiñas AF et al.
  • Article
    Investigation of Dpyd, Mthfr and Tyms Polymorphisms on 5-Fluorouracil Related Toxicities in Colorectal Cancer
    (Newlands Press Ltd, 2022) Cevik, M.; Namal, E.; Şener, N.D.; Köksal, U.I.; Çaǧatay, P.; Deliorman, G.; Çiftçi, C.
    Aim: To investigate the association of DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) related toxicities and patient survival. Materials & methods: A total of 103 colorectal cancer patients prescribed 5-FU were included in the study. Genotyping was conducted for several DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms using a microarray analyzer. Results: DPYD 496A>G polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with 5-FU related grade 0-2, but not severe toxicities (p = 0.02). Furthermore, patients with DPYD 85TC and CC genotypes had longer progression and overall survival times compared to TT genotypes in our study group (log rank = 6.60; p = 0.01 and log rank = 4.40; p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: According to our results, DPYD 496AG and GG genotypes might be protective against severe adverse events compared to the AA genotype. Another DPYD polymorphism, 85T>C, may be useful in colorectal cancer prognosis. Further studies for both polymorphisms should be conducted in larger populations to achieve accurate results. © 2022 Future Medicine Ltd.
  • Article
    The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, Psychotic Symptoms, and Cognitive Schemas in Patients with Schizophrenia, Their Siblings, and Healthy Controls: Results from the Eu-Gei Study
    (Cambridge University Press, 2024) Ucok, Alp; Noyan, Handan; Guloksuz, Sinan; Saka, Meram Can; Alptekin, Koksal; Atbasoglu, Cem; van Os, Jim
    Background The relationship between childhood trauma (CT) and psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), and subthreshold psychotic experiences in non-clinical populations is well-established. However, little is known about the relationship between subtypes of trauma and specific symptoms in patients, their siblings, and controls. It is also not clear which variables mediate the relationship between trauma and psychotic symptoms.Methods Seven hundred and forty-two patients with SCZ, 718 of their unaffected siblings and 1039 controls from three EU-GEI sites were assessed for CT, symptom severity, and cognitive schemas about self/others. CT was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and cognitive schemas were assessed by The Brief Core Schema Scale.Results Patients with psychosis were affected by CT more than their siblings and controls in all domains. Childhood emotional abuse and neglect were more common in siblings than controls. CT was related to negative cognitive schemas toward self/others in patients, siblings, and controls. We found that negative schemas about self-mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and thought withdrawal and thought broadcasting. Approximately 33.9% of the variance in these symptoms was explained by the mediator. It also mediated the relationship between sexual abuse and persecutory delusions in SCZ.Conclusions Our findings suggest that childhood abuse and neglect are more common in patients with schizophrenia than their siblings and healthy controls, and have different impacts on clinical domains which we searched. The relationship between CT and positive symptoms seems to be mediated by negative cognitive schemas about self in schizophrenia.
  • Article
    Measuring Remote Working Skills: Scale Development and Validation Study
    (Public Library of Science, 2024) Benligiray, Serap; Gungor, Abdullah Y.; Akbas, Ilkay
    Remote work, one of the most significant working arrangements of today, requires certain employee skills. Although there are some hints, there is not much information in the literature on this subject. This study aims to identify the skills required for productive remote working activities and to develop a scale for measuring these skills. For this purpose, a thorough review of the literature, consultation with experts, and analysis of data obtained from four samples with remote working experience were all conducted. Within this context, item generation and content validation, initial factor structure analysis, and factor structure confirmation and construct validity examination were performed. Consequently, the Remote Working Skills Scale was developed, which has 36 items and five dimensions (cybersecurity, problem-solving, time management, verbal communication, and written communication).
  • Article
    School-Based Psychosocial and Educational Interventions for Children and Adolescents After the 1999 Marmara Earthquakes in Turkey: A Review on Lessons Learned
    (Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2024) Cihanoglu, Mine; Vatansever, Merve; Erden, Gulsen
    The massive earthquakes experienced in August and November 1999 affected thousands of people in the Marmara region, the most densely populated and industrialized part of Turkey. The humanitarian and economic cost was so enormous, and these earthquakes have changed the Turkish disaster management system and the Turkish people's approach to disasters. Marmara earthquakes are also considered as a milestone in the provision of psychosocial services for disaster victims. This paper aims to review the psychosocial interventions targeting children, adolescents, and their families after the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey. The progression from initial responses to more organized psychosocial interventions is outlined. Conducting the interventions at schools has ensured that thousands of children, teachers, and parents are reached in the most efficient and effective way possible. The significance of the school context in designing psychosocial interventions is highlighted and implications of the lessons learned for traumatic experiences of children and parents are also explored. It is evaluated that these inferences obtained from the Marmara earthquake in Turkey can be used in disasters around the world.
  • Article
    Effects of Mindfulness on Test Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis
    (Frontiers Media Sa, 2024) Yilmazer, Eda; Hamamci, Zeynep; Turk, Fulya
    Objective: This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on test anxiety across diverse age groups and intervention modalities. Methods: Rigorous inclusion criteria were applied to select studies focusing on MBIs as the independent variable, with test anxiety as the outcome. A comprehensive search across multiple databases yielded 18 primary studies, contributing 20 comparisons. Data were extracted on study characteristics, sample sizes, and intervention details, and were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results: The analyses incorporated 1,275 participants, with MBIs demonstrating a moderate to large negative effect on test anxiety (effect size = -0.716; 95% CI: -1.383 to -0.049). Moderation analysis indicated that mean age, number of sessions, and intervention delivery mode did not significantly influence effect sizes. Publication bias assessment suggested the presence of bias via Egger's regression (p = 0.025), though Begg and Mazumdar's test and Duval and Tweedie's trim and fill method indicated no missing studies. Conclusion: MBIs are effective in reducing test anxiety, though results should be interpreted with caution due to potential publication bias and unexplained heterogeneity. The impact of MBIs did not vary significantly with participant age, number of sessions, or delivery mode.
  • Article
    Factors Affecting the Presence of Renal Cortical Cysts in Kidney Donors
    (Aves, 2024) Cicek, Sevim Nuran Kuslu; Huseynov, Amil
    Objective: Simple renal cysts (SRCs) represent the most frequently occurring type of renal cysts, frequently observed in the elderly population. While generally considered benign, SRCs may sometimes be connected to comorbid conditions such as hypertension, aortic diseases, and renal dysfunction. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing the development of SRCs in kidney donors and the associated risks. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1012 living kidney donors, aged 18-87 years, who underwent renal transplant donor nephrectomy between 2008 and 2023. Data on demographic information, cyst characteristics, comorbidities, and associated risk factors were collected and analyzed using statistical methods, including Binary Logistic Regression Analysis. Renal cysts were identified and classified using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Results: Renal cortical cysts were more frequently observed in males (52.76%) compared to females (47.24%), with a significant difference (P = .031). Donors with renal cortical cysts were significantly older (mean age 54.43 +/- 12.17 years) compared to those without cysts (46.26 +/- 12.35 years, P < .001). Substantial differences were likewise noted in fasting blood glucose, uric acid, creatinine, HbA1c, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).The prevalence of aortic atherosclerosis was notably elevated in donors with cysts (47.74%) compared to those without (23.57%, P < .001). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that older age and being male were significant factors influencing the presence of cortical cysts. Conclusion: The study confirms that SRCs are the most common renal cyst type and are more frequently observed in the elderly population. While generally benign, SRCs may be associated with increased uric acid levels and other comorbidities, suggesting potential impacts on kidney health. Additional studies are required to investigate these associations. The presence of SRCs in kidney donors is significantly associated with male gender, age, uric acid levels, and creatinine levels. These findings should be considered during the evaluation of potential kidney donors, particularly regarding the associated risks and management of SRCs.
  • Article
    Prioritizing Cybersecurity Initiatives in Aviation: A DEMATEL-QSFs Methodology
    (Cell Press, 2024) Mizrak, Filiz; Akkartal, Gonca Reyhan
    The aviation industry's growing dependence on digital technologies necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to counter advanced threats. This study integrates the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method with Quantum Spherical Fuzzy Sets (QSFS) to enable precise and reliable decision-making under uncertainty. Key criteria, identified through expert evaluations, include Threat Detection Systems (TDS), Data Encryption Protocols (DEP), Regulatory Compliance (RC), Incident Response Plans (IRP), User Training (UT), Access Control Mechanisms (ACM), and Network Security Solutions (NSS). Analysis using the proposed method revealed that "Regulatory Compliance" and "Threat Detection Systems" are the most influential factors, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to standards and advanced threat detection capabilities. Additionally, the significance of "User Training" and "Data Encryption Protocols" underscores the importance of comprehensive training programs and strong encryption measures. By incorporating strategic management theories such as the Resource-Based View (RBV), Contingency Theory, and Risk Management Theory, this study presents a strategic framework to assist aviation organizations, policymakers, and researchers in developing effective cybersecurity strategies, ensuring the safety and security of global air travel.
  • Article
    Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms Among Turkish Gym Goers: A Pilot Study
    (Elsevier, 2024) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ulker, Selami Varol; Ahlatcioglu, Esra Noyan; Sayar, Gokben Hizli
    Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a disorder marked by an obsessive focus on muscularity, often leading to excessive exercise, rigid dieting, and use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is known to be effective for various body image disorders, its specific effects on individuals with MD have been less studied. This qualitative case series involved seven male participants, aged 35-55, all diagnosed with MD and with a history of anabolic steroid use, undergoing a 12-week manualized CBT intervention. The study aimed to explore how CBT impacts their body image perceptions, exercise behaviors, steroid use, and emotional responses. Data were collected through participant feedback during therapy sessions, with thematic analysis revealing significant shifts in body image perception and reductions in compulsive behaviors and steroid use. Despite these improvements, participants experienced feelings of loss and anxiety as they modified their routines, and some reported relapses under stress, indicating the chronic nature of MD. The findings suggest that CBT effectively reshapes cognitive and behavioral patterns in MD sufferers but also highlight the need for ongoing support to manage the disorder's emotional complexities and prevent relapses. Future research should focus on long-term and individualized therapeutic approaches to better support those with muscle dysmorphia.
  • Article
    Laparoscopic Hand-Assisted Donor Nephrectomy: A Decade of Single-Center Experience and Outcomes
    (AVES, 2024) Cicek, Sevim Nuran Kuslu; Huseynov, Amil
    Objective: Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease, but the shortage of cadaveric donors has increased reliance on living donors. Traditional open donor nephrectomy, while effective, is associated with significant morbidity. Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with the tactile feedback of open surgery. This study presents the outcomes of HALDN procedures performed at the center. Methods: A total of 1221 living donor nephrectomies performed between September 2009 and August 2021 at Medicana & Idot;stanbul Hospital were analyzed. Donor characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22.0, with continuous variables assessed for normality and expressed accordingly. Results: Donor ages ranged from 19 to 87 years (mean 48.50 +/- 12.75 years), with 54.8% female donors. The average body mass index (BMI) was 27.99 +/- 3.7 kg/m2. Left-sided nephrectomies constituted 78.5% of cases, with HALDN performed in 94.7% of these surgeries. Warm ischemia time averaged 99.21 +/- 56.67 seconds. The average blood loss was 70 mL, and the mean hospital stay was 4.12 +/- 1.2 days. Complications included conversion to open surgery due to bleeding in 3.3% of cases, postoperative atelectasis (0.6%), incisional hernia (0.33%), wound infection (0.16%), and scrotal swelling (0.25%). The findings indicate that HALDN is a safe and effective method for donor nephrectomy, aligning with similar studies regarding operation and warm ischemia times. The minimally invasive nature of HALDN contributes to shorter hospital stays and quicker postoperative recovery. The rate of conversion to open surgery was within acceptable limits, and complications were manageable. Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) was identified as a risk factor for incisional hernia, suggesting the need for careful surgical technique in this group. Conclusion: Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy offers a minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternative for living donor nephrectomy, enhancing donor recovery and potentially encouraging organ donation. Its adoption may play a significant role in reducing the number of patients awaiting organ transplants.
  • Article
    Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Metacognitive Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS) in a Turkish Sample
    (Frontiers Media Sa, 2024) Yilmazer, Eda; Hamamci, Zeynep; Tuerk, Fulya
    Objective: Metacognition, a multifaceted psychological construct, encompasses recognising and explaining one's cognitive processes and those of others. Notably, deficits in metacognitive abilities are linked with diminished social performance, reduced quality of life, and increased severity of Personality Disorders (PD). While there are other assessment tools available in Turkish for evaluating metacognition, none offer the same combination of speed, simplicity, flexibility, and multidimensionality for screening metacognitive abilities as the Metacognition Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS).The Metacognitive Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS) was designed to evaluate various metacognitive functions-namely, Monitoring, Integration, Differentiation, and Disintegration-as described by the Metacognitive Multifunction Model. This study aims to translate and validate the MSAS for Turkish culture. Method: To check the factor structure's suitability for the Turkish population, 467 non-clinical participants (67.7% female, ranged from 18 to 31, mean 24.18; 3.25) were included. Results: Initial analyses confirm that the scale is a valid and dependable instrument for Turkish culture. Construct validity, represented by the 18 items and four subscales, was confirmed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and criterion validity assessments. As well as the test-retest reliability of the scale was confirmed. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the scale is valid and reliable for use in Turkey. The model aligns well with empirical data, highlighting its strong construct validity and indicating good reliability of the scale. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the MSAS, developed to measure metacognition and its associated components, has proven to be a credible and reliable tool, especially in non-clinical settings.
  • Article
    Results in Kidney Transplant Recipients from Living Donors 75 Years of Age or Older
    (Elsevier Science Inc, 2024) Cicek, Sevim Nuran Kuslu; Huseynov, Amil; Tuncer, Murat
    The increasing age of patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Turkey, coupled with a shortage of kidney donors, has led to longer waiting times for transplants and an escalation in mortality rates. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effect on transplant outcomes of accepting kidneys from donors >= 70 years of age, given the rising number of older patients in the population. In all, 1400 patients were transplanted with kidneys from donors >50 years, with patient and graft survival as primary endpoints. Our results demonstrated that the most significant risk factors for graft function were recipient age >65 years, male sex, and presence of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, kidneys from donors >= 75 years of age achieved a half-life of 5 years. These findings suggest that donor age does not necessarily correlate with graft failure and that transplantation from older donors could help alleviate the organ shortage. Further research is needed to substantiate these conclusions.
  • Article
    Opportunities and Challenges of Asynchronous Video Interviews: Perceptions of Human Resources Professionals from Türkiye
    (Public Library of Science, 2025) Ilhan, Umit Deniz; Guler, Burcu Kumbul; Turgut, Dilara; Duran, Cem
    In the context of global technological advancements, asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) have emerged as an innovative tool in recruitment, offering potential to transform traditional hiring practices. This study aims to enhance understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with AVIs in recruitment processes by examining the perspectives of human resources (HR) professionals in T & uuml;rkiye. A qualitative research methodology with a phenomenological approach was employed. 15 HR professionals experienced in asynchronous video interviewing from diverse organizations participated in online, open-ended, semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis using MAXQDA 2024. Findings indicated that AVIs offer significant opportunities, such as improving process efficiency, enhancing candidate experience, promoting fairness and inclusivity, and supporting organizational goals. However, the study identified critical challenges, including diminishing candidate experience, undermining fairness and increasing deceptive impression management, reducing job satisfaction among HR professionals, and imposing operational and financial constraints. As one of the first studies to explore HR professionals' perceptions of AVIs in T & uuml;rkiye, this study provides valuable insights into their adoption in developing economies and highlights the broader implications of AVIs in the global recruitment practices. The findings emphasize the need for tailored strategies to maximize benefits, address challenges, and balance the needs of both candidates and HR professionals.
  • Article
    Particulate and Non-Particle Adjuvants in Leishmaniasis Vaccine Designs: A Review
    (Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2023) Kelleci, Kubra; Allahverdiyev, Adil; Bagirova, Melahat; Ihlamur, Murat; Abamor, Emrah S.
    Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with different clinical forms caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of an infected female sandfly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria and it is known that approximately 350 million people are at risk. The disease manifests itself in different clinical forms. In addition to asymptomatic cases, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), which creates large lesions on the skin, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which causes death if not treated, especially affecting the abdominal organs, are two important clinical forms. When the studies were examined, it was seen that a clinically used vaccine against any form of human leishmaniasis has not been developed yet. In some studies, it was stated that the lack of appropriate adjuvant was responsible for the failure to develop an effective Leishmania vaccine. We can say that strong adjuvants are needed to achieve successful vaccines. In this article, adjuvants and adjuvant candidates used in vaccine studies against leishmaniasis are discussed
  • Article
    Dynamic Quantitative Imaging of the Masseter Muscles in Bruxism Patients with Myofascial Pain: Could It Be an Objective Biomarker
    (MDPI, 2023) Aydin Aksu, Sibel; Kursoglu, Pinar; Turker, Izim; Baskak, Fulya; Ozen Sutuven, Elifnaz; Meric, Kaan; Cabbar, Fatih
    We aimed to investigate whether the collaboration of shear wave elastosonography (SWE) and B-mode ultrasonography (US) could be offered as diagnostic tools to assess the presence, severity, and progress of bruxism, as well as a biomarker for the effectiveness of treatment in daily clinical practice. The study was designed as a quantitative evaluation of the masseter muscles (MMs) of the clinically diagnosed bruxism patients suffering from myofascial pain and MMs of the healthy individuals. Clinical examinations were made according to the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD), and pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Painful MMs with VAS scores >= 4 were assigned to Group A, and healthy MMs were assigned to Group B. Also, the MMs of the painful bruxers were analyzed based on wearing occlusal splints. Group A was divided into two subgroups as splint users (Group AI) and non-users (Group AII). All the participants were scanned with dynamic US and SWE to quantify the size and stiffness of the MMs. Measurements of each muscle pair while the jaw is in a resting position (relaxation) and clenching position (contraction) were recorded. The significant differences in stiffness and thickness became visible in the relaxation state. Bruxism patients with myofascial pain had significantly harder and thinner MMs than healthy individuals. During the relaxation, the mean thickness and elasticity values were 9.17 +/- 0.40 mm and 39.13 +/- 4.52 kPa for Group A and 10.38 +/- 0.27 and 27.73 +/- 1.92 for Group B, respectively. Also, stiffer MMs were measured in Group AII (38.16 +/- 3.61 kPa) than in Group AI (26.91 +/- 2.13 kPa). In conclusion, the combination of SWE and US using a dynamic examination technique has the potential to be a valuable tool for the management of bruxism patients suffering from myofascial pain.
  • Article
    Design and Simulation of the Microcantilever Biosensor for MITF Antigen and D5 Monoclonal Antibody Interaction Finite Element Analysis, and Experimental
    (Bentham Science Publishing Ltd, 2024) Akcali, Pelin; Kelleci, Kubra; Ozer, Sevil
    Background Biosensors and MEMS have witnessed rapid development and enormous interest over the past decades. Constant advancement in diagnostic, medical, and chemical applications has been demonstrated in several platforms and tools. In this study, the analytical and FEA of the microcantilever used in biomolecular analyses were compared with the experimental analysis results.Methods In this study, MITF antigen, which is a melanoma biomarker, and anti-MITF antibody (D5) were selected as biomolecules. A MEMS-type microcantilever biosensor was designed by functionalizing the AFM cantilever by utilizing the specific interaction dynamics and intermolecular binding ability between both molecules. Surface functionalization of cantilever micro biosensors was performed by using FEA. The stress that will occur as a result of the interactions between the MITF-D5 has been determined from the deviation in the resonant frequency of the cantilever.Results It has been found that the simulation results are supported by analytical calculations and experimental results.Conclusion The fact that the results of the simulation study overlap with the experimental and mathematical results allows us to get much cheaper and faster answers compared to expensive and time-consuming experimental approaches.