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Redefinition of EEG Frequency Bands: A Fractal Model Inspired by Blagg’s Titius-Bode Law
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Tarlaci, Sultan; Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ulker, Selami Varol
The canonical frequency bands used to categorize human electroencephalographic (EEG) activity-delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma-have historically been defined using pragmatic and variably applied thresholds rather than a unifying mathematical principle. In this theoretical study, we propose a geometric framework for redefining EEG frequency bands based on logarithmic scaling, drawing on the exponential formulation introduced in Mary Blagg's refinement of the Titius-Bode law. Using the mean adult alpha rhythm as a reference frequency and applying a constant scaling ratio (R = 1.7275), we derive a mathematically ordered hierarchy of EEG band centers and boundaries within a continuous log-spaced spectrum. Unlike descriptive models of spectral 1/f scaling, the present framework provides an explicit generative rule for discrete band centers and transition frequencies. The resulting segmentation produces band definitions numerically consistent with commonly reported EEG frequency ranges while offering a fully proportional, non-overlapping structure. The model further introduces principled subdivisions within the alpha and gamma ranges and redefines the beta-gamma transition using geometric rather than conventional criteria. As a descriptive quantitative observation, the model-derived theta-alpha transition (similar to 7.98 Hz) lies in numerical proximity to the Earth's fundamental Schumann resonance (similar to 7.83 Hz); this correspondence arises from the predefined geometric rule and does not imply causal interaction. Overall, the proposed framework reframes EEG band organization as a mathematically explicit, scale-invariant system and provides a hypothesis-generating basis for future empirical evaluation of oscillatory structure.
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Çınaroğlu, Metin; Yılmazer, Eda; Noyan Ahlatcıoğlu, Esra; Hızlı Sayar, Gökben; Ülker, Selami Varol
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by persistent psychological distress and heightened neurophysiological reactivity. While trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established treatment, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) may offer comparable benefits via different therapeutic mechanisms. In this randomized clinical trial, 63 adults meeting DSM-5 criteria for PTSD were allocated (1:1:1) to EH, CBT, or a waitlist control; 54 participants completed post-treatment assessments. Both active interventions consisted of 12 weekly individual sessions. Outcomes included PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), EEG markers (N2, P3, frontal alpha asymmetry), and autonomic reactivity (galvanic skin response, heart rate). Group & times; Time effects were analyzed using mixed-effects models. Treatment fidelity was independently evaluated. Both EH and CBT produced large and significant reductions in PTSD symptoms compared with waitlist, with no significant difference between the two therapies in total PCL-5 improvement. Depression and anxiety symptoms also decreased substantially in both active groups. Subscale analyses suggested slightly greater reductions in intrusion, hyperarousal, and somatic anxiety symptoms in EH, whereas CBT showed modestly greater improvement in cognitive depressive symptoms. Neurophysiological findings demonstrated parallel treatment-related changes across therapies, including normalization of ERP components, shifts toward left-frontal alpha activity, and reduced autonomic reactivity to trauma cues. No adverse events were observed. In this study, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy was as effective as trauma-focused CBT for reducing PTSD symptoms and associated psychological and physiological dysregulation, supporting EH as a viable alternative intervention for PTSD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reduces Symptom Severity and Normalizes Neurophysiological and Attentional Reactivity in Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(MDPI, 2026) Yılmazer, Eda; Çınaroğlu, Metin; Hızlı Sayar, Gökben; Ülker, Selami Varol
Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder marked by restrictive eating, distorted body image, and high relapse rates. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used treatment, its mechanisms of action in AN remain incompletely understood, particularly beyond self-reported symptom change. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week CBT intervention on both clinical and multimodal laboratory-based outcomes in women with restrictive-type AN. Methods: In a two-arm, pre-post randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07037017), 59 women with restrictive-type AN were randomized to a CBT intervention (n = 30) or no-treatment control (n = 29). A total of 50 participants (CBT: 26; control: 24) completed baseline and post-intervention assessments and were included in analyses. Outcomes included psychometric measures (eating disorder symptoms, depression, anxiety, body image-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and cognitive emotion regulation) and laboratory-based indices: electroencephalography (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and eye-tracking during exposure to food- and body-related stimuli. Group & times; Time effects were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed-effects models, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (Version 31; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Significant Group & times; Time interactions indicated greater improvements in the CBT group across all psychometric outcomes, including reduced eating disorder symptom severity (p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.28) and increased adaptive emotion regulation. CBT participants also showed significant reductions in EEG P300 and late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes to body-related stimuli, increased frontal alpha asymmetry, decreased visual fixation on salient body and food cues, and attenuated GSR reactivity (all p < 0.05). Exploratory correlations revealed that symptom improvements were associated with reductions in neurophysiological and attentional reactivity. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first RCT in AN to demonstrate that CBT not only improves self-reported outcomes but also modulates neurophysiological and attentional processes implicated in the maintenance of the disorder. Multimodal laboratory assessments provided mechanistic insight into treatment effects and may inform personalized intervention strategies. CBT appears to facilitate recovery through both cognitive-emotional and physiological recalibration.
Attenuated Rightward Hemispheric Asymmetry in ADHD: Structural MRI Evidence from a Normalized Asymmetry Index and Its Association with Cognitive Performance
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Tarlaci, Sultan; Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ulker, Selami Varol
Background Altered hemispheric asymmetry has been proposed as a potential neurodevelopmental feature of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, findings remain inconsistent, and the functional relevance of structural asymmetry patterns is not well established. This study examines volumetric and cortical-thickness asymmetries across cortical and subcortical regions in children and adolescents with ADHD compared to typically developing controls and evaluates their association with objective cognitive performance. Methods Forty participants with ADHD and 30 age- and sex-matched controls underwent high-resolution T1-weighted MRI. Bilateral regional volumes and cortical thickness were quantified using the volBrain pipeline, and asymmetry indices (AI = [R-L]/[(R + L)/2]) were computed for lobar and subcortical structures. Group differences were assessed using independent t-tests. Within the ADHD group, associations between asymmetry indices and MOXO-d-CPT performance (Attention, Timing, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity) were examined using Pearson correlations with correction for multiple comparisons. Results ADHD participants showed significantly reduced rightward asymmetry in frontal lobe volume, cerebellar hemispheres, caudate, putamen, and amygdala (ps < 0.05). Cortical-thickness asymmetry was also diminished in the frontal and parietal lobes and the anterior cingulate cortex. Temporal and occipital asymmetries were preserved. Within the ADHD group, greater rightward frontal and ACC thickness asymmetry correlated with better attention performance (r = 0.45 and 0.40), rightward parietal asymmetry associated with more accurate timing (r = 0.38), reduced rightward IFG asymmetry related to greater impulsivity (r = -0.42), and amygdala asymmetry correlated with lower hyperactivity (r = 0.36). Conclusion Children with ADHD exhibit a consistent attenuation of typical right-hemisphere dominance across frontal, striatal, cerebellar, and limbic systems. These altered asymmetry patterns are meaningfully associated with attentional control, timing accuracy, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, suggesting that hemispheric imbalance may serve as a structural may represent a neurodevelopmental characteristic associated with ADHD. Findings support models emphasizing right-hemisphere developmental lag and highlight hemispheric asymmetry as a clinically relevant dimension of ADHD neurobiology.
Emotion Regulation and Visual Attention in Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Multimodal Study Using EEG, GSR, and Eye-Tracking
(BMC, 2026) Ulker, Selami Varol; Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Sayar, Gokben Hizli
BackgroundBody Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived physical flaws, often accompanied by emotional dysregulation and attentional biases. Despite increasing clinical recognition, the neurophysiological and attentional mechanisms underlying BDD remain poorly understood.MethodsThis study employed a multimodal experimental design to compare individuals with BDD (n = 27) and healthy controls (n = 27). Participants completed standardized psychometric assessments and were exposed to emotionally valenced facial and body-related images while undergoing electroencephalography (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and eye-tracking. Group-by-valence interactions were analyzed using mixed-model ANOVAs.ResultsThe BDD group showed significantly higher depression, anxiety, body image disturbance, and suppression scores, alongside reduced cognitive reappraisal and self-efficacy. EEG analyses revealed increased N170 amplitudes, attenuated P300 amplitudes, and greater right-sided frontal alpha asymmetry, suggesting early hypervigilance, reduced evaluative processing, and affective withdrawal. GSR data indicated heightened sympathetic arousal and delayed physiological recovery. Eye-tracking data descriptively indicated gender-specific attentional patterns within the BDD group, with females allocating greater visual attention to facial and lower-body regions and males showing increased fixation on muscular upper-body features; such patterns were not observed in the control group.ConclusionBDD is associated with dysregulated multisystem responses to appearance-related stimuli, characterized by neural hyperreactivity, impaired cognitive-emotional regulation, and gender-related patterns of visual attention. These findings support the utility of integrating psychophysiological and attentional markers into individualized assessment and intervention strategies for BDD.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.
Coping Strategies and Psychological Outcomes Following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analytic Synthesis
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda
Background The 2023 Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquakes caused unprecedented devastation across southern T & uuml;rkiye, resulting in widespread psychological distress among survivors. Identifying coping strategies linked to better mental health outcomes is essential for guiding post-disaster support. Objective To systematically synthesize quantitative evidence on associations between coping strategies and psychological outcomes (PTSD/trauma symptoms, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic growth [PTG]) among adult survivors of the 2023 earthquakes, and to meta-analyze associations reported in at least two independent studies. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a preregistered OSF protocol (osf.io/7z2pe), four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and DergiPark) were searched for quantitative studies published in Turkish or English. Ten cross-sectional studies (total N = 6,223) met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized form, study quality was appraised with an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for coping-outcome pairs reported in >= 2 studies; remaining associations were summarized descriptively. Results Meta-analytic evidence indicated that resilience was consistently associated with lower psychological distress, including post-earthquake trauma severity (pooled r = -0.44), depression (r = -0.41), anxiety (r = -0.43), and overall distress across four studies (r = -0.42). Perceived social support/support-seeking coping was moderately associated with lower PTSD/trauma-related symptoms (pooled r = -0.31). Religious coping (pooled r = -0.21) and positive reappraisal (pooled r = -0.19) showed small inverse associations with PTSD symptoms but with substantial heterogeneity. In single-study analyses, meaning-centered coping and self-compassion were associated with higher PTG, suggesting potentially important pathways that require replication. Conclusion Coping processes are meaningfully linked to psychological adjustment after the Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquakes. The most robust evidence supports resilience and social support as protective correlates of lower distress. Evidence for religious coping and positive reappraisal is suggestive but heterogeneous, and PTG-related findings remain preliminary due to limited replication. Longitudinal and intervention-based research is needed to clarify causal mechanisms and inform culturally responsive disaster mental health programs.
Persistent Urinary Tract Infections After Kidney Transplantation: Risk Factors and Management
(Elsevier Inc., 2026) Huseynov A.; Kuşlu Çiçek S.N.; Cicek, Sevim Nuran Kuslu; Kuşlu Çiçek, Sevim Nuran; Huseynov, Amil
Background: Persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent complication among kidney transplant recipients, often leading to increased morbidity, healthcare costs, and potential compromise of graft function. Identifying risk factors and effective management strategies is crucial to improve clinical outcomes in this vulnerable patient population. Methods: In this retrospective study conducted from January 2020 to December 2024, 1130 kidney transplant recipients aged 18 to 75 years were analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records, with information on demographics, immunosuppressive regimens, microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes. Persistent UTIs were defined as 2 or more microbiologically confirmed episodes within 12 months despite appropriate therapy. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, comparative tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Results: Of the total cohort, 31.2% developed persistent UTIs, with 68.5% experiencing recurrent episodes. Diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR: 1.56), prolonged urinary catheterization (adjusted OR: 2.04), and infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens (adjusted OR: 2.32) emerged as significant risk factors. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism (36.4%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Patients with persistent UTIs exhibited lower mean eGFR levels, although graft loss rates did not differ significantly from those without persistent UTIs. Conclusion: Persistent UTIs represent a major clinical challenge in kidney transplant recipients. Early identification of modifiable risk factors—particularly glycemic control and appropriate urinary catheter management—may reduce recurrence and preserve renal function. A comprehensive approach involving routine microbiological surveillance and judicious antibiotic use is essential to mitigate the impact of MDR organisms on patient outcomes. © 2026
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.
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
Predictive Impact of PI-RADS 3 Lesion Volume/Total Prostate Volume Ratio in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Biopsy-Naïve Patients
(TÜBİTAK Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2025) Tokuç, Emre; Kayar, Rıdvan; Öztürk, Metin; Kutluhan, Musab Ali; Ozsoy, Emrah; Demir, Samet; Meric, Kaan
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 ρ = 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.
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.
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.; Vázquez-Bourgon, Javier
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.
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.; Susleyici, Belgin
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Prioritizing Cybersecurity Initiatives in Aviation: A DEMATEL-QSFs Methodology
(Cell Press, 2024) Mizrak, Filiz; Akkartal, Gonca Reyhan; Reyhan Akkartal, Gonca
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.
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.

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