Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yazarlar
- Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar(4)
- Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim(4)
- Grilli, Luca(3)
- Muntean, Raul Ioan(3)
- Yilmaz, Coskun(3)
- Berber, Ahmet Ali(2)
- Beyazal Polat, Hatice(2)
- Ceylan, Levent(2)
- Gülhan, Belemir(2)
- Gür Mazlum, Sümeyye(2)
- Karapınar Kocağ, Esra(2)
- Kilinc, Kagan(2)
- Kurnaz, Muammer(2)
- Küçük, Hamza(2)
- Soylu, Hakan Huseyin(2)
- Yilmaz, Hamit(2)
- Şenyurt, Süleyman(2)
- Acar, Caner(1)
- Agagündüz, Duygu(1)
- Agaç, Duygu Kucuk(1)
- Akbulut, Cansu(1)
- Akdogan, Arda(1)
- Aktug, Bahadir(1)
- Aladogan, Kayhan(1)
- Almeida-Neto, Paulo(1)
- Altin, Mustafa(1)
- Altuntaş, Ümit(1)
- Alwasel, Saleh H.(1)
- Anac, Halil(1)
- Arslan, Ayla(1)
- Atalar, Ilyas(1)
- Aydin, Ahmet Serhat(1)
- Aykas, Didem P.(1)
- Aytac, Ali(1)
- Barut, Abdulkadir(1)
- Berber, Nurcan(1)
- Bilgili-Tetikoglu, Funda(1)
- Bingol, Zeynebe(1)
- Biter, Sedat(1)
- Budak, Cemallettin(1)
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Institutional and Financial Drivers of Renewable Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions: Evidence from Developed Economies
Oguz, Enes Cengiz; Gyasi, Evans Akwasi; Pala, Fahrettin; Pilatin, Abdulmuttalip; Barut, Abdulkadir
The study sheds light on the subtle interactions among financial development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the quality of regulatory frameworks, with particular reference to their deep influence on renewable energy use and carbon emissions across 22 developed countries from 2002-2021. The results show an interesting tendency: Financial development and FDI will reduce reliance on renewable energy, whereas a significant increase in GDP per capita will increase reliance. Secondly, carbon emissions have a negative association with the adoption of renewable energy and financial development, though both reduce environmental quality; there is a positive relation between real gross domestic product (GDP) and energy depletion in terms of these toxic emissions. The significant role of regulatory quality as a moderator in this process is particularly striking. There is a direct correlation between financial stability and more robust regulation, resulting in reduced financial liquidity available for investing in renewable projects and restricting the free flow of clean FDI. Crucially, the paper argues that when combined with strong regulation, FDI is more likely to contribute to reductions in emissions, while FYGD, nevertheless regulated at a high level of quality, should raise emissions. Winding up, the result indicates that neither financial depth nor institutional quality, in isolation, is sufficient to deliver significant environmental improvement. Thus, it is urgent to adopt sound green finance policies and to formulate focused regulatory systems that integrate financial development and foreign direct investment with a broader sustainability agenda.
- Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2026Nanoplastic Translocation Across Biological Barriers (Blood-Brain, Placental, Intestinal): Transport Mechanisms, Tissue-Specific Vulnerabilities, and a Corona-Driven Barrier Selectivity Framework
Berber, Ahmet Ali; Yildiz, Esra; Berber, Nurcan; Kurnaz, Muammer; Kenanoglu, Nihan Akinci
Nanoplastics (NPs; <= 1 & micro;m) have been detected in human placenta, blood, lung, atherosclerotic plaque, testis, semen, olfactory bulb, and brain, shifting the field from environmental description toward mechanistic interrogation of barrier crossing. This review synthesises current evidence on NP translocation across the intestinal epithelium, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the placental syncytiotrophoblast. We distinguish four evidence categories throughout the review: detection, association, mechanism, and causality. We also apply model-system labels (in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, animal, and human) to every mechanistic claim, so that the strength of each statement can be read off directly. Most current studies use pristine polystyrene nanoplastics at concentrations 3-6 orders of magnitude above plausible human exposure, so the mechanistic conclusions below are hypothesis-generating for human disease rather than definitive. We propose a working conceptual framework-corona-driven barrier selectivity (CDBS)-in which the particle-corona-surface complex, rather than the bare polymer, is hypothesised to dictate which receptor and transport machinery (TfR1, LRP1, FcRn, P-gp/BCRP, caveolae) each barrier engages. CDBS is offered as a hypothesis-stage organising tool requiring experimental validation, not as an established mechanism. We outline reported transport modes, including clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis, paracellular leakage via ROS-induced tight-junction disassembly, receptor-mediated transcytosis, and the candidate olfactory route. We emphasise that pristine polystyrene-bead doses commonly exceed plausible human exposure by 3-6 orders of magnitude, that detection methods underestimate sub-micrometre particles, and that causal links between NPs and human disease remain hypothesis-generating. A research agenda built on weathered reference materials, microphysiological systems, and integrative human biomarker science is proposed.
- Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2026Microplastic Contamination in Amphibians and Reptiles: An Ecotoxicological Synthesis of Exposure, Mechanisms, and Risk Implications
Berber, Ahmet Ali; Akbulut, Cansu; Demir, Sefika Nur; Kurnaz, Muammer
Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a defining feature of twenty-first century environmental change, yet the toxicological and ecological consequences for amphibians and reptiles-two vertebrate classes already facing severe extinction pressures-remain fragmented across taxa, regions, and methodological traditions. Here, we synthesize field and experimental evidence from five continents to provide a taxonomically balanced, mechanistically grounded, and geographically explicit assessment of MP exposure, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in herpetofauna, drawing on a structured literature search in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (January 2015-March 2026). Field detection rates of MPs in amphibian larvae range from 26% in conservatively screened Central European populations to 73-80% in anuran tadpoles from high-anthropogenic-pressure Anatolian catchments, with fibrous polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) particles dominating the detected burden. Mechanistic evidence converges on oxidative stress cascades, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis disruption, gut and cutaneous microbiome dysbiosis, and compromised antiviral and antifungal immunity, with the latter potentially amplifying vulnerability to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and to ranavirus. Among reptiles, sea turtles display near-universal MP ingestion with documented maternal transfer to eggs; freshwater turtles, terrestrial squamates, and crocodilians remain critically understudied. Three structural asymmetries constrain current ecotoxicological risk characterization: taxonomic bias toward anurans and sea turtles, geographic bias toward the Global North, and experimental bias toward acute, supra-environmental laboratory exposures using pristine, single-polymer particles that fail to capture the chemical complexity of weathered field mixtures. We argue that MP burden may warrant consideration as a candidate stressor criterion within IUCN Red List assessments and within environmental risk assessment frameworks for freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity once a robust quantitative relationship between MP burden and demographic decline or population-level fitness has been established, and propose six hypothesis-driven research priorities: methodological standardization, reptile toxicokinetics, transgenerational epigenetics, MP-pathogen microbiome interactions and their translation into population viability models, temperature & times; MP interaction under climate warming, and population-genetic consequences of contemporary MP-driven selection, as the most tractable avenues for ecotoxicological progress and for the development of herpetofauna-specific risk characterization frameworks.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Association of Serial Intra-Abdominal Pressure Measurements with Renal Outcomes and Mortality in Critically Ill Adults
Öztürk, Ayse Sari; Konur, Kamil; Kara, Ekrem
Background/Objectives: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a common but under-recognized condition in critically ill patients and is associated with adverse outcomes, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality. However, the prognostic value of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the association between IAP levels and clinical outcomes, and to determine its prognostic significance in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to the ICU between 2024 and 2025. Serial IAP measurements were performed using the transvesical method on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, along with severity scores (SOFA and APACHE II), were recorded. Patients were followed for 90 days. Primary outcomes were AKI and 90-day mortality. Statistical analyses included regression models, survival analysis, and ROC curve analysis. Results: The prevalence of IAH was 54%. IAH was significantly associated with advanced age, male sex, higher body mass index, increased comorbidity burden, sepsis, positive fluid balance, and higher disease severity scores. Patients with IAH had a significantly higher frequency of AKI occurrence and increased mortality. IAP levels positively correlated with serum urea and creatinine levels. Serial IAP measurements, particularly on days 5 and 7, showed progressively improved predictive performance for mortality. Survival analysis revealed significantly reduced survival in patients with IAH. Conclusions: IAH is highly prevalent in critically ill patients and is strongly associated with renal dysfunction and mortality. Serial IAP measurements may provide useful prognostic information in critically ill patients; however, these findings require validation in larger studies.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Short-Term Inspiratory Muscle Training Enhances Functional and Metabolic Health in Older Adults
Konca, Erkan; Yilmaz, Coskun; Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Arslan, Ayla; Ocak, Hakan; Karakulak, Izzet; Sari, Rifat; Uzun, Recep Nur; Soylu, Hakan Huseyin
Background: Age-related declines in respiratory muscle strength and ventilatory efficiency can impair functional capacity and metabolic health in older adults. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed as a practical intervention to counteract these changes, yet its systemic effects remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of short-term IMT on functional capacity, diaphragm thickness, and liver tissue characteristics in healthy elderly men. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling men aged 60-80 years were randomly assigned to an IMT or control group. The IMT group performed four weeks of breathing exercises using a POWERbreathe (R) device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure, with a weekly 10% increase in pressure. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), diaphragm thickness and liver density via computed tomography, and quality of life (QoL; SF-12). Results: Four weeks of inspiratory muscle training significantly improved diaphragm thickness (11.7%), fatty liver density (FLD) (+16.7%), and six-minute walk performance (+5.3%), with large time x group effects favoring the IMT group. While the physical quality of life showed modest, comparable improvements, mental health outcomes demonstrated a moderate, time-dependent improvement without a significant group-by-time interaction. Conclusions: Short-term IMT improved diaphragmatic function and functional capacity in older men and was associated with favorable changes in a liver-related biomarker; however, given that only a single liver-related metric was assessed, these findings should not be interpreted as evidence of overall improvements in liver health.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Modeling Long-Term Postseismic Deformation Following the 2020 Mw 7.0 Samos Earthquake Using Campaign and Continuous GNSS Observations
Solak, Halil Ibrahim; Tiryakioglu, Ibrahim; Gezgin, Cemil; Aladogan, Kayhan; Yalvaç, Sefa; Aktug, Bahadir; Yigit, Cemal Ozer; Dönmez, Ergin; Demirelli, Ertugrul; Eyübagil, Eda Esma
Highlights What are the main findings? What are the implications of the main findings?Highlights What are the main findings? What are the implications of the main findings?Abstract Postseismic deformation provides fundamental insights into earthquake-cycle processes, lithospheric rheology, and stress redistribution following large earthquakes. Although the 2020 Mw 7.0 Samos earthquake has been extensively investigated in terms of coseismic deformation and early postseismic behavior, the long-term evolution of deformation following the event remains poorly constrained. This study characterizes the long-term spatiotemporal evolution of postseismic deformation associated with the 2020 Mw 7.0 Samos earthquake using combined campaign and continuous GNSS observations. A total of 18 GNSS stations were analyzed over an approximately 4.5-year period following the earthquake. Pre-earthquake GNSS velocities were incorporated as prior constraints, while postseismic deformation was modeled using linear, logarithmic, exponential, and combined logarithmic-exponential functions. The preferred model for each station component was identified using the corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc), and model-selection robustness was evaluated through 1000 Monte Carlo observation-perturbation simulations. The results reveal a spatially heterogeneous postseismic deformation field with station-dependent temporal behavior. Among the nonlinear solutions passing the Monte Carlo and goodness-of-fit criteria, the seven single-process LOG and EXP solutions yielded characteristic relaxation times ranging from 182.6 to 730.5 days, with a median of 438.3 days. The two LOGEXP solutions additionally contained a logarithmic timescale of 109.6 days and exponential timescales of 292.2-438.3 days. These findings demonstrate that campaign GNSS observations, when integrated with continuous GNSS data and an objective statistical framework, can provide meaningful constraints on the long-term evolution of postseismic deformation despite sparse temporal sampling. More broadly, the results emphasize the strongly time-dependent nature of postseismic deformation and the critical role of observation timing in capturing its spatiotemporal evolution.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Effects of Halotherapy as an Adjunct to Preseason Training on Respiratory and Aerobic Outcomes in Elite Female Football Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Sarisik, Derya Cetin; Aydin, Ahmet Serhat; Söyler, Mehmet; Zileli, Raif; Özkurt, Ali; Yilmaz, Coskun; Küçük, Hamza; Karatas, Mevlut
Background: Aerobic capacity and respiratory efficiency are critical determinants of performance in elite female football, characterized by repeated high-intensity efforts and rapid recovery demands. Halotherapy, involving the inhalation of dry salt aerosol, has been shown to improve pulmonary health; however, its effects on exercise-related outcomes in athletic populations remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week post-training halotherapy intervention on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and aerobic performance in elite female football players. Methods: Twenty-eight elite female football players competing in the Turkish Women's First League were randomly assigned to a halotherapy group (HG, n = 14) or a control group (CG, n = 14). Both groups completed an identical preseason training program, while the HG additionally performed 45 min halotherapy sessions three times per week in a controlled halochamber. Pre-and post-intervention assessments included maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MVV), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1), along with total distance covered. A 2 & times; 2 mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess time and group & times; time interaction effects. Results: Significant group & times; time interactions were observed for MIP, MEP, VO(2)max, FEV1, PEF, MVV, and Yo-Yo IRT1 performance (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes (eta p(2) = 0.269-0.924), favoring the halotherapy group. Forced vital capacity (FVC) increased over time in both groups (p = 0.141), with no significant interaction effect. Changes in the control group were comparatively smaller across most outcomes. Conclusion: Post-training halotherapy was associated with improvements in respiratory muscle strength, ventilatory function, aerobic capacity, and intermittent running performance in elite female football players. These findings suggest that halotherapy may be considered as a complementary, non-invasive strategy to support respiratory and aerobic adaptations. Further research is required to confirm these findings and to clarify the underlying physiological mechanisms. Trial registration: NCT07406386; 6 February 2026.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Canal Hypersurfaces Generated by Pseudo-Null Curves with Bishop Frame in Lorentz-Minkowski 4-Space
Kazan, Ahmet; Kazan, Sema; Gur Mazlum, Sumeyye; Karaca, Emel; Altin, Mustafa; Grilli, Luca
In this paper, we deal with the canal hypersurfaces that are formed as the envelope of a family of pseudo-hyperspheres or pseudo-hyperbolic hyperspheres with centers lying on a pseudo-null curve with Bishop vector fields in four-dimensional Lorentz-Minkowski space. We give main theorems which contain the parametric expressions of these canal hypersurfaces along with their Gaussian, mean, and principal curvatures and important geometric characterizations. We also provide these characterizations for tubular hypersurfaces. Finally, we construct an example to allow for better understanding and comprehension of the results.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Process Optimization of Spray-Dried Aquafaba and Comparison with Freeze-Drying: Techno-Functional Performance and Structural Attributes
Tunc Odabas, Merve Tugce; Saricaoglu, Furkan Turker; Parlak, Mahmut Ekrem; Akdogan, Arda; Odabas, Halil Ibrahim; Gündogdu, Engin; Simsek, Senay; Atalar, Ilyas
This study aimed to optimize the spray-drying (SD) process for aquafaba and compare the physical and techno-functional properties of the resulting powder with those of its freeze-dried (FD) counterpart. A Box-Behnken design was employed to evaluate the effects of inlet air temperature (150-190 degrees C), air speed (3.5-4.3 m/s), and feed flow rate (0.3-0.5 L/h) on 14 quality responses. The optimized SD conditions were determined to be an inlet air temperature of 189 degrees C, an air speed of 4.2 m/s, and a feed flow rate of 0.3 L/h. Validation experiments demonstrated that the developed models had high predictive capacity, with only a small discrepancy (0.56-5.88%) between the predicted and experimental values. Comparative analysis showed that the optimized SD powder had significantly lower moisture content (2.47%) and water activity (0.18) than the FD powder (3.51% and 0.34, respectively), indicating superior storage stability. In addition, the SD powder exhibited greater whiteness (82.37), higher water solubility (88.44%), and substantially greater foaming capacity (266.67%) than the FD sample (243.33%). Although the FD powder demonstrated better wettability and water absorption capacity because of its porous structure, FTIR spectroscopy and protein secondary structure analysis confirmed that SD preserved the functional integrity of aquafaba. Specifically, SD induced a transition from disordered random-coil structures to more ordered beta-sheet and beta-turn configurations, thereby improving foaming performance. Overall, these findings indicate that optimized spray-drying is a highly efficient and industrially scalable alternative to freeze-drying for producing functional aquafaba powder for use as a plant-based egg substitute.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Regorafenib Treatment for Recurrent Glioblastoma Beyond Bevacizumab-Based Therapy: A Large, Multicenter, Real-Life Study
Tünbekici, Salih; Yuksel, Haydar cagatay; Acar, Caner; Sahin, Goekhan; Orman, Seval; Majidova, Nargiz; Coskun, Alper; Seyyar, Mustafa; Dilek, Mehmet siddik; Kara, Mahmut
Background/Objectives: In the REGOMA trial, regorafenib demonstrated an overall survival advantage over lomustine, and it has become a recommended treatment for recurrent glioblastoma in guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of regorafenib as a third-line treatment for patients with recurrent glioblastoma who progressed while taking bevacizumab-based therapy. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study in Turkey included 65 patients treated between 2021 and 2023 across 19 oncology centers. The main inclusion criteria were histologically confirmed isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype glioblastoma, progression after second-line bevacizumab-based treatment, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of <= 2. Patients received regorafenib 160 mg once daily for the first 3 weeks of each 4-week cycle. Results: The median age of the patients was 53 years (18-67 years), with a median progression-free survival of 2.5 months (95% Confidence Interval: 2.23-2.75) and a median overall survival of 4.1 months (95% CI: 3.52-4.68). The median overall survival was improved in patients who received subsequent therapy after regorafenib treatment compared with those who did not (p = 0.022). Progression-free survival was longer in patients with ECOG 0-1 than in those with ECOG 2 (p = 0.042). The safety profile was consistent with that of the REGOMA trial, with no drug-related deaths observed. Conclusions: Regorafenib shows good efficacy and safety as a third-line treatment for recurrent glioblastoma after bevacizumab-based therapy. This study supports the use of regorafenib and emphasizes the need for further randomized studies to validate its role and optimize treatment strategies.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Low Serum and Urine Fetuin-A Levels and High Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index as Risk Factors for Kidney Stone Formation
Icer, Mehmet Arif; Koçak, Tevfik; Icer, Yusuf; Kocyigit, Emine; Agagündüz, Duygu; Gezmen-Karadag, Makbule; Yesil, Suleyman; Budán, Ferenc
Background: Fetuin-A prevents the precipitation of hydroxyapatite in supersaturated solutions of calcium and phosphate; however, its relationship with nephrolithiasis has yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective and predictive roles of serum and urine fetuin-A levels in nephrolithiasis and their relationships with the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI). Methods: This study involved 75 adult patients with kidney stone disease and 71 healthy adults without kidney stone disease in the control group. Participants had specific anthropometric measurements taken, and three-day food records were kept. The CDAI was calculated by summing six standard antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, manganese, selenium, and zinc, representing participants' antioxidant profile. In addition to some analyzed serum and urine parameters of the participants, fetuin-A levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: In patients with kidney stones, both serum and urine fetuin-A levels (676.3 +/- 160.14 ng/mL; 166.6 +/- 128.13 ng/mL, respectively) were lower than in the control group (1455.6 +/- 420.52 ng/mL; 2267.5 +/- 1536.78 ng/mL, respectively) (p < 0.00001). In contrast, the CDAI was higher in patients with kidney stones compared to those without kidney stones (p < 0.001). Besides, several dietary parameters had significant positive correlations with serum and/or urinary fetuin-A. Conclusions: The present study suggests that serum and urinary fetuin-A levels may serve as protective factors against kidney stones and could potentially be used as predictive markers for the development of nephrolithiasis. Furthermore, our results suggest that the CDAI above a certain level may increase the risk of stone formation and that some dietary parameters may affect the levels of this biomarker in serum and urine.
- MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2025Could Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine Be as Effective as Amifostine Against Radiotherapy-Induced Liver Injury in Rats? Evidence from Mitotic, Apoptotic, Oxidative, and Neurogenic Insights
Beyazal Polat, Hatice; Yilmaz, Hamit; Demir, Kasim; Kilinc, Kagan; Gülhan, Belemir; Rakici, Sema Yilmaz; Tumkaya, Levent
Background/Objectives: Radiotherapy (RT) induces oxidative stress and structural damage in solid tissues, including the liver. This study aimed to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and amifostine on their potential protective and regenerative properties against liver injury induced by radiation therapy. Methods: This study consisted of five randomized groups: control, RT, RT-D100, RT-D200, and RT-A (Amifostine). A total of 100 mu g/kg DEX, 200 mu g/kg DEX, and 200 mu g/kg amifostine were administered before radiotherapy as per the experimental design. After RT, liver specimens were analyzed for histological alterations, including periportal and perisinusoidal fibrosis, vacuolization, and pyknotic nuclei. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry investigations were conducted to evaluate apoptosis, mitosis, oxidative stress, and neural regeneration in non-neuronal liver tissue following radiotherapy and subsequent treatment. Results: The control group's liver tissue exhibited standard histological architecture, whereas the RT group displayed severe cellular degeneration, periportal and perisinusoidal fibrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and an increase in pyknotic nuclei. The apoptotic index was markedly reduced in the RT-D100 and RT-D200 groups relative to the RT group. Furthermore, caspase-3 immunoactivity was negligible in the control group, while a significant increase was observed in the RT group. The administration of amifostine significantly increased GAP-43 levels. Conclusions: DEX mitigates RT-induced hepatic injury chiefly through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways, whereas amifostine promotes hepatic regeneration by modulating GAP-43.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Diaphragm and Abdominal Wall Muscle Thickness with Fatty Liver Density in Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Gökçelik, Eda; Yilmaz, Coskun; Budak, Cemallettin; Soylu, Hakan Huseyin; Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Muntean, Raul Ioan; Küçük, Hamza; Ceylan, Levent
Background and Objectives: Post-menopausal estrogen decline is considered a contributing factor to sarcopenia, and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may provide benefits in this demographic. This study examined the impact of a four-week IMT program on diaphragm thickness, abdominal wall muscle thickness (AWMT; transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique), and liver fat percentage in healthy elderly women. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six women aged 60-80 years were randomly assigned to an IMT group (n = 13) or a control group (n = 13). The IMT group used the PowerBreathe (R) Classic device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with weekly increments of 10%. Training was performed twice daily, five days per week, with 30 breathing cycles per session (60 per day). The control group maintained their usual routines. AWMT, diaphragm thickness (DT), and fatty liver density (FLD) were measured by a radiologist before and after the intervention. Results: After four weeks, the IMT group showed significant improvements in all parameters compared to controls. Mid-diaphragm thickness (MDT) increased by 11.44% (effect size (ES) = 0.358, p < 0.001) versus 0.76% in controls (p = 0.271). Posterior diaphragm thickness (PDT) improved by 7.48% (ES = 0.282, p < 0.001) versus 0.38% (p = 0.564). Right AWMT increased by 12.7% (ES = 0.492, p < 0.001) compared to 0.10% (p = 0.872), and left AWMT increased by 9.93% (ES = 0.395, p < 0.001) versus 2.64% (p = 0.014). FLD improved by 11.79% (ES = 0.959, p < 0.001) in the IMT group, while the control group showed no meaningful change (-0.13%, p = 0.847). Conclusions: A short-term IMT protocol significantly enhanced diaphragm and AWMT and reduced liver fat in elderly women. These findings support the use of IMT as a simple, non-invasive intervention to preserve musculoskeletal and metabolic health in aging populations.
- Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2025Synergistic Effects of Exercise and Nano-Curcumin Supplementation in Women with Lifestyle-Related Diseases: A Scoping Review
Cherappurath, Nafih; Navaf, Muhammed; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Elayaraja, Masilamani; Sunooj, Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal; Satheesan, Saranya T.; Thoompenthodi, Muhammed Ali; Perumbalath, Shamshadali; Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar; Muntean, Raul Ioan
Background/Objectives: Lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and osteoarthritis disproportionately affect women due to hormonal, metabolic, and socio-cultural factors. Emerging evidence suggests that combining structured exercise with nano-curcumin, a bioavailable phytochemical formulation with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may provide synergistic benefits. This scoping review systematically synthesizes available evidence on the combined effects of nano-curcumin supplementation and exercise interventions on health outcomes in women with lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR framework, a comprehensive database search was conducted in March 2025 and updated in June 2025. Records were retrieved from Scopus (n = 30), Web of Science (n = 22), PubMed (n = 18), and other sources (n = 71), yielding a total of 141 studies. After screening and deduplication, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All the studies were conducted in Iran with small sample sizes (12-53 participants) and short intervention durations (6-16 weeks). Therefore, the current evidence is geographically and demographically limited. Results: Across the included trials, the combined interventions produced additive or synergistic improvements in oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, lipid and glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, pulmonary capacity, muscle fitness, and psychological outcomes (e.g., depression). When paired with nano-curcumin supplementation at different concentrations, high-intensity interval training, aerobic exercise, Pilates, and resistance training consistently outperformed exercise or supplementation alone in modulating antioxidant defenses, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving metabolic risk factors. Conclusions: The integration of exercise and nano-curcumin supplementation appears to confer superior benefits for women with lifestyle-related diseases compared with either approach alone. These findings highlight the potential of combining phytochemicals with lifestyle interventions to optimize women's health outcomes. However, most available evidence originates from small, short-term studies in single geographic regions. Large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trials with diverse populations are warranted to establish standardized protocols and optimal dosing strategies, and to assess long-term safety and efficacy.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025A Dose-Dependent Study Examining Dexmedetomidine's Possible Effects Against Oxidative, Fibrotic, and Apoptotic Damage Induced by Radiation Exposure in Spleen Tissue
Beyazal Polat, Hatice; Yilmaz, Hamit; Kilinc, Kagan; Gülhan, Belemir; Yilmaz Rakici, Sema; Tümkaya, Levent
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential splenic tissue damage induced by radiotherapy (RT) and the potential protective effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on this damage at the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical levels. Materials and Methods: In our study, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Radiotherapy (RT; 8 Gy), RT + Dexmedetomidine 100 mu g/kg (RT-D100), and RT + Dexmedetomidine 200 mu g/kg (RT-D200). A single dose of 8 Gy radiotherapy was administered to each RT group. Spleen tissues were examined histologically with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemically with anti-Caspase-3, anti-TGF-beta 1, and anti-TGF-beta 3 using light microscopy. TBARS and total thiol levels were also analyzed to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. Results: Histopathological results showed a significant decrease in white pulp diameter, decreased cellular density, and increased congestion in the red pulp in the RT group. Significant fibrosis, sinusoidal dilatation, vacuolization, and amyloid deposition were detected in the white pulp in the RT group. Regarding anti-caspase-3 immunoreactivity, strong positivity increased in the red pulp in the RT group, while a significant increase was observed in the white pulp in both the RT-D100 and RT groups. While the proportion of TGF-beta 1 immunopositive cells did not change significantly in the RT group, they increased significantly in both dexmedetomidine groups (especially RT-D200). TGF-beta 3 expression increased significantly only in the RT-D100 group. In biochemical analyses, TBARS levels increased significantly in the RT-D100 group. Total thiol levels decreased in the RT group and increased in the dexmedetomidine-treated groups. Conclusions: While RT caused histopathological damage and increased oxidative stress in spleen tissue, dexmedetomidine reduced this damage in a dose-dependent manner. The different immunohistochemical profiles of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 suggest that these cytokines may have different functions in the spleen. 100 mu g/kg dexmedetomidine stimulates a regenerative response through TGF-beta 3, while 200 mu g/kg dexmedetomidine may provide immune regulation and antioxidative defense through TGF-beta 1.
- Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2025Therapeutic Bioactivity Exerted by the Apis mellifera Bee Venom and Its Major Protein Melittin: A Scoping Review
Erdogan, Perihan Mutlu; Bilgili-Tetikoglu, Funda; Çelik-Uzuner, Selcen; Yildiz, Oktay; Kolayli, Sevgi; Mossialos, Dimitris
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) products have been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Bee venom (BV) is one of the major bee products with a high concentration of the small peptide melittin (MEL) and exerts bioactivity ranging from anti-microbial to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. This scoping review aims to sum up research articles on the bioactivity exerted by BV and MEL published in PubMed and Scopus from 2010 onwards. PRISMA guidelines were implemented to analyze the relevant literature; we ended up with 425 research articles. Bioactivity of BV and MEL was grouped as (i) anti-inflammatory (85), (ii) immunomodulatory (37), (iii) anti-microbial (179), (iv) anti-cancer (170), and (v) anti-oxidant (32). Although there is a significant body of research on the anti-cancer and anti-microbial activity of BV and MEL, their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have received comparatively less attention. Many studies on the immunomodulatory effects of BV or MEL have focused on cancer. However, the effects on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease have not been extensively studied regarding the anti-inflammatory effects. Given the critical role of the immune system and inflammatory response in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, senescence and against infections, it is paramount to further explore the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential of BV and MEL.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2024The Association Between Glycemic Variability and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Emgin, Omer; Yavuz, Mehmet; Sahin, Adem; Günes, Murat; Eser, Mustafa; Yavuz, Tunzala; Kökalan, Damla; Ergün, Bisar; Rollas, Kazim; Çakirgöz, Mensure Yilmaz
Background: Glycemic variability (GV) is a prevalent and significant condition observed in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early glycemic variability parameters and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, and observational study was performed at five tertiary intensive care units (ICUs) in Turkey. All patients who had more than six blood glucose level (BGL) measures per 24 h were included. The parameters of GV including the SD, MGL, MGD (the difference between the maximal and minimal glucose level), and the CV (the percentage of SD to the MGL) in the first 24 h were recorded. Results: A total of 578 eligible patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 43.6% were women. The mean age of the patients was 68.09 +/- 16.62 years. Overall mortality was 31.5% (n = 182). The glycemic parameters of the CV, SD, and MGD were significantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (p = 0.040, 0.006, and 0.002, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the CV (OR 1.023; 95% CI 1.004-1.042; p = 0.017) was an independent factor that increased mortality. Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a strong (r:0.871) and statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) between the CV and MGD. Conclusions: The CV calculated within the first 24 h of ICU admission is independently associated with 28-day mortality. The MGD is correlated with the CV and is maybe a practical tool to predict increased risk of mortality at the bedside. However, further studies are needed to establish the independent association of the MGD with mortality.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2024Pre-Exercise Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate: Their Effects on Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance in a Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Kacoglu, Celil; Kirkaya, Izzet; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; de Assis, Gilmara Gomes; Almeida-Neto, Paulo; Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar; Oliveira, Cesar Chaves; Özkan, Ali; Nikolaidis, Pantelis T.
Caffeine and sodium bicarbonate are extensively researched ergogenic aids known for their potential to enhance exercise performance. The stimulant properties of caffeine on the central nervous system, coupled with the buffering capacity of sodium bicarbonate, have been associated with improved athletic performance. This has led to investigations of their combined effects on strength. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of isolated and combined caffeine and sodium bicarbonate consumption on strength using the isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP). Nineteen male college students (age 23.6 +/- 1.6 years) participated in this crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They were exposed to the following conditions: control (no supplement), placebo (20 g maltodextrin), caffeine (6 mg/kg), sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg), and a combination of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate. Supplements and placebo were diluted in water and consumed 60 min prior to the IMTP tests. Two 5 s IMTP trials were performed at 40-60% and 60-80% of One Repetition of Maximum (1RM) with a 60 s rest between. Consumption of caffeine or Caf + NaHCO3 did not significantly change peak IMTP strength values at any intensity (p = 0.110). The peak IMTP values did not show significant differences between conditions or from control condition values (1091 +/- 100 N) to Caf (1224 +/- 92 N), NaHCO3 (1222 +/- 74 N), and Caf +/- NaHCO3 (1152 +/- 109 N). However, the test of the results of the ANOVA analysis of repeated measures of effect within the caffeine condition was significant for the increase in IMTP relative strength compared to control (p < 0.05). Thus, the IMTP force values increased significantly from control to Caf (p = 0.016) and from Pla to Caf (p = 0.008), but not for other comparisons (p > 0.05). In summary, caffeine supplementation alone, taken 60 min before exercise, positively affects submaximal strength performance. In contrast, sodium bicarbonate, whether taken alone or in combination with caffeine, does not enhance submaximal strength in the IMTP tests.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2024Comparative Cranial Geometric Morphometrics among Wistar Albino, Sprague Dawley, and WAG/Rij Rat Strains
Agaç, Duygu Kucuk; Onuk, Burcu; Gündemir, Ozan; Kabak, Murat; Manuta, Nicoleta; Çakar, Buket; Janeczek, Maciej; Crampton, Denise Amber; Szara, Tomasz
Simple Summary Geometric morphometrics allows the examination of the shape variation of structures. In this study, the skull, mandible, and teeth of three different strains of rats were examined. The results showed that the strains significantly differed in shape. The most important shape difference in the skull was the variation of the cranium from an oval to an elongated structure. In this respect, Sprague Dawley rats showed a more elongated skull, while WAG/Rij rats had a more oval skull. Wistar Albino rats showed a more moderate shape variation. WAG/Rij rats showed very different shapes of the mandible and teeth compared to the other strains. But statistically, it was seen that all strains were completely separated from each other.Abstract This research utilizes geometric morphometrics to investigate shape variation in the skull, mandible, and teeth among three rat strains: Wistar Albino (WA), Sprague Dawley (SD), and WAG/Rij (WR). Through the analysis of 48 rats using 2D geometric morphometric techniques, significant differences in their skull morphology were identified. This study indicates a shift from a rectangular to an oval cranial shape across strains, with notable size and morphological variances. Particularly, the WR strain's skull shape significantly differs from the SD and WA strains, suggesting distinct ecological or genetic pathways. Compared to the skull, mandible shape differences are less pronounced, but still significant. The WR strain exhibits a distinct mandible shape, potentially reflecting ecological adaptations like dietary habits. The teeth shape of WR rats is the most distinct. SD rats consistently exhibited larger sizes in both skull and mandible measurements, while WR rats were notably smaller. Interestingly, sexual dimorphism was not statistically significant in skull and teeth sizes, aligning with findings from previous studies. However, the mandible showed clear size differences between sexes, underscoring its potential for adaptive or behavioral studies. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of morphological variations in rat strains, highlighting the intricate interplay of size, shape, and ecological factors. These findings lay a foundation for deeper explorations into the adaptive, ecological, or genetic narratives influencing rat morphology.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2023The Invariants of Dual Parallel Equidistant Ruled Surfaces
Gür Mazlum, Sümeyye; Şenyurt, Süleyman; Grilli, Luca
In this paper, we calculate the Gaussian curvatures of the dual spherical indicatrix curves formed on unit dual sphere by the Blaschke vectors and dual instantaneous Pfaff vectors of dual parallel equidistant ruled surfaces (DPERS) and we give the relationships between these curvatures. In addition to—in cases where the base curves of these DPERS are closed—computing the dual integral invariants of the indicatrix curves. Additionally, we show the relationships between them. Finally, we provide an example for each of these indicatrix curves.