Yazarlar

  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural levels in non-alcoholic beverages: a survey of product types

    Arslan Burnaz, Nesibe; Baltacı, Cemalettin; İlyasoğlu, Huri

    Toxic furanic compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2-furfural (F) can form during the processing and storage of non-alcoholic beverages (NABs). This study aimed to determine the levels of HMF and F in a wide range of NAB categories, including fruit juices and nectars, carbonated soft drinks, non-carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, and coffee with milk drinks. The levels of HMF and F were determined using a validated analytical method. The HMF and F levels of the studied samples varied depending on the type of product. The coffee with milk drinks exhibited the highest levels, while the carbonated soft drinks exhibited the lowest. Notably, the HMF levels of most of the coffee with milk drinks exceeded 10 mg L−1. The findings provide novel insights into the presence of furanic compounds in NABs and emphasise the importance of raising consumer awareness regarding potential dietary exposure to furanic compounds, particularly from coffee drinks.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Unraveling the Web of Marital Well-Being: Associations Among Relationship Quality, Emotion Regulation, and Cognitive Flexibility

    Özer, Şükrü; Odaci, Hatice

    This study aims to explore the associations among relationship quality, cognitive flexibility, cognitive emotion regulation, and subjective well-being in married individuals in Turkey. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, we collected data from 1,013 married participants (mean age = 40.65; 52.5% male). Results indicated that relationship quality was positively associated with subjective well-being, cognitive flexibility, and adaptive emotion regulation strategies and negatively associated with maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies. Cognitive flexibility and adaptive emotion-regulation strategies were positively associated with subjective well-being, whereas maladaptive strategies were negatively associated. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect associations between relationship quality and subjective well-being through cognitive flexibility and both adaptive and maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies. These findings highlight patterns of association among relational and cognitive-emotional variables in marital well-being and may inform future research and clinical practice.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Psychological distress and food neophobia: the mediating role of food choice motives among university students

    Kocak, Tevfik; Kocyigit, Emine; Ozbek, Yagmur Demirel

    Background: Food neophobia, defined as the reluctance to try unfamiliar foods, reduces dietary diversity and quality in young adults. University students, often subjected to psychological discomfort including sadness, anxiety, and stress, may be especially susceptible to restrictive eating behaviors. This study examined the link be-tween psychological distress and food neophobia, focusing on the mediating role of food choice motives in Turkish students. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 801 Turkish university students (232 males and 569 females). The data collection included the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The body mass in-dex was calculated using self-reported anthropometric measurements. Statistical analyses comprised correlations, multivariable linear regression, and mediation mod-eling using Hayes’ PROCESS macro with 5000 bootstrap samples. Results: Food neophobia was positively associated with all DASS-21 subscales (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified depression (p < 0.001), stress (p = 0.001), convenience (p = 0.001), and ethical concern (p < 0.001) as significant positive predictors, whereas natural con-tent showed a negative association (p = 0.046). Mediation analyses indicated that food choice motives partially explained the associations between psychological distress and food neophobia. Convenience and ethical concern consistently acted as mediators of risk, while natural content demonstrated a more complex role. Conclusions: Food neophobia among university students is influenced by both psychological distress and food choice motives. Depression and stress exert stronger effects than anxiety, with convenience and ethical concern functioning as consistent mediators.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Exploring Different Types of Career Anxiety Among Young Adults: A Latent Profile Analysis

    Ciminli, Alaattin; Aydin, Burak

    This study aimed to identify distinct latent profiles of career anxiety among young adults and to examine the predictors of membership in these profiles by relating them to various factors, including academic unit and year of study. The data were collected from a sample of 509 young adults enrolled at universities in Türkiye, comprising 409 females (80.4%) and 100 males (19.6%). The instruments used for data collection included a personal information form, Career Anxiety Scale, Hope Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Perfectionism Scale, and the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify latent profiles, while multinomial logistic regression (R3STEP) analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between latent profile membership and sociodemographic variables. The results of the LPA revealed three distinct latent profiles: high anxiety and vulnerable (Profile 1), low anxiety and high psychosocial strength (Profile 2), and moderate group (Profile 3). The findings indicated that when Profile 1 was used as the reference group, academic unit type and class level did not significantly predict membership in Profile 2. However, vocational school status significantly predicted membership in Profile 3. When Profile 2 was used as the reference group, it was observed that both vocational school students and fourth-year students were significantly less likely to be members of Profile 3.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Psychological determinants and consumer acceptance of cultured meat: a multi-dimensional analysis among Turkish adults

    Akduman, Gul; Kurtbeyoglu, Emine

    Purpose – The environmental, ethical and health issues associated with conventional meat production necessitate the exploration of cultured meat as an alternative protein source. This study aims to assess the psychological determinants and consumer segments of cultured meat among Turkish adults. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted using an online survey with 471 participants (66% male, mean age 28.4 ± 9.2 years), measuring awareness, willingness to try, risk–benefit evaluative orientation and attitudinal factors. An exploratory composite evaluative indicator, termed the risk-benefit evaluative index (RBEI) was constructed from seven concern questions, and standardized factor scores reflecting environmental–ethical (F1) and health–technology (F2) attitudes were calculated. Cluster analysis (k = 3) revealed three consumer segments: Supportive Optimists, Hesitant Pragmatists and Skeptical Resisters. Findings – While awareness of cultured meat was relatively high, willingness to try remained limited. Consumer acceptance was primarily associated with attitudinal dimensions, particularly environmental–ethical considerations and trust in health and technology, whereas demographic variables showed limited explanatory power. Segmentation analysis revealed three distinct consumer profiles with differing acceptance patterns. Research limitations/implications – The findings suggest that consumer acceptance is primarily shaped by multidimensional psychological evaluations, particularly environmental–ethical considerations and trust in health and technology. The study highlights a “high awareness–low acceptance” paradox and underscores the importance of communication strategies that address both perceived risks and benefits. By combining an exploratory composite evaluative indicator with factor-analytic attitudinal dimensions and consumer segmentation, this study provides a more comprehensive approach to understanding consumer acceptance and offers practical insights for promoting the adoption of cultured meat. Originality/value – This study provides one of the first comprehensive investigations of cultured meat acceptance among Turkish adults by integrating a risk–benefit evaluative index, attitudinal dimensions, and consumer segmentation within a single analytical framework. By combining an exploratory composite evaluative indicator (RBEI), factor analysis, and cluster analysis, the study identifies three distinct consumer segments and highlights the “high awareness–low acceptance” paradox in an emerging market context. The findings demonstrate that evaluative and psychological attitudes, particularly environmental–ethical considerations and trust in health and technology, are more influential than sociodemographic characteristics in shaping consumer acceptance, providing practical insights for communication strategies and policies promoting alternative protein adoption.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    The Effect of Jet Lidocaine on Pain and Anxiety During Peripheral Venous Access: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    Aydin, Esra; Uzun, Sevda

    Objective: – The aim of this study was to determine the effect of jet lidocaine on pain and anxiety during peripheral venous access. Methods: – A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and the YÖK Thesis Center without year limitation. Five randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools, and study selection was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The findings were synthesized using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Results: – The pooled analysis demonstrated that jet lidocaine significantly reduced anxiety related to peripheral venous access (standardized mean difference: −1.031; 95% confidence interval: −1.653 to −0.409; Z = −3.249; P =.001; I2 = 89.98%). However, its effect on pain was not statistically significant (standardized mean difference: −0.817; 95% confidence interval: −1.817 to 0.182; Z = −1.602; P =.109; I2 = 96.57%). Conclusion: – Jet lidocaine may be an effective option for reducing anxiety during peripheral venous access; however, its effect on pain was not statistically significant. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and larger sample sizes are needed to clarify its analgesic effectiveness and clinical outcomes.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up on muscular performance and pulmonary function in natural male bodybuilders

    Ceylan, Tülay; Ceylan, Levent; Yılmaz, Coşkun; Badau, Adela; Küçük, Hamza

    Background: Inspiratory muscle warm-up (IWU) has been hypothesized to enhance athletic performance by pre-activating respiratory muscles; however, evidence in professional natural male bodybuilders is scarce. The present study investigated the acute effects of IWU on One-Repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance and pulmonary function. Methods: The present randomized controlled experimental study comprised 20 male athletes with an average training experience of 3.21 ± 1.44 years, who trained for more than 5 h per week and had participated in national or international competitions. At the commencement of the study, all participants underwent a series of pulmonary function tests (PFTs), measurements of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), and a 1RM test. Following the initial assessments, which were conducted seventy-two hours prior, participants were randomly assigned to either the IWU group (n = 10) or the control (CON) group (n = 10). While the IWU group performed both inspiratory muscle warm-up and standard exercise warm-up, the CON group performed only the standard warm-up. Subsequent to the execution of the warm-up protocols, both groups were subjected to re-evaluation through the means of the 1RM test and respiratory parameter measurements. Results: The IWU group demonstrated a 5.96% greater enhancement in 1RM performance in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC following IWU, with improvements of 2.57%, 2.44%, and 2.65%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an additional 2.39% enhancement in MEP was identified in favour of the IWU group (p = 0.008). The alterations in MIP and PEF exhibited by the two groups were analogous, with no statistically significant disparities observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated that IWU has the capacity to rapidly enhance maximal strength and respiratory function in professional bodybuilders. Consequently, IWU can be advocated as an efficacious warm-up technique to augment exercise performance in bodybuilding athletes. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the title “Acute effects of inspiratory muscle warmup on muscular performance and pulmonary function in natural bodybuilders’’. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07390149, Date 18012026. (Retrospectively)

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Health sciences students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence: predictors of ethical awareness, clinical decision-making, and public health perceptions-a cross-sectional study

    Unal, Cihan; Şahin, Selim

    This study investigates health sciences students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications for ethical awareness, clinical decision-making, and public health. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 27 and May 15 2025, with 668 students from five departments at Gümüşhane University, employing the validated Artificial Intelligence Attitude Scale, which measures benefits, risks, and use, alongside 12 binary-response items assessing ethical, clinical, and public health judgments. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression analyses were applied. Findings indicate that students perceive AI as highly beneficial (M = 4.05) but also associate it with notable risks (M = 2.52; where lower scores indicate a higher level of perceived risk due to reverse coding). Logistic regression analyses revealed that risk perception (reverse-coded; higher scores indicating lower perceived risk) was the most consistent predictor across all dimensions. Specifically, students with lower perceived risk were significantly more likely to reject concerns regarding patient privacy (OR = 2.55, 95% CI [2.03–3.21], p < 0.001), dismiss the idea that relying on AI instead of human expertise is problematic (OR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.25–1.96], p < 0.001), and reject the notion that AI systems may harm public health (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.98–3.20], p < 0.001). While participants endorsed AI’s potential in enhancing patient safety, chronic disease management, and preventive care, they expressed significant concerns about privacy, legal responsibility, and a potential weakening of patient–clinician communication. Gender, academic discipline, and prior AI use further differentiated attitudes. The results highlight a dual perception of AI as both an opportunity and a threat, emphasizing that successful integration in healthcare requires not only technical competence but also ethical, legal, and communicative safeguards.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Determination of the Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Videos on Symptoms, Vital Signs and Comfort in Hemodialysis Patients

    Coşar, Dilan Aktepe; Bingöl, Nuray

    Introduction: This pioneering study aimed to examine the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based videos on symptoms, vital signs, and comfort levels in hemodialysis patients, offering an innovative approach to improving their quality of life. Methods: This randomized controlled pretest-posttest study included 54 hemodialysis patients treated at “X” Hospital between June 2024 and May 2025. Twenty-five patients were assigned to the intervention group, 25 to the control group, and 4 to a pilot group. Data were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks. Statistical analyses included t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Friedman tests. Results: In the intervention group, Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and comfort levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) across all subscales of the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale Version II. Vital signs remained within normal ranges before and after the intervention. Conclusion: This study revealed that the use of virtual reality headsets significantly influenced dialysis symptom index scores and comfort levels. The intervention effectively reduced dialysis symptoms and significantly increased patient comfort. No significant differences were observed in vital signs.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    ‘An unforgettable night’: experiences and coping styles of young adult survivors of the earthquake

    Yücel, İbrahim; Türkkan, Tuğba; Yoldaş, Nergiz; Duman, Münevver

    This study aimed to find out the experiences and coping styles of young adults affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that took place on 6 February 2023, during and after the earthquake. Qualitative research method and phenomenological approach were used in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 young adults who were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The interviews with earthquake survivors were conducted approximately two months after the earthquake and took place in the temporary housing facilities to which they had been relocated. The research findings showed that many young people experienced the night of the earthquake as an unforgettable night. It was also found that the support provided after the earthquake was inadequate to meet the needs of survivors. Certain changes occurred in the family relations and personality traits of survivors after the earthquake. Young adults experienced some difficulties after the earthquake and developed a series of coping mechanisms to overcome such difficulties. At the end of the research, recommendations are made for field workers and policy makers from a psychological perspective.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    The effect of self-selected soothing music on fistula puncture-related pain and comfort levels in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled, single-blind, single-center study

    Sayilan, Samet; Sayilan, Aylin Aydin; Kulakac, Nursen

    Purpose: To investigate the effect of music therapy on pain and comfort levels in hemodialysis patients. Methods: The study was completed with 30 experimental patients and a 30-member control group receiving treatment in the hemodialysis unit in a hospital in Western Türkiye. Experimental group patients were allowed to listen to a form of music selected by them for approximately 6 min prior to each procedure. No procedure was performed on the members of the control group. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was applied in sessions 1, 6, and 12, and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale in sessions 1 and 12. The independent sample t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were employed in data analysis, and Cohen’s d in effect size calculations. Results: Hemodialysis Comfort Scale scores were significantly higher at the end of the study in the experimental group compared to the control group (SMD: 3.54, 95% CI 2.33–4.75) (p < 0.05). Mean VAS scores were significantly lower among the experimental group compared to the control group at the second (6th session) (SMD: 1.94, 95% CI 1.34–2.54) (p < 0.001) and third (12th session) evaluations (SMD: 3.2, 95% CI 1.2.65–3.75) (p < 0.001). VAS scores were also significantly lower in the experimental group at the third evaluation compared to the earlier evaluations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The patients in the experimental group listened to a form of music of their choice before 12 hemodialysis sessions. Music was found to exhibit a positive effect on pain and discomfort in patients receiving hemodialysis. Trial registration: NCT05574595.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Pyrolysis-based valorization of Pinus sylvestris bark waste into bioactive fractions: LC–MS/MS analysis and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities

    Gül, Abdulkadir

    In this study, bark waste from the forest industry derived from Pinus sylvestris was processed by pyrolysis extraction, and the chemical compositions and biological activities of the resulting light (PLF) and heavy (PHF) fractions were comparatively investigated. When the extraction yields of the pyrolysis fractions were compared, PHF (20.80%) showed a significantly higher recovery than PLF (10.35%). Total phenolic content (TPC) was higher in the PHF (365.80 GAE/g), whereas total flavonoid content (TFC) was concentrated in the PLF (200.80 mg QE/g). LC–MS/MS analyses of the PHF fraction, which exhibited more pronounced biological activity, revealed caffeic acid (7190.65 µg/g) and protocatechuic acid (2694.30 µg/g) as the predominant phenolic compounds. Antioxidant capacity analyses indicated that the PLF exhibited stronger radical scavenging activity, lower IC50 values in DPPH and ABTS⁺• assays (50.01 and 101.60 µg/mL, respectively) and higher TAC values (901.00 mg TE/L). Fe3+ and Cu2+ reducing assays demonstrated strong redox activity in both fractions, with Cu2+ reducing capacity particularly higher in PLF. In enzyme inhibition studies, the PHF showed stronger inhibition against 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 = 29.28 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 82.50 µg/mL) compared to PLF. The antibacterial potential of the fractions was assessed using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The PHF exhibited significant inhibition zones, particularly against P. aeruginosa (17.40 mm) and S. aureus (13.40 mm). Consequently, these findings suggest that pyrolysis-based fractionation may be an effective and sustainable method for converting P. sylvestris bark waste into functional fractions with high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial potential.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Radio frequency heating of whole peanuts for microbial safety and quality preservation using interlayer displacement under stationary and moving conditions: Effects of salt coating and natural skin on heating behavior

    Kahraman, Kubra; Tasci, Caner; Cakir, Elif Nida; Liu, Shuxiang; Soncu, Eda Demirok; Erdogdu, Ferruh; Ozturk, Samet

    This study aimed to improve the efficiency of a radio frequency (RF) heating system for pasteurizing whole peanuts while maintaining quality attributes using a stationary position or continuous movement. Heating efficiency was evaluated using commercially available roasted whole peanuts: salt-coated skin-on, unsalted skin-on, and unsalted peeled peanuts. To improve heating uniformity and ensure sufficient microbial inactivation of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis PT30, a single interlayer-displacement strategy was applied in both stationary and continuous modes. Quality attributes including protein structure and fatty-acid profiles were assessed under the selected RF processing conditions. The RF system equipped with a conveyor belt was used to process peeled, unsalted peanuts inoculated with S. Enteritidis PT30 at approximately 7.9–8.5 log CFU/g. The three commercial peanut types exhibited differences in RF temperature distribution and heating uniformity, with salt-coated skin-on peanuts showing higher average temperature than unsalted peeled samples under the evaluated conditions. Continuous movement increased average temperature by approximately 10 °C but resulted in poorer heating uniformity, with a 3 °C higher standard deviation (SD). A single interlayer-displacement (overturning) step improved heating uniformity. This step increased Salmonella reductions from 3.41 to 4.77 log CFU/g under stationary processing and from 2.92 to 4.22 log CFU/g under continuous processing after 60 min of RF heating. The evaluated protein and lipid quality characteristics of unsalted peeled peanuts remained largely unchanged following RF processing. Overall, these findings demonstrated the potential of RF heating combined with interlayer displacement for microbial decontamination of unsalted peeled whole peanuts while maintaining the quality attributes evaluated in this study.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    When grief persists online: Development of the Digital Prolonged Grief Severity Scale

    Çınar, Öznur; Cengiz, Ekrem

    Bereaved individuals encounter the deceased through social media profiles, message histories, and algorithmic reminders, yet no validated instrument measures prolonged grief expressed through digital interactions. We developed and validated a multidimensional measure of digital-environment prolonged grief severity (DPGSS). Turkish bereaved adults (n = 577) bereaved at least 12 months earlier completed the DPGSS alongside grief, distress, and other less relevant measures, and 125 completed it again about three weeks later. Factor analyses supported a four-factor structure—digital separation distress and preoccupation, digital emotional responses, digital avoidance, and digital functional impairment—in 15 items. The correlated four-factor model fit the data well, outperforming a one-factor alternative. The DPGSS demonstrated strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance across nine demographic variables. Convergent associations with grief and distress, and negligible associations with rigidity and AI acceptance, supported its construct specificity. The DPGSS-15 is a reasonable tool for assessing digital prolonged grief.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    A multi-scale context-aware deep learning framework for medical disease diagnosis

    Reis, Hatice Catal; Turk, Veysel

    Early and accurate diagnosis of brain tumors, skin lesions, and diabetic retinopathy is essential for effective treatment planning and improving patient prognosis. Nevertheless, the diagnostic process for these conditions remains challenging due to the reliance on conventional methods, which are often subjective, time-intensive, and dependent on expert interpretation. In this context, deep learning-based approaches offer promising opportunities to enhance diagnostic precision and support clinical decision-making. This study introduces BSCRADNet, a novel deep learning model designed for the automated diagnosis of oncological and retinopathic diseases. The proposed architecture employs a multi-layered analytical framework that integrates local and spatial features with long-range contextual dependencies, enabling the effective recognition of complex morphological patterns in medical images. By enhancing diagnostic consistency, BSCRADNet reduces the risk of misclassification—particularly in cases characterized by high inter-observer variability or subtle lesion presentation. The model demonstrated strong performance across multiple datasets, achieving classification accuracies of 94.67% for brain tumors, 89.58% for skin cancer, and 90.40% for diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, to improve the discriminative power of feature representations across diverse disease categories, a composite hybrid architecture combining BSCRADNet with ResMLP was developed. This hybrid model yielded competitive results, with accuracies of 93.33%, 88.19%, and 87.40% for the respective diagnostic tasks. Experimental findings indicate that the proposed approach is capable of distinguishing intricate patterns in medical imaging data and holds significant potential for integration into clinical diagnostic workflows, contributing to more reliable and efficient disease classification.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Nutritional value, heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment of Phalangium opilio Linnaeus, 1758 as a potential edible arachnid

    Gürmeriç, Hüseyin Ender; Kurt, Pınar; Ürkek, Bayram

    Edible insects and arachnids have increasingly been recognised as alternative food sources. The aim of the study was to evaluate the harvestman species Phalangium opilio (P. opilio) Linnaeus, 1758 as a new edible species. In this research, some chemical properties, fatty acid and mineral composition of the P. opilio were investigated. Additionally, the heavy metal contamination and its health risk assessment were evaluated. The fat and protein contents of the samples were 1.18% and 14.07%, respectively. The P. opilio had unsaturated fatty acids such as myristoleic, palmitoleic, linoleic and oleic acids. The P. opilio was analyzed for K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Al, Mn, Se contents, estimated daily intake and contributions to the recommended daily mineral intake were calculated. The heavy metals detected in the P. opilio were Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Co and Ag. The Cd had the highest target hazard quotient value (2.16). The hazard index value of the P. opilio was 3.32 and it had a potential health risk level. Consequently, although P. opilio exhibited favourable nutritional properties, the THQ value for Cd and the cumulative HI value exceeded the recommended safety threshold, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic health risk associated with its consumption. Accordingly, considering the detected heavy metal levels and associated health risk indices, the consumption of wild-collected P. opilio should be approached with caution. © Hüseyin Ender Gürmeriç et al., 2026. Published with license by Koninklijke Brill BV. This work is published by Koninklijke Brill BV. Koninklijke Brill bv incorporates the imprints Brill, Brill Nijhoff, Brill Schöningh, Brill Fink, Brill mentis, Brill Wageningen Academic, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Böhlau and V&R unipress. Koninklijke Brill BV reserves the right to protect the publication against unauthorized use and to authorize dissemination by means of offprints, legitimate photocopies, microform editions, reprints, translations, and secondary information sources, such as abstracting and indexing services including databases. Requests for commercial re-use, use of parts of the publication, and/or translations must be addressed to Koninklijke Brill BV.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Novel 1,2,4-triazole-based n-mannich derivatives: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitory activities, and in silico studies

    Yılmaz, Yonca; Medetalibeyoğlu, Hilal; Kapancık, Serkan; Tüzün, Burak; Lukšič, Miha; Aslan, Rukiye; Topal, Fevzi; Kocyigit, Umit M.; Yüksek, Haydar; Harmankaya, Ahmet

    A series of novel 1,2,4-triazole-based Mannich bases was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for biological and theoretical properties. Schiff base intermediates (C1–6) were prepared by condensing 4-benzoxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde with various 3-substituted-4-amino-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-ones. Mannich reactions with formaldehyde and 2,6-dimethylmorpholine produced six target compounds (D1–6). Structures were confirmed using spectroscopic techniques. Following structural confirmation, the compounds showed significant cytotoxicity against HT-29 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines in MTT assays. Enzyme inhibition studies demonstrated activity against glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), indicating potential relevance to cancer metabolism. Moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibition was observed, with IC50 values from 56.81 to 182.40 µM. Antimicrobial testing showed that D1, D3, D4, and D5 were active against selected microbial strains, while D2 and D6 were inactive. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, molecular docking, ADME/T predictions, and molecular mechanics simulations were conducted to complement the experimental findings. These computational analyses indicated favorable binding interactions and pharmacological profiles.In summary, the newly synthesized triazole-based Mannich derivatives represent promising candidates for further pharmacological investigation.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation added to robotic rehabilitation in patients with ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial

    Kızıl, Ömer Dicle; Ural, İbrahim Halil; Hatık, Sefa Haktan; Özden, Ali Veysel; Aydın, Emine Büşra

    Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to robotic rehabilitation on functional outcomes and neuromuscular activity in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial employed a pre–post study design and was conducted in a hospital-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic. A total of 40 patients with ischemic stroke, aged 18–65 years, were randomly assigned to either a robotic rehabilitation group (RRG) or a combined vagus nerve stimulation and robotic rehabilitation group (VRRG). Spasticity, walking speed, motor function, quality of life, muscle activity, and pain were assessed at baseline and after six weeks of treatment. Results: Primary outcome measures were walking speed, motor function assessed by the Fugl–Meyer Assessment, and pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included electrophysiological measurements (H-reflex and F-wave parameters) and quality of life. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in all outcomes in the VRRG (p < 0.05), whereas all outcomes except pain improved significantly in the RRG (p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons demonstrated greater improvements in walking speed in the VRRG compared with the RRG (mean difference − 1.84 s, 95% CI − 3.7 to − 0.7; r = 0.43; p = 0.006) and greater pain reduction in the VRRG (mean difference − 1.55, 95% CI − 2.5 to − 0.1; r = 0.30; p = 0.048). In contrast, a greater reduction in the Hmax/Mmax amplitude ratio—an electrophysiological marker of spinal excitability—was observed in the RRG. Conclusion: The findings suggest that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with robotic rehabilitation may provide additional benefits in terms of walking speed and pain reduction in patients with ischemic stroke. Trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on April 19, 2024. (Identifier: NCT06381089).

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Impact of cooking methods on PAH formation in traditional Akçaabat meatballs

    Bostan, Sinan; Gül, Abdulkadir; Karpuz, Ömer; Baltaci, Cemalettin; Yılmaz, Fırat

    Akçaabat meatballs, a traditional and commercially important Turkish meat product, are widely consumed and typically prepared using high-temperature cooking methods that may promote the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different cooking techniques, including pan cooking without added oil (dry pan cooking), electric grilling, oven baking, charcoal barbecue, and hazelnut shell charcoal barbecue, on PAH formation in Akçaabat meatballs. Samples obtained from eight different producers were analyzed for selected chemical properties and PAH contents using HPLC-FLD. While basic compositional characteristics varied among samples, the most significant differences were observed in PAH levels depending on the cooking method. The sum of four priority PAHs (∑PAH4) ranged between 7.70 and 112.38 µg/kg across all treatment s. Among the cooking methods, barbecue applications (charcoal and hazelnut shell charcoal) resulted in the highest PAH levels, frequently exceeding regulatory limits. In contrast, electric grilling produced the lowest PAH concentrations and showed the highest compliance with food safety standards. These findings demonstrate that cooking method plays a critical role in PAH formation and highlight the importance of selecting appropriate cooking techniques to minimize health risks. In this context, electric grilling can be considered a safer alternative, whereas traditional charcoal-based cooking methods may pose a significant risk in terms of PAH exposure.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Exercise-Rest on Mobilization in Knee Surgery Patients: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

    Aydin, Aydanur; Menekşeoğlu, Ahmet Kıvanç; Dilaver, İrem; Taş, Süleyman Kasım

    Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the impact of immersive virtual reality (IVR) interventions on enhancing mobilization in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Design A randomized, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty for the first time. Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention and control groups. The primary outcome, mobilization distance, was measured at the first postoperative mobilization using validated scales. Before mobilization, patients in the intervention group experienced a simulated walk through a tranquil forest accompanied by birdsong and meditation music via IVR goggles. Results All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, and postoperative medical care was standardized across both groups. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater mobilization distances and shorter initial walking times than the control group. Moreover, patients in the intervention group reported reduced postmobilization pain and expressed high satisfaction with the IVR experience. Conclusions The findings indicate that patients who experienced IVR intervention exhibited reduced postmobilization pain, increased mobilization distance, and higher satisfaction. This innovative technique has the potential to serve as a practical solution to enhance clinical improvement in various healthcare settings. Clinical Implications This study demonstrated the effectiveness of IVR-assisted mobilization in enhancing walking distance among patients undergoing knee surgery. The use of IVR presents an innovative and engaging approach to support postoperative mobilization in this patient population. Further research in this area may contribute to the development of more comprehensive and effective IVR interventions.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam