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Association between mediterranean diet adherence and intuitive and mindful eating in Turkish young adults
No full textBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and adaptive eating behaviors, specifically intuitive eating and mindful eating, among Turkish young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2293 young adults aged 18-34 years who completed an online survey between December 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-30). One-way ANOVA compared eating behavior scores across adherence groups. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the unique contribution of MEDAS scores after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, health, lifestyle, and nutritional factors. Results: Among the participants, 64.5% demonstrated low, 27.0% moderate, and 8.4% high Mediterranean diet adherence. ANOVA revealed significant differences in both IES-2 and MEQ-30 scores across groups. In hierarchical regression, MEDAS significantly predicted intuitive eating (B = 0.023, p = 0.004, contributing 10.72% to explained variance) and mindful eating (B = 0.776, p = 0.001, contributing 13.61%) after controlling for all covariates. BMI emerged as the strongest predictor for both outcomes, with divergent associations: negative for intuitive eating and positive for mindful eating. Final models explained 5.8% and 6.2% of variance in IES-2 and MEQ-30, respectively. Conclusions: Mediterranean diet adherence demonstrated significant positive associations with both intuitive and mindful eating behaviors, independent of multiple confounders. Although effect sizes were modest, these findings suggest that promoting Mediterranean dietary patterns may complement interventions aimed at fostering adaptive eating behaviors. The divergent BMI associations warrant further investigation.Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar Universit
Reliability of pulmonary function tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No full textIntroduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is frequently underdiagnosed due to limited use and suboptimal quality of spirometry. Methods: This multicenter, prospective observational study aimed to assess the quality of spirometry tests in COPD patients across six tertiary care centers in Turkey. A total of 560 spirometry tests were independently evaluated by two pulmonologists, and inter-rater reliability was analyzed using Cohen's Kappa. Results: The study included 124 women and 436 men, with a mean age of 65.9 +/- 10.2 years. Spirometry patterns were interpreted as obstructive in 79.1% of tests, restrictive in 5.7%, mixed in 2.7%, normal in 6.7%, inconclusive in 5.5%, and as upper airway obstruction in 0.18% of cases (K=0.890). Routine post-bronchodilator testing was performed in 87.14% of the cases, while 12.85% were post-reversibility tests. Graphical data included volume-time curves (88.5%), flow-volume loops (99.6%), and inspiratory limbs (98.7%). Reference values were predominantly based on ECSC (86.4%), followed by GLI (8.9%) and NHANES (0.25%). Mean spirometric values included FEV1 (% predicted) 57.2%, FVC (% predicted) 72.7%, and FEV1/FVC 61.9%. Cough in the first second of FVC was observed in 17 (3%) (K=0.677), variable or insufficient effort 13.4% (K=0.563), mouth leak 1.8% (K=0.305), mouthpiece obstruction 0.5% (K=0.332), rapid expiration 1.8% (K=0.354), increased concavity 83% (K=0.683), and small airway obstruction 87% (K=0.709) were reported by interpreters. Conclusion: Spirometry reports frequently lack key information such as preliminary diagnoses, test indication, technician, and device details. ECSC is the most commonly used reference. Rates of inconclusive and erroneous tests-due to variable or insufficient effort, mouth leak, mouthpiece obstruction, and rapid expiration-are low
The mine blast algorithm for the structural optimization of electrical vehicle components (vol 62, pg 497, 2020)
No full textBiomedical potential of novel copper(II) complexes: From synthesis and characterization to biointeraction profiles and molecular docking approaches
No full textIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in the synthesis of novel compounds with medicinal potential, particularly those exhibiting antioxidant properties, due to their ability to delay, prevent, or eliminate oxidative damage in target cells. In this study, synthesis and comprehensive characterization of three novel copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L1)(phen)] (1), [Cu(L1)(py-phen)] (2) and [Cu(L2)(py-phen)] (3),-featuring Schiff base ligands derived from 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde and valine (L1)/glycine (L2), phen: 1,10-phenanthroline, py-phen: pyr-azino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline-were carried out using electronic absorption spectroscopy, CHN analysis, FTIR, ESI-MS, and X-ray diffraction. Electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to investigate the interactions between the complexes 1-3 and CT-DNA, trypsin, and urease. The complexes 1-3 were found to bind CT-DNA through minor groove interaction, while their fluorescence quenching with trypsin and urease proceeded via a static mechanism. To better understand the molecular basis of these biological effects, molecular docking simulations were employed to evaluate the binding affinities and interaction profiles of the complexes 1-3 against three biologically relevant macromolecular targets: B-DNA, trypsin, and urease. The docking results revealed high binding affinities, particularly toward DNA, and moderate interactions with trypsin and urease. These findings highlight the role of non-classical interactions such as it-anion, it-sulphur, it-it stacking, and carbon-hydrogen bonds in stabilizing the complexes 1-3 within biologically relevant binding sites. Importantly, the complexes 1-3 preferentially engaged in minor groove binding to DNA and occupied catalytic clefts in the enzymes without directly interfering with key active residues. The docking results provide a molecular basis for the observed or anticipated biological activities and support the potential of the complexes 1-3 as candidates for further pharmacological evaluation. In vitro assessment of the complexes' antioxidant activity revealed a moderate scavenging efficiency. The findings of this study deepen the understanding of the complexes 1-3's interactions with enzymes and emphasize their value in biomedical and pharmaceutical research
Long-term nitrogen deposition disrupts carbon cycling and enhances plant-derived carbon sequestration in a temperate forest
No full textNitrogen (N) deposition alters carbon (C) dynamics in forests, but its long-term impact on soil C biogeochemistry remains unelucidated at the molecular-level. We collected soils after 27 consecutive years of N additions in a temperate forest and examined soil chemistry using molecular soil organic matter (SOM) compositional analysis to unravel mechanisms and impacts on soil biogeochemistry. N-addition increased soil C storage in the forest floor, where microbial stress increased and decomposition was suppressed, causing accumulation of aboveground plant inputs such as leaf litter and a shift toward less stable SOM. In the mineral soil, C storage did not change significantly, but decomposition of root and woody materials was reduced, and microbes exhibited stress. After nearly three decades, microbial stress persisted with a community shift toward fewer Gram-negative bacteria, which prefer labile C like cellulose. The rise in more labile C forms further supported accumulation of microbially preferred substrates. Overall, chronic N deposition thus impairs microbial decomposition and alters SOM composition, reducing C turnover and leading to accumulation of less persistent C forms that may be vulnerable to loss upon forest disturbance or environmental change. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating microbial and chemical composition in predicting long-term N deposition impacts on forest soil C sequestration and demonstrate the severe impacts on biogeochemical processes in forests.Version of Recor
Does ecological anxiety undermine healthy and balanced nutrition while boosting sustainable consumption in young adults? A cross-sectional study of university students
No full textPurpose This study aims to examine the relationship between ecological anxiety levels and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and sustainable consumption behaviors in young adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the data of 689 students studying at X University were evaluated. Data were collected using the Ecological Anxiety Scale, the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale, and the Sustainable Consumption Behaviors Scale. Results Ecological anxiety showed a negative relationship with Healthy and Balanced Nutrition [Model 1 (beta:-0.086, p < 0.05), Model 2 (beta:-0.079, p < 0.05), and Model 3 (beta:-0.073, p < 0.05)]. Ecological anxiety showed a positive relationship with Environmental Awareness [Model 1 (beta: 0.077, p < 0.05), Model 2 (beta: 0.083, p < 0.05), and Model 3 (beta: 0.088, p < 0.05)] and Reusability [Model 1 (beta: 0.107, p < 0.05), Model 2 (beta: 0.100, p < 0.05), and Model 3 (beta: 0.100, p < 0.05)]. Conclusions Overall, ecological anxiety was associated with lower levels of healthy and balanced nutrition, but with higher levels of sustainable consumption behaviors, particularly environmental awareness and reusability
Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index in mucosal malignant melanoma
No full textBackground: Mucosal malignant melanoma (MMM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis. While the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) has emerged as a prognostic marker in various solid tumors, its specific value in MMM remains undefined. This study investigated the association between pretreatment SII and overall survival (OS) in patients with MMM. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 106 adults with histologically confirmed MMM treated at six oncology centers in Turkey between 2005 and 2025. The baseline SII was calculated as platelet x neutrophil/lymphocyte counts obtained before definitive treatment. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified an optimal SII cutoff of 776 for overall survival (OS), defining low (= 776) SII groups. Results: Gastrointestinal and head and neck mucosa were the most frequent primary sites, and one-third of patients presented with metastatic disease. The median OS for the entire cohort was 23.3 months. Patients with a high versus low SII had a shorter OS (16.2 vs. 35.2 months; HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.67-4.40; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, a high SII (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.12-3.14; p = 0.016), gastrointestinal primary site (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.23-3.23; p = 0.005), and metastatic disease at diagnosis (HR 4.01, 95% CI 2.32-6.94; p < 0.001) independently predicted a worse OS. Conclusions: The SII is a novel, independent prognostic biomarker in MMM. Elevated pretreatment SII correlates with aggressive clinicopathologic features and inferior survival. As a readily accessible and cost-effective marker, SII may facilitate improved risk stratification in routine clinical practice for MMM patients
Ex vivo evaluation of cd3 + cd8 + t cell subpopulations in red blood cell concentrates: Does storage time play an important role?
No full textBackground/Objectives: Our study was designed to explore the potential role of allogeneic CD8+ T lymphocytes present in red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) in the development of transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) and the effect of storage time on these cells. Methods: From six units of whole blood, donated by volunteers, RBCs were obtained and each one was divided into three equal parts to provide the samples for storage days 0, 21, and 42. On related days, mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from these RBC samples. MNCs were cultured, and phytohemagglutinin was added to half of the culture wells to stimulate the cells and achieve T cell division. Supernatants and MNCs were obtained from stimulated (STI) and unstimulated (US) wells. Supernatants were used for cytokine analyses, while MNCs were used to investigate the T cells and transcription factors. Results: The frequency of CD8+ T lymphocytes (Tc), their subgroups (Tc1, Tc2, and Tc17), specific transcription factors, and effector cytokines decreased during the storage time, but cell viability increased. CD3+CD8+TNF-alpha+ cells were significantly higher in the STI group on day 0 compared to the US group. Other cells did not respond to the mitogen (phytohemagglutinin) stimulation. Conclusions: During storage, the number of Tc cells and their ability to respond to mitogens decreased over time. The unresponsiveness was not recovered in ex vivo cell culture. Our findings suggest that transfused Tc cells are unlikely to be primary mediators of TRIM
Effect of type-ii diabetes mellitus on swallowing difficulty, swallowing anxiety, laryngeal function, and water swallowing performance
No full textBackground Type-II Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disorder in people who are over 65 years of age. It can lead to incoordination and weakness of the swallowing muscles, causing difficulty with swallowing. Objective To assess swallowing difficulty, swallowing anxiety, laryngeal function, and water swallowing performance in TII-DM patients. Study design Prospective case-control study. Methods A total of 166 elderly individuals (106 females and 78 Type-II DM) were included in the present study. Self-reported swallowing difficulty, self-reported swallowing anxiety, handgrip strength, maximum phonation time, and water swallowing performance were evaluated. Results There was a difference between the groups in terms of body mass index (BMI), self-reported swallowing difficulty, self-reported swallowing anxiety, handgrip strength, and maximum phonation time (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p:0.002; p:0.023, respectively) BMI, self-reported Swallowing Difficulty scores, and self-reported Swallowing Anxiety scores of elderly individuals with Type II DM were higher than those in the control group. In contrast, grip strength and maximum phonation time values were lower. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, number of swallows, Swallowing Time, Swallow Volume, Swallow Speed, and Swallow Capacity values (p:0.727; p:0.141; p:0.933; p:0.141; p:0.277; p:0.933, respectively). Conclusion Swallowing function, laryngeal function, and grip strength were found to be negatively affected in elderly individuals with TII DM compared to those without the condition. On the contrary, it was found that it did not affect water swallowing performance. Swallowing anxiety can be considered an important criterion that should be evaluated in elderly people with Type-II DM. Studies investigating solid food swallowing performance in individuals with Type-II DM, where swallowing muscle strength is more clearly required, are needed
Hyperspectral imaging-based non-destructive detection of freshness changes in MAP stew-braised duck neck during refrigerated storage
No full textStew-braised duck (SBD) products packaged with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are prone to quality deterioration during refrigerated storage. Traditional detection methods are time-consuming and invasive. This study aimed to investigate the quality changes of MAP-packaged SBD and to achieve real-time, non-destructive detection using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) without opening the packages. Freshness indicators were evaluated using traditional methods, including pH, total viable count (TVC), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) at 4 °C and 10 °C. A unique image segmentation approach was applied to extract spectral data in the 900–1700 nm range, which were analyzed to evaluate quality changes during 19 days, with a focus on moisture distribution and TVB-N levels. A three-stage fusion strategy involving machine learning models (PLS, RF, PLS-RF), preprocessing techniques (MSC, SG, SNV) and feature extraction methods (CARS, GA, IVSO) was developed. Ultimately, the full-wavelength model at 4 °C using PLS-RF (Rc2 = 0.967, RMSEC = 0.710, Rp2 = 0.749, RMSEP = 1.951, RPD = 2.026) and the model at 10 °C with SNV-CARS preprocessing using PLS-RF (Rc2 = 0.961, RMSEC = 0.944, Rp2 = 0.747, RMSEP = 2.431, RPD = 2.003) were identified as optimal for visualizing pixel-level predictions of TVB-N content. This research confirms the feasibility and potential of HSI for non-destructive and rapid detection in MAP-packaged products