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Training of Speech and Language Pathologists in Neurogenic Disorders: Enhancing Expertise and Awareness in Communication and Swallowing Disorders
No full textPurpose: Previous studies conducted in Türkiye (Turkey) have revealed that the level of knowledge and awareness regarding swallowing disorders in neurogenic conditions among speech and language pathology students or graduates is relatively low. Furthermore, differences in curricula across various institutions highlight the need for standardized education in this area. This study aimed to assess changes in the knowledge and awareness levels of speech and language pathologists, as well as their opinions about the training, by organizing an educational programme focused on neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. Method: A total of 5 days (40 h) of training was carried out over three weekends, with the participation of 40 expert academicians from 20 different institutions. The training was attended by 247 participants on the first day. Before and after the training, a 40-question questionnaire was administered to measure the knowledge and awareness. One hundred and twenty-nine participants filled out both tests. After the training was completed, a 12-question evaluation questionnaire was applied to the participants. Results: The number of correct answers given by the participants who completed both the pre-test and post-test increased statistically significantly, from 19.09 ± 3.81 to 21.43 ± 3.67 (p < 0.001). The participants stated that their knowledge and awareness levels about the topics increased after the training, with a mean self-reported score of 8.99± 1.18 out of 10. Conclusions: This training event was the first of its kind in the field of speech and language pathology in Türkiye. While a statistically significant increase in knowledge and awareness was observed following the training, participants' overall knowledge levels remained relatively low. These findings underscore the need for additional and ongoing training to address existing gaps and further enhance professional competencies in this area. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Neurological diseases affect individuals of all age groups and may lead to communication, feeding and swallowing disorders. These problems negatively affect the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers. There is a deficiency in the knowledge, awareness and self-confidence levels of speech and language pathologists (SLPs) and SLP students regarding neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. What this paper adds to existing knowledge There is a need for training and support in the field of neurogenic communication or swallowing disorders both in Turkey and in other countries. In order to address this need, training on neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders was provided to 4th-year students in the SLP undergraduate programme and graduated SLPs in Turkey. What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? With this training, the knowledge and awareness levels of 4th-year students in the SLP undergraduate programme and graduate SLPs regarding neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders have increased. However, at the end of the training, there are still deficiencies in the knowledge levels of the participants, and it is thought that more training may be needed to overcome these deficiencies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TUBITA
Investigation of the effect of increasing gastrointestinal system secretions on complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
No full text[Abstract Not Available
Longitudinal Investigation of Brain and Spinal Cord Pericytes After Inducible PDGFR?+ Cell Ablation in Adult Mice
No full textCentral nervous system (CNS) pericytes play crucial roles in vascular development and blood–brain barrier maturation during prenatal development, as well as in regulating cerebral blood flow in adults. They have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous neurological disorders. However, the behavior of pericytes in the adult brain after injury remains poorly understood, partly due to limitations in existing pericyte ablation models. To investigate pericyte responses following acute ablation and characterize a novel rodent model for pericyte research, we developed a tamoxifen-inducible PDGFR?+ cell ablation model by crossing PDGFR?-P2A-CreERT2 and Rosa26-DTA176 transgenic mouse lines. Using this model, we studied the effects of different tamoxifen doses and conducted histological examinations 15 and 60 days post-injection to assess the impacts of PDGFR?+ cell ablation in both acute and chronic phases, respectively. Our results demonstrate that a low dose of tamoxifen effectively ablates PDGFR?+ cells of the CNS in mice without reducing survival or causing significant systemic side effects, such as weight loss. Additionally, we found that the extent of PDGFR?+ cell depletion varies between the cortex and the spinal cord, as well as between the gray and white matter regions of the spinal cord. Importantly, we observed that both pericyte coverage and numbers increased in the weeks following acute ablation, indicating the regenerative capacity of CNS pericytes in vivo. This study offers a valuable tool for future studies on the role of pericytes in neurological disorders by overcoming the limitations of constitutive pericyte ablation models and providing its longitudinal characterization in the CNS. (Figure presented.). © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Koç Üniversitesi Translasyonel Tıp Araştırma Merkezi, KUTTAM; Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK, (116S252, 119C018); Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTA
Examination of the relationship between the Groffman Visual Tracing test and Smooth Pursuit test: a cross-sectional analysis
No full textPurposeSmooth Pursuit and Groffman Visual Tracing (GVT) tests are tracking tests used to evaluate oculomotor processes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between GVT and the Smooth Pursuit test, which assesses various aspects of oculomotor function.MethodsThe study was conducted with 41 participants aged between 18-30 years with normal hearing thresholds. The Smooth Pursuit test and the two-card GVT test were administered to participants.ResultsA statistically significant moderate correlation (r = 0.497; p = 0.001) was observed between the horizontal and vertical Smooth Pursuit test asymmetry of the individuals participating in the study and the mean execution time of the GVT test card A and the left horizontal (LH), and a statistically significant moderate correlation (r = 0.443; p = 0.004) was observed between the mean execution time of the card B and the LH.ConclusionThe study suggests that the GVT is not a substitute for the Smooth Pursuit test in healthy adults; however, correlation may not have been obtained for the right eye due to limited sample size. Future research is recommended to examine the relationship between these two tests in a large sample size
A Comprehensive Framework for Occupational Health and Safety Performance Measurement: Integrating Balanced Scorecards and Fuzzy Best-Worst Method
No full textEffectively managing any process is fundamentally linked to the measurement of its performance. In the realm of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) applications, where the primary goal is the protection of human life, performance measurement is vital for managing processes and evaluating strategic objectives. This paper introduces a comprehensive enhancement of the widely recognized Balanced Scorecard (BSC), tailored to OHS processes. The proposed model incorporates four strategic dimensions and 28 performance indicators relevant to OHS management. To determine the importance levels of these indicators, the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM) is utilized within a group decision-making context, enabling structured prioritization under uncertainty. The model contributes to the literature by providing a systematic tool for OHS performance evaluation. A real-world application demonstrates its practical relevance and offers a standardized format for assessing OHS metrics, facilitating more accurate and efficient evaluations. Stability and comparative analyses confirm the robustness and consistency of the proposed approach
Neurobehavioral effects of maternal triphenyl phosphite exposure: A comparative experimental study using the valproic acid model
No full textAim: Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by impairments in one or more developmental domains originating in the embryonic period and persisting throughout life. Autism, experimentally induced by valproic acid (VPA) in animal models, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of maternal exposure to triphenyl phosphite (TPP), a neurotoxic organophosphorus compound, and VPA in terms of neurobehavioral alterations. Materials and Methods: Pregnant rats were randomly assigned to three groups: VPA (n=3), TPP (n=3), and control (n=3). Each group received an intraperitoneal injection of either VPA, TPP, or saline (for the control group) on embryonic day 12.5. Male offspring (n=10 per group) were evaluated on postnatal days 33–34 using the Marble Burying Test and the Three-Chambered Social Interaction Test. Animals were perfused on postnatal day 35 for immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Results: TPP group exhibited a significant increase in marble burying behavior (p<0.05). Also, Three-Chamber Social Interaction Test revealed significant impairments in social interaction in the VPA and TPP groups compared to the control (p<0.05). Histologic evaluation revealed higher nestin-positive cell density in the subgranular zone of the control group compared to VPA and TPP groups (p<0.05). Synaptophysin expression in the CA3 region was higher in the control group than in the VPA and TPP groups (p<0.05). Connexin-43 expression increased in the CA1 region of the TPP group compared to controls (p<0.05), while no significant change was observed in the VPA group. Conclusion: Maternal TPP exposure may be regarded as a risk factor for autism-related neurodevelopmental disorders
Financial Toxicity and Employment: Experienced Drawbacks for Back to Work
No full textWhile financial toxicity is often discussed in the context of healthcare costs, its consequences extend into the employment sphere and pose significant challenges for cancer patients seeking to re-enter the workforce. The burden of cancer treatment can lead to prolonged absence from work, reduced productivity and potential barriers to employment due to health-related limitations. This creates a complex interplay between financial strain and professional expectations as individuals strike a delicate balance between managing their health and maintaining their livelihoods. Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in the world, is associated with employment issues. The impact of cancer on employment highlights the need for comprehensive support systems and policies that address not only medical costs but also the broader socioeconomic consequences of the disease. This chapter highlights the complex relationship between financial toxicity and employment. It provides insights into returning to work as cancer survivors struggle with the economic consequences of their diagnosis and treatment. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Investigation of the protective and therapeutic effects of coenzyme Q10 on acoustic trauma-induced hearing loss in rats
No full textBackground Acoustic trauma is a process in which the sound energy coming into the ear is so high that it causes hearing loss. Although various treatments have entered clinical practice today, studies on the prevention and treatment of acoustic trauma continue. In our study, we investigated the protective and therapeutic effects of CoQ10 in rats with hearing loss due to acoustic trauma. Materials and method 35 Wistar-type Albino rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. The groups are the acoustic trauma group (group 1), the ethanol (solvent of CoQ10) group (group 2), the group given CoQ10 treatment after acoustic trauma (group 3), the control group (group 4), and the group given CoQ10 both before and after acoustic trauma (group 5). At the beginning of the experiment, after CoQ10 treatment and after acoustic trauma, the ABR test was performed in accordance with the experimental plan. At the end of the treatment, ABR was performed on all subjects and the subjects were sacrificed and their bilateral cochleas were excised. Cochleas were examined histopathologically. Results Hearing thresholds in the ABR performed on the last day of the study of rats that received CoQ10 after acoustic trauma and those that received CoQ10 both before and after acoustic trauma were significantly better than the measurements on the first day after acoustic trauma(p < 0.05). In histopathological examination, it was observed that the rats in group 5 had more outer hair cells than those in groups 1 and 3. Marginal cell loss in the stria vascularis was less, and nuclear degeneration in the spiral ganglia was less. Conclusion In our study, it was determined that CoQ10 had both a protective and therapeutic effect on hearing loss due to acoustic trauma. Better ABR results were obtained in the group given CoQ10 both before and after acoustic trauma
Enhanced photoluminescence properties of Eu3+/Li+ co-doped ZrO2: A focus on red and far-red emissions
No full textIn this study, Eu3+ and Li+ co-doped ZrO2 nanophosphors were synthesized using a microwave-assisted gel combustion method. While the synthesis method ensures phase stabilization, it does not directly enhance photoluminescence (PL) intensity. Instead, the observed PL enhancement originates from Li+ co-doping, which improves charge compensation and modifies local symmetry. Structural analysis confirmed the stabilization of the tetragonal phase due to Li+ co-doping, which introduced controlled oxygen vacancies. These structural changes led to a 4.67-fold intensity enhancement in red emission at 611 nm (5D0 - 7F2 transition), and a 4.26fold increase in far-red emission at 711 nm (5D0 - 7F4 transition). Optimal doping concentrations of Eu3+ (0.02) and Li+ (0.03) achieved the highest luminescence intensity while maintaining color purity values up to 88.71 %. High-temperature PL measurements revealed stable emission peaks up to 550 K, demonstrating the material's thermal stability despite intensity reductions due to thermal quenching. These findings establish Eu3+/Li+ codoped ZrO2 nanophosphors as promising candidates for solid-state lighting, plant growth lighting, and optoelectronic applications requiring enhanced red and far-red emissions.Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [PNURSP2025R16]; Cukurova University [FBA-2023-16431]; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [223M036]This study was supported by the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2025R16), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The authors also acknowledge the financial support from the Scientific Research Projects of Cukurova University FBA-2023-16431 projects. Additional support was provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under the 1001 Program, project number 223M036
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Breast Cancer: A Detailed View of the Burdensome Side Effect of Chemotherapy
No full textChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side effect that may be observed in breast cancer patients both during and after completing chemotherapy. CIPN is characterized by developing symmetric “glove and stocking” like neuropathy. Sensory involvement is prominent in CIPN, whereas motor and autonomic involvement are generally less common. Although a combination of objective and subjective methods is recommended for evaluating CIPN, there is currently no consensus on a measurement that can be considered the gold standard. Regular assessments are essential to avoid overlooking CIPN and to assess the severity, symptoms, and related dysfunctions when CIPN is present. Understanding the pathophysiology, risk factors, and variety of symptoms is crucial for effectively managing CIPN. Treatment strategies for CIPN include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Physical therapy approaches, especially exercise training, are promising in the management of CIPN. Management of risk factors to prevent CIPN and implementing effective management strategies in the presence of CIPN are critical to improving patients’ quality of life and maintaining (neo)adjuvant treatment efficacy. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved