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The effectiveness of exercise training and virtual reality on disability, pain, and joint position sense in individuals with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial
No full textÇalışmanın amacı, kronik boyun ağrısı (KBA) olan bireylerde, boyun egzersizlerine ek olarak uygulanan sanal gerçeklik (SG) temelli müdahalenin; özürlülük, ağrı, eklem pozisyon hissi hatası (EPHH), eklem hareket açıklığı (EHA), basınç ağrı eşiği (BAE), kinezyofobi ve uyku üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektir. Çalışmaya katılan 20-45 yaş arasındaki 46 kadın hasta, rastgele olarak SG grubu (n=23) ve kontrol grubu (n=23) olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. SG grubuna, 20 dakikalık boyun egzersizlerine ek olarak 20 dakika SG gözlüğüyle egzersiz uygulandı. Kontrol grubuna ise yalnızca 40 dakika boyun egzersizleri uygulandı. Gruplara haftada 2 gün olmak üzere toplam 8 hafta süreyle uygulama yapıldı. Değerlendirmelerde, EHA ve EPHH CROM (cervical range of motion) cihazı ile; BAE algometre ile ölçüldü. Ağrı düzeyi Vizüel Analog Skala (VAS), özürlülük düzeyi Boyun Özürlülük Anketi (BÖA) ve Bournemouth Boyun Anketi (BBA), kinezyofobi Tampa Kinezyofobi Ölçeği (TKÖ) ve uyku kalitesi Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi İndeksi (PUKİ) kullanılarak değerlendirildi. Sonuçlar hem SG grubunda hem de kontrol grubunda VAS, BÖA, BBA, EPHH, EHA, BAE ve TKÖ skorlarında grup içi analizlerde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı iyileşmeler olduğunu gösterdi (p<0,05). Ancak uyku kalitesinde anlamlı değişim yalnızca kontrol grubunda gözlendi (p<0,05). Gruplar arası karşılaştırmalarda ise, SG grubunda VAS, BBA, EPHH (fleksiyon, ekstansiyon, sağ lateral fleksiyon, sol lateral fleksiyon ve sağ rotasyon) ve EHA (fleksiyon) değerlerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde iyileşme saptandı (p<0,05). Bu bulgular, KBA olan bireylerde boyun egzersizlerine ek olarak uygulanan SG temelli müdahalenin; özürlülük, ağrı, EPHH ve EHA üzerine olumlu etkiler sağladığını ve teknolojik temelli rehabilitasyon yöntemlerinin etkili ve uygulanabilir bir seçenek olduğunu göstermiştir. Anahtar kelimeler: Egzersiz; Kronik Boyun Ağrısı; Sanal GerçeklikThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a virtual reality (VR)-based intervention, applied in addition to neck exercises program, on disability, pain, joint position sense error (JPSE), range of motion (ROM), pressure pain threshold (PPT), kinesiophobia, and sleep in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). Forty-six female patients aged between 20 and 45 who participated in the study were randomly divided into two groups: the VR group (n=23) and the control group (n=23). The VR group performed 20 minutes of neck exercises plus 20 minutes of VR-based exercise, while the control group completed 40 minutes of neck exercises. Both groups participated in the intervention twice a week for a total of 8 weeks. ROM and JPSE were assessed using a CROM (cervical range of motion) device, and PPT with an algometer. Pain was measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ); kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK); and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, NDI, NBQ, JPSE, ROM, PPT, and TSK scores in within-group analyses (p<0.05). However, significant improvement in sleep quality was observed only in the control group (p<0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed significant improvements in the VR group in VAS, NBQ, JPSE (flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation), and ROM (flexion) (p<0.05). These findings suggest that VR-based intervention combined with neck exercises can positively affect disability, pain, JPSE, and ROM in individuals with CNP, and supports the efficacy and feasibility of technology-assisted rehabilitation approaches. Key words: Chronic Neck Pain; Exercise; Virtual Realit
Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiovascular Prevention in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Initial Assessment to Comprehensive Management
No full textDiabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, stroke, aortic disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral arterial disease. This condition negatively impacts prognosis by increasing the risk of future cardiovascular (CV) events. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus need a comprehensive and personalized assessment and definition of the CV risk profile. In very high-risk individuals, special attention is required due to the high risk of adverse events despite appropriate management and treatment. Key interventions to reduce this risk include CV prevention and cardiac rehabilitation. Traditional and non-traditional CV risk factor management, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, aerobic and resistance exercise training, psychosocial and frailty management, optimal pharmacological therapy, and investigation of comorbidities are recommended to reduce the development of CV disease and mortality. Therefore, our manuscript provides updated and critical evidence on the comprehensive management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in clinical practice from the perspective of CV prevention and cardiac rehabilitation, with a focus on individuals at very high risk. Further, practical guidance on individualizing exercise prescriptions based on patient-specific risk profiles and comorbid conditions is provided
Flexible screen-printed electrode for cortisol detection based on sulfur-doped graphene/gold nanoparticles conductive ınk
No full textAbstract
Cortisol (COR), a glucocorticoid hormone synthesized by the adrenal gland and commonly referred to as the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in the regulation of numerous physiological processes in humans. For this reason, the ability to quantify COR rapidly and accurately is of significant importance. In this study, a paper-based flexible electrochemical sensor was developed for the determination of COR utilizing a conductive ink. Sulfur-doped graphene (S-G), synthesized using Yucel's method, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as conductive materials, and conductive inks with this composition were developed. The conductive ink was integrated onto paper substrates via screen printing to form flexible electrodes. The optimum conditions for sensor fabrication were identified, and electrochemical, chemical, and morphological characterizations were conducted. The sensor exhibited a detection limit of 15.39 ng mL-1, and its economical and user-friendly design renders it an advantageous option for practical applications. The results obtained from the analytical studies indicated that the sensor demonstrated stability and reproducibility for COR measurement. In conclusion, the proposed flexible sensor can be regarded as a model for future flexible and wearable studies.
S-G and AuNPs based conductive ink was developed for direct COR determination.Optimizations were implemented in the S-G/AuNPs ink.The characterization studies of flexible S-G/AuNPs/SPE were carried out.To examine the applicability of SPE in real samples, artificial sweat was studied
Methylphenidate-effects on orthodontic tooth movement, orthodontically induced and nonorthodontic root resorption? A micro-computed tomography and immunohistochemical analysis
Full text linkAbstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effect of methylphenidate, prescribed for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and root resorption. Methods In all, 30 rats were divided into (1) control (C), (2) constant (MCD), and (3) increasing dose of methylphenidate (MID) groups and 2 subgroups for each of them (nonorthodontic (30 days)/orthodontic (44 days)). After receiving saline or methylphenidate for 30 days, rats in the nonorthodontic groups were euthanized (n = 5/group). Subsequently, 50 g of orthodontic force was applied to the remaining rats' first molars for 14 days (orthodontic groups). Quantitative micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted. For statistical analyses Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnet tests were applied with a significance set at p < 0.05. Results Micro-CT analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in tooth displacement with higher doses of methylphenidate compared to control and lower-dose groups, though no significant difference was detected between MID-44 and MCD-44 groups. Orthodontic force led to a significant increase in root resorption, peaking in the coronal region and diminishing toward the apex. The highest amount of resorption was observed in the MID groups, with a significant difference between nonorthodontic MID-30 and C-30 groups. No significant changes in bone parameters were noted in the tension zone, but numerical reductions in trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and bone mineral density (BMD) were observed. In nonorthodontic cohorts, VEGF and RANK levels were significantly elevated in the MID-30 group, along with increased TRAP expression, indicating bone resorption. Orthodontic cohorts exhibited a significant increase in RANK- and TRAP-positive cells with methylphenidate administration. Reductions in OPG and elevations in RANK, RANKL, VEGF, and TRAP were noted, primarily between orthodontic and nonorthodontic groups. Conclusion The present rat model suggests a weak potential for methylphenidate to increase root resorption. However, increased doses of methylphenidate accelerated OTM
Chemical composition alterations in rat brain hypothalamus induced by irisin administration using spectroscopic and machine learning techniques
No full textAbstract
This study employed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of brain tissues and the changes induced by irisin at doses of 50 mg and 100 mg. Brain tissues were collected from control rats and those administered with irisin, and key vibrational peaks were analyzed. In the 50 mg irisin group, all described vibrations decreased compared to control tissues, while the 100 mg group showed a decrease only in lipid vibrations. Comparatively, the 50 mg group had lower absorbance of phospholipids, amides, and lipid functional groups than the 100 mg group. Lower amounts of these compounds were found in treated tissues compared to controls, with higher levels in the 100 mg group. Ratios between amide peaks revealed significant differences between groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated control and irisin-treated tissues, primarily using PC1 and PC3. The decision tree model exhibited high classification accuracy, especially in the 800-1800 cm-1 range, with high sensitivity and specificity. FTIR spectroscopy effectively highlighted chemical changes in brain tissues due to irisin, demonstrating dose-dependent variations. The combination of PCA, ROC analysis, and decision tree modeling underscored the potential of FTIR spectroscopy for studying the biochemical effects of compounds like irisin
Phospholipid conjugates: formation of the intramolecular π-cation complex
Full text linkAbstract
Phospholipid conjugates consist of functionally different classes of molecules: phospholipid drug conjugates,
fluorescent lipid probes and lipid molecular motors. All these conjugates are molecules that bear a functional
group– a drug, a fluorophore or a molecular motor attached to the phospholipid. The conjugation is needed to
incorporate a functional group into the lipid bilayer of liposome or lipid nanoparticle and thus, either modulate the
effect of the drug or bring a new function to the liposome. Here, using NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemistry
calculations, we show that phospholipid conjugates can form intramolecular π-cation complexes between
quaternary ammonium group of the phosphatidylcholine and aromatic ring of the conjugated moiety. We also
report on how to avoid the π-cation complex formation. If the linker between the aromatic moiety and the choline
group is long enough the formation of π-cation complex is not observed
Sensitive, low cost and disposable electrochemical dopamine sensor based on Ag-NP/f-MWCNT/Poly (L-Cysteine)/ PGE
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In this study, a single-step electrochemical method was employed to coat the electrode surface with a hybrid material comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and poly(Lcysteine). This material was used for the electrochemical determination of dopamine (DA). The electrocatalytic effect
of the AgNPs/f-MWCNT/Poly(L-cysteine) hybrid material in DA determination exhibited superior performance in the
sensitive and selective determination of DA, due to its well-designed morphology and surface functional groups. The
spectroscopic, structural and morphological analyses of the AgNPs/f-MWCNT/Poly(L-cysteine)/PGE sensor electrode
were conducted using XRD, FT-IR, Raman and SEM-EDS. The electrochemical properties and sensitivity of the sensor
electrode employed in the determination of DA were investigated through the utilisation of cyclic voltammetry (CV),
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methodologies. The limit of
detection (LOD) value of the DA sensor was calculated to be 0.068 µM, while the limit of quantification (LOQ) value
was determined to be 0.23 µM. Furthermore, linear ranges of 0.1 µM to 5.0 µM and 10 µM to 1000 µM were obtained.
The repeatability test of the sensor electrode was also performed, and the RSD value was found to be 4.14%
The relationship between chronic fatigue and nutritional habits in adults: Avcılar case
No full textYorgunluk; günümüzde sıklıkla karşılaşılan, performans düşüklüğü ve yaşam kalitesinde azalma gibi sonuçları olan önemli bir sağlık sorunudur. Yorgunluğun tedavi edilememesi, semptomlarının artmasıyla kronik yorgunluk sendromu gelişebilir. Yorgunluğun; biyolojik, psikolojik ve çevresel olmak üzere çok yönlü etmenlerle ilişkili olduğu bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada; beslenme alışkanlıklarının ve besin öğesi takviyelerinin yorgunluk üzerine etkilerini değerlendirmek, KYS gelişimini azaltacak beslenme alışkanlıkları belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma, Avcılar Anadolu Hastanesi'nde 18-65 yaş arası 122 bireyin yüz yüze anket ile gönüllü katılımıyla gerçekleştirilmiş, kişisel bilgi formu, besin tüketim sıklığı ve yorgunluk şiddeti ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda yaşın artması ve medeni durum gibi sosyo-demografik faktörlerin yorgunluk üzerinde anlamlı etkileri olduğu, BKİ artması ve fiziksel aktivitenin azalmasıyla yorgunluk puanları ve kronik yorgunluk riskinin arttığı saptanmıştır (p<0,001; p=0,001). Multivitamin-mineral tüketimi ile yorgunluk düzeyleri anlamlı görülmüştür (p=0,025). Rafine karbonhidrattan zengin pirinç-bulgur-makarna (p=0,003), çikolata (p=0,003), şeker-bal-reçel (p=0,034), sütlü-şerbetli tatlılar (p=0,006; p=0,023) gibi besinlerin tüketimleriyle yorgunluk düzeyleri arasında anlamlı ilişki gözlemlenmiştir. Meyve tüketimi arttıkça yorgunluk azaldığı (p=0,278), işlenmiş et ürünlerinin tüketimi arttıkça yorgunluk düzeylerinn arttığı görülmüştür (p<0,001). Hazır meyve suyu (p=0,02), hazır yemekleri (p=0,042) her gün tüketenlerin FSS puanlarının hiç tüketmeyenlere göre istatistiksel anlamlı olduğu saptanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda; çeşitli beslenme alışkanlıkları ile yorgunluk düzeyleri, kronik yorgunluk riskleri ile ilgili anlamlı ilişkiler olduğu ancak spesifik besinler ve özelliklerle ilgili literatüre katkı sağlayacak daha fazla bilimsel çalışmaya ihtiyaç duyulduğu görülmüştür.Fatigue is a significant health issue frequently encountered today, leading to consequences such as decreased performance, reduced quality of life. If left untreated, fatigue may worsen and develop into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Fatigue is known to be associated with various biological, psychological, and environmental factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary habits and nutritional supplements on fatigue and to identify dietary behaviors that may help reduce the risk of developing CFS. The research was conducted at Avcılar Anadolu Hospital with the voluntary participation of 122 individuals aged 18 to 65 through face-to-face surveys. A personal information form, food frequency questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were administered. As a result of the study, it was found that socio-demographic factors such as increasing age and marital status had significant effects on fatigue. In addition, as BMI increased and physical activity decreased, fatigue scores and the risk of chronic fatigue also increased. A significant relationship was found between multivitamin-mineral supplementation and fatigue levels (p=0.025). A significant association was also observed between fatigue levels and the consumption of foods rich in refined carbohydrates such as rice-bulgur-pasta (p=0.003), chocolate (p=0.003), sugar-honey-jam (p=0.034) and milk-syrup based desserts (p=0.006; p=0.023). While increased fruit consumption was associated with decreased fatigue (p=0.278), higher consumption of processed meat products was linked to increased fatigue levels (p<0.001). It was also determined that those who consumed packaged fruit juice (p=0.02) and ready-made meals (p=0.042) every day had significantly higher FSS scores compared to those who did not consume them at all. In conclusion, the study found significant relationships between various dietary habits and levels of fatigue and chronic fatigue risk. However, more scientific studies are needed to contribute to the literature regarding specific foods and nutrients
Alert Results Temporal trends and patterns in suicidal ideation among adolescents in 23 countries from 2003 to 2021 Context Sensitive Links 6 of 9 Temporal trends and patterns in suicidal ideation among adolescents in 23 countries from 2003 to 2021
No full textAlthough suicidal ideation is a significant issue among adolescents, previous studies have largely relied on cross-sectional data collected at a single time point or have been limited to individual countries, providing limited insight into temporal trends across diverse populations. Therefore, we aimed to examine temporal trends in suicidal ideation among adolescents across 23 countries. We analyzed data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (2003–2021), which included adolescents aged 13–15 years in 23 countries. Each participant participated in multiple surveys, and survey years varied by country. Prior to trend estimation, we compared linear and quadratic fits where more than three surveys were available to identify near-linear patterns. Temporal trend was quantified as the average annual percentage change (AAPC), which was calculated by weighted log-linear regression on the log prevalence rates of the survey years, applied separately to boys and girls. The study analyzed 185,941 school-attending adolescents (46.45% male) across 23 countries. The prevalence of suicidal ideation showed significant upward trends in six countries: Myanmar (AAPC, 32.04%/year; 2007–2016), Guyana (AAPC, 8.88%/year; 2010–2014), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (AAPC, 3.87%/year; 2007–2018), Mongolia (AAPC, 3.67%/year; 2010–2013), Bolivia (AAPC, 3.02%/year; 2012–2018), and Seychelles (AAPC, 2.54%/year; 2007–2015). Conversely, five countries exhibited significant declines, including Benin (AAPC, -8.60%/year; 2009–2016), Kuwait (AAPC, -6.40%/year; 2011–2015), and the Maldives (AAPC, -4.33%/year; 2009–2014). Sex-specific differences in trends were nominally significant (p < 0.05) in six countries—Benin, Kuwait, Argentina, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, and Guyana—but only two (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Thailand) remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. In five of these countries (excluding Guyana), girls exhibited more unfavorable patterns, showing either a greater increase or a smaller decrease in suicidal ideation compared to boys. This study highlights divergent trends in adolescent suicidal ideation across 23 countries, with rising prevalence in some regions and notable sex differences. The findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and context-specific mental health interventions
The use of digital tools in mathematics teaching: Bibliometric approach
No full textIn the current study, academic research on the application of digital tools in math education was analyzed via
bibliometric analysis methods and general trends, structural evolution, and thematic concerns in the subject
under analysis. Using the keyword term 'application of digital tools in math education' from the Web of Science
database, 486 articles till January 2025 were systematically analyzed. Throughout the research, open-source
RStudio and R software bibliometric were used in bibliometric analysis. The study shows that research on the use
of digital tools in mathematics teaching has had a tremendous surge in recent years. It has been found that interest
in digital tools has grown particularly after 2006, and this growth has been enhanced after 2014. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the use of digital tools in education has become a necessity and this has caused studies after 2020
to grow significantly. ZDM-Mathematics Education and Computers & Education journals are particularly notable
among the journals in which the studies were published most frequently. Among the most contributing nations
are the USA (186 articles), Spain (98 articles), Germany (78 articles) and China (65 articles). In author collaboration
analysis, it was discovered that the most active author was Drijvers P. According to results from keyword analysis,
the most frequent words were 'mathematics' (f = 52), 'education' (f = 38) and 'digital tools' (f = 30). Evidence based
on bibliometric findings suggests that computer tools possess attributes such as concretization of abstract
mathematics, improvement in pupil outcomes and the creation of interactive learning environments. However,
by studying publication variation between countries, it has been observed that research funding and collaborative
academic publications influence the productivity of publications. Additionally, keeping in view the limitations of
bibliometric analysis, it is suggested that future studies must investigate more rigorously the adoption of artificial
intelligence-based digital tools in the education of mathematic