PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / PubMed Indexed Publications Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/2

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Rational Drug Use in Pediatric Pain Management: Maternal Attitudes and Practices
(BMC, 2026-02-20) Aydin, Bahise; Demir, Meyase; Sari, Vahide
Background: Pain is a common health problem and a leading reason for hospital admissions in children. Rational drug use is crucial in pediatric pain management, especially for young children who rely on their parents. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of mothers of children aged 0-6 years toward rational drug use in pain management. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study involved 403 mothers attending pediatric outpatient clinics at a university hospital. Data collection took place between April and June 2024 using a personal information form and the Parental Attitude Scale Towards Rational Drug Use (PASRDU). Data analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparisons, the Kruskal-Wallis H test for groups larger than two, and Spearman Correlation analysis for variable relationships. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 31.60 (+/- 5.328) years; 45.4% had one child, and 50.9% held a university degree or higher. The mean PASRDU score was 174.01 +/- 17.225. A statistically significant positive attitude towards rational drug use was linked to younger mothers, those with fewer children, and those with higher education and socioeconomic status (p < .005). PASRDU scores were also higher among mothers who reported greater self-efficacy in relieving their child's pain and those who did not administer non-prescribed analgesics (p < .005). Conclusions: Mothers generally exhibited high attitudes toward rational drug use in pain management. Attitudes varied by age, education, number of children, socioeconomic status, self-perceived competence in pain management, and use of non-prescribed medications. Nurse-led assessment and tailored education may support rational drug use in pediatric pain management.
Preserving Neurological Function in People at High and Low Risk of Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis: An Observational Cohort Study
(Adis, 2026-04-04) Alroughani, Raed; Kalincik, Tomas; Eichau, Sara; Roos, Izanne; Sharmin, Sifat; Grand’Maison, Francois; Ozakbas, Serkan
On the Use of a Depth Camera for the Assessment of Upper Extremity Movements in Healthy Individuals
(MDPI, 2026-03-11) Mihçin, Şenay; Çizmecioğulları, Serkan; Akan, Aydin
Upper extremity impairments often lead to reduced joint range of motion (ROM), making reliable assessment essential for rehabilitation planning. This study investigated the within-day and between-day reliability of the Microsoft Kinect V2 depth camera for active upper extremity ROM assessment in 30 healthy adults. Ten predefined shoulder and elbow movements were recorded, and joint angles were computed using a custom vector-based algorithm. Within-day reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC: 0.754-0.953), while between-day reliability ranged from moderate to good (ICC: 0.654-0.881). Absolute reliability varies substantially across movements. The SEM% values ranged from 2.1% to 17.3% within-day and from 2.8% to 23.6% between-day. The between-day MDC values were particularly high for certain movements (e.g., >20 degrees for shoulder extension and >50 degrees for elbow flexion), indicating limited sensitivity to detect small clinical changes. Additionally, shoulder adduction could not be reliably analyzed in 36.7% of participants due to self-occlusion-related tracking instability, highlighting a practical limitation of the Kinect V2 for certain upper extremity movements. These findings suggest that Kinect V2-based ROM assessment demonstrates acceptable reliability for large-amplitude planar movements under controlled conditions but shows substantial limitations for rotational and occlusion-prone tasks. The device may be suitable for research or screening applications; however, caution is warranted when interpreting small changes in clinical settings.
Multidomain Developmental Indicators in 4-to 9-Year-Old Children with Oral Motor and Speech Sound Disorders
(Karger, 2026-02-17) Terband, Hayo; Johansson, Fredrik; Tükel, Şermin; Björelius, Helena; Tsilingaridis, Georgios
Introduction: Persistent speech sound disorders (SSDs) are common in childhood and affect communication, literacy, and social development. Identifying risk indicators (RIs) and predictors for atypical oral motor and speech development is crucial for early intervention. This study examined medical, developmental, oral-behavioural, and hereditary RIs in children with SSD and compared diagnostic subgroups to typically developing peers. Methods: A clinical cohort of 198 children (ages 4-9) referred for specialist assessment was compared to 77 age-matched controls. Children were classified into four subgroups: motor speech disorder, with/without oral motor developmental delay and/or language-oriented disorder (MSD+), language-oriented disorder with oral motor developmental delay, no MSD (LD + ODD), ODD-only, and LD-only. Thirty-one RIs were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Multivariate binary backwards logistic regression identified predictors of group membership (clinical vs. control). Results: The clinical group showed 11 of 31 RIs significantly more prevalent than controls (p < 0.0016). Children with multiple diagnoses (MSD+ and LD + ODD) had the highest RI counts (12 and 11, respectively), while single-diagnosis groups showed fewer RIs (LD-only: 2; ODD-only: 6). Significant RIs included medical (adenoid surgery, pulmonary disease), oral behaviours (mouth stimuli, selective eating), and developmental indicators (abnormal or absent crawling, delayed bladder control, fine/gross motor delay, non-canonical babble, poor attention during story listening). Family history of speech/language delay and literacy difficulties was also significant. The regression model demonstrated an excellent fit (Nagelkerke R-2 = 0.69; classification accuracy = 86.8%). Strong predictors for having an oral motor and/or a speech disorder included adenoid surgery (OR = 63.49), ear tube surgery (OR = 60.53), mouth stimuli behaviours (OR = 9.77), non-canonical babble (OR = 10.45), abnormal crawling (OR = 12.20), and family history of speech/language delay (OR = 9.89). Conclusion: Children with SSD often present multiple RIs across medical, developmental, oral-behavioural, and hereditary domains, especially those with combined diagnoses. Findings highlight the need for early, multidomain assessment and suggest that RIs such as oral motor behaviours and early developmental delays may inform screening and intervention strategies, supporting clinicians in identifying children who could benefit from tailored early intervention.
Metabolomic Signatures in Blastocyst Spent Culture Medium as Non-Invasive Predictors of Live Birth: A Pilot Study
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Emirdar, Volkan; Gode, Funda; Taskin, Ayse Buket; Pala, Ibrahim; Secinti, Beren Su; Madran, Selin
Research question: Can metabolomic profiling of blastocyst spent culture medium (SCM) serve as a non-invasive tool to predict live birth? Design: This pilot study investigated the association between metabolite profiles in SCM and clinical outcomes following single blastocyst transfer. Seventy SCM samples were analysed using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolites were identified via Human Metabolome Database and Compound Discoverer 3.3. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: In total, 173 metabolites were detected in SCM samples. Six metabolites exhibited significant differences between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, while 10 metabolites varied between the live birth and non-live birth groups. Notably, eicosapentaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, decreased in pregnancy cases. In contrast, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-pentanone and (2S)-2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl) propanoic acid were consistently elevated in both the pregnancy and live birth groups. Additional differential metabolites included L-glutamine, pyroglutamylglycine, alanylproline and 15,16-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid, potentially reflecting implantation-related metabolic activity. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated acceptable predictive performance, with area under the curve values of 0.788 for pregnancy and 0.834 for live birth. Conclusions: Metabolomic profiling of SCM may offer a promising non-invasive adjunct to embryo selection strategies. While these findings suggest biological relevance of several metabolites, particularly lipids and amino acid derivatives, larger studies are needed to validate predictive value and clinical applicability.
Measuring SNARC Effect: Different Task Setups Reveal Divergent Spatial-Numerical Associations
(Nature Portfolio, 2026-03-16) Bulut, Merve; Haugen, Beria; Dural, Seda; Candemir, Ayşenur; Şefikoğlu, Melike; Çetinkaya, Hakan
Spatial-Numerical Associations (SNAs) reflect the cognitive link between numerical magnitude and spatial orientation. While the SNARC effect, faster-left responses for small numbers and right responses for large ones, is robust in Western populations, findings from Turkish samples have been inconsistent. This study investigated whether methodological factors, including statistical power, sensitivity of measurement, and task setup, contribute to these inconsistencies. Using high-powered, lab-based parity judgment (PJ) and magnitude classification tasks, which are standard task setups when investigating the SNARC effect, as well as a novel Go/No-go (GNG) paradigm with lateralized stimuli and a central response, we examined directional SNAs in Turkish participants. Results revealed a weak reverse SNARC effect in the standard PJ task and a weak left-to-right SNA in the GNG PJ task, but no reliable group-level effects in magnitude tasks. Task setup significantly influenced directional SNA patterns, with opposite effects observed between standard and GNG PJ tasks. These findings suggest that SNAs are context-dependent, with different task setups activating distinct directional SNAs. This highlights the critical importance of methodological design when investigating SNAs.
Long-Term Speech Outcomes in Moderate-to-Severe Childhood Speech Sound Disorder: A Systematic Review
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2026-04-05) Tukel, Sermin; Morgan, Angela T.; Garrett, Alexandra J.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity and Neurotrophic Factors in Drug-Naive Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-11) Ferahkaya, Hursit; Kilinc, Ibrahim; Uzun, Necati; Akkus, Abdullah; Bilgic, Ayhan; Coskun, Fatma; Agir, Hasibe
Background Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex and not fully understood etiology. Increasing evidence suggests that neurotrophic factors involved in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, as well as hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that regulate the stress response, may contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD.Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to compare children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy controls with respect to serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol. A total of 80 children aged 6-18 years with a diagnosis of ADHD and 81 healthy controls were included in the study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed using the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Short Version (CPRS-SV). Serum levels of biochemical parameters were measured using commercially available electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results Compared with the healthy control group, the ADHD group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of BDNF, GDNF, VEGF, ACTH, and cortisol, whereas NT-3 levels did not differ between the groups. These group differences remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding variables. Correlation analyses revealed no significant associations between neurotrophic factors, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormones, and CPRS-SV subscale scores.Conclusions The present findings indicate that neurotrophic factors and hormones related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are altered in medication-na & iuml;ve children and adolescents with ADHD. The absence of a direct correlation between neurotrophic factors and HPA axis hormones suggests that these systems may contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD through parallel yet partially independent and complex mechanisms. Future longitudinal and multimodal studies are warranted to elucidate the dynamic interactions between stress-related neuroendocrine processes and neurodevelopmental pathways in ADHD.
Evaluation of Photobioreactor Designs for Potential Application as Microalgal Façade Systems
(Nature Portfolio, 2026-03-03) Tekin, Zehranur; Mengi, Onur; Çalişkan, Gülizar; Deniz, Deniz; Al-Hammadi, Mohammed; Güngörmüşler, Mine; Irkdaş Doğu, Derya
This study introduces innovative PBRs to optimize the growth of Chlorella vulgaris. For the first time, various designs, including flat and column PBRs with and without innovative interior structures, were investigated in the context of a Green Campus case study. The novel column PBR equipped with a spiral baffle significantly improved the homogeneity of the culture medium, enhancing light penetration, nutrient distribution, and gas exchange, while effectively reducing air bubble coalescence using an innovative spiral apparatus, achieving a biomass yield of 1.8 g L- 1 with a climate change impact of 0.93 kg CO2-eq. Furthermore, the integrated spiral apparatus simplified the harvesting, reducing operational complexities, overall cost, and potentially, CO2 emissions. Finally, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to highlight the column PBR's environmental impact. The electricity used during the cultivation stage was responsible for almost all CO2 production. This hotspot is further discussed, as well as insights into ways to reduce the carbon footprint in future. The study encourages the integration of microalgal PBRs into urban bio-façade systems, aligning with global sustainability initiatives such as the European Green Deal. It offers insights into advanced façade design principles, emphasizing higher efficiency. Areas for future research include exploring different microalgae species and optimizing design parameters based on these findings.
Evaluation of Novel Treatments for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026-03-04) Arslan, Cagatay; Guner, Gurkan
IntroductionMetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains a lethal disease with a median overall survival of approximately 2 years. Although major therapeutic advances have been achieved over the past two decades, many effective treatments have shifted to earlier disease settings, and significant unmet needs persist in the mCRPC population.Areas coveredThis narrative review is based on a structured literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase covering publications from January 2020 to October 2025, supplemented by ClinicalTrials.gov and major oncology congress abstracts (ASCO and ESMO). The molecular landscape of mCRPC, currently approved therapies, and emerging treatment strategies are discussed, including next-generation androgen receptor-targeted agents, PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors, PSMA-targeted radioligand therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, CDK4/6 inhibitors, epigenetic modifiers, and novel immunotherapeutic approaches.Expert opinionThe therapeutic landscape of mCRPC has expanded substantially; however, treatment resistance and the absence of validated sequencing strategies continue to pose major challenges. Advancements in this field will rely on improved molecular profiling, biologically rational combination strategies, and the incorporation of predictive biomarkers to enable personalized treatment decisions. Concurrently, earlier integration of targeted therapies, radioligand approaches, and biomarker-enriched clinical trial designs is likely to reshape treatment paradigms and enhance long-term clinical outcomes.
Enhancing 5-Fluorouracil Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting Glutathione Antioxidant Mechanisms with an xCT Inhibitor
(Nature Portfolio, 2026-02-22) Ulukaya, Engin; Gonul Geyik, Oyku; Akar, Remzi Okan; Malcanli, Senanur; Ozkaya, Ali Burak
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge. We investigated whether inhibiting glutathione could enhance the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colorectal cancer. Three small-molecule inhibitors targeting glutathione metabolism were tested in HCT-116 cells: CB-839 (glutaminase inhibitor), IKE (xCT transporter inhibitor), and Polydatin (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor). Their effects on glutathione levels, ROS accumulation, and cell viability were first evaluated. CB-839 decreased cell viability, Polydatin had no effect, and IKE reduced cystine uptake and increased ROS, although none of the inhibitors alone induced marked cell death. We next examined whether they could enhance 5-FU activity. Although CB-839 and Polydatin did not improve 5-FU efficacy, IKE increased ROS levels and reduced viability when combined with 5-FU. In an in ovo model, the combination of IKE and 5-FU reduced tumor growth, whereas each agent alone had a limited effect. These findings suggest that targeting xCT-mediated cystine uptake may enhance chemotherapy response and could be a promising approach for treating colorectal cancer.
Dysregulation of Drp1 and Mfn2 Is Associated with Reduced PSD-95, Synaptophysin, and BDNF Expression in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-05) Choker, Ali Hussein; Mohammadaein, Helia; Alfateh, Mohamad; Vasconcelos, Carlos
Divergent Comorbidity Profiles in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Multiple Sclerosis: A Large Single-Centre Cohort from Turkey
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026-05) Kaya, Ergi; Caliskan, Can; Abasiyanik, Zuhal; Simsek, Yasemin; Ozakbas, Serkan
Background Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are immune-mediated demyelinating disorders with overlapping clinical features. Comorbidities may influence diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic decisions, and long-term prognosis. Comparative data on comorbidity profiles in NMOSD versus MS are scarce, particularly from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cohorts. Objective To compare the prevalence and distribution of systemic, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in patients with NMOSD and MS. Methods We retrospectively analysed 144 patients with NMOSD and 2892 with MS followed at a neuroimmunology clinic between 2015 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, and comorbidity data were systematically extracted from electronic records. Results Comorbidity profiles differed significantly between groups. NMOSD patients more frequently had systemic lupus erythematosus (3.5% vs 0.1%, p < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (12.5% vs 4.5%, p < 0.01), and dyslipidemia (7.6% vs 3.5%, p = 0.012). A trend toward higher prevalence of Behçet's disease was observed (1.4% vs 0.2%, p = 0.052). In contrast, depression/anxiety (20.1% vs 12.5%, p = 0.025), restless legs syndrome (5.6% vs 1.4%, p = 0.029) were significantly more common in MS. Conclusion NMOSD and MS differ substantially in their comorbidity signatures
Corrigendum to “Real-World Effectiveness of Ocrelizumab in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: An MSBase Registry Sub-Study” [Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Vol 106
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-05) Butzkueven, Helmut; Taylor, Lisa; Spelman, Tim; Kalincik, Tomas; Boz, Cavit; Ozakbas, Serkan; Farr, Pamela
Comparative Effectiveness of Anti-CD20 Therapies and S1P Receptor Modulators in Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Real-World Evidence from the MSBase Registry
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2026-03) Surcinelli, Andrea; Lechner-Scott, Jeannette; Kalincik, Tomas; Foschi, Matteo; Roos, Izanne; D'amico, Emanuele; Ozakbas, Serkan; D’Amico, Emanuele
Background: Late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS), defined by symptom onset after age 50, is increasingly recognised as a distinct clinical entity. Evidence comparing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in this subgroup remains limited. Objectives: To compare clinical outcomes of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators (S1PRMs) in LOMS. Design: Multicentre, observational cohort study based on real-world data from an international multiple sclerosis registry. Methods: We analysed data from the MSBase registry, including relapsing-remitting LOMS patients treated with anti-CD20 therapies (ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab) or S1PRMs (fingolimod, ozanimod, siponimod, ponesimod) for >= 6 months. Primary outcomes were annualised relapse rate (ARR), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) change, confirmed disability worsening (CDW), progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA), and PIRA without MRI activity (PIRMA). Analyses used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Causal forest and best linear projector (BLP) models explored effect modification. Results: After weighting, 347 patients (median age 53.7 years; 69% female; median follow-up 6.9 years) were included. No significant differences were found for ARR, EDSS change, CDW, PIRA, or PIRMA. Exploratory analyses suggested greater anti-CD20 benefit in patients with earlier onset (<= 55 years), shorter disease duration (<= 2 years from diagnosis), and lower disability (EDSS < 3). Conclusions: In this real-world LOMS cohort, no statistically significant differences were observed between anti-CD20 and S1PRM therapies. Exploratory analyses suggested anti-CD20 may be associated with better outcomes in selected subgroups; these findings are hypothesis-generating.
Between Trauma and Recovery: Understanding the Mental Health of ISIS-Affiliated Children
(Elsevier, 2026-05) Bilgiç, Ayhan; Ferahkaya, Hurşit; Akça, Ömer Faruk; Uzun, Necati
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment through Objective Measures: POV Glasses and Machine Learning Approach
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-17) Tahillioglu, Akin; Kayis, Hakan; Gedizlioglu, Cinar; Mumcu, Elif; Hira Selen, Aysegul Tugba; Dogan, Nurhak
Introduction The diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) largely relies on clinical interviews and parent/teacher-report rating scales, which are vulnerable to subjective bias. Therefore, there is an increasing need for objective measures to complement existing assessment approaches. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify children's body movement during a controlled, semi structured interaction, to examine differences between children with and without ADHD, and to evaluate the cross-sectional discriminative capacity of these movement-based features using machine learning methods.Methods This study employed a cross-sectional, observational case-control design including 37 children diagnosed with ADHD and 29 typically developing children aged 7-11 years. Psychiatric diagnoses were established using the DSM-5-based K-SADS PL interview. Video recordings were obtained during a standardized 5-minute instructional interaction using a researcher-worn point-of-view (POV) camera. Body movement measures of the head, upper limbs, and lower limbs were extracted from the video recordings using MediaPipe Pose. Movement data were statistically compared between groups, followed by classification analyses using machine learning algorithms.Results The global activity index was significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to the control group (p = 0.003). Regional analyses revealed significant group differences in shoulder, elbow, ankle, foot, and head movements. A significant positive correlation was found between the global activity index and parent-reported hyperactivity scores (r = 0.28, p = 0.025). In the machine learning analyses, the AdaBoost classifier demonstrated the highest performance, achieving an accuracy of 81.82% and a ROC-AUC value of 0.85.Discussion This study demonstrates that video-based movement analyses obtained during controlled, semi-structured interactions may capture motor activity patterns associated with ADHD. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of digital behavioral markers that may complement existing clinical assessment approaches in the context of ADHD evaluation.
Associations Among CTA Collateral Scores, Multimodal MRI Lesion Volumes, and Clinical Severity in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
(MDPI, 2026-03-21) Gulluoglu, Halil; Sahbaz, Fatma Gulhan; Uysal, Hasan Armagan; Sahin, Erkan
Background/objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate acute infarct volume on magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MRI DWI), chronic infarct volume on FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery), hypoperfused area volume on PWI (perfusion-weighted imaging), stenosis locations and rates on CT (computerized tomography) angiography, CT angiography collateral scoring, and correlation of background data and etiological factors with neurological clinical findings in patients with acute middle cerebral infarction. Methods: A total of 117 patients with MCA (middle cerebral artery) infarction were hospitalized for diagnosis and treatment after undergoing CT angiography within 9 h of symptom onset. Comparative results of Souza's collateral score system, MRI parameters, and clinical outcomes were determined. Results: According to the Souza CS system, 23 patients were in the malignant profile and 94 in the good profile. There was a statistically significant difference between the malignant and benign profiles in terms of DWI volume, hypoperfused area volume on PWI sequence, white matter assessment using the Fazekas scale, and supratentorial and infratentorial chronic infarct volume on the FLAIR sequence (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with a malignant profile on CTA may have a larger infarct volume and worse functional outcome. This should be recognized, and these patients should be followed up more carefully and attentively than those with good collateral scores.
Altered NGF and GDNF Levels Reveal Neuroimmune Dysregulation in COVID-19 Patients
(Nature Portfolio, 2026-02-19) Oral, Alihan; Kosali, Seyma Canavar; Usta, Busra; Kehribar, Demet Yalcin; Ataca, Evrim; Baraz, Lale Saka; Oflas, Nur Duzen
Neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are crucial for neuronal maintenance and immune regulation. However, their dynamics during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain unclear. In this prospective study, 30 hospitalized patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated longitudinally. Serum NGF, GDNF, and conventional inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, fibrinogen, ferritin, D-dimer, LDH, hematological counts) were measured on Day 1, Day 4, and at discharge. A control group of 37 healthy individuals was included for cross-sectional comparison. Both NGF and GDNF levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients at admission compared with healthy individuals. NGF showed a modest early decline from Day 1 to Day 4, followed by partial recovery at discharge, whereas GDNF remained stable throughout hospitalization. Inflammatory markers demonstrated expected clinical trajectories: CRP, ESR, LDH, and fibrinogen decreased during recovery, while WBC, neutrophils, and platelets increased. Ferritin and D-dimer showed no meaningful temporal changes. NGF appears to reflect acute neuroimmune activation in COVID-19 and may serve as a dynamic biomarker of early inflammatory resolution. Conversely, GDNF remained persistently suppressed, suggesting a distinct role in chronic neuroimmune regulation. These findings highlight NGF and GDNF as potential targets for monitoring and modulating neuroimmune responses in COVID-19 and other inflammation-driven conditions.
Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey
(Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2021-12-01) Çelik, Buket; Karayurt, Özgül; Eyigör, Sibel; Deveci, Zeynep; Karayury, Ozgul
Objectives: This study aims to adapt the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey- Arm (LSIDS-Arm) into Turkish and to test its validity and reliability. Patients and methods: Between September 2017 and July 2018, this descriptive, methodological study included a total of 186 women (mean age: 55.4 +/- 10.2 years; range, 20 to 80 years) who were diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and followed in the lymphedema outpatient clinic. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical features form, LSIDS-Arm, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Breast Cancer Scale+4 (FACT-B+4). After the linguistic and content validity of the scale was achieved, confirmatory factor analysis and known-groups validation were utilized to test the construct validity. Reliability of the survey was tested using the Cronbach alpha and Spearman Brown coefficient, item analysis, and parallel forms reliability. Results: All patients completed the questionnaire. After achievement of linguistic and content validity, confirmatory factor analysis results were found to be higher than the accepted value. Known-groups validation revealed a significant difference in the mean scores for the intensity and distress scales between the patients with and without lymphedema. Cronbach alpha for the subscales ranged from 0.61 to 0.86. Parallel forms reliability showed a moderate, significant correlation between subscales of the intensity and distress scales of the survey and the subscales of FACT-B+4. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the survey is valid and reliable and can be used to evaluate symptoms, severity of symptoms, and distress caused by BCRL symptoms in the Turkish women.

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