Search

This study aims to examine the paths between excessive Internet use, school burnout and parental monitoring and their predictor effects in peer bullying and victimization among Turkish adolescents. The relational survey design was employed in the study. The study group consisted of 362 students (108 females, 254 males, aged 15-18 years) from three different vocational high schools including each grade level. "Internet Addiction Scale", "School Burnout Scale", "Parental Monitoring Scale", and "Peer Bullying / Victimization Scale" were used as data collection instruments. Structural Equation Modeling was employed in order to test the hypotheses argued in the study. Findings indicate that the tendency of becoming a victim among vocational high school students is higher than becoming a bully. Furthermore, according to model analysis findings, it was established that bullying and victimization was predicted by factors of problematic Internet use, school burnout, and parental monitoring. Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between problematic Internet use and school burnout as well as parental monitoring and school burnout in line with the hypotheses. As a result, it was recommended that reducing the problematic Internet use through psycho-educational programs as well as increasing school engagement and family functioning with both indoor and outdoor social and cultural activities may prevent the emergence of bullying and victimization.

In an effort to develop new and effective therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease, a series of hydrazone derivatives bearing piperidine rings have been designed and synthesized. The chemical structures of the compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. In vitro antioxidant and cholinesterase activities of the compounds were evaluated. Among the compounds, N12 exhibited the most antioxidant activity in all methods (CUPRAC, FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity results of the compounds showed good IC50 values between 14.124 ± 0.084 and 49.680 ± 0.110 µM were obtained (IC50 = 38.842 ± 0.053 µM for Donepezil). Among the compounds, N7 and N6 are much more effective derivatives than the standard compound donepezil with IC50 values of 14.124 ± 0.084 and 17.968 ± 0.072 µM, respectively. In vitro, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition values of the compounds were between 13.505 ± 0.025 and 52.230 ± 0.027 μm. Among the compounds, N6 has the highest BChE inhibition with an IC50 value of 13.505 μm in the series. The cytotoxicity and AChE inhibitory activity of the compounds on SH‐SY5Y cell lines were also evaluated. Kinetic studies were also performed to determine the behavior of the compounds as competitive or noncompetitive inhibitors. The binding modes of N6, which was determined to be highly effective according to in vitro analyses, with AChE and BChE were investigated using molecular docking studies, and the stability of the complexes was determined by molecular dynamics simulations. These findings indicated that AChE and BChE enzymes maintained their overall structural stability and compactness during interactions with compound N6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In animal models of obesity, adipocyte-derived versican, and macrophage-derived biglycan play a crucial role in mediating adipose tissue inflammation. The aim was to investigate levels of versican and biglycan in obese children and any potential association with body adipose tissue and hepatosteatosis. Methods: Serum levels of versican, biglycan, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by ELISA. Fat deposition in the liver, spleen, and subcutaneous adipose tissue was calculated using the IDEAL-IQ sequences in magnetic resonance images. Bioimpedance analysis was performed using the Tanita BC 418 MA device. Results: The study included 36 obese and 30 healthy children. The age of obese children was 13.6 (7.5-17.9) years, while the age of normal weight children was 13.0 (7.2-17.9) years (p=0.693). Serum levels of versican, hsCRP, and IL-6 were higher in the obese group (p=0.044, p=0.039, p=0.024, respectively), while no significant difference was found in biglycan levels between the groups. There was a positive correlation between versican, biglycan, hsCRP, and IL-6 (r=0.381 p=0.002, r=0.281 p=0.036, rho=0.426 p=0.001, r=0.424 p=0.001, rho=0.305 p=0.017, rho=0.748 p<0.001, respectively). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed higher segmental and global hepatic steatosis in obese children. There was no relationship between hepatic fat content and versican, biglycan, IL-6, and hsCRP. Versican, biglycan, hsCRP, and IL-6 were not predictive of hepatosteatosis. Body fat percentage >32% provided a predictive sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 70.5% for hepatosteatosis [area under the curve (AUC): 0.819, p<0.001]. Similarly, a body mass index standard deviation score >1.75 yielded a predictive sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 69.8% for predicting hepatosteatosis (AUC: 0.789, p<0.001). Conclusion: Obese children have higher levels of versican, hsCRP, and IL-6, and more fatty liver than their healthy peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To evaluate i) the relationship between epilepsy and inflammation by analyzing the levels of thymus activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in healthy controls, patients with epilepsy on monotherapy and polytherapy, ii) the levels of sICAM5, chemokine (c-x3-c motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1), and septin 7 (SEPT7) which are important in both inflammation and synaptic formation. Methods: Patients who were seizure-free with monotherapy (epilepsy group-1), patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (epilepsy group-2), and healthy controls were included. Demographical data, disease durations, and medications were noted. Measurements were made by commercial ELISA kits. Results: The numbers of epilepsy group-1, epilepsy group-2, and healthy controls were 23, 20, and 21, respectively. TARC levels were significantly lower in healthy controls than in both epilepsy groups. Higher TARC levels than 0.58 pg/ml indicated epilepsy with a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 84.0%. SEPT7 levels were significantly higher in epilepsy group-1 than in those epilepsy group-2. A negative correlation was found between SEPT7 levels and disease duration as is the case for the correlation between SEPT7 and average seizure duration. A positive correlation was found between IRF5 and CX3CL1 levels, SEPT7 and IRF5 levels, and IRF5 and sICAM5 levels. Conclusions: We suggest that TARC is a promising biomarker, even in a heterogeneous epilepsy group not only for drug-resistance epilepsy but also for seizure-free epilepsy with monotherapy. Additionally, drug resistance, longer disease, and longer seizure durations are related to lower levels of SEPT7, which has an essential role in immunological functions and dendritic morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to obtain local normative data on thyroid volume evaluated by ultrasonography and iodine status by measuring urine iodine levels in school-age children living in Aydın province. In this cross-sectional study, a sample comprising 1,553 cases was meticulously selected from a total cohort of 170,461 children aged 6–17, drawn from 21 distinct educational institutions located within the Aydın region, as participants in the investigation. Those with a known chronic disease or thyroid disease were excluded from the study. The children underwent physical examinations and ultrasonography imaging of the thyroid gland, and urine samples were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC). The median UIC was 189.5 (IQR=134.4) μg/L, which was optimal according to WHO criteria. Thyroid volume was found to be 4.6 (IQR=3.5) mL in girls and 4.2 (IQR=4.0) mL in boys (p=0.883). The thyroid volumes in our study were found to be smaller when compared to the WHO. According to WHO age and body surface area criteria, thyroid volume was over 97 % in 0.9 % (n=15) of cases. Thyroid volume was found to have a positive correlation with age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) in both genders (p<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between thyroid volume and UIC. This cross-sectional study provides normative data on thyroid volume and iodine status in school-age children in iodine-sufficient population, revealing a low prevalence of goiter and correlations between thyroid volume and anthropometric measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to examine the effect of STEAM (STEM + Arts) education, which is an interdisciplinary approach that has been frequently used in developed countries in recent years, on the science course learning outcomes of students with specific learning disabilities. The model of the research was structured as a mixed design and was realized with an explanatory sequential design. In this context, the research took place in two separate interactive stages. In the first stage, a quantitative method was applied. In this section, a one‐group pretest–posttest pre‐experimental model was used. The research was carried out with 4 students who were studying in a state primary school in a province in the Southern Region of Anatolia and who were diagnosed with specific learning disabilities. As data collection tools, an academic achievement test and STEAM process rubric were used. Means and standard deviations were used in the analysis of the data collected from the pretest, posttest, persistence test and rubrics. In the qualitative section of the study, interviews were conducted with the participants in order to evaluate STEAM education in the light of the quantitative stage, and diaries were kept for the participants in the context of a more in‐depth and objective examination of the process. The data collected by qualitative data tools were subjected to content analysis and direct quotations were made from the opinions and diaries of the participants. As a result of the research, it was determined that the quantitative findings overlapped with the qualitative findings. It was observed that the STEAM activities increased the academic success of the participants, that their motivation was high, and that they were curious and eager for the activities. In addition, it was revealed that they made an effort to use the knowledge and experience they had gained from the STEAM activities in other courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze the views of parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding their burnout using a meta-synthesis method. A total of 456 articles published between 2010 and 2023, using qualitative methodologies, were analyzed, examining 10 studies. Google Scholar, DergiPark, ERIC, EBSCO, EBCSCO Academic Search Ultimate, Elsevier, SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Wiley databases were used for study selection. The subject headings and keywords used in the searches were: 'autism spectrum disorder, parent, family, burnout, child, perspective, qualitative research. Content analysis was the preferred method during the data analysis. Using content analysis, the sampling methods, research purposes, data collection tools, and results obtained in the studies were examined. The identified data were interpreted based on frequency and occasionally presented using tables and graphs. The findings were categorized under identified themes based on the collected data. The studies examined within the scope of the research were evaluated as a whole, and five themes were reached: getting support, isolation, disruption of daily routine, anxiety, and emotional outbursts. The study's conclusions also provide recommendations for educators, parents, and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In periodontitis, the equilibrium between bone formation and resorption skews in favor of bone loss. Periodontal ligament‐associated protein‐1 (PLAP‐1) and sclerostin play a significant role in the suppression of bone formation. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a central proinflammatory cytokine related to periodontal bone loss. This study aims to assess gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) PLAP‐1, sclerostin, and TNF‐α levels in individuals with periodontal disease. Methods: Seventy‐one individuals diagnosed with generalized stage III grade C periodontitis (n = 23), gingivitis (n = 24), and periodontal health (n = 24) were included in the study. Full‐mouth clinical periodontal measurements were performed. PLAP‐1, sclerostin, and TNF‐α total amounts in GCF were quantified by ELISA. Nonparametric methods were used for the data analyses. Results: Periodontitis group exhibited significantly higher GCF PLAP‐1, sclerostin and TNF‐α levels compared with gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups (p < 0.05). GCF PLAP‐1 and TNF‐α levels of gingivitis group were higher than healthy controls (p < 0.05) whereas GCF sclerostin levels were similar in two groups (p > 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between GCF PLAP‐1, sclerostin and TNF‐α levels and all clinical parameters (p < 0.01). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study showing GCF PLAP‐1 levels in periodontal health and disease. Increased GCF PLAP‐1 and sclerostin levels and their correlations with TNF‐α in periodontitis imply that those molecules might be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Further studies in larger mixed cohorts are needed to enlighten the possible role of PLAP‐1 and sclerostin in periodontal bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The world's population is aging, but life expectancy has risen more than healthy life expectancy (HALE). With respect to brain and cognition, the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders increases with age, affecting health and quality of life, and imposing significant healthcare costs. Although the effects of physical exercise on cognition in advanced age have been widely explored, in-depth fundamental knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of the exercise-induced cognitive improvements is lacking. Recent research suggests that myokines, factors released into the blood circulation by contracting skeletal muscle, may play a role in mediating the beneficial effect of exercise on cognition. Our goal in this ongoing (living) review is to continuously map the rapidly accumulating knowledge on pathways between acute or chronic exercise-induced myokines and cognitive domains enhanced by exercise. Method: Randomized controlled studies will be systematically collected at baseline and every 6 months for at least 5 years. Literature search will be performed online in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SportDiscus, LILACS, IBECS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2). A random effects meta-analysis with mediation analysis using meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) will be performed. The primary research question is to what extent exercise-induced myokines serve as mediators of cognitive function. Secondarily, the pooled effect size of specific exercise characteristics (e.g., mode of exercise) or specific older adults' populations (e.g., cognitively impaired) on the relationship between exercise, myokines, and cognition will be assessed. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416996). Discussion: Understanding the triad relationship between exercise, myokines and cognition will expand the knowledge on multiple integrated network systems communicating between skeletal muscles and other organs such as the brain, thus mediating the beneficial effects of exercise on health and performance. It may also have practical implications, e.g., if a certain myokine is found to be a mediator between exercise and cognition, the optimal exercise characteristics for inducing this myokine can be prescribed. The living review is expected to improve our state of knowledge and refine exercise regimes for enhancing cognitive functioning in diverse older adults' populations. Registration: Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on the 24th of April 2023 (registration number CRD42023416996). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]