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ABSTRACT Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusion This study aimed to investigate the hypoxic changes in periodontal tissues resulting from smoking and periodontitis by assessing levels of hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, HIF‐3α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).The study comprised 22 periodontally healthy non‐smokers (Group H), 22 periodontally healthy smokers (Group HS), 22 non‐smokers with periodontitis (Group P) and 22 smokers with periodontitis (Group PS). Clinical periodontal parameters were documented, and GCF samples were collected and analysed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Significantly elevated levels of HIF‐1α, HIF‐3α and VEGF were observed in Groups HS, P and PS compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher HIF‐2α levels were detected in the Groups HS and P compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were detected between all evaluated hypoxia biomarkers in the Group P (p < 0.05) except HIF‐2α and HIF‐3α. However, in the PS group, significant correlation appeared only between HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α (p < 0.05).Our findings indicate that smoking and periodontitis induce comparable hypoxic effects in periodontal tissues, as evidenced by the evaluated biomarkers. Further research is warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypoxia in periodontal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate factors influencing motivation for dementia preventive behaviors in a population aged 40 and over. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study between December 2022 and May 2023, involving 483 participants in an online survey. We collected data on dementia risk awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, and motivation for dementia risk reduction. The majority of respondents, comprising 41.6%, demonstrated a moderate level of risk awareness, with 50.5% believing that prevention is beyond anyone's control. Motivations for lifestyle change were significantly higher in women (p <.001) and 'participants with university degree education (p <.05). Regression analysis identified gender (female), education level (higher education), and dementia risk awareness, emerged as significant predictors of motivation to change lifestyle (beta:.138, beta:.136, beta:.114, p <.001, respectively). This study underscores the importance of risk awareness in motivating dementia prevention, suggesting avenues for future research to explore specific determinants of motivation to reduce dementia risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of age simulation suits on nursing students’ empathy, attitudes, and willingness to care for older adults. An experimental trial with a mixed-method design was conducted during the spring semester of the 2023–2024 academic year, involving 43 third-year nursing students. The intervention group (n = 23) wore age simulation suits, while the control group (n = 20) wore placebo clothing. Pre- and post-testt assessments measured empathy, attitudes toward older adults, and willingness to work with them. Content analysis was performed on the intervention group’s experiences. Results indicated a significant increase in the intervention group’s willingness to work with older adults after the simulation (Z = –3.232, p < .001; Hedges’ g: 0.819). However, no significant changes were observed in empathy or attitude scores (p > .05), and the control group showed no significant changes in any measured variables (p > .05). Content analysis revealed four key themes related to students’ feelings: (i) isolation and dependency, (ii) physical challenges and limitations, (iii) emotional responses and empathy, and (iv) changes in behavior and perception. Additionally, four main themes regarding new learnings were identified: (i) understanding and empathy, (ii) patience and communication, (iii) practical challenges and adaptation, and (iv) long-term impact and reflection. Two themes emerged on how nursing students can best approach older adults in their future practice: (i) enhancing care through empathy and training and (ii) promoting safety and well-being through preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, there has been an increasing interest to find a simple, low cost, widely available biomarker for outcome predictors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Absolute immature platelet count (AIPC), the percentage of AIPC to the total platelet count (immature platelet fraction [IPF%]), symptoms, spirometry results, age‐dyspne‐airflow obstruction index, and C‐reactive protein tests of COPD patients and control group were recorded. Neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, and platelet/lymphocyte ratios and Charlson comorbidity index scores were calculated. Results: One hundred and thirty‐four COPD patients and 30 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Eighty‐nine patients were in exacerbation (AECOPD) and 45 of them were in stable COPD period. There was a difference between IPF% values and AIPC of COPD group and control group (3.45 ± 2.41 vs. 2.04 ± 1.12, p = 0.01; 5.87 ± 2.45 vs. 5.20 ± 3.02, p = 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between IPF% with white blood cell count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio in all patients (r = 0.352, p < 0.001; r = 0.399, p < 0.001; r = 0.186, p = 0.032; r = 0.200, p = 0.021) and AECOPD (r = 0.356, p < 0.001; r = 0.414, p < 0.001; r = 0.239, p = 0.025; r = 0.273, p = 0.010). At a cut‐off of 3.4, IPF% showed the highest accuracy in identifying COPD (sensitivity: 80.3%, specificity: 82.5%) using receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the relationship between AIPC, IPF%, and COPD. The higher IPF% values in COPD and the positive correlation between IPF% and other inflammatory markers are suggested that IPF may be an indicator of systemic inflammation in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies show that adrenomedullin (ADM) is associated with nitric oxide (NO) and various mechanisms and is involved in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism by oxidative stress and HPA axis dsyregulation. The aim of this study comparison of nitric oxide and adrenomedullin levels in children with ADHD, AD and healthy control included in our study, especially due to their effect mechanisms as they may predict anxiety symptom, was to investigate the relationship between nitric oxide and adrenomedullin levels and anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD, AD and healthy control.

Language assessment literacy as a relatively new term denotes teachers' understanding of the assessment construct both theoretically and practically. Given the importance of assessment in the teaching and learning process, the main purpose of the current study is to investigate the general and skill-based language assessment literacy levels of EFL teachers working at K12 schools in Türkiye and to analyse their needs both in pre-service and in-service years. Considering the purpose of the study, a mixed-method research design was employed. At the initial phase of the study, the quantitative data were collected by means of the Language Assessment Knowledge Scale (LAKS), and 272 EFL teachers working at K12 schools in Türkiye participated. Descriptive and inferential analyses were run, and results showed that the participants' mean score in LAKS was 31.59 out of 60. The participants demonstrated the highest level of knowledge in assessing reading, while assessing listening was identified as the area where teachers had the least expertise. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers to learn more about the teachers' opinions on language assessment knowledge and their needs. Qualitative findings complemented the findings from the questionnaire by revealing details about the reasons of the participants' scores in LAK scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cholesterol metabolism disorders in the etiopathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the analysis of central and peripheral oxysterol levels (24-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol). These compounds, found in the cholesterol excretion pathways, are considered potential biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring various neuropsychiatric disorders. Materials and Methods: This study included 42 children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 1 and 6 years, who had no additional psychiatric or medical illnesses other than cognitive delay/intellectual disability and were not on medication, along with 38 age-matched typically developing children. After comprehensive mental health assessments, the symptom severity in children with ASD was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autism Behavior Checklist, and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised Form. After the clinical evaluation, peripheral blood samples were obtained from all children. Oxysterol levels were assessed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Results: In the ASD group, levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol were significantly higher compared to the control group, while 27-R-hydroxycholesterol levels were lower. The ratio of 24-hydroxycholesterol (µg/L) to 27-hydroxycholesterol (µg/L) was notably higher in the autism group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that this ratio was statistically significant and could discriminate between ASD and non-ASD diagnoses with "acceptable discrimination potential." Conclusion: Our findings suggest that alterations in oxysterol levels, commonly associated with neurodegenerative processes, can also be observed in ASD and may serve as a potential candidate biomarker for the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NR1H2 gene produces the Liver X Receptor Beta (LXRB) protein, which is crucial for brain cholesterol metabolism and neuronal development. However, its involvement in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unexplored, aside from animal studies. This study is the first to explore the potential link between autism and rs2695121/rs17373080 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the regulatory regions of NR1H2, known for their association with neuropsychiatric functions. Additionally, we assessed levels of oxysterols (24-Hydroxycholesterol, 25-Hydroxycholesterol, 27-Hydroxycholesterol), crucial ligands of LXR, and lipid profiles. Our cohort comprised 107 children with ASD and 103 healthy children aged 2–18 years. Clinical assessment tools included the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autistic Behavior Checklist, and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised. Genotyping for SNPs was conducted using PCR-RFLP. Lipid profiles were analyzed with Beckman Coulter kits, while oxysterol levels were determined through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Significantly higher total cholesterol (p = 0.003), LDL (p = 0.008), and triglyceride (p < 0.001) levels were observed in the ASD group. 27-Hydroxycholesterol levels were markedly lower in the ASD group (p ≤ 0.001). ROC analysis indicated the potential of 27-Hydroxycholesterol to discriminate ASD diagnosis. The SNP genotype and allele frequencies were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that disturbances in oxysterol metabolism, previously linked to neurodegeneration, may constitute a risk factor for ASD and contribute to its heterogeneous phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: This study aims to determine the health needs and access to health services among Syrian refugees. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out between March and September 2022 in a public setting that provides humanitarian aid in Istanbul Province. The sample included 150 participants who met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected through 20-30-minute face-toface interviews using the Omaha System Problem Classification Scheme and the sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire. All data were transferred to IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics software, version 28.0, for analysis. Descriptive statistics and chi-square significance tests were performed. RESULTS: The result of the analysis revealed that the health problems of Syrian refugees were mostly related to the physiological domain (13/39.3%), followed by the psychosocial domain (9/27.2%), health-related behaviors domain (7/21.2%), and environmental domain (4/12.1%). CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the fact that refugees continue to be vulnerable to social determinants of health. In this context, it is recommended to develop new policies to reduce poverty, increase access to health and other public services, and empower refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, to investigate the place of T cell-mediated immunity in the etiology of ADHD, for which we do not have enough information; we aimed to investigate the activity of DPP IV and ADA, which are T cell-related enzymes, and the relationship of these enzymes with ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD. Methods: Twenty-seven children aged 6 to 12 years with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 27 children aged 6 to 12 years without any psychiatric disease were included in the study. Results: While serum ADA and DPP-IV activity were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group with ADHD. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum ADA and DPP-IV activities and CTRS-R-L and CPRS-R-L in both groups. Conclusion: We think that T cell mediated inflammation may play a role in the etiology of ADHD due to changes in ADA and DPP-IV levels in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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