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Microbiota Awareness And Glycaemic Status In Primary Care Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study ​, Cansu Sepetçi̇, Erhan Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim in this study was to assess microbiota awareness in adults across different glycaemic groups and to investigate the association between microbiota awareness and HbA1c levels in a primary care population.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 330 adults aged 18–65 years: 110 participants with type 2 diabetes, 110 with prediabetes, and 110 without diabetes or prediabetes. Microbiota awareness was assessed using the Microbiota Awareness Scale (MAS), which was administered through face-to-face interviews. HbA1c values and relevant clinical data were obtained from medical records. Group differences in MAS scores were evaluated using both unadjusted analyses and …

Effects Of A Virtual Reality-Based Nature Video Intervention On Sleep Quality And Mental Well-Being In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial ​, Hati̇ce Yağci Karamanli, Nuray Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep quality and mental health are negatively affected in many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) on sleep quality and mental well-being.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected from patients with MS who presented to a hospital in Türkiye. The study was completed by 21 participants in the experimental group and 22 participants in the control group. Participants in the experimental group watched nature videos using VR headsets for 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) …

Posture And Musculoskeletal Symptom Burden, But Not Daily Step Count, Are Independently Associated With Physical Quality Of Life In Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k, Abdurrahman İskender, Ahmet Usta, Alper Doğanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Office work is characterized by prolonged sitting and may be accompanied by musculoskeletal symptoms and reduced well-being. This study examined associations of step-based and self-reported physical activity, clinical posture, attitudes toward sports, smartphone addiction, and musculoskeletal symptom burden in office workers with the four domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 44 desk-based office workers at a public institution. WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale. Physical activity was assessed via 7-day average daily step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); posture …

Psychological Distress Among Dental Students: A Comparative Study Of Preclinical And Clinical Stages ​, Ömer Faruk Sari, Eli̇f Albayrak, Muhammed Hi̇lmi̇ Büyükçavuş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Understanding the degree of psychological stress experienced by dental students, together with the contributing factors, is important for reducing the adverse effects of stress and improving student well-being. Accordingly, the present study examined psychological distress levels among dental students and compared psychological distress across different academic years.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included all undergraduate students enrolled in a single 5-year dental faculty in Türkiye during the 2024–2025 academic year. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) survey was administered to the students and 399 dentistry students filled out the survey completely.

Results: Statistically significant differences in K10 scores …

Effect Of Beverages With Varying Acidity On The Surface Microhardness Of Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study, Vishnu S, Shweta Purohit, Yashas Dm, Mangala G K, Chinnu Mary Jose, Athira Bs

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: The increasing consumption of acidic beverages has raised concerns regarding their impact on the longevity of composite resin restorations. Surface microhardness is a critical parameter for evaluating the mechanical performance and durability of restorative materials.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of beverages with varying acidity on the surface microhardness of different composite resin materials and to assess the relationship between beverage pH and microhardness reduction.

Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study included 140 disc-shaped specimens of four composite resins: Filtek Z350 XT, Tetric N-Ceram, Beautifil II, and Charisma Smart (n = 35 …

Destaining Of Stained Clear Aligners When Subjected To Different Cleaning Techniques: A Comparative In Vitro Analysis, Malik Cn Sadah, Raj Kumar Jaiswal, Amit Kumar Singh, Nishtha Srivastava, Stuti Raj, Ayushi Singh

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Clear aligners are widely used due to superior esthetics; however, staining and loss of transparency remain major clinical concerns. This study evaluated color changes in stained clear aligners after different destaining techniques.

Methods: In this in vitro comparative study, 40 new clear aligners were stained using coffee solution and divided into four groups: control, Invisalign cleaning crystals alone, crystals with ultrasonic cleaning, and crystals with motorized brushing. Color change was assessed using VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer, Adobe Photoshop LAB analysis, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U …

Cholesterol Metabolism And Oral Health: An Integrative Review, Raíssa Colherinhas, Carla Guimarães Moutinho, Ana Cristina F Vinha, Carla Alexandra Lopes Andrade De Sousa E Silva

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background: This integrative review associated changes in cholesterol metabolism and oral diseases. Conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral cancer may be influenced by imbalances in lipid levels through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune modulation.

Highlight: This review examined scientific studies published mainly in the last decade. The findings indicate consistent associations between hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, peri-implant health, and tooth loss. Hypocholesterolemia was associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Periodontal disease was the most frequently investigated oral condition, representing almost half of the included studies.

Conclusion …

Psychological Therapy In The Management Of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review, Pragatheeswari R, Kavitha M, Sarumathi T, Niveditha B, Barkavi Panchatcharam, Pavithra D, Samu Fathima A I, Vigneshwaran J

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapy in the management of temperomandibular disorders compared to other treatment modalities.

Methodology: Studies were selected according to PICO criteria, considering the RDC/TMD as a reference, improvement of pain and psychological parameters were the primary outcomes. Data search was mainly carried out through electronic search in several renowned databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar. The publications collected were published between 2010 and 2024. Randomized clinical trials that compared the efficacy of psychological treatment modality with other conservative treatment modalities were screened and evaluated. A total of 5 …

Stem Cell-Based Therapies In Periodontology And Implant Dentistry: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Abdullah Saeed, Marycris Padrigo

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Periodontal disease and peri-implantitis remain the leading causes of tooth and implant loss, and conventional regenerative procedures consistently fall short of full structural restoration. Stem cell therapies have emerged as a promising alternative, operating through multi-lineage differentiation, immunomodulation via paracrine signaling, and extracellular vesicle communication. Prior systematic reviews, however, lacked methodological rigor — omitting clustering adjustments, REML/HKSJ estimation, prediction intervals, and publication bias modeling.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether stem cell therapy produces superior clinical and radiographic outcomes compared to cell-free controls in adults with periodontal or peri-implant bone defects.

Methods: Searches across …

Investigation Of Feed Values With In Vitro Technique And Chemical Properties, Particle Size Of Total Mixed Rations Prepared In Commercial Dairy Farms, Özlem Karcioğlu, Betül Zehra Sariçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to investigate the chemical and physical properties and feed values of total mixed rations used on dairy cattle farms in Ankara Province. Included in the study were three farms from each of the five districts of Ankara Province (atotal of 15 commercial dairy farms). Total mixed ration (TMR) samples were collected weekly from each farm over a 3-month period in 2025. The chemical composition (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL)), in vitro digestibility parameters (in vitro gas production (IVGP), methane production (MP), organic …

Optimizing Marination Methodology, Holding Temperature, And Holding Time To Upgrade The Physicochemical And Sensorial Attributes Of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica) Breast Fillets, Naveen Uduwawithana, Ruvini Mutucumarana

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim was to optimize the effect of meat marination method (unmarinated, tumbling, injection, and immersion), holding temperature (4 oC and 8 oC), and holding time (4 h, 8 h, and 12 h) on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) breast fillets. Ninety-six deboned breast fillets (mean weight ± SD; 10 g ± 2) from 42-day-old unsexed Japanese quails were marinated. Injection marination showed the highest uptake (p < 0.05). The method × temperature × time interaction (p < 0.05) was significant for cooking yield, meat pH, hardness, cooking loss, and surface color lightness (L*). The highest pH (p < 0.05) was reported when the unmarinated control was retained for 8 h. Tumbling marinated meat when held for 12 h at 8 oC yielded the maximum cooking yield (60.3%). The cooking loss was minimal in unmarinated, tumbled, and immersion-marinated meat when held for 12 h. Irrespective of the temperature, 4-h holding time caused the minimum meat hardness in all four treatments. Tumble-marinated meat when held for 12 h at 8 oC resulted in the minimum cooking loss, hardness, and lightness (L*), as well as the maximum cooking yield. Meat when held at 4 oC for 4 h following injection marination had the highest scores for color, aroma, marinade penetration, flavor, and overall acceptability. In conclusion, quail breast fillets when tumble-marinated and held at 8 oC for 12 h were the best in terms of overall meat quality. Quail breast fillets held for 4 h at 4 oC following injection marination were rated highest by the panelists.

The Use Of Case-Based Experiential Learning With First-Year Occupational Therapy Students: A Two-Year Pilot Study, Michelle Jackson

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Background: Understanding and applying biomechanical principles to participation in functional activities is vital to occupational therapy (OT) education. Exposure to such principles underlying prosthetic use and occupational engagement related to lower extremity (LE) limb loss provides opportunities to better understand these concepts as well as the role of OT with this population.

Method: An experiential learning framework was used to develop a three-phase, case-study-based pilot project, completed with first-year graduate-level OT students from two cohorts (n = 26, n = 31).  At the conclusion of the project, an anonymous Likert-style survey and a reflection assignment were completed by all students. …

Outcomes Of An Interprofessional Education Event On Aac And Co-Teaching, Annelise Yost, John W. Mccarthy

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This study explored the outcomes of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) event between preprofessional speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and special educators aimed at identifying the outcomes of IPE on preprofessional teachers’ and SLPs’ knowledge of co-teaching and classroom-based models to support students who use AAC. Students at a midwestern university completed an IPE session as part of their coursework. A pre-post assessment exploring knowledge of co-teaching and classroom-based services was utilized. A focus group with preprofessional SLPs and special educators was run to identify perceptions and practicality of classroom-based models to support AAC users. Results demonstrated the ability for a short, focused …

Evaluating The Link Between Metabolic Syndrome And Cognitive Dysfunction In People Who Use Cannabis: A Critical Review Of Mechanistic Pathways, Evidence Quality, And Future Research Directions, Ghadah Alharbi, Ahmad H. Alhowail, Ashraf Mahmoud Emara

Saudi Toxicology Journal

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used internationally controlled substance worldwide, with increasing rates of heavy use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) among adolescents and adults. While epidemiological evidence links cannabis exposure to both metabolic dysfunction and cognitive impairment, these outcomes have been examined predominantly in isolation. The mechanistic relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cannabis-related cognitive deficits remains poorly characterized. Objective: This review critically appraises the evidence linking cannabis use to metabolic dysfunction and cognitive impairment, proposes an integrative ``Cannabis–Metabolic–Cognitive Axis'' model, and identifies gaps limiting causal inference in the existing literature. Key Findings: Human studies frequently report lower …

The Human Side Of Healing: A Qualitative Study Of The Holistic Benefits When Integrating Dog Training Into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Recovery, Michelle J. Nordstrom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent among Servicemembers and veterans. Many of those with PTSD also struggle with moral injury and co-occurring health complications. This combination results in poor outcomes with current evidence-based practices. However, a series of recent studies examined the efficacy of a service dog training program (SDTP) which demonstrated improvements in symptoms.

Methods: A privatized archival dataset of redacted transcripts was used. The interviews were collected during a broader mixed methods study and maintained for a phenomenological, thematic analysis. There were 119 transcripts from 84 of the original 117 participants who engaged …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Digital Burnout Among Liberty University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Shaira Neupane

Masters Theses

Background: Digital burnout, characterized by chronic psychological and physiological fatigue from persistent digital engagement, is an emerging public health concern among university students. It is conceptually related to but distinct from academic burnout, and few U.S. studies have examined both constructs together using validated instruments.

Objective: To describe digital burnout among Liberty University students, identify its sociodemographic and behavioral correlates, assess its relationship with academic burnout, and evaluate student awareness of campus digital-wellness resources.

Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 336 Liberty University students during Summer 2026 using the Digital Burnout Scale (DBS) and the Academic Burnout Scale (ABS). Hierarchical linear …

Investigating Neuromuscular Coordination And Adaptations From Kafo-Assisted Gait Training In Post-Stroke Individuals, Matthew De Guzman

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Diabetes Mortality In Georgia: Disparities, Social Determinants, And Rural-Urban Differences (2019-2021), Gwendolyn H. Cattledge, Temilola N. Luwoye, Gloria Elizabeth B. Ogionwo, Nyshanti B. Ross, Zachary M. Bremmer

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a significant public health challenge globally and, in the U.S., notably impacts mortality. Georgia specifically faces a substantial burden, with disparities observed across populations and counties. Understanding the patterns and underlying drivers of diabetes-related deaths statewide is crucial for effective public health intervention.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed age-adjusted diabetes mortality rates in Georgia from 2019-2021, using data from the Georgia Department of Public Health's OASIS and the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) 2020. The study aimed to detail the distribution of mortality rates across counties, explore the role of social determinants of health, and analyze …

Effects Of A 12-Week Tai Chi And Qigong Training Program On Neuromuscular Function And Postural Stability In Elderly Men With Sarcopenia, Muthanna Harith Ekrayyem, Ali Fawzi Ahmed, Saif Rasheed Ghanim

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Sarcopenia is associated with progressive declines in neuromuscular function, balance, and increased systemic inflammation in older adults. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi and Qigong training program in elderly Iraqi men with sarcopenia. Materials and Methods: Thirty men aged 60–65 years with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Neuromuscular performance, postural stability, gait speed, electromyographic amplitude, IGF-1, and CRP-hs were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in reaction time, electromyographic amplitude, postural stability, gait …

Beyond Screening In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Domain-Standardized, Measure-Flexible Framework For Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment, Etiane Navarro

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder in which cognitive, behavioral, language, and social-cognitive changes may occur across clinical phenotypes, including the ALS-frontotemporal spectrum. Neuropsychological assessment is important for characterizing nonmotor manifestations and identifying changes relevant to autonomy, everyday functioning, and clinical management. This systematic review examined literature identified through APA PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and supplementary searching to characterize neuropsychological domains, measures, phenotype-related findings, and disease-specific limitations relevant to comprehensive assessment. Two hundred records underwent title and abstract screening, 150 reports were reviewed in full text, and 61 resources were retained for synthesis. ALS-specific screening instruments, including …

Building Resilience: The Role Of Extension In Enhancing Mental Health And Well-Being Through Preventive Approaches, Lakshmi Mahadevan

Journal of Extension

In 2023, 58.7 million U.S. adults experienced a mental illness, yet nearly half did not receive treatment (SAMHSA, 2023). Building Resilience is a single-session, evidence-informed program delivered through Cooperative Extension to address mental well-being using practical, nonclinical strategies. Grounded in Antonovsky's (1979) Sense of Coherence framework, the program centers on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and stress management within each participant's lived experience. Evaluation data from 347 participants showed high satisfaction, with 88% planning to apply strategies and 77% anticipating improved well-being. A 2-hour facilitator training supports national scalability, positioning Extension as a key partner in resilience-based mental health promotion.

Using Advanced Ai To Identify Social Adversity Factors In Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation, Alexa Cumming

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Bioactive Resin-Based Composites For Direct Posterior Restorations: A Contemporary Narrative Review, Ruaa Neamah Muslim, Ghadeer Shakir Shabaa, Wasan Abdulridha Hasan

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background and Rationale: Failure of dental restorations due to secondary caries remains one of the common problems in restorative dentistry. In order to solve the shortcomings of conventional bioinert materials, bioactive composite resins have recently been developed, allowing fluoride, calcium, and phosphate ion delivery as well as reducing the acidic activity of biofilm.

Aim of the Review: This literature review evaluates chemistry, mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, and physical handling properties of resin-based bioactive materials used for direct posterior restoration in permanent dentition.

Material Categories Examined: This literature review includes such material categories as resin-modified glass ionomers, S-PRG-giomers …

Pre-Procedural State Anxiety In Patients Scheduled For Colonoscopy, Zahraa Kareem Mansoor Al-Saady, Mohammed Hakim Shamran Al-Hchaim

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Anxiety is a common issue among patients undergoing invasive medical procedures such as colonoscopy because of concerns regarding the procedure itself and its possible results. High levels of anxiety can negatively affect patient readiness and cooperation during the examination, thereby influencing the quality and outcome of the procedure.

Study objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of pre-procedural anxiety among patients scheduled for colonoscopy and examine the association between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and anxiety levels.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from patients undergoing colonoscopy. A validated and comprehensive questionnaire tailored for individuals …

Role Of Perceived Control Over Falls In Older Adults, Kanjanaporn Tantrongphak, Kanthee Anantapong, Duangporn Suriyaamarit

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Falls among older adults constitute a significant public health challenge, often leading to severe physical injuries, reduced independence, and a diminished quality of life. Perceived control, a critical psychological construct, plays a significant role in sustaining physical health, cognitive function, and overall life satisfaction and is strongly associated with positive health outcomes. This review aims to examine the role of perceived control in fall risk among older adults. Concern about falling (CaF) is a prevalent psychological factor that influences fall risk by impacting behaviors linked to physical activity, balance, and adaptive responses. Perceived control theory provides a framework for understanding …

Incidental Leftward Displacement Of The Appendix Due To Redundant Sigmoid Colon: A Case Report Of Anatomical Variation, Sony Sutrisno, Ronny Ronny

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

A left-sided appendix is an uncommon clinical entity, often attributed to congenital anomalies such as situs inversus or intestinal malrotation; however, it can also result from anatomical displacement by other organs. We report a case of a 22-year-old woman presenting to the emergency department with right lower quadrant pain which was initially suspected as appendicitis. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan identified a right kidney stone as the source of pain, alongside an incidentally discovered, non-inflamed appendix displaced entirely into the mid-left lower quadrant. A radiological review was done to exclude congenital causes of the presentation, such as non-rotation. The …

Glutaraldehyde-Crosslinked Chitosan And Zinc Oxide Coating Reinforced With Polysulfone On Copper As A Platform For Electrochemical Formaldehyde Sensing, Anceu Murniati Anm, Rahmat Saputra Rs, Arie Hardian Ah, Manty Aldilani Ikaningsih Mai, Moh Haifan Haifan

Chimica et Natura Acta

Formaldehyde monitoring requires electrochemical platforms with stable structures and reliable interfacial responses. This study aimed to prepare and characterize a Cu|CS–GLA/ZnO–PSf composite film on a copper substrate as a platform for further formaldehyde-sensing development. The film was characterized using FTIR, SEM–EDX, XRD, and cyclic voltammetry. FTIR supported the presence of features associated with chitosan, imine, polysulfone, and Zn–O, while SEM–EDX revealed a heterogeneous polymer-rich coating with Zn- and O-containing domains distributed non-uniformly. XRD indicated a predominantly amorphous or poorly crystalline structure. Cyclic voltammetry showed scan-rate-dependent peak separations, with ΔEp increasing from 0.632 to 0.777 V in citrate buffer and from …

Editorial: Innovations In Dementia Policies And Services, Walter D. Dawson, Alison J. Canty, Joaquín Migeot, Laura O'Philbin, Sherril B. Gelmon

Institute on Aging Publications

There is an increasing global consensus that dementia is a significant public health issue (Chapman et al., 2006; Jackson et al., 2023; World Health Organization, 2017). As the global population ages and the number of people living with dementia increases, dementia will continue to grow in salience (Nichols, E., and GBD 2019 Dementia Forecasting Collaborators, 2022). The complexities associated with dementia require innovative approaches to the provision of care and support as well as to the design of service systems at local and national levels across the globe that can truly meet the unique needs of people living with dementia …

Investigating The Effect Of Oral Probiotic Capsules On Postpartum Sleep Quality In Primiparous Women: A Triple-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial, Maryam Rastegar, Nahid Jahani Shoorab, Roshanak Salari, Sedigheh Rastaghi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Quality of sleep is an important indicator of health. Sleep disturbance and daytime fatigue is one of the most common problems in the postpartum period. Early postpartum (first 4 weeks) is when sleep is most disturbed. The gut microbiota may affect sleep quality and affect host health through the production of metabolites and compounds. This study aimed to determine the effect of oral probiotic capsule on the quality of sleep after delivery in primiparous women. Method: This triple-blind randomised controlled trial study was conducted in August to November 2023 with eligible primiparous women who gave birth at Health Centers …

Intouch Week Of October 12, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• $10 Million Department of Defense Award Fuels Effort to Advance Civilian and Military Tactical Medicine and Prolonged Casualty Care
• Advancing Knowledge, One Publication at a Time
• NYMC Expands Emergency Preparedness Training to More Than 300 Yonkers Public School Staff
• New Automated Staining Systems Enhance Histopathology and Imaging Core
• Graduate Student Leaders Step Forward to Shape the Year Ahead
• SMHW Hosts Together in Wellness Fair
• Strengthening GME Leadership Through Shared Learning
• Minimally Invasive Procedure Halves Risk of Recurrent Brain Bleeds