Clinical trials

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease of the sinonasal mucosa whose metabolic and immunologic mechanisms are incompletely understood. This prospective case-control study aims to characterize metabolic and immunologic biomarkers in patients with CRSwNP compared with control subjects. Nasal tissue and peripheral blood samples will be analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for free amino acid and carnitine/acylcarnitine profiles, and levels of interleukin-40 (IL-40), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) will be measured by ELISA. The findings are expected to contribute to understanding disease pathogenesis and to identifying potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Congenital hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders of childhood, and the structural, immunologic and oxidative mechanisms involved in its development are incompletely understood. This case-control study aims to evaluate serum alpha-tectorin and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and thiol-disulfide homeostasis in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (cochlear implant users and hearing aid users) compared with healthy children with normal hearing. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying congenital hearing loss and to the identification of potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Abstract Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widely encountered in daily life and may adversely affect reproductive health. Although awareness of EDC-related risks is increasing, interventions targeting modifiable exposure-related behaviors remain limited. Theory-based behavioral interventions that address self-efficacy, perceived barriers, action planning, and maintenance of health-promoting behaviors may provide an effective approach to reducing EDC exposure. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioral change intervention based on Pender's Health Promotion Model in reducing EDC exposure among women of reproductive age using both behavioral outcomes and urinary biomarkers. Methods: This study is designed as a biomarker-supported, two-arm, parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial. A total of 108 women aged 18-49 years will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention or control group. The intervention group will participate in a 12-week structured behavioral change program based on Pender's Health Promotion Model. The program will include education, goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring, problem solving, social support, behavioral rehearsal, environmental restructuring, and digital reinforcement messages delivered via WhatsApp. EDC-related exposure behaviors, exposure perception, and attitudes will be assessed using structured measurement tools. Urinary bisphenol A (BPA) and selected phthalate metabolites will be measured before and after the intervention using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The primary outcome will be the between-group difference in post-intervention urinary BPA levels adjusted for baseline BPA. Secondary outcomes will include urinary phthalate metabolites, exposure-related behaviors, exposure perception, and attitudes toward EDCs. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence on whether a theory-based behavioral change intervention can reduce EDC exposure at both behavioral and biological levels. Integrating Pender's Health Promotion Model with objective biomarker assessment may contribute to the development of feasible and evidence-based strategies for reducing EDC exposure among women of reproductive age.

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effects of two different positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels (5 cmH₂O and 8 cmH₂O) on respiratory mechanics in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery in the prone position under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). Prone positioning may adversely affect lung compliance and gas exchange, making optimal ventilatory strategies essential. Driving pressure and mechanical power are considered key determinants of ventilator-induced lung stress. This study will evaluate the impact of different PEEP levels on respiratory parameters and intraoperative physiological changes.

The main aim of this study is to compare the effects of two different anesthesia methods-(1) general anesthesia alone and (2) combination of general anesthesia with cervical plexus block-on postoperative inflammatory process and amino acid metabolism in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

This study will test whether an 8-week multi-component positive psychology-based psychoeducation program can reduce perceived stress and improve psychological flexibility among first-year undergraduate nursing students. Eligible students who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group will attend weekly 60-75 minute psychoeducation sessions including brief psychoeducation, experiential exercises, shared reflection, and home practice assignments. The waitlist control group will continue their usual routine during the study period and will not receive any intervention before post-test assessment. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and immediately after the 8-week program using the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II.

This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific exercise program on physical recovery and sexual health in women who have had a cesarean section. Pregnancy and abdominal surgery can lead to a separation of the abdominal muscles, known as Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), and may affect pelvic health and sexual function. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program starting at the 6th week after surgery. This program includes specific exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles. The control group will follow the standard routine postpartum care. The researchers will use ultrasound and Doppler imaging to measure the distance between the abdominal muscles and the blood flow in the pelvic area at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of training. Participants will also complete a validated questionnaire (FSFI) to evaluate their sexual function. The goal of the research is to determine if this structured exercise program helps close the abdominal gap more effectively and improves pelvic blood flow and sexual well-being compared to standard care.

The primary aim of this study is to compare two postoperative analgesia techniques used in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery-(1) the anterior iliac block and (2) the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric block-in terms of postoperative analgesia duration and patient satisfaction. Effective postoperative analgesia in inguinal hernia surgery is crucial for improving patient comfort and reducing opioid consumption. Although ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks are commonly used for this purpose, their relatively limited dermatomal coverage may result in inadequate analgesia in some cases. The recently described Anterior Iliac Block has been proposed as an alternative to conventional techniques, offering potentially wider neural spread and more effective postoperative pain control. However, the efficacy and safety of this novel block have not yet been sufficiently evaluated in the literature.

Introduction and Aims: Digital technologies have significantly transformed children's learning levels, communication skills, and socialization patterns. However, the early and uncontrolled use of digital tools can lead to an increase in digital addiction tendencies among children and intensify social comparisons with peers. Elementary school-aged children, in particular, are in a sensitive period of growth and development when their behavioral patterns and self-perceptions are being shaped. Therefore, there is a need for school-based, nurse-led, theory-based educational programs that support children in developing healthy and conscious behaviors on digital platforms. Social Learning Theory provides a strong framework for such interventions by explaining that children's digital behaviors are shaped through observation, modeling, self-regulation, and self-evaluation processes. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the Digital Literacy Education Program, developed based on Social Learning Theory, on digital addiction and social comparison among fourth-grade elementary school students. Method: This study will be conducted as a two-phase, prospective, single-center, two-group (1:1) parallel design, pre-test-post-test randomized controlled trial. Social Learning Theory is a theoretical framework consisting of six components to understand and support behavioral change. In the first phase, Digital Literacy Education based on Social Learning Theory will be developed, and in the second phase, its effectiveness will be evaluated with 200 students. The sample will consist of 200 fourth-grade students studying in central Şanlıurfa, who will be divided into intervention and control groups at a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group will receive a three-week, multi-component training program based on Social Learning Theory, while participants in the control group will receive routine general advice. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning, after the training, and at 6 months. Research data will be collected using a Personal Information Form, the Digital Addiction Scale for Children, the Digital Literacy Scale for Elementary School Students, and the Social Comparison Scale. The data will be evaluated using descriptive statistical analyses and relevant tests

Analytical techniques used in metabolomic studies include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The study will involve comparing the metabolomic profiles of patients receiving sevoflurane and desflurane during surgery to identify any differences in metabolic pathways affected by the two anaesthetic techniques. Metabolomic profiles are generated using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques such as high-field NMR and MS, as well as separation techniques.

The purpose of this clinical study is to compare the effects of mouthwashes containing Chlorhexidine and tea tree oil on edema, pain, and trismus after the extraction of impacted third molars. Additionally, the effects on periodontal health will be examined by comparing the gum healing processes of patients using both mouthwashes.The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Tea tree oil, said to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, could be an alternative to chlorhexidine in reducing postoperative complications after impacted tooth extraction. 2. Does tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial effects, have as positive an impact on periodontal health as chlorhexidine?Researchers will compare tea tree oil to chlorhexidine (routinely prescribed after the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth) to see if tea tree oil works to decrease postoperative complications. Participants will: For 7 days after the operation, they will gargle with chlorhexidine mouthwash or mouthwash containing tea tree oil 3 times a day. They will come to the clinic for check-ups and measurements on the 2nd and 7th days after the operation. They will record their pain levels and the number of painkillers they take daily.

The purpose of this observational study is to examine the cyst fluid obtained after a puncture procedure performed for cyst diagnosis in participants with cystic lesions on clinical and radiological examination.The main question it aims to answer is: \- What is the exact mechanism of formation of odontogenic cysts? Biomarkers in the cyst fluid obtained after a puncture procedure performed as part of the diagnosis and treatment process of odontogenic cysts will be examined. The aim of this study is to gain insight into cyst pathology by examining the levels of biomarkers in odontogenic cyst fluid.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of basic body awareness training on preschool children with developmental delays.

Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) is a commonly used ventilatory mode available in many modern ventilators, frequently applied in intensive care units for patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. SIMV delivers a preset tidal volume or pressure at a predetermined respiratory rate and synchronizes with the patient's spontaneous breathing efforts, thereby enhancing patient-ventilator interaction and contributing to rehabilitation. Mandatory Minute Ventilation (MMV) is a hybrid mode combining features of SIMV and Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV), guaranteeing a preset minute ventilation (tidal volume × respiratory rate). It synchronizes support based on the patient's spontaneous efforts and compensates in cases of insufficient minute ventilation. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technique that enables real-time monitoring of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion by applying alternating electrical currents through surface electrodes. EIT has demonstrated strong correlation with findings from computed tomography, nitrogen washout, PET, and SPECT imaging modalities. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MMV compared to SIMV in mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically stable adult patients (\>18 years old) in the intensive care unit. Patients must not require vasopressors, have a FiO₂ ≤ 60%, PEEP ≤ 8 cmH₂O, or receive neuromuscular blocking agents. Patients will be monitored under both SIMV and MMV modes, separated by a 12-hour interval. To minimize carry-over effects, a one-hour washout period will be implemented before data collection with EIT. Key parameters including PO₂/FiO₂ ratio, PaCO₂, and EtCO₂ will be assessed. The sequence of ventilatory mode application will follow a crossover study design.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the translation, cross-cultural fit, and psychometric properties of the ICU-specific pressure injury risk scale

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic awareness and first aid training given to children of seasonal agricultural worker families.

Today, obesity is a global health problem and can lead to serious health complications. Bariatric surgery is recognized as an effective treatment option to achieve long-term weight loss and health improvement in overweight or obese individuals. However, appropriate tools are needed to assess the physical activity levels of patients before and after bariatric surgery and to guide rehabilitation processes after surgery. The Duke Activity Index (DAI) is a scale used to assess activities of daily living and was developed at Duke University Medical Center. The DAI has been widely used to determine patients' physical functioning and monitor their activity levels in various health conditions and post-surgical recovery processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DAI and to examine whether it is an effective tool for determining physical activity levels in patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery.