Microplastics, as a risk factor in the development of interstitial lung disease- a preliminary study.

Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a global concern that affects all living organisms, yet research on MP-related disorders in humans, including incidence and symptoms, remains limited. In this study, the presence, composition, and characterization of MPs in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), which reflects lung tissue, and blood were examined. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed to collect BAL samples from patients suspected of having interstitial lung disease (ILD) as well as from a control group.

Machine learning methods for estimating bent photonic crystal fiber based SPR sensor properties.

In the recent years, the use of machine learning approaches in optical devices and fibers is increasing. However, most methods concentrate on the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods due to the ability of automatically fitting to the problem. In this work, a classical non-linear regression method, namely k-Nearest Neighbor Regression (KNNR) is proposed for determining the loss characteristics of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in the presence of a bend in either or direction.

The comparison of clinical and computerized measurement of sitting balance in stroke patients and healthy individuals.

Background: Balance problems are common after stroke.

Objective: The aims of this study was to compare the results of computerized and clinical sitting balance measurements in stroke patients and healthy individuals and to identify the agreement and relationship between the two measurement methods in stroke patients.

Methods: This study included 30 chronic stroke patients and 30 age-matched healthy individuals.

Effect of anti-smoking advertisements on Turkish adolescents.

The aim of the present study was to determine the perception of 10 anti-smoking advertisements in 1434 Turkish adolescents. We used the Effectiveness of the Anti-smoking Advertisements Scale, which included 6 items for each advertisement; each item was assessed on a 5-point Likert-type scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the impact of the advertisements.

Adolescent obesity and associated cardiovascular risk factors of rural and urban life (Eskisehir, Turkey).

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity and to compare the associated risk factors between the adolescent children living in rural and urban areas.

Materials: This cross-sectional study conducted among 3,918 high school students getting education in the city centre and rural areas of Eskisehir. A specially designed questionnaire form included questions about socio-demographic characteristics as well as cardiovascular risk factors including smoking status, diet habits (breakfasting, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit and vegetable consumption), physical activity and time spent on computer and/or television.