Browsing by Publisher "Frontiers Media SA"

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    The immunological and structural epidermal barrier dysfunction and skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis-an update
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Çetinarslan T.; Kümper L.; Fölster-Holst R.
    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease with various clinical presentations and combinations of symptoms. The pathophysiology of AD is complex and multifactorial. There are several factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of AD including structural and immunological epidermal barrier defect, imbalance of the skin microbiome, genetic background and environmental factors. Alterations in structural proteins, lipids, proteases, and their inhibitors, lead to the impairment of the stratum corneum which is associated with the increased skin penetration and transepidermal water loss. The elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels and blood eosinophilia have been shown in the majority of AD patients. Type 2 T-helper cell immune pathway with increased expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, has an important role in the etiopathogenesis of AD. Both T cells and keratinocytes contribute to epidermal barrier impairment in AD via a dynamic interaction of cytokines and chemokines. The skin microbiome is another factor of relevance in the etiopathogenesis of AD. It has been shown that during AD flares, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization increased, while Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) decreased. On the contrary, S. epidermidis and species of Streptococcus, Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium increased during the remision phases. However, it is not clear whether skin dysbiosis is one of the symptoms or one of the causes of AD. There are several therapeutic options, targeting these pathways which play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of AD. Although topical steroids are the mainstay of the treatment of AD, new biological therapies including IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 inhibitors, as well as Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), increasingly gain more importance with new advances in the therapy of AD. In this review, we summarize the role of immunological and structural epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune abnormalities, impairment of lipids, filaggrin mutation and skin microbiome in the etiopathogenesis of AD, as well as the therapeutic options for AD and their effects on these abnormalities in AD skin. Copyright © 2023 Çetinarslan, Kümper and Fölster-Holst.
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    A patient-driven registry on Behçet’s disease: the AIDA for patients pilot project
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Gaggiano C.; Del Bianco A.; Sota J.; Gentileschi S.; Ruscitti P.; Giacomelli R.; Piga M.; Crisafulli F.; Monti S.; Emmi G.; De Paulis A.; Vitale A.; Tarsia M.; Caggiano V.; Nuzzolese R.; Parretti V.; Fabiani C.; Lopalco G.; Maier A.; Cattalini M.; Rigante D.; Govoni M.; Li Gobbi F.; Guiducci S.; Parronchi P.; Marino A.; Ciccia F.; Maggio M.C.; Aragona E.; Bartoloni E.; Iagnocco A.; Viapiana O.; Sebastiani G.D.; Guerriero S.; Insalaco A.; Del Giudice E.; Conti G.; Barone P.; Olivieri A.N.; Brucato A.; Carubbi F.; Triggianese P.; Mauro A.; Tosi G.M.; Fonollosa A.; Giardini H.A.M.; Ragab G.; Tharwat S.; Hernández-Rodríguez J.; Sfikakis P.P.; Laskari K.; Karamanakos A.; Espinosa G.; Shahram F.; Direskeneli H.; Hinojosa-Azaola A.; Opris-Belinski D.; AlMaghlouth I.A.; Hatemi G.; Eksin M.A.; Önen F.; Więsik-Szewczyk E.; Akkoç N.; Tufan A.; Şahin A.; Erten Ş.; Ozen S.; Batu E.D.; Frediani B.; Balistreri A.; Cantarini L.
    Introduction: This paper describes the creation and preliminary results of a patient-driven registry for the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient-reported experiences (PREs) in Behçet’s disease (BD). Methods: The project was coordinated by the University of Siena and the Italian patient advocacy organization SIMBA (Associazione Italiana Sindrome e Malattia di Behçet), in the context of the AIDA (AutoInflammatory Diseases Alliance) Network programme. Quality of life, fatigue, socioeconomic impact of the disease and therapeutic adherence were selected as core domains to include in the registry. Results: Respondents were reached via SIMBA communication channels in 167 cases (83.5%) and the AIDA Network affiliated clinical centers in 33 cases (16.5%). The median value of the Behçet’s Disease Quality of Life (BDQoL) score was 14 (IQR 11, range 0–30), indicating a medium quality of life, and the median Global Fatigue Index (GFI) was 38.7 (IQR 10.9, range 1–50), expressing a significant level of fatigue. The mean Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) necessity-concern differential was 0.9 ± 1.1 (range – 1.8–4), showing that the registry participants prioritized necessity belief over concerns to a limited extent. As for the socioeconomic impact of BD, in 104 out of 187 cases (55.6%), patients had to pay from their own pocket for medical exams required to reach the diagnosis. The low family socioeconomic status (p < 0.001), the presence of any major organ involvement (p < 0.031), the presence of gastro-intestinal (p < 0.001), neurological (p = 0.012) and musculoskeletal (p = 0.022) symptoms, recurrent fever (p = 0.002), and headache (p < 0.001) were associated to a higher number of accesses to the healthcare system. Multiple linear regression showed that the BDQoL score could significantly predict the global socioeconomic impact of BD (F = 14.519, OR 1.162 [CI 0.557–1.766], p < 0.001). Discussion: Preliminary results from the AIDA for Patients BD registry were consistent with data available in the literature, confirming that PROs and PREs could be easily provided by the patient remotely to integrate physician-driven registries with complementary and reliable information. Copyright © 2023 Gaggiano, Del Bianco, Sota, Gentileschi, Ruscitti, Giacomelli, Piga, Crisafulli, Monti, Emmi, De Paulis, Vitale, Tarsia, Caggiano, Nuzzolese, Parretti, Fabiani, Lopalco, Maier, Cattalini, Rigante, Govoni, Li Gobbi, Guiducci, Parronchi, Marino, Ciccia, Maggio, Aragona, Bartoloni, Iagnocco, Viapiana, Sebastiani, Guerriero, Insalaco, Del Giudice, Conti, Barone, Olivieri, Brucato, Carubbi, Triggianese, Mauro, Tosi, Fonollosa, Giardini, Ragab, Tharwat, Hernández-Rodríguez, Sfikakis, Laskari, Karamanakos, Espinosa, Shahram, Direskeneli, Hinojosa-Azaola, Opris-Belinski, AlMaghlouth, Hatemi, Eksin, Önen, Więsik-Szewczyk, Akkoç, Tufan, Şahin, Erten, Ozen, Batu, Frediani, Balistreri and Cantarini.
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    Determining the biocontrol capacities of Trichoderma spp. originating from Turkey on Fusarium culmorum by transcriptional and antagonistic analyses
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Sefer Ö.; Özsoy E.; Yörük E.; Özkale E.
    In this study aiming to investigate potential fungal biocontrol agents for Fusarium culmorum, several isolates of Trichoderma spp. were evaluated for their antagonistic effects by means of transcriptional analyses. At first, 21 monosporic Trichoderma spp. isolates were obtained from natural wood debris and wood area soils in Manisa, Turkey. Trichoderma spp. Isolates were identified as belonging to four different species (T. atroviride, T. harzianum, T. koningii, and T. brevicompactum) by tef1-α sequencing. Then, the linear growth rate (LGR) of each species was calculated and determined to be in a range between 13.22 ± 0.71 mm/day (T. atroviride TR2) and 25.06 ± 1.45 mm/day (T. harzianum K30). Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) genotyping validated the tef1-α sequencing results by presenting two sub-clusters in the dendrogram. We determined the genetically most similar (TR1 & TR2; 97.77%) and dissimilar (K9 & K17; 40.40%) individuals belonging to the same and different species, respectively. Dual sandwich culture tests (which are useful for antagonism studies) revealed that T. harzianum K21 (the least suppressive) and T. brevicompactum K26 (the most suppressive) isolates suppressed F. culmorum with growth rates of 3% and 46%, respectively. Expressions of genes previously associated with mycoparasitism-plant protection-secondary metabolism (nag1, tgf-1, and tmk-1) were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in both those isolates. While there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in expression that were present in the K21 isolate, those three genes were upregulated with fold change values of 2.69 ± 0.26 (p<0.001), 2.23 ± 0.16 (p<0.001), and 5.38 ± 2.01 (p<0.05) in K26, meaning that the presence of significant alteration in the physiological processes of the fungus. Also, its mycoparasitism potential was tested on Triticum aestivum L. cv Basribey in planta, which was infected with the F. culmorum FcUK99 strain. Results of the trials, including specific plant growth parameters (weight or length of plantlets), confirmed the mycoparasitic potential of the isolate. It can be concluded that (i) nag1, tgf-1, and tmk-1 genes could be approved as reliable markers for evaluation of BCA capacities of Trichoderma spp. and (ii) the T. brevicompactum K26 strain can be suggested as a promising candidate for combating in F. culmorum diseases following the necessary procedures to ensure it is non-hazardous and safe. Copyright © 2023 Sefer, Özsoy, Yörük and Özkale.
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    The relationship between urine heat shock protein 70 and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract: UTILISE study
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Aksu B.; Afonso A.C.; Akil I.; Alpay H.; Atmis B.; Aydog O.; Bakkaloglu S.; Bayazıt A.K.; Bayram M.T.; Bilge I.; Bulut I.K.; Cetinkaya A.P.G.; Comak E.; Demir B.K.; Dincel N.; Donmez O.; Durmus M.A.; Dursun H.; Dusunsel R.; Duzova A.; Ertan P.; Gedikbasi A.; Goknar N.; Guven S.; Hacihamdioglu D.; Jankauskiene A.; Kalyoncu M.; Kavukcu S.; Kenan B.U.; Kucuk N.; Kural B.; Litwin M.; Montini G.; Morello W.; Obrycki L.; Omer B.; Misirli Ozdemir E.; Ozkayin N.; Paripovic D.; Pehlivanoglu C.; Saygili S.; Schaefer F.; Schaefer S.; Sonmez F.; Tabel Y.; Tas N.; Tasdemir M.; Teixeira A.; Tekcan D.; Topaloglu R.; Tulpar S.; Turkkan O.N.; Uysal B.; Uysalol M.; Vitkevic R.; Yavuz S.; Yel S.; Yildirim T.; Yildirim Z.Y.; Yildiz N.; Yuksel S.; Yurtseven E.; Yilmaz A.
    Background: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are defined as structural malformations of the kidney and/or urinary tract. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are expressed in the kidney in response to cellular changes, such as thermal, hemodynamic, osmotic, inflammatory, and mechanical stresses. This study aimed to assess uHSP70 levels during acute urinary tract infections (UTI) and non-infection periods in patients with CAKUT, and to evaluate whether uHSP70 is elevated in CAKUT subtypes. Methods: Among patients with CAKUT, 89 patients with UTI (CAKUT-A), 111 without UTI (CAKUT-B), and 74 healthy children were included in the study. uHSP70 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: uHSP70 level was significantly higher in the CAKUT-A group than in the CAKUT-B and healthy control groups (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the level of uHSP70 was significantly higher in the CAKUT-B group than in the control group (p < 0.0001), but was not different between the CAKUT subtypes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Urine HSP70 can also be used to predict UTI in patients with CAKUT. Moreover, uHSP70 levels were higher in children with CAKUT during the non-infectious period than in healthy controls. This suggests that children with CAKUT are at risk of chronic non-infectious damage. Copyright © 2024 Aksu, Afonso, Akil, Alpay, Atmis, Aydog, Bakkaloglu, Bayazıt, Bayram, Bilge, Bulut, Cetinkaya, Comak, Demir, Dincel, Donmez, Durmus, Dursun, Dusunsel, Duzova, Ertan, Gedikbasi, Goknar, Guven, Hacihamdioglu, Jankauskiene, Kalyoncu, Kavukcu, Kenan, Kucuk, Kural, Litwin, Montini, Morello, Obrycki, Omer, Misirli Ozdemir, Ozkayin, Paripovic, Pehlivanoglu, Saygili, Schaefer, Schaefer, Sonmez, Tabel, Tas, Tasdemir, Teixeira, Tekcan, Topaloglu, Tulpar, Turkkan, Uysal, Uysalol, Vitkevic, Yavuz, Yel, Yildirim, Yildirim, Yildiz, Yuksel, Yurtseven and Yilmaz.
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    Effects of high-intensity interval training program on pituartry function in basketball players: a randomized controlled trial
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Soslu R.; Uysal A.; Devrilmez M.; Can Çuvalcıoğlu İ.; Doğan A.A.; Karaburgu S.; Taş M.
    The aim of the study was to determine how the short high-interval training program affects cortisol levels in basketball players. A total of 27 male basketball players volunteered for the study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Control Group (CG) (n = 13, mean age; 20,56 ± 1,45 years, mean height; 184,53 ± 6,65 cm) and Experimental Group (EG) (n = 14, mean age; 20,71 ± 2,12 years, mean height; 86,51 ± 8,21 cm). The experimental group received a 7-week interval training program. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Triiodothyronine, Tetraiodothyronine, Parathyroid Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Insulin, and Glucose levels were measured of the EG and CG. To test the differences between groups and compare the effects of pre and post-intervention, a two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used. Consequently, the post-test levels of TSH, PTH, and ACTH in the exercise group showed a significant difference when compared to the pre-test values (p = 0.000). Moreover, the post-test levels of Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, and Mg in the exercise group showed statistical significance when compared to the pre-test values (p = 0.000). Significant differences were seen in the post-test PTH and ACTH levels of the control group when compared to the pre-test values (p = 0.000). Furthermore, the exercise group showed significant differences in post-test values for HDL and Cholesterol compared to the pre-test (p = 0.000). In addition, when comparing the post-test values and pre-test values of both the exercise group and the control group, it was found that all parameters, with the exception of Ca, exhibited substantial differences in favor of the exercise group. It may be claimed that the implementation of interval training has favorable outcomes on pituitary function parameters. Additionally, the regulation of energy consumption during exercise is favourably influenced, along with the reduction of physiological stress resulting from prolonged exercise. Copyright © 2023 Soslu, Uysal, Devrilmez, Can Çuvalcıoğlu, Doğan, Karaburgu and Taş.
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    Attitudes toward and exposure to gender discrimination in work life by pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons: a questionnaire-based survey among Turkish thoracic society members
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Ocakli B.; Yorgancioglu A.; Gungor S.; Topcu F.; Senol Y.Y.; Goktas B.; Kokturk N.; Tuncay E.; Gundogus B.; Altinoz H.; Yasin Y.; Ozmen I.; Duru S.; Yildirim E.O.; Sevim T.; Ozturk C.A.; Uzaslan E.
    Background: This study aimed to evaluate attitudes toward and exposure to gender discrimination in work life by chest diseases specialists and thoracic surgeons. Methods: A total of 275 members of Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) were included on a voluntary basis in this online cross-sectional questionnaire-survey using an internal member-only social media platform of TTS. The questionnaire form elicited items on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational characteristics and gender discrimination in work life (general opinions, attitudes and exposure). Results: Female doctors (vs. males) were less likely to be a thoracic surgeon (13.8% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.05) and a professor of thoracic surgery (0.0% vs. 26.7% vs. p < 0.05), and more likely to consider housework as a considerable burden (89.8 vs. 73.6%, p = 0.02) and the significant role of discriminatory, negative and dissuasive attitudes of male physicians in their career choice (67.6 vs. 35.6%, p = 0.039). Male doctors were more likely to considered that men are more successful in specialties that require active physical strength (65.5 vs. 27.7%, p = 0.005) and those with very long working hours and heavy shifts (57.5 vs. 39.4%, p = 0.001). Female thoracic surgeons were more likely than males to consider that specialties with very long working hours and heavy shifts are more suitable for men (26.9 vs. 6.0%, p = 0.027) and men are given priority in academic career promotion (64.0 vs. 13.3%, p < 0.001). Younger (vs. older) females reported higher rate of exposure to gender discrimination (p = 0.041) and considerable impact of social roles on the specialty (p = 0.007), while female doctors working as a resident (33.8%) and a specialist (50.05%) indicated higher rate of exposure to gender discrimination during their career (p = 0.024). Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings revealed that exposure to gender discrimination in work life was more commonly expressed by female members of TTS, particularly in terms of burden of social roles, career advancement options and leadership positions, along with significant role of discriminatory, negative and dissuasive attitudes of male physicians in their career choice. Accordingly, women remain underrepresented in thoracic surgery, particularly in the academic rank of full professor and in leadership positions with inability to promote after a definite step in their careers. Copyright © 2024 Ocakli, Yorgancioglu, Gungor, Topcu, Senol, Goktas, Kokturk, Tuncay, Gundogus, Altinoz, Yasin, Ozmen, Duru, Yildirim, Sevim, Ozturk, Uzaslan and the Turkish Thoracic Society Women and Lung Diseases Working Group.
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    To start or not to start? An exploratory study of work meaningfulness among start-up co-founders
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Dirik D.; Özdoğan B.
    This study explores startup co-founders’ perceptions of meaningful work experiences in the dynamic and uncertain context of entrepreneurship. While entrepreneurial research has extensively examined firm-level outcomes such as performance and growth, the subjective experiences of entrepreneurs have remained relatively underexplored especially in an emerging country context. This study addresses meaningful work experiences of 12 startup co-founders from Turkiye by employing a qualitative research design and using in-depth interviews. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Job Characteristics Model (JCM), this research identifies key dimensions of meaningful work, including significance, autonomy, identity, challenge and resilience, recognition and support, and work-life balance. Our findings suggest that the complex interplay of intrinsic motivation and external validation contributes significantly to perceived entrepreneurial well-being and resilience. We present a three-dimensional model of perceived meaningfulness with professional, psychological, and societal aspects for meaningfulness experiences. We extend existing literature by demonstrating how startup ventures offer fertile ground for psychological fulfillment, not merely through financial success but through personal growth and societal impact. Copyright © 2025 Dirik and Özdoğan.
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    Health benefits and risks of fermented foods—the PIMENTO initiative
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Todorovic S.; Akpinar A.; Assunção R.; Bär C.; Bavaro S.L.; Berkel Kasikci M.; Domínguez-Soberanes J.; Capozzi V.; Cotter P.D.; Doo E.-H.; Gündüz Ergün B.; Guzel M.; Harsa H.S.; Hastaoglu E.; Humblot C.; Hyseni B.; Hosoglu M.I.; Issa A.; Karakaş-Budak B.; Karakaya S.; Kesenkas H.; Keyvan E.; Künili I.E.; Kütt M.-L.; Laranjo M.; Louis S.; Mantzouridou F.T.; Matalas A.; Mayo B.; Mojsova S.; Mukherjee A.; Nikolaou A.; Ortakci F.; Paveljšek D.; Perrone G.; Pertziger E.; Santa D.; Sar T.; Savary-Auzeloux I.; Schwab C.; Starowicz M.; Stojanović M.; Syrpas M.; Tamang J.P.; Yerlikaya O.; Yilmaz B.; Malagon-Rojas J.; Salminen S.; Frias J.; Chassard C.; Vergères G.
    Worldwide, fermented foods (FF) are recognized as healthy and safe. Despite the rapid increase of research papers, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of the health benefits and risks of FF. The COST Action CA20128 “Promoting innovation of fermented foods” (PIMENTO) aims to provide a comprehensive assessment on the available evidence by compiling a set of 16 reviews. Seven reviews will cover clinical and biological endpoints associated with major health indicators across several organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, immune, and skeletal systems. Nine reviews will address broader biological questions associated with FF including bioactive compounds and vitamin production, nutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility, the role of FF in healthy diets and personalized nutrition, food safety, regulatory practices, and finally, the health properties of novel and ethnic FF. For each outcome assessed in the reviews, an innovative approach will be adopted based on EFSA’s published guidance for health claim submissions. In particular, each review will be composed of three parts: (1) a systematic review of available human studies; (2) a non-systematic review of the mechanism of action related to the clinical endpoints measured by the human studies identified in part 1; and (3) a non-systematic review of the characterization of the FF investigated in the human studies identified in part 1. The evidence and research gaps derived from the reviews will be summarized and published in the form of a strategic road map that will pave the way for future research on FF. Copyright © 2024 Todorovic, Akpinar, Assunção, Bär, Bavaro, Berkel Kasikci, Domínguez-Soberanes, Capozzi, Cotter, Doo, Gündüz Ergün, Guzel, Harsa, Hastaoglu, Humblot, Hyseni, Hosoglu, Issa, Karakaş-Budak, Karakaya, Kesenkas, Keyvan, Künili, Kütt, Laranjo, Louis, Mantzouridou, Matalas, Mayo, Mojsova, Mukherjee, Nikolaou, Ortakci, Paveljšek, Perrone, Pertziger, Santa, Sar, Savary-Auzeloux, Schwab, Starowicz, Stojanović, Syrpas, Tamang, Yerlikaya, Yilmaz, Malagon-Rojas, Salminen, Frias, Chassard and Vergères.
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    Validation of the Turkish version of the Chronic Stress Scale: assessing social role-related stressors and their impact on psychopathology
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Yapici Eser H.; Ertuna D.; Yalcinay-Inan M.; Kurt Sabitay I.; Balli M.; Kilciksiz C.M.; Kucuker M.U.; Kilic O.; Ercan A.C.; Guclu O.; Aydemir Ö.
    Introduction: Chronic social-role-related stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of mental and medical disorders, making it an important factor to consider. This study aimed to translate and validate The Chronic Stress Scale (CSS) adapted by Turner for a Turkish population and explore its role in depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Methods: A total of 524 participants (mean age 31.59 years, 68% women) were recruited from Koç University and Basaksehir Cam Sakura City Hospitals, including 260 from the general population and 264 with depressive or anxiety disorders. The 51-item CSS was translated into Turkish and validated through reliability and validity analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis, and correlations with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Results: The Turkish CSS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90) and identified 13 dimensions of chronic stress (partner, children, work, loneliness, finances, workload, debt, relationship inoccupancy, family health, residence, family, ex-partner, and others). Dimensions were named based on the content of the items included. Significant correlations were found between CSS and BDI (r = 0.611, p < 0.001), BAI (r = 0.558, p < 0.001), and PSS-14 (r = 0.222, p < 0.001). Discriminant validity revealed significant score differences between clinical and general populations. Conclusion: The Turkish CSS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing chronic social role-related stressors, supporting its use for both research and practice. Copyright © 2024 Yapici Eser, Ertuna, Yalcinay-Inan, Kurt Sabitay, Balli, Kilciksiz, Kucuker, Kilic, Ercan, Guclu and Aydemir.
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    Gender stereotypes and professional experiences of female nurses in Türkiye
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2025) Aca Z.; Kırcal-Şahin A.; Özdemir A.; Kaymakcı Y.S.
    Introduction: Gender roles and stereotypes play a significant role in shaping the nursing profession, perpetuating systemic inequities that negatively impact professional experiences and healthcare system efficiency. In Türkiye, patriarchal norms and systemic disparities exacerbate these workplace challenges, particularly for female nurses. Methods: This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 13 female nurses working in intensive care units to examine the influence of societal expectations, workplace discrimination, and institutional policies on gender inequities in nursing. Results: The findings reveal that cultural norms, family influence, and constrained career planning often channel women into nursing, reinforcing perceptions of the profession as an extension of caregiving roles. While participants rejected the notion of nursing as a “women’s profession,” their narratives highlighted the pervasive impact of gendered expectations. Additionally, political favoritism and nepotism were identified as factors exacerbating workplace challenges, reflecting broader systemic issues in Türkiye’s labor market. The normalization of gender norms and their internalization by female nurses further complicate efforts to combat discrimination. Discussion: The study underscores the necessity for policy interventions to address systemic gender inequities in nursing. Recommendations include implementing mandatory gender equality education within healthcare institutions, stricter enforcement of anti-violence laws, and the establishment of psychological and legal support systems for workplace violence victims. Additional measures, such as childcare support and regulations against marital status-based discrimination, are essential to mitigate inequities. By addressing societal, cultural, and institutional factors, this research provides actionable strategies for healthcare organizations and policymakers to promote equity and improve sector efficiency. Copyright © 2025 Aca, Kırcal-Şahin, Özdemir and Kaymakcı.