Izmir Katip Celebi University

The goal of this observational study is to investigate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that may contribute to the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in individuals of different age groups. The study aims to explore how genetic variants and environmental factors interact to influence the risk of ASD.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Which genetic variants are most strongly associated with the development of ASD?
* How do environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure, influence these genetic risks?
* Can the combination of genetic and epigenetic data improve early detection or intervention strategies for ASD?
Participants will:
* Provide biological samples for genetic and epigenetic analysis.
* Complete detailed questionnaires regarding environmental exposures and family history.
* Participate in clinical assessments to evaluate the severity of ASD symptoms.
Researchers will compare genetic and environmental data between individuals with ASD and those without the disorder to understand how these factors may contribute to the risk of ASD. This multi-center study will take place across several universities and hospitals in Türkiye, focusing on the potential interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences.

This study aims to better understand how well the brain is perfused (supplied with blood and oxygen) during a specific type of surgery called carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which is performed to prevent strokes in people with stenosis of carotid arteries.
During this surgery, the surgeon temporarily clamps the carotid artery to remove a blockage, which can reduce blood flow to the brain. Monitoring brain oxygen levels during this time is important to prevent brain injury. Two common monitoring methods are:
Stump pressure (SP) - a pressure measurement taken from the carotid artery during surgery.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) - a non-invasive technique that tracks brain oxygen levels in real time.
This study focuses on the relationship between carotid stump pressure and differences in brain oxygenation between the two sides of the brain (interhemispheric asymmetry), as measured by NIRS.
The study will include patients undergoing awake CEA (under regional anesthesia) at a single center university hospital. Oxygen levels in both hemispheres of the brain will be monitored before and after the carotid artery is clamped after 3 minutes. Stump pressure will also be measured. The researchers will examine whether low stump pressure is linked to greater differences in brain oxygen levels between the two sides.
The primary goal is to determine whether a large difference in brain oxygenation between the two hemispheres (greater than 10%) is associated with low carotid stump pressure. Secondary goals include identifying a stump pressure threshold that predicts significant asymmetry and analyzing the influence of patient and surgical factors.
The findings may help improve how surgeons and anesthesiologists monitor and protect the brain during CEA, particularly in patients who are awake and can be observed for neurological changes.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the pre- and post-treatment effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) on pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic floor morphometry, urinary symptoms, quality of life, sexual function, and physical activity levels in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Participants diagnosed with SUI by a specialist physician will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: DNS, PFMT, or a control group. Both DNS and PFMT interventions will be delivered as 12-week home exercise programs, performed five days a week and at least three times per day. To support adherence, participants will use an exercise diary. In addition, participants in the DNS and PFMT groups will attend the clinic twice a week for supervised sessions led by a physiotherapist.
The control group will receive a brochure containing lifestyle and bladder health recommendations but will not engage in any structured exercise program.