Digital Commons Network^™

Trends In The Incidence Of Ovarian Cancer Among Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Women In The United States, 2001 To 2021, Victor Adekanmbi, Abbey B Berenson, Batul Shakir, Christine D Hsu, Thao N Hoang, Itunu O Sokale, Tolulope T Sajobi, Fangjian Guo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest and leading cause of gynecological cancer-associated mortality in the US. The aim of this study was to characterize the trends in the incidence of ovarian cancer between premenopausal and postmenopausal women to inform future targeted interventions.

Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study analyzed data from the US Cancer Statistics (USCS) database, which covered the whole of the US population between 2001 and 2021. Joinpoint regression was used to compute the average annual percentage change (APC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and age-standardized incidence rates per 1,000,000 population.

Results: The results showed that the IR of …

Differences In Arterial Events In Vascular Ehlers-Danlos, Loeys-Dietz, And Marfan Syndrome, Ernesto Calderon-Martinez, Walter V Velasco, Dongchuan Guo, Ellen H Hostetler, Zhang Xun, Sara Stephens, Sherene Shalhub, Julie De Backer, Maral Ouzounian, Scott A Lemaire, Olivier Milleron, Nadine Hanna, Pauline Arnaud, Maria Tchitchinadze, Siddharth K Prakash, Mark Lindsay, Julien Marcadier, Richmond Jeremy, Shaine A Morris, Anji T Yetman, Catherine Boileau, Alan C Braverman, Guillaume Jondeau, Dianna M Milewicz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Heritable thoracic aortic disease is due to altered genes that confer a highly penetrant risk for thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and a subset of these genes also cause aneurysms and dissections of peripheral arteries beyond the aorta. Arterial aneurysms, dissections, and ruptures are associated with pathogenic variants (PVs) in COL3A1, which is responsible for vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but arterial events are rare in Marfan syndrome due to PVs in FBN1, and poorly characterized in Loeys-Dietz syndrome due to PVs in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway genes.

Objectives: This study sought to define the relative risk of arterial …

The Carsr Two-Component System Directly Controls Radd Expression As A Global Regulator That Senses Bacterial Coaggregation In Fusobacterium Nucleatum, Bibek G C, Chenggang Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Two-component systems (TCS) enable bacteria to sense and respond to environmental signals, facilitating rapid adaptation. Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key oral pathobiont, employs the CarSR TCS to modulate coaggregation with various gram-positive partners by regulating the expression of radD, encoding a surface adhesion protein, as revealed by RNA-Seq analysis. However, the direct regulation of the radD-containing operon (radABCD) by the response regulator CarR, the broader CarR regulon, and the signals sensed by this system remain unclear. In this study, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) identified approximately 161 CarR-enriched loci across the genome and …

Modeling Reemergence Of Vaccine-Eliminated Infectious Diseases Under Declining Vaccination In The Us, Mathew V Kiang, Kate M Bubar, Yvonne Maldonado, Peter J Hotez, Nathan C Lo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Importance: Widespread childhood vaccination has eliminated many infectious diseases in the US. However, vaccination rates are declining, and there are ongoing policy debates to reduce the childhood vaccine schedule, which may risk reemergence of previously eliminated infectious diseases.

Objective: To estimate the number of cases and complications in the US under scenarios of declining childhood vaccination for measles, rubella, poliomyelitis, and diphtheria.

Design, setting, and participants: A simulation model was used to assess the importation and dynamic spread of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases across 50 US states and the District of Columbia. The model was parameterized with data on area-specific estimates …

Intratumoral Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Mirrored By Circulating Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Kyle G Mitchell, Younghee Lee, Nathaniel Deboever, Marcelo V Negrao, Hai T Tran, Edwin Parra, Lauren Byers, Alexandre Reuben, Lorenzo Federico, Chantale Bernatchez, Jing Wang, Mara B Antonoff, Ara A Vaporciyan, Stephen G Swisher, Tina Cascone, Ignacio I Wistuba, John V Heymach, Don L Gibbons, Jianjun Zhang, Daniel J Mcgrail, Boris Sepesi, Cara L Haymaker

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Tumor-initiated emergency granulopoiesis results in expansion of the circulating neutrophil compartment and neutrophil recruitment into the tumor microenvironment (TME), which may in turn promote tumor progression. Although an elevated circulating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (cNLR) has repeatedly been demonstrated to be an adverse prognostic factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whether this neutrophil expansion in circulation reflects a similar relative neutrophil abundance in the TME remains unclear. We sought to characterize the relationships between cNLR and the intratumoral neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (tNLR), between tNLR and proteogenomic and immune features of NSCLC tumors, and between tNLR and prognosis.We analyzed tNLR (transcriptomic …

Cholesterol Metabolism Regulated By Camkk2-Creb Signaling Promotes Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer, Chenchu Lin, Thomas L Pulliam, Jenny J Han, Jiaqian Xu, Carlos Vera Recio, Sandi R Wilkenfeld, Yan Shi, Manoj Kushwaha, Sarah Bench, Eduardo Ruiz, Sanjanaa Senthilkumar, Jayasurya Dileep, Peter D A Shepherd, Nora M Navone, Albert R Klekers, Elizabeth M Whitley, Michael M Ittmann, Livia S Eberlin, Wenyi Wang, Daniel E Frigo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains an incurable disease in need of improved treatments. CAMKK2 is an emerging therapeutic target whose oncogenic effects in prostate cancer have, to date, been largely attributed to its activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Here, we demonstrate that CAMKK2 promotes prostate cancer growth through an alternative downstream pathway involving CAMKI and CREB. Unbiased transcriptomics identify CREB-mediated transcription as a CAMKK2-regulated process, findings that we validate using diverse molecular, genetic, and pharmacological approaches in vitro and in vivo. CAMKK2 promotes CREB phosphorylation/activation through CAMKIα independently of AMPK, CAMKIV, or other CAMKI isoforms. Functionally, the CREB family …

Exploring Predictors Of Treatment Response To Glp-1 Receptor Agonists For Smoking Cessation, Luba Yammine, Constanza De Dios, Robert Suchting, Charles E Green, David A Nielsen, Consuelo Walss-Bass, Joy M Schmitz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Understanding predictors of smoking cessation medication efficacy facilitates the ability to enhance treatment effectiveness. In our pilot trial, exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, adjunct to nicotine patch improved smoking abstinence compared to nicotine patch alone. This secondary analysis explores potential baseline characteristics associated with differential treatment response to exenatide.

Aims and methods: The parent trial randomized (1:1) 84 smokers with prediabetes and/or overweight to once-weekly placebo or exenatide, 2 mg, subcutaneously. All participants received nicotine patch (21 mg) and brief smoking cessation counseling, with biologically confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence at week 6 (end-of-treatment) deemed the primary outcome. …

Multiscale Modeling Of Drug-Induced Liver Injury From Organ To Lobule, Alon Malka-Markovitz, Stelian Camara Dit Pinto, Mohammed Cherkaoui, Steven M Levine, Sharmila Anandasabapathy, Gagan K Sood, Sadhna Dhingra, Gao Yujia, John M Vierling, Nicolas R Gallo

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Drug-induced liver injury poses significant challenges in drug development and in clinical care. This study builds on prior work developing a Human Liver Virtual Twin by creating a Multiscale Computational Fluid Dynamics framework that integrates patient-specific anatomical data to predict acetaminophen-induced liver injury as a demonstration of its capability. The model bridges vascular, lobular, and cellular scales to simulate dynamic blood flow, drug transport, and injury mechanisms that accurately reflect clinically observed spatial heterogeneity. Results demonstrate accurate blood flow dynamics, predictions of hepatocellular damage, and a scalable framework for studying spatial heterogeneity applicable to other hepatic pathologies. This work establishes …

Detecting Early Changes In Cartilage Collagen And Proteoglycans Distribution Gradients In Mice Harboring The R992c Collagen Ii Mutant Using 2d Correlation Infrared Spectroscopy, Jolanta Fertala, Andrzej Steplewski, Andrzej Fertala

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Collagen II is a vital structural component in developing bones and mature cartilage. Muta- tions in this protein cause spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a disease characterized primarily by altered skeletal growth and manifesting with a range of phenotypes, from lethal to mild. This study examined transgenic mice harboring the R992C (p.R1124C) substitution in colla- gen II. Previous research demonstrated significant growth abnormalities and disorganized growth plate structure in these mice, and histological signs of osteoarthritic changes in the knee joints of 9-month-old mice with the R992C mutation. Our study focuses on detecting early structural changes in the articular cartilage that occur before …

Potential Effect Of Statins As Adjuvant Anti‑Tuberculosis Agents: A Short Communication, Mehwish Hanif, Ayesha Tariq, Laiba Zahoor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Tuberculosis is a chronic pulmonary infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can affect other parts of the body such as bones, brain, and lymph nodes (extra pulmonary Tb). Statins, primarily used for hyperlipidemia, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may help prevent and manage TB. They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reduce cholesterol synthesis and interfere with phagocytosis crucial for TB infection. Given the rise in resistance to first-line anti-tubercular therapies, Statins have shown promise as adjunctive agents by potentially shortening treatment duration, reducing adverse effects, and improving outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Based on these findings, Statins …

African Leadership In Brain Diplomacy: The Yaoundé Declaration Advances The Global Brain Economy Playbook For Better Brain Health, Alfred Kongnyu Njamnshi, Jacques Fame Ndongo, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Paul M. Ghogomu, Séraphin M. Fouda, Marie-Thérèse A. Ondoa Obama, Madeleine Tchuinte, Alamine O. Mey, Gladys Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

Africa, the world’s second-largest continent is home to 1.5 billion people, accounting for nearly 20% of the global population, (60% under age 25). By 2050, Africa’s population will be 2.5 billion, and by 2035, more young Africans will be entering the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined. Africa also hosts a rich social, cultural, and geopolitical diversity across its 5 geopolitical zones covering 54 countries. It is the most genetically, culturally, and linguistically diverse region on the planet. However, Africa’s contribution to the global economy could be more significant if it urgently embraces the brain …

The Mbcrc Advocate Researcher Program (Marp): Connecting Advocates And Researchers As Collaborative Partners In Cancer Research, Hillary S Andrews, Igor L Bado, Amy Beumer, Isaac S Chan, Janice Cowden, Debbie Denardi, Gloria V Echeverria, Brooke L Gates, Marybeth Gilliam, Christine Hodgdon, Adrian V Lee, Joan Mancuso, Julia Maues, Steffi Oesterreich, Michael Papanicolaou, Katherine E Pendleton, Bob Riter, Kelly Shanahan, Anh M Tran-Huynh, Pavitra Viswanath, Stephanie Walker, Alana L Welm, Michelle M Williams, Garhett L Wyatt, Josh Newby

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Involving patient advocates as partners in cancer research improves research and provides favorable experiences for both the researcher and the advocate. Previous work demonstrates challenges to establishing relationships between researchers and advocates, including uncertainty about why the relationships are necessary, how to establish them, what to say, and how they should be structured. To overcome these challenges, we established the Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference (MBCRC) Advocate Researcher Program (MARP) at the MBCRC in 2023. We outline the approach to the program to serve as a model for others interested in performing similar activities and report findings from surveys to …

Turkish Translation, Validity, And Reliability Of The European Organization For Research And Treatment Of Cancer Quality Of Life-High Dose Chemotherapy29 In Patients Undergone Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Vesi̇le Yildiz Kabak, Sevi̇lay Karahan, Eli̇fcan Aladağ Karakulak, Tüli̇n Düger, Songül Atasavun Uysal, Fulya İpek-Erdem, Hakan Göker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Our aim was to investigate psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life-high dose chemotherapy29 (EORTC QLQ-HDC29) in patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Materials and methods: Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years and undergone HSCT were included. The European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire–cancer30 the Eastern cooperative oncology group performance score, and the functional assessment of cancer therapy–bone marrow transplant were used to determine convergent validity. Reliability was assessed through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha and …

Janus Kinase Inhibitors In Localized Scleroderma: A Systematic Literature Review, Seher Şener, Yusuf Zi̇ya Şener, Ezgi̇ Deni̇z Batu, Alper Sari, Ali̇ Akdoğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Reports on the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of localized scleroderma are increasing in the literature. In this review, we examined the published studies regarding the use of JAK inhibitors in patients with localized scleroderma.

Materials and methods: We searched MEDLINE and Scopus for articles on patients with localized scleroderma treated with JAK inhibitors. The search included articles from the inception of these databases through August 1st, 2024.

Results: Our literature search showed 11 articles describing 17 patients with localized scleroderma treated with JAK inhibitors. Generalized morphea (47.1%) was the most common type of localized …

One-Year Clinical Follow-Up Of Granulomatous Lymphadenitis Diagnosed Viaebus-Tbna In A Tuberculosis-Endemic Region, Hasret Gi̇zem Kurt, Ayperi̇ Öztürk, Melahat Uzel Şener, Fi̇gen Öztürk Ergür, Zeynep Ti̇lbe Saymaz Guvanjov, Aydin Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Granulomatous lymphadenitis is not a specific clinical diagnosis. In regions where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, differentiating between various diseases presenting with granulomatous lymphadenitis poses a significant clinical challenge. This study aims to evaluate the etiological distribution of underlying conditions and to assess diagnosis changes observed during at least one year of follow-up in patients diagnosed with granulomatous lymphadenitis through endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Materials and methods: A total of 4711 patients were included in the study, and 9353 lymph node samples were collected. Granulomatous lymphadenitis was identified in 791 patients, from whom 1505 lymph node samples were …

Effectiveness Of Distal Versus Proximal Greater Occipital Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequencyin Migraine Management: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial, Gülçi̇n Babaoğlu, Şükri̇ye Dadali, Ülkü Sabuncu, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy, Şeref Çeli̇k, Mustafa Yemli̇ha Ayhan, Yağmur Can Dadakçi, Mustafa Cem Yilmaz, Şazi̇ye Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of distal versus proximal greater occipital nerve (GON) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatments in patients with episodic or chronic migraine.

Materials and methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled study, sixty participants were randomized to either distal GON PRF (n= 30) or proximal GON PRF (n = 30). Migraine related assessments were conducted at the baseline and at the first, second, and third month.

Results: Baseline characteristics indicated a higher migraine burden in the proximal group, including increased monthly headache frequency (15.0 vs. 9.5 attacks, p = 0.007). Both groups experienced significant reductions in headache …

Short-Term Efficacy And Safety Of Nondamaging Retinal Laser Therapy For Retinitis Pigmentosa-Associated Cystoid Macular Edema, Seda Çevi̇k Kaya, Mehmet Çitirik, Mevlüt Yilmaz, Eyüpcan Şensoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of nondamaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) for retinitis pigmentosa-associated cystoid macular edema (RP-CME) and analyze anatomical and functional outcomes.

Materials and methods: A retrospective case series of 40 eyes from 30 patients with RP-CME was conducted. The patients underwent NRT using a PASCAL laser system with endpoint management (EpM) software. Central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed at baseline and 2 months posttreatment. Long-term follow-up data, including recurrence rates were also reviewed.

Results: At the 2-month follow-up, NRT significantly reduced mean CMT by 79.7 μm (p < 0.001) and improved BCVA by 0.10 LogMAR (p < 0.001). Complete resolution of CME was observed in 30% of the eyes, while 52.5% experienced recurrence within 6 months. Unilateral cases exhibited greater CMT reductions than bilateral cases (p < 0.05). No retinal damage from the laser was observed. The long-term sustainability of these effects remains unclear, and repeated treatments have not yet been assessed.

Conclusion: NRT …

Il-40 Levels In Treatment-Naïve And Methotrexate-Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Hamdi̇ Oğuzman, Mete Pekdi̇ker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive damage to the joints. In this study, it was aimed to explore the role of interleukin (IL)-40, a newly discovered cytokine, in the pathogenesis of RA. We also aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-40 and other cytokines such as IL-4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α.

Materials and methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study included 87 participants divided into three groups: healthy controls (n = 29), newly diagnosed RA patients (n = 29), and RA patients with remission under methotrexate (MTX) …

Do The Amplitude Ratios Of Sensory Nerve Action Potentials In The Lower Extremities Have Any Diagnostic Utility In Distal Diabetic Polyneuropathy?, Işil Yazici Gençdal, Nermi̇n Görkem Şi̇ri̇n, İrem İlgezdi̇, Ümmü Mutlu, Eli̇f Kocasoy Orhan, Mehmet Bariş Baslo, Nevi̇n Di̇nççağ, Ali̇ Emre Öge

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the diagnostic sensitivity of sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) to medial femoral cutaneous nerve and dorsal sural to sural SNAP amplitude ratios in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.

Materials and methods: Sural/radial (SRAR), sural/medial femoral cutaneous (SMFAR), and dorsal sural/sural (DSSAR) SNAP amplitude ratios were calculated in 22 controls and 46 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Combined sensory scores (superficial peroneal, sural, dorsal sural, and medial plantar SNAPs), and amplitude ratio scores (SRAR, DSSAR, and SMFAR) were assessed. The parameters were compared statistically between the patient and control groups.

Results: All SNAP amplitudes were significantly lower …

Effectiveness Of Ultrasonography-Guided Periforaminal Oxygen-Ozone Therapy In Chronic Low Back Pain, Esra Ülgen Kiratlioğlu, Kutay Tezel, Eda Gürçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP) includes various minimally invasive image-guided interventional techniques. The aim of this study, which was planned based on the idea that periforaminal oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) gas application with ultrasonography (USG) could be an alternative treatment option, was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of USG-guided periforaminal ozone infiltration (PFOI) or transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in patients with chronic radicular LBP on pain, disability, and quality of life (QoL).

Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25 patients each underwent PFOI by USG or TFESI via fluoroscopy. …

Prognostic Factors For Long-Term Outcomes Of Unilateral Atrophic Kidneys In Adult Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Zülal İstemi̇han, Ahmet Burak Di̇ri̇m, Ali̇ Riza Uçar, Ceren Bağriaçik, Gamze Kemeç, Şafak Mi̇ri̇oğlu, Seda Şafak, Vafa Suleymanova, Özgür Akin Oto, Ayşe Serra Artan, Alaatti̇n Yildiz, Aydin Türkmen, Hali̇l Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Unilateral atrophic kidney (UAK) could be related to many etiologies that can cause chronic kidney disease in adults. There is limited data on the long-term outcome of adults with UAK in the literature.

Materials and methods: This study included 199 adult patients with UAK. The etiology, baseline clinical/laboratory, and radiological findings were evaluated. Composite primary outcomes (CPO) (chronic kidney disease stage 5 or doubling of serum creatinine) and secondary outcomes (new-onset proteinuria (>0.5 g/day or g/g) or >50% increase in proteinuria level according to baseline, mortality, and nephrectomy requirement during follow-up) were evaluated in 166 patients with at …

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Triglyceride Glucose Index And Metabolic And Hematological Parameters In Obese Individuals, Özge Baş Aksu, Feri̇de Özkara, Rifat Emral, Volkan Genç, Demet Çorapçioğlu, Mustafa Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This research examined the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and metabolic, hepatic, and hematologic variables in a population of severely obese subjects, with a focus on the assessment of glycemic control.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 315 adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m² who were evaluated for bariatric surgery. Participants were grouped according to HbA1c levels: those with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and those with HbA1c < 6.5%. TyG, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and hematological inflammation markers were assessed and compared between groups. To investigate associations, correlation and regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Individuals with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% had significantly higher TyG, AIP, APRI, and FIB-4 values than those with lower HbA1c. The TyG index showed a strong …

Thermal Compensation Algorithm In Manoscan™ High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry: Does It Really Affect Manometry Metrics And Final Diagnosis?, Ekrem Aslan, Erdem Akbal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The accuracy of pressure measurements with ManoScan™ high-resolution manometry (HRM) catheters decreases due to the development of pressure drift (PD) resulting from variations between room and body temperature. The corrective algorithm called thermal compensation (TC), added to the manometry software program by the manufacturer is used to prevent the development of PD. To date, no studies have demonstrated that PD leads to changes in manometry metrics and/or clinical diagnosis. The present study aims to demonstrate the impact of the TC algorithm on HRM metrics and final diagnosis.

Materials and methods: Records of 124 consecutive esophageal HRM studies with ManoScan™ …

Health Impacts And Medical Assistance After Libyan Flood Disaster: Emergency Medical Teams’ Responses, Hakan Güner, Okan Maden, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Şükrü Yorulmaz, Mehmet Enes Gökler

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Floods are the most frequent natural disasters and pose direct and indirect health risks, some well-documented and others poorly understood. Epidemiological studies help bridge these gaps and guide effective public health responses.In September 2023, Storm Daniel caused severe flooding in Libya, damaging infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. The disaster affected 250,000 people, displaced 48,000, and claimed 15,000 lives, making it the second deadliest natural disaster of the year. This study aims to assess the characteristics of flood-affected patients to improve disaster preparedness.

Materials and methods: This descriptive study examined disaster victims who visited three clinics established as part of an …

Development Study Of Scientific Competence And Activity Scale In Medical Faculty Research Assistants, Cemal Koçak, Hande Güverci̇n, Ecem Esen, Meltem Çöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: One mission of medical faculties is training scientists equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, who can evaluate the scientific research. The aim was to develop a scale for evaluating the level of scientific competence and activity in research assistants.

Materials and methods: The study is a methodological study, conducted in October 2023-May 2024 with 299 research assistants working at X University Faculty of Medicine. The reliability was assessed by item-total correlation and Cronbach-alpha coefficient; construct validity was assessed by EFA. In EFA, principal component analysis, Varimax rotation were used. KMO and Barttlet test p value were calculated. Groups …

Administration Of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Anosmic Mice, Burak Hazir, Alper Ceylan, Emi̇n Ümi̇t Bağriaçik, Duygu Dayanir, Betül Öğüt, Ni̇han Örüklü, Mücahi̇t Yalçin, Berkay Şi̇mşek, Muammer Meli̇h Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anosmia, a serious condition that affects the sense of smell, has no universally agreed-upon treatment. Adult stem cells are considered a potential option for treating anosmia. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissues in an anosmic mouse model induced by 3-methylindole (3-MI).

Materials and methods: In our study, 36 mice with 3-MI-induced anosmia were divided into subgroups. Anosmia was confirmed by performing a food-finding test (FFT) in each group. Intranasal phosphate-buffered saline was administered to the first group, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) to the second group, and bone marrow-derived …

Forensic Identification Using Airdna: A Preliminary Study On The Collection, Isolation, Amplification And Sequencing Of Human Dna From Air Samples, Sitki Tiplamaz, Zehra Ömeroğlu Ulu, Bestami̇ Çolak, Hizir Asliyüksek, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Humans continually release skin cells and DNA fragments into the air. This DNA can either remain airborne or drop onto surfaces as indoor dust. This study investigates the collection, isolation, amplification, and sequencing of human DNA from air samples, focusing on both nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted in a 15 m3 room and a meeting room, where air samples were systematically collected and filtered using a vacuum device equipped with various sterile filters. The rigorous protocols were implemented to prevent contamination throughout the process. Thirteen air samples were processed in this research, …

Erratum To " Evaluation Of Clinical Features And Treatment Modality Of Pediatric Patients With Steven Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Single-Center Experience " [ Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 55 2 461 469], Funda Ayteki̇n Güveni̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

In the original article, the ORCID of one of the co-authors, Hatice Irmak ÇELİK, was incorrectly reported by the corresponding author. At the request of the authors, the ORCID has been corrected to reflect the accurate information. This correction does not affect the content or conclusions of the article. The authors apologize for this oversight.

Link to the original article: https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.5990

Expert Opinion On Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Infantile Onset Pompe Disease: A Delphi Study In Türkiye, Eki̇n Özsaydi Aktaşoğlu, Asli İnci̇, Ridvan Murat Öktem, Gürsel Bi̇beroğlu, İlyas Okur, Fati̇h Süheyl Ezgü, Fi̇li̇z Başak Cengi̇z Ergi̇n, Abdurrahman Akgün, Nur Arslan, Hali̇l İbrahi̇m Aydin, Ayşe Ergül Bozaci, Mahmut Çoker, Fatma Tuba Emi̇noğlu, Meli̇ke Ersoy, Emi̇ne Göksoy, Banu Kadioğlu Yilmaz, Mehtap Kağnici, Mustafa Kiliç, Nesli̇han Önenli̇ Mungan, Burcu Öztürk Hişmi̇, Pembe Soylu Üstkoyuncu, Ayşegül Tokatli, Ayşe Çi̇ğdem Aktuğlu Zeybek, Berrak Bi̇lgi̇ner Gürbüz, Sevi̇l Dorum, Di̇lek Güneş, Çi̇ğdem Seher Kasapkara, Sebi̇le Kilavuz, Erdoğan Soyuçen, Peli̇n Teke Kisa, Özlem Ünal Uzun, Fatma Derya Bulut, Songül Gökay, Selen Has Özhan, Deni̇z Kor, Aynur Küçükcongar Yavaş, Fi̇gen Özçay, Yilmaz Yildiz, Harun Yildiz, Leyla Tümer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency, glycogen storage disease type II, OMIM #606800) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase deficiency. The infantile-onset type of the disease is mainly characterized by cardiomegaly, hypotonia, and a high mortality rate. This study aimed to create a national consensus about infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) to raise awareness among clinicians and standardize diagnosis and treatment approaches in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The Gazi University Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition developed this expert opinion consensus and expanded it to include metabolism specialists across Türkiye. A systematic literature review was performed, and the …

The Long-Term Efficacy Of Nusinersen On Respiratory Functions In Children With Symptomatic Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, Mehmet Aki̇f Kiliç, Fulya Kürekçi̇, Osman Ki̇poğlu, Orhan Coşkun, Burçi̇n Nazli Karacebey, Selahatti̇n Katar, Ridvan Avci, Hülya Maraş Genç, Erkan Çakir, Edi̇be Pembegül Yildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Available data regarding the effects of nusinersen on respiratory function in the real-world setting are uncertain. We aim to evaluate the impact of nusinersen on respiratory outcomes with a follow-up period of up to 72 months in patients with symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA type1).

Materials and methods: Respiratory status is defined similarly to previous studies: spontaneous breathing, non-invasive ventilatory support for ≤16 hours per day, and permanent assisted ventilation. The planned evaluation time was day 180 (after the fourth dose), day 300 (after the fifth dose), and after the last injection for patients who received nusinersen …