Digital Commons Network^™

The Association Of Daily Urinary And Bowel Incontinence With Emotional Functioning In Young Adults With Spina Bifida: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study, Audrey I. Young '26, Devon J. Hensel, Konrad M. Szymanki

Student Research

Many young adults with spina bifida experience bladder and bowel leakage, but clinic visits often rely on people remembering and summarizing their symptoms over long periods. In this study, we asked participants to report their experiences each day for one month using simple phone-based check-ins. We found that leakage does not affect every day in the same way. On days when symptoms were more frequent or harder to manage, participants reported worse mood, more worry, and were more likely to avoid activities. These day-to-day experiences also related to over- all quality of life at the end of the month. For …

Skin Cancer Surgery Under Local Anesthesia: Clinicopathologic Characteristics And Age-Stratified Outcomes In 533 Patients, Menekşe Kastamoni̇ Başkan, Süleyman Çeçen, Selçuk Akin, Şaduman Balaban Adim, Güzi̇n Yeşi̇m Özgenel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide, particularly among elderly individuals. Many lesions are detected at an early stage because of their visibility and can be excised under local anesthesia, thereby avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia or sedation. This study aimed to evaluate patient- and tumor-related characteristics in skin cancer surgery performed under local anesthesia, with particular emphasis on age-related outcomes.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 533 patients with 613 histopathologically confirmed skin cancers excised under local anesthesia between 2019 and 2024. Demographic, histopathological, and surgical variables were recorded, including age, sex, tumor location, …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Lamellar Crescentic Wedge Resection On Corneal Astigmatism And Optical Aberrations In Patients With Advanced Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, Ayşe Burcu, Hande Hüsni̇ye Telek, Hakan Mert, Yaprak Arzu Özdemi̇r, Züleyha Yalniz Akkaya, Evi̇n Şi̇ngar, Selma Özbek Uzman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The present study investigates the long-term changes in corneal astigmatism and aberrations following lamellar wedge resection in cases with advanced pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD).

Materials and methods: Patients with advanced PMD whose visual acuity did not improve with glasses or contact lenses underwent lamellar crescentic wedge resection. Pre- and postoperative assessments at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using Pentacam HR were conducted to identify changes in corrected visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) following the procedure, and compared with a control group.

Results: Statistically significant postoperative improvements in corrected visual acuity were observed at 6 and …

Effects Of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation On Poststroke Ankle Spasticity: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, Hüseyi̇n Oğuzhan Aslantaş, Şehi̇m Kutlay, Haydar Gök, Semra Özkan, Seçi̇lay Güneş, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a noninvasive, painless therapy aimed at improving spasticity, with a proposed mechanism that involves neuromodulation through somatosensory and proprioceptive afferent stimulation. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of rPMS on ankle plantar flexor spasticity in participants with stroke.

Materials and methods: Included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study were 50 participants with poststroke ankle plantar flexor spasticity graded 1–3 according to Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Participants were randomized into rPMS (n = 25) and sham (n = 25) groups. All participated in a conventional rehabilitation program, while the rPMS group received 10 …

Serum Angiopoietin-1 And Angiopoietin-2 Levels In Turkish Patients With Behçet’S Disease: Associations With Clinical Manifestations And Inflammatory Markers, Sercan Gücenmez, Hakan Emmungi̇l, Fi̇gen Yargucu Zi̇hni̇, Gökhan Keser, Kenan Aksu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated angiogenesis may contribute to the pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD). This study primarily aimed to investigate serum angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) levels in Turkish patients with BD and compare them with healthy controls. The secondary aims were to compare angiopoietin levels based on clinical manifestations, disease activity, and medication use and to investigate their correlations with age, disease duration, and inflammatory markers.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 56 consecutive patients with BD, diagnosed according to International Study Group criteria, and 56 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Physical characteristics, clinical manifestations, time …

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Identifies Multidimensional Vulnerabilities In Older Adults With Heart Failure, Ci̇han Kiliç, Rengi̇n Demi̇r, Özlem Yilmaz Aykent, Zerri̇n Yi̇ği̇t, Pinar Küçükdağli, Banu Özulu Türkmen, Güli̇stan Bahat, Mehmet Aki̇f Karan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Heart failure (HF) in older adults is frequently accompanied by geriatric syndromes that remain unrecognized in conventional cardiac evaluations. The vulnerabilities of older adults with and without HF in terms of muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, frailty, nutritional status, cognition, mood, anxiety, polypharmacy, and comorbidity were investigated using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two academic outpatient clinics, enrolling 420 adults aged ≥60 years, including 92 (21.9%) with HF. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and CGA parameters: handgrip strength, the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), …

Comparison Of Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block And Thoracic Paravertebral Block For Postoperative Analgesia After Breast Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Noninferiority Trial, Mustafa Sirri Kotanoğlu, Musa Zengi̇n, Onur Küçük, Atakan Sezgi̇, İbrahi̇m Topcu, Aras Meti̇n, Zeynep Ersoy, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This noninferiority trial aimed to evaluate whether the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) provides noninferior postoperative analgesia compared with the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) after unilateral mastectomy.

Materials and methods: This prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group noninferiority trial enrolled 60 female patients scheduled for elective unilateral mastectomy. Patients received either ultrasound-guided SPSIPB (n = 30) or TPVB (n = 30) with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine before induction. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (0–100 mm) at rest and during coughing over 24 h. Noninferiority was assessed using the Hodges–Lehmann median difference with 95% …

Timing Of Kirschner Wire Removal In Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Is Early Removal A Safe And Effective Option?, Mustafa Kemal Yeni̇dünya, Si̇nan Yüksel, İbrahi̇m Faruk Adigüzel, Serhat Di̇nç, Önder Ersan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The optimal timing of Kirschner wire removal following the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of early versus late K-wire removal and to contribute to the standardization of the timing of pin removal in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 90 pediatric patients (aged 4–14 years) treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for Gartland type III and IV supracondylar humerus fractures. Patients were grouped according to the timing of pin removal as early (postoperative days 21–28, n = 40) or late (after …

Urinary Dkk3 As A Predictor Of Ckd Stages In Reflux Nephropathy In Children, Ayşe Seda Pinarbaşi, Nesli̇han Günay, İnayet Güntürk, Di̇dem Barlak Keti̇, Si̇bel Yel, Sekure Rabi̇a Ulueren, Cevat Yazici, Muammer Hakan Poyrazoğlu, İsmai̇l Dursun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Reflux nephropathy is an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children. The search for new biomarkers continues, as early intervention is important to slow the progression of CKD. Urinary Dickkopf-3 (uDKK3), a potential marker of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, has been studied in adults but not extensively in children with CKD. This study was conducted to determine the role of uDKK3 levels in predicting the CKD stage in children with reflux nephropathy.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 113 children with CKD stages 1–4 with reflux nephropathy and 28 healthy controls. uDKK3 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent …

Non-Pulmonary Arterial Involvement In Behçet's Disease: A Multicentre Retrospective Case Series, Özge Karakök, Duygu Keri̇m, Şeri̇fe Çoşkun-Sağirkaya, Gamze Akkuzu, Burcu Ceren Uludoğan, Gezmi̇ş Ki̇myon, Hasan Kocaayan, Senar Şan, Özkan Urak, Gökçe Kenar, Ayşe Cefle, Servet Akar, Nazi̇fe Şule Yaşar-Bi̇lge, Cemal Bes, Şükran Erten, Ahmet Omma, Gökhan Keser, Kenan Aksu, Tüli̇n Ergun, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz-Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In Behçet’s disease (BD), arterial involvement represents a significant clinical challenge associated with serious complications. The present study evaluates the characteristic features, affected vessels, lesion types, treatments, and outcomes in BD patients with nonpulmonary arterial involvement.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective study were 65 BD patients whose interventions and clinical courses were accessed from medical records. The treatments administered included immunosuppressive (IS) therapies and surgical/endovascular procedures. Fisher’s exact and t-test/Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Fifty-nine of the patients (90.8%) were male. The median (Q1–Q3) follow-up was 4 (2–12.8) years. The most commonly affected …

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome In Pediatric Colchicine Poisoning: A National Cohort Study From Türkiye, Faruk Eki̇nci̇, Di̇nçer Yildizdaş, Ozden Özgür Horoz, Hayri̇ Levent Yilmaz, Sevcan Bi̇len, İlker Ünal, İkbal Türker, Esra Şevketoğlu, Ni̇hal Akçay, Agop Çitak, Güntülü Şik, Tanil Kendi̇rli̇, Merve Havan, Murat Kangin, Mehmet Nur Talay, Nazi̇k Yener, Hati̇ce Albayrak, Edi̇n Botan, Utku Özer, Arzu Oto, Gürkan Bozan, Muhterem Duyu, Başak Nur Akyildiz, Nai̇me Gökay, Eli̇f Çeli̇k, Çapan Konca, Mutlu Uysal Yazici, Oğuz Dursun, Feyza İnceköy Gi̇rgi̇n, Hati̇ce Feray Ari, İlknur Arslan, Murat Özkale, Özlem Sandal, Merve Misirlioğlu, Hali̇l Keski̇n, Sadik Kaya, Arda Kilinç, Ferhat Sari, Fati̇h Akin, Ayşe Aşik, Ibrahi̇m Bi̇ngöl, Eda Turanli, Merve Boyraz, Ener Çağri Di̇nleyi̇ci̇, Mehmet Aki̇f Dündar, Selver Ceren Özcan, Aygül Kaya Akilli, Emi̇ne Akkuzu, Nazan Ülgen Tekerek, Ni̇lüfer Öztürk, Emrah Gün, Yasemi̇n Özkale, Nuretti̇n Onur Kutlu, Zeynelabi̇di̇n Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Colchicine poisoning has been associated with systemic toxicity, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and mortality. In the present study, the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of pediatric colchicine poisoning cases and the incidence of organ failure are investigated to identify potential risk factors associated with MODS.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective multicenter cohort study were pediatric patients admitted to 28 tertiary-care pediatric intensive care units with a diagnosis of colchicine poisoning. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were extracted from medical records. MODS was defined as dysfunction involving at least two organ systems. Multivariable …

Association Of Vitamin D, Oxidative Stress Markers, And Hormonal Factors With Male Infertility: A Case-Control Study In Pakistan, Muhammad Tayyab Ihsan, Ayesha Ali Malick, Sher Khan, Sher Khan, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Haq Nawaz Khan, Rehana Rehman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Infertility impacts around 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors accounting for approximately 50% of cases. Despite this significant share, male infertility remains understudied, particularly in developing nations such as Pakistan. The present study explores the association between male infertility and seminal plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers, inhibin B, and vitamin D, along with their relationship with sperm parameters.

Materials and methods: The dataset of the study consisted of seminal plasma levels from 30 fertile and 60 infertile males. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Vitamin D, malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inhibin B …

Bridging The Methodological Gap In Multitrauma Literature: A Competency-Based Educational Framework And Clinical Appraisal Filter, Şaki̇r Hakan Aksu, Burcu Doğan, Merve Yazla

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The statistical complexity of contemporary multitrauma literature has increased considerably in recent years, which may pose challenges for clinicians seeking to interpret high-impact research and apply evidence-based practices. Characterizing this methodological landscape and exploring education-oriented approaches may help to improve the interpretability of the literature and support informed clinical decision-making.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the 100 most-cited multitrauma studies published in Science Citation Index Expanded journals indexed in the Web of Science database between January 2018 and November 2025. The statistical methods used in each article were categorized into the three competency levels of …

Common Femoral Vein Wall Thickness As A Supportive Imaging Marker In The Differential Diagnosis Of Behçet’S Uveitis, Seda Kutluğ Ağaçkiran, Esra Kardeş, Abdulbaki̇ Ağaçkiran, Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz-Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Ocular involvement is a major cause of morbidity in Behçet’s disease (BD), and its diagnosis may be challenging, particularly for patients with isolated ocular manifestations or incomplete fulfillment of diagnostic criteria. Increased common femoral vein (CFV) wall thickness measured by Doppler ultrasonography (US) has previously been shown to be a sensitive and specific marker for systemic BD. This study aimed to evaluate whether CFV wall thickness measurement may serve as a supportive tool in distinguishing Behçet’s uveitis (BU) from other forms of inflammatory uveitis.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 45 patients with BU fulfilling the International Study …

Clinical Outcomes Of Injectable And Conventional Pulmonary Valve Replacement In Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation, Sercan Tak, Murat Koç, Ali̇ Kutsal, Vehbi̇ Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of Fallot repair is a common long-term complication requiring pulmonary valve replacement. Injectable bioprosthetic valves offer a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical replacement, but comparative data in pediatric populations remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of injectable pulmonary valve replacement and conventional pulmonary valve replacement in pediatric patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of Fallot repair.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 22 pediatric patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement. Patients were divided into injectable (n = 9) and conventional (n = 13) groups based on …

In Silico Evaluation Of The Role Of Pea3 Subfamily Ets Transcription Factors In Chemoresistance In Ovarian Cancer, Fevzi̇ Coşkun Sökmen, Lai̇ka Kardana, Hi̇kmet Yilmaz, Ahmet Çağlar Özketen, Aynur Karadağ Gürel, Özge Atay, Hasan Hüseyi̇n Kazan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The E26 transformation-specific family of transcription factors regulates the cell cycle and apoptosis that are crucial for carcinogenesis. More specifically, the PEA3 subfamily—comprising ETS variant (ETV) transcription factors ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5—has been implicated in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and chemotherapy resistance. While cisplatin is still a widely used chemotherapeutic treatment for ovarian cancer, its therapeutic efficacy is sometimes limited by the induction of resistance mechanisms. The present study investigates the potential role of PEA3 subfamily genes in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer through comprehensive in silico analyses.

Materials and methods: Cisplatin response data for ovarian cancer were obtained …

Omega-3–Rich Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions Significantly Prevent Sepsis-Driven Mesenteric Hypoperfusion And Multi-Organ Injury In Murine Models, Gökşen Öz, Esi̇n Özçelebi̇, Ayşe Yeşi̇m Göçmen, Cenk Sükmensüer, Selma Yildirim, Arzu Topeli̇, Alper Bektaş İski̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Parenteral feeding is used in critically ill patients when enteral nutrition is inadequate or intolerable, and the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly. Lipid emulsions play a major role in parenteral nutrition because they supply necessary fatty acids and a high-calorie density. We investigated the effects of parenteral lipid emulsions on mesenteric perfusion, inflammation-induced oxidation, and organ damage in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice endotoxemia model.

Materials and methods: In septic mice, organ damage induced by lipopolysaccharide was assessed by histopathology and biochemical examination. Additionally, an ultrasonic blood flowmeter was used to measure the impact of lipid emulsions on mesenteric blood flow. …

Optimistic And Ambivalent Attitudes Toward Clinical Artificial Intelligence, Sevi̇l Uygun İli̇khan, Si̇nem Ülke, Mahmut Özer, Matjaž Perc, Yavuz Ayhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare systems; however, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding AI remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals’ perceptions of AI in clinical practice.

Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 260 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and healthcare technicians working at a tertiary public hospital in Türkiye. Participants completed the Healthcare Professionals and Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire, which assessed demographic characteristics, AI knowledge, workplace AI use, attitudes toward AI applications, ethical and legal concerns, perceived professional impact, and educational needs.

Results: Most participants reported limited AI knowledge; …

Hla Allele And Haplotype Diversity In Central Anatolia: A Comparative Analysis Of Donors And Transplant Candidates Across Six Hla Loci (Hla-A, Hla-B, Hla-C, Hla-Drb1, Hla-Dqb1, And Hla-Dpb1), Emel Yantir, Eren Gündüz, Ertuğrul Çolak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms play a central role in immune recognition, disease susceptibility, and transplant success. The distribution of HLA alleles and haplotypes varies among ethnic and geographic populations. Despite several regional studies conducted in Türkiye, large-scale and comprehensive investigations comparing HLA profiles between healthy individuals and transplant candidates remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of HLA profiles among donors, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) candidates, and solid organ transplant candidates.

Materials and methods: A total of 8472 individuals were included in the study, comprising 6422 donors and 2050 transplant candidates. HLA …

Vnotes High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Versus Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension In The Management Of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Initial Experience In A Single Tertiary Center, Ramazan Adan, Fati̇h Şahi̇n, Ulya Üskent, Mehmet Gökhan Çulha, Arzu Bi̇lge Teki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The optimal technique for vaginal vault prolapse correction has yet to be identified. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of women who underwent vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (vNOTES HUSLS) or laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included symptomatic women with stage ≥2 vault prolapse who underwent vNOTES HUSLS or LLS between January 2019 and June 2022 at a tertiary center. The surgical efficacy, postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and recurrence frequencies of these procedures were compared. The primary outcomes of the study included anatomical success, patient-reported (subjective) …

Letter To The Editor: Telemedicine Versus Conventional Care For Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Pregnancy Outcomes In Systemic Sclerosis Before And After Diagnosis: A Retrospective Nationwide Cohort Study, Alper Doğanci, Serdar Can Güven, Nuray Yilmaz Çakmak, Rifat Bozkuş, Sali̇h Başer, Eki̇n Doğanci, Nesli̇han Öztürk, Şuayi̇p Bi̇ri̇nci̇, Nai̇m Ata

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were evaluated in a nationwide cohort study. The impact of the disease on pregnancy outcomes was further assessed by comparing outcomes before and after the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.

Materials and methods: A retrospective, nationwide, multicenter study was conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. A nationwide cohort was between 1 January 2018, and 31 October 2025, including female patients with at least two recorded ICD codes for SSc (M34 subcategories) at an interval of at least 1 month, who were identified as pregnant before (pre-SSc) or after SSc …

Impact Of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection On Pain, Disability, And Kinesiophobia In Lumbar Disc Herniation With Radicular Pain, Hande Ece Öz, Rumeysa Çeti̇nkaya Bulutoğlu, Furkan Çeti̇n, Ezgi̇ Can, Alp Eren Çelenli̇oğlu, Ender Si̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to evaluate the effect of single-level transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) on kinesiophobia (KP) in patients with lumbar radicular pain (RP) caused by single-root, single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Materials and methods: A total of 63 patients diagnosed with unilateral single-level radicular pain due to LDH and treated with single-level TFESI were included. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Neuropathic pain (NP)-Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire (DN4) were used before the procedure and at 3 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: At baseline, 76.19% (n = 48) …

Impact Of Race-Based And Race-Free Ckd-Epi Equations On Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate In A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Özgür Akin Oto, Abdulmeci̇t Yildiz, İsmai̇l Koçyi̇ği̇t, Hali̇l Yazici, Sai̇de Eli̇f Güllülü Boz, Yi̇ği̇t Kurtuluş, Alparslan Demi̇ray, Müge Doksan, Vafa Suleymanova, Ece Ük, Alper Akin, Bahar Bastani, John C. Edwards, Krista Leigh Lentine, Yaşar Kerem Çalişkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The 2021 revision of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, which eliminates race-based coefficients, may significantly influence disease staging and treatment in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study was designed to evaluate the impact of the 2021 race-free CKD-EPI equation on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging in a multi-ethnic ADPKD population.

Materials and methods: In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study, 597 ADPKD patients were evaluated, including 515 self-identified as Caucasian and 82 as African-American. eGFR values at baseline and final follow-up were calculated using both the 2009 and 2021 …

Reliability And Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Barthel Index-Dyspnea In Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension, Pinar Merç, Rengi̇n Demi̇r, Meli̇h Zeren, Habi̇be Durdu, Ümi̇t Yaşar Si̇nan, Mehmet Serdar Küçükoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The Barthel Index-dyspnea (BI-d) is a respiratory disease-specific tool developed on the basis of the Barthel Index (BI), which provides a simple and quick way to measure the degree of dyspnea in activities of daily living (ADL). Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The objective of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the BI-d in patients with PH.

Materials and methods: A total of 73 PH patients were included in the study. Criterion validity was explored using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, …

A High Fib-4 Score May Be An Early Sign Of Severe Liver Damage In Patients With Primary Antibody Deficiencies, Haci Uğur Muşabak, Tuba Erdoğan, Emre Özbek, Dudu Merve Durak Anşi̇n, Zumrud Mehti̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Liver damage is a significant complication that increases mortality and morbidity in primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). Although biopsy is the gold standard, the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scoring system is a noninvasive method for diagnosing liver fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the value of the FIB-4 score as an early indicator of liver damage in patients with primary antibody deficiencies (PADs).

Materials and methods: Of 52 patients, 40 had common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), 12 had immunoglobulin G subclass deficiency (IgG-SGD), and they were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into hematology, rheumatology + dermatology, gastroenterology/hepatology, and respiratory diseases groups based …

Preliminary Population Genetic Analysis Of 12 X-Str Loci In A Sample From Türkiye: Allele Frequencies, Haplotype Diversity, And Linkage Disequilibrium​, Hizir Asliyüksek, Esra Güzel Tanoğlu, Abdulkadi̇r Can, Muhammed Fevzi̇ Esen, Yusuf Atan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) are informative genetic markers in kinship testing and specific forensic contexts, particularly when standard autosomal approaches are less informative. This study aimed to provide preliminary allele frequency, haplotype diversity, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) data for 12 X-STR loci in a sample from Türkiye.

Materials and methods: A total of 136 unrelated individuals from Türkiye were genotyped for 12 X-STR loci. Inferential analyses of X-linked loci require diploid genotypes; therefore, allele frequencies, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), LD, and regional comparisons were based primarily on female samples (n = 115), whereas male haplotypes (n = 21) were …

Pediatric Mr Cholangiopancreatography: Comparison Of 3d Fast Spin-Echo And Single-Shot Fast Spin-Echo Thick-Slab Techniques For Pancreaticobiliary Anatomy, Seda Kaynak Şahap, Suat Fi̇toz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study compared thick-slab and three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) sequences in pediatric patients with respect to image quality and visualization of the pancreaticobiliary anatomy.

Materials and methods: The MRCP examinations of 62 pediatric patients evaluated for suspected pancreaticobiliary pathology were retrospectively reviewed, comprising a total of 69 studies. Thick-slab single-shot fast spin-echo and 3D fast spin-echo MRCP sequences were compared. The visualization of pancreaticobiliary structures was assessed using a qualitative visual scoring system. Image quality was graded as good, moderate, poor, or nondiagnostic. Biliary anatomical variations were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate nonparametric …

Postoperative Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism: A Comprehensive Analysis Of 510 Cases, Alparslan Ertenli̇ce, İbrahi̇m Kilinç, Mustafa Oruç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Postoperative normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NC-HPT) is defined as elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels despite normal calcium levels after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This study investigates the demographic, biochemical, and histopathological factors associated with NC-HPT in a large patient cohort and presents the follow-up outcomes.

Materials and methods: The initial study sample included 571 patients who underwent surgery for PHPT between January 2018 and January 2024, 510 of whom were analyzed retrospectively after the application of the exclusion criteria. Preoperative and postoperative biochemical parameters, bone mineral density, pathological findings, and follow-up data were evaluated. NC-HPT was defined as postoperative PTH …

Alterations In Gut Microbiota Composition In Adult Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Pilot Case–Control Study, Nazi̇fe Şule Yaşar Bi̇lge, Vicente Pérez Brocal, Ti̇muçi̇n Kaşi̇foğlu, Uğur Bi̇lge, Ni̇lgün Kaşi̇foğlu, Andres Moya, Ener Çağri Di̇nleyi̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Although familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic disease, recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in its pathogenesis or phenotypic expression. We conducted a pilot exploratory study to evaluate the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with FMF and compare it to that of healthy controls.

Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, 10 adult patients with FMF receiving colchicine and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected and stored at –80 °C until DNA extraction. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequencing was …