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Selective Loss Of Primary Cilia And Neurotrophic Signaling In G51d Α-Synuclein Mice Highlights A Common Pathway To Parkinson’S Disease, Yu-En Lin, Ebsy Jaimon, Youngdoo Kim, Annabeth Loftman, Aaran Vijayakumaran, Benjamin D W Belfort, Claire Y Chiang, Benjamin R Arenkiel, Huda Y Zoghbi, Suzanne R Pfeffer

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Parkinson's disease is characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss and accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in the brain. G51D α-synuclein knock-in mice provide a genetically and clinically relevant model of disease, exhibiting early olfactory deficits, age-dependent motor impairment, and progressive phospho-α-synuclein accumulation. In multiple Parkinson's disease models, striatal cholinergic and parvalbumin interneurons, as well as astrocytes, lose primary cilia and the neurotrophic signaling needed to sustain dopaminergic neurons. We show here that G51D α-synuclein mice share these phenotypes. Phospho-Ser129 α-synuclein accumulation correlates with cilia loss in cholinergic interneurons but not in spiny projection neurons that accumulate higher phospho-α-synuclein levels. In the piriform …

For Weight Loss: Why Do Glp-1 Agonists Work, And How Can We Make Them Work Better?, Charlise Giang, Jieyi Meng, Mahmoud Ali Mohammad, Zhenqi Liu, Xinle Wu, Yi Zhu

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have revolutionized the management of not only type 2 diabetes but also obesity. However, even with rapid therapeutic advances in GLP-1RAs, questions regarding the fundamental principles of GLP-1-mediated weight loss and the enhanced efficacy of next-generation therapies remain. In this comprehensive review article, we first examine the milestones of GLP-1, from its initial discovery and biological characterization to its successful translation into clinical therapy. Furthermore, this review highlights the latest clinical trial data, specifically HbA1c reduction, weight-loss efficacy, and safety profiles, while exploring current pipelines of major pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, we delineate the mechanistic …

Lineage Tracing Reveals A Shared Cellular Origin For Supraclavicular Brown And Inguinal Beige Adipocytes, Yali Ran, Kai Zhang, Yi-Ting Shen, Qianxing Mo, Ziyi Wang, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Sharon John, Mari Kogiso, Xia Gao, Chunmei Wang, Tanvi Sinha, Brian L Black, Miao-Hsueh Chen

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

The metabolic importance of brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been recognized, but its origins, particularly supraclavicular BAT (scBAT), remain unclear. Here, we traced scBAT to Mef2c-anterior heart field (AHF)-marked cells. Mef2c-AHF-marked cells isolated from scBAT can spontaneously differentiate into brown adipocytes, express mesenchymal stem cell markers, and can be isolated from the stromal-vascular fraction (SVF) of wild-type scBAT as [CD31

Brain Perivascular Macrophages Regulate Endothelial Cell Function Via A Cmaf-Dependent Transcriptional Program In Mouse And Human, Simone Brioschi, Julia A Belk, Steffen E Storck, Yue Wu, Zhuoying Wang, Ziang Feng, Lynn Van Olst, Josie L Emery, Raki Sudan, Junjie Wu, Siling Du, Marco Genua, Federica La Terza, Alex J Edwards, Khai M Nguyen, Jessie Sanford, Daniel D Lee, Mattia Bugatti, Arnold J Federico, Yun Chen, Zuoxu Wang, Silvia Penati, Patrick Fernandes Rodrigues, Alina Ulezko Antonova, Hui Qi Loo, Igor Smirnov, Susan Gilfillan, Carmen M Halabi, Jennifer Ponce, Jun Yan, Howard Y Chang, Gwendalyn J Randolph, William Vermi, Marina Cella, Michael Meers, Renato Ostuni, David Gate, Aivi T Nguyen, Carlos Cruchaga, Song Hu, Jonathan Kipnis, Marco Colonna

The Brown Foundation: Institute of Molecular Medicine

Brain perivascular macrophages maintain brain physiology, yet their transcriptional regulators and functions in health and disease remain unclear. Using single-cell multi-omics and functional experiments, we identify cellular musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene (cMAF) as a key transcription factor for brain perivascular macrophages, and conditional deletion of cMAF disrupts their phenotype in vivo. Functionally, cMAF drives insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) expression in perivascular macrophages, enabling communication with endothelial cells. Consistently, cMAF deletion in perivascular macrophages causes transcriptional alterations in cerebral arteries, affecting vascular functions. Notably, cMAF emerges as the main transcription factor for human perivascular macrophages, suggesting conservation of this transcriptional module. During …

Face Mask Littering: Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Challenges, And Ai-Driven Waste Management Strategies For The Post-Pandemic Era, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The widespread use of polypropylene-based face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant and persistent source of plastic pollution. This review aims to provide an integrative assessment of the environmental, toxicological, and public health implications of face mask litter and evaluate current waste management challenges and emerging technological solutions in the postpandemic context. A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing literature published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the issues of environmental contamination, microplastic generation, toxicological effects, regulatory frameworks, and …

Male Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology, Risk Assessment, And Evidence-Based Management, Seli̇n Teki̇n, Alper Gürlek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Osteoporosis in men is a common yet underrecognized condition associated with substantial fracture-related morbidity and excess mortality. Although men generally attain higher peak bone mass than women, age-related changes in bone microarchitecture, progressive cortical bone loss, declining sex steroid bioavailability, and a high prevalence of secondary causes contribute to a significant lifetime fracture risk. Importantly, a large proportion of fragility fractures in men occur at bone mineral density (BMD) values above the osteoporotic threshold, highlighting the limitations of BMD-based diagnosis alone. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical characteristics of osteoporosis in men, with particular …

Daam2 Gene Variants P.(Asp165glu) And P.(Asn614thrfster2) In Pediatric Cryptorchidism: A Hypothesis-Generating Pilot Case-Control Study From The Eastern Black Sea Region Of Türkiye ​, Onur Yalçin, Çağri Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genitourinary system, characterized by a multifactorial etiology. The disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 (DAAM2) gene regulates androgen receptor (AR)- dependent transcription; its variants are associated with partial androgen insensitivity. Since the inguinoscrotal phase of testicular descent is androgen-dependent, we hypothesized that DAAM2 variants contribute to cryptorchidism susceptibility. This pilot study, designed to generate hypotheses rather than to establish association, investigated the frequency of two functionally characterized DAAM2 variants, p.(Asp165Glu) and p.(Asn614ThrfsTer2), in pediatric cryptorchidism.

Materials and methods: This prospective case-control study included 40 male pediatric cryptorchidism patients and 39 …

A Comparative Analysis Of Clinical Quality And Readability Of Neuropathic Pain Patient Information Leaflets: Türkiye Versus The United States, Gonul Sari, Argun Pire

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Neuropathic pain management requires high patient adherence and complex dose-titration regimens, making the readability of patient information leaflets (PILs) a critical patient safety factor. This study aimed to compare the clinical content quality and linguistic readability of PILs for neuropathic pain medications between Türkiye (TİTCK) and the United States (DailyMed).

Materials and methods: A total of 11 pairs of innovator medications were analyzed. Clinical content was assessed using the 15-item Keystone Clinical Content Checklist (KCCC). Readability was assessed using the Ateşman index for Turkish texts and the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) for English texts. Information quality and reliability …

Comparing Age Of Obesity Onset, Concerns About Weight And Body Shape, And Quality Of Life In Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery ​, Vi̇ldan Çakir Kardeş, Özge Saraçli, Nuray Atasoy, Levent Ati̇k, Si̇bel Kahraman Gi̇rgeç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study explored the relationship between concerns about weight and body shape and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates with morbid obesity regarding the onset of the weight problem in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

Materials and methods: We included 453 patients who applied to our center for preoperative bariatric surgery assessment between January 2010 and April 2019. We reviewed the sociodemographic information, psychiatric diagnoses, and results of the Body Shape Questionnaire-34, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory of all patients.

Results: Concerns about weight and body shape were increased in women (p < 0.001), unemployed patients (p = 0.001), those with a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p < 0.001), and those with childhood- or adolescent-onset of weight problems (r = –0.170; p < 0.001). Concerns about weight and body shape had a relationship with the vitality (r = –0.434), mental health (r = –0.464), social functioning (r = –0.418), pain (r = –0.307), and general health (r = –0.352) subscale scores of quality of life. Physical functioning was higher (p = 0.037) in patients with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity compared to patients with adult-onset obesity, while mental health was higher (p = 0.001) in the latter group. Individuals with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity inquired about bariatric surgery options at an earlier age (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: …

Changes In T-Cell Subsets And Their Relationships With Disease Severity In Patients With Alopecia Areata, Hati̇ce Türk Daği, Hülya Özdemi̇r, Mehmet Akyürek, Fatma Tunçez Akyürek, Hasi̇be Artaç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring hair loss disorder characterized by genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and T-cell–mediated autoimmunity. While various CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets are implicated in its pathogenesis, the roles of follicular T-cell (Tfh), peripheral T-cell (Tph), and regulatory T-cell (Treg) subsets– particularly within the CD8+ population–remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to characterize circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets in Turkish patients with AA and to evaluate their associations with disease activity, duration, and severity.

Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients with AA and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets—including …

Thyroid Function In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Specific Learning Disorder: A Retrospective Comparative Study, Gül Trabzon, Seda Aybüke Sari, Servet Yüce, Şeyma Demi̇ray Güllü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study analyzes thyroid function parameters (free T₃, free T₄, TSH) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD with specific learning disorder, and healthy controls, to determine whether subtle thyroid dysregulation contributes to the phenotypic heterogeneity of ADHD.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 135 children aged 6–18 years: 62 diagnosed with ADHD (38 isolated ADHD and 24 ADHD+SLD) and 73 healthy controls. Demographic, anthropometric, and thyroid function data (free T₃, free T₄, TSH) were extracted from medical records. Group comparisons were conducted using independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and treatment status. …

Sarcopenia Risk In Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Sarc-F-Based Assessment ​, Burak Kami̇l Turan, Ayşe Adi̇le Küçükdeveci̇, Zafer Günendi̇, Ayşegül Yaman, Oya Özdemi̇r, Jale Meray, Fatma Yeşi̇m Gökçe Kutsal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are diseases of bone and muscle tissue, respectively. Studies reported that these disorders were interrelated. However, this relation was explored in older adults and/or with certain comorbidities, and information about nonelderly postmenopausal women is scarce. This study’s objectives were to investigate the relationship between osteoporosis and SARC-F-defined sarcopenia risk in postmenopausal women aged ≤70 years and to examine the effect of other factors on this risk.

Materials and methods: This multicenter case-control study included postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilized to diagnose osteoporosis. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, sarcopenia risk (SARC-F), muscle strength …

Rna Sequencing Detects More Challenging Cases Of Somatic Hypermutation In The Ighv Gene In Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ​, Fatma Arikan, Pinar Ata, Şenol Demi̇r, Meral Uluköylü Mengüç, Fahi̇r Özkalemkaş, Bedretti̇n Orhan, Özgür Mehtap, Arda Bayar, Asu Fergün Yilmaz, Ayşe Tüli̇n Tuğlular, Işik Atagündüz, Tayfur Toptaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibits marked biological heterogeneity, and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IgHV) mutation status remains a key prognostic biomarker. We evaluated patient IgHV status via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and examined real-life clinical outcomes in a retrospective CLL cohort.

Materials and methods: Eighty-seven adults diagnosed with CLL between 2020 and 2022 at three centers were included. Total RNA from peripheral blood underwent anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction with the Immunoverse BCR-IGH IGKL v1.0 kit (Integrated DNA Technologies) and was sequenced on the MiSeq platform (Illumina). IgHV mutation status was determined according to ERIC 2022 guidelines, specifically regarding classification …

Beyond Individual Willingness: Family Veto, Legal Knowledge, And The Dynamics Of Organ Donation In Türkiye ​, Hasan Gi̇ray Ankara, Hakan Değerli̇, Semi̇h Baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to understand the factors underlying the dynamics of organ donation behavior by focusing on three different aspects. Three models were tested in this regard, namely (i) individual willingness for the donation of one’s own organs, (ii) willingness to approve organ donation for close relatives, and (iii) a family veto gap.

Materials and methods: A national-level adult sample from the Eurobarometer 72.3 survey (collected in 2009) conducted in Türkiye was utilized. Standard and penalized logistic regression models were employed to conduct the analyses.

Results: The results show that discussing organ donation with family members and being aware …

A Hidden Danger In Cancer Patients: Intestinal Parasites ​, Asli Geçgel, Ayşe Merve Parmaksizoğlu Aydin, Ahmet Türk, Esra Erdem Kivrak, Gökhan Vatansever, Nevi̇n Turgay, Erdem Göker, Meltem Taşbakan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, distribution, and associated clinical factors of intestinal parasite detection among patients with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea and had stool samples examined at the Ege University Medical Parasitology Laboratory between January 2014 and September 2024. Patients with incomplete records or inadequate stool processing were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were retrieved from electronic medical records …

Can Hydrolyzed Silk Fibroin Derived From Bombyx Hatayensis And Ozonized Gel Modulate Inflammatory And Angiogenic Responses In A Corneal Alkali Burn Model? ​​, Şule Barman Kaki̇l, Hamdullah Suphi̇ Bayraktar, Okan Soylu, İshak Gökçek, Meryem İlkay Karagül, Zehra Demi̇ray Asoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The therapeutic effects of hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from Bombyx hatayensis and a commercially available ozonized gel, administered individually and in combination, were evaluated in a rat model of corneal alkali burn.

Materials and methods: A standardized corneal alkali burn was induced in the right eyes of Wistar albino rats using 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Animals were randomly assigned to six groups: negative control, positive control (PC), hydrolyzed silk fibroin (SF), ozonized gel (O), combined treatment (SF + O), and antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments were administered for 21 consecutive days. Clinical evaluation included assessments of corneal opacity, neovascularization, …

Repurposing Diclofenac For Combination Therapy: Targeting The Warburg Effect To Enhance Breast Cancer Treatment ​, Gonca Tuna, Eli̇f Ertürk, Ayşen Sağnak, Ferda Ari

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diclofenac (Diclo), a widely used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, has emerged as a potential candidate for drug repurposing in oncology, with reported anticancer effects extending beyond cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition, including modulation of tumor metabolism. This study investigated the antiproliferative and glycolysis-associated effects of Diclo in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, alone and in combination with docetaxel (Doc) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Materials and methods: Cell viability was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. To evaluate metabolic alterations, glucose uptake and lactate release were quantified following treatment. In addition, Triosephosphate Isomerase (TPI) protein levels and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured to …

Antiobesity, Antidiabetic, And Antioxidant Activities Of Selected Rubia Species (Rubiaceae) And Lc–Ms/Ms-Based Chemical Profiling ​, Semi̇h Bulut, Ahmet Kahraman, Ayşenur Işik, Mustafa Abdullah Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rubia species (Rubiaceae) are recognized as medicinal and industrial plants exhibiting diverse biological activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential of extracts prepared from Rubia davisiana Ehrend. (an endemic species), R. peregrina L., and R. rotundifolia Banks & Sol., which grow naturally in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity of 80% ethanol extracts prepared from the aerial parts was evaluated using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing power, metal chelating capacity, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Inhibition assays for α-glucosidase and α-amylase were performed to evaluate antidiabetic activity, …

L-Theanine Attenuates Alcl3-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction And Neurotoxicity In Rats: A Behavioral And Biochemical Study, Muhammet Oğuzhan Dönmez, Azi̇ze Şener, Şeyda Karaman Ersoy, Mahdi̇ Marzi̇, Göksel Şener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The effects of L-theanine (LTN), a natural compound found in tea leaves, on biochemical parameters and cognitive functions were investigated in an aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer’s disease-like experimental model.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, AlCl3-induced AD-like group, LTN-treated AD-like group, and donepezil-treated AD-like group. Donepezil was used as a reference drug. For the induction of AlCl3- induced neurotoxicity, AlCl3 was administered by gavage at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day during the 1st week and 150 mg/kg/day for the subsequent 3 weeks. LTN was administered orally at a dose …

Therapeutic Potential Of Nasal Kisspeptin-54 For Reducing Α-Synuclein Accumulation And Restoring Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity In A 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Rat Model Of Parkinson’S Disease ​, Ayşegül Gemi̇ci̇ Si̇nen, Emre Savran, Okyanus Bora Güleç, Osman Si̇nen, Nari̇n Deri̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), leading to significant motor and cognitive impairments. Kisspeptin-54 (KP-54), a neuropeptide primarily involved in reproductive regulation, has recently been implicated in neurorestorative processes, with emerging evidence suggesting beneficial effects on locomotor activity and cognitive function. However, its therapeutic potential in PD has not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of chronic nasal KP-54 administration in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD, focusing on motor and cognitive outcomes, hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and α-syn pathology.

Materials and …

Boric Acid Enhances The Antitumor Effects Of Paclitaxel By Modulating Apoptosis, Autophagy-Related Protein Expression, And Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression In Ovcar-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells ​, Nazmi̇ye Bi̇tgen, Gözde Özge Önder, Münevver Baran, Fatma Esen Karakuş, Meli̇ke Akbulut, Arzu Yay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Ovarian cancer is the eighth most prevalent malignancy among women globally and ranks third among gynecological cancers in terms of incidence. The limited efficacy of standard chemotherapy, primarily due to intrinsic drug resistance and high recurrence rates, highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that are both effective and selectively cytotoxic.

Materials and methods: This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of boric acid (BA), a biologically active boron compound with emerging antitumor potential, and paclitaxel (PTX), a conventional chemotherapeutic agent, on cell viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy-related protein expression, and inflammatory signaling in the chemoresistant …

Exploratory Evaluation Of Mir-146, Inflammatory Biomarkers, And Subjective Cognitive Symptoms In Chronic Migraine ​, Hale Gök Dağidir, Duygu Bandirmali, Merve Hi̇lal Ceren Akgör, Doğa Vuralli, Meltem Yalinay, Güvem Gümüş Akay, Hayrunni̇sa Bolay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling neurological disorder associated with substantial impairment of quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to migraine pathophysiology. miR- 146, a microRNA involved in the TLR-4/NFkb pathway, is known to regulate proinflammatory signaling, whereas HMGB1 activates inflammatory pathways through TLR2 and TLR4 receptors. IL-17 is another proinflammatory cytokine implicated in both inflammation and cognitive processes. In this research, our aim was to investigate the relationship between serum HMGB1, IL-17, and miR-146 levels and migraine-related subjective cognitive symptoms in patients with CM.

Materials and methods: Serum samples were collected …

Erratum To “Effects Of Colchicine On Sah-Induced Vascular Damage In An Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model’’ [Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 56 (2) 2026 597-607] ​, Emi̇ne Demi̇r, Cumaali̇ Demi̇rtaş, Cansu Sönmez, Eray Meti̇n Güler, Sarper Kocaoğlu, Hakan Beyaztaş, Eyüp Çeti̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The original article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6192.

Background/aim: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a severe cerebrovascular condition with high morbidity and mortality. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in its pathophysiology, particularly in secondary vascular injury. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of colchicine on vascular integrity and biochemical markers following SAH in an experimental rat model.

Materials and methods: Eighteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Control (no SAH), SAH (induced without treatment), and SAH + Colchicine (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally at 1 h and 24 h). SAH was induced by autologous blood injection into …

Direct Pars Repair Techniques For Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Comparative Literature Review ​, Kami̇l C. Kose, Moustafa Ibrahim, Ni̇cholas D. Haden, John Afolayan, Hanny Anwar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lumbar spondylolysis, a pars interarticularis defect affecting approximately 3%–6% of the general population, presents a significant clinical challenge in young adults and athletes. When conservative management fails, direct pars repair offers an attractive alternative to spinal fusion by preserving segmental motion and reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. This narrative review compares seven principal direct pars repair techniques—Buck’s technique, Scott’s wiring method, Morscher’s hook-screw system, pedicle screw-based constructs, the V-rod/U-rod (Gillet technique), the smiley face rod construct, and the dualstability construct (DSC)—evaluating their biomechanical properties, clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and complication profiles.

Materials and methods: A narrative literature …

Posttraumatic Stress In Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy: Associations With Early Maladaptive Schemas, Anxiety, And Quality Of Life In A 6-Month Prospective Study ​, Mehmet Öztürk, Pinar Öztürk, Fügen Sönmez Çeti̇nkaya, İlker Özdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that significantly affects psychosocial functioning, self-perception, and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms may be more prevalent in individuals with epilepsy than previously recognized, particularly following seizure-related experiences perceived as traumatic. The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term PTS levels in individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy and examine their associations with anxiety, depression, early maladaptive schemas, and quality of life.

Materials and methods: In this prospective study, 31 individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy were enrolled. Participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Post-Traumatic Stress …

Preserved Inflammatory Homeostasis During Emergency Transport: A Multibiomarker Assessment Of Neonatal Rds Transfers ​, Eyüp Sari, Şeri̇fe Suna Oğuz, Mehmet Semi̇h Demi̇rtaş, Bensu Bulut, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Murat Genç, Ayşenur Gür, Ümi̇t Alper Özcan, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Rami̇z Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to compare the pre- and posttransport levels of systemic inflammatory markers in neonatal infants transported to a tertiary intensive care unit via emergency health services with a neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (nRDS) diagnosis and to assess the quality of transport.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2023. A total of 117 nRDS patients’ emergency transports were included in the study. Demographic data, transfer time, intubation, cold treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and pre- and posttransport laboratory parameters were obtained retrospectively. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version …

Association Between Mri-Based Tumor-To-Skin Distance And Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis In Breast Cancer ​, Hi̇kmet Pehlevan Özel, Seçi̇l Gündoğdu, Eda Şahi̇ngöz, Ebru Menekşe, Mesut Tez

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Axillary lymph node (ALN) status is a major prognostic factor in breast cancer and influences both survival outcomes and treatment planning. Noninvasive predictors of nodal metastasis are of clinical interest. Tumor-to-skin distance (TSD) has been proposed as a potential anatomical marker; however, standardized data based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain limited.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 98 female patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who underwent preoperative breast MRI between 2020 and 2025. Patients with prior breast or axillary surgery, distant metastasis, multifocal or multicentric disease, or inadequate MRI quality were excluded. TSD was measured on …

C-Reactive Protein–Albumin–Lymphocyte (Cally) Index As A Novel Inflammatory Marker For Sarcopenia: Evidence From A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Yasemi̇n Polat Özer, Merve Güner, Serdar Ceylan, Engi̇n Çeşmeci̇, Cafer Balci, Burcu Balam Doğu, Meltem Gülhan Hali̇l, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Mert Eşme

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive impairments in skeletal muscle mass and performance, with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation playing a pivotal role in its development. The C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte (CALLY) index reflects inflammatory burden alongside immune and nutritional status; however, its association with sarcopenia in older populations has yet to be sufficiently elucidated. The present study investigates the relationship between CALLY index values and probable sarcopenia (PS) in a large cohort of geriatric outpatients.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 2042 geriatric outpatients aged ≥65 years who were assessed between May 2022 and March …

Association Of Occupational Lead Exposure With Erythrocytic Parameters And Nitric Oxide–Related Metabolites: A Case-Control Study ​​, Meli̇h Gaffar Gözükara, Servet Bi̇rgi̇n İri̇taş, Deni̇z Özkan Vardar, Lütfi̇ye Tutkun, Özlem İri̇taş, Serdar Deni̇z, Vugar Ali̇ Türksoy, Engi̇n Tutkun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Occupational lead (Pb) exposure remains a significant public health concern due to its persistent presence in industrial environments and its cumulative toxic effects. Although the hematological and neurological consequences of Pb exposure are well documented, early vascular effects and the mechanisms associated with potential endothelial impairment remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between Pb exposure, erythrocytic parameters, and nitric oxide (NO)–related metabolites (asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA], symmetric dimethylarginine [SDMA], arginine, homoarginine, and citrulline) to identify early biomarkers that may suggest impairment in NO-related pathways.

Materials and methods: This case-control study included a strictly selected cohort of 125 …

Vitamin D Deficiency, Depression Severity, And Suicide Risk: Evidence From Patients With Major Depressive Disorder ​, Eli̇f Küçük, Feri̇de Uysal, Seda Şenkardeş Kandemi̇r, Özgür Özkalayci, Canay Pamukçu, Ni̇hal Taşteki̇n, Meri̇h Altintaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric condition characterized by depressive symptoms and suicide-related clinical features. Vitamin D status has been investigated as a potential clinical correlate of depression and suicidal ideation, but the direction and specificity of these associations remain uncertain. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations among serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, depressive symptom severity, suicidal ideation, and suicide-related cognitive–affective dimensions in adults diagnosed with MDD.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 97 adults aged 18–65 years who were diagnosed with MDD according to DSM-5 criteria. Depressive symptom severity and suicide-related outcomes were …