Digital Commons Network^™

Fatigue And Depression In Epilepsy Patients May Not Be Solely Related To The Epilepsy Itself, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Neurosciences

No abstract provided.

Efficacy And Safety Of Plasma Exchange And Immunoadsorption For Acute Optic Neuritis In Patients With Demyelinating Diseases: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mehenaz A Hanbazazh, Mohammed Ridha Algethami, Abdulwahhab Omar Anbarserry, Ruba Mohammed Alghanmi, Lama Nawaf Alanazi, Ahmed Ayed N Alanazi, Bashaier Gubran Alqahtani, Mohammed Abdullah Alamri

Neurosciences

Background: Optic neuritis (ON), a common manifestation of demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), often leads to significant visual impairment. Although high-dose corticosteroids are a first-line therapy, many patients experience incomplete recovery. Apheresis therapies, including plasma exchange (PLEX) and immunoadsorption (IA), are being increasingly used as rescue treatments, but their efficacy and safety are debated.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating PLEX and IA for acute ON in patients with demyelinating diseases. Four databases were searched up to January 2025. The included …

Investigating The Patent Foramen Ovale–Migraine Link In Southern Saudi Arabia, Al-Amir Bassiouny Mohamed, Maeed Alkathiri, Saad Mushabab Ali Alqahtani, Naif H. Ali, Saima Kashif, Saad A. Alshahrani, Mohammed S. Alqahtani, Mohamed Gaber Mahmoud Gabr, Eltohami Zydan Dafalla, Basharat Hameed Zargar, Wael Qenawi, Ali Mohammed A. Alshehri, Fatimah Asiri, Ahmed Borai

Neurosciences

Objective: Migraine is a highly disabling neurological condition, and increasing attention has focused on a possible connection with patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Methods: This single-center observational study enrolled 45 individuals from January to April 2024: 30 migraine patients with PFO (Group 1) and 15 migraine patients without PFO serving as controls (Group 2). All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography and completed standardized instruments including the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Migraine Symptom Severity Scale (MSSS), Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12), Visual Aura Rating Scale (VARS), and Migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire (mTOQ-6).

Results: The participant's mean age was 37.3 ± …

Plasma Gdf15 Affects Long-Term Dementia Risk And Alters Neuroimmune Signaling, Cassandra O Blew, Michael R Duggan, Dimitrios Tsitsipatis, Gabriela T Gomez, Zulema Rodriguez-Hernandez, Luke C Pilling, Jingsha Chen, Eva Jacobsen, Heather E Dark, Yifei Lu, Shannon M Drouin, Cassandra M Joynes, Minhao Yao, Murat Bilgel, Abhay Moghekar, Qu Tian, Julián Candia, Mary Kaileh, Aditi Gupta, Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz, Myriam Gorospe, Alexey Lyashkov, Yevgeniya Lukyanenko, Mika Kivimaki, Philipp Frank, Lori L Jennings, Valborg Gudmundsdottir, Vilmundur Gudnason, Lenore J Launer, Naoto Kaneko, Shintaro Kato, Makio Furuichi, Masaki Shibayama, Masahisa Katsuno, Keita Hiraga, Yukiko Nishita, Rei Otsuka, James R Pike, Mary R Rooney, Pascal Schlosser, Yuhan Cui, Guray Erus, Christos Davatzikos, Rebecca F Gottesman, Iwao Waga, Priya Palta, Christie Ballantyne, Michael Griswold, Zhonghua Liu, Luigi Ferrucci, Allison B Herman, Keenan A Walker

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) is a secreted cytokine strongly associated with dementia risk. However, the extent to which GDF15 represents a biomarker and driver of dementia risk remains unclear. Across multiple cohorts, we demonstrated that plasma GDF15 is associated with greater dementia risk over 15- to 25-year follow-up periods when measured in midlife, with stronger associations observed for vascular, compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia. Two-sample Mendelian randomization supported plasma GDF15's mechanistic role in AD and related dementias, while cohort studies linked it to cerebral small vessel disease, neurodegeneration, phosphorylated tau, and a cerebrospinal fluid proteomic signature indicative of neuroimmune activation. …

Mutation Screening For Confirming Suspected Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Dried Blood Spotted On In-House Cellulose-Based Cards, Yogik Onky Silvana Wijaya, Farda Tsaqouva Ahza, Annisa Naufal Almaszahra, Mawaddah Ar Rochmah, Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra

Makara Journal of Science

Early and accurate diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained relevance in an era of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes. While screening of dried blood spots (DBS) effectively detects deletion-type SMA, non-deletion cases are often missed. Mutation screening from DBS is needed to address this gap. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an in-house, cellulose-based card for direct Sanger sequencing for variant hunting, avoiding DNA extraction and offering an alternative to commercial cards. As a proof of concept, sequences obtained from DBSs of 23 healthy individuals were compared with sequences derived from isolated genomic DNA (gDNA). …

Evaluating The Reproducibility And Verifiability Of Nutrition Research: A Case Study Of Studies Assessing The Relationship Between Potatoes And Colorectal Cancer, Yasaman Jamshidi-Naeini, Colby J Vorland, Pranav Kapoor, Bailey Ortyl, Jocelyn Mineo, Luke Still, Korlu Sorsor, Shelby Rodney, Xander Tooze, Brent Flickinger, Beate Henschel, Stephanie L Dickinson, David B Allison

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The credibility of nutritional research is dependent on the rigor with which studies are conducted and the ability for independent assessment to be performed. Despite the importance of these, more work is needed in the field of nutrition to buttress the trustworthiness of nutrition research. To develop and apply a process for evaluating the rigor, reproducibility, and verifiability of nutritional research, using the relationship between potato consumption and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) as a case study. We updated existing systematic reviews to include studies on potatoes and CRC, assessing their design, execution, and reporting quality. We attempted to reproduce and verify …

Self-Perceived Burden And Mental Health Outcomes In Adults With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Emily R Strouphauer, Camille Villar, Ryan J Mccarty, Danqi Li, Gianna M Colombo, Brendan Lee, Chaya N Murali, Dianne Nguyen, Sarah Sadek, Marie-Eve Robinson, Jocelyn Gomez, Michelle Fynan, V Reid Sutton, Andrew D Wiese, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare disorder causing bone fragility, pain, and functional impairment that causes substantial psychosocial burden. This study examined how self-perceived burden (SPB), or distress from feelings of dependence on caregivers, relates to depression, anxiety, and suicidality in adults with OI. A total of 208 adults (M age = 42.9, predominately White and female) with OI were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey assessing SPB, psychological symptoms, health, and sociodemographics. Results indicated that SPB was significantly higher among younger individuals, those not living with a partner, those living with adult family members, lower-income groups, and individuals …

Intouch Week Of June 22, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Sixth Annual NYMC Golf Tournament Drives Support for Future Health Care Leaders
• Center for Disaster Medicine Receives NYS Funding
• Dean’s Faculty Awards Recognize Excellence in Teaching, Mentoring, and Service
• Football Associated with Nearly One in Five Brain Injuries in Youth Sports
• Touro College of Dental Medicine Hosts Its Ninth Annual Golf, Tennis and Mahjong Event
• Alumni Spotlight: Sumaita Mahmood, M.D./M.P.H. ’26, Receives National Public Health Award

Using United States Medicare Program Claims To Identify Reliable Measures Of Low Value Services Influenced By Primary Care Physician Decisions, Chris Fleming, Dmitriy Poznyak, Rhea E. Powell, Claire Erba, Eunhae Shin, Rui Wang, Claire Burkhart, Arkadipta Ghosh, Eugene C. Rich

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Low-value services (LVS) are those that “… provide little to no benefit to patients….”¹ Among an existing set of 31 LVS are invasive procedures not typically performed by primary care physicians (PCPs), and other LVS that may be commonly provided by specialists. To facilitate research on the role of primary care physicians in low-value care, we sought to identify the reliability of two subsets of LVS measures that are more directly subject to PCPs’ decisions. We refer to these as primary care adjacent (“PCA”) LVS measures.

METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study to identify which of a 31-item LVS …

Sirt1 And Ifi16 Cooperatively Regulate Hbv Replication Via Epigenetic Modulation And Innate Immune Activation, Zahra Zahid Piracha, Umar Saeed, Neelam Abid, Syed Shahan Gilani, Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Akhtar Chughtai, Areesha Wasti, Muhammad Waseem, Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Andromeda M. Nauli, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) establishes persistent infection through the formation of a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, which enables immune evasion and sustained viral replication. While SIRT1, IFI16, and STING are known to modulate antiviral pathways, their cooperative role in regulating HBV transcription and host immunity remains poorly defined.

Methods

We investigated the functional interplay between SIRT1, IFI16, and STING using confocal microscopy, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), gene silencing, and quantitative PCR in HBV-replicating cell models. Interactions with HBV cccDNA and effects on viral transcription and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression were analyzed. Northern blotting and RT-qPCR were used to …

Neddylation Maintains Oocyte Quality By Stabilizing Mitochondrial Transcription, Avery A Ahmed, Tessa E Steenwinkel, Bethany K Patton, Peixin Jiang, Matthew D Meyer, Jaspreet K Rishi, Mei Leng, Alexander B Saltzman, Elizabeth S Anaya, Momal Sharif, Laurie J Mckenzie, Laura Detti, Anna Malovannaya, Sean M Hartig, Stephanie A Pangas

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Age-related decline in oocyte quality increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key contributor to this decline. Here, we report that oocyte-specific deletion of Uba3, which encodes the catalytic subunit of the E1 NEDDylation-activating complex, causes sterility in mice. Fully grown, germinal vesicle–stage Uba3 conditional knockout oocytes exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction, including elevated reactive oxygen species, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and depletion of mitochondrially encoded RNA transcripts. Proteomic analysis identified alterations in mitochondrial-associated proteins, including enrichment of mitochondrial matrix and respiratory chain components and reduced abundance of electron transport chain complexes. These defects were associated …

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 …

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Risk In Endometriosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Art Subanalysis, Madeline West, Amir Alsaidi, Michael A Belfort, Hendrik A Lombaard, Yamely H Mendez, Christina C Reed, Amir A Shamshirsaz, Jessian L Munoz

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

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% …

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), …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

Clinical, Hormonal, And Treatment Outcomes In 247 Patients With Acromegaly: A Single Tertiary Center Experience, Ümran Gül, Beki̇r Uçan, Hayri̇ Bostan, Hakan Düğer, Hayri̇ Kertmen, Caner Ünlüer, Hali̇l Durantaş, Oğulcan Boz, Ceren Karaçalik Ünver, Burak Menekşe, Sema Hepşen, İlknur Öztürk Ünsal, Mustafa Özbek, Erman Çakal, Muhammed Kizilgül

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and hormonal characteristics; comorbidities; surgical pathology; treatment modalities; and long-term clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with and managed for acromegaly at our tertiary referral center over a 15-year period.

Materials and methods: Between 2010 and 2024, 247 patients with acromegaly were evaluated. Diagnosis and biochemical remission were determined according to the 2024 Acromegaly Consensus Criteria.

Results: The median follow-up duration was 8 years (IQR: 3–14). At the time of diagnosis, the most frequent pituitary hormone deficiency was secondary adrenal insufficiency, present in 17.8% of patients. The most common comorbidities were hypertension …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …