Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

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) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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) …

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; …

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 …

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 …

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.

A Caveat Regarding The Unfolding Argument: Implications Of Plasticity, Viknas N. O'Reilly-Shah, Alessandro Maria Selvitella, Aaron Schurger

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

The unfolding argument in the neuroscience of consciousness posits that causal structure cannot account for consciousness because any recurrent neural network (RNN) can be “unfolded” into a functionally equivalent feedforward neural network (FNN) with identical input–output behavior. Subsequent debate has focused on dynamical properties and philosophy of science critiques. We examine a boundary condition on the unfolding argument for RNN systems with rapid plasticity in their connection weights. We demonstrate through rigorous mathematical proofs that rapid plasticity negates the functional equivalence between the RNN and the FNN. Our proofs address history-dependent plasticity, dynamical systems analysis, information-theoretic considerations, perturbational stability, complexity …

Macropinocytosis Inhibition Attenuates Profibrotic Responses In Lung Fibroblasts And Pulmonary Fibrosis Models, Ivan O Rosas, Aaron K Mcdowell-Sanchez, Santiago Sanchez, Juan D Cala-Garcia, Alan R Waich Cohen, Elisa Ruiz-Echartea, Scott A Ochsner, Daniel C Kraushaar, Lindsay J Celada, Dandan Sun, Francesca Polverino, Cristian Coarfa, Neil J Mckenna, Konstantin Tsoyi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating chronic lung disorder with limited treatment options. Macropinocytosis is one of the key cellular processes involved in nutrient consumption from the extracellular environment under stress conditions. Here, we studied the role of macropinocytosis in experimental pulmonary fibrosis models. We found that macropinocytosis is increased in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) derived from patients with IPF. The inhibition of macropinocytosis with 5-(n-ethyl-n-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA) inhibited profibrotic responses in IPF-derived and TGF-β1-stimulated HLFs and reduced pulmonary fibrosis in bleomycin-injured (Bleo-injured) mice. EIPA exerted its antifibrotic effects by regulating amino acid uptake, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 …

Ultrasound-Enabled Refreshable Electrochemical Sensors For Cardiac Biomarker Monitoring, Mayank Garg, Heng Guo, Myeong Namkoong, Elizabeth Zhanov, Connor Malone, Md Saifur Rahman, Ayse Akcan-Arikan, Limei Tian

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is the gold-standard biomarker for acute myocardial infarction, yet current laboratory-based high-sensitivity assays require centralized infrastructure, trained personnel, and serial testing, limiting their suitability for real-time or continuous monitoring in resource-limited settings. Point-of-care electrochemical sensors have shown promise for rapid cTnI detection, but their reliance on antibodies as biorecognition elements and redox mediator solutions, and single-use operation restricts practical translation. Here, we report an ultrasound-enabled refreshable electrochemical biosensor for sensitive, stable, and repeatable cTnI monitoring. The device employs a cTnI-specific peptide as the biorecognition element, providing enhanced stability during storage, transport, and operation. Label-free electrochemical impedance …

Differential Roles Of Moesin And Vasp In Β-Catenin-Associated Networks During Zebrafish Heart Regeneration, Allen Rutman

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

With cardiovascular disease remaining as the leading cause of mortality worldwide, it is largely due to the limited regenerative capacity of the human heart. However, zebrafish (Danio rerio) can fully regenerate cardiac tissue following injury, providing a valuable model for studying the mechanisms of heart repair. To investigate these mechanisms, we used proteomics methods in the past. Proximity labeling is a technique that identifies proteins based on their physical proximity to a protein of interest. It can be applied in organisms and in living cells (Roux et al., 2012; Cho et al., 2020). We used proximity labeling to characterize protein …

Single-Nucleus Profiling Reveals A Core Disease Signature And Cell Type-Specific Vulnerabilities In Early Rett Syndrome, Yan Li, Ashley G Anderson, Guantong Qi, Sih-Rong Wu, Jean-Pierre Revelli, Hu Chen, Zhandong Liu, Huda Y Zoghbi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurological disorder caused by MECP2 mutations, creating distinct cellular environments in females (mosaic) versus males (nonmosaic). Despite female patients representing most cases, how mosaicism contributes molecularly to RTT pathogenesis, particularly in presymptomatic stages, remains poorly understood. To address this question, we profiled hippocampal transcriptomes of young female and male RTT mice using bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing. We identified a core disease signature of consistently dysregulated genes only in MeCP2− cells across RTT models. Moreover, we uncovered non–cell autonomous effects exclusively in female MeCP2+ excitatory neurons, suggesting that these circuits are more vulnerable early …

Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention Bundle In Adult Cardiac Care Units, Marwa Abdo

Nursing

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is among the most common ICU infections for ventilated patients, associated with increased mortality (20-50%), morbidity, and health care costs. Nurses' knowledge of VAP prevention bundles is vital to reducing its incidence in critical care areas. Aim: To assess Nurses’ knowledge regarding the ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention bundle in Adult Cardiac Care Units. Study design: A cross-sectional study design was used. Setting: This study was conducted in both the adult cardiac intensive care unit and the cardiac care unit at Aswan Heart Centre–Magdy Yacoub Foundation, Egypt. Subject: A convenience sample of 67 nurses was selected. Data collection tool: …

Artificial Intelligence In Biomedical Scientific Publishing, Tomasz J Guzik, Victor Aboyans, Stefan Agewall, Steven Bailey, Adrian Baranchuk, Magnus Bäck, Michael Böhm, Robert O Bonow, George W Booz, Giuseppe Boriani, Biykem Bozkurt, Nico Bruining, Davide Capodanno, Çetin Erol, Péter Ferdinandy, Alessia Gimelli, Gerd Heusch, Thomas Kahan, Chim Choy Lang, Gerald Maurer, Robert J Mentz, Marco Metra, Philip Moons, Daniel Piskorz, Massimo Piepoli, Piotr Ponikowski, Alexandra Popma, Bianca Rocca, Juan Sanchis Fores, Philipp Sommer, Rhian M Touyz, Zoltan Ungvari, Pascal Vranckx, Joseph A Hill, Thomas F Lüscher, Filippo Crea

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Artificial intelligence is now embedded across the scientific research and publishing ecosystem, influencing discovery, analysis, knowledge translation, authorship, peer review, and editorial workflows. In cardiovascular and biomedical sciences, these developments offer substantial opportunities to accelerate knowledge generation, integrate complex datasets, and improve efficiency and consistency. At the same time, they introduce new risks related to bias, transparency, data integrity, and authorship responsibility, potentially endangering trust in the scientific record. This commentary examines the evolving role of AI in biomedical publishing, with particular attention to generative models and machine learning tools. We review both benefits and limitations, highlight risks such as …

The Gut Microbiome, The Gut-Brain Axis, And College Student Well-Being, Idi Mckay

University Honors Theses

This literature review examines how diet, stress, environmental exposure, and food accessibility may influence college students' mental health and academic performance through the gut microbiome and the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA). Current microbiome research often focuses on early childhood development, clinical disease populations, or older adults, while overlooking college-age students who experience significant social, environmental, and biological transitions. College students frequently face food insecurity, irregular eating patterns, chronic stress, inconsistent sleep schedules, and reduced access to nutrient-dense foods, all of which may influence microbial diversity and overall gut health.

This thesis explores how modern campus environments and lifestyle factors may contribute …

Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Implementation In Eswatini Identifies Rifampicin And Bedaquiline Resistance Undetected By Routine Diagnostic Testing, Debrah Vambe, Alexander Kay, Mangaliso Ziyane, Mdigo Thunzini, Sein Sein Thi, Leonardo De Araujo, Viola Dreyer, Tanja Niemann, Busizwe Sibandze, Sijabu Masina, Andrea Maurizio Cabibbe, Jennifer Furin, Tafadzwa Mazuruse, Lindokuhle Dlamini, Thulani Jele, Bheki Mamba, Gugu Maphalala, Makhosazana Dlamini, Mbongeni Dube, Nomthandazo Lukhele, Daniela Maria Cirillo, Anna Mandalakas, Christoph Lange, Sphiwe Ngwenya, Christian Utpatel, Sindisiwe Dlamini, Stefan Niemann

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

In Eswatini, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains harbouring the rifampicin-resistance (RR) rpoB I491F mutation are missed by routine diagnostics, including GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra), line probe assays (LPA), and mycobacterium growth indicator tube (MGIT) phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST). To address this diagnostic gap, Eswatini introduced targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) in 2019. We analysed 234 patient samples enrolled from June 2021 to December 2024 with isoniazid and/or rifampicin resistance detected by routine diagnostics, or suspected treatment failure, and obtained detailed clinical and outcome data from 59 patients. tNGS detected RR in 159 strains, of which 101 (64%) carried …

Whole-Genome Variant Detection In Long-Read Sequencing Data From Ultra-Low Input Patient Samples, Katherine Wang, Cera J Aex, Hayan Lee, Lucas Finot, Kevin Zhu, Julianna R Chang, Aaron M Horning, William J Rowell, Philip Li, Sarah B Kingan, Michael P Snyder, Graham Scott Erwin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Long-read sequencing provides a more complete view of the genome than short-read sequencing, with improved detection of structural variants, tandem repeats, and small variants (single nucleotide variants and insertions and deletions) in difficult-to-map regions. One limitation of long-read sequencing has been high input DNA requirements, with several micrograms required per sample. Here, we evaluate two methods of amplification-based long-read, whole-genome sequencing: ultra-low input HiFi (ULI-HiFi) sequencing and droplet multiple displacement amplification (dMDA) sequencing. When benchmarked against the Genome in a Bottle reference set (NA24385), we observe high precision and recall of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) with ULI-HiFi compared to the …

Prevalence Of Hyperprolactinemia And Its Association With Menstrual Abnormalities And Hypothyroidism Among Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia, Aseel Y. Alwahhabi, Rahaf H. Labban, Maryam Y. Alshaikh, Amal M. Alanazi, Samaher S. Alfaraj, Fahad M. Alsalman, Hayat A. Alrabiea

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia among infertile women and assess its association with menstrual irregularities and hypothyroidism in a tertiary-care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and August 2023 at the Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF Unit, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh. Electronic medical records of 480 infertile women who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, infertility type, thyroid status, and serum prolactin levels were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Hyperprolactinemia was identified in 27.7% of infertile women, …

Polysomnographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Narcolepsy In Saudi Arabia: A 12-Year Retrospective Study, Banan Almalki, Omar Kanbr, Ghufran Bin Afeef, Shaimaa Hawsawi, Ranya Alshumrani, Faris Alhejaili, Siraj Wali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the clinical features, polysomnographic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of narcolepsy type 1 and type 2 patients in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Narcolepsy is a neurological condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and associated symptoms, including cataplexy and disrupted nighttime sleep. Data on narcolepsy in KSA are still limited.

Methods: Forty-three patients diagnosed with narcolepsy from 2012 to 2024 were included in this retrospective study. Diagnosis followed the International Classification of Sleep Disorders criteria and incorporated clinical features, the epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), overnight polysomnography (PSG), and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT). Data on demographics, clinical …

Lived Experiences And Perceptions Of People With Knee Osteoarthritis In Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study, Sultan A. Alanazi, Amjad S. Alhabishi, Rana O. Alawafi, Samia A. Alamrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore how people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) perceive and live with their condition, how they self-manage symptoms, and how they experience physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were undertaken with individuals with knee OA who are aged ≥ 45 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with investigator triangulation.

Results: Twenty-seven (19 females) participants aged 45–74 years (mean = 61) from different regions of KSA shared lived experiences of knee OA. Four themes describing participants' experiences …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Surgical Site Infections In Hospitals Across Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Atheer M. Aljohani, Danah O. Sandaqji, Rana A. Alahmadi, Raha Z. Ishqi, Manal A. Alanazi, Shouq N. Aloufi, Husain I. Sandugji

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and identify associated risk factors in hospitals in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 363 adult surgical patients from major hospitals in Madinah between 2023 and 2024. We analyzed medical records using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The overall SSI rate was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3–7.9%). Infection types comprised superficial incisional (57.9%), deep incisional (36.8%), and organ/space infections (5.3%). Significant risk factors included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.94 per year, p = 0.014), …

A Predictive Model For Cytomegalovirus Infection Using Routine Hematological And Biochemical Parameters: A Pilot Study, Ahmad A. Shaikh, Mofareh H. Alabdaly, Nabil A. Ageeli, Sultan Z. Alasmari, Adel M. Abo Mansour, Mohammed H. Makkawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine whether hematological and biochemical parameters assist in diagnosing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and differentiating between CMV-G and CMV-M. Cytomegalovirus causes distinct hematological changes that can serve as markers for diagnosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients infected with CMV (25 CMV-G and 29 CMV-M) and 82 healthy controls. Age, gender, and routine hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Results: In comparison to controls, laboratory findings of patients with CMV-G revealed characteristic decreases in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and …

Safety And Efficacy Of Adalimumab Biosimilar In Psoriasis And Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Clinical Experience, Raneem H. Najjar, Sarah O. Alrashid, Rnda F. Almahfouz, Hadeel T. Alzahrani, Majed Y. Aleissa, Alanoud R. Hakami

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical experience, safety, and effectiveness of adalimumab biosimilars in patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study between March and September 2024 using electronic medical records from King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pediatric and adult patients with psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa who switched to adalimumab biosimilars between 2016 and 2022 were included. Variables included demographics, disease characteristics, prior therapies, biosimilar use, and adverse events.

Results: A total of 57 (93% adults; 50.9% female) patients were included. Obesity was present in 35.1%, and …