Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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 …

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 …

Demographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Frequent Users Of Emergency Medical Services In Türkiye ​, Burak Bekgöz, İshak Şan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Overuse of emergency medical services (EMS), particularly unnecessary ambulance requests, places considerable strain on limited healthcare resources and can delay responses to urgent cases. The present study analyzes the demographic characteristics, diagnoses, urgency, and hospital transfer status of frequent users of EMS in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: Included in the study were 41,113 patients who requested EMS four or more times within a year (defined as frequent users for the purpose of the study), excluding interhospital transfers. Data were accessed from the Emergency Medical Services Automation System (ASOS) database, which contains details of patient demographics, diagnoses, triage codes, reasons …

Perioperative Effects Of The Quadratus Lumborum Block In Percutaneous Biliary Drainage: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study ​, Seyyi̇d Furkan Kina, Can Ozan Yazar, Cem Koray Çataroğlu, Erdi̇ Tangobay, Sadik Ahmet Uyanik, Savaş Altinsoy, Reyhan Polat, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on intraoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD).

Materials and methods: A total of 57 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups: the sedation group (Group 1, n = 26) and the sedation with QLB group (Group 2, n = 26). The groups were compared in terms of intraoperative anesthetic consumption, vital parameters, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery times, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, postoperative analgesic consumption, and clinician and patient satisfaction. The study was …

Histomorphological Changes In Human Septal Cartilage Stored In Different Preservation Solutions ​, Özlem Akkoca, Aki̇f Si̇nan Bi̇lgen, Harun Çoban, Fatma Aslan Yay, Zeynep Kaptan, Funda Balkiliç Akkaya, Rahmi̇ Kiliç, Sami̇ Engi̇n Muz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To assess the histopathological effects of three preservation solutions (70% ethanol, povidone-iodine, and ciprofloxacin) on human septal cartilage obtained during septoplasty and to compare their preservation characteristics for potential future graft applications. Optimal preservation of septal cartilage is clinically important because well-preserved grafts may reduce the need for secondary cartilage harvesting and the associated donor-site morbidity while facilitating reconstructive procedures during revision surgery.

Materials and methods: A total of 90 septal cartilage specimens obtained from 30 patients undergoing septoplasty were allocated to three preservation groups and stored in the designated preservation solutions at +4 °C. Samples were examined histologically …

Nationwide Characteristics Of Infectious Disease Patients Transported By Helicopter In Türkiye, Ayşe Gülden Bekgöz, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the clinical, demographic, and operational characteristics of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance and to examine differences in the transfer patterns, flight durations, and diagnostic categories.

Materials and methods: Registry data of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, diagnoses, referring and receiving hospital types, intraprovincial and interprovincial transfer status, flight durations, and temporal distribution of transfers (hours, days, and months) were evaluated. Flight duration was calculated in minutes and compared between intraprovincial and interprovincial transfers.

Results: A total of 543 patients with infectious diseases were transported by helicopter ambulance. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Readability Of Dermatology Patient Education Materials: A Comparative Analysis Of Turkish Dermatology Association Brochures And Texts Generated By Chatgpt And Gemini ​, Ahmet Kağan Özdemi̇r, Bengü Reyhan Botsali Özdemi̇r, Akin Aktaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In modern healthcare, patient education materials (PEMs) are essential for bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding. However, in Türkiye, where 64.6% of the adult population possesses inadequate or problematic health literacy, traditional medical brochures often exceed recommended reading levels. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the readability of Turkish dermatology PEMs prepared by the Turkish Dermatology Association (TDA) with those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Materials and methods: A total of 68 TDA PEMs were analyzed. Readability was assessed using the Ateşman Readability Index. Responses were generated by AI models to questions extracted from …

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 …

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 …

Enhancing Diagnostic Safety: Addressing Knowledge Gaps For Using Human Factors Tools In The Safe And Effective Use Of Ai - A Proposed Research Agenda, Emily S Patterson, Grayson L Baird, David Bates, Jeff Brady, Kenneth R Catchpole, Linda Gangai, Mark Graber, Ayse P Gurses, Charles E Kahn, Elizabeth A Krupinski, Soundar Kumara, Chris Mamrol, Kristen E Miller, Timothy J Mosher, Sarah E Parker, Mary D Patterson, Susan Shelmerdine, Joshua Streit, Charlotte Van Sassen, Michael H Kanter, Melissa Carraway, Michael A Bruno

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Identify knowledge gaps in applying artificial intelligence in clinical settings, using medical imaging as a primary use case to enhance diagnostic efficacy, efficiency, and patient and provider safety.

Methods: We convened a two-day workshop with 18 interdisciplinary experts from three countries. Experts represented quality and patient safety, human factors and systems engineering, radiology and other medical specialties, nursing, medical informatics, cognitive and perceptual psychology, psychometrics and statistics, and machine learning, drawn from academia, industry, health systems, and government.

Results: We identified by consensus six major knowledge-gap domains, with specific research questions for each domain: development, validation, integration and sustainability; …

Hard Palate Morphology In The Anatolian Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis), Mehmet Can, Şükrü Hakan Atalgin, Mehmet Faruk Aydin, Soner Bekmezci̇

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study aimed to examine the morphological and histological features of the hard palate in the Anatolian water buffalo through light and scanning electron microscopy, complemented by gross and morphometric evaluations. Eight hard palates were used in the study. A total of eight Anatolian water buffalo heads from healthy adult female water buffaloes were collected immediately after slaughter from various slaughterhouses in Balıkesir, Türkiye. After analyzing and identifying the obtained hard palate samples, measurements were taken and documented through photography. The papilla incisiva, located in the middle of the caudal concave edge on the ventral surface of the pulvinus dentalis, …

Effect Of Rangeland Quality On Rumen Development Of Angora (Mohair) Goat Kids And Bucks, Betül Zehra Sariçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to determine the effect of rangeland quality on the rumen development of Angora goat kids and bucks. Twenty male singleton Angora goat kids with similar birth dates and birth weights were selected from each farm in an area with three different rangeland quality levels (good, medium, or poor) in Ankara Province. The kids were weaned at 60 days of age and then grazed completely on rangeland until slaughter. Rumen volumetric and papillary development of animals slaughtered at 4 and 7 months of age were determined. Empty rumen length, width, and weight were affected by rangeland quality …

The Chameleon Experience: Queer Identity, Mental Health, And Transformation, Cameron Penny

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

In this autoethnographic piece, I examine the correlation between queer identity and mental health through reflective analysis of my own experiences within a Western socio-cultural setting. I expand external perspectives on the queer experience by highlighting the normalization of queer prejudice and its adverse impact on self-image. I share how the religious praxis of Catholicism enforces binary conformity by promoting dichotomous thinking that simultaneously constricts queer expression and subjugates implicit biases. In tandem, I utilize autoethnography as my medium because it provides a unique outlet to raise awareness for chronically stigmatized identities by centering marginalized voices (Atay, 2011; Chavez, 2013). …

Draining The Risk, Holding The Line: A Nurse-Driven Approach To Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention, Thy Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain among the most common preventable healthcare-associated infections, with CMS eliminating reimbursement for hospital-acquired cases since 2008. Within a five-unit, high-acuity microsystem at an urban acute care hospital, four CAUTIs were documented between January and July 2026 despite established prevention protocols. Adherence gaps were identified in catheter necessity assessment, maintenance practices, and nurse-driven removal protocol use. This quality improvement project was guided by the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice framework and Lewin's Change Theory. A targeted nursing education intervention addressing bladder scanning, dependent loop identification, and catheter care bundle adherence was implemented across the microsystem over …

Implementation Of Artificial Intelligence In Retinoblastoma Diagnosis, Zana Moldavsky

inSIGHT

The retina is essential for vision. It is composed of 10 distinct layers and contains specialized photoreceptor cells, rods, and cones that are responsible for converting photons of light into electrical signals through a process called phototransduction.¹ These electrical signals are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve where they are interpreted as a visual picture.¹

Retinoblastoma is a rare but aggressive malignant tumor of the retina and represents the most common intraocular malignancy in the pediatric populabon.² The disease follows Knudson's two-hit hypothesis and occurs due to biallelic inactivation of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene …

Transfemoral Approach To Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion Using Acdo In A Dog With Complex Surgical History, Nawat Sannamwong, Hataichon Owatdhumma, Kornrawee Tharavanij, Thitinan Tangarsasilp, Nardtiwa Chaivoravitsakul, Kongthit Horoongruang, Patmanachatr Bunnag, Nakkawee Saengklub, Krishaporn Kradangnga, Sirilak Disatian Surachetpong, Anusak Kijtawornrat

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A five-year-old spayed female Welsh Corgi weighing 12.4 kg presented with exercise intolerance and was diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Due to signs of left-sided volume overload, the dog was initially managed with oral pimobendan and was subsequently referred to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Chulalongkorn University for further evaluation and intervention. Upon presentation, the patient was bright, alert, and responsive, with a body condition score of 6 out of 9 and normal muscle condition. The mucous membranes were pink and moist, with a capillary refill time of 1 to 2 seconds. A continuous heart murmur was …

Transient Activation Of Potent Progenitor Cells Is Required For Spinal Cord Regeneration, Chase Alexander Weinholtz

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Mammalian spinal cord injury is an intractable biomedical problem driven by interlocking maladaptive cellular responses that prioritize acute stabilization over long-term recovery. However, this deficient regenerative capacity is not an inherent limitation. The zebrafish, for example, capably regenerates and regains motor function with 2 months of a full transection injury. This ability is thought to rely on the transient expansion of stem cell-like progenitors marked by sox2 expression. Yet our understanding of the identities and contributions of this crucial population remains limited. Here, we determine the molecular identities and cellular contributions of sox2+ progenitors during innate spinal cord repair in …

Gender Disparities In Sheltered Status And Systemic Drivers Of Homelessness In Johnson City, Tennessee, Preet Patel, Dr. Opal Frye-Clark

Journal of Appalachian Health

The article examines the homelessness crisis in Johnson City, Tennessee, a mid-sized Appalachian city. First, analysis of Point-in-Time (PIT) counts from 2023 to 2025, conducted in 2025, showed persistently high unsheltered rates (35.88% – 47.17%), with men comprising 60 – 65% of the unhoused population. Men experiencing homelessness also had approximately half the odds of being counted as sheltered compared with women, indicating a gender disparity in sheltered status. Second, an interview with an experienced public health practitioner from the Appalachian Region contextualized these findings by identifying systemic drivers, including the regional housing crisis and policy restrictions, and supporting equitable …

School-Centered Tobacco Retailer Exposure And Neighborhood Opportunity Across Urban And Rural Tennessee, Sima Namin Dr, Jacob Black, Jennifer Ferris, Robert E. Heidel Dr

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Tobacco retailer availability contributes to youth tobacco use, and retailers are concentrated in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. However, few studies have examined how school-centered retailer exposure intersects with neighborhood opportunity in a predominantly rural Appalachian state.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the association between neighborhood opportunity and school-centered tobacco retailer exposure across Tennessee (TN), including differences by rurality and Appalachian status.

Methods: We constructed a tract-level, school-centered youth tobacco exposure index for TN using tobacco retailer locations and public and private K-12 school data. The index incorporated retailer proximity, density, and distance-decay accessibility measures. Child Opportunity …

Malt1 Protease Inhibition Restrains Glioblastoma Progression By Reversing Tumor-Associated Macrophage-Dependent Immunosuppression In Mice, Juliana Hofstätter Azambuja, Saigopalakrishna Yerneni, Lisa Maurer, Hannah Crentsil, Gabriela Debom, Linda Klei, Mei Smyers, Chaim Sneiderman, Kristina Schwab, Rajesh Acharya, Aivi Nguyen, Josie Emery, John Little, Jeffrey Meridew, Yijen Lin Wu, Prasanna Ekambaram, Dong Hu, Pete Gough, John Bertin, Ari Melnick, Gary Kohanbash, Riyue Bao, Peter Lucas, Linda Mcallister-Lucas

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

MALT1 protease is an intracellular signaling molecule that promotes tumor progression via cancer cell-intrinsic and cancer cell-extrinsic mechanisms. MALT1 has been mostly studied in lymphocytes, and little is known about its role in tumor-associated macrophages. We show that MALT1 is expressed in glioblastoma (GBM)-associated macrophages. Mechanistically, GBM tumor cells induce a MALT1-NF-κB signaling axis in macrophages, leading to enhanced macrophage migration and polarization toward an immunosuppressive ('M2-like') phenotype. Inactivation of MALT1 protease promotes transcriptional reprogramming that reduces migration and restores a macrophage anti-tumor 'M1-like' phenotype. Preclinical in vivo analysis shows that MALT1 inhibitor treatment results in immuno-reactivity of GBM-associated macrophages …

Recalibrating Risk: A Call For South Asian-Focused Heart Failure Prediction Models, Nandini Nair, Dongping Du, Aiswarya J. Pillai, Swarna Mahesh, Mrudula R. Munagala, Howard J. Eisen, Balakrishnan Mahesh

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Background: Heart failure (HF) represents the final common pathway of diverse cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, primary myocardial pathology, and abnormalities of cardiac conduction. These conditions arise from an interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychosocial influences, making it essential to understand these determinants to improve risk prediction and prevention. Multiple biological pathways of inflammation, fibrosis, coagulation, oxidative stress, lipid dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances are shaped by inherited susceptibility and modifiable exposures. Together, these mechanisms drive HF development and progression, though their relative contributions vary across populations. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for clinical, biomedical, and …

Potential Effects Of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation On Oral And Systemic Health Outcomes, Rahnuma Ahmad, Muhammad Noorani, Mainul Haque, Mohammed Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Patterns And Determinants Of Medication Errors Across The Medication-Use Process: A 3-Year Retrospective Study In A Saudi Tertiary Hospital, Nawaf S. Alqurashi, Mazen S. Alshehri, Mohammed J. Almalki, Mustafa M. Muradkhudhari, Rozan M. Radwan, Mohammed M. Aldurdunji, Saleh A. Almazam, Ohood K. Almuzaini, Saad M. Wali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To characterize medication errors across the full workflow and identify stage-specific predictors in a tertiary care setting. Medication errors remain a major global patient safety concern, with limited comprehensive analyses across all stages of the medication-use process in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using medication error reports from Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, between January 2023 and August 2025. Errors were classified by stage and severity using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention index. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors associated with each stage. Results: A total of 6,546 errors …

Patient Experiences And Safety Concerns Regarding Glp-1 Receptor Agonists For Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mansour A Tobaiqy, Sulafa T. Alqutub, Mohammed A. Alzahrani, Renad H. Alazwari, Faisal A. Asiri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the perceptions, experiences, and safety concerns of patients regarding the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Obesity is a significant public health issue. The newer anti-obesity medications: GLP-1 receptor agonists, with an increase in therapeutic options. However, little is known about the perceived benefits, safety, cost, and accessibility. Methods: Cross-sectional survey included adults who previously used at least 1 anti-obesity medication and conducted in 3 general hospitals in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during June 2025 to February 2026. The questionnaire was created after reviewing the current evidence and validated the contents. It included questions on demographic …

The Case For Gulf Region-Specific Peripheral Artery Disease Trials: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Hosaam H. Nasr, Faisal A. Almudaiheem

Saudi Medical Journal

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) research is globally underrepresented, with landmark trials like Best Endovascular Surgical Therapy for Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia and Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischemia of the Leg predominantly featuring white, Western populations. These studies fail to account for the unique clinical landscape of the Gulf region, where PAD prevalence reaches up to 13.7%. Gulf patients present at younger ages and face a disproportionately high diabetes burden, with regional prevalence near 18%, nearly double that of Europe. Beyond metabolic factors, the Gulf population exhibits distinct genetic architectures, including high rates of consanguinity and familial hypercholesterolemia. Because …