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Astaxanthin Elicits A Shared Transcriptional Core And Divergent Cell-Type-Specific Responses In Mcf-7 Breast And Ovcar-3 Ovarian Carcinoma Cells, Duygu Aygüneş Jafari

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Astaxanthin, a marine carotenoid, shows antiproliferative activity across cancer models, but its reported mechanisms vary widely by cell type and comparative studies with a common protocol are scarce. This study compared MCF-7 breast (estrogen/ progesterone receptor-positive; wild-type TP53) and OVCAR-3 ovarian carcinoma (high-grade serous; homozygous TP53 R248Q) cells after astaxanthin treatment at cell-line-specific IC50 concentrations.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity was measured by WST-1, apoptosis by annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry, and 43 cancer-associated genes by a pathway-focused RT-qPCR array (n = 3). Relative expression was calculated by comparative ΔΔCt method with ACTB as the reference gene.

Results: At 72 …

Genetic Inheritance Of Leaf Rolling As An Adaptive Trait For Fog Capture And Drought Tolerance In Wheat, Sabah Merrium, Zulfiqar Ali, Latifa Alhusnain, Muneera D.F. Alkahtani, Sadia Hakeem, Sajid Fiaz, Muhammad Ali Sher, Kotb A. Attia, Seung Hwan Yang, Muhammad Abu Bakar Saddique, Muhammad Hammad Nadeem Tahir

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Wheat is a primary source of sustenance for around 2 billion people worldwide; however, its production is threatened by the water scarcity associated with climate change. In the search for climate-smart wheat varieties, atmospheric moisture in the form of fog and dew is gaining attention as a sustainable, self-irrigating water source for crops. Leaf rolling (LR) is a well-known adaptive trait under water deficit conditions that supports fog moisture capture in wheat; however, little is known about its genetic potential and inheritance pattern, particularly given its high environmental influence. This study assesses the genetic heritability, combining ability, and diversity of …

Valorization Of Buttermilk As A Functional Ingredient In Yogurt Soup: Effects On Physicochemical Properties, Aroma Profile, Amino Acid Composition, And Bioactivities, Emi̇ne Maci̇t, Fatma Zehra Özyilmaz

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

​In this study, the feasibility of using buttermilk as a functional ingredient in yogurt soup, a traditional fermented dairy product, was investigated with the aim of valorizing dairy industry by-products. Soup samples prepared with different buttermilk ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were evaluated for their physicochemical and sensory properties, aroma and amino acid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and antidiabetic activity. The incorporation of buttermilk resulted in statistically significant differences in total solids, ash, and titratable acidity (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in fat, protein, or pH values. Increasing buttermilk levels led to higher L* and b* values and lower a* values. Sensory analysis showed that flavor scores increased with buttermilk content, with the highest score observed in the sample containing 100% buttermilk (T5). In the control sample, hexanoic acid, benzoic acid, acetic acid, methyl salicylate, and several ketones were identified as dominant aroma compounds, whereas buttermilk-enriched samples were characterized mainly by hexanoic acid, acetic acid, butanoic acid, ethyl acetate, higher alcohols, and ethanol. Increasing buttermilk content resulted in a higher proportion of alcohols and a reduction in acids, ketones, and aldehydes. Samples with higher buttermilk levels exhibited increased essential amino acid content, while functional amino acids such as γ-aminobutyric acid, β-aminoisobutyric acid, ethanolamine, proline, and alanine reached their highest levels in the T5 sample. The T5 sample showed a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 5.98%, whereas the highest α-amylase inhibition was observed in the control sample. Overall, the results indicate that buttermilk can be effectively used as a functional ingredient in yogurt soup formulations, improving nutritional quality and sensory characteristics.

Tuber Yield Amplification In Dahlia Variabilis L. Under Humic Acid And Fertilizer Combinations, Kedar Mahadev Gheware, Nomita Laishram, Arvinder Singh, Sarabdeep Kour, Sourav Sharma, Aytan Samadova, Melekber Sülüşoğlu Durul, Hali̇l İbrahi̇m Tuzlaci

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Dahlia variabilis L. is a valued tuberous ornamental crop grown worldwide for its attractive flowers. Optimizing nutrient management is crucial for maximizing dahlia growth and tuber yield. In this field study, we evaluated the combined effects of humic acid (HA) and chemical fertilizers on the tuber production of Dahlia variabilis L. A factorial randomized complete block design was used with treatments combining three fertilizer levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of recommended NPK dose) and multiple HA treatments. HA was applied as a soil amendment and foliar spray in combination with inorganic NPK fertilizer. Results showed that integrating HA with reduced …

Bioactive Compounds In Fruits Of Newly Introduced Sweet Cherry Cultivars In Herzegovina, Jasmina Aliman, Mirjana Radović, Ahmed Džubur, Jasna Hasanbegović, Dženan Vukotić, Aleksandra Šupljeglav Jukić, Senad Murtić, Mihajlo Lizdek

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study evaluated the biochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of 3 newly introduced Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Sweet Valina, Sweet Stephany, and Sweet Gabriel) grown under the agroecological conditions of Herzegovina (Mostar and Trebinje). The analysis included total soluble solids, total acidity, sweetness index, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity in fruit skin and flesh. Significant differences were observed among cultivars, locations, and their interactions for most analyzed parameters. Fruits from Trebinje generally exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolic contents in the skin, soluble solids contents, and sweetness index values. Sweet Valina, particularly at the Trebinje location, …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Baseline 18f-Fdg Pet/Ct-Derived Metabolic Parameters And Intratumoral Heterogeneity In Relation To Survival In Bone Sarcomas ​, Hali̇m Özçevi̇k, Müge Öner Tamam, Meryem Eslem Bi̇çen Altin, Cüneyt Tamam, Merve Nur Acar Tayyar, Mehmet Mesut Sönmez

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study assessed correlations between intratumoral heterogeneity, survival outcomes, and baseline 18F-FDG PET/ CT-derived semiquantitative metabolic parameters and histological subtype in patients with bone sarcomas.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with biopsy-proven bone sarcomas who underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT before treatment. Total lesion glycolysis, metabolic tumor volume, heterogeneity indices (HI1, HI2, HI3), and semiquantitative standardized uptake parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, and SUVmin), all derived from the primary tumor, were examined. SUVmin and SUVmax AUCs were compared using the DeLong test. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox regression, correlation analysis, and ROC analysis were used to assess associations with …

Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Findings In Children And Adolescents With Duodenogastric Reflux And Suspected Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Pilot Study ​, Hati̇ce Yilmaz Dağli, Zafer Şahi̇n, Dudu Duygu Ci̇van, Reha Artan, Aygen Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in children and adolescents with persistent symptoms of duodenogastric reflux disease (DGRD).

Materials and methods: Patients aged 5–18 years who were diagnosed with DGRD between 2021 and 2023 were identified. Patients with two or more of 10 symptoms suggestive of SIBO (nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, bloating, depression, acne rosacea, malnutrition) underwent lactulose hydrogen breath testing (LHBT).

Results: A total of 112 patients with DGRD were identified. Seven patients who could not be reached via the telemedicine method were excluded from the study. LHBT was not …

Is The 2d:4d Ratio Different In Patients With Dupuytren’S Disease Compared With The Normal Population? ​, Mustafa Yasi̇n Hati̇poğlu, Tevfi̇k Onur Özdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is commonly used as an indirect marker of prenatal androgen exposure, although its biological validity is limited. Evidence of its relationship with Dupuytren disease is scarce. This study compared the radiographic 2D:4D ratios of patients with Dupuytren disease with those of a control group and examined whether the association differed by sex.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective observational study were 81 patients with Dupuytren disease and 82 age-comparable controls who contributed 101 and 122 hand measurements, respectively. The phalangeal lengths of the second and fourth digits were measured from hand radiographs and …

Delta Lactate-To-Albumin Ratio Predicts Major Complications In Patients With Cytoreductive Surgery And Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy ​, Aytaç Polat, Selcuk Gulmez, Deni̇z Avan, Azi̇z Serkan Senger, Orhan Uzun, Mursi̇t Di̇ncer, Nuri̇ Havan, Erdal Polat, Mustafa Duman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) imposes substantial physiological stress and carries a high risk of major postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the delta lactate-to-albumin ratio (ΔLAR) for major complications following CRS/HIPEC.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 150 consecutive adult patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Δ-Lactate was calculated as the difference between arterial lactate levels measured before general anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery. ΔLAR was calculated by dividing Δ-lactate by serum albumin measured at 6–9 h postoperatively. Major postoperative complications were defined as Clavien–Dindo grade ≥III complications within …

Reliability And Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Nose-Perf Scale ​, Aykut Özdoğan, Zülküf Küçüktağ, Gökçe Saygi Uysal, Enes Ahmet Subay, Serdar Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the NOSE-Perf scale, developed to assess symptom severity and quality of life in patients with nasal septal perforation (NSP), and to compare the symptom profile of patients with NSP with those of the nasal obstruction and healthy control groups.

Materials and methods: To evaluate the temporal stability of the NOSE-Perf scale, a test–retest assessment was performed in the NSP group at a 1-month interval. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while discriminative validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) …

Methylphenidate-Related Cardiac And Cardiovascular Safety: A Bibliometric And Network Analysis ​, Ömer Çağlar Yilmaz, Sadetti̇n Burak Açikel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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Background/aim: Methylphenidate is widely used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, concerns regarding its cardiac and cardiovascular safety remain clinically relevant. This study aimed to delineate the scientific landscape of methylphenidate-related cardiac and cardiovascular safety using bibliometric methods.

Materials and methods: The Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Emerging Sources Citation Index were used to search the Web of Science Core Collection. A proximity-based search that combined terms related to methylphenidate, cardiovascular health, and safety/adverse events retrieved 263 records. There were 244 publications in the dataset after only including articles and reviews. VOSviewer was …

Reporting Consistency And Functional Interpretation In Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Of Older Adults With Heart Failure ​, Ahmet Aykut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Intrafamilial Variability In Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Due To A Shared Pkd1 Mutation: A Potential Signal Of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (Sglt2) Inhibitor Benefit ​, Sai̇de Eli̇f Güllülü Boz, Hande Aypek, Gökhan Öngen, Gülşah Çeçener, Alparslan Ersoy, Abdulmeci̇t Yildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Quality Of Life And Religiosity Of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Ultra-Hypofractionated Radiotherapy With Sequential Tumor Bed Boost: A Pilot Study, Efrosyni Kypraiou, Ioannis Koukourakis, Andromachi Kougioumtzopoulou, Kalliopi Platoni, Marina Chalkia, Kyveli Zourari, Efstathios Efstathopoulos, Nikolaos Kelekis, Anna Zygogianni, Vassilis Kouloulias

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Quality of life (QoL) is an important parameter that should be taken into account when assessing treatment efficacy in cancer patients. The FAST-FORWARD radiotherapy (RT) regimen (5-day schedule) for early-stage breast cancer has been reported by both physicians and patients to be associated with toxicity comparable to that of longer schedules. However, the impact of the addition of a tumor bed boost to ultrahypofractionated RT on patient QoL has not been extensively reported to date.

Materials and methods: QoL was assessed before and after RT and again 3 months later in 24 patients with early-stage breast cancer who underwent …

Factors Associated With Relapse In Anca-Associated Vasculitis: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study ​, Serdar Sezer, Şeyda Yi̇ği̇tbaşi, Zehra Karaman Ongun, Emi̇ne Uslu, Müçteba Enes Yayla, Aşkin Ateş, Tahsi̇n Murat Turgay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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Background/aim: Relapse remains common in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We examined factors associated with relapse after remission.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 130 adults with AAV followed between January 2015 and May 2026, all of whom achieved remission after induction therapy. Demographics, disease subtype, serology, organ involvement, baseline laboratory values, treatments, and relapse were recorded. Relapse was defined as recurrent vasculitic activity after remission requiring escalation/ modification of immunosuppressive therapy. Time from remission to first relapse was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression, with serious infection modeled as a time-dependent covariate. No imputation was undertaken.

Results: …

Collateral Circulation As A Predictor Of Reperfusion Injury: Insights From Mechanical Thrombectomy In Stroke Patients ​, Eli̇f Uzun Ata, Asi̇ye Sözeri̇, Gürdal Orhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between collateral circulation (CC) status on preprocedural brain CT angiography (BCTA) and the development of postthrombectomy hemorrhagic transformation (HeT) and contrast extravasation (CE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 185 patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between February 2019 and October 2022 and achieved complete angiographic reperfusion with a final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade of 3. Preprocedural CC was assessed on biphasic BCTA using a modified threecategory grading approach and classified as good, moderate, or …

Clinical And Prognostic Significance Of Glomerulonephritis In Clinically Indicated Kidney Allograft Biopsies ​, Hati̇ce Şahi̇n, Fatma Ayerden Ebi̇nç, Gülay Ulusal Okyay, Emre Yaşar, Ebru Gök Oğuz, Fevzi̇ Coşkun Sökmen, Kadi̇r Gökhan Atilgan, Ebru Şebnem Ayva, Mehmet Deni̇z Ayli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Posttransplant glomerulonephritis (GN) is an underrecognized but clinically important cause of allograft dysfunction. It remains uncertain whether GN detected in a clinically indicated kidney allograft biopsy provides prognostic information beyond graft function and chronic histological injury. The present study evaluates the association between biopsy-detected GN and death-censored graft loss.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective single-center study were kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who underwent clinically indicated allograft biopsy between May 2012 and October 2025. The primary outcome was death-censored graft loss, defined as a return to kidney replacement therapy. Postbiopsy graft survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and …

Turkish Translation, Cultural Adaptation, And Validation Of The Patient-Reported Villalta Scale For The Diagnosis Of Postthrombotic Syndrome In Patients With Vascular Behçet Disease ​, Tuğçe Kübra Güneş, Murat Karabacak, Mehmet Umut Çapar, Tüli̇n Ergun, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) constitutes 70% of all vascular findings related to Behçet disease (BD). Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of DVT that develops due to chronic venous insufficiency and decreases the patient’s quality of life. The physician-reported Villalta scale is a widely used and validated diagnostic tool for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of PTS. However, the necessity of physical examination by a physician burdens the clinician during routine practice. For that reason, a patient-reported Villalta scale was developed and validated. This study aimed to translate the patient-reported Villalta scale into Turkish and validate …

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness And Aortic Elasticity In Seronegative And Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Evaluation Of Subclinical Cardiometabolic Burden ​, Abdullah Nabi̇ Aslan, Yunus Emre Özbebek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with both joint pathology and elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and aortic elasticity parameters are emerging cardiometabolic markers associated with systemic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis. Although the relationship between EATT, aortic elasticity parameters, and RA has been increasingly documented, differences in these parameters between seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis remain underexplored.

Materials and methods: Of the 396 consecutive patients with RA, only those free of established cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors were included. As a result, 80 patients with RA and 43 …

Impact Of Weather Changes On Pediatric Trauma: A Detailed Demographic Analysis ​, Nuri̇ Koray Ülgen, Ali̇ Sai̇d Nazligül, Ni̇hat Yi̇ği̇t, Sadik Emre Ergi̇noğlu, Arslan Kağan Arslan, Mehmet Orçun Akkurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pediatric trauma creates substantial emergency and orthopedic workload, and fluctuations in volume may affect staffing and resources. This study investigated the associations of ambient temperature, precipitation, and calendar characteristics with pediatric orthopedic trauma consultations and fracture events, including age-, sex-, and fracture-location-specific patterns.

Materials and methods: All pediatric trauma-related consultations were requested from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology by the emergency department between June 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024, were retrospectively analyzed. Consultation and fracture data were aggregated daily. Negative binomial regression was used for count outcomes, temperature nonlinearity was tested using a quadratic term, and weighted …

Decoding The Silent Damage: Clinical And Electrophysiological Features Associated With Occupational N-Hexane Exposure ​, Mehli̇ka Panpalli Ateş, Umur Poyraz, Mustafa Yurtdaş, Emi̇n Gemci̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate early findings in patients exposed to n-hexane while working in a shoe factory.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients exposed to n-hexane were evaluated by physical examination and electroneuromyography 2–5 weeks after the onset of paresthesia symptoms. The examination and electrophysiological results of these patients were assessed by different physicians who were blinded to both examinations.

Results: Among patients who had weakness, it was particularly obvious in the proximal muscles of the lower extremities. Nerve conduction studies showed decreased motor nerve conduction velocity, conduction block, prolonged distal latency, and prolonged F-wave latency in 20 patients. …

Patterns And Clinical Outcomes Of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A 5-Year Single-Center Cohort Study ​, Mert Can Rador, Ahmet Can Tuzluklu, Gaye Fi̇li̇nte, Kaan Gi̇deroğlu, Alperen Kahraman, Bi̇lal Eryildirim, Hasan Fehmi̇ Küçük

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are uncommon but rapidly lethal, and their perineal form, Fournier’s gangrene, is most often referred for reconstruction. Whether routine admission findings identify the highest-risk patients more accurately than severity scores remains uncertain, and whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which are widely used in patients with diabetes, influence clinical outcomes also remains unclear.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied consecutive adults with necrotizing soft tissue infection at a tertiary referral center over 5 years. A subcohort of 70 patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery was identified within the full institutional cohort of 137. Admission findings …

Endovascular Management Of Vascular Complications In Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Experience ​, Ati̇ye Cenay Karabörk Kiliç, Burak Mert Akhan, Nemat Ibrahi̇mkhanli, Esra Kulaksiz Turan, Fati̇h Öncü, Mehmet Koray Akkan, Ahmet Baran Onal, Erhan Turgut Ilgit

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vascular access failure remains a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to evaluate the types of endovascular interventions performed for hemodialysis-related vascular complications, as well as their technical success and patency outcomes, at a single center.

Materials and methods: A total of 103 lesions in 89 patients treated between 2001 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Catheterrelated complications, central venous stenosis or occlusion, and arteriovenous fistula- or graft-related complications were managed using endovascular techniques. Endovascular interventions included catheter repositioning, thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), stent placement for central venous lesions, PTA of the fistula vein …

Subclinical Trigeminal Involvement In Bell’S Palsy: Insights From Cranial Somatosensory Evoked Potentials ​, Ahmet Hakan Ekmekci̇, Burcu Sümeyye Çağar, Nadi̇re Ünver Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Bell’s palsy (BP) has traditionally been considered an isolated peripheral facial nerve mononeuropathy; however, subclinical trigeminal involvement has been suggested. We evaluated whether cranial somatosensory evoked potentials (cSEP) demonstrate electrophysiological alterations in the trigeminal system in patients with BP.

Materials and methods: The records of 32 patients with BP who underwent cSEP between March 2010 and April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For the six patients without explicit chart documentation, the affected side was determined using acute-phase facial electromyography records. During routine clinical assessment, cSEP recordings were obtained using inferior alveolar nerve stimulation according to a standardized protocol. Latencies (N1, …

Association Between Acetabular Morphology Parameters And Hip Osteoarthritis: A Multivariable And Diagnostic Performance Analysis ​, Ni̇hat Yi̇ği̇t, Nuri̇ Koray Ulgen, Hayretti̇n Unal, Ali̇ Sai̇d Nazligul, Mehmet Orçun Akkurt, Arslan Kağan Arslan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acetabular morphology plays a fundamental role in hip biomechanics by influencing load distribution and maintaining cartilage integrity. Although the Sharp angle, lateral center–edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle, and acetabular depth are commonly used radiographic parameters, their independent associations with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and their relative diagnostic performance remain uncertain. This study evaluated these associations and compared their diagnostic utility.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included standardized anteroposterior pelvis radiographs obtained between January 2021 and December 2024. Hips were classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system, with grade 0 hips assigned to the control group and grade ≥2 …

Microbiota Awareness And Glycaemic Status In Primary Care Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study ​, Cansu Sepetçi̇, Erhan Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim in this study was to assess microbiota awareness in adults across different glycaemic groups and to investigate the association between microbiota awareness and HbA1c levels in a primary care population.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 330 adults aged 18–65 years: 110 participants with type 2 diabetes, 110 with prediabetes, and 110 without diabetes or prediabetes. Microbiota awareness was assessed using the Microbiota Awareness Scale (MAS), which was administered through face-to-face interviews. HbA1c values and relevant clinical data were obtained from medical records. Group differences in MAS scores were evaluated using both unadjusted analyses and …

Effects Of A Virtual Reality-Based Nature Video Intervention On Sleep Quality And Mental Well-Being In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial ​, Hati̇ce Yağci Karamanli, Nuray Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep quality and mental health are negatively affected in many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) on sleep quality and mental well-being.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected from patients with MS who presented to a hospital in Türkiye. The study was completed by 21 participants in the experimental group and 22 participants in the control group. Participants in the experimental group watched nature videos using VR headsets for 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) …

Posture And Musculoskeletal Symptom Burden, But Not Daily Step Count, Are Independently Associated With Physical Quality Of Life In Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k, Abdurrahman İskender, Ahmet Usta, Alper Doğanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Office work is characterized by prolonged sitting and may be accompanied by musculoskeletal symptoms and reduced well-being. This study examined associations of step-based and self-reported physical activity, clinical posture, attitudes toward sports, smartphone addiction, and musculoskeletal symptom burden in office workers with the four domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 44 desk-based office workers at a public institution. WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale. Physical activity was assessed via 7-day average daily step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); posture …

Effects Of Topical And Systemic Pirfenidone On Postlaminectomy Epidural Fibrosis In A Rat Model ​, Özgür Öcal, Zuhal Yildirim, Ayşe Çakir Gündoğdu, Abdurrahi̇m Taş, Betül Yaman, Abdurrahman Çeti̇n, Gökhan Gürkan, Abdurrahman Aycan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the effect of topical and systemic administration of pirfenidone (PFD) on the development of postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis in a rat model.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups (n = 8 per group). A bilateral total L1–L2 laminectomy was performed using a posterior midline microsurgical approach. The control group received only laminectomy; the sterile saline (SF) group received laminectomy followed by irrigation with sterile saline; the topical pirfenidone (PFDTpc) group received laminectomy followed by topical PFD application at the laminectomy site; and the systemic pirfenidone (PFD-Sys) …