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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

Materials and …

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

Materials and methods: Serum samples were collected …

Erratum To “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)’’ [Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 56 (3) 2026 817-827] ​, Emel Yantir, Eren Gündüz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The original article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6216.

In Article No. 56-3-22, entitled “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)”, an error was identified in the DOI of the Aperta link provided in the Supplementary Materials section, as the final digit of the DOI was inadvertently omitted.
The correct and complete version of the link is provided below on a separate page.
https://aperta.ulakbim.gov.tr/records/287387

Enhancing Salinity Tolerance In Phyla Nodiflora L. With Potassium Humate: Crosstalk Between Osmolytes, Antioxidants, And Mineral Uptake, Fatemeh Sadeghi, Somayeh Esmaeili, Mehrangiz Chehrazi

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Salinity stress impairs plant growth, nutrient homeostasis, and metabolism, particularly in arid ecosystems. Phyla nodiflora, a ground cover used for erosion control, shows preliminary salinity tolerance, but the mechanistic basis of its long-term adaptation and the potential for enhancement via potassium humate (KH) were unknown. Plant growth, key biochemical attributes, and nutrient uptake were assessed to elucidate how KH modulates physiological performance under increasing salinity. In a 129-day greenhouse experiment, plants were exposed to five salinity levels (0 to 16 dS m⁻¹ NaCl) and three KH concentrations (0, 500, and 1000 mg L⁻¹). Severe salinity (16 dS m⁻¹) without KH …

Distribution And Seasonal Prevalence Of Nosema Maddoxi (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) In The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha Halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Populations In Türkiye, Ömer Ertürk, Samet Eker, Mustafa Yaman, Gönül Algi

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys feeds on a wide range of crops and causes major economic losses. With its high flight capacity, H. halys is an invasive species that damages many crops worldwide. By elucidating the activity, distribution, and prevalence of the microsporidian pathogen Nosema maddoxi, the damage and economic losses caused by H. halys can be reduced. This study aimed to assess the distribution and seasonal prevalence of N. maddoxi in H. halys populations distributed throughout hazelnut fields the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye. H. halys adults were collected and examined in detail under the microscope …

Genetic Diversity And Population Structure Of Carob Germplasm From Lebanon, Morocco, And Spain Reveal Potential For Innovative Breeding Programs, Mohamad Ali El Chami, Guillermo Palacios-Rodriguez, Rafael Maria Navarro-Cerrillo, Lamis Chalak, Maria Dolores-Rey

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a drought-tolerant species native to the Mediterranean Basin. It has been cultivated for centuries for its highly nutritious, edible pods. Genetic diversity is one of the key requirements for the effective management and utilization of plant genetic resources. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of 169 seminatural carob individuals from Lebanon, Spain, and Morocco using nine expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers. A total of eight polymorphic EST-SSR loci produced 43 alleles, with Cesi_187 and Cesi_1187 identified as the most informative markers. Results of AMOVA and SAMOVA …

Genetic Algorithm For Agricultural Logistics Optimization: Solving The Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem In Rural Distribution, Min Song, Kan Lu

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

With the rapid advancement of agricultural modernization and the increasing demand for agricultural products, inefficient logistics distribution has become a major bottleneck in rural supply chains. This study addresses the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) in agricultural logistics. A genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization model was proposed to enhance distribution efficiency. The model integrates critical agricultural characteristics, including multidistribution center networks, seasonal delivery schedules, and regional road infrastructure constraints, to minimize both transportation distance and operational costs. Experimental results show that the GA outperforms traditional metaheuristic methods (e.g., particle swarm optimization and simulated annealing), achieving a >5 km reduction in total …

An In-Depth Study Of Fruit Preservation: Effect Of Calcium Chloride And Methyl Jasmonate Applications On Quality And Biochemical Properties Of Cherry Fruits During Cold Storage, Muhammet Ali̇ Gündeşli̇

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly perishable fruit that undergoes rapid quality deterioration during postharvest storage. This study evaluated the effects of postharvest applications of Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA, 1 mM) and Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂, 2%), applied individually and in combination, on maintaining the quality and biochemical properties of cherries during 21 days of cold storage at 0 ± 1 °C. Key parameters including weight loss, decay rate, soluble solids content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity, respiration rate, phenolic profile, and organic acid composition were monitored. The combined MeJA + CaCl₂ treatment was consistently more effective than individual applications in …

Sewage Sludge Legislation In Central Europe: Contamination Concerns And Cross-Border Comparisons, Valerie Vranová, Aleš Kučera, Vlastimil Skoták, Erika Fialová, Rahul Datta

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Sewage sludge management represents a major challenge in Europe, carrying significant environmental and legal implications that require strong regulatory enforcement. Here, we explore the legislative measures, technological developments, and environmental impacts of sewage sludge management in Central Europe (Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, and Poland). Sludge management is regulated at the EU level through a series of directives (e.g., Council Directive 86/278/EEC, which forms the basis of national regulatory frameworks). However, national adaptations vary considerably: Croatia and Slovenia have invested in sludge phosphorus-recovery systems, while Poland and Slovakia have focused on the agricultural use of sludge as a fertilizer. Several countries, …

Measurement Of Resection Volume Using Computed Tomography 3d Modeling In Lung Cancer Patients And Survival Analysis ​, Aykut Kankoç, Muhammet Tarik Aslan, Muhammet Sayan, Ali̇ Çeli̇k, Cüneyt İsmai̇l Kurul, Abdullah İrfan Taştepe

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The prognostic significance of the volumetric extent of lung resection in nonsmall cell lung cancer remains uncertain. Three-dimensional computed tomography allows quantitative assessment of resected lung parenchyma, but the relationship between resection volume ratios and oncologic outcomes has not been clearly established. The aim in this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of three-dimensional computed tomography-derived resection volume ratios for disease-free survival after surgery for nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Materials and methods: This single-center retrospective study included 141 patients who underwent anatomical resection with systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection between 2010 and 2021. Resection volume, ipsilateral lung volume, …

Lactate Dehydrogenase-To-Albumin Ratio As A Novel Prognostic Biomarker For 28-Day Mortality In Thoracic Trauma: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study ​, Özgür Ömer Yildiz, Şükrü Yorulmaz, Eray Çinar, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Rami̇z Yazici, Ayşenur Gür, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Bensu Bulut, Mustafa Sirri Kotanoğlu, Hakan Güner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Thoracic trauma accounts for approximately 25% of all trauma-related deaths and remains a significant public health challenge. Early identification of high-risk patients is essential for improving clinical outcomes. The present study evaluates the prognostic value of the lactate dehydrogenase-to-albumin ratio (LDAR) in predicting 28-day mortality in patients with thoracic trauma.

Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a Level 1 trauma center between September 2022 and February 2025, and included adult patients presenting with thoracic trauma who underwent thoracic computed tomography. Demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, laboratory values, and 28-day mortality were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) …

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

Robust Soil Moisture Content Detection Based On Data Augmentation Under Different Testing Conditions, Yang Li, Chenghao Liu, Jing Nie, Jingbin Li

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Accurate and cost-effective monitoring of soil moisture content is essential for the development of precision agriculture and the optimization of water resource management. While low-frequency acoustic signals are used to detect soil moisture content, models trained with controlled laboratory acoustic data often exhibit significant performance degradation with field data due to their sensitivity to environmental noise, soil heterogeneity, and structural variations. This study proposes a novel framework to enhance model robustness and generalization by integrating a WGAN-GP network data augmentation strategy into the soil moisture content workflow. This framework is designed to generate high-quality and diverse data on different soil …

Estimation Of Genetic Parameters In Lemon-Scented Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) Lines, Erdi̇nç Günay, İsa Telci̇

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Selective breeding of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is primarily aimed at improving plant architecture and essential oil quality, which are critical factors in increasing yield. In lemon-scented basil, the citral component responsible for the intense lemony aroma has significant commercial value in the cosmetics and perfumery industries. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance of nine agronomic and quality related traits in lemon basil lines, and to explore the interrelationships among these traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, suggesting the influence of …

In Vitro Propagation Of A New Clonal Apple Rootstock Candidate Hatay, Zeynep Nas, Ahmet Eşi̇tken, Lütfi̇ Pirlak

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

​Some clonal apple rootstocks are traditionally propagated using the layering technique. However, traditional propagation methods are seasonal and require a lot of space and labor. In addition, the multiplication rate is low with these methods, resulting in low-profit sapling production for growers. In vitro propagation techniques provide an efficient and effective method of obtaining species-appropriate, quality saplings in less time and space. The study aims to determine the in vitro propagation protocol of the Hatay genotype and to establish an appropriate method. In the study, the highest number of shoots was observed in media containing BA and mT at concentrations …

Landscape Character Analysis And Assesment At Local Scale, Eli̇f Önal, Serkan Özer

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

​Landscape areas are one of the most important elements of human life all over the world. Varied landscape areas are a valuable natural resource and have high cultural value. The first step to ensure the effective landscape use is to identify these areas, analyze them in detail, and determine their characteristics. The northeastern Anatolia region in Türkiye has a rich diversity of landscapes because of varied geographic, climatic, and topographic features. The aim of this study was to identify the landscape character types in the Tortum district, located in the Tortum River basin in northeastern Türkiye, and to assess the …

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 …

Comparative Analysis Of Corticosteroid Injection Alone Versus Combined Corticosteroid And Radiofrequency Ablation For Plantar Fasciitis: Short- And Medium-Term Outcomes ​, Nevci̇han Şahutoğlu Bal, Emel Başar, Hati̇ce Babaoğlan, Ülkü Sabuncu, Mustafa Cem Yilmaz, Şükri̇ye Dadali, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to compare the short- and medium-term clinical outcomes of corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone versus combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and CSI in patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment.

Materials and methods: This single-center retrospective comparative study included patients diagnosed with PF between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025. Patients who underwent either CSI alone or combined RFA and CSI after failure of conservative management were included. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog …

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

Transient Bacteremia During Coblation-Assisted Tonsillotomy In Children ​, Yüce İslamoğlu, Sami̇ Berci̇n, Bengi̇ Arslan, Gökhan Ati̇k, Mehmet Emi̇n Ak, Muhammed Fati̇h Ozcan, Selman Secki̇n, Ezgi̇ Erki̇li̇c, Bedi̇a Di̇nc

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of transient bacteremia after coblation-assisted intracapsular partial tonsillectomy (tonsillotomy) in children.

Materials and methods: This prospective study included 42 children with grade 3–4 tonsillar hypertrophy who underwent coblation-assisted tonsillotomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures were obtained preoperatively and immediately after tonsillotomy. Intraoperative throat cultures were also obtained before mucosal manipulation.

Results: All preoperative blood cultures were negative. Postoperative blood cultures were positive in two patients (4.8%; 95% CI, 0.6%– 16.2%). Streptococcus pyogenes and Actinomyces spp. were isolated. The patient with S. pyogenes bacteremia also …

Influenza, Covid-19, And Pneumococcal Vaccination Status Among Adults In Türkiye ​, Gamze Şanlidağ İşbi̇len, Serap Gençer, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Meltem Taşbakan, İftahar Köksal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vaccines reduce morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases that threaten public health. Lifelong immunization programs are essential for the entire population. This study assessed adult vaccination uptake for influenza, pneumococcal, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in Türkiye and examined the barriers and factors influencing vaccination decisions.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey was designed and conducted by the Immunization Working Group of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. A 19-item questionnaire was administered to individuals aged 18 years or older to assess influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The questionnaire collected data on demographic …

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

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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

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

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

The Lived Experiences Of Intimacy And Isolation In Single Mothers During Covid-19: An Eriksonian Perspective, Chante Renee Reeves

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Single mothers were largely absent from the COVID-19 literature, despite being head of household in approximately 80% of single-parent homes. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of single mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study addressed how this group connected with family, friends, and others in meaningful ways despite government-imposed lockdowns and restrictions. This phenomenon was explored through Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, with a focus on the intimacy versus isolation stage. An Eriksonian perspective on relationship building and maintenance in adulthood can help better understand and address the social …

Licensed Counselors’ Professional Well-Being During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Flaherty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to the American Counseling Association (ACA, 2014) Code of Ethics, professional counselors are responsible to monitor their own impairment. Specific interventions to prevent impairment and foster counselor professional well-being (PWB) and resiliency are imperative in a profession in which it is ethically required to continuously provide competent counseling. The purpose of this study was to explore the narratives of licensed counselors’ PWB during the onset of and successively during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The theoretical orientation for this study was Dewey’s theory of experience. Nine counselor participants who were licensed by May 2018 shared detailed accounts of …

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 …

Risk Of Systemic Reactions During Pediatric Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Clinical Predictors And Safety Outcomes ​, Fi̇gen Çelebi̇ Çeli̇k, Alp Kazancioğlu, Soner Günder, Meli̇ke Ocak, Berna Uzunoğlu, Canan Şule Karkiner, Özlem Sancakli, Ayfer Tuncer, Özge Uysal Soyer, Bülent Eni̇s Şekerel, Demet Can, Ümi̇t Murat Şahi̇ner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, timing, severity, and clinical predictors of systemic reactions in children receiving subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SCIT) with house dust mite (HDM) and grass pollen extracts under real-world clinical conditions.

Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 623 children with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma, who received SCIT between 2006 and 2023 at two tertiary pediatric allergy centers. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, immunotherapy protocols, and systemic reactions (SRs) were recorded and graded according to the updated 2024 World Allergy Organization (WAO) systemic reaction scale.

Results: SCIT was well tolerated. Systemic reactions …