Digital Commons Network^™

Hounsfield Unit Thresholds In Differentiating Adenoma From Nonadenoma Adrenal Masses: A Retrospective Adrenalectomy-Based Study ​, Burak Özbaş, Muhammet Mustafa Etleç, Hüseyi̇n Dursun, Mustafa Gök, Abdullah Bahadir Öz, Alper Celal Akcan, Ayşa Hacioğlu, Ökkeş İbrahi̇m Karahan, Züleyha Ci̇han Özdamar Karaca, Kürşad Ünlühizarci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Adrenal incidentalomas are increasingly detected during imaging studies performed for various indications, and their frequency in endocrinology practice has risen in recent years. While adenomas account for approximately 80% of adrenal incidentalomas, the remaining 20% include lesions such as primary malignancies, metastases, and pheochromocytomas that should not be overlooked. Given the risks associated with adrenal biopsy, accurate diagnosis with noninvasive methods is essential. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the Hounsfield unit (HU) values and lesion sizes measured on noncontrast computed tomography (CT) to identify a more accurate threshold than the widely used 10 HU.

Materials and methods: In …

Association Between Mri-Based Tumor-To-Skin Distance And Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis In Breast Cancer ​, Hi̇kmet Pehlevan Özel, Seçi̇l Gündoğdu, Eda Şahi̇ngöz, Ebru Menekşe, Mesut Tez

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Axillary lymph node (ALN) status is a major prognostic factor in breast cancer and influences both survival outcomes and treatment planning. Noninvasive predictors of nodal metastasis are of clinical interest. Tumor-to-skin distance (TSD) has been proposed as a potential anatomical marker; however, standardized data based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain limited.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 98 female patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who underwent preoperative breast MRI between 2020 and 2025. Patients with prior breast or axillary surgery, distant metastasis, multifocal or multicentric disease, or inadequate MRI quality were excluded. TSD was measured on …

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 …

Changes In T-Cell Subsets And Their Relationships With Disease Severity In Patients With Alopecia Areata, Hati̇ce Türk Daği, Hülya Özdemi̇r, Mehmet Akyürek, Fatma Tunçez Akyürek, Hasi̇be Artaç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring hair loss disorder characterized by genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and T-cell–mediated autoimmunity. While various CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets are implicated in its pathogenesis, the roles of follicular T-cell (Tfh), peripheral T-cell (Tph), and regulatory T-cell (Treg) subsets– particularly within the CD8+ population–remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to characterize circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets in Turkish patients with AA and to evaluate their associations with disease activity, duration, and severity.

Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients with AA and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets—including …

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 …

Rna Sequencing Detects More Challenging Cases Of Somatic Hypermutation In The Ighv Gene In Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ​, Fatma Arikan, Pinar Ata, Şenol Demi̇r, Meral Uluköylü Mengüç, Fahi̇r Özkalemkaş, Bedretti̇n Orhan, Özgür Mehtap, Arda Bayar, Asu Fergün Yilmaz, Ayşe Tüli̇n Tuğlular, Işik Atagündüz, Tayfur Toptaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibits marked biological heterogeneity, and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IgHV) mutation status remains a key prognostic biomarker. We evaluated patient IgHV status via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and examined real-life clinical outcomes in a retrospective CLL cohort.

Materials and methods: Eighty-seven adults diagnosed with CLL between 2020 and 2022 at three centers were included. Total RNA from peripheral blood underwent anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction with the Immunoverse BCR-IGH IGKL v1.0 kit (Integrated DNA Technologies) and was sequenced on the MiSeq platform (Illumina). IgHV mutation status was determined according to ERIC 2022 guidelines, specifically regarding classification …

Association Of Precise-Hbr Score With Clinical Outcomes And Length Of Hospital Stay After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation ​, Erhan Saraçoğlu, Yunus Emre Özbebek, Beki̇r Demi̇rtaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The PRECISE-HBR score was developed to estimate bleeding risk after percutaneous coronary intervention, but its clinical utility in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain. We evaluated its association with major bleeding and hospitalization burden after TAVI.

Materials and methods: This ambispective, single-center observational study included 184 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI. The patients were categorized by PRECISE-HBR score (≤22, 23–26, and ≥27) for descriptive comparisons. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to assess the discriminative performance of PRECISE-HBR and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for major bleeding, prolonged hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality. Binary logistic regression was …

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) …

Effect Of Vnotes Hysterectomy With Uterosacral Ligament Suspension On Overactive Bladder Symptoms In Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Retrospective Cohort Study ​, Gonca Türker Ergün, Mahmut Kuntay Kokanali, Duygu Tuğrul Ersak, Meli̇ke Doğanay, Özlem Moraloğlu Teki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes following vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy combined with bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension in patients with apical prolapse and concomitant overactive bladder symptoms.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. Women with symptomatic apical prolapse (stage ≥ II) and concomitant overactive bladder symptoms were included. All patients underwent vNOTES hysterectomy with bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension. Anatomical outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, whereas functional outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires, including the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), …

C-Reactive Protein–Albumin–Lymphocyte (Cally) Index As A Novel Inflammatory Marker For Sarcopenia: Evidence From A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Yasemi̇n Polat Özer, Merve Güner, Serdar Ceylan, Engi̇n Çeşmeci̇, Cafer Balci, Burcu Balam Doğu, Meltem Gülhan Hali̇l, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Mert Eşme

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive impairments in skeletal muscle mass and performance, with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation playing a pivotal role in its development. The C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte (CALLY) index reflects inflammatory burden alongside immune and nutritional status; however, its association with sarcopenia in older populations has yet to be sufficiently elucidated. The present study investigates the relationship between CALLY index values and probable sarcopenia (PS) in a large cohort of geriatric outpatients.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 2042 geriatric outpatients aged ≥65 years who were assessed between May 2022 and March …

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 …

Beyond Individual Willingness: Family Veto, Legal Knowledge, And The Dynamics Of Organ Donation In Türkiye ​, Hasan Gi̇ray Ankara, Hakan Değerli̇, Semi̇h Baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to understand the factors underlying the dynamics of organ donation behavior by focusing on three different aspects. Three models were tested in this regard, namely (i) individual willingness for the donation of one’s own organs, (ii) willingness to approve organ donation for close relatives, and (iii) a family veto gap.

Materials and methods: A national-level adult sample from the Eurobarometer 72.3 survey (collected in 2009) conducted in Türkiye was utilized. Standard and penalized logistic regression models were employed to conduct the analyses.

Results: The results show that discussing organ donation with family members and being aware …

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 …

Vitamin D Deficiency, Depression Severity, And Suicide Risk: Evidence From Patients With Major Depressive Disorder ​, Eli̇f Küçük, Feri̇de Uysal, Seda Şenkardeş Kandemi̇r, Özgür Özkalayci, Canay Pamukçu, Ni̇hal Taşteki̇n, Meri̇h Altintaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric condition characterized by depressive symptoms and suicide-related clinical features. Vitamin D status has been investigated as a potential clinical correlate of depression and suicidal ideation, but the direction and specificity of these associations remain uncertain. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations among serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, depressive symptom severity, suicidal ideation, and suicide-related cognitive–affective dimensions in adults diagnosed with MDD.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 97 adults aged 18–65 years who were diagnosed with MDD according to DSM-5 criteria. Depressive symptom severity and suicide-related outcomes were …

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 …

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

A Hidden Danger In Cancer Patients: Intestinal Parasites ​, Asli Geçgel, Ayşe Merve Parmaksizoğlu Aydin, Ahmet Türk, Esra Erdem Kivrak, Gökhan Vatansever, Nevi̇n Turgay, Erdem Göker, Meltem Taşbakan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, distribution, and associated clinical factors of intestinal parasite detection among patients with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea and had stool samples examined at the Ege University Medical Parasitology Laboratory between January 2014 and September 2024. Patients with incomplete records or inadequate stool processing were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were retrieved from electronic medical records …

Examining The Association Between Socioeconomic Factors And Cervical Cancer Among Minority Women In The United States, Darla Fils

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, with African American and Hispanic women experiencing disproportionately higher incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment status, and place of residence, may contribute to these disparities by affecting access to preventive services, timely diagnosis, and follow-up care. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between these factors and cervical cancer incidence among African American and Hispanic women while controlling for age and health insurance status. Guided by the socio-ecological model, the study used 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from N = 33,886 African American …

Postsecondary Experiences And Impact On Career Choices And Employment Status For Cisgender Women With Autism, Maureen Bell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cisgender women with autism remain underrepresented in research on postsecondary education and career development despite experiencing distinct barriers within these systems. This qualitative study examined how cisgender women with autism perceived the impact of their postsecondary education experiences on career choices and employment navigation. Guided by the social model of disability and intersectionality theory, nine postsecondary participants formally diagnosed with autism and who self-identified as cisgender completed semistructured interviews exploring their educational and employment experiences. Thematic analysis identified seven interconnected themes. Findings indicated that academic success often masked significant internal distress, suggesting that performance did not reflect accessible environments. Participants …

Staff Re-Entry Plan — Indian Trail, Flett, Woodridge, Travis Schulhauser

Spokane Wildfire Academic Consortium Repository

Following the downgrade of Level 3 Evacuation orders at Flett Middle School and Indian Trail and Woodridge elementary schools on Aug. 9, district staff worked with Fulcrum Environmental Consulting to conduct visual inspections and air-quality testing at these sites. More than 100 interior and exterior locations were tested, with indoor air quality within the Good-to-Moderate range under the EPA Air Quality Index. Inspectors also found no indication of unusual ash, soot or other settled particulates inside or outside the buildings.

Southern Studies Professor Named Russell Sage Fellow, Rebecca Lauck Cleary

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Data from the U.S. Census Bureau puts the official U.S. poverty rate at 10.6%, representing about 35.9 million people. University of Mississippi professor Ryan Parsons will spend the next academic year on a Russell Sage Fellowship analyzing the issue, including why it's so hard for people to get out of poverty.

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 …

Uniportal Vats Wedge Pulmonary Resections, Kubi̇lay İnan, Özgür Ömer Yildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a common approach in surgical procedures involving the lung, mediastinum, thoracic wall, and diaphragm. Recent studies have described the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic VATS procedures via a single port, and the technique has become the preferred diagnostic modality for various intrathoracic pathologies and for patients deemed unsuitable for fine-needle biopsy.

Materials and methods: The records of 57 patients who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic uniportal VATS for wedge pulmonary resection between January 2024 and January 2025 were reviewed retrospectively, and details regarding the surgical method, length of hospital stay, complications, and diagnostic …